By Bamidele Atoyebi

‎The narrative surrounding Nigeria often centers on economic hardship and the "Japa" syndrome, the mass migration of youth seeking greener pastures abroad. However, an emerging perspective suggests that this departure is frequently a symptom of lack of resourcefulness rather than a lack of national wealth. The country is described as one of the wealthiest nations on earth in terms of natural endowments, yet its riches remain hidden from those who lack the strategic vision to see opportunities beneath them.

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‎Economic experts and mentors argue that the perceived unemployment crisis is actually a "wisdom crisis," where citizens overlook massive market gaps. By shifting the focus from seeking help to practical innovation, these leaders encourage people to look at the ground beneath them for financial freedom.

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‎A prime example of this untapped potential is found in the healthcare sector, where many nurses and doctors are currently deserting Nigeria for overseas. While they seek employment abroad, they overlook the fact that professional home-delivery healthcare is almost non-existent in Nigeria. A nurse who innovates by bringing professional care and drug dispensing directly to patients’ homes could potentially become more successful than those working 24-hour shifts in foreign hospitals.

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‎True economic empowerment often starts within the family unit, specifically by looking at established but "unpolished" legacy businesses. Many families have spent decades in sectors like building materials or wholesale seafood business, yet the younger, educated generation often view these trades as beneath them. This disconnect prevents the infusion of modern academic insights into proven, profitable industries that have sustained families for generations.

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‎The testimony of a 50-year veteran in the seafood industry highlights the tragic cost of ignoring these local gold mines. This entrepreneur has trained numerous individuals who have become self-sufficient millionaires, yet her own family members refused to learn the trade. Because they failed to see the opportunity at their doorstep, they now struggle with poverty and cannot support their families, even while surrounded by a thriving business.

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‎Innovation does not always require starting from zero or having massive startup capital; it often requires the "Uber" mindset. Just as Uber revolutionized transportation without owning a single car, a resourceful individual can leverage existing networks and platforms. A professional only needs a point of contact and a reputation for excellence to begin offering specialized services, whether in medicine, catering, or wholesale trade.

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‎Instead of remaining idle while waiting for a dream job, young professionals are encouraged to accompany their parents or relatives to their business locations. This hands-on experience allows them to learn the fundamental "buying and selling" strategies that have stood the test of time. By observing the supply chain and identifying inefficiencies, an educated person can introduce new innovations, technologies or marketing strategies to scale the business rapidly.

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‎The modernization of traditional trade can lead to earning significant returns in just a few days. While a wholesale dealer might have a large inventory, an educated innovator with only a few samples and superior sales skillsets can often grab the advantages than the traditional merchant. This is achieved by targeting high-end clients or using digital platforms to reach a wider clientele than a physical storefront allows.

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‎A recurring theme is that "everything in Nigeria makes money" if one has the foresight. For instance, the massive crowds that gather at churches every Sunday represent a captive market for food vendors and service providers. One entrepreneur who noticed this and opened a food spot near a church reportedly earns more in a single Sunday than others do in three months.

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‎Ultimately, strategic thinking is the ultimate gateway in business success. By applying academic knowledge and professional standards to traditional sectors, individuals can reclaim their economic dignity. The message remains clear, the opportunities sought in foreign nations are often already available at home for those resourceful enough to seize them. Like they always say, what they are looking for in Sokoto is in their shokoto.

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Bamidele Atoyebi is the Convener of BAT Ideological Group, National Coordinator of Accountability and Policy Monitoring and a publisher at Unfiltered and Mining Reporting