We are not sure if this is to be categorised as a high or low-quality problem, but some Nigerians might be in for the mother of all modern inconvenience– a telecommunication shutdown. 

On December 31, just as Nigerians said goodbye to  2024, the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) said that they might suspend their services in some regions of the country if the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) does not okay their demand for a tariff increase.

In a statement signed by ALTON Chairman Gbenga Adebayo, the association said that Nigeria’s telecom industry is hanging by a thread and would need to increase the current tariff as a matter of survival as they currently suffer high energy costs, rising inflation, high cost of operation, unstable exchange rates, and other issues.

The ALTON chairman emphasised that telecom operators need to, as a matter of survival, raise the tariff to reflect the unfortunate impact of the Nigerian economy on their businesses but have been able to do so due to the NCC’s refusal and have experienced stagnancy as a result.

Although they were not specific on time and location, ALTON said it’d be cutting telecommunication services in certain regions of the country and at certain times. In the words of its chairman: “If nothing is done, we might begin to see in the new year grim consequences unfolding, such as Service Shedding; operators may not be able to provide services in some areas and at some times of the day leaving millions disconnected…”

How will a telecommunications shutdown affect you?

Actually, the question should be, “How will it not affect you?” because a telecommunications shutdown is on the same level (if not worse) as an electricity blackout. If telcos go ahead with their plan to suspend their services in some regions of the country, this means that people in those regions will literally be catapulted back to the Stone Age, as they will only be able to use their devices at certain times of the day. Imagine using your phone only when the rationing allows you to.

On a larger scale, a suspension of telecom services would be potentially catastrophic for Nigeria, as essential sectors like healthcare, education, security, and commerce would be mad  stranded without those services.

What does a tariff increase mean for you?

Telecom operators have explained how the current tariff weighs heavily on their operations, and Nigerians will definitely be singing the same song if the NCC agrees to a tariff increment.

Currently, the tariff stands at ₦11.00 per minute for voice calls,  ₦4.00 for Short Message Services (SMS), and  ₦1,000 for one GB data bundle. If the tariff increases, customers will be charged  ₦15.40 per minute for voice calls,  ₦5.60 for SMS, and  ₦1,400 for one GB data bundle.

So, in addition to paying more for almost everything, Nigerians will have to dig into their pockets for extra cash to afford services as essential as telecom services.

What is the solution to this problem?

The obvious solution here might seem to be for telecom operators and the NCC to come to an agreement, but according to all that ALTON has said, the only acceptable agreement in their books is a tariff increase, which unfortunately brings us back to the issue of being forced to pay more.

The only real solution is the not-so-obvious one—an economic turnaround. Nigeria is currently experiencing what has been termed its worst economic crisis on record, and its impact has been felt on just about everything in the country.

From an increase in the cost of air and road travel to an increase in food prices and more, people in the country have barely caught a break, and neither has its industries. In 2023, following the impact of fuel subsidy removal and bold monetary policies, several companies like  Bolt Food, Procter & Gamble, GlaxoSmithKline (which had operated in the country since 1972), and Jumia Food all left the country for similar reasons. 

Also, in 2023 alone, about 767 manufacturing companies in Nigeria had to shut down their operations due to the same old culprit– the economic crisis. Now, telecom operators are asking for a tariff review, citing the same issues.

From all angles, there hardly seems to be a solution or an end in sight to the current telecom threat. As it stands, the NCC might have to finally agree to the tariff hike and Nigerians might have to pay extra for telecom services.

At the beginning of November, a group of young Nigerian feminists came together to create a WhatsApp group chat, which was supposed to be a “safe space” away from the “noise and banter” in the real world. However, this space was invaded by a man who entered the group chat posing to be a woman and then publicised the messages in the group.

One of the group’s founding members (who we’ll call Kali) tells Zikoko Citizen more about what took place in the group before the invasion. On some days, they shared book recommendations and discussed their hobbies. On other days, they recounted painful sexual assault experiences, finding solace in the knowledge that they had found a community of women who understood their pain.

None of these women suspected that a man was in their space until November 6, when cropped screenshots of messages from this group hit the internet,  specifically X. 

 An X user, @societyhatesjay, shared these screenshots and publicly admitted that he joined the group after posing as a woman. 

In the past, Jay has expressed his desire to rape women. After he was publicly called out on these claims, he said that they were simply “dark humour” and “taken out of context”. 

What happened after the screenshots were leaked?

Kali tells Zikoko Citizen that the screenshots were taken out of context with the goal of making the girls victims of cyberbullying. This seemed to have worked, and it is easy to see why it did– In one of the cropped messages, the X user who shared the screenshots cropped them to suggest that the feminists hated the male gender and constantly discussed ways to kill them.

The screenshot below, for instance, suggests that a member of the feminist group chat was planning to kill men and was going to use her brother as a “test lab.” The framing of the message did not allow for it to be interpreted any other way so naturally this sparked intense reactions among angry X users.

Kali shared screenshots of the full conversation, and it turns out that the statement was a light-hearted response to a message about cooking– a group member  who earlier mentioned her love for “experimenting in the kitchen” had sent a follow-up message humorously implying she makes her little brother try out her cooking

Kali also said that Jay, who went by the name Tamara, mostly tried to trigger certain conversations to achieve his goal of “exposing” feminists as men haters. According to her, some of those conversations evolved around heavy topics like abortion and rape. 

