An overthinker is someone who tends to dwell on their thoughts and worries to an unhealthy degree. Because they are constantly second-guessing themselves and considering all possible outcomes, they may struggle to make decisions or take action.

If you  happen to have difficulty in this area, here are some healthy factors to help you overcome it: 

 

 

1. The problem is rarely the problem

You and your thoughts are responsible for 99% of the damage.

in reality, what actually happens, and the outcome are responsible for 1% of the harm.

Most of the time, the problem isn't the problem. It is the way you approach the problem.

You mght have no control over what happens around you, but you certainly do have control over how you react to it.

2. Avoid Self-rejection

Do you believe you are unworthy of such an opportunity? In any case, apply for it.

Do you believe your article is inadequate? Regardless, publish it.

Do you believe they will not respond to your e  mail? Send it nevertheless.

Never rationalize yourself into self-rejection.

3. Silence and time

The truth is that most problems can be solved with less thought rather than more.

The majority of the answers you seek can be found in isolation, leisure, and with a clear mind.

Don't try to solve a problem if you can't solve it.

4. An important question

When you begin to blame yourself for past mistakes or picture danger lurking around every corner, ask yourself:

"Is there anything I can do right now to change the past or influence the future in a positive way?"

Take action if the answer is affirmative.

If the answer is no, accept it and let it go.

You must either act or let it go; anything else is self-harm.

5. The power of now

You will not overthink your way to a brighter future.

You're not going to reason your way out of a bad situation.

Because tomorrow is not guaranteed, all you have is right now. 

And what you do NOW can make your past right and your future better.

Make peace with yesterday, let go of tomorrow, and seize the now.

live in the moment, focus on the now.

6. Fact check your own thoughts

In your mind, your ideas will construct scenarios that represent your insecurities, concerns, and worries.

As a result, it's critical to always double-check your own ideas before accepting them, because in highly emotional situations, your mind will tell you lies.

Fact check yourself.

7. Acceptance is peace

No amount of worry can affect your future, and no amount of regret can change your past.

Acceptance leads to peace:

-Accept your flaws.

-Accept the unknown.

-Accept the inexorable.

You don't have to understand, tolerate, or even forget anything, but you must accept it if you desire serenity.

Practice mindfulness.

8. Health starts in your mind

You can go to the gym, eat healthily, practice yoga, drink water, and take supplements, but you will never be genuinely 'healthy!' unless you tackle the negativity in your thinking.

our health is not assessed by scales, muscular size, or waist circumference.

The quality of our thoughts and the calm of our mind are indicators of true wellness. Health begins in the mind.

Change your mindset.

All of this is to say that things improve when you allow yourself to believe in yourself, give yourself  a break and have an optimistic attitude.

You might think, “I use public wi-fi all the time, and I’ve never had a problem!” Sure, not that you know of, at least. The worrisome truth is—in tandem with the growing remote-worker population—cyberattacks are also on the rise and anyone using public wi-fi is at risk. In a Global Risk Report published in 2020, cyberattacks were named the fifth top-rated risk for companies across public and private sectors, and those attacks are expected to climb in ranking soon. The FBI reported 791,790 complaints of suspected internet crime in 2020—which is 300,000 more than reported in 2019—and estimated the financial toll at more than $4.2 billion. Protecting yourself from the risks of public wi-fi has never been more imperative. This is essential for businesses and individuals in virtually every industry, although some are much more vulnerable than others.

The widespread availability of public Wi-Fi has revolutionized the way we connect to the internet, making it easier than ever to stay online no matter where we are. However, as convenient as public Wi-Fi can be, it also poses significant risks to users' privacy and security. In this article, we will explore the risks and shortcomings of using public Wi-Fi and how unsecured networks can leave users vulnerable to cybercrime.

Risks of using public Wi-Fi:

Public Wi-Fi networks are generally unsecured, which means that anyone who is connected to the same network can potentially intercept and read the data being transmitted between devices. This opens the door to a variety of cybercrimes, such as interception attacks, man-in-the-middle attacks, snooping, and malware infection.

 *Interception attacks* occur when a cybercriminal intercepts the communication between two devices and alters it to their advantage. For example, they could intercept a login credential, such as a password, and use it to gain access to sensitive information.

