It’s quite concerning that freedom and choice are increasingly reduced to superficial markers like societal class, wealth, or skin colour. But freedom is not about comparison; it is about individuality, emphasizing choice and individuality together. I can be broke and decide not to marry, and that is valid. I can be wealthy and choose not to have children, and that is valid too. My choices should never be measured against the decisions of another person.
Take, for example, the daughter of a well-known billionaire who married last year. She opted for a quiet wedding, wore modest outfits, and took her husband’s surname. Nigerians on social media praised her choices, but then turned those praises into a condemnation of other women who chose differently. “Even the daughter of a billionaire took her husband’s name, why can’t you?” they asked. But here’s the truth: her choice was hers, and mine is mine. No one’s life should be a template for another, because choice and individuality differ for everyone.
When did personal standards become dictated by societal class? When did we abandon individuality for conformity? Choosing not to eat local dishes at a party, or deciding to live differently from cultural expectations, is not “forming”; it is simply a choice and individuality.
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We must remember: individuality is the essence of humanity. Each person has the liberty to choose independently, as long as those choices do not cause harm to others. Condemnation of harmless personal decisions is not only unfair, it is a betrayal of the very concept of freedom and individuality.
Living by internet culture or the shadow of the affluent robs us of authenticity. You do not owe society approval. You do not owe anyone conformity. Your class, culture, or colour should never be chains that bind your freedomor your individuality.
Comparison, they say, is the thief of joy. Nigerians often fall into the trap of measuring themselves against others, especially the rich. But what does the choice of a billionaire’s daughter have to do with mine? She kept her husband’s name, good for her. But that does not mean I must do the same. Remember, choice and individuality are what truly matter.
And when people ask “why” you choose differently, it is often not curiosity but condescension. Yet your beliefs are as valid as theirs. If you are Buddhist and another is Christian, neither faith should erase respect for the other. Diversity of choice is not a threat; it is the beauty of humanity.
In conclusion, freedom is not imitation. It is not a comparison. Freedom is the courage to live your truth without apology. Until we stop measuring our lives against the wealthy, the popular, or the loud voices of society, we will never truly be free. Your life is yours alone, and your choice should always remain yours, celebrating choice and individuality.
