Earlier in March 2018, I was invited to attend and speak at the London Crypto Currency Show which held today and as expected, I was supposed to be doing a post from there with pictures and stories of how amazing the event is.
What happened you may ask? Well, read the attached below.
Long story short, I was denied entry to the UK because as a "Self Employed young Nigerian", my earnings were inconsistent with what people of my type should earn and then the amounts I earn as a blogger also played against me.
These unexplained deposits are as a result of the way Crypto reacts. Anyone remember the rise of SBD way back in 2017 and how it has dropped now?
Well, I did mention that I make at least N380,000.00 monthly blogging and also get earnings from other online sources associated Steemit.com, but that didn't seem to matter to the person who stole my day. He or she just went on to hate.
One very expensive and hellish visa application process.
The application for a UK visa wasn't easy nor cheap. It also came riddled with some human made difficulties and hurdles.
First of, I paid $210USD (N77,146.72). Waited patiently to get a call from the embassy that my passport was ready for collection and didn't. I had to make a call on the morning of 11th April and got charged 1GBP 47cents per minute. I actually made two calls, the first was when they told me my passport was ready and dispatched and that I should visit the collection center, and they charged me 9.59GBP (N5,027.05). For some reasons this debit was made yesterday while I was trying to get over the shock.
So, when I got to the VAC, I was told my passport was not ready yet and I needed to wait until I get the confirmation that it was ready. I couldn't take that so I called the embassy again and this time, some very rude and fowl mouthed girl answered and this time they charged me 6.85GBP (N3,584.10) for telling me some stories about waiting.
After that call, I asked to speak with the manager at the VAC and he advised that I went to the British High Commission at Walter Carrington to complain that my passport was being delayed and that I needed to travel that evening.
I immediately went to the BDHC and complained at the gate and the gate man there by the name of Mike assisted me when he heard my story and how I needed to attend a conference that is meant to add value to my community. After another round of waiting that lasted 2 hours, I was referred back to the VAC to collect my passport.
By now, I was beginning to worry what was going on.
52 minutes later, I was back at the VAC. Made to wait for another 1 hour and then my passport was handed over to me without the visa. All these happened on the 12th and it wasn't easy.
How did I feel?
Well, I felt broken and really sad. I was torn and couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the empty passport and then the rejection note someone took time to draft.
I asked myself if it was a crime to be a self employed young man with some very big dreams. I wondered why they would have issues with me earning that much money as a self employed person in a country where corruption is king. Why are they trying to stifle creativity?
Will we as a people be able to truly be seen as being different and then embraced as such?
I felt betrayed and disappointed at the way I was treated by the British Embassy.
They denied me entry to the UK for the most important show yet of my career as a Blockchain lover, enthusiast, investor and teacher, without even giving me a chance to defend and explain myself.
They didn't take into cognizance that they may be ruining my career, something that I have so labored for.
They didn't even think of the community I am representing, they just went on to dash the hopes of more than 3000 people.
Silver linings?
Well, when I contacted @Starkerz and informed him about what happened he was unhappy for sure. He however talked me into smiling and I did smile for real because I was without joy at that moment. I also got talking with the legendary Dylan @Anarcotech and he also gave me so much hope and promised he was going to help me make my presentation on the stage because the world needed to hear the STACH story.
And he did.
I may have missed going to London, but STACH didn't and that is some silver lining for me, STACH and the community. It is a win for the Creative Commons.
What next for me? What next for STACH?
I am just getting started and will continue to do what I love doing and that is building an offline that will become stronger by reason of the people whose voices are being used for great gains.
I am still in the helm of affairs of STACH and the team keeps increasing. I can't wait to introduce them to you guys. Although we may not be developing new hubs for now, we will certainly be taking the decentralization gospel far and wide. We will continue to build communities on the Blockchain and hope our world stays better every time.
We just recently incorporated STACH and will be releasing some major projects that will kickstart STACH 2.0. Exciting days ahead!
My word to you.
Many of us found the Steem Blockchain at a time when we needed something to believe in. Steemit was that "Thing" and we believed in it and it took us to places we least expected we will ever be. We attained heights never imagined and made changes that are being felt worldwide and doing so much good.
Special thanks.
To @Starkerz, @Anarcotech, @Stephenkendall and the entire #Promo-Steem team for their interest in STACH and the work we are doing; and for helping me make sense of the rejection, thank you guys.
To @Donkeypong who also spurned some funny jokes to make me find my shine again, thank you.
To the organizers of the LCCS, for taking time out to hear my story and determine it was worth sharing with the world on your stage, thank you.
