By Huldah Shado
Abuja residents have expressed deep concern over the growing trend of young people seeking quick money in the country, describing the phenomenon as a double-edged sword that can either fuel ambition and creativity or drag youths into destructive patterns. The residents spoke on Monday in Abuja, highlighting the need for a shift in mindset and approach to address the issue.
According to John Atomore, National Coordinator of AfrisportPro, Abuja, the quick-money mindset thrives in the absence of direction or mentorship. He advocates for creating platforms that reward consistency and growth, which can help shift mindsets from negative to positive. Atomore emphasized the importance of engaging youths in structured activities like sports, skills training, and entrepreneurship, citing the success of initiatives like the AfrisportPro Youth League in discovering and nurturing young talents.
Entrepreneur Esther Emmanuel attributed the quick-money mindset to unemployment among young people, advocating for the government to provide employment opportunities for youths. She believes that a steady income would deter them from seeking illicit means of making money. Emmanuel also stressed the importance of skill-based workshops, effective parental guidance, and strong moral foundations for children.
Nnamdi Ifeanyichukwu, CEO of Studio 7, Abuja, highlighted the need to encourage and reward hard work. He lamented that Nigeria’s value system has been eroded, and the emphasis on quick money has led to a lack of focus on productive skills and entrepreneurship. Ifeanyichukwu suggested that educating youths and creating opportunities for them to discover and harness their talents could help change the quick-money syndrome.
The residents’ concerns reflect a broader issue affecting the country, with many young people seeking quick fixes rather than building sustainable careers. The discussions in Abuja underscore the need for a multifaceted approach to address the root causes of the problem and promote a culture of hard work and entrepreneurship among youths.
