Get Prepared for 2025: Na A.I. No Be Juju Be That!

"2025 is knocking, and it’s time to move from "No be juju be that" thinking to "Let’s figure this out" mindset." CONNECT . INFORM . INSPIRE

If you’ve lived in Nigeria long enough, you’ve probably heard the witty exclamation, “No be juju be that?” It’s that quintessential Nigerian way of responding to moments of shock, awe, or utter confusion. When something defies logic—like a goat “confessing” to a crime (we’ve all read those headlines!) or a phone disappearing and reappearing under mysterious circumstances—it’s easy to retreat to the comfort of supernatural explanations. But as Neil deGrasse Tyson brilliantly put it, "Just because you cannot explain something doesn’t mean it’s been driven by mystical forces."

In today’s world, we might as well update that wit to say, "Na Artificial Intelligence (AI), no be juju be that." The rapid advancements in technology can seem magical, but they’re not. From ChatGPT writing essays to AI diagnosing diseases, the world is undergoing a transformation driven not by supernatural forces but by human ingenuity and machine learning.

2025 is knocking, and it’s time to move from "No be juju be that" thinking to "Let’s figure this out" mindset. The world isn’t waiting for us to play catch-up. It’s evolving faster than ever—with AI writing code, robots automating tasks, and people embracing tools that make life more efficient. If you’re still standing by the sidelines, pointing at life’s complexities and chalking them up to juju, this is your sign to step into the arena and own 2025.

Here’s how:

1. Embrace Curiosity, Not Superstition

The next time something mind-boggling happens, instead of screaming “No be juju be that,” channel your inner Neil deGrasse Tyson. Ask, “How does this work?” or “What’s the science behind this?” Curiosity is the fuel for growth. For example, if you hear about people making millions from blockchain or AI, instead of dismissing it as “something only tech bros can do,” Google it. Take a free online course. Be the person who demystifies the magic.

2. Fail Forward

One reason we revert to mystical thinking is that it’s a shortcut. If something fails, it’s easier to blame bad luck, ancestral spirits, or cosmic forces than to learn from it. In 2025, make failure your teacher, not your scapegoat. Didn’t get that promotion? Didn’t close that deal? Take a hard look, learn the lessons, and try again. Remember, Thomas Edison said, "I didn’t fail 10,000 times. I found 10,000 ways that didn’t work."

3. Upgrade Your Skills—No Be Juju, Na A.I.

The future will reward those who prepare for it. Tech isn’t juju; it’s learnable. AI, digital marketing, data analytics, and even soft skills like emotional intelligence are not rocket science. Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and YouTube are treasure troves of free knowledge. Make it a point to add one new skill to your arsenal every quarter in 2025.

4. Build Resilience—The “Ojuju” Moments Will Come

Life is full of surprises, some of them unpleasant. You might lose a job, face rejection, or struggle to meet your goals. In those moments, resist the urge to cry "juju." Instead, lean into resilience. Adopt a growth mindset: see challenges as opportunities to evolve, not as curses.

5. Collaborate, Don’t Spectate

Nigeria is brimming with untapped talent. The easiest way to grow is to align yourself with people who are already moving forward. Find mentors, join networks, and seek out collaborations. Remember, the lone tree falls, but the forest stands tall.

6. Stay Humble and Hungry

One of the worst things you can do is assume you know it all. Humility keeps you teachable; hunger keeps you striving. Approach 2025 with the mindset that every day is an opportunity to learn, grow, and achieve something extraordinary.

A Final Word

2025 will bring its fair share of moments that leave us scratching our heads. Whether it’s a business opportunity that seems too good to be true or a life event that defies logic, take a deep breath and remind yourself: Na AI, no be juju be that! It’s life, complex yet conquerable. Embrace it with curiosity, preparation, and a dash of humor.

So, as you step into the new year, don’t just hope for a better 2025. Prepare for it. Invest in yourself. Stay curious. And when the inevitable surprises come your way, face them boldly. After all, the greatest magic lies not in the unseen but in your ability to adapt, overcome, and thrive.

Here’s to a juju-free, AI-driven, and transformative 2025!

Aderogba Otunla, Ph.D.

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Digital Skills Community & Google Business Group (GBG) Abuja

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