 *Man-in-the-middle attacks* are similar to interception attacks, but involve the attacker inserting themselves into the middle of the communication between two devices. The attacker can then eavesdrop on the communication or modify it to their advantage.

 *Snooping of data* occurs when a cybercriminal monitors the network traffic to obtain sensitive information such as login credentials or financial data. They can then use this information for their own malicious purposes, such as identity theft or financial fraud.

 *Malware infection* is another risk of using public Wi-Fi. Cybercriminals can use unsecured public Wi-Fi networks to distribute malware, such as viruses or ransomware, to unsuspecting users. Once the malware infects a device, it can steal data, encrypt files, or hijack the device.

 _Shortcomings of using public Wi-Fi:_ 

The security measures implemented by public Wi-Fi providers are often inadequate to protect users from cyber threats. This is due to the limitations of securing a public network, such as the large number of users, diverse devices, and lack of control over user behavior.

Public Wi-Fi providers often rely on simple encryption protocols, such as WEP or WPA, which are no longer considered secure. In addition, many public Wi-Fi networks do not require users to enter a password or any other form of authentication, making it easy for cybercriminals to gain access to the network.

Another shortcoming of using public Wi-Fi is the lack of control over user behavior. Users may unwittingly compromise their own security by connecting to a fake network, downloading malicious software, or clicking on phishing links.

 _Best practices for using public Wi-Fi safely:_ 

There are several best practices that users can adopt to reduce the risks of using public Wi-Fi:

Use a virtual private network (VPN): A VPN encrypts all internet traffic between a device and a server, making it difficult for cybercriminals to intercept or read the data.

Avoid sensitive activities: Users should avoid logging into sensitive accounts, such as banking or email, while using public Wi-Fi. If they must do so, they should use two-factor authentication and check for the padlock symbol in the browser address bar.

Keep software up-to-date: Users should keep their devices and software up-to-date to ensure they are protected against known vulnerabilities.

Disable auto-connect: Users should disable auto-connect to public Wi-Fi networks to avoid connecting to a fake network.

When you think of successful tech entrepreneurs, you might picture a Silicon Valley wunderkind with a computer science degree from Stanford. But in Africa, some of the most inspiring and innovative founders are self-made entrepreneurs who started from humble beginnings.

Take the story of Aliko Dangote, for example. Before he became Africa's richest man, with a net worth of over $11 billion, he sold sweets and chewing gum on the streets of Kano, Nigeria. He eventually went on to build a business empire that spans industries from cement to sugar to telecommunications.

Or consider Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, who grew up in a poor neighborhood in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She founded the footwear brand soleRebels, which has since expanded to over 20 countries and is on track to reach $100 million in revenue by 2025.

These bootstrapped entrepreneurs are not only inspiring, but also crucial to the growth of Africa's tech ecosystem. With limited access to traditional financing, many entrepreneurs have had to rely on their own savings and ingenuity to get their businesses off the ground.

And yet, despite the odds, many have succeeded beyond their wildest dreams. In fact, a recent report by the African Development Bank found that 22% of African startups were profitable, with an average annual revenue growth rate of 17%.

So, what makes these entrepreneurs so successful? For one, they often have a deep understanding of the local market and its needs. Many of them have started businesses that address specific pain points in their communities, from affordable housing to mobile payments to e-commerce.

In addition, bootstrapped entrepreneurs tend to be scrappy and resourceful. They know how to stretch a dollar and make the most of limited resources. And because they don't have the luxury of relying on outside investors, they often have to be creative in finding alternative sources of funding, such as grants or crowdfunding.

Of course, bootstrapping isn't without its challenges. It can be difficult to scale a business without outside investment, and many entrepreneurs struggle with limited access to mentorship and business support services.

But as more and more entrepreneurs like Dangote and Alemu prove, it's possible to build a successful business from scratch, even in the face of adversity.

So, the next time you're feeling discouraged about your own entrepreneurial journey, remember the inspiring stories of Africa's bootstrapped entrepreneurs. They prove that with hard work, perseverance, and a little bit of creativity, anything is possible.

Sometimes when we disagree on something we believe so firmly, we deny any other perspective.

A cognitive bias is an error in thinking that occurs when we are processing and interpreting information. Oftentimes, they are a result of the brain’s attempt to make  information processing easier. Our brain creates rules of thumb to help us make sense of the world and reach decisions with relative speed. Unfortunately, the process of speeding up the decision process can sometimes lead to errors.

