For as long as I’ve known the word, nepotism has always been seen as a bad thing. Favouring your family and friends over people with actual skill. But as I get older, I’m noticing it’s starting to mean something else entirely.
People are beginning to confuse nepotism with simply being rich. Some genuinely believe they can all become the next Dangote or Adeleke. But that’s not how life works. Not everyone can be rich, and that’s a fact many Nigerians don’t want to accept. It’s almost become delusional to believe we will all reach a point where we’re buying Birkins and houses without limits.
The truth is, in one way or another, we all benefit from nepotism.
It’s in the way your fashion designer or hairdresser reduces the price because “you be my person” but charges a new customer full price.
It’s in the way English teachers pick their favourite science students for essay competitions.
It’s in the way you wake up early to help madam open her shop while her daughter strolls in two hours later without consequence.
It’s in the way your favourite akara seller gives you seven pieces and the person beside you five for the same price.
So no, we can’t all roll with the elites. And maybe the first step forward is accepting that. Some of us will work hard just to be comfortable, and honestly, that is fine.
But as for me?
I still want to be comfortable enough to buy a Birkin and maybe four houses in Banana Island in two years . Let me face my own goals in peace.