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Nigeria’s Class Delusion
The degree of classism one witnesses in Nigeria is paradoxical for a country where social mobility is so fluid. You can count on the fingers of your hands the number of wealthy families in Nigeria that can survive without government patronage. That’s why it becomes confusing when you see classist behaviour at public and private engagements from beneficiaries of our rentier system.
The chances of the same Nigerian you look down upon as materially inferior rising to your level are just as high as your chances of falling down the social ladder with a change of government.
The proportion of wealthy Nigerians who neither have the enterprise nor the credentials to sustain their wealth without government patronage is higher than those who possess the business acumen or intellect to thrive on their own, or even function at the top in new businesses or professions.
Every change of government in this country reduces a portion of the elite to struggling reality after a few months or years, while creating a new set of nouveau riche—and that’s frightening. This explains the desperation of some political actors to re-enter the system after leaving office or after the end of their government, seeking to remain relevant enough to sustain patronage.
The funniest thing about this country is that if you go back just one generation in the so-called super-rich families, there is no history of wealth, wealth creation, enterprise, or even professional accomplishment behind their sudden riches. Yet, these same families end up boastful, looking down on the very position they occupied just a generation ago—a position they could easily return to if their breadwinners fall out with the ruling elite.
I went to school with some children of the old money, and I watched them struggle to pay school fees, sometimes borrowing my car just to impress a girl. Nothing humbles my expectations about life more than witnessing such a lifestyle. I grew up reading about their parents’ wealth, and the ashes of that glory are enough reason to remain humble.
There is no level of wealth that time cannot erode. As breadwinners, your prayer should be to equip your dependents with the values to recognise that their privilege is fleeting and to prepare for the future—understanding that there is no absolute guarantee they will make it.
The degree of classism one witnesses in Nigeria is paradoxical for a country where social mobility is so fluid. You can count on the fingers of your hands the number of wealthy families in Nigeria that can survive without government patronage. That’s why it becomes confusing when you see classist behaviour at public and private engagements from beneficiaries of our rentier system.
The chances of the same Nigerian you look down upon as materially inferior rising to your level are just as high as your chances of falling down the social ladder with a change of government.
The proportion of wealthy Nigerians who neither have the enterprise nor the credentials to sustain their wealth without government patronage is higher than those who possess the business acumen or intellect to thrive on their own, or even function at the top in new businesses or professions.
Every change of government in this country reduces a portion of the elite to struggling reality after a few months or years, while creating a new set of nouveau riche—and that’s frightening. This explains the desperation of some political actors to re-enter the system after leaving office or after the end of their government, seeking to remain relevant enough to sustain patronage.
The funniest thing about this country is that if you go back just one generation in the so-called super-rich families, there is no history of wealth, wealth creation, enterprise, or even professional accomplishment behind their sudden riches. Yet, these same families end up boastful, looking down on the very position they occupied just a generation ago—a position they could easily return to if their breadwinners fall out with the ruling elite.
I went to school with some children of the old money, and I watched them struggle to pay school fees, sometimes borrowing my car just to impress a girl. Nothing humbles my expectations about life more than witnessing such a lifestyle. I grew up reading about their parents’ wealth, and the ashes of that glory are enough reason to remain humble.
There is no level of wealth that time cannot erode. As breadwinners, your prayer should be to equip your dependents with the values to recognise that their privilege is fleeting and to prepare for the future—understanding that there is no absolute guarantee they will make it.
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This sounds quite familiar. When I returned from my master’s seven years ago, I woke up with a fright for months, burdened by deadline anxiety, as though I was still in school. The academic workload I had endured wrecked me mentally, and it took a while to adjust. I never knew what that experience was preparing me for until I began to take up roles that demanded so much in so little time, and realised that nothing that came my way would ever come close to what I had endured at the LSE.
My recent LL.B programme almost made me rethink that conviction, juggling studies and work while raising a family, but I couldn’t have done it without the LSE experience. I almost considered dropping out on three occasions, but my friends persuaded me to stay. It was worth it in the end.
I had dreaded going to law school while still handling this much, until I told @egi_nupe about my decision to start pre-law school tutorial classes a few months ago. He said they weren’t necessary. His experience contrasts with the picture you painted here, but I won’t take any chances. I just won’t kill myself over it. I’ve done enough to earn a first class in my LL.B. 😁
My recent LL.B programme almost made me rethink that conviction, juggling studies and work while raising a family, but I couldn’t have done it without the LSE experience. I almost considered dropping out on three occasions, but my friends persuaded me to stay. It was worth it in the end.
I had dreaded going to law school while still handling this much, until I told @egi_nupe about my decision to start pre-law school tutorial classes a few months ago. He said they weren’t necessary. His experience contrasts with the picture you painted here, but I won’t take any chances. I just won’t kill myself over it. I’ve done enough to earn a first class in my LL.B. 😁
It’s the toughest academic exercise I’ve ever undertaken. Even my UK LL.Ms weren’t as challenging. It has a way of making you question your long believed abilities & university degree. It’s bulky, complex & limited time. May Allah ease it for all aspirants. 🤲
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My X algorithm this week is largely law school students crashing out over their ongoing Bar finals. I wish you guys the very best. Or, as we say when our academic misfortune seems inevitable, exams are not a true test of knowledge. 😁
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Very much so. The world would be a better place if we all pulled off that “nice person” mask and fought back. We have bullies because we have cowards who are afraid of being hurt or dragged by them, and once the bullies realise that’s your kryptonite, you are finished.
