Popular Nigerian skit maker Zicsaloma has encouraged young people to stop relying on financial handouts and instead focus on acquiring practical skills that can provide long-term income and financial independence.
The content creator said one of the biggest reasons many people remain financially dependent is the absence of marketable skills, arguing that education alone is no longer enough in today’s competitive economy.
According to him, learning a valuable trade or professional skill gives people a far better chance of building a sustainable future than constantly depending on others for support.
Speaking in a video shared online, Zicsaloma said:
“You know, you can’t have money if you’re not doing anything. Like you’re redundant. You don’t have a skill. You don’t stand a chance. Or your chance is almost zero.”
“Many Graduates Can’t Even Apply What They Studied”
The comedian also expressed concern over what he described as the widening gap between academic qualifications and practical competence.
He noted that while many people hold university degrees, some struggle to apply the knowledge they acquired in school or lack basic employable skills needed to earn a living.
He said:
“You can’t drive. You can’t cook. You’re not a chef. You are not computer literate. You don’t know graphic design. You don’t do AI. You done nothing.”
He continued:
“Some of you even though they’re graduates. You don’t even know what you studied. You studied English, you can’t even construct proper sentences. You studied accountancy. You don’t know how to bookkeep.”
“The Person Could Not Name a Single Skill”
Zicsaloma revealed that he regularly receives messages from people asking him for financial assistance.
Recalling one particular experience, he said someone had repeatedly requested money over several months.
However, when he asked what skill the individual possessed or what they could do to earn a living, the person reportedly had no answer.
“I said what can you do… The person said nothing. What can you do? The person could not think of anything.”
For the skit maker, the encounter reinforced his belief that many people are seeking financial help without first investing in themselves.
“Seek Mentors, Not Handouts”
Rather than asking successful people for money, Zicsaloma advised young Nigerians to look for mentors who can teach them practical, income-generating skills.
He mentioned professions such as driving, catering, barbering, hairdressing and other vocational trades as examples of careers that can eventually grow into successful businesses.
According to him, consistent dependence on others is not sustainable.
“Nobody will keep giving you money forever. You always be a burden to people. People always run away from you.”
He added:
“Instead of disturbing people for money, disturb people you can learn skills from… You could be a chef, you could be a driver. Just start from somewhere.”
“A Skill Can Make You a Millionaire”
Concluding his message, Zicsaloma urged young people to prioritise skill acquisition, stressing that mastery of a valuable trade can create life-changing opportunities.
He said:
“Your goal should be a skill… Learn properly. You can become a millionaire from that skill. Just know that if you’re at home and you’re redundant, you do not stand a chance.”
His comments have resonated with many social media users, particularly amid rising youth unemployment and the growing demand for practical digital and vocational skills. While some agreed that acquiring relevant skills has become essential in today’s economy, others noted that access to training opportunities and jobs also remains a major challenge for many young Nigerians.
Still, Zicsaloma’s central message was clear: lasting financial independence begins with learning something valuable that other people are willing to pay for.
