Happy New Year to everyone! I wish us all prosperity, sound health and remarkable achievements throughout this year and beyond. As we step into 2025, it’s important to reflect on the challenges of the past year and prepare ourselves for the opportunities and obstacles that lie ahead.
The year 2024 was a difficult one for nearly everyone. Even the corrupt elite found it challenging to siphon public funds as easily as before due to economic constraints and the scarcity of free money in government coffers. These hardships underscored the need for Nigerians, particularly the youth, to take their destinies in their own hands. The pressing question for 2025 is this: how can our vibrant and resourceful youth population navigate these existential challenges and emerge stronger?
This year, I urge every young person to tighten their seatbelts and take full control of their lives. The time for waiting on government promises or external assistance is over. Instead, it’s time to occupy the driver’s seat of your life. Define your pace, set your direction and craft a vision for yourself. Success begins with clarity of purpose and a focused, determined effort to achieve it. Reflect on 2024: what did you excel at, and where did you falter? Honest introspection is the foundation for growth.
Despite Nigeria’s well-known challenges, the opportunities within the country remain immense for those willing to seize them. Nigeria is still a goldmine, but it requires resilience, creativity, and focus to extract its riches. Foreigners, particularly Asians, arrive here with limited resources but succeed through hard work, vision, and determination. They leverage their skills and expertise to tap into the nation’s potential. If they can thrive under these conditions, so can you.
Finding Your Purpose and Monetizing Your Talent
One of the first steps toward success is identifying your unique talents or skills and finding ways to monetize them. Everyone has a gift, and the key lies in aligning it with the needs of others. Who needs your skills or services? How can you make them aware of what you offer? Aggressively market yourself to your target audience and differentiate yourself from the competition.
Equally important is surrounding yourself with the right people. The company you keep shapes your mindset and actions. Distance yourself from naysayers who discourage ambition and instead align with individuals who inspire, motivate, and challenge you to grow. Remember, birds of a feather flock together.
The Power of Skill Development
The world is changing rapidly, and staying relevant requires constant learning and adaptation. Updating your skills is no longer optional—it is a necessity. Invest in yourself by acquiring new knowledge and competencies, especially in areas that align with your goals and the demands of the market. Look critically at your environment to identify gaps and opportunities. For instance, what products or services are in high demand but underprovided? By focusing on supply and demand dynamics, you can position yourself as a solution provider.
Consider the creators of platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. They observed the global need for connection and self-expression and built solutions to meet those needs. Their proactivity and boldness paid off handsomely, turning their ideas into billion-dollar enterprises. Similarly, you must think ahead and craft solutions tailored to the needs of your target market.
Overcoming Nigeria’s Unique Challenges
Nigeria’s challenges are multifaceted, from endemic corruption to bureaucratic inefficiency and economic stagnation. However, these issues also present opportunities for innovation. Smart technologies, for example, can be leveraged to address systemic problems in governance, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Youths must lead the charge in developing tech-driven solutions that tackle these challenges head-on.
Rather than resorting to criminal activities like internet fraud, armed robbery, or smuggling, Nigerian youths should channel their energy into productive and innovative ventures. Crime offers fleeting gains but tarnishes reputations and undermines the collective potential of the nation. Instead, be self-starting, progressive, and forward-thinking.
A Call for Patriotism and Vision
As John F. Kennedy famously said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” While the government may fail to meet your expectations, you can still take action to improve your own life and contribute to the nation’s progress. True leadership begins with self-reliance and a commitment to creating value.
To take control of Nigeria’s future, young people must become wealth creators, innovators, and agents of positive change. This involves thinking beyond immediate gains and working toward sustainable development. Jettison divisive tendencies such as ethnic bias, religious bigotry, and laziness. Instead, adopt a forward-looking mindset focused on building a united, prosperous nation.
Harnessing Technology for Growth
In today’s world, technology is a powerful tool for transformation. Nigerian youths have the potential to lead in areas like software development, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and fintech. By creating solutions that address local problems, they can position themselves as global leaders while improving the quality of life at home.
For instance, developing platforms that improve access to education, healthcare, or financial services can generate both social impact and financial rewards. Additionally, exploring opportunities in e-commerce, agritech, and digital marketing can open up new revenue streams. The digital age has democratized access to resources, making it possible for anyone with an internet connection to learn, innovate, and succeed.
Conclusion
The road ahead in 2025 will not be without challenges, but it is also filled with opportunities for those who are prepared to seize them. Nigeria’s youth must take charge, leveraging their creativity, determination, and patriotism to build a brighter future. Reflect on your purpose, invest in your skills, and align your efforts with the needs of others.
With resilience, focus, and the right mindset, you can achieve remarkable success. Let 2025 be the year you step fully into your potential and contribute meaningfully to your personal growth and the development of our nation. Together, we can overcome obstacles and build a Nigeria that thrives.
• Ayodeji is a counselor, speaker,
author and pastor. He can be reached via 09059243004 (WhatsApp only)