To my team members at STACH and the entire Nigerian/Africa/Global community here on Steemit, thank you for believing in me and the best wishes I have always enjoyed. My journey to this level is all possible because we took it together.
This is not a time to give up on yourself or on the Steem Blockchain or on decentralization, this is time to start digging deep and drowning yourself more into innovation. Things can only get better!!!
I think that you needed a lawyer to assist you for getting visit visa next time.
I would totally agree with Cryptopie about getting a lawyer for the visa next time.
I am in the UK and am especially sorry and ashamed about how the British Embassy behaved.
I wonder if it would have been easier if you had managed to avoid mentioning 'crypto' anywhere in your application (difficult I know).
There is a growing 'official establishment' movement here to make all things crypto as difficult as possible.
A lot of the British banks here are blocking any transactions relating to cryptocurrencies for example.
@pennsif, really? I had no idea. Although I hear they are making stuff difficult, I thought it was just the Brexit stuff, I had no idea they have been obsessing with Crypto as well.
Will definitely explore all options not just to the UK but everywhere else when my time does come.
Steem on!
Now this sucks for a country regarded as the financial capital of the world. The corruption in the UK is alarming (they celebrate and safeguard our criminal Nigerian politicians) and yet they just pretend other countries are worse. Thanks for the pointers @pennsif, I will do well to explore all options for when I apply next time.
I totally agree @cryptopie. These days, lots of people enjoy taking other for granted jist to make them feel better with their miserable selves.
Hope you are good?
Stay awesome!
Nigerians are open-minded about cryptos so maybe your calling is for Nigerian folks and around it. God bless you.
Indeed true, lawyer can have their way and make things better. We are good at what we do...
A lawyer from UK that is. If you can find a steemian with lawyer from UK but it will not be cheap though.
My minister suffered also some hateful words from the immigration officer being so suspicious in his interrogation-interview, asking even how money my church minister has, where would he stay or if he can afford it, racist bastard denied him too but that is for the US.
That's so pathetic and inhumane, but are their actions sometimes deliberate? I just hope @ejemai can get a counsel from UK to sue them for damages or write their legal department (that's our power as a blogger). Because their negligence cost him not to attend the event in London as written in the post but framed in my words. Their obligations were to process passport and grant visa but they delayed and caused him damages. I'm also a lawyer too here in Nigeria.
It's sad you didn't get the chance to go. You are doing such amazing work and are helping so many people. Keep helping to make the world better!
His help is massive sir. Words alone can't express it, and I am one of the numerous beneficiaries. Thank you for being the light over this dark gloom. The Stach community appreciate you sir.
His doing more than enough for us here here in Nigeria, and even other of the countries. His just to good for words.
Thanks boss @donkeypong. The world must be better and we will never stop at the first disappointment. I and the community appreciate everything you do to make it easy and happy here.
Stay awesome!
Man! It was a great show, but would have been even greater with you there! We tried with the resources we had to get u to the uk. This is all lessons learned. Maybe ask @dunksy how he got in to present for esteem. He is russian and the uk was basically about to go to war with his country but his visa application was approved!!! Don’t worry @ejemai. Keep your chin up! People are watching ur movement! It’s a long slow journey, but u are changing lives for the better and that is what it’s all about at the end of the day!! Was great to have u at the event in spirit! #promo-steem team
Hi @ejemai ! You did well at stating and showing the truth to the embassy. They are the ones that are wrong, as you say breaking possibilities for a young entrepreneur as you are.
Something important in life is to learn how to rise, because we will fall many times, and people who have a vision will fall, but will rise with 2 times more strength.
It is very probable that the person who answered you has little to no culture, and has envy on people like you with a great potential to grow.
So, keep it up! Your project Stach is a huge one, and I am sure you will make it grow huge to continue helping the people in your community!
Regards, @gold84
Thanks @Gold84. Your words just gave me some more lights and I can tell you that I feel better already. Thank you also for the good work you put into making this platform better.
Stay awesome!
The next time you will go but things need to be set up well. Possibly, get biz papers for stach. It is not hard in Naija, with that you establish more solid ties with nation. Depending on the nation you applying at, don't bring up much crypto, keep it mainstream. If you work, it may have helped but biz or company is okay. If you tax is paid there, keep paying it, span of 6 months or more. Then build a more solid statement especially, let it be paced, like an income over the course of time. You already have two or 3 hubs, have papers showing the ensuing of a solid enterprise and a brand etc Invitations don't really cut especially in cases with visiting western nations. It is more about ownership. And for uk, solid papers. For some nations though, crypto can disrupt the whole thing, so depending on the nation, remove crypto altogether. For these nations, after the first complete to and fro, it gets easier. As for the state of the world, it is painful but in our generation, this will be fixed, to where there is equality in visa
Yes I think that's the best way Sir Terry
Best response i have seen here so far, with countries like our they are always overly cautious and who can blame them. But i know he is better for it nownow and i believe it is a learning curve.
