Anybody Can Be Rich, But Not Everyone Will Be Rich: A Nigerian Case Study [Opinion piece by DGT!]

 

 

In today’s world, it is common to hear the phrase, "Anybody can be rich." Motivational speakers, influencers, and self-made entrepreneurs repeat this like a mantra, using rags-to-riches stories to inspire. While this idea carries some truth, since the potential to attain wealth does exist for anyone; it misses an important reality: not everyone will be rich. In Nigeria, a country filled with both incredible promise and deep-rooted challenges, this paradox is especially clear.

Nigeria is a nation bursting with possibilities. It is blessed with natural resources, a youthful population, and a rapidly expanding digital economy. From the buzzing streets of Lagos to the farmlands of the Middle Belt, stories of people rising from poverty to prosperity circulate daily. Some Nigerians, through creativity, resilience, and opportunity, have transformed their lives. However, these success stories, though real and powerful, are not representative of the average citizen’s experience. They are exceptions rather than the rule.

The gap between potential and reality is often defined by systems and circumstances beyond personal control. Despite its wealth in resources and talent, Nigeria struggles with unemployment, limited access to quality education, unreliable infrastructure, and widespread corruption. These factors create an environment where hard work alone is not always enough. In this landscape, the dream of becoming rich is real, but its realization depends heavily on access; access to education, capital, networks, and sometimes, sheer luck.

Consider the story of two childhood friends from Ibadan: Shola and Tunde. They grew up together, both intelligent, ambitious, and full of dreams. Life began to separate them after secondary school. Shola had an uncle who recognized his potential and sponsored him to attend a private university in Lagos. There, he studied Computer Science, made valuable connections, and eventually built a fintech app that attracted international investors. Today, Shola  is the CEO of a growing tech startup with offices in Lagos and Nairobi.

Tunde’s story took a different turn. Without financial support, he couldn’t continue his education. His father’s illness meant he had to begin working early to support his family. He started riding okada, later moved to Lagos to try his luck, and juggled several informal jobs. Despite working long hours and showing strong determination, he never had the access or opportunities that propelled Shola forward.

This is not a story of laziness versus hard work. Tunde’s struggles reflect the situation of millions of Nigerians who lack the tools and support systems needed to climb the ladder of prosperity. Quality education, a key driver of success, remains out of reach for many. Rural schools are often underfunded and poorly staffed. Urban centers, while better equipped, have high costs that lock out students from low-income families. Without education or skill training, many youths are left behind.

Even those with ideas and energy face the next hurdle; access to capital. Banks often demand collateral and credit histories that most low-income Nigerians cannot provide. While fintech companies are helping to close this gap, their reach is still limited to people with smartphones, stable internet, and some level of digital literacy. As a result, many remain trapped in the informal economy, with few chances to grow wealth.

Mindset also plays a role. While many Nigerians are innovative and entrepreneurial, the pressure to "make it" has led some down questionable paths. Get-rich-quick schemes, cyber fraud, and corrupt practices are often seen as shortcuts to success. Unfortunately, these not only harm the individuals involved but also undermine public trust and further entrench inequality.

What Nigeria needs is a society where effort is more fairly rewarded. This includes serious investment in education, infrastructure, job creation, and access to capital. It also means dismantling the systems that reward only a privileged few. If government, private sector, and civil society work together to create a more inclusive economy, the number of people who can and do become rich will increase.

Ultimately, while anyone can be rich in theory, only a few will be rich in practice. The dream is valid, but the road is uneven. As the story of Shola  and Tunde shows, success is often shaped more by opportunity than by ambition alone. For Nigeria to thrive, it must become a place where more people have a fair shot, not just at surviving, but at succeeding.