In one of the screenshots Kali shared with us, “Tamara” said, “I hope a gay man rapes him”. Looking back now, Kali believes that the message was intentionally sent to draw out similar comments from other group members.

What’s happening to the girls?

Kali tells Zikoko Citizen that most of the girls in the group have been living in fear since the cropped screenshots from the group chat were shared on November 6. It is now nearly one week since the screenshots went viral, so the conversations around them have died down, but these girls are still being body-shamed, slut-shamed and threatened with murder and rape.

She also says that the personal information of some group members like birth certificates, phone numbers, and National Identity Number (NIN) have been spread across the internet and have been used by some people.

 “Some strange men showed up at one of the girls’ house after her address was leaked online. The men insisted on seeing her, but the girl’s sister figured out that something was off about them. So she insisted that her sister wasn’t home,” Kali narrates, adding that the girl and her family are thankfully safe for now.

Why is this situation a problem?

We spoke to Emitomo (Nimisire) Oluwatobiloba, a feminist researcher and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) consultant, to understand the severity of this situation. 

She said, “This seems like a targeted attack against a few girls, but they are actually targeting all Nigerian feminists. We can all see that it’s not just cyberbullying or slut-shaming; it has become something more violent for these girls. This is gender-based violence”. 

“As a society, we’ve been acting like online or technology-facilitated gender-based violence is an abstract thing but it is very real and just as violent as every other type of gender-based violence,” she said, stressing that it’s also taking the fight against patriarchy and misogyny back. “There are men who have made a brand out of disrespecting women and spreading misogynistic views. Young boys are looking up to these men, and it’s affecting us as a society.”. 

A study by UN Women,  also confirms Nimisire’s stance on the issue. The 2019 study, which was carried out in five Asian countries, shows that Online Gender-Based Violence (OGBV) has serious consequences both on the victims and on the society. Research results gotten from the Philippines for instance, show that survivors of OGBV often suffer emotional harm (83%), sexual assault (63%), and physical harm (45%). Results of the study also showed that online harassment in Pakistan has led to cases of femicide, suicide, physical violence, emotional stress, and job loss for women in the country. It also causes many women and girls to silence themselves in online spaces.

What does the law say about cyberbullying and digital rights?

To answer this question, Zikoko Citizen contacted a Nigerian lawyer, who said that  “while everyone has a basic right to free speech under Section 39(1) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended), it’s important to note that cyberbullying is a recognised crime in Nigeria.”

The lawyer explains that the Nigerian Cyber Crimes Act, updated in 2024, makes it pretty clear that cyberbullying is a serious offence.

According to the Act, if a person is caught sending offensive or threatening messages (or anything meant to annoy, harm, or intimidate someone) online, they could face a fine of up to ₦7 million or a 3-year prison sentence. For those who take it a step further by making people fear for their lives or safety, the penalties jump to a possible ₦25 million fine or 10 years in prison.

The act also gives the court the power to issue restraining orders to protect victims from further harassment. 

Cybercrime is still widespread despite these measures; the lawyer believes it’s because people are not really aware it is a crime with heavy consequences

“I believe many people in Nigeria are not aware of these provisions, which may explain why cyberbullying has become widespread. Even many perpetrators do not likely know it’s a sanctionable crime in Nigeria. If they knew they could face legal consequences, maybe many of them would have a rethink or refrain from doing so”, she said.

The lawyer also points out that while cyberbullying is prosecuted as a serious offence in countries like the US, Nigeria has only been able to record a few cases, mostly because the current laws specifically targeting cyberbullying are insufficient, and underdeveloped and make it challenging to prove such cases.

Any update from the authorities?’

So far, it doesn’t seem that appropriate authorities are investigating the matter; however, Nigerian journalist and feminist Kiki Mordi has shared that she’s working behind the scenes to push for legal action against @societyhatesjay, the X user who shared the cropped screenshots.

What can we do to control the spread of online gender-based violence and cyberbullying in Nigeria?

According to IREX, A global development & education organisation, there’s a lot that we can do to stop the spread of online violence against women.

1. Use your social media platforms to raise awareness about online gender-based violence. Let people know what is and why they should care. You can start by sharing this article. 
2. Support the collection of data relating to OGBV and its impact on victims by gathering evidence (tweets, public statements, etc) and sharing it with women’s rights activists. 
3. Raise awareness of the dangers of OGBV and call out injustice wherever you see it.

In October 2020, Nigerian youths spoke in one voice against the widespread police brutality in the country through the EndSARS nationwide protests. On October 20,  2020,  a date that now has sadness forever etched in it, the Nigerian government set out to crush the movement.

Deep into the night, while protesters at the Lekki Tollgate in Lagos State, held the Nigerian flag and recited the national anthem, soldiers of the Nigerian military fired their guns into the crowd, killing many.

In the days and years that followed, some politicians and the Nigerian government denied, and have continued to insist, in different ways that the Lekki massacre never happened.

 Here is a timeline of statements made by politicians, both in individual capacities and on behalf of the government, denying Nigerians were killed for demanding their rights.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State Governor), October 21, 2020

On October 21, 2020, during a press briefing a day after the shooting, Sanwo Olu said that nobody was killed at the Lekki tollgate.

