Nigerians being a quite dynamic set of people attach some respect to individual levels of wealth. Generally across the world, there is a human drive in every human being to successful, hence, a drive to thrive in career, in academics, in marriage but overwhelmingly is the drive to make wealth.
In Nigerian parlance, people say they have to hustle and the grind never stops in a bid to be successful. This follows to say success is measured against some level of wealth and true to it, the proof that any work is worth doing is the results that stem from it. And while the older generation of Nigerians have the patience to wait till they became successful or wealthy as it were, the younger generation do not. Today we hear phrases such as, I am available to do anything to ensure I am successful, I am ready to do anything to make sure I am wealthy, legal or not. Economic seasons have changed and so have the results steering forth from people’s efforts, however, the drive to be successful has remained the same.
Wealth is a concept that varies from person to person, but the fundamental truth is that everyone deserves a reasonable standard of living that enables them to fulfill their basic needs and, ideally, have an abundance beyond that. This is why the desire for wealth is universal. Achieving wealth provides individuals with a sense of security, freedom, and the ability to pursue their aspirations. It empowers them to not only meet their immediate requirements but also to invest in their future and contribute to the well-being of their families and communities. Ultimately, the pursuit of wealth is driven by the desire for a better life and the opportunity to make a positive impact on the world.
Many reasons aside individual drive for success attributes to why younger Nigerians want to be wealthy at any cost. One of such important reason is societal pressure. Most Nigerian families and communities operate in patterns that suggest they are doing all they can to keep up with the jonses. This means doing certain things and living in certain styles that suggest our actions are being influenced by that of others, but usually negatively.
The average Nigerian as such chooses to live a life he cannot afford just to keep up with societal standards. While there are some other factors that speak to why young Nigerian feel the need to become wealthy at the earliest time possible, the societal pressures speaks more to this narrative of being treated with respect based on how well off you are.
So rather than work or learn for impact, the average young Nigerian just wants to blow (that is, be very wealthy) to keep up with pressures and standards. In most cases, this desires are even at the expense of offering no value whatsoever in exchange for money.
This is the sad but true reality now and it remains the crux that needs to be fixed amongst the younger generation and amongst the older giving the pressures. I hope sooner or later, this changes and people can be respected based on value and impact they offer.
