The pursuit of personal achievement is a universal human endeavor, yet its landscape shifts dramatically from one nation to another. While the desire for success is innate, the pathways to achieving it are often obscured by societal norms, ingrained beliefs, and a fundamental misunderstanding of how the world, and specifically Nigeria, truly operates. There’s a profound truth that many Nigerians are yet to fully grasp about their own system of personal advancement, a truth that, fortunately and unfortunately, applies to citizens of every country on Earth.
The Blinders of “Greener Pastures”
A significant portion of the global populace remains largely blind to the opportunities that lie right within their own borders. This widespread phenomenon leads many to perpetually seek “greener pastures” elsewhere, believing that success is an export product, available only in foreign lands. This isn’t inherently wrong; the pursuit of a better life, wherever it may be found, is a deeply personal choice driven by individual aspirations. However, for a nation like Nigeria, this pervasive outward gaze often comes at the expense of recognizing and cultivating the immense potential that exists domestically. The irony is that the very opportunities sought abroad may, in different forms, be thriving unnoticed within their own society.
For Nigerians, the journey to success often demands an extraordinary level of effort. If you lack a university degree and your family doesn’t possess influential connections, the climb becomes exponentially steeper, requiring a hundredfold increase in personal exertion. This reality, though harsh, underpins the often-overlooked dynamics of achievement in the country. It’s a system where merit alone, without the crucial components of information and connection, can feel like a Sisyphean task.
The Unseen Hand: Deconstructing the Myth of Self-Made Success
We often celebrate figures like Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and Larry Page as epitomes of self-made success, as if their empires materialized purely through individual genius and relentless effort. Yet, this narrative, while inspiring, frequently overlooks the critical, often invisible, scaffolding that supported their ascent. The true fabric of their success stories is woven not just with innovation and hard work, but also with strategic connections and the leverage of existing influence.
Take Bill Gates, for instance. While his visionary mind and relentless drive are undeniable, the significant role played by his mother, Mary Maxwell Gates, is often downplayed. Mary Gates was a prominent businesswoman and a highly connected figure. She served on the board of directors for the First Interstate Bancorp, a financial holding company, and also on the board of the United Way, a powerful philanthropic organization. It was through her connection on the United Way board with John Opel, then chairman of IBM, that she was able to facilitate a crucial meeting for young Bill Gates. This introduction ultimately led to Microsoft securing the pivotal contract to provide the operating system for IBM’s new personal computer (PC), a deal that catapulted Microsoft from a promising startup to a global powerhouse. Without this initial, influential connection, the trajectory of Microsoft, and indeed the personal computing revolution, might have been vastly different. It’s a testament to the idea that sometimes, the “idea stolen from someone who has no connections to actualize his dream” finds its powerful benefactor through channels unseen by the public eye.
Similarly, Mark Zuckerberg’s journey to Facebook’s creation is frequently told as a tale of a Harvard dorm room genesis. While his brilliance and entrepreneurial spirit are undisputed, the subtle, strategic support from his family, particularly his mother, Karen Zuckerberg, provided a crucial foundation. Karen, a psychiatrist, and his father, Edward, a dentist, fostered an environment that not only encouraged Mark’s intellectual pursuits but also provided a level of stability and access to resources that many aspiring entrepreneurs lack. While less overtly documented than Mary Gates’s direct intervention, the secure and supportive environment, coupled with access to educational opportunities and early technological resources, undoubtedly played a role in allowing Mark to focus singularly on his ambitions without the immediate pressures of financial insecurity or external distractions. This “silent strategy” often involves providing the freedom and the safety net necessary for risk-taking and sustained effort.
Then there’s Larry Page, co-founder of Google. His success is often attributed to his groundbreaking algorithms and vision for organizing the world’s information. However, his parents, Carl Victor Page Sr. and Gloria Page, both computer science professors, provided an intellectual and technological upbringing that few could rival. His father was a pioneer in computer science and artificial intelligence, and his mother taught computer programming. Growing up in a household steeped in cutting-edge technology and academic rigor undoubtedly provided Larry with an unparalleled early exposure to the very concepts that would later define his career. This parental influence wasn’t about securing a direct business deal, but rather about cultivating an environment that nurtured intellectual curiosity, provided access to advanced knowledge, and instilled a deep understanding of computing from a very young age. Their “influence and position” lay in shaping his formative years and providing him with an invaluable head start in a nascent field.
