I remember when I turned 20 and it was supposed to be a small party with friends, cakes, Jollof rice and just a new pair of sneakers given to me. But I never knew life had other plans for me.
On that fateful day of my birthday, I found out that my dad is the runaway son of a criminal landlord and my mom is also a daughter of a top secret agent. And now I'm faced with a big problem, both families now want me as their heir.
So one day I went from planning my next semester at uni and do you know what, I was faced with a choice. A choice that could alter my life forever. And growing in a place like Lagos, I've seen how choices of people have shaped destinies.
I know I could inherit power, I could inherit wealth or danger or walk my own path but honestly. The idea of taking over my family business is making me afraid. Imagine being a warlord, how does that sound, sound like all those what we watch in Hollywood movie where you see so many guns and also you're seeing secret agents and this always feels like a stress you just sign up that never ends. I don't know.
What do I expect me to do now?
For now I'm choosing me. I want to build a life that is surrounded by my passion and not what others think of me. So my strategy is simple. I have to focus on what aligns to my life and my value.
For me I love helping people. I love to hear what others have to say and their concern. That is why I've tried to lean towards studying law to fight for justice. My uncle was a lawyer, my other uncle was a pastor and these people remind me that I don't have to follow anyone's script.
What actually keeps me going? There is a belief that I can start to create something meaningful, like maybe one day I will open the community center. One thing I've learned the stories of my parents is that running from a legacy does not mean rejection. It just means that you're just trying to redefine something special in your life.
If right now you're facing a big choice it's not time to panic. Take a deep breath, take your time and think how you want your life to be meaningful to you. Share your problems to people. Take one step.
What I can say is my 20th birthday really taught me that life can surprise you at any time and these are the time that you have to prove yourself and give yourself a chance to grow. I don't want to be a spy, I just want to be me and just me alone, that is enough to build myself and to create a legacy and make myself proud.