Nigeria is brimming with youthful energy, over 60% of her population is under 25. It is amazing to see, the current population within the bracket of 14 years and below, occupies more than 40% of Nigeria’s population. This is our demographic dividend, asset and nation’s pride. We can’t arrive at a feature we do not prepare for. Empires are built by people who are daring and actionable, not by mere words, If wishes were horses, beggars would definitely ride, they say.
As a young person, your background does not determine your future. While you may not have control over your past, you do have control over your future. The choices you made yesterday, brought you to this point, even if it was made on your behalf by another person. Likewise, the choices you make today will take you to the future you want.
Stepping out of poverty is possible. In the past decade, I have seen this countlessly in history. You can step back and set a different record. Poverty is not your destiny. It is a starting point you can outgrow. I know what it feels like and I know what being out of it also feels like. There is
nothing wrong with you, believe me, it just a phase that you shall pass, provided you give all it takes and stay consistent. No overnight outcome is promised, eventually, you can leave your impact in the sand of time. Only due process and proven strategies.
In today’s world, poverty is not just a lack of money, many reduce it to that level, because of limited perspective about what wealth is. Poverty is often a lack of mindset, opportunity, and bold action. Far too many young people are trapped in what I call ”a poverty mentality”, which is a deep-seated belief that scarcity is permanent especially in Africa, that opportunities are reserved for others, and that change is impossible without external help or made by someone who is in a political position. This mindset keeps dreams small, risks avoided, and potential buried. Many give in and give up too soon but only play the blame game.
With my experience and exposure across four continents in the past decade, I can boldly say, these beliefs are mere myths which have been passed down through generations. The level of exposure within North America and Asia can’t be compared to many we have in Sub Saharan Africa, let alone West Africa. We have been told a lie. My goal is to unveil the truth as it is.
But here’s the first truth, as a youth, you can snap out of your poverty mentality only if they can learn widely and embrace new approaches to doing things.
Access to information is not enough. Neither is being a digital native a direct escape from poverty. You have to be different and approach this issue differently. Even identical twins can’t experience growth at the same level and pace. Focus on your own life and solve the issues you
identify, one after the other. Talent is universal but opportunity is not. You need to tailor your solution based on the challenges you are faced with.
As a youth advocate who has dedicated my life to equipping the next generation, through my speaking engagements, leadership coaching, authoring some of my books on youth themes like Crossing Limits, Varsity Compass, Skillionaire, Undercover Extra Income, The Evolving Catalyst, Leadership Sense, and initiatives aimed at impacting hundreds and thousands of young minds, I have seen firsthand how transformative this shift can be.
Poverty mentality shows up in subtle but destructive ways.
A few questions explains this better, such as:
Education alone isn’t enough, why bother trying harder?
Starting a side hustle is too risky; better to wait for a stable job.
Rich people got lucky or had connections, I don’t stand a chance.
Saving or investing is for later; I need to enjoy life now.
These thoughts are not facts; they are habits of thinking passed down through generations, reinforced by the environment, misrepresentation of possibilities through media, and sometimes even well-meaning advice. The good is that this mindset can be unlearned and rebuilt.
Here are practical proven steps every young Nigerian can take right now to break free and build real wealth, financially, mentally, and spiritually:
1. Commit to Lifelong, Wide Learning: Stop limiting your education to classrooms or certificates. To learn widely means exposing yourself to diverse knowledge: financial literacy, digital skills, entrepreneurship, personal branding, sales, coding, content creation, leadership principles, and global trends. Read books voraciously (start with classics like Rich Dad Poor Dad, Think and Grow Rich, or any of my own like Crossing Limits, Skillionaire, Leadership Sense, etc.
Take free online courses on platforms like Coursera, edX, YouTube, or Khan Academy. Follow mentors on social media who have escaped poverty and study their journeys. Give your time to studying the top wealthy people in the society.Study people whose journey resonates with you. Get inspired and start taking action instantly. Knowledge compounds faster than money, every new skill opens doors you didn’t know existed. Invest well in knowledge; ensure you read voraciously.
