The degree of classism one witnesses in Nigeria is paradoxical for a country where social mobility is so fluid. You can count on the fingers of your hands the number of wealthy families in Nigeria that can survive without government patronage. That’s why it becomes confusing when you see classist behaviour at public and private engagements from beneficiaries of our rentier system.
The chances of the same Nigerian you look down upon as materially inferior rising to your level are just as high as your chances of falling down the social ladder with a change of government.
The proportion of wealthy Nigerians who neither have the enterprise nor the credentials to sustain their wealth without government patronage is higher than those who possess the business acumen or intellect to thrive on their own, or even function at the top in new businesses or professions.
Every change of government in this country reduces a portion of the elite to struggling reality after a few months or years, while creating a new set of nouveau riche—and that’s frightening. This explains the desperation of some political actors to re-enter the system after leaving office or after the end of their government, seeking to remain relevant enough to sustain patronage.
The funniest thing about this country is that if you go back just one generation in the so-called super-rich families, there is no history of wealth, wealth creation, enterprise, or even professional accomplishment behind their sudden riches. Yet, these same families end up boastful, looking down on the very position they occupied just a generation ago—a position they could easily return to if their breadwinners fall out with the ruling elite.
I went to school with some children of the old money, and I watched them struggle to pay school fees, sometimes borrowing my car just to impress a girl. Nothing humbles my expectations about life more than witnessing such a lifestyle. I grew up reading about their parents’ wealth, and the ashes of that glory are enough reason to remain humble.
There is no level of wealth that time cannot erode. As breadwinners, your prayer should be to equip your dependents with the values to recognise that their privilege is fleeting and to prepare for the future—understanding that there is no absolute guarantee they will make it.
