Living the Dream: The Real Cost of Prestige in Nigeria's Mega City

Living the Dream: The Real Cost of Prestige in Nigeria's Mega City

In Lagos, Nigeria's bustling megacity, there's an intriguing phenomenon: many people own houses in their hometowns yet still rent properties in Lagos. At first glance, it seems perplexing. Why would anyone pay exorbitant rents in the city when the same amount could build several houses in their villages?

The answer lies in an unspoken code, a dance of vibes and prestige. Owning or even renting property in Lagos—especially in its upscale areas like Ikoyi, Victoria Island, or the famed Banana Island—goes beyond mere shelter. It's a status symbol, a badge of success in a society where appearances often carry as much weight as substance.

Take Banana Island, for instance. Renting a four-bedroom duplex there costs a sum that could fund a lifetime of comfort in less flashy locales. Yet, those who can afford such luxury are perceived as wealthy enough to live in London, New York, or other global hotspots. The math might not always make sense, but the prestige is undeniable.

But it's not just about money. Even the "lucky ones" who stumble upon sudden wealth, say ₦50 million from a business deal, might hesitate before moving to Banana Island. Why? Because beyond affording the rent, there's the weight of expectations—an invisible but heavy cost that must be borne to truly "fit in." In Lagos, the life you live isn't just about what you earn; it's about the reality you project.

Realities vs. Illusions

Critics might label this as "fake life," but what is fake life, really? If fraud is excluded, the quest for better living conditions or access to luxury can be seen as ambition, not deception. However, this reveals an interesting paradox: quality tastes don’t always equate to quality realities. Some may desire the glitz of high-end neighborhoods, but without the substance to sustain that lifestyle, it remains an unfulfilled dream.

What truly separates those living their reality from those chasing illusions? It’s courage, discipline, and a relentless drive to turn aspirations into tangible outcomes. Wealthy people may not always be kind or altruistic, but they often demonstrate a mastery of reality—a consistency in decisions and actions that sustains their affluence.

Doors as Pathways to New Realities

People, like doors, are gateways to new worlds. Relationships, whether platonic or romantic, have a unique power to open or close pathways to opportunities, experiences, and even entire cultures. Every individual carries their own "world," and to step into their reality is to embrace their loves, struggles, and truths.

Imagine an African man raised abroad, distanced from his ancestral roots. Even if royalty courses through his veins, he remains a stranger to his homeland until he chooses to reconnect—to walk through the "doors" of his people. It’s not just a physical return; it's an emotional and cultural reawakening.

But not all doors are worth entering. Some lead to joy, others to heartbreak. Some stay shut, requiring patience, wisdom, and self-reflection to unlock. As the saying goes, “Not all that glitters is gold.” The same applies to opportunities disguised as shortcuts. While they promise quick wins, they often lead to hollow victories.

Counting the Cost

Before knocking on any door—whether it’s a dream job, a relationship, or a luxurious lifestyle—one must count the cost. Starting a house without finishing it leaves you neither here nor there. Similarly, rushing into a new reality without understanding its demands can lead to regrets.

Breakthroughs, while celebrated, are only the beginning. Beyond the euphoria lies the responsibility to maintain and build on that success. Reflection, meditation, and prayers become essential tools to navigate life beyond the initial "win."

What Lies Beyond the Door?

In the end, the question isn’t whether the door will open—it will. The real question is: What are you walking into? Each door holds a different reality, and behind every reality lies a new challenge, a new lesson, and a new opportunity to grow.

So, before you knock, take a moment. Count the cost. Weigh the stakes. And when the door swings wide, step in with both eyes open, ready to embrace whatever lies ahead.