Thanks Terry @Surpassinggoogle. Will do well to make sure everything is set for when we have to embark on other trips.
Stay awesome!
I'd say the embassy needs to work on their employment rules. People who don't find the time to update themselves on new trends such as this is probably not the best thing for a place such as that. With facts and papers all stated, how hard was it to believe that blogging on a blockchain platform could possibly generate that kind of income? or is this just some crazy hate on decentralization by some moderate pen clicker?!
You could be right there, to many Crypto isn't real hearing someone from Nigeria is even using it to do some good just sounds all so unreal.
Stay awesome!
I really was looking forward to tour post in london. But seeing u are quite. I sensed something must have gone wrong, which in my opinion , is expected.
Because , they hardly give a common man visa on first attempt., sad truth. They always think u will flee once in the UK and therefore are lying about ur initial plans.
My advise, please don't loose hope. This has hapened to most of us. Next time, deposit the amount in ur account for long. Atleast six months so they can see stability. I think that is the main thing, among others.
Things can only get better.
Thanks, I too was looking forward to the event. I hope to get it right the next time though.
Stay awesome!
Wow, i feel really bad, someone spent time to analyze and put all that writing together with a pointless point. Looks like an hate note to me. But weldone @ejemai you're really worth banking on, your honesty is epic. Other opportunities will come for sure. Keep moving #stach
Regards.
We all have to be hopeful of a better day and no matter what ails us or tries to make use become like the haters, cannot stand if we keep on the part of love.
Cheers and stay awesome!
It's really sad to be in a country that doesn't want anyone to be great, or do great things for the people. sir @ejemai, i know how you'll feel, but this isn't the end. You will attain a higer and a bigger one. We the members of @stach believes in you till the end. God keep you for us sir.
Thanks @cyntibellar, we all will attain greater heights and become bigger that they will never again take us for granted.
Stay awesome!
I was eager to meet you @ejemai and I'm sad and disappointed about what happened. But like you said, @Anarcotech did an outstanding job presenting STACH. Hope to cross paths with you some other time.
I am sad too and hope we still get to meet one of these days. Yes, @Anarcotech and the #promo-steem team are amazing.
Stay awesome!
Wow! Despite the legality of your visit, the knowledge that such a conference was actually going to be held, they did that to you? What can a self employed man do?
I am happy that STACH was presented at the show. I read that steemit was a blast at the show and a whole lot of positivity emanated from the experience. That is something to be thankful for.
Never mind @ejemai. A time will come when Nigeria will host such conferences and you will host the world. Never mind.
Thanks bro, sometimes legality rarely wins in these kinds of situations.
Glad STACH was presented and we are just more positive.
Stay awesome!
i feel your pain bro...but please take heart... you are still the best and a champ in Africa @ejemai
Thanks mate, but i can assure you there is no pain whatsoever but a new resolve to keep pushing the bounds.
Stay awesome!
I know how bad it feels to be let down on a dream almost reached.I am happy to worked til the end and still got your presentation relayed on Screen.
We shall keep spreading Steemit and decentralisation gospel no matter the challenges..Never give up bro.
Thank bro, we will keep spreading that gospel to the ends of the world.
Stay awesome!
This is quite unfair, inconsistent income should not in anyway disrupt your entry to london. I guess they didn't know how important this was to all of us.
They should be called to order.
I totally agree that they should be called to order so they understand that the era of centralized thinking is over and done with. We are going to own the world.
Stay awesome!
With such words of hope and life coming from you, who is meant to feel broken cos you were denied visa, then i need to learn alot from life. Obviously it's not the end of the world.
It's disheartening to see that VISA is been given to the politicians and their families, who have not made any positive impact on the citizens but one who is trynna mak life worth living for every young Nigerian, he is denied a visa for a conference that could even help place Nigeria on a spotlight. Well, It's the world we live in.
Well, better opportunities coming your way @ejemai. They denied you but they can't hold back the light. It's STACH to the world.
Cheers!
I love this. Stach to the World.!
My frustration exactly. These guys there pretend to be fighting corruption but they somehow go blind when these crooks are passing through.
It is what it is and we will keep the faith and never stop. STACH to the world it is.
Thanks @xpressng and stay awesome!
This is very bad and the situation is more worst when you must have spent good fortune to get your visa and someone just gets it wrong thereby killing the vibe and hustle.
