Damilola Osaka at home in Skellefteå.
Damilola’s children, Ola, 8, and JJ, 3, have settled into life in Skellefteå.
Ola, who has ADHD, receives strong support from school, and Damilola values the safety and opportunities Sweden offers her children.
But if she cannot secure a new job by February 28, she will be forced to return to Nigeria.
– I’m exhausted, she says.
– I’m open to moving elsewhere in Sweden, but my life now is in Skellefteå. The job market is tough, especially without fluent Swedish.
In Nigeria she studied for a degree in educational foundation guidance, and counselling at Obafemi Awolowo University. After graduating she worked as customer experience manager at Access Bank, one of the biggest banks in Nigeria.
Although her job was great, Damilola was concerned about her daughter’s future in Nigeria.
– A few family friends who had moved to Sweden told me about their experiences there, particularly about how it was good for children, says Damilola.
Damilola moved to Sweden in 2020 with her then-husband, and daughter Ola, settling in Helsingborg.
While studying for a master's degree in strategic communication at Lund University, she juggled SFI classes and her second pregnancy.
When her marriage ended in 2023, she relocated to Skellefteå after securing a job in quality control at Northvolt. At the time she had just one month left on her study visa.
– It was an emotional time. I had nowhere to live. Then I saw the job advertised at Northvolt and thought, this will stabilise us. I liked the idea of a quieter life here in Skellefteå. It was a good opportunity for my children, says Damilola.
JJ, Damilola and Ola at home in Skellefteå.
Her role at Northvolt provided the stability she desperately needed. But then she lost her job last autumn, along with her security. Despite applying widely and reaching out to many recruiters, the language barrier remains a hurdle.
– Tailoring my CV to different jobs is exhausting. You almost forget who you are, she says.
– I’ve worked in customer experience and communication in banking and telecoms. I just need a chance, says Damilola.
Returning to Nigeria is a daunting prospect.
– There, you don’t have community support. Schooling isn’t free. Here, my daughter walks to Floraskolan safely. Life is calmer.
Many Northvolt employees have already left Skellefteå for bigger cities. But Damilola is holding on, hoping for a job that will allow her to stay.
– If I have to leave, I don’t know what we’ll do. My children belong here now. I just need more time.
Damilola Osaka at home in Skellefteå.