- Safiu Kehinde
Umar Yar’Adua, the nephew of late Nigerian President, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, has advised against dependency on family name.
The younger Yar’Adua, in a post on his X handle on Thursday, urged other Nigerians born into influential family to make name for themselves as he explained what it feels like to inherit a renowned name.
Yar’Adua, whose father Abdulaziz also holds a senatorial position at the National Assembly, held that his family’s name does not automatically make him a successful person, stressing that he will only live behind the shadow of the name if he failed to work on his.
“Do you know what it feels like when everyone knows your father’s name, but nobody knows yours? My Uncle was the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. My other Uncle, late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, my dad, Senator AbdulAziz Yar’Adua. I grew up in a family where the name already carried weight.
“But here is the truth. Their name does not automatically make me anything. If I don’t build myself, I’ll just be another shadow living off their reputation. And that’s what I want you to realise.
“Your father worked for his name. You can’t hide behind his. You have to build yours.” He said.
Yar’Adua further harped on the need to make name for oneself, adding that people will only respect your father’s name and forget yours if no work is done.
“Within the next 24 hours, take one step that makes your name stronger. Whether it is discipline in your habits. committing to your goals, or building your skills.
“Because at the end of the day, people might respect your father’s name, but they will only remember yours if you put in the work. Remember, nobody is coming to save you. It’s on you.” He added.