When it comes to investing, cognitive biases can make our investing behavior illogical. This can lead us to make undesirable financial or investment choices because we draw incorrect conclusions based on some of the thinking errors our brain is making to arrive at those decisions.

To be a successful investor over the long term, we need to understand, and hopefully overcome, some of these common cognitive biases. Doing so can lead to better decision making, which may help lower risk and improve investment returns over time.

Here, we highlight four prominent behavioral biases common among investors. In particular, we look atloss aversion, anchoring bias, herd instinct, overconfidence bias, and confirmation bias.

Confirmation Bias

Confirmation bias is the tendency to seek out information that confirms our existing beliefs and ignore information that contradicts them. In trading, this can lead to a trader only seeking out information that supports their bullish or bearish outlook on a particular asset, and ignoring data that suggests otherwise.

To overcome confirmation bias, traders need to actively seek out information that challenges their beliefs and consider all possible outcomes. One strategy is to keep a trading journal where you can document your thoughts and feelings about trades, and review them later to assess whether you were influenced by confirmation bias.

Anchoring Bias

Anchoring bias is the tendency to rely too heavily on the first piece of information encountered when making a decision. In trading, this can lead to traders fixating on a particular price point or target, and ignoring new information that suggests a different outcome.

To overcome anchoring bias, traders should remain open to new information and adjust their expectations accordingly. One strategy is to set multiple price targets based on different scenarios, and adjust them as new information becomes available.

Loss Aversion Bias

Loss aversion bias is the tendency to feel the pain of losses more strongly than the pleasure of gains. In trading, this can lead to traders holding onto losing positions for too long, hoping that they will eventually turn around, and selling winning positions too soon to secure a profit.

To overcome loss aversion bias, traders should set strict stop-loss orders to limit losses and avoid emotional decision-making. One strategy is to set a maximum loss limit for each trade and stick to it, regardless of whether the trade is winning or losing.

Overconfidence Bias

Overconfidence bias is the tendency to overestimate one's own abilities and knowledge, leading to excessive risk-taking and trading errors. In trading, this can lead to traders making large, risky bets based on their own intuition and disregarding the potential downside.

To overcome overconfidence bias, traders should maintain a healthy skepticism and seek out alternative viewpoints and information. One strategy is to engage in regular self-assessment and analysis of past trades to identify areas for improvement.

Conclusion

Traders tend to make decisions based on their intuition, which leads to cognitive biases such as confirmation bias, self-serving bias and hindsight bias. These biases cause traders to display psychological attribute of overconfidence such as miscalibration, better than average effect and illusion of control over a decision, and thus, display overconfidence bias in their decision making in the securities market.

By doing so, traders can improve their decision-making and increase their chances of success in the unpredictable world of trading.

Blockchain technology is a term that has been gaining a lot of attention in recent years. It has been dubbed by some as the "next big thing" in technology, with the potential to revolutionize industries and transform the way we interact with each other.

Blockchain is a type of digital ledger that allows people to store and track information in a secure and transparent way. The information on a blockchain is stored in blocks that are linked together in a chain, hence the name "BLOCKCHAIN"

What is Blockchain Technology?

Blockchain technology is a decentralized and distributed ledger technology that allows transactions to be recorded and verified without the need for a central authority. It is a digital ledger that is used to store data in a way that is secure, transparent, and immutable.

This means that instead of being controlled by a single entity, like a government or a corporation, it is maintained by a network of users. These users all have a copy of the blockchain, and they work together to verify and validate transactions on the network.

 It was first introduced in 2008 as a core component of Bitcoin, the first-ever cryptocurrency.But blockchain technology can be used for a wide range of other purposes as well, from tracking supply chains to storing medical records.

How Does Blockchain Technology Work?

At its core, a blockchain is a series of blocks that are linked together in a chronological and immutable chain. Each block contains a unique cryptographic hash, a timestamp, and a list of transactions. The hash is a mathematical function that takes data of any size and generates a fixed-size output. This output, known as a hash, is unique to the input data and cannot be reversed to recreate the original data.

