There was a time not too long ago when the most inspiring stories in Nigeria didn’t come from politics, they came from the streets, the villages, the small rooms where people dared to dream beyond their circumstances.
And one of those stories is that of Rahila Abdu, a young woman from Nakaura in Katsina State, whose journey into entrepreneurship reminds us that success doesn’t have to wear agbada or sit in the corridors of power.
It can wear an apron, carry a bucket of soap, and still change lives.
A Story That Deserves to Be Told Again and Again
At just 25, Rahila faced the same challenges many northern Nigerian women still do today: limited access to education, financial hardship, and societal expectations that discourage women from dreaming big.
But instead of giving in, she found her way through Household Essentials, a small business she built from scratch producing soap, creams, and agricultural products. Her turning point came through the Village Savings and Loan Association and the Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) training supported by Pyxera Global and the International Labour Organization.
She didn’t need a political godfather. She needed an opportunity and she grabbed it.
Changing the Narrative
Today in Nigeria, there’s a dangerous and growing belief that the only way to “make it” is through politics. That if you’re not close to power, or part of the system, your dreams don’t stand a chance.
Rahila’s story pushes back against that narrative.
She didn’t chase contracts. She built value.
She didn’t campaign for office. She campaigned for confidence, hers and that of the women around her.
And most importantly, she didn’t wait for handouts. She created something with her hands that has not only sustained her family but empowered others in her community.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
Nigeria is full of young people with talent, ideas, and resilience. But somewhere along the way, we’ve started sending the wrong message: that real success is only found in politics or flashy influence.
That’s simply not true.
The reality is, stories like Rahila’s are happening quietly across the country. They may not make headlines, but they are shaping the future, one bar of soap, one training session, one small business at a time.
If we want a better Nigeria, we need to celebrate and invest in these stories. We need to tell our youth that building something real is still possible and it matters.
What We Can Learn from Rahila
Her journey is more than just a success story, it’s a lesson in dignity, determination, and development. Here’s what it teaches:
- You don’t need to be in government to make impact. Your skills and ideas are just as powerful.
- Training and access to capital matter. Programs like SIYB are changing lives quietly, but effectively.
- Empowering others is the ultimate win. Rahila didn’t just build a business; she built other women’s confidence and capacity.
- Real success comes from creating, not just consuming.
The Real Question We Should Be Asking
Instead of asking, who do you know in politics?
Let’s start asking, what are you building?
Because Nigeria needs more builders, not just power seekers.
Final Thoughts
Rahila Abdu may not be trending on Twitter or giving fiery speeches on national TV, but her story is exactly what we need to hear more of right now.
She reminds us that there’s power in entrepreneurship, beauty in service, and dignity in doing honest work. Her impact didn’t come from holding office, but from holding fast to her vision, even when the odds were stacked against her.
Let’s share her story. Let’s teach it in schools. Let’s celebrate entrepreneurs like her, not just politicians.
And most importantly, let’s change the narrative.
The future of Nigeria won’t be saved by politics alone. It will be built by people like Rahila—quietly, bravely, and with purpose.
What are you building? Share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s start a different kind of conversation—one built on action, not ambition alone.
