Billionaire businessman Cosmas Maduka recently criticised the way some African parents raise their children, calling them “dream killers.” On a podcast, he shared his personal experience, admitting he once rode a motorbike at 11 years old. However, when his own son wanted to ride at 16, he forbade it, fearing for his safety. Despite this, his son disobeyed and rode the bike anyway. Today, Maduka enjoys biking with his son.
He explained that while following rules is important, sometimes making mistakes is necessary to discover new paths in life. Maduka argued that many parents micromanage their children too much, preventing them from taking risks. He pointed out that children from well-cared-for families often avoid risks, standing “on the gap” and missing chances to grow.
Maduka’s message highlights the need for parents to allow their children some freedom to explore and learn from their own experiences instead of holding them back. His comments sparked discussion about parenting styles and the balance between protection and independence.