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The Nigerian Dream: Myth or Achievable Reality?
The phrase “The Nigerian Dream” is often met with skepticism and confusion. Unlike its American counterpart, which symbolizes opportunity and upward mobility, the Nigerian Dream seems elusive, undefined, and for many, unattainable.
Is it merely a myth—a product of wishful thinking—or is it an achievable reality waiting to be claimed by those bold enough to pursue it? Or maybe a castle built in the air.
To understand the Nigerian Dream, I must first define it. For some, it is the hope of economic stability: the ability to work hard and enjoy the fruits of one’s labor in a fair and thriving economy. For others, it is about access to quality education, healthcare, and a secure environment to raise a family. To many young Nigerians, the dream is simply about finding opportunities at home, rather than being forced to seek greener pastures abroad.
However, the stark realities of life in Nigeria often challenge the validity of this dream. Persistent issues such as unemployment, corruption, poor infrastructure, and insecurity paint a bleak picture for millions of citizens. The pursuit of the Nigerian Dream can feel like chasing shadows when basic needs remain unmet and systemic failures stifle ambition.
Despite these challenges, countless stories of hardwork and success suggest that the Nigerian Dream is not entirely a myth. Entrepreneurs are building thriving businesses against all odds, creating jobs and innovative solutions to local problems. Individuals like Adebayo Alonge, who co-founded RxAll, and Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, a driving force behind tech unicorns like Flutterwave, have shown that success is possible with determination, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.
Beyond individual success, communities and grassroots movements across the country are working to redefine what the Nigerian Dream means. Local farmers are adopting sustainable practices to boost food security. Educators are developing low-cost solutions to address learning gaps. Social activists are championing causes that hold leaders accountable and push for systemic reform.
The Nigerian Dream, therefore, is not just about personal ambition but collective progress. It is about building a nation where success is not the privilege of a few but a possibility for all. Now Achieving this dream requires deliberate action at every level. Citizens must take responsibility, moving beyond complaints to active participation in nation-building. Leaders must prioritize integrity and service, creating an environment where opportunities can flourish.
While the path to realizing the Nigerian Dream is fraught with obstacles, it is not unattainable. The dream will not be handed down; it must be built—one innovation, one reform, and one act of courage at a time. Nigeria’s future depends on its people believing in the possibility of a better tomorrow and working tirelessly to make it a reality. We must not be very covetous like our leaders, as one of them, whose deeds reverberated in today’s news, orchestrated the erection of a sprawling estate engulfing nearly an entire town, its foundations laid upon the spoils of plundered wealth, a monument to avarice and self-indulgence. While I don’t want to mention his name, such a grotesque chapter of moral decay must be consigned to oblivion, never to scar humanity’s conscience again.
But then, lets put this to mind:
The Nigerian Dream is not a myth; it is a vision waiting to be realized. The question is whether we, as a people, are willing to do what it takes to bring it to life. The answer is in our collective actions, and the time to act is now.
I have a lot to say about this, but I will pause here.
Eugene Nanven Writes from Abuja FCT Nigeria
