I am Dr. Charles Apoki, and today, I want us to have an honest conversation about the future. It’s a Saturday morning in Nigeria, and as I reflect on life, I’m reminded of the importance of deliberate planning. Many of us go through life without stopping to ask some critical questions about where we’re headed. I believe it’s time to change that.
10 Years from Now: Where Will You Be?
Let’s begin with a simple question: 10 years from now, how old will you be? For me, I’ll be 75. My eldest child will be 48, and my youngest will be 38. These milestones come with significant financial and emotional implications. If you have children, think about what stage of life they will be in 10 years from now. Will they be in secondary school, university, or even starting their own families?
For those of you with aging parents, consider this: if your father is 70 today, he’ll be 80 in 10 years. What plans have you made to support him, especially as his needs grow with age?
What Will Your Financial Situation Look Like?
Think about your income and savings. If you’re earning ₦40,000 monthly, even if you save every naira without spending a kobo, you’d have ₦4.8 million in 10 years. Will that be enough to sustain you, educate your children, or care for your aging parents? With inflation and devaluation of the naira, what will your savings actually be worth?
I know someone who lived in a rented house for 31 years, only to be evicted by the landlord without compensation. When he started renting, land in that area was selling for ₦2,000 to ₦5,000 per plot. Today, that same land is worth millions. The lesson here is clear: failing to plan is planning to fail.
Are You Prepared for Change?
Everything changes with time—your health, relationships, and circumstances. If you’re 45 now, by 55, you may face health issues like prostate problems. Will you have the resources to handle them?
Even in relationships, time brings changes. People you depend on now might not be there in 10 years. Spouses, friends, and even children can change their priorities. Are you building something that can sustain you, even if your support system changes?
The Bigger Picture: 10 Years in Nigeria and Beyond
Now, let’s widen the lens. Think about the country. With the current trajectory of insecurity, ethnocentrism, and economic challenges, what will Nigeria look like in 10 years? How will the value of the naira compare to today? Will the agitation in the East or the rise of terrorism in the North have escalated?
Globally, policies like those of Donald Trump in the U.S. are reshaping how immigrants are treated. Mass deportations and rising ethnophobia are realities. Are you prepared for a world where movement and opportunities are increasingly restricted?
Taking Action Now
For me, I’ve decided to plan deliberately for the next 10 years. I’m writing down my goals, projecting my expenditures, and identifying the projects I need to complete. I’m not leaving things to chance, and neither should you.
Ask yourself these critical questions today. Don’t wait for the future to catch you unprepared. Remember, failing to plan is planning to fail.
Join me for my upcoming online conference on December 6th and 7th. Let’s explore how to build a future we can look forward to. Reach out via WhatsApp at +234 82121 9262 for more details.
God bless you.
Your friend,
Dr. Charles Apoki
