If there is indeed another planet out there where human beings could live, I know many people would be excited. Some might pack their bags immediately and dream of a fresh start in a new world. They would imagine living under a different sky, tasting unknown fruits, and building a life away from the challenges we face here. But for me, the choice would be very clear. I would rather remain here on earth, because this is where I was born, raised, and placed by God. I believe God has a reason for everything, and one of His decisions for me is to be here on this planet, not somewhere else. If He wanted me on another planet, He would have created me there from the beginning.
Earth is not perfect, but it is still the best place to live. When I think back to my secondary school geography lessons, I remember learning about planets that are extremely hot or extremely cold. Mercury is closer to the sun and unbearably hot, while Neptune and Uranus are cold. Even if scientists say they have found a habitable planet, I believe no planet can be as balanced as earth. We have water, air, and soil that support food crops, and we are already adapted to this environment. To me, leaving for another planet would mean stepping into the unknown, where survival might not be as easy as people think.
Another reason I would prefer to remain on earth is the struggle of starting life over again. Even here, on the planet I know, setting up a life as an adult is not easy. It takes hard work to find a job, build relationships, and create stability. Now imagine moving to a strange planet where you don’t know the culture, the food, or even the way of living. It would be like learning to walk all over again. Food especially would be a challenge. We cannot be sure that rice, beans, yam, maize or even yam flour my favorite food would exist there. What if the food is completely different from what we are used to? Our bodies may not even accept it. I know how I struggled as a child to adapt to certain foods, so how much harder would it be in a place where everything is new?
I also think about the lessons I have learned here on earth from my parents. They raised me to know the difference between good and bad, to respect others, and to live according to the values of my culture. These lessons are deeply tied to the environment I grew up in. The way people interact, the way we celebrate, and the way we solve problems are all shaped by life on earth. Going to another planet would mean leaving behind all that familiar wisdom. How would I adjust to a new way of life that I was not raised with?
There is a Yoruba proverb that says, “The stranger you already know is better than the stranger you are just getting to know.” This means it is better to deal with the challenges of the world you already understand than to abandon everything and go into the unknown. Earth may have its problems climate change, wars, poverty but at least I know these problems and how people try to solve them. On a new planet, the problems might be even bigger, and no one would know the answers.
For me, staying on earth is not just about fear of the unknown; it is about contentment and faith. I am content with where God has placed me, and I believe there is wisdom in His decision. Earth is my home, the place where I was created, nurtured, and shaped. Leaving it for another planet would feel like abandoning my roots. So if given the chance to relocate to a new world, I would politely say No. I would remain here, living and working with others to make the best of the home God has already given us.
