25/06/2026
The other day, I had the opportunity to join other speakers in addressing over 400 students at Bright Future College on the topic, “Students Leading Sustainable Development in the Artificial Intelligence Age.”
Before I got the microphone, one of the speakers asked a simple question:
“Who would like to become a photographer?”
Not a single hand went up.
When it was my turn, I introduced myself:
“My name is Abasifreke James. I’m a photographer, Graphics designer and Ui/Ux designer.”
Then I asked the same question again, but this time I wanted to know why no one wanted to become a photographer.
One student responded:
“Sir, because photographers don’t have money.”
I smiled and said,
Me: “Well, let me reintroduce myself.”
This time, I didn’t just introduce myself, I introduced myself side my portfolio. As I began mentioning some of the projects I had worked on and the opportunities photography had created for me, the atmosphere in the room changed. The students erupted in applause and excitement.
I then told them:
In this AI generation, many of the things we once believed about success have changed. When we were younger, the dream was often to become a doctor, lawyer, or banker.
Today, the question is no longer just “What did you study?” but “What are you good at?”
We are living in a time where people are building successful careers and businesses from skills, talents, and passions that were once considered unprofitable. We now have carpenters, photographers, content creators, designers, and many other skilled professionals earning millions of naira and even dollars.
And this is also a message to parents:
Times and seasons have changed. The world your children are growing into is not the same world you grew up in. While education remains important, success is no longer limited to a few traditional professions. Sometimes the gift, skill, or passion a child shows interest in today could become the very thing that changes their life tomorrow.
Don’t just ask children what they want to study. Ask them what they are good at. The future belongs to those who can create value, solve problems, and adapt regardless of the title attached to their profession.