This is how I feel about reality tv show bullies as well.
The reason they continue is because you continue to keep quiet and ignore them.
Sometimes stand up to them and tell them to fuck off
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I really like El-Sayed, and I prefer this logic of politics to Michelle Obama’s “When they go low, we go high” mentality, even though she clarified in her book that going high doesn’t mean turning the other cheek when slapped.
It doesn’t pay to pretend to be the nice guy when you are hounded by political bullies. You have to stand your ground, defying anyone who says “girman ka bane”, that you are too big for such a gutter fight. The reason you are bullied is to get you to submit to their way of doing things, and once you make the mistake of turning the other cheek instead of slapping them back, you are finished.
The Republican figureheads he’s addressing here aren’t only bullies in the rhetorical sense. They walk the talk, insulting and threatening both their domestic political opponents and foreign leaders and interests that fail to kiss their ass. The Democrats need to embrace this philosophy of politics.
It doesn’t pay to pretend to be the nice guy when you are hounded by political bullies. You have to stand your ground, defying anyone who says “girman ka bane”, that you are too big for such a gutter fight. The reason you are bullied is to get you to submit to their way of doing things, and once you make the mistake of turning the other cheek instead of slapping them back, you are finished.
The Republican figureheads he’s addressing here aren’t only bullies in the rhetorical sense. They walk the talk, insulting and threatening both their domestic political opponents and foreign leaders and interests that fail to kiss their ass. The Democrats need to embrace this philosophy of politics.
He is such a breath of fresh air.
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Gimba Kakanda retweeted
I haven’t forgotten you my chic traditional slay queens
We also have in ready made adire (boubou) in our collection that goes for N50,000
(With pockets)
We also have in ready made adire (boubou) in our collection that goes for N50,000
(With pockets)
Elegance in every detail. Modesty in every thread. 🤎
Introducing Indbellé, our three piece modest wears.
Gown Hijab and veil
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For just N20,000
Whether you’re dressing for a special occasion or ance, Indbellé has something beautiful for you.
✨ Modest. Elegant. Unforgettable.
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Gimba Kakanda retweeted
Dear football fans, dear Cristiano Ronaldo fans,
So many of you have been writing to us to express your love, to tell him how much he has changed your lives, and how deeply he has inspired you with his values of discipline, hard work, determination and the belief that anything is possible.
From India to Nepal, across Africa, Portugal, France, Latin America and the United States, your messages are coming from every corner of the world. And honestly, it is deeply moving to see.
Please keep sending us your messages. We will bring them together and publish them progressively on Ballondor.com, giving your voices the place they deserve.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement from the Portuguese national team is an extraordinary moment, one that touches millions of fans and the entire football world.
We are following this moment live and will continue to share your stories, your emotions and your tributes on Ballondor.com.
Please share this link with your friends so they can add their own messages too.
Together, we will create something truly special, a collection of tributes that has already touched us enormously.
Thank you for sharing your stories with us. Keep them coming. And as CR7 said: "Football belongs to the fans". 🇵🇹⬇️
lequipe.non.li/D6
So many of you have been writing to us to express your love, to tell him how much he has changed your lives, and how deeply he has inspired you with his values of discipline, hard work, determination and the belief that anything is possible.
From India to Nepal, across Africa, Portugal, France, Latin America and the United States, your messages are coming from every corner of the world. And honestly, it is deeply moving to see.
Please keep sending us your messages. We will bring them together and publish them progressively on Ballondor.com, giving your voices the place they deserve.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement from the Portuguese national team is an extraordinary moment, one that touches millions of fans and the entire football world.
We are following this moment live and will continue to share your stories, your emotions and your tributes on Ballondor.com.
Please share this link with your friends so they can add their own messages too.
Together, we will create something truly special, a collection of tributes that has already touched us enormously.
Thank you for sharing your stories with us. Keep them coming. And as CR7 said: "Football belongs to the fans". 🇵🇹⬇️
lequipe.non.li/D6
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Seeing Nigerian bigots this helpless, convulsing and imagining they know better than the Americans who made their electoral choices gives me immense joy. Imagine your idea of freedom being to force another woman to abandon her choice of dress. What a spectacularly brainless twat!
No matter how progressive a Muslim man is, once I see his wife in hijab, I immediately disbelieve him. This here being the case in point.
Glad he won on that healthcare level but... 🌚
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Attacks on people out in the field campaigning to sell their candidates are nothing anyone should condone, let alone cheer or find amusing, whether the victims belong to parties we oppose or support. It does not take much for any group to wreak havoc or incite violence against another. No group has a monopoly on violence, and the victims are usually not those cheering the attacks from the comfort of their air-conditioned rooms.
There is absolutely no political group that cannot be subjected to similar attacks with the right inducements offered to the assailants. We can participate in the political process, disagree fiercely, and grow politically without dragging ourselves back to the Stone Age.
There is absolutely no political group that cannot be subjected to similar attacks with the right inducements offered to the assailants. We can participate in the political process, disagree fiercely, and grow politically without dragging ourselves back to the Stone Age.
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Gimba Kakanda retweeted
Every reason for Tinubu to go again has materialized. Nigerians are ready to have him as our next President. We will win this election before noon in the polls.
#TinubuMustGoAgain.
#TinubuMustGoAgain.
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