“Fellow Lagosians, as we pray for the swift recovery of the injured, we are comforted that we have not recorded any fatality as against the widespread speculation on social media. Both myself and the leadership of the Ministry of Health have been going round. We went round all the hospitals last night, to see and to monitor for ourselves what has happened and to look and identify the injured protesters,” he said.

Nigerian Army, October 21, 2020

On October 21, a day after the massacre, the Nigerian army took to its X account to label different reports about the incident as fake news.

Lai Mohammed-(Former Minister of Information), November 19, 2020

On November 19, 2020, at a press conference organised to address the EndSARS protests, Lai Mohammed described reports of the Lekki shootings as fake news and encouraged the international community to ignore them.

 “At this juncture, we want to appeal to countries that have made faulty judgments on the basis of fake news and disinformation emanating from #EndSARS crisis to endeavour to seek and find the truth,” he said.

Wasiu Sanni (Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly), October 29, 2020

On October 29, 2020, during a plenary session, the lawmaker said: “In fact, the way and manner it was out on social media, I could not even eat, I was down, I was very very sad. I thought what we had, we cannot have less than 300 or 100 people who had died from such whatever.”

Lai Mohammed, November 2020

After CNN released a report saying the military killed EndSARS protesters in Lekki, the former minister of information said that “the report lacks fairness and balance, and that “the organisation relied heavily on manipulated social media videos.”

Lai Mohammed, October 20, 2021

On the first anniversary of the Lekki shootings, Lai Mohammed, speaking for the Nigerian government, continued to deny the massacre happened, even after a Judicial Panel of Inquiry and Restitution set up to investigate the incident described the events of that night as a massacre.

“Today marks the first anniversary of the phantom massacre at Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos…” Continuing, he said “The military did not shoot at protesters at the Lekki Tollgate on Oct. 20, 2020, and there was no massacre at the toll gate. The only ‘massacre’ recorded was in the social media, hence there were neither bodies nor blood.”

Tukur Buratai (Former Chief of Army Staff), December 4, 2020 

At the decoration of some major generals, Buratai denied the Lekki shootings, even after the CNN report confirmed it happened.

“.. there was no single corpse, but some persons were seeing double at Lekki toll gate in Lagos State,” he said.

Why are these denials dangerous?

Apart from being downright insensitive to victims and families who suffered as a result of the Lekki shootings, here are some of the things that make the denials from the Nigerian government dangerous.

Denials reduce public sympathy for social movements

Because movements like EndSars heavily rely on public support, denials from government and public figures have a way of making the movement appear illegitimate and reducing sympathy, especially from those who were not directly affected by it.

Denials delay justice and accountability

When the government refuses to admit that it has done something wrong, it becomes difficult for movements to push for legal reforms as the system they are fighting against has refused to acknowledge the issue. It also delays justice, as has been seen in the case of the EndSars movement.

Denials create a culture of fear

When the government denies events like this and threatens media houses that present alternative reports and narratives, they create a culture of fear that prevents regular citizens and activists from taking more action and this weakens the strength of a movement.

Denials demoralise people

When the government does something of this nature and denies it, it makes people feel their actions have been in vain because the government would always get away with such crimes.

What can Nigerian youths do to avoid future denials?

This question is key to future social movements and if young people are successful in answering it, things are likely to change. Young Nigerians are asking this question now more than ever and here’s what we think the answer is.

1. Document events with clear evidence
2. Utilise secure platforms like blockchain-based archival systems to make sure important footage and documents remain accessible
3. Build strong alliances with the media
4. Build stronger social movements

Every Wednesday at 9 am, we’ll share the story of someone who’s found a path to a new country. It’ll go to very interesting places you won’t always see coming, but most importantly, it’ll be insightful. 

Everything changed when the first subject of #1000WaystoJapa found out that he wasn’t as “comfortable” as he thought he was in Nigeria. But the universe didn’t just give him a japa ticket out of Nigeria, it gave him love too.

When did you first consider the possibility of living outside of Nigeria?

The first time was when my partner Precious was going to school abroad. 

Ah, she japa’d.

Initially, the plan was for her to return; I was the more stable one. But with travel, there’s always the possibility of relocating, so I started thinking about it. 

When was this?

That was two years ago. Before then, I hadn’t considered it. I was comfortable.

What does comfort mean to you?

Comfort means not worrying about money. After becoming career stable in the last three years, I haven’t worried much about money.

Interesting. What do you do for a living, and how did you achieve career stability? 

I’m a designer—animation, visual design, branding, motion design, web design, and sometimes I produce and direct videos. 

Ah, so an all-round Creative Director, eh? 

I found stability about a year before Precious went abroad. First, I overcame the initial career struggles of chasing higher salaries. I’d gained experience, identified my strengths within my market, and realised the demand for my skills was consistent. I was also in a network where job opportunities were readily available, so I haven’t had to actively apply for work since my first job. 

When was that first job again? 

2017, so about seven years ago. 

Mad. Okay, so Precious went abroad for school and—

My desires have outgrown my comfort, especially after we got married and started considering children—

Hold up. When did y’all marry? 

Don’t worry, I’ll tell you that part. But first, comfort for kids requires considering school fees, their environment, and security. I realised the amount of money needed to create that environment in Nigeria outweighed my current definition of comfort. 

Ah, that.

The currency devaluation also meant that things were constantly getting more expensive, even when I was earning more. More money is worth less. I want a good quality of life for my family and the ability to make choices without constantly compromising.

