Nigerian GenZs

02/01/2025

Creativity: You can Create too

Creativity is a universal trait that everyone can cultivate, not just artists. To unlock creative potential, believe in your abilities, seek new experiences, challenge norms, embrace failure, practice regularly, collaborate, use constraints creatively, silence self-judgment, keep an idea notebook, and maintain curiosity. Nurturing creativity can lead to extraordinary contributions.

01/12/2024

What Life Changers Do: Steps to Transform Lives and Inspire Greatness

Life changers are individuals who inspire and uplift others through purpose-driven actions, empathy, resilience, and encouragement of potential. They lead by example, prioritize lifelong learning, take initiative, and give back to their communities. Their impactful actions foster growth and create positive legacies, emphasizing that small, intentional efforts can spark significant change.

12/11/2024

The Importance of High Self-Esteem: Building a Future of Confidence and Resilience

High self-esteem is crucial for African youth, empowering them to overcome societal challenges, pursue ambitions, and foster resilience in adversity. It enhances mental well-being, promotes strong social connections, and helps redefine narratives around African identity. Investing in their self-worth is essential for a confident and innovative future for the continent.

29/10/2024

Think public speaking is all glamour and applause? Think again! Professional speakers reveal the behind-the-scenes struggles, from sweaty palms to speaker's block. Get the inside scoop on what it really takes to be a successful public speaker and how to overcome your fears to shine on stage.

The link to the article is in the comment section.

16/10/2024

Choosing the Right Friends Needed for Your Life as an African Youth
Tolulope Olugbade

Friendship plays a crucial role in shaping our lives, especially during youth. As an African youth, the friends you choose can significantly influence your personal growth, values, and future prospects. Selecting the right friends involves carefully considering various factors that align with your goals, aspirations, and cultural context. Here are key points to consider when choosing friends who will positively impact your life:

1. Shared Values and Principles
Seek friends who share your core values and principles. Common beliefs in integrity, respect, hard work, and kindness create a strong foundation for a lasting and meaningful friendship. Friends with similar values will support and reinforce your personal beliefs, helping you stay true to yourself.

2. Positive Influence and Support
Surround yourself with friends who encourage and inspire you to be your best self. Positive friends provide motivation, celebrate your successes, and offer support during challenging times. They should also provide constructive feedback and encouragement, pushing you to achieve your goals and dreams.

3. Cultural Understanding and Respect
Choose friends who understand and respect your cultural background and heritage. This mutual respect fosters a deeper connection and appreciation for each other’s identities. Such friends can also help you navigate cultural expectations and challenges unique to African youth.

4. Ambition and Drive
Friends with ambition and drive can significantly influence your aspirations and work ethic. Associating with goal-oriented individuals encourages you to pursue your passions and strive for excellence. These friends can also provide valuable insights and advice on academic, career, and personal development.

5. Trustworthiness and Reliability
Trust is the cornerstone of any meaningful friendship. Choose friends who are trustworthy and reliable, individuals you can count on in times of need. Trustworthy friends respect your confidentiality, keep their promises, and stand by you through thick and thin.

6. Diverse Perspectives
While shared values are essential, having friends with diverse perspectives and experiences can broaden your understanding of the world. Friends from different backgrounds and varied interests can introduce you to new ideas, challenge your assumptions, and enhance your critical thinking skills.

7. Mutual Respect and Equality
Healthy friendships are built on mutual respect and equality. Ensure your friendships are balanced, where both parties contribute and benefit equally. Avoid friends who constantly take advantage of you or undermine your self-worth. A friend who respects you will value your opinions, boundaries, and individuality.

8. Positive Conflict Resolution
Disagreements are natural in any relationship. Choose friends who can handle conflicts maturely and constructively. Friends who communicate openly, listen actively and seek to resolve issues amicably contribute to a stronger, more resilient friendship.

9. Encouragement of Personal Growth
Good friends encourage personal growth and self-improvement. They support your educational pursuits, hobbies, and efforts to better yourself. Such friends inspire you to step out of your comfort zone, explore new opportunities, and develop new skills.

10. Healthy Social Activities
Engage with friends who promote healthy and productive social activities. Avoid friends who engage in harmful behaviours such as substance abuse or illegal activities. Positive social interactions, such as sports, cultural events, and community service, enhance your well-being and contribute to your personal development.

Choosing the right friends is a critical aspect of personal development for African youth. The right friends will enhance your life and help you navigate the challenges and opportunities unique to your journey as an African youth.

