1. Don't call someone more than twice continuously. 

If they don't pick up your call, assume they have something important to attend to.

2. Return the money that you have borrowed.

even before the person who borrowed it remembers or asks for it. It shows your integrity and character. Same goes with umbrellas, pens, lunch boxes, etc.

3. Never order the most expensive dish on the menu.

 when someone is giving you a lunch or dinner.

4. Don't ask awkward questions like, 

'Oh so you aren't married yet?' Or 'Don't you have kids' or

'Why didn't you buy a house?' Or why don't you buy a car? For God's sake, it isn't your problem.

5. Always open the door for the person coming behind you. 

It doesn't matter if it is a guy or a girl, senior or junior. You don't grow small by treating someone well in public.

6. Pay it forward or afterwards. 

Eg: If you take a taxi with a friend and he/she pays now, try paying next time.

7. Respect different shades of opinion.

Remember, what's 6 to you will appear 9 to someone facing you. Besides, a second opinion is a good alternative.

8. Never interrupt people who are talking.

 Allow them to pour it out. As they say, hear them all and filter them all.

9. Know when to stop.

 If you tease someone, and they don't seem to enjoy it, stop it and never do it again. It encourages one to do more and it shows how appreciative you are.

10. Embrace gratitude.

Say "thank you" when someone is helping you.

11. Empathize Loyalty.

 Praise publicly. Criticize privately. If you want to retain those who are present, be loyal to those who are absent.

12. A compliment goes a long way compared to a criticism.

There's almost never a reason to comment on someone's weight. Just say, "You look fantastic." If they want to talk about losing weight, they will.

13. Respect boundaries.

When someone shows you a photo on their phone, don't swipe left or right. You never know what's next.

14. Mind your own business, if they want to share, they will.

If a colleague tells you they have a doctor's appointment, don't ask what it's for, just say " hope you're okay". Don't put them in the uncomfortable position of having to tell you about their personal illness. If they want you to know, they'll do so without your inquisitiveness.

15. Respect everyone, regardless of their status, ethnicity, or age.

You can't be a good business partner or anything else unless you are a good human being to the core, Treat the cleaner with the same respect as the CEO. Nobody is impressed at how rude you can treat someone below you but people will notice if you treat them with respect.

16. Eye contact and body language.

If a person is speaking directly to you, staring at your phone is rude.

17. The power of silence.

Never give advice until you're asked; sometimes all people need is a listening a ear free of judgments and advice. Knowing this will help you help those in need and you will not be listening to respond but to empathize with the other person.

18. Avoid unnecessary questions.

 When meeting someone after a long time, unless they want to talk about it, don't ask them their age and salary.

19. Mind your business unless anything involves you directly - just stay out of it.

20. Small gestures go a long way.

Remove your sunglasses if you are talking to anyone in the street. It is a sign of respect.

21. Understand your audience.

 Never talk about your riches in the midst of the poor. Similarly, don't talk about your children in the midst of the barren.

22. After reading a good message, try to say

"Thanks for the message".

Appreciation remains the easiest way to get what you don't have.

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.

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.

Technology has truly improved humanity since its existence but an aspect of it that humanity is not ready for causes more harm than good.

Let's travel to Nigeria, in February 2022 the central bank passed a certain rule that will help eliminate the flow of cash and promote cashless society. This plan was rejected by her citizens, banks were closed down, it resulted in unrest in the country, and of course destruction of lives and properties followed.

It's very important to note that ignorance is a major hindrance to whatever you want to do. In some rural communities they can't even use the ATM machine, to even do a mobile transfer in the so-called urban areas is a big deal, as there might be an unstable network.

Imagine having these issues and you want to switch to a fully cashless society in a place where people are yet to fully understand the traditional way of doing things, it will yield disaster.

For this cashless society to be effective, there should be proper education of the public, and also we should be able to trust the system in the sense that it is transparent, can be held accountable and there should be zero or very minimal network glitches.

Without the aforementioned, this will not be possible, even though the government might want to force it on people but it won't really be effective.

A cashless society definitely has both positive and negative effects on people.

But for now, I guess we are not ready.

The idea of digital currencies, free from government control and censorship, has attracted millions of people to the world of cryptocurrencies. However, as with any digital asset, cryptocurrencies are vulnerable to cyber attacks and theft. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the security measures to protect your digital assets from potential cyber threats.

