Monday 22 July 2024

What Does It Mean To Be Nigerian?

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels

By Ruth Ajawu


My parents in their benevolence kept me in a bubble: a bubble of perpetual provision and financial security. I had zero worries and big dreams. There was this picture in mind of what my life would look like: graduate from the university by 19, get a well-paying job that would cater to my expensive tastes immediately after, and make a meaningful impact in my community by funding sustainability projects. 

The transition from these childhood dreams to adulthood realities was quite shocking. It all started after I graduated from university at 19 and my dream job failed to show up. I turned 20 with no job. Despite my best efforts and tireless pursuit, I kept getting rejections and closed doors. Twenty-one came around and I remained unemployed. 


Unemployment is a big challenge in Nigeria. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria, the youth unemployment rate in Nigeria averaged 22.97% from 2014 to 2023, reaching an all-time high of 53.40% in the fourth quarter of 2020. This means you can have the best education and outstanding skills but remain jobless. That is the reality of a typical Nigerian. 


This is where Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth comes in. The targets of this goal are: promoting policies to support job creation and growing enterprises; promoting full employment and decent work with equal pay; promoting youth employment, education, and training; and developing a global youth employment strategy among others. 


The good news is that achieving goal 8 is possible. The government has a pivotal role to play in this but we as individuals can contribute to achieving this goal by:


  • Learning entrepreneurial skills and starting businesses

  • Pursuing continuous education and skill development to enhance employability

  • Encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship within our communities

  • Volunteering or mentoring to help others gain valuable skills and experience

  • Raising awareness about the importance of sustainable economic growth and decent work for all


If we cannot reach our destination through route A, surely we could try out route B or C. For me, that is what it means to be a Nigerian. It is the ability to be resilient and resourceful.  Turns out, a white-collar job is not the only way to make money!

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