This pattern extends to figures closer to home, like Aliko Dangote. While his industrial prowess and business acumen are undeniable, his success story is also intrinsically linked to his family’s established business background and connections within the Nigerian elite. His maternal grand-uncle, Sanusi Dantata, was a prominent businessman, and Dangote began his entrepreneurial journey with a loan from him. This initial capital and familial network provided a crucial launchpad that allowed him to scale his ambitions far more rapidly than someone starting from scratch.
“The visible achievements we laud often obscure the invisible networks that underpin them. True success is rarely a solitary endeavor; it is a tapestry woven with talent, tenacity, and invaluable connections.”
These examples highlight a critical, yet often overlooked, dimension of success: the profound impact of connections and information. How far we go in life is not solely determined by what we know, but equally, if not more so, by who we know and the quality of our relationships. These connections can open doors, provide crucial insights, and offer the leverage necessary to transform aspirations into reality.
The Foreign Advantage: A Curious Case of Reverse Migration
The assertion that “if you live abroad and school abroad and come back to this country to work or start a business, you will excel” might seem counterintuitive, yet it holds a striking degree of truth in the Nigerian context. This phenomenon speaks to a fascinating interplay of perceived value, global standards, and the local employment landscape.
Consider the anecdote of the friend who studied journalism in the UK, returned to Nigeria, and was immediately appointed a Director of a multinational insurance company. This occurred while “hundreds, if not thousands, of graduates from the School of Journalism here in Lagos Nigeria applied for a job in the same company and they turned them down because they don’t have a university degree.” This stark contrast illuminates a critical bias within the Nigerian system:
Perceived Quality: There’s a prevailing belief that foreign education, especially from established Western institutions, is inherently superior. This perception often translates into a higher value placed on foreign-trained individuals, regardless of the specific skills acquired.
Global Exposure: Graduates from abroad are often seen as having broader perspectives, exposure to international best practices, and a more robust understanding of global trends, which can be highly attractive to multinational companies operating in Nigeria.
Networking Advantage (Subtle): Studying abroad often opens doors to a different set of networks, both among peers and professionals, which can inadvertently provide an advantage upon returning home.
Credentialism vs. Competence: The example highlights a rigid adherence to credentialism. While the Nigerian graduates from a journalism school might possess practical skills, the lack of a “university degree” (implying a broader academic qualification rather than just a specialized diploma) became a barrier, whereas the foreign journalism diploma was somehow perceived differently, perhaps due to the institution’s prestige.
This scenario underscores a painful reality: the “cleaner in Europe, America, and Asia is buying a house and living well; when the same cleaner in Africa is barely having a meal in a day.” This isn’t merely about higher wages abroad; it’s about the systemic value placed on labor, the cost of living, and the social safety nets that exist in developed nations. It creates a stark contrast that reinforces the “greener pastures” mentality, even when opportunities might exist locally if approached with a different lens.
The Invisible Architect of Reality
We live in a world that celebrates the visible – the grand achievements, the dazzling successes, the tangible outcomes. Yet, we are often profoundly blind to the invisible forces that produce these results. The “invisible” encompasses the connections, the strategic positioning, the access to critical information, and often, the unacknowledged leverage of privilege.
“When it is good to celebrate what we cannot see; it is also necessary to appreciate what we couldn’t see and focus more on that.” This profound statement encapsulates the essence of understanding success. The “prayer warriors selling in the market” might occupy their space, but “it is the ones who know their ways that will sell.” This isn’t a dismissal of faith or effort, but a pragmatic observation that market success, like any other form of achievement, is often driven by strategy, insight, and an understanding of underlying mechanisms, not just fervent hope.