Did any particular event solidify your decision?

I wanted to buy a house in my estate, and they quoted me ₦400 million for a duplex– someone else actually paid for it. That someone else had already purchased both available slots at that price made me realise how limited my comfort was. 

It didn’t include things like travelling, which I now realise I enjoy. So, even though I had some comforts, it didn’t translate to bigger life goals like buying a house for my family and me. 

Another example is that I have a car I don’t drive. 

Ah, why? 

A friend of mine got to a police checkpoint at night. They entered the car, sat beside him, pointed a gun at his head, and told him to transfer all his money. 

What the–

This was before #EndSARS–the friend, too has japa’d with his family. The worst part is that he was alone, and there’d have been no witnesses to anything. So, I don’t go anywhere without witnesses in the car, whether it’s family members or an Uber driver. 

Wild. The tipping point is starting a family and needing to recalibrate your life expectations. How did your family react?

Yes, absolutely. I told my sister first, and she was happy and excited. My family had already assumed I would leave. Had we stayed, they might have questioned why we didn’t take the opportunity to live abroad, especially since it had opened up.

When did you discuss relocating with Precious?

We’d been having these conversations about opportunities, especially around finances and what was possible. She’s more financially grounded; I’m more anxious about money. She manages her spending well and makes it stretch, while I always aim for a higher income.

Do you know why you’re anxious about money?

So, my mum was a single parent who had to figure out how to raise her kids. So, she also japa’d. 

From generation to generation…

Haha! I understood why she had to do it, but somehow, it instilled in me this need to always figure out how to take care of myself. I never really wanted to rely on anyone for financial support. I also don’t want to have a scattered family like that. 

Okay, so Precious? It sounds like her moving to school solidified your own decision. 

Precious convinced me more than I convinced her. The opportunities were appealing, and my job in Nigeria required long hours; she always felt that it wasn’t necessary to make a good living. 

She wanted more control over her time, and her job in Canada allows for that.

What does she do currently?

She does childcare and therapy as side work. She earns enough to pay rent, manage her expenses, and even cover some school fees. And that’s from working part-time, under 20 hours a week.

After both of you started speaking about it, when did it become clear that you wanted to leave? 

First, it became more urgent after her first year there. I was optimistic about how easy it’d be to go and visit her. Then flight tickets started getting more expensive, while the visa processing times also got harder–there was a six-month waiting period. 

It was taking a serious toll on me, on us. It felt like being stuck in a limbo. We knew we wanted to be together but needed to get more concrete. If I couldn’t go, then she was going to come. 

So sorry about that, man. I have a feeling we’re back at the wedding part. 

Yes, when we started working towards her coming, it also became a conversation about us getting married. And so, the plan was that we’d marry, she’d return to school, and I’d re-apply for a visa. 

What kind? 

A Spousal Work Permit; it’s easier to obtain and allows me to work for any employer. It essentially grants me the right to work unlimited hours. 

Oh, interesting. How long is the visa valid for? 

They only granted me a one-year visa because my passport expires in a year. Ideally, they would have given me a three-year visa. I plan to renew it once I reach Canada. 

So, you did get married. When did–

Yes, yes! 5 months ago. 

Congratulations! I imagine that marrying automatically meant a clock started ticking for you. What was on your moving to-do list?

Money. I’d used all my money on our wedding, so I began saving immediately after the wedding. I knew I had to build a financial runway for Canada because of the time it would take to find a job. Finding a job is a full-time job in itself. And I want to know that I have a few months where I just wake up every morning and apply non-stop.

So, my goal was to save six months’ worth of living expenses—rent, groceries, and basic comforts. Add to the fact that my wife is–

Awww, your wife.

Hahaha. Add to the fact that my wife is already in Toronto. Two-income household. My target savings for six months was $6,000 USD. 

That’s a little over 8,000 Canadian dollars?

Yes, and so, to raise that money, I started taking on more projects, selling my stuff, and looking for job opportunities in Canada. 

Selling your stuff feels so permanent.

I knew I was leaving, so I had to decide what to do with my possessions and rent. Maintaining a home here didn’t feel logical when I wasn’t sure when I’d return. 

Fair. You leave tomorrow. What time is your flight?

10.30 pm. My mum, my siblings, and a close friend will be there.  A lot of friends want to come, but the airport tends to get messy. 

Murtala Muhammed International? 

Yes, the last time I saw my wife off, they didn’t allow people who didn’t have a passport or boarding pass to enter the hall. You just said your goodbyes at the door. I entered, so I’m hoping I can go with my family too. 

I hope so. What about your friends? 

We’re gathering at my place just before I leave for the airport. We’ll spend some time together, and say our goodbyes. 

Bruh. A lot has happened in a short amount of time. 

Yes. First three months of the year? Wedding planning. The rest of the year up till October; japa planning. Add to that, long-distance marriage is difficult. Long-distance dating is tough enough, but marriage is a different ball game. 

Waking up every morning with the reality of being apart, especially when it’s out of your control, is really hard. 

What has been the most challenging part mentally?

It’s the whole two years of uncertainty, and it affected my planning for the future. Every idea or opportunity I considered was weighed against the uncertainty of when and where I would be living. 

What’s the most challenging part about leaving? 

