When Victor AD said “Phone dey ring, na family dey call o. If no be billing na something dey sup oh”, I felt that when Jide shared his story.
At twenty-seven, Jide was already feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders. Growing up in Lagos, he knew the concept of “black tax” all too well. As the eldest child, the responsibility of supporting his family fell squarely on his shoulders. His parents’ health issues, his siblings’ school fees, and the daily household expenses all depended on his modest salary of 120k. Not dollars o, naira! Every month, he barely managed to scrape by. The dream of financial freedom seemed far-fetched. The pressure was mounting, and the strain was getting to him physically and mentally. “Black tax wan wound me at this young age,” he muttered as he struggled into his seat beside me for the interview.
What’s your name and what do you do?
Jide: I am Jide Funds. (Ugly laugh) Ironic, right? Let me be using that one to console myself. Speaking it into existence, Abi how do they say it? Anyways, I work as a waiter at one of the biggest restaurants in Lagos.
Ah ahn! you’re a big boy then. You will be getting tips on a steady 😉
Jide: Tips in Nigeria? I wish!! Nigerians are not playing oo. Is it someone that used his last cash to come and eat pasta Alfredo that will remember to tip waiter? If you like dance and use “do you need anything, sir” to wound them, nothing for you o
So, how do you get by every month?
Jide: (sarcastic laugh) Get by? Do I look like I’m getting by like this?
Tell me how you spend your salary every month
Jide: As the eldest child, the responsibility of supporting my family rests on my shoulders. My parents both suffer from chronic illnesses so I have to buy their meds every month. My seven siblings are in public secondary schools so…
Seven siblings???
Jide: Yes oh! We are eight lol.
And the daily household expenses for all of us depends on me too.
What about your babes??
Jide: (chuckles) Which babe will date someone earning 120k? Even me, I cannot date myself like this ( laughs again)
Hmm, so are you considering side hustles or anything of the sort?
Jide: I am actually. I’ve tried my hands on a couple of businesses. I learnt shoe making while I was in secondary school and I used to design shoes back then but it became too expensive and not profitable. I was designing from a friend’s studio until he accused me of stealing his babe…
(Cuts in) Wait, what? You stole someone’s babe?
Jide: Ha no oo. Me ke?! He said his babe liked me and he didn’t want me around anymore so I won’t snatch her. Me that I just wanted to make shoes and make money. That’s how I stopped my shoe business o
Sorry about that. Have you tried any other form of investments?
Jide: Not really? Except ajo that some of my colleagues and I do every month. Save 10k to pack 50k. I can’t wait for my turn next month.
How about cryptocurrency?
Jide: ( laughs) With which money? Oh please? Not an option for people like me
For people like you? Why do you think so?
Jide: I don’t know what they are doing in that thing oo. Everything just feels like one mathematics assignment to me. Some of my guys are into it but I just don’t know mehn. And I hear you need plenty money to start.
Hmm that’s not true. What if you could learn everything you need to know?
Jide: Well, I don’t mind. Need to make something for myself before it’s too late. I’ll be 30 in two years and my parents are growing old. I don’t want them to die without eating the fruits of their labour. I also need to settle down but this 120k cannot cut it oo
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Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and not financial advice. Please do your own research (DYOR) or speak to a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
