In every society, certain names command respect. Those names that open doors, evoke memories and carry a distinct weight. These are the names of people who once shaped the political, social or economic fabric of their nations. Their children, often born into privilege and recognition, inherit more than just wealth or influence — they inherit expectations. For many, this inheritance is both a blessing and a burden.
When one’s father or mother was a senator, governor, activist or respected community leader, the shadow of their legacy often looms large. You grow up hearing, “You’re the senator’s daughter,” or “Your father did great things for this country.” While these words sound like compliments, they can also become invisible chains that are quietly tying your worth to another person’s achievements.
However, the real question becomes: How does one live up to such a name, create impact and do even better — without losing authenticity or peace?
The weight, challenge of a name
Names are powerful. In many African cultures, a name carries identity, history and purpose. A prominent name, especially one attached to political or societal influence, carries expectations, comparisons and sometimes unrealistic standards.
Children of public figures often grow up under scrutiny. Every decision such as career choice, lifestyle, speech or even mistake is measured against the family name. Society expects you to automatically continue where your parent stopped, forgetting that purpose cannot be inherited.
This unspoken pressure can lead to internal conflict: Should one follow a parent’s path to honour the family legacy? Or should one forge their own way, even if misunderstood? How does one balance respect for their name with the freedom to be oneself? These are questions of identity, not rebellion.
Building your own legacy
The goal is not to escape a parent’s shadow, but to turn it into a foundation upon which your light shines. Some practical steps include:
Redefine the name: Transform the inherited legacy by aligning it with your values and passions. Ask yourself: What principles did my parent uphold that resonate with me? How can I expand this name’s relevance in my own way?
Discover your unique purpose: Purpose is discovered, not inherited. Your calling might differ entirely from your parent’s, whether in education, technology, creativity or social empowerment. Understanding your gifts allows you to stop competing with the past and start fulfilling your own assignment.
Honor, don’t imitate: Preserve the essence of your parent’s values — integrity, service, compassion — but express them in a way that reflects your generation’s needs.
Build competence and credibility: Skills, discipline and authenticity are what sustain influence. Let your achievements speak for themselves.
Face pressure with perspective: Comparison is not your compass. You are not in competition with your parent; you are continuing a season of greatness in your own way.
Engage in service: Contribution keeps a name alive. True fulfilment comes from serving communities, whether in youth empowerment, education or creative endeavours.
Build a relationship with God: Divine guidance sustains influence and purpose beyond societal expectations.
Social support, perspective
The solution is not only individual; society plays a role in reshaping expectations:
Media responsibility: Focus on individual achievements, not just lineage. Stop defining people as “the son or daughter of….”
Mentorship culture: Families should guide the next generation in service, humility and innovation, not mere inheritance of power.
Educational reforms: Teach legacy as evolution, not imitation. Young people must learn early that purpose is personal.
Community support: Encourage personal discovery, skill development and leadership within famous families.
Legacy should not be a weight that crushes; it should be a wind that propels. When you understand this, you stop trying to fill your parent’s shoes and start learning to walk in your own, carrying the family name with grace, strength and vision.
In the end, it is not about doing better than your parent. It is about doing better because of them. Their life opened a path; your courage expands it. Their name gave you a platform; your purpose gives it meaning. Every generation must redefine greatness for its time. If your parent’s legacy was leadership, let yours be transformation. If theirs was influence, let yours be impact.
Your last name may be your inheritance. But your purpose is your identity. And when both align, you don’t just live up to the name. You elevate it.
Parents alarmed as more Nigerian children abandon school
By PETWUL LIVINUS
Parents across Nigeria have raised serious concerns over the rising number of school drop-outs among students in local communities, describing the trend as “disturbing” and a threat to the nation’s future.
The surge in school drop-outs has been linked to factors such as poverty, lack of parental support, family conflicts, poor academic performance, learning difficulties, unsafe school environments, low-quality teaching, peer pressure and living in areas with high crime rates.
Mrs Agnes Pegoelong, a non-academic staff of the University of Jos, expressed her worry, saying, “It is very worrisome that communities today are filled up with youth, even minors who have been denied the right to education due to factors ranging from lack of interest in school, poor academic performance, learning difficulties, poverty, lack of parental support, family conflict, poor school environment, poor teachers’ quality, peer influence and living in areas with high crime rate.”
Catherine Wankuk, a school drop-out who left school in SS2, recounted her personal experience: “During my school days, I lost my dad along the line and since then it became difficult for my mum to sponsor my education and we had no support from family members. It was a difficult time and since then, I lost hope in school and I had no option than to drop-out so as to ease my mum’s burden.”
Another school drop-out, who preferred to remain anonymous due to shame, revealed, “I stopped attending school in Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS 3). My parents were unable to afford money to further my education after my Junior WAEC. Since then, pressure was on me to go get married. I got pregnant and right now I am facing a lot of marital challenges and I believe it is due to my illiteracy.”
Speaking out of experience, retired teacher, Mrs Goshit noted, “This situation is particularly popular in rural areas where access to quality education is already limited, available schools have inadequate facilities, and safety concerns are minimal.
“Another issue which discourages students is bullying. I know pupils who got discouraged because of bullies. School became an uncomfortable environment; they became unmotivated, so they leave and enjoy a free life out of school.”
Mrs Faith Petwul, a staff of Senate Private School, Abuja, said, “This issue of school drop-out can be traced to some fathers neglecting their female children’s education, reasoning that the girl-child will eventually end up under a man’s roof. They believe that she has no business with education, that the only thing she needs is to know how to cook and do other domestic chores. In the shallow mind, women belong in the kitchen.”
She further stated, “Most of our young youth that are drop-outs today are by one way or the other involved in doing things that are not acceptable by our communities. You will see some of them smoking, taking illicit substances, stealing, engaging in yahoo for fast money, causing problems to our communities. Some of them try to influence those in school with the saying that ‘school nah scam,’ which is not true, but due to their lack of interest in academics or the little luck they are enjoying before the long hand of the law catches up with them.”
Echoing the call for action, Mr Lanre of Maraba, Nasarawa State, said, “More than ever before, the Nigerian government needs to invest in free education, at least up to JSS 3, because education is the backbone of every society. Well-meaning Nigerians need to work together with the government to address this issue of school drop-out.”