What does it mean to be Nigerian? What does it mean to be free? What does it mean to be audaciously relentless? The answers to all these questions lie in the tenacious hope that paints pictures of possibilities in our minds, strengthening our resolve to pursue every dream that borders our minds and chase #boldfutures What does it mean to be Nigerian? It means to believe that anything is possible.
Regardless of profession, pocket size, or home address, every Nigerian believes they can become a colossal success and they have what it takes to make this a reality. This is the throbbing hope that propels us to push till we reach the pinnacle of success and then reach for more — like we have done for the past 137 years, pushing the boundaries of whiskey-making till we went from being the best dram in the valley to being the best single-malt whiskey in the world. But, this piece is not about us, as you may have guessed, it is about you! It is about every maverick pushing the boundaries of what is possible, starting with the three who so effortlessly embody the ingenuity, purpose, mastery, and charisma that are the signature of every bottle of Glenfiddich: Nancy Isime, Mr Eazi, and M.I Abaga. These three individuals have defined and redefined the entertainment industry, and have proven that the Nigerian dream of ruling the world is achievable.
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Actress, media personality and model, Nancy Isime, for instance, has shown that grit, dedication and a get-the-job-done-no-matter-what attitude is the pathway to living the Nigerian dream. Starting her career as a model before transitioning to the screens, Nancy has shown that you can have multiple dreams and achieve them without compromising one for the other. From winning the Miss Valentine International Beauty Pageantry in 2009 during her modelling foray to clinching The Future Awards for the Best On-Air Personality in 2017 and the 2019 City People Movie Award for the Best Supporting Actress of the Year, Nancy is one maverick who has proven that versatility does not come at the price of competence or excellence. You can realise every goal and live out every dream to the fullest capacity.
Read also: Where Next: M.I, Isime, Mr Eazi becomes Glenfiddich’s Maverick collaborators
In striving for the Nigerian dream, mavericks like Nancy, Mr Eazi and M.I Abaga show that it is not enough to achieve success for yourself. It is more important and fulfilling to think of ways to impact the ecosystem. He is also the co-owner of Rytchus Era Productions — a successful urban label company he owns with his brother, Jesse Abaga (Jesse Jagz) — and a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador.
Beyond their successes and accomplishments, a common feature that all three mavericks share is the refusal to settle for less. From Nancy Isime to Mr Eazi and M.I. Abaga, these three emboldened individuals have continuously attained new heights of success and accessed their #boldfutures by asking one simple question: #wherenext? A question we all must ask ourselves.
So, as we celebrate this year’s independence, the men and women — who believed we could command our own destinies and rule our nation — who fought for that independence, and the phenomenal men and women who have embraced this spirit of independence and the freedom that comes with it, with the unveiling of the Glenfiddich limited edition personalised sleeves, we thought it necessary to ask: #WhereNextNigeria? Where do we go from here?
Ushebi is a communication practitioner
