“Leave Your Parents’ House at 18!” – Grace Ofure’s Bold Statement Sparks Nationwide Debate on Youth Independence in Nigeria

Nigerian businesswoman and motivational speaker Grace Ofure Ibhakhomu has stirred a heated online conversation after boldly declaring that young people have no business living with their parents once they turn 18. Speaking on The Honest Bunch Podcast, the successful entrepreneur and founder of Lifecard International Investment said that the age of 18 marks the beginning of personal responsibility, and young Nigerians should stop using poverty or parental dependence as an excuse for failure.

In her words, “If you are not from a rich home, let a rich home come from you. If you are 18 years old, why are you still staying with your parents?” Her statement, which came during a discussion about hard work, success, and financial independence, instantly triggered mixed reactions across social media platforms, with many users debating whether such advice is realistic in the context of Nigeria’s economic struggles.

Grace Ofure, known for her outspoken views on entrepreneurship and wealth creation, went further to challenge the mindset of entitlement that she believes holds many young people back. When her fellow panelists argued that many 18-year-olds still rely on their parents for financial support, she responded sharply, saying, “It is because your father has to pay. What if he does not have to pay? You will now say because your father could not pay your school fees, that’s why you are poor? Nobody cares!”

According to her, the excuse of “coming from a poor background” should expire at 18, because adulthood begins at that point. “The saying ‘I’m from a poor background’ ends at 18 years because from 18 you take responsibility for your life,” she asserted confidently, her tone reflecting the tough-love philosophy that has characterized many of her public speeches.

While some Nigerians praised her for promoting resilience and personal accountability, others accused her of being out of touch with reality. Critics argued that most 18-year-olds in Nigeria are either in secondary school or just entering university, with little or no means to support themselves in a country where unemployment, inflation, and low wages remain persistent challenges.

Twitter (now X) users flooded timelines with contrasting opinions. One user wrote, “Grace Ofure is speaking facts! At 18, you should start learning how to survive on your own. That’s how great people are made.” Another countered, “Easy to talk when you didn’t grow up struggling for three square meals. Where do you expect a young person in Nigeria to go at 18 with no money and no job?”

The argument quickly grew beyond Ofure’s personal opinion into a broader debate about the expectations placed on Nigerian youth. Many pointed out that in Western societies, where the 18-year independence model originated, systems are often in place to support young adults — from student jobs and scholarships to structured housing programs. In contrast, Nigeria’s economic environment offers few such safety nets.

Grace Ofure’s comment also reignited discussions about generational parenting styles. Some older Nigerians agreed with her, recalling how they had to fend for themselves early in life. “When I was 18, I had already left home and was hustling,” a Facebook commenter wrote. “The problem with this generation is that they want comfort before responsibility.” But younger Nigerians largely viewed her statement as dismissive and unrealistic. “It’s not laziness,” one replied. “It’s just that the system doesn’t support independence that early. Most people at 18 are still trying to figure out who they are.”

The debate has also exposed class differences in perspectives. For wealthy families, independence at 18 might mean studying abroad or starting a business with parental support. For lower-income families, it often means struggling without a stable income or shelter. Many Nigerians questioned whether Grace Ofure’s success story might be influencing her expectations of others.

Born and raised in Benin City, Grace Ofure built her wealth through real estate investment and now mentors young entrepreneurs across the country. Her journey from humble beginnings to financial success has made her an inspirational figure for many. However, her blunt approach to motivation has sometimes drawn criticism for being insensitive to the realities of everyday Nigerians.

Still, supporters argue that her message is being misunderstood. They insist she is not necessarily asking teenagers to physically move out of their parents’ homes, but rather to adopt a mindset of independence and self-discipline early. “What she means is that you should stop waiting for your parents to fix your life,” a fan wrote on Instagram. “At 18, you can start building something — learn a skill, start a small business, or find a side hustle. Don’t depend on anyone.”

Others suggested that her comment, though controversial, might serve as a wake-up call for Nigerian youths who have grown too comfortable blaming circumstances for their lack of progress. “She is saying what many parents are afraid to say,” another supporter argued. “Life is tough, and the earlier you start taking charge, the better your chances of success.”

But for many young Nigerians, her words still sting. The cost of living has soared, with food, housing, and education expenses climbing beyond reach for the average family. The idea of becoming fully independent at 18, they argue, is simply impractical. “I’m 19, still in my first year at university,” one student commented. “Even if I wanted to move out, where would I go? Rent alone in Lagos is enough to finish my school fees.”

Some psychologists also weighed in on the discussion, noting that emotional and psychological maturity at 18 varies widely. Forcing independence too early, they warned, could lead to anxiety, depression, or reckless decisions. “Independence is a process, not an overnight event,” one therapist said. “While it’s good to teach responsibility early, support systems are still crucial.”

The controversy has kept Grace Ofure trending on social media for days, with her statement generating thousands of comments, memes, and video reactions. Some comedians have even turned her quote into skits, joking about Nigerian parents locking their gates once their children turn 18.

In the midst of the noise, Grace Ofure herself has not backtracked. In a follow-up post, she reiterated her stance, writing, “Don’t let poverty be a generational curse. If your parents couldn’t give you wealth, you can still create it. Don’t wait for help — become your own help.”

Whether seen as harsh truth or tone-deaf motivation, her words have undeniably reignited a vital national conversation about youth empowerment, self-reliance, and the socioeconomic struggles facing Nigeria’s younger generation. While many disagree on when true independence should begin, one thing is clear — Grace Ofure’s message has struck a nerve.

In a country where opportunities are scarce and family bonds run deep, her call for early self-sufficiency may be easier said than done. Yet, it also challenges the status quo — pushing young Nigerians to question whether dependence has become a comfort zone and whether it’s time to start rewriting their own stories, one bold step at a time.