Ah, you sef get mind sha.

After everything your parents have sacrificed, after everything they’ve done for you, you now want to wake up one morning and tell them, “Daddy, Mummy, I want to be a content creator” after morning devotion.

As someone who has a sibling, I can tell you from experience that yours would cover their ears because they know what comes next after that line. You sef know what comes next.

“Are you okay? Is something wrong with your brain?!”

But how dare you?

You want to snatch mummy’s dream of being called ‘Mummy Engineer’ and crush Daddy’s bragging rights at the next outing with his well-to-do friends?

Because what will he tell them? That his child went from studying medicine to dancing and doing interviews on TikTok? Goofing around like you don’t have a future?

They just have this assumption that you don’t want to focus on education anymore. And you want to drop out.

If you do though, that’s not a problem. It’s your decision. You’ve thought it over countless times and you’ve probably packed your bags to relocate to your friend’s place as a contingency plan.

And you know what? You’re probably overthinking this. Maybe it’s not even that deep. Just walk up to them like the mature adult you are and lay it all out.

“I’ve found my calling. It’s content creation.” Surely, they’ll understand.

Or not. Let’s be honest, you’ve probably already opened your mouth to say something ‘stupid’ before and they sat you down for a two-hour TED Talk on “the dangers of unseriousness.”

Now you’re traumatized. Take it from me, convincing your parents is a process. Now, this process is not foolproof. And look, I can’t provide accommodation if things go south so just take this advice with a pinch of salt.

Step 1: Start by Overhyping the Industry

First things first, you need to sell the dream. Nigerian parents don’t understand influencing, but they understand money.

“Na money be Koko!”

Start dropping subtle hints like, “Do you know people make millions just by posting videos online?” Sprinkle examples of creators they’ve seen on TV or ones they respect (think Broda Shaggi or Taaooma).

If you’re feeling spicy, casually add, “Even that your pastor you like is on Instagram.” Watch them blink in confusion.

Step 2: Test the Waters

Before you announce your career shift, run a small experiment. Show them a video you’ve created — maybe something funny or “educational.”

Frame it as a hobby and gauge their reaction.

If they laugh or ask, “Did you do this?” you’re on the right track. If they hit you with a “Don’t you have books to read?” Well, brace yourself or just put the akara in the nylon and wrap it up. It’s over.

Step 3: Find an Ally

Every Nigerian household has that one relative who is cooler than the rest. It could be your funky auntie who follows Burna Boy or your tech-savvy cousin that comes home from the US for the holidays. Bring them on board.

Let them casually bring up the benefits of content creation at the next family gathering. Nigerian parents love a good second opinion.

Step 4: Present Your “Plan”

This is where you go full-on PowerPoint mode. Nigerian parents fear what they don’t understand, so break it down.

Explain how you’ll create content, make money (“Monetized YouTube channel” sounds sexy, trust me), and keep your reputation intact (“No shaking bum bum o”).

End with a reassuring, “I’ll still finish school” if you’re a student. It’s a cheat code.

Step 5: Mention the “Big Names”

Nigerian parents worship success stories. Mention people like Mr. Macaroni (“See how he’s using his law degree to do skits!”). Drop names like Ebuka (“Even with all his fine suits, he started as a media personality”). Or even Aproko Doctor, bingo! This makes it feel less risky and more like you’re walking a noble path.

Step 6: Show Them the Money

Do you have your first brand deal? A small payout? Any evidence that you can make money? Show them! Nigerian parents won’t argue with a crisp alert from Zenith Bank.

If you’re still broke, though, try “This is an investment for the future”. They won’t get it, but they’ll respect the big grammar.

Step 7: Be Ready for Bible Verses

No matter how smooth your pitch is, expect resistance. They’ll pull out scriptures about the straight and narrow path and not following worldly trends.

Stay calm. Nod. Smile. Don’t argue. Just let them finish and then hit them with, “I’ve prayed about it, and I believe this is my purpose.” Game over.

Step 8: Stay Consistent

Nigerian parents are results-oriented. Once they see you’re serious — and not just wasting their Wi-Fi — they’ll come around.

Someday, they’ll even brag about you to their friends. “Do you know my child is an influencer? You people should follow their Instagram. They are doing big things!”

My final thoughts?

Oh, you’re still here? I must commend you. Finishing this article is the first sign you’re ready.

Last resort? If all else fails? Just tell them, “God is leading me.” Who can argue with God?

Categorized in:

Cultural Experiments