The Security measures explained below should be implemented in order to protect your cryptocurrencies.

• Strong Passwords: The first step to secure your cryptocurrency is to create a strong and unique password. Your password should contain a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using common words or personal information that hackers can easily guess.
• Two-factor Authentication: Two-factor authentication is an extra layer of security that requires you to enter a code sent to your mobile device or email in addition to your password. Enabling two-factor authentication on your cryptocurrency wallet or exchange account can help prevent unauthorized access.
• Cold Storage: Cold storage refers to storing your cryptocurrencies offline in a hardware wallet or paper wallet. This method provides a high level of security as it is not connected to the internet, making it less vulnerable to cyber attacks.
• Keep Software Up-to-date: Ensure that you keep your wallet and software up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates. This helps to prevent hackers from exploiting known vulnerabilities.
• Use Reputable Exchanges: Only use reputable cryptocurrency exchanges that have a proven track record of security. Research the exchange's history, reviews, and security measures before using it to trade or store your cryptocurrencies.
• Diversify Your Portfolio: Diversifying your portfolio reduces the risk of losing all your digital assets in the event of a hack or theft. Invest in different cryptocurrencies and spread your assets across different wallets and exchanges.
• Keep Private Keys Secure: Private keys are used to access your cryptocurrencies, and anyone with access to your private keys can steal your assets. Keep your private keys in a secure location, such as a hardware wallet, and never share them with anyone.
• Beware of Scams: Scammers often use phishing emails or fake websites to steal your cryptocurrencies. Always double-check the website's URL and ensure that you are visiting a legitimate website before entering your credentials or making a transaction.

Securing your cryptocurrencies is crucial in protecting your digital assets from potential cyber threats. Implementing the above security measures can help reduce the risk of theft and hacking.

In today's digital world, remittance and payment transactions have become a norm, with millions of people sending and receiving money globally. With the increasing use of digital platforms for remittance and payment services, security and fraud risks have become a growing concern. As such, enhancing security and mitigating fraud risks has become a top priority for stakeholders in the remittance and payment industry.In today's digital world, remittance and payment transactions have become a norm, with millions of people sending and receiving money globally. With the increasing use of digital platforms for remittance and payment services, security and fraud risks have become a growing concern. As such, enhancing security and mitigating fraud risks has become a top priority for stakeholders in the remittance and payment industry.

The common  fraud risk are:

1. Phishing scams: Fraudsters send fake emails, text messages, or phone calls, posing as legitimate remittance or payment service providers, asking for personal information or directing users to a fake website to obtain sensitive information.

2. Identity theft: Fraudsters steal personal information, such as names, addresses, and account numbers, to conduct fraudulent transactions.

3. Money mules: Fraudsters use unsuspecting individuals to transfer money on their behalf, often by offering them incentives or pretending to be a legitimate business or charity.

4. Ponzi schemes: Fraudsters lure unsuspecting victims to invest in a fraudulent investment scheme, promising high returns and payouts, but eventually collapse, leaving investors with significant losses.

5. Hacking: Cybercriminals breach security systems of remittance or payment service providers, accessing sensitive information or manipulating transactions.

The good news is that there are measures that can be taken to ensure safe and secure transactions.

 The few measures are:

 1.  implementing robust security protocols.

2. Remittance and payment service providers can utilize multi-factor authentication. 

 3. end-to-end encryption to secure transactions and protect customer data. Additionally, service providers can leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to monitor and detect fraudulent activities.

Another crucial measure is customer education. Remittance and payment service providers can educate their customers on the importance of verifying recipient information, avoiding sharing sensitive information with third parties, and reporting any suspicious activities to the service provider or relevant authorities.

Governments and regulatory bodies can also play a vital role in enhancing security and mitigating fraud risks. They can establish regulations and guidelines for remittance and payment service providers, which would ensure that service providers comply with the set standards.

In recent years, blockchain technology has emerged as a game-changer in the remittance and payment industry. It offers a decentralized, transparent, and immutable platform that reduces fraud risks significantly. Blockchain technology can be leveraged to create secure, tamper-proof, and transparent payment systems that reduce transaction costs and improve security.

