Technology in today’s world is not just a tool but a driving force for innovation, growth and change in society. In a country like Nigeria, brimming with youthful energy and latent potential, embracing technology and daring to dream big are not options but imperatives. The future of this country lies on the shoulders of the young – who are fearless enough to envision a better tomorrow and strong enough to convert it into reality.
One story of the power of dreams and the will to pursue them is that of Rayyan Tilde, a young innovator from Bauchi State. His case signifies what is possible once passion, vision and hard work are combined.
Rayyan was born and brought up in the small village of Tilde, where his innate curiosity in technology was nurtured by the family, especially his father, the respected columnist, Dr Aliyu Tilde. Right from a tender age, Rayyan had access to computers, and what started as a spark of interest soon grew into a consuming passion.
By the time he was 21, Rayyan had already done something that most would find immensely intimidating: he started his own company called Amigo. It was an e-commerce company, the initiation of which many young and budding entrepreneurs would find very daunting given its competition and complexities. But Rayyan’s vision wasn’t restricted to just getting his platform up and running; he kept working on refining and improving his ideas.
After much persistence and innovation, he developed Amigo into an integrated super app that offers a raft of services today, from booking flights to paying utility bills to allowing users to save toward financial goals.
What makes the story of Rayyan all the more astonishing is the fact that he built Amigo with no external investment. Rayyan completely bootstrapped this company, a reflection of his dedication and belief in his dream.
We can pick up the most important lesson from the very journey of Rayyan’s odyssey: age, background, or resources should never confine your dream; it is about taking a first step, however tiny it might be, and relentless in that quest towards touching the sky of success. When I reflect upon the approach Rayyan brings to starting young, it really resonates. He often refers to a historical cast of characters, such as Alexander the Great, Sultan Mehmed al-Fatih (Mehmed the Conqueror), and Steve Jobs, as role models—people who started shaping their destinies when still relatively young.
The one thing that struck a chord in my mind during one of our discussions was when Rayyan mentioned, “I believe being young is an asset. You’re more willing to take risks at this time; you can learn quickly and adjust. That’s one of the reasons why I’m pushing myself now. I want to make the most of this phase of my life.”
And his advice for anyone with a dream is simply profound: Pursue something you’re passionate about, because that passion will keep you going even when it gets tough. Always have a strong ‘why.’ As Nietzsche said, ‘If you know the why, you can endure almost any how.’ And remember, it doesn’t have to be easy—it just has to be possible. If it’s possible, go for it.
Rayyan’s story just goes to show that no dream is big enough and no age is too young to start. Every great achievement starts with a vision and the courage of acting upon it.
To the young people reading this, let me say: Your dreams are valid. Whether you want to create a technology platform, solve one of our pressing societal issues, or pursue a career in an entirely different field, the starting point is to believe in yourself. The challenges will come—they always do—but Rayyan’s story shows, as many others have and continue to, that resilience and a sense of purpose ultimately see you through.
The future of Nigeria rests with its dreamers—with those who would imagine all that can be and tirelessly work to make it a reality. So, dream big, start now, and never stop chasing your goals. The world is waiting for the impact only you can make.
Dr Halimah resides in Kano and can be reached via halimahwrites@romzaibfoundation.org