I think it’s the little things that you take for granted. It’s all the people I could spontaneously visit. I could just send a text, and all my friends would be in one room. I didn’t do this all the time–in fact, I didn’t do this enough. But the option was always there. 

Now, it’s simply not possible to do it. 

I felt that at the back of my throat. Will you ever live in Nigeria again? 

Day-to-day living? I doubt it. I’m not the most optimistic person, and Nigeria is hard to be optimistic about, even in good cases. So, I don’t see a situation where things get better, even though I wish it’d get better. If I can’t accept Nigeria now, I doubt I’d accept a situation where it’s worse. 

Interesting way to put it.

I’m 31 and living in Lagos, I earned between 2.6 million and 3 million. Some months were really good, and it’d go up to 4 million working on projects. In Nigeria, there are those isolated cases where you have estates, areas where you’re isolated from all of Nigeria’s realities. 

Bubbles. 

Yes, but you get reminded that you’re in Nigeria once you leave those places. So, living? Definitely not. So, what will most likely happen is that I’ll visit for about a month or two months. 

But living here again over a long period? I don’t see it happening. 

Have a safe flight, and have a good life.

Thank you!

Thank you for reading the first episode. If you like it, share it with your friends and everyone else. 

 Want to to share your japa story? Please reach out to me here.

Good morning

A few weeks ago, we published an entry under this newsletter’s “Aunty M” segment that hit a nerve. The lady who sent us the dilemma works in a great company and earns reasonably well, but she’s unhappy and looking for a way out without a plan. She’s burnt out.

When we published the same entry on social media, about 70% of the comments the post elicited were about how relatable the lady’s struggles were. I thought so, too. I’ve been there. My friends have been there. Burnout is expensive.

Now, this week’s Naira Life story also explores burnout and how it threatens [young] professionals’ job fulfilment and potentially affects their finances. The question to ask is, what’s it like for this subject in the context of her #NairaLife?

In this letter:

• #NairaLife: She Earns Almost ₦2m/Month, but Is Considering Indefinite Unemployment
• Love Currency:The Ibadan Lover Girl Spoiling Her Boyfriend With a ₦120k/Month Salary
• I Took an ₦80m Loan to Pursue My Biggest Dream Yet
• Aunty M: What’s the Best Investment Portfolio for a Nigerian Civil Servant?
• Where The Money At?!

#NairaLife: She Earns Almost ₦2m/Month, but Is Considering Indefinite Unemployment

Following her big break in 2021, this 32-year-old sales manager’s income has been on an upward trajectory.

The only problem? She’s now navigating burnout and thinks starting over might be the fix.

This is her #NairaLife

Jollof+ is a cutting-edge savings app providing up to 21% net interest rate with no hidden charges. Designed to help combat inflation, Jollof+ offers personalized saving features, ensuring steady financial growth for users.

 

Find out more here

The Ibadan Lover Girl Spoiling Her Boyfriend With a ₦120k/Month Salary

One thing about Arinola*, she spares no expense in caring for her boyfriend. She spends over 90% of her income on her relationship and is now trying to figure out how to save for a possible wedding next year.

She talks about it on #LoveCurrency.

Read the full story here

From money matters to tech, Zikoko Citizen’s got you covered.

Subscribe now to The Big Daily newsletter for the most important news out of Nigeria, delivered to your inbox every weekday morning.

 

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I Took an ₦80m Loan to Pursue My Biggest Dream Yet

Kike* (27) is no stranger to the loan system. She’s been at it since she took her first ₦50k loan in 2019. It’s 2024, and she just unlocked a whole new risk level — taking out almost ₦80m in student loans to pursue an MBA.

How’s that going?

Read the full story here

Ask Aunty M with Reni

I need to grow my finances from meagre to something big. I need information on the investment portfolio that will best serve a civil servant from eastern Nigeria. Thanks. – Yugos, 39.

Hi Yugos, we need a few more details to help you. With the little you’ve shared, I suggest investing in the stock market for beginners. Still, the investment portfolio you should choose depends on many factors, including your income level, risk tolerance, time horizon, and much more

One important thing to note: When investing in the stock market, please realise that “big money” takes time, consistency, dedication to your goals, and years.

What you want to do is take a fixed percentage of your income and purchase exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This product allows you to invest in various companies in the stock market at one time today. You can open an account with Chaka, Bamboo or Trove and start investing in the US stock market. You won’t see significant gains immediately, but your portfolio can grow over time.

Again, consistency and investing in stable economies (e.g., the US and Canada) are essential.

I hope this is enough to get you started. Good luck.

Xoxo,

Reni

• If you’re here, you probably have a money or work dilemma. Ask your question and we’ll figure out an actionable solution for you.

“

Where The Money At?!

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All good things must come to an end. But not this good thing. We’ll be back next week.

In the
meantime, keep reading Zikoko’s articles and be sure to share the love.

See you next week…

Yours cashly,

Toheeb,

Zikoko’s ‘OG’ Mr. money

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Ladies and allies, I found four young women who are carrying women’s rights on their heads and doing a damn good job at it. 

Sanni Misturah Morenikeji (@BigBadReni)

If Reni has never popped up on your X timeline, it’s probably because you’re on the wrong side of the app.  This 22-year-old changemaker is a powerhouse in the new-wave Nigerian feminism online movement and she’s doing all the right things,

Reni started identifying as a feminist in 2018, right after she graduated from secondary school. That was the same year she joined Twitter and got a more realistic look into the struggles of Nigerian women.

