In an era where social media often glorifies overnight wealth and extravagant lifestyles, a seasoned legal practitioner offers a crucial counter-narrative rooted in realism, ethics, and long-term vision. Mr. Azeez Abdullahi, an Ilorin-based lawyer, presents a compelling case for why young people must fundamentally embrace discipline and consciously shun the dangerous allure of fast, easy money.
His advice, delivered in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), cuts to the heart of a pervasive societal issue: the “quick money syndrome.” This isn’t merely about impatience; it’s a mindset that prioritizes immediate financial gain over sustainable effort, often blinding individuals to severe consequences. Abdullahi observes that many youths are now going to extremes, pursuing money “at all costs,” with little regard for the legal or moral fallout.
The High Cost of Shortcuts: Beyond Regret
Abdullahi’s warning is stark and specific. He highlights the most tragic manifestations of this desperation: involvement in money rituals or illegal enterprises. The lawyer emphasizes that the end of such paths is rarely prosperity. “The end of such desperate act always results to regret and death,” he states. This is not just metaphorical. From financial scams and cybercrime to violent robbery and ritual killings, the pursuit of quick wealth often leads to imprisonment, violence, societal breakdown, and loss of life. The lawyer’s perspective from the courtroom provides a unique vantage point on these tragic conclusions, seeing firsthand the shattered lives and legal repercussions that follow.
The Discipline Dividend: Building What Lasts
But what is the alternative? Abdullahi advocates for the timeless virtues of hard work and discipline. In a practical sense, discipline means:
– Consistent Skill Development: Dedicating time to education, apprenticeships, or vocational training, even when results aren’t immediate.
– Financial Prudence: Learning to manage, save, and invest small amounts steadily, understanding the power of compound growth.
– Ethical Foundation: Making decisions aligned with integrity, which builds a reputable personal brand crucial for long-term career and business success.
Discipline, therefore, is the engine for building legitimate, transferable capital—not just monetary, but intellectual, social, and reputational.
The Social Media Mirage and a Call for Systemic Support
Abdullahi directly addresses a key driver of the problem: “Stop copying fake life from social media.” Platforms like Instagram and TikTok often present a curated highlight reel of wealth—luxury cars, designer goods, and lavish parties—without showing the hard work, privilege, or, in some cases, the debt or illicit activities behind them. Consuming this content without critical thinking fuels unrealistic expectations and destructive comparison.
The lawyer also correctly identifies that the solution isn’t solely on the shoulders of the youth. He advises the government to intentionally capture youths in empowerment programmes. Effective, accessible programmes in areas like digital skills, agribusiness, and artisanal trades can provide the legitimate tools and start-up capital that make the disciplined path viable and attractive. As Abdullahi notes, this dual approach—individual responsibility coupled with systemic opportunity—can reduce crime rates and foster a more patriotic, invested citizenry.
Ultimately, Mr. Azeez Abdullahi’s counsel is a call for a profound mindset shift. It’s a recognition that true success is a marathon, not a sprint. By choosing the disciplined path, young people do not just avoid ruin; they build a life of substance, self-respect, and sustainable achievement that no amount of quick money can ever provide.
Edited by Vivian Ihechu
