A UK-based Nigerian author, Emmanuel Oludayo, has urged young Nigerians to focus on building skills and creating value rather than seeking sudden opportunities for wealth.
In an interview with PUNCH on Sunday, Oludayo expressed concern over what he described as a “growing sense of disillusionment” among youths, driven by the allure of instant wealth.
“This concern inspired my new book, The Onion for Millions, where I emphasise that wealth should be approached layer by layer—through personal development, discipline, skill-building, and value creation,” he said.
He noted, “Many young people are hardworking and talented, yet feel trapped in cycles of economic instability. At the same time, they are exposed to narratives that promise instant wealth through Ponzi schemes, crowdfunding games, and other unrealistic money-making ventures, which ignore the realities of skill development and long-term success.”
Oludayo explained that his book aims to “restore dignity to the process of growth and reframe wealth as something that emerges from responsibility, value creation, and patience, rather than shortcuts.” He described the work as a guide for moving individuals and societies from survival to sustainable progress.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s high unemployment and economic challenges, he emphasised that his book challenges the notion that wealth can be achieved by accident or luck. Instead, it promotes a mindset rooted in discipline, long-term preparation, and constructive contribution to society.
He also called on the Nigerian government to prioritise human capital development, value-oriented education, and economic opportunities. “Policies should not only aim to create jobs but also equip young people with the capacities, competencies, and support systems needed to sustain economic participation,” he said.
Oludayo further advocated for partnerships between individuals and institutions to empower youths to create value, stressing that this approach would foster a stable, resilient, and prosperous society. “When young people focus on creating value rather than mere survival, society as a whole benefits. We must build a future rooted in discipline, dignity, responsibility, and shared growth,” he added.
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