By Young Ozogwu
The streets are tough. No lies about that. The struggle in Nigeria has reached a point where it’s becoming harder to believe in the idea of “better days ahead.” Every day we wake up to another round of “Nigeria happening to people,” failed systems and government policies that seem rigged to make life harder. But as frustrating as this is, we can’t afford to let the system define who we are or limit our potential. The solution to the madness is within us. Na only you fit save yourself.
We live in a country where the government ‘dey try us’ every single day. From ASUU strikes that keep our universities shut down for months to the lack of jobs even after you’ve managed to graduate, only to be told you’re not “experienced enough.” The average Nigerian youth is dealing with a failed education and health system, a collapsed economy, and a government that promises light but still serves darkness (even as fuel prices rise like say na joke). It’s easy to feel like all hope is lost, that the government is set up to get and keep you down like the future is just a fantasy we can’t touch.
But wait, before you throw in the towel, let me remind you of something: the competition is not out there; it’s within you.
One of the biggest mistakes that you make today as a young person is thinking that your fight is with the person next to you. You think because someone has more than you or seems to be making it, therefore, you are failing. But that’s not the truth. Every day you wake up and try again, you’re winning. Life isn’t about beating others; it’s about beating yourself—being better than who you were yesterday. If you’re improving by 1% daily, you’re moving forward.
Do you see people doing well? Don’t envy them, ask yourself: “How did they get there?”
Take a moment to look at the success stories around you. Take James Chijioke Ume, for instance. His growing up was a huge struggle, He lost his mother early and life was hell, but he was determined. He believed in the power of education and entrepreneurship. Today, he’s killing it. He is not only a successful media mogul and international businessman, but he relishes in giving back to society through his foundation, helping young disadvantaged people in their quest to get a good education. Ume is living proof that you don’t have to come from a wealthy family to make it in life, hard work, focus, and perseverance will take you far. Or look at how Linda Ikeji became a household name, her gossip blog in her one room, amid the daily Lagos wahala. It should remind you that it doesn’t matter where you are right now, you can still make something out of it.
Let’s not forget someone like Don Jazzy. His name easily stands out in the Nigerian music landscape today. He didn’t just wake up successful, he started from the trenches of Ajegunle from where he built one of the most successful music labels in Africa, Mavin Records. Maybe I should tell you about Tunde Onakoya who grew up in one of the toughest areas of Lagos, but instead of letting the circumstances of his environment get the better of him, he found his passion in chess. Through his initiative, Chess in Slums, Tunde is now using chess to change the lives of children in underserved communities in Nigeria. He’s teaching them that intelligence and strategy, not just wealth, can open doors. Tunde’s story proves that your passion and commitment can lead to not just personal success but also community impact.
As we have seen, these individuals didn’t have it easy. They didn’t come from butter backgrounds or have connections handed to them. What they had was determination, focus, and a relentless drive to succeed. They refused to let their circumstances define them, and they didn’t sit around waiting for someone to save them.
So when you see people with the steeze you admire, don’t sit there feeling small. Instead, think, “What did they do to get here, and what’s my first step?” Self-development is the key. If you admire someone’s skills, whether it’s in writing, music, or entrepreneurship, find out how they did it and start working on yourself.
Start by reading and learning more. Expand your knowledge beyond just what’s trending on social media. Learn new things, especially in areas that can grow your hustle. Attend classes, learn new skills, practice your grind, and surround yourself with positive influences who push you to be better. Don’t waste your energy following people who aren’t adding value to your life or growth. Protect your mental space like gold because what you allow into your mind will shape the way you see yourself.
Sure, life in the Nigerian trenches rugged die. Yes, the government has failed us in so many ways. But the only person you should compare yourself to is you from yesterday. You’re not in competition with anyone else.
Yes, there are people more handsome, more intelligent, and even more “connected” than you. But guess what? There’s only one you in this entire world. Your uniqueness is your strength. No one can perform a task exactly the way you would. No one will tell your story better than you will. So focus on building that unique version of yourself every day. That’s where your power lies.
Forget about keeping up with other people. Compete with yourself. The system may be messed up, but one thing remains true: you sef no small. You can make things happen for yourself, no matter how hard it gets.
And let’s face it: if you can Japa, do am, I don’t need to pretend about it. Let’s not deceive ourselves, the system in Nigeria has failed its young people. From the broken educational system to the insecurity and the complete lack of jobs for even the most qualified graduates, the government has been playing a losing game for years. How do you explain a country where a politician’s monthly pay may be more than the entire lifetime earnings of a doctor or university professor, and where teachers are on strike more than they were in classrooms?
How do you explain a situation where the government that should be concerned with the huge population of out-of-school children, fixing the infrastructure in schools, hiring quality staff and securing the learning environment, instead politicians in Abuja are busy churning out obnoxious and draconian policies that ban students who are under-18 years from sitting for entrance examinations that will grant them admission into Nigerian universities? Meanwhile, their children are gaining admission abroad at 16 years or even less.
So, dear young Nigerian, no matter what the situation looks like, keep your head up. Hustle smart whether here or in abroad, work on yourself, and never stop moving. The road may be long, but the destination will be worth it. You might not have control over everything, but you sure have control over your attitude and actions.
Na only you fit save yourself. Compete with yourself every day and watch how you will rise. The only person standing between you and greatness is YOU.
– Mr Ozogwu is a public affairs commentator based in Abuja
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