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09/10/2024

Understanding the Infopreneur: A Modern Approach to Knowledge Sharing

In today’s digital landscape, the term "infopreneur" has emerged as a distinct role, blending entrepreneurship with the dissemination of knowledge. An infopreneur is an individual who possesses specific expertise on a subject, packages that information, and sells it online. This model taps into the internet's vast potential, allowing for diverse revenue streams while catering to an audience eager for specialised knowledge.

Infopreneurs can generally be categorised into two groups:

1. Original Content Creators: These infopreneurs develop unique insights and experiences related to a specific topic. They may produce eBooks, online courses, webinars, or consulting services, offering value based on their expertise. This approach often requires in-depth research and a personal touch, which can lead to more authentic and engaging content.

2. Affiliate Marketers: This group focuses on selling information products others create, often earning commissions. While they may not have in-depth knowledge about the subject, they leverage their marketing skills to promote and sell existing content. This model allows for quick entry into the market but can risk perceived value if the information lacks depth or credibility.

The Risks of Quick Money Strategies

In pursuing fast profits, some infopreneurs compile popular content from various sources without providing original insights. This “mash-together” approach may yield short-term gains but often leads to a lack of trust and sustainability. Consumers today are discerning and tend to gravitate toward brands and individuals that offer genuine value and expertise.

Target-Based Information Products

Successful infopreneurs focus on creating targeted information products and services. They identify specific pain points or interests within their audience and tailor their offerings accordingly. This could be anything from niche online courses to specialised eBooks that address common challenges a particular demographic faces.

Infopreneurs can build a loyal customer base by honing in on a well-defined target audience. Effective marketing strategies, such as email campaigns, social media outreach, and content marketing, are essential to driving traffic and sales.

The Future of Infopreneurship

As the digital economy continues to grow, the role of the infopreneur will likely evolve. With technological advancements and changing consumer behaviours, new platforms for delivering content will emerge. To stay relevant, infopreneurs must remain adaptable and continuously update their skills and knowledge.

In conclusion, the infopreneur model offers an exciting opportunity for individuals to monetise their knowledge while helping others. Infopreneurs can thrive in the competitive online marketplace by focusing on genuine expertise and delivering valuable, targeted content.

07/10/2024

Ololade Ayelabola, a model and final-year Computer Science student at the University of Lagos, has set a new Guinness World Record by walking 130.62 km on a catwalk, completing 2,058 laps at the university's Indoor Sports Centre. This surpasses the previous record of 114.4 km set in 1983.

Ololade aimed to walk 120 km over 96 hours but exceeded that, starting on Nigeria’s Independence Day, October 1, and finishing on October 5. Her walk aimed to challenge stereotypes in the fashion industry and promote inclusivity for models of all appearances. Throughout the event, she showcased outfits from various Nigerian designers, supported by fellow models and cheering students.

Oluwaseun Adeniyi Gideon Niye

26/09/2024

FG UPS CORPS MEMBERS' ALLOWANCE TO N77,000

The Federal Government has approved the increment of Corps Members' monthly allowance to Seventy-Seven Thousand Naira (N77,000) with effect from July 2024.

This is in line with the enactment of the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024.
This was contained in a letter from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, dated 25th September 2024 and signed by the Chairman, Mr. Ekpo Nta.

Prior to this, the Director General, NYSC Brigadier General YD Ahmed, had paid an advocacy visit to the Chairman in which he solicited for a robust welfare package for Corps Members.

The NYSC Boss is thankful to the Federal Government for the timely gesture and is optimistic that it will not only bring much needed succour to the Corps Members, but also boost their morale and motivate them to do even more, in their service to the nation.

Before this increment, the monthly allowance for Corps Members was Thirty-Three Thousand Naira (N33,000).

17/09/2024

You need to make conscious dietary choices to promote longevity and quality of life. Avoiding processed and fast foods, sugary beverages, refined carbohydrates, high-sodium foods, red and processed meats, trans fats, and excessive alcohol can significantly improve health outcomes. Embracing a diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, can pave the way for a longer, healthier life.

15/08/2024

The Secret of Excelling as a Student Beyond the Four Walls of the Classroom Tolulope Olugbade

To excel as a student beyond the classroom, adopt a lifelong learning mindset, master time management, engage in extracurricular activities, utilize online resources, develop critical thinking skills, build a support network, explore internships, practice self-discipline, embrace cultural awareness, and prioritize physical and mental health.

Link to the whole article in the comment section

14/08/2024

We woke up to this breaking news: The Nigerian House of Representatives seeks a 10-year prison sentence and a 5 million naira fine for Nigerians who refuse to recite the national anthem.