But her feminist awakening didn’t happen until she saw a viral Twitter trend showing a woman refusing to kneel during her traditional wedding ceremony.  That tweet changed everything for Reni and sparked something new inside her. “I saw so many cases where women were demonized for breaking stereotypes, and it was a whole process that opened my eyes,” she said. 

When Reni became more popular on X, she realised she could make her newfound passion have real-life effects by amplifying feminist causes and participating in digital campaigns so she began to act on it.

In September 2023, Reni and other women on X started a digital campaign to call for justice for Austa Osedion, who was brutally murdered by her boyfriend Benjamin Best Nnanyereugo, popularly known as Killaboi. This campaign made the hashtag #JusticeForAusta trend for days, bringing awareness to the rising cases of femicide in Nigeria and putting the police force under pressure to ensure that justice is served. 

Currently, women make up only 20% of the Nigerian tech workforce. Reni’s most recent digital campaign set out to play a part in closing this gender gap- She is proud to have raised over ₦1.5 million to support recipients of the Kiki Mordi scholarship, a funded opportunity for Nigerian women who are interested in tech. 

Also, in November 2023 she raised ₦800,000 to help about three women with their law school fees.

Reni’s not just about quick fixes; she’s got her eyes on the bigger picture, too. When asked about policies she wishes the Nigerian government would implement, she passionately points out the need for laws like the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPPA) and other laws guiding the prosecution of sexual offences to be revamped. “These laws are outdated and need better wording and faster litigation processes,” she emphasises.

Priye Diri (@PriyeDiri)

Priye is the poster child of the “girl’s girl” concept. When she was in Junior secondary school, her older brother told her that she was a feminist, and since then, Priye has worn the tag with “no ifs, buts, or maybe’s”. 

She’s what you’d call an “artivist” because she mixes advocacy with artistry, using storytelling to amplify marginalized voices and build a safer Nigeria. She has curated the Dorothy Njemanze Foundation Human Mata Exhibition, reaching over 3,000 people. She has also created social impact campaigns to educate people on the VAPP Act, under the #CallItAsItIs Campaign. 

Priye is always on the lookout for things that are harmful to women and when she finds them, she makes them her projects and takes them head-on. One of those projects is her ongoing petition to save the VAPP Act. 

In case you don’t know what VAPP is, it’s a law that offers protection against gender-based violence (GBV) and helps keep Nigerian women and girls safe, empowered, and educated. Recently though,  Senator Jibrin Isah started pushing to cancel this law. Engaging the government has been slow, but Priye isn’t giving up on stopping Isah anytime soon. The petition currently has 400 signatures and she hopes to reach a more significant number soon. 

When she’s not holding the government by the throat to protect women, Priye is holding the hands of GBV survivors and creating a self-space for them at the Dorothy Njemanze Foundation. She’s also a member of the Young Women in Politics Abuja Chapter, where she pushes for the inclusion of more women in governance.

Priye is showing us what feminist leadership looks like with documentaries like Leadership As It Should Be and her work Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF ) where she monitored women’s participation in governance and raised awareness about issues concerning violence against women. 

There are many meaningful stories and long years of social impact in Priye’s future. She’s on a mission to create a more inclusive world, and we can’t wait to see how she achieves that. 

Adeyinka Atilola (@Zoyablooms)

OG feminists like Margaret Ekpo walked so that hot babes like Atilola could fly. If Atty’s name sounds familiar, it’s probably because you’ve seen her on your X timeline talking about women’s rights. Growing up in a family where gendered roles were nonexistent, Atilola was a feminist before she even knew what the word meant

In 2020, Atty started a group chat called Siren, as a safe space where women can bond without the interference of men then it grew into a helpline for women who needed mental, financial, and legal support. Since then, Siren has survived an organizational break and grown into a full-blown nonprofit organization for women, by women. 

23-year-old Atty isn’t someone who just talks the talk, she walks the walk too, literally. Earlier this year, she had an idea to organize a walk against sexual assault in Nigeria, where 1 in 4 girls are sexually assaulted before the age of 18. She teamed up with another women-centred NGO called Herbode to make this a reality.

What started as an idea eventually became an event that took place in states like Lagos, Oyo, Abuja, Kaduna, Rivers, Benin, Osun, and Ekiti. The walk against sexual abuse lasted for days in different states and sparked conversations around consent on X. 

Emitomo Oluwatobiloba Nimisire (@Nimisire)

Nimisire’s feminist journey started early. She has always hated oppression, but things clicked when she saw activists on TV and told her dad she wanted to be like them. The feminist title was officially registered when Nimisire realised that standing against oppression and embracing feminism go together like bread and beans.

At only 27, Nimisire is no stranger to leadership. One of her standout moments is the Say Her Name march, which she helped organise in 2019  to fight against the arrest and abuse of women by police in Abuja. She organized a march in Ibadan, in partnership with other feminist activists while writing exams—talk about a multitasking babe! She is also a Margaret Ekpo Fellow, and a  ONE Champion, and has additionally done amazing work as an independent consultant.

Nimisire is also big on female inclusion in politics and believes that we can achieve change at a faster pace if we consolidate our political convictions with actions. Matching her words with actions, she worked on research for Invictus Africa in the 2023 elections, gathering data on female political participation. 

