LAPO is trending because of the NEPO kids vs. NAPO kids gist. — based on popular demand.
So., last week billionaire, Femi Otedola announced he’d be releasing a book titled “making it big” where he reveals how he made it.
Seeing it, Salako, an international scholar, laughed it down. Stating that, his book is not for the regular or average Nigerian.
Because, as a regular Nigerian, it’s better to buy food than spend the money on his motivational book, as it would only end one way. — in hopes and dreams.
A lot of folks disagreed with Salako, saying he’s jealous. That’s why he’s discouraging people from patronizing the book.
Salako raised it and gave his reasons. That firstly, Otedola is a Nepotism baby. i.e. special federal favoritism made him.
He started by reminding Nigerians that Femi Otedola didn’t make his money from reading motivational books. Instead, his dad was Michael Otedola, a one time former governor of Lagos State from January 1992 to November 1993.
And in 2007, Femi Otedola was able to get a special loan of $1.5bn from banks for his Zenon Oil and Gas company. And by 2009 he appeared on Forbes list. Hardwork? — Salako’s point here is, a regular Joe won’t get $1.5bn loan, in Nigeria or anywhere in the world, without tangible leverage.
Yet twitter wasn’t fully convinced. So he delved deeper and mentioned popular people with access due to nepotism ties (government funds).
DJ Exclusive — real name, Rotimi Alakija, nephew of Folorunsho Alakija who is second Africa’s richest woman. She’s now in oil and gas, but made her fortune as Maryam Babangida’s personal trailer for 10yrs, growing her network and giving her access to oil blocks.
Wole Soyinka and Fela: Wole’s uncle is Fela’s father. Herbert Macaulay the man on 1 Naira, is Ajayi Crowther’s grandson. Herbert is now Fela’s great grandfather. So, both Wole Soyinka and Fela are linked to Nepotism.
Asika — Davido’s manager Asa Asika and Obi Asika are related. Anthony Ukpabi Asika the first governor of East Central State (now divided into Enugu, Imo, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi). — He is Obi Asika’s father, and Asa Asika’s grandfather.
Interestingly, Naeto C is their cousin. Whose own mother Kem Chikwe was the Federal Minister of Transport twice (1999-2001, 2001-2003) and now PDP’s national women leader. So, this was how Davido through Asa his friend and manager were able to get Naeto C to get on Davido’s breakthrough single “Back When”.
Salako cited others little examples like LAX, Bobo Ajudua and Mr Eazi, Tinubu’s daughter and one Don Kojo who were all nepo kids.
Concluding that all nepo kids do well, but not all have the drive to acquire extra wealth. He mentioned Dangote’s three late siblings, and Otedola’s four siblings, none lacks.
So naturally, Nigerians started comparing themselves to these people.
The LAPO came up as the opposite of NEPO. Because LAPO is an initiative that has been associated with poverty. Lift Above POverty, an NGO initiative providing affordable loans.
However, it was given new meaning: LAPO 2025 — Little Access to Privilege and Opportunities.
NEPO 2025 — Numerous Endless Opportunities and Privileges.
From nowhere, one anonymous Nepo kid, Fadahr, said these NEPO kids with all the access and advantages still work harder than LAPO kids. Twitter went berserk. He certainly regretted making the comment.
So what followed for 3 days+ were LAPO vs. NEPO kids jokes. A coping mechanism for the less privileged Nigerians. NAPO (Na Poverty kids). Basically a revised Rich man pikin vs Poor man Pikin trend.
In conclusion, Salako insists privilege is a booster, whether it is corruption flavored or otherwise.
