Yesterday, I spoke with a young Nigerian lady who loves fashion and is thinking about giving up her medical license to build a fashion design firm.

I told her to focus on medicine; fashion can wait.

I fear that I have started sounding like my father's generation of Africans.

The pressure to survive is so acute on our continent that passion becomes a secondary consideration in career choice.

it's difficult to "pursue your passion" on an empty stomach.

Survival first; then passion.

We don't have the luxury of a small $250,000 loan from our parents (Jeff Bezos) or an empty garage (Google) or even government food stamps.

Practicing medicine will meet her basic needs after which she can become the Ralph Lauren of Africa.