In 2022, she played a forefront role in pushing back against rejected gender bills through digital campaigns supporting the Nigerian Women Occupy NASS campaign.  Currently, female representation at the senatorial level is only about 8%  and Nimisire believes this can be better because, to her, equality means getting women in all the rooms where decisions are made—because real change starts with feminist leadership. 

She’s also the brain behind Baddies in Dev (she knows she ate with this name), a women-led community that provides solace to feminists, so that they don’t face the burnouts and reprisals that come with the movement all alone. Nimisire is like a fairy godmother of new-wave feminism because she always wants to know who’s taking care of feminists. With capacity-strengthening sessions, intergenerational conversations, a feminist resource hub, and even a book club, she is making Baddies in Dev that safe space for feminists one day at a time.

Nimisire believes the hate projected against feminists by misogynists online has real-life consequences, is shrinking the civic space, and holding back progress. Despite the rise of online misogynists and incels, she isn’t backing down. Nigerian feminists are resilient, and she’s making sure they’re supported every step of the way.

Positive Nigeria Independence Day Wishes

• Happy Independence Day, Nigeria! Today is a celebration of not only our freedom, but also the strength, resilience, and vibrant spirit of every Nigerian. Together, we stand strong in resilience and continue to bring honour to our country.

• It has been 64 years of unity, progress, and hope! As we mark our Independence Day, let’s honour the strength of our diversity, the richness of our culture, and the energetic spirit that characterizes us!

• Happy Independence Day, Naija! Let’s continue to shine, break barriers, and show the world what we are capable of. From our bubbling cities to our deep-rooted traditions, the green-white-green shows no signs of ageing! Here’s to a brighter, better future for all of us!

• Cheers to Nigeria at 64! Today we pay tribute to the aspirations of our past and the promising future ahead. Let’s persist in pushing boundaries, generating opportunities, and standing tall as a nation destined for greatness. Happy Independence Day, my fellow Nigerians!

Nigeria Independence Day Wishes for Businesses 

• Cheers to Independence and You, Our OGs! We’d offer you 64% off, but we’ve got something even better – our endless gratitude for keeping us in business! Here’s to more laughs, less stress, and more success together!

• Happy Independence Day To You! Nigeria might be the Giant of Africa but you, dear customer, are the giant behind our success! Cheers to another year of not carrying last!

• 64 Years of Freedom to Serve a Valued Customer Like You! Like Nigeria, you’re resilient and unstoppable, and occasionally cause us ‘small’ stress—but we wouldn’t have it any other way! Here’s to more money, more success, and more happiness!

Realistic Nigeria Independence Day messages

• Happy Independence Day if it’s necessary. I wish you success in your japa exploits. 

• Happy Independence Day or happy public holiday, whichever comes first. Choose your “happy” wisely!

• Roses are red, violets are blue. Today is Nigeria’s Independence Day but all I want is to depend on you. 

• Happy Independence Day. Please send me ₦200,000 if you’re feeling patriotic.

Now that we’ve gotten the boring Nigeria Independence Day messages out of the way, we need to get rid of your boring Independence Day plans too. Instead of sitting at home doing nothing, why not pretend to be a true patriot by hosting an Independence Day party like Remi Tinubu? If you’re feeling spontaneous, let this quiz determine how you should spend your day. Happy Independence Day, Nigeria (if it’s necessary).

Here’s a list of everything that would likely happen on October 1:

#FearlessInOctober Protest

Might come as a little bit of a surprise if you’re not chronically online but Nigerians have decided to protest against hunger and bad governance for the second time this year, just a few months after the #EndBadGovernance protests ended in violence and questionable arrests. 

While the men in Aso Rock are getting ready to celebrate another Independence Day, some Nigerians are planning a “Fearless in October” protest on October 1 which is a subtle way of telling the government that there’s no independence to celebrate under President Tinubu’s leadership. I’m not sure there’s a need to spell it out but the organisers are protesting against the crazy cost of living, insecurity, and a bunch of other issues that have come up since President Tinubu took office.

But the federal government doesn’t seem to be taking the news well. While protesters are throwing subtle jabs, FG is throwing subtle threats by running the narrative that the protests will be hijacked by criminals and turned into riots. 

Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special adviser on information and strategy, announced that security agencies are keeping a watchful eye on protest organisers—because nothing says “how dare you challenge T-pain’s authority?” like a little monitoring. 

Judging by how quickly things got violent during the #EndBadGovernance protest, with at least 21 deaths and 1,000 questionable arrests, I’m not convinced that the Tinubu-led administration will respect the right of Nigerians to protest. 

National owambe

Remi Tinubu must be devastated because it doesn’t seem like her plan to solve the country’s problems with a green-and-white national unity fabric is working out. Nigerians are making plans to protest instead of copping their 6-yards to show up and show out for the national owambe. But who knows? The First Lady is a woman of many talents so the national owambe will likely still hold. Imagine scenes where protesters hit the streets dressed in Mummy T-Pain’s fabric. Talk about a fashion statement!

Nigerians in diaspora doing the most as usual

Nobody celebrates Independence Day like Nigerians living abroad. Prepare to see all the cliches – hideous green white green outfits, X posts with captions like “Celebrating the motherland”, “No place like home” (tell anybody that posts this to come back home if it’s sure for them). 

