If Only I Knew: Lessons From Nigeria’s Youth
Celebrating International Youth Day 2025
Every August 12, the world celebrates the power, creativity, and resilience of young people. International Youth Day isn’t just another date on the calendar; it’s a reminder that the future is not “out there somewhere.” It’s here. It’s us. It’s now.
This year, we wanted to do more than post a quote or share a statistic. We went outside to the streets and asked Nigerian youth one simple question:
“If only you knew… what?”
The answers were raw, funny, hopeful, and, sometimes, heartbreaking:
“I think just what adulthood is. I don’t think I imagined it to be like this. I honestly thought I would be married or even driving five cars by now. Growing up I realised you just have to trust the process and that everything happens for a reason.”
“I have always been a dreamer and one of my goals while growing up was to own a chess club — and I achieved that when I turned 21. I also wanted a bank account that matched my name because my name is Seven… and I hit the seven-figure limit this year.”
“I never imagined at this stage of my life I would be doing 4am to 11pm. Lagos life is stressful enough, commuting from mainland to island — but I’m doing it happily because I never imagined I’d be doing that.”
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Why We Asked
At Cokoon, we believe creativity isn’t just about art it’s about perspective. The “If Only I Knew” content is our way of listening to the voices shaping tomorrow, not just celebrating them. It’s proof that even in uncertainty, there’s clarity to be found in shared experiences.
Watch the Full Vox Pop
We turned the day’s conversations into a short video that captures the humour, honesty, and hope we felt on the streets. Watch it now on our Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube and maybe even share your own “If Only I Knew” moment in the comments.
Because your voice matters. And someone out there might need to hear exactly what you wish you knew.
→ Watch the full video here
Happy International Youth Day from all of us at Cokoon.