Category: Lifestyle

Rituals are more than routines; they are small, intentional acts that bring balance, peace, and renewal to everyday life. By practicing a few mindful health habits, you can restore your body, calm your mind, and create a sense of grounding no matter how busy life gets.

Here are five powerful rituals that can help you feel healthier, lighter, and more centered.

Eat Light, Sleep Right

A nourishing evening meal can make the difference between restful sleep and waking up groggy. Heavy foods slow down digestion, leaving the body restless. Instead, go for light, balanced options — like grilled fish with vegetables, rice and stew in small portions, or a simple soup.

This ritual allows your body to recover overnight instead of struggling to digest heavy meals, leaving you refreshed and energized the next day.

Build a Sleep Ritual

Good health begins with quality sleep. A calming bedtime routine helps signal to the body that it’s time to rest.

Put your phone aside an hour before sleep, dim the lights, and perhaps sip on chamomile or ginger tea. Play soft music or read a few pages of a book. These cues help your body slow down naturally, allowing you to drift into deep, restorative sleep.

Write It Down, Let It Go

Journaling is one of the simplest ways to release mental clutter. Take 10 minutes to jot down your thoughts; the good, the bad, and the to-do lists.

This ritual clears the mind, reduces stress, and creates space for clarity. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on what matters most and set gentle intentions for the day ahead.

Stretch, Breathe, Unwind

Your body stores the stress of daily life. Stretching and breathing exercises are powerful rituals to release tension and restore calm.

Whether it’s a short yoga flow, light stretches, or simple deep breathing, these practices relax both muscles and the nervous system. Just a few minutes can leave you feeling lighter, calmer, and more in tune with your body.

Hydrate with Intention

Drinking water may seem basic, but it is one of the most profound health rituals. A glass of water before bed, after waking up, or during mindful breaks throughout the day keeps the body refreshed and supports natural recovery.

Hydration is a reminder that wellness often begins with small, consistent choices.

Health isn’t only about big changes; it’s about small, consistent rituals that nourish your body and calm your mind. Eating light, creating a sleep routine, journaling, stretching, and staying hydrated are simple practices but when done regularly, they create a life of balance and renewal.

Start with one ritual today. Let it ground you. Then add another, and another. Before long, you’ll notice how these small habits transform your days into moments of peace and energy.

In Nigeria, Saturdays are not just another day on the calendar—they carry a rhythm, a culture, and a vibe that sets them apart. Across the country, Saturdays symbolize celebration, relaxation, and community. Whether it’s the glitz of owambes or the calm of unwinding at home, the day holds a special meaning for Nigerians everywhere.

Owambes

Ask any Nigerian what Saturdays mean, and the answer will likely involve an owambe; mostly popular amongst the Yorubas but regardless of the ethnicity, everyone parties on Saturday. These are the lavish weddings, birthdays, and celebratory gatherings known for their music, fashion, and food. Guests turn out in brightly colored aso-ebi, the DJs spin Afrobeats hits, and the atmosphere is always electric. For many, Saturdays are incomplete without an owambe invitation—or at least scrolling Instagram to see who wore what. Owambes are more than just parties; they are cultural showcases where Nigerian fashion, cuisine, and music shine brightly.

Sporting Saturdays

Another staple of Nigerian Saturdays is football. Whether it’s cheering for local teams in a neighborhood viewing center or streaming English Premier League matches, football binds people together. Saturdays often become mini-festivals of passion, noise, and camaraderie as fans support their favorite clubs. Football on Saturdays is more than a sport, it’s a social ritual that unites people from all walks of life.

Chill Saturdays

Not everyone goes out, of course. For many Nigerians, Saturdays are reserved for catching up on rest after a long work week. It’s a day to recharge—watching movies, doing small chores, or spending quality time with family. Some prefer the calm of an early morning market run, followed by a hearty pot of jollof rice shared with loved ones. This slower pace makes Saturdays a perfect balance between productivity and leisure.

Interestingly, Nigerian Saturdays often mix productivity with fun. From wedding errands to laundry day, people use the weekend to tick things off their list while still finding time to celebrate. This balance is what makes Saturdays unique: productive yet joyful, loud yet restful. It reflects the Nigerian lifestyle where hard work and celebration often go hand-in-hand.