Where will you be on Independence Day 2024?

Personally, I’d have loved to be at the national owambe but seeing as the inflation rate today is the highest we’ve had in 28 years, I can’t exactly afford to buy Remi Tinubu’s fabric. Also, seeing as we have a government that would rather blow billions on fancy presidential jets than prevent tragedies like the Maiduguri flood, I’m not sure I’m in the mood for any type of celebration. I’m leaning more towards the protest direction because the cost of living is killing us. Even if I’m not there physically, I might be on posting and retweeting any #EndBadGovernance post I see. So where will you be on Independence Day? If you need any help deciding, take this quiz to find out. 

Shina Rambo, you probably know but do you know who Yahaya Bello of Kogi State is? At just 39-years-old, Bello became the youngest man to become governor in Nigeria, he’s a lover of real estate and a present father. If you ask me, I’ll say this reads like a good Instagram bio but for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), it reads like a billion-naira lawsuit. 

What did Yahaya Bello do to EFCC?

Yahaya Bello and EFCC have been wearing the same trouser since May. It all started when the EFCC chairman accused Bello of taking the “present father” role too seriously by moving $720,000 out of Kogi State’s resources to a Bureau De Change operator to pay for his children’s education in advance – and I’m only quoting the EFCC Chairman here: “because he knew he was going”.

Since then, the ex-governor has been everywhere except the EFCC’s office and the courtroom. But after months of merry-go-rounding, Yahaya Bello finally decided to honour EFCC’s invitation. The EFCC wasn’t impressed with the visit, calling it a calculated move to avoid legal proceedings and influence public opinion.

Unfortunately, it gets even messier

The list of Yahaya Bello’s alleged crimes just keeps getting longer. On Wednesday, the Federal Government brought new 16-count charges against the former Kogi State Governor for an alleged breach of trust involving ₦110.4 billion. The charges against Bello are criminal offenses according to Sections 96 and 311 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 312 —think seven years behind bars or a fine that is somebody’s 20-year salary, or maybe both! 

Bello will be joined by Kogi State officials Abdulsalami Hudu and Umar Oricha, who are accused of using state funds amounting to millions of naira and dirhams to buy properties in the bougie areas of Abuja and Dubai. Talk about a real lover of real estate!

The Bello family and EFCC go way back

The Bellos are not new to handling EFCC cases and somehow coming out on top which says alot about Nigeria’s justice system. Last year, Yahaya Bello’s wife, Rashida Bello, his nephew, and three other people were arraigned by EFCC on an 18-count charge “bordering on criminal misappropriation and money laundering to the tune of  ₦3,081,804,654.” Rashida and the four others  in this case pleaded not guilty.

In what should go down in history as the biggest plot twist ever, Alli Bello, the nephew of the former governor who was eventually granted bail of ₦500m by the court alongside 3 others, currently serves as the appointed chief of staff to Ahmed Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi (present governor of Kogi who was accused of helping Yahaya Bello escape arrest five months ago).

Bello is no stranger to corruption allegations and controversy either

• During the COVID-19 pandemic, he denied the virus’s existence and opposed vaccination, against scientific consensus.
• He spent over ₦90 million on COVID-19 tracking software that should have cost around ₦300,000.

And he’s not the only governor with similar allegations

One thing Nigerian politicians will do is get away with corruption (unfortunately). But life is full of surprises and it will be one hell of a pleasant surprise if EFCC proves Nigerians wrong but holding Yahaya Bello accountable if found guilty.   

Brought to you by

Good morning,

Protests broke out across the country last week. People were tired, rightly so. A major theme drove the momentum of the protests: the increasing cost of living. Headline inflation has consistently risen for months, and purchasing power continues to hit new lows. The average Nigerian is poorer than they were a few years ago.

What does this mean for people in early career stages, like the lady in today’s NairaLife? While she has a strong support system and safety net in her parents, her plan is to break free and become 100% financial independent. The only problem is that this might be the worst time to be an adult in Nigeria.

Let’s get into it.

In this letter:

• #NairaLife: This Audit Assistant Has Gone From Daddy’s Girl to Hustling Babe
• Dating in Lagos on a ₦260k Data Analyst Monthly Income
• Aunty M: I Just Started Earning More Than Most Nigerians. How Do I Make It Count
• QUIZ: Spend $1m on This Quiz and We’ll Guess the Right Job for You
• Where The Money At?!

#NairaLife: This Audit Assistant Has Gone From Daddy’s Girl to Hustling Babe

After a lifetime of being bankrolled by her parents, this 22-year-old is trying to become more financially independent. But two things are in her way: Nigeria and her president.

This is her #NairaLife

Jollof+ is a cutting-edge savings app providing up to 21% net interest rate with no hidden charges. Designed to help combat inflation, Jollof+ offers personalized saving features, ensuring steady financial growth for users.

 

Find out more here

Dating in Lagos on a ₦260k Data Analyst Monthly Income

Omo‘s meticulousness with her finances and future was why she always believed she had to be someone older. Now with a partner the same age and on financial level, how does she make it work in the relationship?

Read to find out

Ask Aunty M with Reni

QUIZ: Spend $1m on This Quiz and We’ll Guess the Right Job for You

Where The Money At?!

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See you next week…

Yours cashly,

Toheeb,

Zikoko’s ‘OG’ Mr. money

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