I use MTN 8,000 naira data every two weeks (or more frequently)... Translates to at least 196,000 in 2014.

When we should also be manufacturing our own we are angry with the US of A. When will we learn to be self reliant?

obyrich: How did you make it?? If you succeeded by dint of hardwork and not by cutting corners and cheating, did you become a millionaire at 24? I know many oil bunkerers and drug peddlers who made it much earlier than 24. If you really want to motivate Nigerian youths tell us exactly what you did. ATIKU and IBB lost their parents at a much younger age than you and by their 28 birthday, they have achieved much more. There are many ways to create wealth open to the Nigerian graduate. I have many friends who run exam malpractice centres and are smiling to the banks with their millions. Is that a legit business? In my days as an undergraduate I was once contracted for 120k to cover a school owned by a Reverend in science subjects in Wassce. Many people are not rich today because their conscience is still alive. You can make millions at 20 and be bankrupt at 40. Ask Mike Tyson and Evander Holy who made $250m and $350m respectively in their boxing careers how much they retired with. All the same congrats if the means is genuine.

Thank you. What I did was to start with an office job for which I worked for three years, during which I saved 800,000 naira since no one would consider giving me a loan without collateral.
Using my capital, I then started out supplying laptops to people who would pay within two to three months... Started slow, but has grown with time.
I am really grateful to God...

Thought provoking post.
I personally believe that the failure of leadership and the Nigerian system should not be our own reason to fail. Look around,many young people have arisen against all odds to succed-for instance I lost both parents by 16, had almost no support from family and literally paid my way through the university, now I'm 28 and have a business with eight staff that's worth 15 million naira, and growing...
All I'm saying is that if you really want success badly, you'll consider the " system" a stepping stone and not an impediment.

Personally, four books have influenced me the most and helped my business which I started with 900,000 naira two years ago, grow to a worth of about 10 million naira now.
They are-
1. The Bible- especially Deut 8:18
2. The E-Myth revisited by Michael Gerber
3.The E-Myth manager by Michael Gerber
4. Rich dads guide to investing by Robert Kiyosaki.

Gerber's books are MUST READS!!!

One of the best things that happened to me in life was to do my NYSC in Anambra State in 2008/2009. I learnt so much, made many friends, and so much money. NCCF made it worthwhile.
Given the opportunity again, I'll still choose Anambra.