When a user initiates a transaction on the blockchain, the transaction is broadcasted to a network of nodes (computers) connected to the blockchain network. These nodes are responsible for verifying and validating the transaction to ensure that it is valid and legitimate. This verification process involves checking that the transaction meets the required criteria, such as ensuring that the user has enough funds to complete the transaction.

Once a block has been added to the blockchain, it cannot be altered or deleted. This means that the blockchain is immutable, and any attempts to tamper with the data will be detected and rejected by the network.

What Are the Benefits of Blockchain Technology?

Blockchain technology has several benefits, including:

Decentralization: The blockchain is decentralized, which means that there is no central authority controlling it. This makes it more secure and less susceptible to hacking and fraud.

Transparency: The blockchain is transparent, which means that anyone can view the data stored on it. This makes it easier to track transactions and ensures that they are conducted in a fair and transparent manner.

Security: The blockchain uses advanced cryptography to secure the data stored on it. This makes it virtually impossible for hackers to tamper with the data.

Efficiency: The blockchain allows for faster and more efficient transactions, as there is no need for intermediaries to verify and process the transactions.

Trust: The blockchain creates a level of trust between parties, as all transactions are recorded on a public ledger that is accessible to everyone.

Conclusion

Blockchain technology is a revolutionary technology that has the potential to transform industries and the way we interact with each other. It is a decentralized and distributed ledger technology that is secure, transparent, and immutable. It allows for faster and more efficient transactions, and creates a level of trust between parties. blockchain is a powerful and innovative technology that has the potential to revolutionize the way we store and share information.

As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more innovative applications of blockchain in the future.

 

         Currently in Africa there are so many e-commerce platforms or site's one can use in purchasing different types of products and services.

    There is need for those who want to make online purchases to know the most popular and best platforms to explore.So i will list out these platforms and the necessary knowledge  or things to know about them.

Major E-commerce Platforms in Africa

1.Jumia

     Launched in 2012 in Nigeria, the site has solidified a footprint in over 23 African countries, with a network of over half a million sellers since its inception. Jumia has managed to create a stellar reputation for being a hub for products and services spanning across the retail, food and hospitality, talent recruitment, concierge and the hotel and catering industries. Apart from servicing the needs of consumers and businesses, Jumia has also been upskilling and aiding employment for many Africans who are qualified in areas such as Engineering, IT and online marketing and web development.

         

      Jumia operates in over 10 African countries including Egypt, Tunisia, Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, and more. It is one of the largest ecommerce companies in Africa. Products sold here such as décor items, groceries, clothes, electronics, books, health and beauty products must be new, legal, and of good quality.

       Jumia: Headquartered is in Nigeria, Jumia's average monthly website traffic is 32 million.

2.Konga E-commerce

       Konga is one of the best ecommerce site in Nigeria dealing in a wide range of products such as home décor, electronics, fashion and beauty products. As a seller on Konga, you decide your pricing, preferred shipping method, and the payment mode.

            Konga has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 2012 as a Lagos-only e-commerce site that specialised in baby and beauty care. The online platform has morphed into a major online retailer, often dubbed “The Amazon of Africa.” In 2015, Konga joined forces with leading Nigerian banks to launch KongaPay, a safe and convenient online payment method to tackle the issue of trust in Africa when it came to online payments.

The online marketplace was one of the first in Africa to create a system of payment that was integrated with world banks – an innovation that uses click system that eliminated the sharing of sensitive information during payments.

With a backing from the South African media giant, Naspers, Konga is now a major player in the e-commerce space. In 2014, Naspers, which has a 50% stake in Konga, invested US $50 million in the online store.

3.Kilimall

              Kilimall is one of the best ecommerce platforms that has gained popularity in Kenya, Uganda, and Nigeria. However, most of its traffic (79%) is from Kilimall in Kenya. Products for sell include phones, tablets, fashion, electronics, home appliances, baby products, and more.

       Kilimall, Based in Kenya, Kilimall's average monthly site visits is 500, 000.

4.Afrikrea

        Afrikrea is an online African marketplace dealing in African fashion, arts and crafts. The products available on the platform include fine art, fabrics, jewelry, bags, etc. It serves clients in over 100 countries globally and has over 5000 shops. Afrikrea online store has over 250,000 visitors every month.

5.Zando

Zando is a South African ecommerce platform where sellers can sell beauty products, fashion brands, homeware, etc. It receives around 3.5 million visitors every month.

