Nigerian media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo has revealed that he wrote his will at about 30 or 31 and decided he did not want to have children after reflecting on his fears, priorities and personal values.
Jideonwo made the disclosures during an appearance on the Beyond With Ezinne podcast, where he discussed journaling, self-discovery and the decisions that have shaped his life.
He explained that he began journaling extensively in 2015, using the process to examine his relationships, insecurities, ambitions and fears.
The exercise encouraged him to confront difficult questions about mortality and consider what he wanted to leave behind.
How Journaling Influenced His Decisions
Jideonwo said reflecting on the possibility of death helped him identify his responsibilities and consider how they would be managed if he were no longer around.
He recalled writing his will in 2015 or 2016, when he was approximately 30 or 31.
Among the considerations he identified were the need to provide for his mother and continue supporting a non-governmental organisation to which he contributes.
He said the exercise helped him think more deliberately about his obligations and the people and causes that matter to him.
Why He Decided Against Having Children
Jideonwo also disclosed that his reflections led him to realise that he did not want to have children.
He described the decision as significant because he is an only child and has a close relationship with his mother.
His comments highlight the personal nature of decisions about parenthood, which are often influenced by family expectations, cultural traditions and assumptions about what adulthood should involve.
Jideonwo’s position illustrates that people can arrive at different conclusions about marriage and children through careful consideration of their circumstances and values.
The decision should not be taken as a judgement on people who choose to become parents; rather, it reflects his own stated preference.
Career Choices and Personal Fulfilment
Jideonwo also discussed his decision to leave his role as chief executive of RED and move away from working with Nigerian politicians, despite the financial opportunities those activities offered.
He said he recognised that public relations was not the work he wanted to do every day.
His reflections suggest that journaling helped him distinguish between opportunities that could generate income and activities that aligned with his deeper interests.
The discussion underscores the value of examining personal priorities before making major life decisions.
Writing a will at a young age, reconsidering career direction and choosing whether to have children are deeply personal matters. Jideonwo’s account offers a glimpse into how reflection can influence those decisions without suggesting that one path is right for everyone.
His interview forms part of a broader conversation about identity, purpose, family responsibilities and the freedom to define success on one’s own terms.