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Emilia's Pen Nigeria Student @ University of Abuja
In People and Society 2 min read
Propaganda I'm Not Falling For: Lagos is the Land of All Opportunities
<p>Welcome back to my series on the "propaganda" I’m just not buying into. Today, I'm tackling a narrative that’s as common as the Lagos traffic itself: the idea that Lagos is the sole "land of all opportunities" in Nigeria.</p><p><br/></p><p>This propaganda is incredibly powerful. It's an unspoken rule that if you're ambitious and want to succeed, your journey must inevitably lead you to Lagos. The city is portrayed as a bustling hub of commerce, innovation, and upward mobility—a place where dreams are made and where every problem has a solution waiting to be found. The stories of people who came to Lagos with nothing and became millionaires are the fuel for this narrative, creating an intense pull that makes many believe they simply cannot thrive anywhere else. This narrative often minimizes the potential and unique advantages of other Nigerian cities, painting them as sleepy, slow, or lacking in the dynamism needed for success.</p><p><br/></p><p>I'm not falling for it. I believe this propaganda oversimplifies a complex reality and places undue pressure on millions of people. While Lagos certainly has a vibrant economy, it also has immense challenges—the high cost of living, debilitating traffic, and fierce competition can make it a difficult, and at times, unforgiving place to live and work. The idea that it's the *only* place to find success is a myth that often leads people to sacrifice comfort and well-being for a promise that isn't guaranteed.</p><p><br/></p><p>The truth is, opportunity is everywhere. Many other cities and regions in Nigeria are experiencing their own growth and development, offering their own unique chances for success, often with a much better quality of life. The "Lagos or bust" mentality is a form of tunnel vision. Real opportunity is created by your skills, your network, and your resilience—not by a specific location.</p>
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