In May 2024, President Bola Tinubu signed into law a bill to revert to Nigeria’s old national anthem, which had been dropped by a military government in 1978. The bill was passed and signed into law within 72 hours without engaging the public. The newly re-adopted anthem begins with “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” written by Lillian Jean Williams in 1959 and composed by Frances Berda.

Not singing or standing for the national anthem is a form of peaceful protest that does not constitute a criminal offence. The National Assembly is now trying to empower the executive government to charge any Nigerian who refuses to recite the National Anthem with criminal offences.

Another dangerous part of the bill is that it also somewhat criminalises protests, "...anyone who sets up an illegal roadblock, performs unauthorized traffic duties, imposes an illegal curfew, or organizes an unlawful procession will be subject to a fine of N2 million, five years in prison, or both upon conviction.”

Nigerians must rise up to resist the bill that seeks to outlaw dissent, protest and freedom of expression.

30/07/2024

Behind the Scenes of Popular Podcasts: How They Are Made and Their Influence

Podcasts have become dominant in digital media, offering diverse and accessible content. Creating a successful podcast involves concept development, scripting, recording, branding, distribution, audience engagement, and understanding its influence. Production quality and effective promotion are crucial for a podcast’s impact and influence on its audience.

Link to the full article in the comment section.

25/07/2024

Nigerian Government Urges Citizens to Halt Planned Protest

The Nigerian presidency has appealed to citizens to cancel a planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1, citing efforts to address economic challenges. Minister of Information Mohammed Idris, speaking on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, assured that the government is working to actualise its plans and urged patience.

The protest, organised anonymously, aims to address economic hardship, inflation, and high food prices. Despite government measures like a new minimum wage and palliative programs, critics argue that more needs to be done.

The Labour Party, accused of being behind the protest, has vehemently denied any involvement. They have stated that citizens have the constitutional right to protest. The government, in response, has promised a professional and balanced approach, ensuring the protection of peaceful demonstrators while preventing property damage.

Trade union leaders have called for dialogue between the government and protest organisers, emphasising the urgent need for intervention to address economic concerns.

22/07/2024

Social media influencers play a pivotal role in shaping the lives of African youth. They wield considerable influence over them, significantly shaping their behaviours, beliefs, and aspirations. Through platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, these influencers showcase lifestyles, fashion trends, and cultural narratives that resonate deeply with their young audiences.

They often serve as role models, promoting products, ideas, and social causes that capture attention and drive engagement.

One key impact of these influencers is on consumer behaviour. African youth frequently look to influencers for recommendations on fashion, beauty products, technology gadgets, and even lifestyle choices. This influence extends beyond mere consumption, as influencers shape opinions on social and political issues, encouraging activism and awareness among their followers.

Moreover, influencers provide a platform for cultural expression and representation. They amplify African voices globally, celebrating diversity and challenging stereotypes. This representation fosters a sense of pride and identity among African youth, who find inspiration and connection through these digital role models.

Also, Influencers often promote entrepreneurship and self-employment, encouraging youth to explore innovative career paths.

However, the influence of social media influencers has its challenges. There are concerns about authenticity and transparency, as sponsored content may blur the lines between genuine endorsement and paid promotion. Additionally, the pressure to conform to idealised standards of beauty, success, and happiness portrayed by influencers can contribute to low self-esteem and unrealistic expectations. Also, seeking validation through social media metrics (likes, followers) can lead to anxiety and self-esteem issues are also part of the challenges.

Risk Behaviors are also part of the equation. Influencers endorsing risky behaviours such as substance abuse and dangerous challenges can influence impressionable youth to engage in such activities. Moreover, there are Privacy Concerns. Youth may not fully understand the implications of sharing personal information online, leading to privacy violations or harassment.

In conclusion, while social media influencers play a pivotal role in shaping the lives of African youth, their impact is multifaceted. Recognizing both the positive aspects of cultural empowerment and the potential drawbacks of unchecked influence is essential. By understanding these dynamics, we can foster a balanced and informed engagement with social media platforms, empowering us to take control of our online experiences.

Written by Tolulope Olugbade

08/07/2024

11/06/2024

Self-improvement strategies for African Youth

Empowering African youth with self-improvement strategies enhances potential and contributes to collective development. Adopt SMART goals, prioritize learning and self-care, build strong relationships, embrace diversity and inclusion, set boundaries, and take responsibility. These strategies equip youth to navigate life’s complexities, pursue aspirations, and contribute meaningfully to communities and the continent.

Link to the article in the comments.

30/05/2024

30/05/2024

With Africa Fact Corner – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