On 9 September 2025, Oluwatosin Olaseinde, founder of Money Africa and Ladda, posted a simple yet powerful question on X: “What’s the most unhinged thing you’ve done to get ahead?”
What began as a single tweet quickly turned into one of Nigeria’s most inspiring and feel-good threads of the year. The replies poured in, filled with stories of resilience, creativity, and sheer determination. From job interviews to visa struggles, Nigerians opened up about the unconventional steps they took to push forward.
Stories of Relentless Determination
One response described a job seeker’s refusal to let bureaucracy end his dream. He attended an interview only to have an HR personnel block him from proceeding, claiming he was unqualified. Rather than walk away, he stayed at the venue until 6 p.m., waiting to escalate his case. When the boss finally arrived, the applicant’s documents were approved, the HR staff was rebuked, and the interview was rescheduled. The next day, he faced the panel and secured the job.
Another contributor recalled failing a U.S. visa interview. Instead of giving up, he reapplied within six days. When asked why he returned so soon, he confidently replied that he hadn’t explained himself well the first time. With a new narrative, he convinced the officer, and walked away with the visa.
These accounts, among many others, reflected a common theme: Nigerians often face setbacks, but perseverance and courage can shift outcomes.
Why It Resonated
The thread struck a chord because it showcased the grit and resourcefulness required to navigate both personal and professional challenges in Nigeria and beyond. Each story blended struggle with triumph, revealing the importance of persistence in achieving success.
The conversation also created a communal moment where people could laugh, learn, and draw motivation from one another’s experiences. It became less about the “unhinged” actions themselves and more about the determination that fuelled them.
A Collective Lesson
Oluwatosin Olaseinde’s thread entertained and reminded people that obstacles are rarely the end of the road. Sometimes, getting ahead requires boldness, patience, and the willingness to try again.
In amplifying these stories, Olaseinde sparked a wave of optimism across X, leaving many Nigerians inspired to keep pushing, no matter the odds.