6.TAKEALOT

       South Africa’s Takealot is the go-to online retailer for the shopper that seeks a convenient and simplified online buying and user experience. The site has been around for over a decade, having been established in the year 2002. Its broad catalogue and variety of products in entertainment gives it an impressionable edge. Customers can shop anything from books to games, computers and TVs.

Part of what makes Takealot an e-commerce success story is that the online retailer strives to provide its customers with the very latest products in the market, coupled with up-to-date product specification.

In April 2017, Takealot scored a significant investment of over US $69 million from Naspers, one of Africa’s biggest digital companies. This came after the online retailer received US $100 million investment from investment firm Tiger Global Management in 2014. Naspers boasts a 53,5% stake in Takealot, while Tiger Global owns about 34%.

       Takealot.com in South Africa

7.BIDORBUY

 

Established in 1999, South Africa’s online store Bidorbuy is one of the oldest online marketplaces in Africa. What makes the site unique is that buyers don’t only get to purchase what they want, but they can also make a bid for products, functioning as an online auction. The site provides a platform to facilitate trade between buyers and sellers. Previously owned items such as antiques and collectables are some of the most popular on Bidorbuy, making up 40% of all items sold. Other second-hand products shoppers prefer include high-end DSLR cameras and lenses, laptops, books, as well as video games.

Over the years, Bidorbuy has made several acquisitions of South African online businesses. These include popular sites such as online jobs portal, Jobs.co.za and e-commerce company uAfrica.com.

Takealot.com in South Africa

8.Souq in Egypt

 

     Souq was originally founded in 2005 by Syrian entrepreneur Ronaldo Mouchawar, as an eBay-style auction site. It transitioned to an Amazon-style ecommerce model from 2010 and became the largest ecommerce platform in the Arab world, serving the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. In 2017, Souq was acquired by Amazon.

Souq has been rebranded as Amazon in the UAE and Saudi Arabia but continues to use the Souq name in Egypt, where it has almost ten million visits per month. It sells a wide range of items including electronics, appliances, homewares, groceries, fashion, books, toys and fitness products. Souq is a retailer in its own right as well as a marketplace. The website currently retains the Souq design and branding, which is similar in style to Amazon.

Souq Egypt retains its own seller registration system. All orders are shipped by Souq, not the seller, so businesses need to provide a warehouse or store address in Egypt where the courier can collect orders. Commission fees vary from 5-20%

Souq also offers a fulfillment service, called “Fulfilled by Souq”, which is very similar to Amazon FBA. Products that are fulfilled by Souq have a higher ranking in search, higher priority for the Buy Button, and qualify for customer pickup and international shipping. They can also participate in “White Friday”, Souq’s equivalent to Black Friday.

Souq is also covered in Online Marketplaces in the Middle East: It’s Only Just Getting Started.

         Conclusively,these different e-commerce sites or platforms are most popularly used in some  African countries more than others, and also most at times these platforms offer a particular commodity or services better than others.

    So the knowledge of these different e-commerce sites and platforms will help consumers and e-commerce vendors to know  which platform or site is better and more preferable for whatever purpose they want to use an e-commerce service.

  

Customers making a payment with ease is one of the aims of any brand that incorporates e-commerce into its system.

In the World of e-commerce its important you note this, if you know them already, it could serve as a reminder.

1. B2C (Business to consumer): Business sells to individuals who are the consumers.
2. B2B (Business to Business): Business sells to other businesses, which sells to the final consumers.
3. C2B (Consumer to Business): consumers sells to business.
4. C2C (Consumer to Consumer): consumers sells to consumers. Online market place like eBay, Ali Express, Amazon connects consumers to consumers.
5. B2G (Business to government): Here, business sells to government agencies.
6. C2G (Consumer to Government): Consumers sell to government agencies.
7. G2B (Government to Business): This is where the government agencies sell to businesses.
8. G2C (Government to Consumers): Government agencies sell to consumers.

All the models above have challenges when transactions are initiated. Starting from the gateways to process payments, network issues in third-world countries, processing International payments, etc.

Also, with the blockchain payment gateways, you don’t have issues processing international transactions, there won’t be need to insert any confidential certificate to process your transactions, and also, transactions are validated within seconds since you are making use of crypto currency which is built on the blockchain.

