The primary goal of every human being and even animals on this planet is the pursuit of happiness.

Ranging from food, to fashion, travels, sports, love/romance etc down to the universally certified joy giver (Money), people find their joy and fulfillment in one or more of these aforementioned virtues.

Depending on what corner of the world you happen to be born, happiness could be hard to realise as the above are in varying supply from region to region.

It is not in doubt that Africa is the hardest continent to be happy in. Esp after all the spoils left behind by colonialism.

Other factors like poor economy, self colonization, poor infrastructure, over religiosity, badly managed multiple ethnic diversity also compound our problems and impede our chances at happiness.

Here are tips to finding happiness in Nigeria:

1. Social media discipline: social media is the best invention since VCDs and automatic transmission cars but it is also a double edged sword. 70% of information on social media is false and intended to startle you and stampede you emotionally. People post their successes in exaggerated manner but leave out their moments of struggle and failure. Generally, too much information is not healthy and make your head full without time to think your own ideas through and be productive.

2. Keep your burden light: this is especially applicable to the youth of Nigeria who are trying to start up their lives. Avoid every avoidable responsibility. If you're still finding your feet financially then you should avoid a girlfriend (unless she is financially buoyant and van help set you up or is willing to provide support). I'm not saying this to spite women, I'm saying girls without money are for boys with money. This is the cold reality you must accept if you want to know peace and progress in your life. Same logic applies to marriage.

3. Learn a skill/trade: For young people again. We are more than informed today that university degrees and even masters degrees don't guarantee you a white collar job in Nigeria anymore. And when you pass through fire to bag one, it most likely will not earn you a decent living. Nigeria is not fully industrialized yet. The country mainly trades/import&export, and not a producing country. Find your place in the formular. Become a trader, importer of goods or an artisan of some sort. We are fashion crazy all over the world now so fashion designing is good, auto engineering (mechanic is good too in a packaged manner). The list is endless.


3. Avoid barbaric people: They say African is the dark continent. This is to say that majority of African inhabitants are still primitive and animalistic in their outlook towards life. Avoid fetish people, surround yourself with open minded people.

4. Contentment: It is common knowledge that wealth is not fairly circulated in the Nigeria society. Not even a little. The gap between the rich and the poor is wide. Therefore, you may feel intimidated when you find your self in some gatherings as a regular Nigeria. But as long as you're giving it your best day by day, endeavour to be happy with the little your may have. Also if you look around, you will find people you're better than, that will make you feel better too. This is not to say you should not strive for a better life and rock the 1M naira Samsung phones, but it is a slow process to get there and you need a joyful spirit to survive to see better days.

5. God: Religion is good. But what is intended here is spiritual understanding. You need to establish connection with your creator and seek his guidance to navigate in this world and trust me, you need his more in Nigeria. Elevate you appetites and desires beyond worldly and material things. When you achieve spiritual enlightenment, your joy and fulfillment will no longer depend on money or fame or power but service to humanity. Mark my word, IF MAKING OTHER PEOPLE HAPPY IS NOT WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY, SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT WITH YOU AND NOTHING CAN TRULY MAKE YOU HAPPY.


These are my thoughts on the subject of happiness in Nigeria. Share your thoughts too