I recently came across a video on social media featuring our very own self-acclaimed Dancehall King - Shatta Wale. His statement struck me as really insightful and thought-provoking. Indeed, just like a road, life has its twists and turns. We encounter unexpected obstacles, surprises, and detours that challenge us and force us to adapt.

He compared life to a road in the video, saying that it is similar to driving a car or strolling the road. It's never straight. You will undoubtedly encounter a traffic signal, a roundabout, and other barriers before reaching your destination, whether you are walking, taking public transportation, or driving your own car.

He began by listing the different life routes that practically everyone seems to believe are the order of life, such as going through the different academic stages (primary, high school, and finally university), getting a job, getting married, building a house, and living a happy life afterwards.

It seems that he believes that life isn't always as simple as we are taught. He demonstrated that there are numerous obstacles by comparing it to driving on a road where several traffic safety regulations must be followed. You could miss your way, go through a roundabout, or run into a traffic light, among other things. Nonetheless, he urged his followers—many of whom are young—to pay attention to that.

One comment caught my attention as I glanced through the comments section, even though it was mildly humorous: "Even accident to dey inside." In other words, on the road to your destination, you can possibly have an accident. This implies that although there may be obstacles that prevent you from moving forward in life, you must persevere until you get to where you want to go.

Why do I think young people can benefit from this advice?

Young people face numerous difficulties, such as drug and alcohol abuse, premarital sex, violent conduct, gambling, vandalism, theft, cultism, exam malpractice, and more. These problems are frequently caused by peer pressure, a lack of parental supervision, and socioeconomic problems.

The desire to become wealthy quickly leads some young people to engage in these social vices. In an attempt to conform to these alleged societal pressures, some people compare themselves to peers who achieved success at a young age, while others are persuaded to engage in all of these vices.

Sadly, those who unfortunately don't make it early in life may feel dejected, believe they are failures, and give up on life altogether.

What Opportunities are available for the youths?

The youth's confusion about what to do to succeed can be so crippling at times. The reason for this is that the path appears to be limited to the formal sectors of our economy. Another option is to travel in search of better opportunities, which I encourage young people to at least consider when they have the chance.

But it appears that most of us are unaware of the prospects that the agricultural sector appears to provide young people. I have made an effort to interact with and keep an eye on the vast prospects that the agriculture industry offers. From the start, it might not demand as much, which could also be the youth's learning phase.

Remember that many powerful individuals work in agriculture; even the president of the Republic, John Dramani Mahama, is a farmer. Let's disabuse our minds that farming is for the underprivileged and take advantage of it.

Skill training

I'll be concentrating on technical and vocational training with this. Developing specialised skills for a given profession or occupation—such as plumbing, electrical work, or culinary arts—is the main goal of vocational training. On the other hand, technical skills training focuses on gaining proficiency in fields like programming, data analysis, digital marketing, cybersecurity, and content production.

The days of completing a three-year apprenticeship in carpentry, plumbing, or tailoring and then working for a while before leaving to begin working for yourself are long gone. Technology has made it possible for people to start vocational training in carpentry and other skills in a matter of weeks.

Acquiring a skill will enhance job prospects and career advancement opportunities and foster confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of accomplishment.

Furthermore, young people who aspire to work in the formal sector should not give up on their job search. Nevertheless, in addition to your academic credentials, you must thoroughly train yourself in soft skills like Microsoft Suite.

Additionally, some young people work online, buy and sell online, use applications like Tendo for affiliate marketing, send emails promoting products and get offers on websites like Upwork and LinkedIn. Many others engage in actual trading in different markets. Simply look around your localities, identify a need, and seize it. It's not always necessary to start large. Begin modestly and expand your company over time.

Even while I admit that things won't always go as planned, I nevertheless suggest that you conduct your own independent research in the field you choose to pursue, speak with the appropriate people in the field, and pay attention to any suggestions that may eventually be made.

Conclusion

Just as roads can have potholes and roadblocks, life can be filled with obstacles and setbacks. However, these challenges can also help us grow, learn, and become more resilient.

Again, a road can also offer breathtaking views, landmarks, and memorable experiences. Similarly, life is filled with moments of beauty, joy, and triumph that make the journey worthwhile.

Charles Nii Armah, aka Shatta Wale, the self-acclaimed Dancehall King, deserves praise for his words of wisdom for young people. I think these are the words of encouragement and motivation that young people need to hear to persevere in life. Without a doubt, life is not for the weak; it is for the strong.

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The writer, Felix Ekow Eshun is a banker and a Supply Chain Professional. He can be contacted via email at felixekoweshun@gmail.com