Lastly, there won’t be issues like card got declined. All you need to do is to connect your wallet and initiate your payment. Please also have a special wallet that will be for your e-commerce activities to avoid being drained through phishing links.

The world is becoming increasingly interconnected, and as a result, cross-border payment and remittance services have become more important than ever before. In recent years, the growth of e-commerce, online marketplaces, and global trade has fueled the demand for efficient, secure, and affordable cross-border payment and remittance solutions. In this article, we will explore the rise of cross-border payment and remittance, the challenges faced by those involved, and the potential benefits for individuals and businesses.

The Rise of Cross-Border Payment and Remittance

Cross-border payment and remittance services are now a significant part of the global economy. According to a report by the World Bank, remittance flows to low- and middle-income countries reached a record high of $553 billion in 2021, and this figure is expected to continue to rise. The growth of cross-border payment and remittance services has been driven by a number of factors, including:

1. Globalization: The increase in global trade and cross-border transactions has created a demand for efficient and reliable cross-border payment and remittance solutions.

2. E-commerce: The growth of e-commerce and online marketplaces has made it easier for businesses to sell their products and services across borders, leading to an increase in cross-border payments.

3. Migration: The movement of people across borders for work and other reasons has led to an increase in remittance flows as individuals send money back to their home countries.

Challenges Faced by Those Involved

Despite the growth in cross-border payment and remittance services, there are still many challenges faced by those involved. One of the biggest challenges is the high cost of sending and receiving money across borders. According to the World Bank, the average cost of sending $200 to a low- or middle-income country was 6.5% in the first quarter of 2021. This is well above the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal target of 3%.

Another challenge is regulatory compliance. Cross-border payment and remittance services are subject to a variety of regulations, including anti-money laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations. Compliance with these regulations can be time-consuming and expensive, particularly for small businesses.

The Potential Benefits for Individuals and Businesses

Despite these challenges, there are many potential benefits to cross-border payment and remittance services. For individuals, these services provide a way to send money home to their families and loved ones, helping to support their basic needs such as food, housing, and education.

For businesses, cross-border payment and remittance services offer a way to expand their customer base and access new markets. By offering efficient and secure cross-border payment options, businesses can increase their competitiveness and reach new customers around the world.

In addition to these benefits, cross-border payment and remittance services can also promote financial inclusion. By providing access to formal financial services to people who are unbanked or underbanked, these services can help to reduce poverty and improve living standards.

In conclusion, the rise of cross-border payment and remittance services has transformed the way we do business and live our lives. While there are still challenges to be addressed, the potential benefits for individuals and businesses are significant. By breaking down borders and increasing access to efficient and affordable cross-border payment and remittance solutions, we can help to create a more connected and prosperous world.

If you do not know who ‘yahoo boys’ are, then either you do not live in Nigeria or you are pretending. They derived their name from the popular internet company Yahoo!, whose e-mail accounts are sometimes used by fraudsters. Apart from being a national cause for concern, internet fraud is also widely seen as the only way to make money among young Nigerians. Cybercrime is glorified in many songs, memes, and movies as an effective way to ascend past the shackles of poverty. Most times, a young boy is depicted as having lived in abject poverty until a bad friend introduces him to internet fraud. Once he abandons his morals, he becomes an instant success financially, and if he faces consequences—which they seldom do—it would be simply an arrest or madness. If you are sane, you would be asking, "What’s simple about arrest?" You see, these criminals hardly spend up to a month in jail because in real life they are bailed out by a more senior player in the game. For individuals who know this, their fear of lawful repercussions dissipates.

Yahoo boys also have their sayings that act as motivational quotes for them. Here are a few:

"No throway your garri say your neighbor dey cook rice. Him gas fit finish"

"Na person who work for night go chop for morning"

"Rain wey beat us today go wash our Benz tomorrow. Aje!"

"Hot water wey dey make egg strong dey make yam soft. Be humble"

"Trust the process. Even traffic lights go red before green go show"

Despite being seen as a bad group by many, some individuals see them as a technological labor force for the African giant. One of such people is the President-Elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu who stated during a campaign rally that he would create technology hubs for the Yahoo boys if elected. He vowed:

"I will convert Yahoo boys and make them useful by converting their talents and intellects to produce chips for industries."

