Financial Independence

By Fatima Ishaq Muhammad 

Pigeon breeding is one of the oldest forms of aviculture, with records dating back to ancient civilisations in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Rome. Among the most captivating branches of this practice is the breeding of fancy pigeons—birds selectively bred for their unique colours, feather structures, size, posture, and overall appearance. Today, fancy pigeon breeding has become both a cultural heritage and a thriving hobby, attracting enthusiasts worldwide.

Fancy pigeons are descendants of the rock dove (Columba livia), the common ancestor of all domesticated pigeons. Over centuries, breeders have cultivated distinct breeds by emphasising certain traits. This has resulted in hundreds of recognised fancy pigeon varieties, such as the Jacobin, known for its feathered hood around the neck, the Fantail with its dramatic tail spread, and the Frillback with uniquely curled feathers. Each breed reflects aesthetic beauty and the artistry and dedication of generations of breeders.

As a Kano-based breeder, Sabiu explained in an interview, “In the past, pigeons were just part of household compounds. Now, they are a symbol of prestige and creativity. People take pride in keeping rare and beautiful breeds.”

According to Ibrahim, a breeder, “Breeding fancy/exotic pigeons requires patience, knowledge, and attention to detail. There is a need to carefully pair birds to enhance specific traits, whether it be feathering pattern, body posture, or head structure. Another thing is Proper housing, nutrition, and clean loft management are essential for maintaining the health and vibrancy of the flock.” Breeders also keep detailed records of lineage to avoid genetic weaknesses and to preserve the purity of each breed.

The practice of breeding fancy/exotic animals in Nigeria is not without challenges. Muhammad, a breeder and seller of fancy/exotic pigeons in Sabon Gari market, explained that Issues such as genetic disorders, disease outbreaks, and environmental stress can threaten the pigeon population and quality. He said, “This also affects the pricing. He added that the time and financial commitment required to maintain healthy and well-bred birds can be demanding”. 

However, dedicated breeders often view these challenges as opportunities to deepen their skills and ensure the sustainability of the hobby. The passion continues to thrive. For many breeders, the joy lies not only in competition but in the daily routine of nurturing and admiring their birds.

Fancy/exotic pigeon breeding has become a source of livelihood for many Nigerians. Depending on the breed and quality, a single bird can sell for anywhere between ₦30,000 and over ₦200,000, with pairs fetching even higher prices. Kano-based breeder Suleiman explained, “In the past, pigeons were part of everyday compounds. Today, a single rare pigeon can pay school fees. They are more than pets—they are investments.” Rare, imported varieties or well-bred local stocks are in particularly high demand. Breeders often generate income through:

Sales of pigeons both locally and across state lines, Breeding services like pairing and hatching rare breeds for clients and supplying loft materials and feeds as more people take an interest in pigeon keeping. As a Kaduna breeder shared, “Some people underestimate pigeons, but they can generate a steady income. A well-managed loft can sustain itself and even support a family.”

With more young people entering the hobby and the growing visibility of pigeon markets on social media, the future of fancy pigeon breeding in Nigeria looks promising. Breeders now use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp to advertise, sell, and network, expanding their customer base beyond their immediate communities. 

For many Nigerians, fancy pigeons are no longer just a hobby—they are an investment and a path to financial stability. The sight of a well-bred Fantail or Jacobin in a loft is not only a mark of beauty but also a reminder that even tradition can evolve into opportunity.

By Aminu Mohammed

The inspiration for this article came from a short Facebook post by Bashir Abubakar Gazaki, who advised young people to invest their money in shares of good companies to attain financial independence. His followers’ lack of financial awareness caught my attention, as evidenced by the comments below the post, where many people asked him to explain the stock market. 

It is not surprising that personal finance is not taught in universities. I learned about stock investments through books such as “The Richest Man in Babylon” by George Samuel Clason, “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki, and “Rich Dad’s Guide to Investing: What the Rich Invest In That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not.” I read these books shortly after graduating from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. 

The books gave me insight into why some people, despite working for many years, still struggle in life. The inspiration from these books led me to purchase my first share during my service year in Adamawa state. Similarly, a fellow corps member from the southwest who knew the stock market advised me to invest in good companies.

Invest money in assets Instead of liabilities 

Investing your time actively and your money passively is an excellent way to secure your financial future. Passive income refers to the money you earn from your assets, such as property, shares, mutual funds, Treasury bills, etc., while you sleep. Unlike your job, assets generate income for you, whether you work or not. So, it’s crucial to avoid wasting your money on liabilities and start investing in assets.

If you earn a salary or own a business, it is best to save at least 10 per cent of your income and invest it wisely. Investing in shares doesn’t require a large sum of money. Suppose you know about stock trading. In that case, you can invest in the United States stocks or the Nigerian stock market, even if you start small with a low amount.

However, it is understandable that many individuals are scared of investing their money in the stock exchange, given the capital market crisis in 2008, where several people lost a significant portion of their funds. I have experienced losses in the stock market myself, particularly with the shares I bought in the defunct Oceanic Bank and Bank PHB. But I have also gained from stocks like Dangote Sugar, GTBank, and Zenith Bank. Life is all about risk; sometimes, we win, while other times, we lose due to unforeseen circumstances. But that shouldn’t stop us from exploring new investment opportunities, no matter how little.

Investigate companies before Investing

Investing in the stock market is a business that requires a long-term strategy and patience rather than a quick way to get rich. Having a good understanding of the companies you invest in is crucial. According to Warren Buffet, the Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, one of the most successful investors in the world, the best way to achieve greater rewards is to think long-term. Buffet recommends holding stocks for at least five to 10 years to accumulate wealth. However, some traders still profit by trying to beat the market daily.

If you are hesitant about investing directly in stocks, you can consider mutual funds, designed for people who want to minimise risk but have lower returns. You can contact your local banks, such as First Bank, GTBank, UBA, Stanbic IBTC, and others that offer asset management services. These companies manage various types of mutual funds under the guidance of experts.

As a salaried worker, unforeseen circumstances such as job loss or a downturn in business can be devastating. Therefore, it is important to have a safety net in the form of investments to help you recover in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

Consult a stock broker before buying any Shares

It is important to conduct thorough research and seek expert advice before investing in shares. Look for stocks with strong fundamentals and invest in them wisely. Diversifying your investment across different sectors and companies is recommended to maximise your returns.

It is crucial to emphasise that individuals with little knowledge about the stock market should educate themselves on basic financial concepts before investing in shares. The companies mentioned in this article are for illustration purposes only and to encourage young people to take control of their financial future through smart investments. Investing in shares is not a quick way to get rich, and seeking professional advice before investing is highly recommended.

I wish you the best as you strive towards financial independence and personal growth.

Aminu Mohammed wrote this article from Ingolstadt, Germany. He can be reached at gravity23n@gmail.com.