For a lot of Nigerian youths battling unemployment, lack of connections, and the every day grind of survival, hope typically appears like a luxurious.
However Isaac Balami, an aviator and entrepreneur who just turned 41, believes his life story proves in any other case. Balami grew up in Borno with out wealth, affect, or “godfathers,” but he rose to turn out to be an airline boss and youth advocate.
Reflecting on his journey in a message on his X deal with, he stated his struggles ought to encourage younger Nigerians to not give up their desires.
“I began in aviation with out a godfather, no assets, no connection. I had solely religion and willpower. It wasn’t a easy trip however I used to be constant, marrying my imaginative and prescient with tenacity,” he wrote.
For him, turning 41 is greater than only a private milestone. It’s a second of reflection on what it means to outlive in a rustic the place the chances are stacked towards bizarre folks.
“Birthdays for me are usually not about fanfare however reflection, gratitude, and renewing our dedication to life’s journey,” he stated.
Balami insists that setbacks can function launchpads slightly than obstacles.
“Challenges are usually not roadblocks; they’re runways. Use them to take off,” he suggested, urging younger folks to see alternatives even in hardship.
His ardour for lifting others is clear in his investments in education and aviation training, the place he has supported 160 younger Nigerians to start their careers. For him, that continues to be his best pleasure.
However past his private story, Balami’s message is a mirror for hundreds of thousands of youths annoyed by unemployment, economic hardship, and disillusionment. His phrases try and shift the narrative: that resilience and self-belief are instruments to navigate a tricky atmosphere.
“As I step into this forty first 12 months, my message is clearly that of hope and self-belief. Don’t quit. Keep true to your dream,” he concluded.