It's well bro, you really played your part and didn't lie to the embassy to manover things and that's a credit.
Many more goodies are yet to come and that I believe.
Thanks. They may have done their worse, the vibe and hustle just went 2.0. We need not lie when we have an amazing platform that preaches openness and transparency. We are part of a new world era and one block at a time, we will take over.
Stay awesome!
@ejemai one word for you no success without failure. You have always thought me how to remain strong in any of my projects
See you at the top sir
Thanks @japfive and stay awesome!
I hope this doesn't have anything to do with racism. N380,000 is approximately £900+ pounds. People are earning less than that in Britain for a whole month. But irrespective of the loss accumulated, they still said no which you never even applied for a "stay visa" but rather just a day or two. In their country, someone would hang himself for something less.
Well like John Legend said "even when I loose I'm winning", I hope you win on this one, stay strong.
You can imagine the mind of a hateful person and how they use it to spoil it for others. I am stronger than they want me to be and in loosing, I truly win.
Thanks bro and stay awesome
These things get so crazy, I have experienced it multiple times, seen it happen to friends multiple times, where you are refused a visa which some funny reasons. I had a similar issue last month, where clearly in my passport, I have visited UK 3 time already but I was still refused a visa and I had to apply again, hired a lawyer which costed me $2000 at the end of the day. There are some key things they are always looking out for... lets connect on discord to talk more @black-man , I will give you some pointers which might help in your next application. The 2nd time, which was a week after I was refused the 1st one, I got a visa and I was able to attend the conference to represent and talk about @yensesa.
Thanks bro and I am glad you made it there. See you over on discord.
Stay awesome!
Nigeria is soo backward..! see opportunity for @stach community to display the awesomeness of our activities. well I trust @ejemai there are many other ways to improve the steemit community. all the way @stach..!!!
Thanks mate. We will keep pushing for change and never stop. More ways to improve the Steemit community and our world for sure.
Stay awesome!
That sounds funny! So you should be a business man before you can be allowed to travel. Well I pray God will open another door sir @ejemai
@dhavey, I did laugh in tears though when I opened the letter to see those reasons. More doors just swung open and we are going to do some more good.
Stay awesome!
The experience you came across there at embassy is so pathetic and disheartening. The procedures and requirements in granting visa and passport is like a narrow path to heaven. Isn't easy but afterwards worthwhile. Although, they denied you in person of sharing your story with thousands of audiences in London but your vision and story transcends beyond where physical image can represent. That is the true definition of real goal, vision and purpose for humanity. Even after we are old enough to leave this world, it should be noted that our vision and goals for humanity still lives on.
Stach is becoming global, let's start warming up!
It is really nice hearing from you @ejemai
The embassy has become a money spinning business here in Nigeria and they treat applicants without respect. Thanks bro, your words are cool and heart warming. We are all going global and they will hear our stories.
Stay awesome!
Sure, I'm glad it was able to lighten the mood boss. Keep doing what you know how to do best. Keep winning!
I know how you must feel when you got that letter but i believe you are feeling better now. There are few key things they look out for in your application but ultimately, they want assurance that you'll be back home afterwards, so you will need to show strong ties to your home country. All in all, they are just silly. They can't be ready for what's about to come.
Thanks @pinklette, I am feeling better now and already back to work.
They need not worry about my staying back there, I love my country and I am glad to be putting energy here to make sure it becomes a better place for someone.
Stay awesome!
You have a good reason to smile because God loves you. Believe me, every disappointment is a blessing of course, God's Plan.
Don't loose hope, keep soaring because there is dignity in labour and your heavenly father who sees you will reward you in secret.
Thanks and I know God loves us all. I am happy with my life and will keep working to make my country great.
Stay awesome!
It is so sad that the embassies delight in celebrating political thieves as against young self employed nigerians. It's well, I just want to assure you that brighter days are ahead.
Sad indeed and it is my hope to see that this ends soon so the creative commons can be heard.
Stay awesome!
This is wickedness, with total disregard for consequences. You got invited in March, so how could they have an issue with deposit done in January? I don't want to make you feel bad again sir.
I believe in you sir, I believe in Stach. I am glad Stach made it there, and massive thanks to @anarcotech for taking it head on.
It can only get better sir. The same person who denied you, will soon be begging you to visit the U.K because your influence will spread like fragrance and you will be unstoppable. Glad @donkeypong @starkerz and @anarcotech made you smile. I hope this make you smile too; let me transfer SBD to you sir 😂😂😂😂😂😂. Don't flag me please.
Hahaha, you just made me laugh for sure and thanks.
Thank you for the kind words.
