Former Big Brother Naija star and Nollywood actress Eriata Ese has made a dramatic lifestyle change, announcing her relocation from urban living to village life. The surprising move, revealed through a candid video posted on her Instagram page showing herself and her young son in their new rural setting, has sparked conversations about the rising cost of living in Nigeria’s major cities.
In the brief but revealing caption accompanying her video, Eriata stated plainly: “I’ve relocated to the village. Life in the city is too expensive.” The straightforward explanation resonated with many followers facing similar economic pressures in Nigeria’s metropolitan areas, where inflation and cost of living increases have placed significant strain on households across income brackets.
The actress, who first gained public attention as a housemate on the popular reality show Big Brother Naija before transitioning into acting, has built a considerable following through her authentic approach to social media and willingness to share both professional achievements and personal challenges. This latest life decision continues her pattern of transparency with fans.
Economic analysts viewing Eriata’s decision point to it as a reflection of broader national trends. Nigeria’s urban centers, particularly Lagos where many entertainment industry professionals reside, have seen dramatic increases in housing costs, transportation expenses, and basic necessities over recent years. These rising costs have forced many Nigerians to reconsider their living arrangements and explore alternatives that previous generations might have viewed as steps backward.
“What we’re seeing with Eriata’s case is actually becoming increasingly common among young professionals,” explained economist Adebayo Ogunlesi. The traditional narrative of success being tied to city living is being challenged by economic realities. When basic expenses consume most of your income regardless of how well you’re doing professionally, alternative living arrangements become necessary rather than optional.”
The timing of Eriata’s announcement is particularly notable coming shortly after Mother’s Day, when the actress first introduced her son to her social media audience. In that heartfelt post, she celebrated motherhood with a powerful message praising mothers for “the love, strength, and warmth they bring into their kids’ lives” and expressing appreciation for their “kindness, wisdom, and unwavering support, which made the world a better place.
Connection between these two significant announcements suggests that her son’s wellbeing may have factored heavily into her decision to seek a more affordable lifestyle. Many commenters noted that her choice reflects the lengths parents often go to create stability for their children, even when it means dramatic personal adjustments.
Child development experts point out potential benefits of rural living for young children, including greater access to nature, stronger community bonds, and reduced exposure to urban stressors. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo, a child psychologist, noted: “While we often think about what children might miss in rural settings, there are significant developmental advantages to growing up with more space, closer connection to extended family, and the rhythms of natural environments.”
For entertainment industry insiders, Eriata’s move raises questions about how the actress plans to continue her career while living away from Nigeria’s primary entertainment hubs. The Nigerian film industry, colloquially known as Nollywood, remains largely centered in Lagos and a few other major cities, potentially creating logistical challenges for performers based in rural areas.
However, industry observers point out that post-pandemic changes in production protocols and increased remote work opportunities might make such arrangements more feasible than in previous eras. The entertainment landscape is evolving,” noted film director Kunle Afolayan. With proper planning and selective project choices, living outside major production centers is no longer the career limitation it once was.
Social media reaction to Eriata’s announcement has been largely supportive, with many followers applauding her practicality and courage in making a decision that prioritizes financial wellbeing over urban prestige. Comments on her post included numerous testimonials from others who have made similar choices or are contemplating such moves.
“You’re brave for doing what many of us are thinking about but haven’t found the courage to do yet,” wrote one follower, while another commented, “This is actually smart financial planning. Build wealth quietly instead of struggling to maintain appearances.”
The actress has not specified which village she has relocated to, likely to maintain some privacy during this transition period. She has also not detailed whether this move represents a permanent lifestyle change or a temporary strategy to rebuild financial stability before potentially returning to urban living.
Cultural commentators see Eriata’s decision as part of a subtle but significant shift in how success is perceived among younger Nigerians. “There’s a growing recognition that financial independence and quality of life matter more than location or appearances,” explained sociologist Dr. Foluke Adeboye. Previous generations might have viewed village living as something to escape from, but younger Nigerians are increasingly viewing it as a strategic choice that offers certain advantages.
The timing of her relocation also coincides with global trends toward “downshifting” – intentionally choosing simpler lifestyles with lower expenses and reduced work pressures. This movement has gained momentum internationally following pandemic-related reassessments of priorities and work-life balance.
For her part, Eriata has not shared extensive details about how this lifestyle change is affecting her daily routine or professional commitments. The video she posted showed glimpses of a more spacious environment with greenery, suggesting potential quality of life improvements despite the adjustment from urban conveniences.
Fans of the actress have expressed curiosity about how she will document this lifestyle transition on social media going forward. As someone known for sharing authentic glimpses into her life, many followers anticipate insights into the challenges and benefits of rural living from a contemporary perspective.
Her experience could potentially influence others facing similar financial pressures in Nigeria’s cities, where the gap between income and living expenses continues to widen for many residents. By publicly acknowledging economic realities that many face but few discuss openly, Eriata has sparked important conversations about sustainable living and the true meaning of success.
Whether this village relocation represents a new chapter or a temporary strategy, Eriata’s transparency about her decision reflects the evolving values of her generation – one increasingly willing to challenge conventional metrics of achievement in favor of financial stability, quality of life, and family wellbeing.