In conclusion, enhancing security and mitigating fraud risks in remittance and payment transactions is crucial in the digital era. Remittance and payment service providers, governments, and regulatory bodies must work collaboratively to implement robust security protocols, educate customers, and leverage technology to reduce fraud risks. With the right measures in place, we can ensure safe and secure remittance and payment transactions, and build trust among users.

LINKEDIN: POPOOLA BUSOLA HELEN

Africa is home to some of the world's fastest-growing economies and most dynamic societies, making it an increasingly important player on the global stage. However, like many parts of the world, Africa is also facing a growing threat from cybercrime, which poses a significant risk to both its people and its economic prosperity.

The importance of cybersecurity in Africa cannot be overstated. Cyberattacks can cripple entire countries, disrupting critical infrastructure, stealing sensitive data, and causing widespread economic and social damage. This is why governments, businesses, and individuals must work together to ensure that Africa is prepared to deal with the evolving threat landscape.

Governments have a key role to play in securing Africa's digital future. They must create and enforce robust cybersecurity regulations and policies, as well as invest in the necessary infrastructure and personnel to combat cybercrime effectively. This includes funding for cybersecurity research, training, and education, as well as for the development of new technologies and strategies to prevent and respond to cyberattacks.

Businesses also have a critical role to play in securing Africa's digital future. They must prioritize cybersecurity by investing in advanced technologies, implementing strong data protection policies, and educating employees on best practices for online safety. This will not only protect their own operations but also safeguard their customers' sensitive information, which is critical for building trust in a digital economy.

Individuals also have a critical role to play in securing Africa's digital future. They must prioritize their own online safety by practicing good cybersecurity hygiene, such as using strong passwords, avoiding suspicious links and emails, and updating software regularly. This will not only protect them from cybercrime but also help create a safer online environment for everyone.

In conclusion, cybersecurity is a critical component of securing Africa's future. 

It requires a concerted effort from governments, businesses, and individuals to ensure that Africa is prepared to deal with the growing threat landscape. 

By investing in robust cybersecurity policies and infrastructure, prioritizing cybersecurity in business operations, and practicing good cybersecurity hygiene, we can build a safer and more prosperous digital future for Africa.

Introduction

Cyberthreats have become an increasing concern for individuals and organizations alike as the number and severity of attacks continue to rise.

In order to protect yourself and your business from these threats, it's important to understand the types of cyber threats that exist and the measures you can take to prevent them.

Types of Cyber Threats

1. Malware: Malware is a type of software designed to damage or disrupt computer systems. It includes viruses, worms, and Trojan horses, and can be spread through email attachments, infected websites, or software downloads. To prevent malware infections, it's important to use up-to-date anti-virus and anti-malware software and to avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
2. Phishing: Phishing is a type of cyber attack that involves tricking people into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers. Phishing attacks are often carried out through email or social media and can be difficult to detect because they may appear to come from a legitimate source. To prevent phishing attacks, it's essential to be wary of any unsolicited emails or messages and to avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
3. Ransomware: Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts the victim's files, making them inaccessible until a ransom is paid. Ransomware attacks are often carried out through email attachments or infected websites and can be devastating for individuals and businesses alike. To prevent ransomware attacks, it's important to regularly back up your data and store it in a secure location, and to avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
4. DDoS attacks: A distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack is a type of cyber attack that involves flooding a network or website with traffic in order to overwhelm it and make it unavailable to users. DDoS attacks are often carried out by using a botnet - a network of infected computers controlled by the attacker. To prevent DDoS attacks, it's important to use anti-DDoS software and to monitor your network for unusual activity.
5. Insider threats: Insider threats are a type of cyber threat that involves employees or other insiders with access to sensitive information or systems. Insider threats can include intentional sabotage or theft of data, as well as accidental mistakes or negligence. To prevent insider threats, it's important to have strong access controls in place and to regularly monitor and audit access to sensitive systems and data.
6. Social engineering: Social engineering is a type of cyber attack that involves manipulating people into divulging sensitive information or performing actions that they wouldn't otherwise do. Social engineering attacks can take many forms, including phishing emails, phone scams, and fake websites. To prevent social engineering attacks, it's important to educate yourself and your employees about the tactics used by attackers and to be wary of any unsolicited requests for information or action.

Conclusion

In addition to these specific types of cyber threats, it's important to maintain good cybersecurity practices in general.

This includes using strong and unique passwords, keeping the software and operating systems up to date with the latest security patches, and using two-factor authentication wherever possible.