A UK-based Nigerian author, Emmanuel Oludayo, has listed reasons for the persistent failure of young Nigerians to succeed in their business enterprises despite their hard work.
Emmanuel was interacting with Business Day last Tuesday, when he expressed sadness over the level of unemployment in the country, admonishing youths to embrace skill development and value creation to reverse the ugly trend.
“There is a growing sense of frustration and disillusionment among young people, particularly in Nigeria and across many developing societies,” he observed, maintaining, “Many young people are hardworking and talented, yet they feel trapped in cycles of economic instability.”
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He observed with dismay: “There is increasing exposure to narratives that promise instant wealth, through Ponzi schemes, crowdfunding financial games, and other societally unhealthy money-making ideas without honestly addressing the realities of skill development, discipline, and the systems that sustain long-term success.”
The Author said the economic situation and the growing thirst for sudden wealth among youths compelled his new book â€The Onion for Millions,’ where he underscored the need for youths to embrace wealth as a layer-by-layer procedure involving personal development, discipline, skill-building, and value creation.
“I felt compelled to write a book that speaks strongly and truthfully to this gap and tension after this reflection,” Oludayo disclosed, explaining, “I imagined a book that restores dignity to the process of growth and reframes wealth as something that emerges from responsibility, value creation, and patience, rather than shortcuts.”
The author disclosed further: “My solid concern has always been how individuals and societies can move from survival to sustainability, and that concern sits at the heart of this book, â€The Onion for Millions,” stating, “This is my third literary piece on success.”
While acknowledging the high rate of unemployment and economic challenges in Nigeria, Oludayo said the literary work only challenges the narrative that wealth can be accidentally or cruelly attained.
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“We must understand that true wealth or money-making is not in the desperate chase of money, but it is the values we build that attract real money,” he charged, advising Nigerians to invest in learning, discipline, and ethical productivity, rather than wait for miracles or shortcuts.
Speaking about the book, he said, “It clearly reminds us that personal growth and national development are interconnected, and that building oneself is one of the most powerful ways to contribute to society.”
The author explained that the new book “promotes a mindset of discipline, long-term preparation, skill development, and value creation,” maintaining, “At a critical time like this, when many young Nigerians are searching for direction and hope, it offers a framework that emphasises capacity building, agency, resilience, and constructive contribution to society” he stated
He, however, urged the Nigerian government to place emphasis on human capital development, foster economic opportunities and ensure a value-oriented education.
“Policies should not only aim to create jobs but also to equip young people with the capacities, competencies, mindset, and support systems needed to sustain economic participation,” Oludayo advised.
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“The government can play a critical role by investing in education reform, effective vocational training, real entrepreneurship support, and environments that reward productivity and innovation,” he advised further.
The author also advocated for a partnership between individuals and institutions to build a future rooted in discipline, dignity, responsibility, and shared growth for the Nigerian youths.
“When young people are empowered to create value rather than chase survival, society as a whole becomes more stable, resilient, and prosperous,” he posited.
