Over the past few days, Nigerian social media has been buzzing with one of the most humorous yet thought-provoking debates of 2025: “Nepo kids vs Lapo kids.”
The conversation began after a viral tweet drew attention to billionaire Femi Otedola’s upcoming memoir, questioning whether people born into wealth should offer advice on “making it big.” What followed was a cultural moment filled with laughs, memes, and real talk about privilege, hustle, and what it truly means to succeed in Nigeria.
So, what exactly is the difference between a Nepo kid and a Lapo kid? Let’s break it down.
Who is a Nepo Kid?
“Nepo” is short for nepotism, a term used to describe favoritism based on family ties, especially in professional settings. A Nepo kid, or nepotism baby, is someone born into a wealthy or influential family, often benefitting from their parents’ names, connections, or financial power to climb the ladder of success.
In Nigeria, Nepo kids typically come from political dynasties, business empires, or influential celebrity families. These are individuals who didn’t necessarily start from scratch but had a solid head start thanks to their family’s position in society.
Popular Nigerian Nepo kids include:
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Davido, son of billionaire businessman Adedeji Adeleke.
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DJ Cuppy and Temi Otedola, daughters of billionaire Femi Otedola.
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Kiddwaya, son of billionaire socialite Terry Waya.
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Falz, son of human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN).
These individuals often have access to top education, global exposure, and early access to industries that others struggle to break into. While many have undeniable talent, their paths were smoother due to generational wealth or legacy.
Nigerians are funny walahi!! The opposite of Nepo kid is now LAPO kid 🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/KWWucBBrM7
— Osaretin Victor Asemota (@asemota) July 20, 2025
Who is a Lapo Kid?
Lapo kid is a Nigerian slang born out of humor and shared hardship. Inspired by the microfinance bank LAPO, known for giving small loans to low-income earners, Lapo baby refers to someone who comes from humble beginnings, raised with little to no financial privilege, often surrounded by debt, struggle, and survival hustle.
These are the individuals whose parents had to borrow just to send them to school, whose growth was fueled by resilience, late-night hustles, and constant sacrifices. A Lapo kid doesn’t inherit influence; they build from scratch, often learning through failure, trial, and street-smart tactics.
It’s not just a label, it’s a badge of honor. For many Nigerians, being a Lapo kid is a symbol of strength, resourcefulness, and the will to succeed against the odds.
Shout out to Lapo kids wey God give Nepo stature
Looking and sounding rich until you get close to us😂😂😂
— B.I.G……Y.O.M.I…2💦🍑 (@BigYomiii) July 20, 2025
Why the Debate Matters
The Nepo vs Lapo conversation goes beyond jokes. It reflects a deeper reality in Nigeria’s social structure where privilege and poverty can shape two completely different versions of life.
Some argue that Nepo kids should acknowledge their advantage rather than give motivational speeches that overlook the struggles of the average Nigerian. Others believe everyone has a right to share their journey, regardless of where they started.
But one thing’s clear: Nigerians will always find a way to turn tough discussions into comedy, and the Nepo vs Lapo trend proves just that.
Whether you’re a Nepo kid with a trust fund or a Lapo baby grinding with Glo data and prayer, one thing unites all Nigerians: the hustle. The trend may fade, but the conversation about access, equity, and opportunity continues.
After all, in Nigeria, even serious conversations come with laughter. And when it comes to Nepo kids and Lapo kids, the debate may just be getting started.