The Wisdom of Solomon and the Way of Man
King Solomon, in Proverbs 14:12 and Proverbs 16:25, sagely warns, “There is a way that appears right to a person, but ultimately leads to destruction or death.” He did not, however, specify what this “way” is. This omission is crucial because it implies that the path to destruction can vary for individuals. What seems right and acceptable to one person, or even to many, might still lead to ruin. This concept challenges the notion of a single, universally correct path to success or even righteousness.
Some might immediately retort, “That’s right! That is why Jesus Christ said in John 14:6, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'” While this verse is foundational to Christian theology, its application must be understood within its intended context. Jesus explicitly states He is “the way to the Father,” which refers to salvation and spiritual redemption. He does not declare Himself “the way to your achievements and greatness in life” in a material or worldly sense. Conflating spiritual salvation with earthly success can lead to a fundamental misunderstanding of both.
Indeed, Jesus himself acknowledged the tribulations of the world. In John 16:33, He says, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” The key phrase here is “I have overcome the world,” not “you have overcome the world.” This distinction is critical. Jesus triumphed over the spiritual forces of the world, offering peace amidst its challenges, but He did not promise a life free from worldly struggles or an automatic path to material success.
Furthermore, in Matthew 10:34–36, Jesus presents a stark and often uncomfortable truth: “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’” This passage underscores that spiritual commitment can, in fact, lead to earthly conflict, even within one’s closest relationships. It directly contradicts the idea that following a spiritual path automatically leads to harmonious worldly success.
The only battle Jesus Christ definitively won for humanity is the battle against sin, as made clear in Matthew 12:31: “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men.” This forgiveness of sin is a spiritual victory, offering redemption and reconciliation with God. It is not, however, a guarantee of worldly prosperity or a shield against the challenges of economic advancement.
“Sin is not your hindrance to greatness, ignorance and religion is, and the use of sin to lock you up in self-prison. And you measure and view every opportunity with the scale and lens of sin.”
This powerful statement challenges a deeply ingrained societal and religious paradigm. When the concept of “sin” becomes the primary lens through which every opportunity is evaluated, it can lead to self-imposed limitations, fear of innovation, and a reluctance to engage in pragmatic strategies that might be perceived as morally ambiguous but are, in fact, essential for navigating complex real-world systems. It fosters a mindset where worldly ambition is seen as inherently suspect, rather than a neutral arena where ethical choices are made.
The Strategic King: Re-examining Solomon’s Wealth
The traditional portrayal of King Solomon often focuses on his unparalleled wisdom and his role in building the Temple. However, a closer examination of his reign, particularly through the lens of ancient political and economic practices, reveals a shrewd, highly strategic, and at times, ethically ambiguous leader.
Consider King Solomon’s dealings with Hiram, King of Tyre. The biblical account in 1 Kings 9:10-14 reveals a telling exchange:
“Now it happened at the end of twenty years, when Solomon had built the two houses, the house of the Lord and the king’s house (Hiram king of Tyre had supplied Solomon with cedar and cypress and gold, as much as he desired), that King Solomon then gave Hiram twenty cities in the land of Galilee. Then Hiram went from Tyre to see the cities which Solomon had given him; and they did not please him. So he said, ‘What kind of cities are these which you have given me, my brother?’ And he called them the land of Cabul [meaning ‘good for nothing’ or ‘disappointing’] to this day. Then Hiram sent the king one hundred and twenty talents of gold.”
This passage indeed shows Hiram’s profound disappointment with the land given to him. While Solomon had promised cities in exchange for Hiram’s valuable resources (wood and gold for his massive building projects), the cities themselves were barren or undesirable to Hiram. This interaction highlights Solomon’s strategic, perhaps even cunning, negotiation. He prioritized his own kingdom’s needs, securing invaluable materials for his grand projects, and effectively leveraged his position to provide a less-than-ideal return for his benefactor. This demonstrates that even figures celebrated for their wisdom can operate with pragmatic, self-serving strategies in their pursuit of power and resources.
Furthermore, Solomon’s immense wealth was not solely a divine gift; it was also a direct result of his astute application of his wisdom in strategic alliances and economic policies. His 1000 women, consisting of wives and concubines, were not merely for personal pleasure. These were often wealthy women, not poor or slaves, representing strategic marriages to royal families and influential individuals from various nations. In ancient days, it was a common practice for wives to bring dowries or their family’s wealth and territories into their marriage. This practice significantly contributed to the consolidation of vast resources, trade routes, and political influence under Solomon’s reign.
