Nigerian billionaire businessman and founder of Coscharis Group, Cosmas Maduka, has criticized the parenting approach of many African parents, calling them “dream killers” for stifling their children’s potential.
Speaking during a recent podcast interview, Maduka reflected on his own experiences both as a child and a father.
He recalled riding a motorcycle at the age of 11 but admitted that when his own son wanted to do the same at 16, he refused, out of fear.
“We parents are dream killers, including me,” he said candidly.
“I drove motorbike when I was 11 years. I have a child, when he was 16 years, he wanted to ride a bike and I said ‘you will not, you will kill yourself’.”
Maduka questioned why he felt he had better judgment than his son at the same age, acknowledging that his protective instincts may have been misplaced.
“My only son that drives a motorbike did that out of disobedience and today, I go out biking with him,” he added.
“Sometimes, It’s Good to Miss the Road”
He emphasized the importance of risk-taking and self-discovery, noting that children from average families are often shielded from failure and life experiences.
“It is good to follow instruction but sometimes it is good to miss road. If you never miss the road, you will never discover a new road,” he said.
“We try to micromanage our children so much… Not willing to take risk! That is about risk!”
Maduka’s message strikes a chord in a society where many parents prioritize security and tradition over encouraging exploration and independence.
Social Media Reactions
His remarks have sparked conversations online, with many praising his honesty and others debating the balance between protection and freedom in parenting.
As a respected entrepreneur and role model, Maduka’s comments are a wake-up call to African parents about the importance of nurturing dreams rather than suppressing them out of fear.
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