Childhood is one of the beautiful times in many humans' lives, and sadly, it's not the same for everyone. Mine was filled with lots of memories worth reflecting on today, and I do not hesitate doing so whenever it comes to mind, just like today.
Regardless of what childhood looks like for us as individuals, one thing we all had the ability to do as kids was dreaming, and I enjoyed it a lot. It was free, and we didn't need any permission whatsoever to dream; it was one perfect way I escaped reality.
My family had financial struggles and some challenges that didn't make me happy back then. I didn't enjoy so many things other kids did, but I was loved, and that was more than enough for me. Being a child, ignoring the things I wasn't enjoying was difficult, and to distract myself, I got busy with other activities like football, recycling, working to earn money, and others.
All of these things didn't make me as happy as I used to be when dreaming about the future. Those fantasies always took me to a new level, and it served as a restoration of hope for me. I believed that my present doesn't determine my future, and if I didn't stop believing in myself, I can achieve a lot.
Among those dreams then was my career; I wanted to be either a footballer or pilot. I played football a lot, but due to the lack of equipment and care, I sustained different injuries, including a broken leg, torn foot sole, and others.
My legs became really bad, and even though, I still struggle with some leg issues that started back then. One particular injury made me quit because a doctor warned me against playing football and I watched that dream fade away.
I had to depend on another dream, which was actually my first; it all started when we lived in Oshodi, close to the Muritala International Airport. Whenever an airplane flew over our house, I always wondered how something as big as that flies in the sky.
I found the whole airplane thing fascinating, and it became an interest to me. I wanted to become a pilot, and my mom would always say that making such a thing happen required reading a lot, which I did. I studied hard to always be at my best, but just reading wasn't enough.
Before completing my high school, I started making research about aviation school and was shocked to see how much they charged; there was no way my mom could afford such. I had to reach out to my dad for support, which he promised, but nothing happened.
At that time, it felt like I couldn't do anything more than just piloting. I lost interest in my other passions, and life became boring, but I didn't stop looking for alternative ways to bring that dream to a reality.
I learned about the Nigerian Air Force, which was going to be a chance to fulfill that dream, and immediately started working on it. I registered for the Nigeria Defense Academy examination and prepared thoroughly for it.
Three years passed, and I kept trying the exam until an uncle in the police force told me that getting into the NDA required a kind of connection I don't have. I reached out to someone who could help me again, but everything was futile.
I had to quit because it was pointless chasing something that didn't look like it was going to work out. It hurts, but quitting was the best option; I knew it was time to move forward since I can't afford the aviation school and didn't have the connection to get into the Air Force.
I chose another career that took me another few years to prepare for because the support was not there. I tried something else, but the passion wasn't there until farming became an option for me. I embraced it and told myself that becoming everything I wanted before might just not be my destiny.
It's all in the past, and I am happy with my present life.
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Sometimes, destiny also plays its role in whatever happens to us and above all, God's will happens. What we may wish for ourselves, God might say, "I want something different for you, my child." For some, they pursued their dreams right from childhood and this is because God wanted it to be and for others, due to different factors at play couldn't.
I believe that too and it's one of the reasons why I just let go. Forcing things might definitely not end well so it's important to give something else a try.
Your efforts and courage are truly commendable, even when obstacles stand in the way of your dreams. Keep moving forward.
Yes, we had to try. If I hadn't tried, I might blame myself for not fulfilling those dreams. I believe that some things are just not meant to be so it's best to let them be.
As kids I am sure we all dreamt very big, no one had small dreams, we all wanted to do something really great.
You are right bro, we dreamt endlessly because we didn't have any restrictions. It was fun, those dreams played a huge role in my childhood.
Wow, it takes alot of strength to share all of these....So amazing that despite everything, you’ve found happiness in the present. That’s growth. That’s success in its own right. And honestly? You should be proud. Much love dee♥️🌹
Wow, reading this hit deep, it’s never easy watching your dreams slip away, especially after trying so hard from so many angles.
Sometimes When childhood dreams are shattered the heart also stops for a moment but you did not lose your courage, chose new paths, and controlled yourself at every turn of life and this is the real victory.
sometimes you will think you have the most pathetic story until you hear that of another. This our local football has destroyed a lot of dreams, there's zero care and concern for those from poor background who are considering the career. I know of many people who thought football would change their lives, they gave it their all but they are nothing today, it's as they just wasted their lives hoping on football.
I am glad you embraced change and took agriculture seriously, a lot of people are making it in agriculture. You can be among them too.
If we are facing financial problems even in childhood, we can not fulfill our dreams and continue to struggle.
Sometimes, life doesn’t turn out the way we planned, no matter how hard we tried. It hurts, but it also teaches us.
What matters most is that you didn’t give up, you found something meaningful to do instead of staying stuck in disappointment.
Farming may not look easy, but it’s a honest work. It doesn’t need favors or big names, just real effort, and that effort always speaks.
Keep pushing. Your reward is in the soil, and your time will come.
Wishing you all the best ahead.
You might not have had everything you wanted as a child, but you were loved at home, that's priceless.
You might not have gotten a spark or chance in aviation, what's ahead is greater, just keep being positive and consistent on what you do.
Farming is also lucrative in Nigeria, considering the price of goods .