His immense wealth, described vividly in the Bible (e.g., 1 Kings 10:14-29 detailing his annual gold intake, his vast horse and chariot fleets, and his extensive trade networks), was therefore not a passive inheritance but a result of his active and strategic application of the wisdom God had granted him. He did not become wealthy because God gave him wisdom and understanding; rather, he became wealthy because he applied that wisdom appropriately to administration, trade, diplomacy, and strategic alliances. His wisdom empowered him to make shrewd decisions that directly led to unprecedented economic prosperity for his kingdom and for himself.
“The pursuit of prosperity often treads a path where ethics and pragmatism intersect. To ignore this confluence is to remain willfully naive about the true drivers of worldly success.”
The Power of Information and Connection
The core message resonates powerfully: “Let’s be wise. Good or bad, life happens to us all based on the amount of information we have at our disposal.” This is the fundamental truth that underpins personal achievement. Ignorance is not bliss; it is a cage. Lack of access to critical information – about opportunities, market dynamics, power structures, and effective strategies – leaves individuals at a severe disadvantage.
Moreover, the emphasis on connections cannot be overstated. In Nigeria, perhaps more so than in highly institutionalized Western societies, personal networks are the lifeblood of progress. They are the conduits for information, the doors to opportunity, and the source of crucial endorsements.
Information Flow: Connections provide access to insider knowledge, unadvertised opportunities, and critical insights into how the system truly works.
Trust and Credibility: In a low-trust environment, personal recommendations and established relationships often outweigh formal qualifications.
Leverage and Influence: Connections can provide leverage in negotiations, access to decision-makers, and the ability to navigate bureaucratic hurdles.
The challenge for many Nigerians is that these vital networks are often exclusive, built on family ties, socio-economic class, or long-standing relationships. For those without inherited connections, building them requires intentionality, strategic networking, and a deep understanding of social dynamics.
Cultivating Your Own Path to Greatness
So, how does one navigate this complex landscape in Nigeria?
Seek and Acquire Information Relentlessly: Don’t wait for information to come to you. Actively research, read, and engage with those who have achieved what you aspire to. Understand the unwritten rules, the market gaps, and the effective strategies.
Build Strategic Networks: This is perhaps the most crucial. Attend industry events, join professional associations, volunteer, and be genuinely interested in connecting with people. Focus on quality relationships, not just quantity. Nurture these connections with authenticity and reciprocity.
Understand the Local Context: While foreign experience is valued, apply it with a nuanced understanding of the Nigerian reality. Adapt global best practices to local conditions.
Embrace Entrepreneurial Spirit (with a Plan): Given the limitations in formal employment, cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset. Identify problems and develop solutions. This often requires less reliance on traditional qualifications and more on ingenuity and hustle.
Develop Niche Expertise: Become exceptionally good at something that is in demand. Specialization can make you indispensable and open doors.
Challenge Limiting Beliefs: Re-evaluate narratives that hinder progress. Separate spiritual principles from worldly strategies. Understand that ambition and strategic action are not inherently sinful but rather tools that require ethical application.
Resilience and Adaptability: Nigeria’s economic and social landscape is dynamic. Be prepared for setbacks, learn from failures, and adapt your strategies.
“Success in Nigeria is not merely about hard work; it’s about working smart, knowing who to work with, and understanding the invisible currents that shape opportunity.”
In conclusion, the journey to personal achievement in Nigeria is a multifaceted endeavor that demands far more than just diligence. It requires a profound understanding of the unwritten rules, the strategic importance of connections, and the courage to shed limiting beliefs. By recognizing the “invisible” forces at play, actively seeking crucial information, and meticulously building influential networks, Nigerians can unlock the vast opportunities that, though often obscured, are rightfully available within their own vibrant and complex nation. The path to greatness is not singular; it is a bespoke journey, tailored by the wisdom gained, the relationships forged, and the strategic choices made along the way.
Sam Adeoye
