Media entrepreneur Jeremiah Musa has opened up about the difficult journey that took him from hawking on railway lines and attending school barefoot to building a career in media and founding his own digital platform. His story reflects years of sacrifice, persistence, and refusing to allow difficult circumstances define his future.
A Childhood Defined by Hardship
Growing up was far from easy for Musa.
Born into a family of seven children, he explained that life was difficult because his father, a police officer, carried most of the responsibility of providing for the household. With limited income and many mouths to feed, survival itself became a daily challenge.
School was not any easier.
Musa recalled attending public school barefoot while carrying books in nylon bags because his family could not afford backpacks. He also described difficult classroom conditions where students struggled with overcrowding and poor facilities.
Some days, he said, simply getting through school felt like a battle.
The struggle continued after classes ended. Like many children trying to support their families, he spent part of his childhood hawking sachet water around railway crossings in Agbado.
He remembered running between trains and customers while trying to make sales, often putting himself at risk.
The Moment He Nearly Gave Up
Years later, another challenge emerged.
After completing secondary school, Musa repeatedly attempted to secure admission into higher education. He wrote entrance examinations several times but faced disappointment after disappointment.
Eventually, he reached a point where he almost abandoned his educational goals completely.
However, a conversation with a friend changed his perspective.
According to him, the friend reminded him that giving up could permanently close opportunities that might never return. That conversation pushed him to try one final time.
The decision eventually led him to gain admission into the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ).
For Musa, that became one of the most important moments of his life.
Even after gaining admission, the financial struggles continued.
During his internship period, Musa said he often rode a bicycle long distances because he could not afford transportation. Despite the difficult circumstances, he continued showing up and worked without pay because he believed the experience would eventually create opportunities.
The effort later paid off.
After years of dedication, he secured employment at Daar Communications and used the opportunity to begin building his career.
From Content Writer to Media Entrepreneur
After relocating to Dubai, Musa initially worked as a content writer before transitioning into public relations.
His exposure to digital media and cryptocurrency reporting later inspired him to launch Bit Gazette.
He revealed that the platform started as a side project. In the early stages, he funded writers from his own salary and continued building the brand gradually.
Today, he says the platform has grown beyond a personal project and now creates opportunities for young Nigerian writers.
Why Giving Back Matters
Musa explained that his difficult experiences shaped how he approaches success.
Rather than simply giving handouts, he prefers creating opportunities through training and mentorship.
He also revealed that he has returned to support students facing financial difficulties, especially those at risk of dropping out of school.
For him, success now carries a different meaning.
It is no longer only about career achievements or recognition. It is also about becoming the kind of support system he once needed.
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