Stay awesome bro!
Yaaaay!. Glad you laughed sir. Excited about that. Yaaaaay!.
Wow, that's just wrong. I'm sorry that happened to you.
Thanks guys.
Stay awesome!
Keep up with your good works.
Mark my word today, different embassies will beg to give you visa just to come and speak. A LIGHT CAN NEVER BE HIDDEN EVEN IN THE DARK.@stach
Thank you for the kind words and I will not stop bing me.
Stay awesome!
I applied for UK Visa twice already. And I know how stressful it is! But I read lots of blogs and tips. I don't want to be rejected because it cost a fortune to apply. The thing with UK Visa is that they will only base your application on the documents you will submit and you really need to satisfy them. I don't have big money in my account but I need to make sure that the money I have will be enough to the days I'm going to stay in the UK. And you need to prove to them that you are going back to your home country that's the main thing aside from financial thing. I make a cover letter even it's not part of the requirement. I put every document that might help them, they will give it back even they said they won't coz I receive mine back. Try again next time dear! You will get it!
Thanks very much for the pointers and I really appreciate.
Stay awesome!
I'm very sorry for that Sir, God knows the best
Thanks and stay awesome!
I can understand how you feel.
But you gotta put that smile back on!
Mediocre people will always want to hinder progress. It's up to you to make sure they don't.
#cheers!
The smile is back on @Sushie and thanks for looking out.
Stay awesome!
This is so sad.. We are living is a system that don't want us to succeed but we will shock them.. There are better days ahead, sir. We will get there.
We are already getting there for sure @nmalove. We are succeeding despite their hindrances.
Stay awesome!
I want to agree with @cryptopie, I think you need a lawyer to apply for visa next. They might have succeeded in stopping you from travelling to UK for the last time, but they couldn't stop STACH or Steemit.
The blockchain and STACH is simply beyond them, and that's what they failed to realize. This is just the beginning, they ain't seen anytime yet. Technology, Blockchain and Networking has just evolved!
They truly ain't seen nothing yet. The new reality is coming on strong and we will stun the world with our joy.
Stay awesome!
Shit! This is sad! I was enthusiastically waiting to see and read your post from London. Waiting to hear all about the fun and Wonderful experiences you had only to See this post. It saddens me.
Well, ALL IS WELL @ejemai @stach.
After the Rain comes the RAINBOW
Damn!!!!....This is really painful
I feel like pinching the government
I believe its a stumbling block we would surmount someday
Keep shining Sir @ejemai
It was my absolute pleasure to speak about STACH. I would have preferred it though had it been @ejemai himself that was able to present it, but the bloody government got in the way. The useless bastards!
I am certain that one day I will have the distinct pleasure of meeting @ejemai in person. Hopefully very soon!
Thanks Dylan, you stood up for the community and for that, i am grateful. Looking forward to future collaborations and cannot wait to meet you guys.
Stay Awesome!
It's funny how some Nigerians have their mentalities, they have this short sighted motion that makes them feel it is impossible for a human or an average Nigerian to progress from he's own creativity. You provided all necessary documents as demanded and thier was provenance of how this all emanated.
So where did the gap come in?
All the reasons the embassy gave hold no facts and are not reasonable.
We all pray for a better Society and yet when people struggle and make themselves creative and self worthy, some others still grow scales on their eyes and feel it is impossible to be self empowered.
Push on @ejemai your legacy is up and a positive one, No amount of hate can pull it down. The embassy can stay tuned for more to come. Steemon!
@ejemai Stay strong and keep making the world better. I believe there is notthing that can stop you so just pick yourself up and keep winning.
It's such a shame you couldn't get to London. I'd love to have met you. Your project sounds amazing and I'm so impressed with what you have achieved. It's a shame the visa people don't comprehend what you do. I hope you can make it to future events
Thanks mate. I looked forward to meeting you guys but then, the system still is centralized and we are not.
See you around. Stay awesome.
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So sad you couldn't go. I would have love to learn from your experience. I hope to see you there when given another opportunity.
I feel sorry for you @ejemai, i think it God works. Dont let that taken over you, you will surely be given next time you applied. And you should have told them about steemit.
s
This has pained my heart to read, as far as I was concerned you were in London. I was just not online 3 days ago, so I missed this.
This is just a bad representation of my home country and I believe that as bloggers we can do something about it. It might not be very easy, but we cannot continue like this.
It's all for the best sir. Your records speaks volume of the change you have grown to become. My life is a testimony of one who is continually impacted by your leadership both online and offline
Thanks Klyn, these incidences have a way of either making or unmaking us. I am always gonna be fine.
Stay awesome!