My topic is not based on whether he meant it or not, but rather on the content of his statement. You cannot deny that the adoption of more technology solutions is a welcome development, but with the number of Yahoo boys around, we should understand that where there is technological advancement, preparation should be made for more intelligent forms of fraud. If these criminals can be rehabilitated and trained effectively, Nigeria can be a technological force in the league of India, China, and the United States. Yahoo boys have cast a shadow on every young Nigerian male with a laptop. The police have also been accused of framing and arresting young Nigerians for internet fraud wrongfully in order to appear hard-working. Cryptocurrency enthusiasts are also seen as scammers because they make money without needing to carry a file around. 

As a young child, I grew accustomed to the sound of gunshots and having to run at unexpected moments because of the militants in my neighborhood. Many of these individuals, who caused the deaths of hundreds, are now beneficiaries of amnesty programs. The question is, can there be an amnesty program for Yahoo boys too? Or is that too unimportant an issue to address?

The declension of this young generation is facilitated by the popularity cybercrime has gained. No matter what the baby boomers say, the need to gain wealth by any means necessary will remain a desire for many. The steps we take in securing our nation and preparing for the future depend on the decisions we make concerning our young people. Are they simply criminals that need to be punished, or a misguided work force for technological advancement? Give it a thought.

Cryptocurrencies have been gaining popularity all over the world as a new form of digital currency, and Nigeria has emerged as a leader in its adoption across Africa and one of the major adopters across the globe. Nearly one-third of Nigerians have already invested in Bitcoin. Also she over 50% month-to-month active adult cryptocurrency investors due to the persistent devaluation of the Nigerian currency.

Cryptocurrencies are digital or virtual tokens that use cryptography to secure their transactions and to control the creation of new units. They are decentralized, which means that they are not controlled by any central authority, and they operate on a peer-to-peer network.

Factors that influence cryptocurrency adoption in Nigeria

Here are some of the indicators for Nigeria's cryptocurrency adoption:

1. Remittances: Remittances refers to the money sent by people in diaspora to their families. Nigeria has a large diaspora population, and remittances are a significant source of income for many households. Cryptocurrencies offer a faster and cheaper way to send money across borders, especially when compared to traditional money transfer methods such as Western Union.

2. Economic uncertainty: Nigeria has experienced significant economic challenges over the years, including high inflation rates, currency devaluation, and political instability. Cryptocurrencies provide an alternative means of storing value and transacting outside of traditional financial systems that can be subject to government control and manipulation.

3. Youthful population that are tech-savvy: Nigeria has a young and tech-savvy population, with a significant proportion of the population under the age of 35. Many young Nigerians are drawn to the possibilities offered by cryptocurrency and blockchain technology and see it as a way to participate in the global economy.

4. Financial exclusion: Nigeria has a significant portion of its population who are unbanked or underbanked, meaning they do not have access to traditional financial services. Cryptocurrencies offer a way to participate in financial transactions and store value outside of the traditional banking system.

5. Ease of use: Cryptocurrencies are relatively easy to use, and many cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets have made it simple for Nigerians to buy, sell, and store cryptocurrencies.

6. Investment opportunity: Many Nigerians see cryptocurrency as an investment opportunity, and the potential for high returns has drawn many to the market.

The Nigerian Government's dual contrasting opinion on Cryptocurrency

The Nigerian Government however has had a dual contrasting opinion on the adoption of cryptocurrency. In 2017, the Central Bank of Nigeria banned it's commercial banks and other financial institutions from transacting in cryptocurrency. 

Nevertheless, in September, 2022, Nigeria went in partnership with Binance to build an Export Processes Zone Authority (NEPZA) with the aim to create a digital economic zone similar to that of Dubai.

Moreso, in December, 2022, according to a report from Coinmarketcap, the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on capital market and institutions of Nigeria -Babangida Ibrahim stated that Nigeria will soon pass a law legalizing the use of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies to align with the global trends

In conclusion, Nigeria's cryptocurrency adoption can be attributed to a combination of economic, demographic, and technological factors, as well as the potential for financial empowerment and inclusion. While there are still challenges to be addressed, such as regulation and security concerns, the future looks bright for cryptocurrencies in Nigeria. As more people become aware of the benefits of cryptocurrencies, we can expect to see even greater adoption in the years to come.