Why Saturdays Feel Special in Nigeria

At its core, Saturdays are about connection. Whether through the energy of owambes, the unity of football, or the intimacy of family moments, Saturdays embody the Nigerian spirit of togetherness. They remind us that life is meant to be lived loudly, joyfully, and in style. Nigerian Saturdays are not just about the activities—they are about the feelings, the memories, and the bonds created along the way.

Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) are more than just a kitchen spice. Known for their warm aroma and intense flavour, cloves have been used for centuries in traditional medicine across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Today, modern research confirms that this tiny spice is packed with nutrients and bioactive compounds that offer impressive health benefits. From boosting digestion to supporting immunity, cloves can play an important role in maintaining overall wellness.

Rich Source of Antioxidants

Cloves are loaded with antioxidants such as polyphenols and eugenol. These compounds fight free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress that contributes to aging and chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Including cloves in your diet can help protect cells and improve long-term health.

Natural Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Eugenol, the main active compound in cloves, has strong anti-inflammatory effects. Studies show that it may help reduce joint pain, muscle soreness, and swelling, making cloves useful for people dealing with arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.

Supports Healthy Digestion

Traditionally, cloves have been used to relieve indigestion, gas, and bloating. They stimulate digestive enzyme secretion, which helps food break down more efficiently. Drinking clove tea or adding a small amount to meals can improve digestive comfort.

Promotes Oral Health

Clove oil is widely recognized for its role in dental care. It has antibacterial properties that fight harmful oral bacteria, freshen breath, and provide temporary relief from toothaches. Many natural toothpastes and mouthwashes include clove oil for these reasons.

Helps Regulate Blood Sugar

Research suggests that cloves may help improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels. For people managing diabetes, cloves can serve as a natural dietary support when used alongside medical treatment and a healthy lifestyle.

Boosts the Immune System

The antimicrobial and antiviral properties of cloves make them a natural immune booster. Regular consumption can help the body fight infections, colds, and seasonal flu.

Supports Bone Strength

Cloves contain manganese, a trace mineral essential for bone health and metabolism. Consuming cloves regularly, in moderation, may contribute to stronger bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Provides Respiratory Relief

Cloves act as an expectorant, loosening mucus in the respiratory tract. Clove tea or steam inhalation with clove oil can ease coughing, asthma, and other respiratory issues.

Protects the Liver

Eugenol in cloves has been shown to support liver health by reducing oxidative stress and lowering inflammation. A healthy liver improves metabolism and detoxification processes in the body.

Enhances Skin Health and Healing

Clove oil, when diluted, is often used in skincare for acne and minor wounds. Its antimicrobial properties help prevent infections, while its natural compounds promote healing.

How to Use Cloves Safely

• Culinary Use: Add cloves to stews, teas, baked goods, or spice blends.
• Clove Tea: Steep 2–3 cloves in hot water for a soothing drink.
• Clove Oil: Always dilute before applying to the skin or using for oral care.
• Moderation: Excessive intake can cause irritation, allergic reactions, or liver issues.

Cloves are a small but mighty spice with a wide range of health benefits. Rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and essential nutrients, they can support digestion, immunity, oral health, and more. By incorporating cloves moderately into your meals or natural remedies, you can harness their healing power while enjoying their bold flavour.

Note

Cloves are powerful and should be consumed with care. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with liver conditions, or those taking medications such as blood thinners should consult a healthcare professional before using cloves for medicinal purposes.

Your 20s are often called the most important decade of adulthood. This is when habits form, career paths take shape, and personal choices create ripple effects that last well into your 30s and beyond. While it’s natural to make mistakes, there are some habits and decisions that can quietly waste this golden decade if you’re not careful.

If you’re wondering what to avoid in your 20s, here are ten common traps that can hold you back and how to break free from them.

Living Without Clear Goals

Wandering through your 20s without direction may feel adventurous, but it leaves you unprepared for the future. Set realistic short-term and long-term goals; whether it’s saving a specific amount, pursuing a career milestone, or developing a new skill. Clear goals provide focus and keep you accountable.

Ignoring Financial Discipline

Financial mistakes in your 20s can follow you for decades. Overspending, ignoring savings, and relying on credit cards can pile up debt. Instead, build a budget, start an emergency fund, and explore beginner-friendly investments. Even small steps compound over time.

Staying in Toxic Relationships

Whether it’s a friend who constantly drains your energy or a relationship that holds you back, surrounding yourself with the wrong people can derail your progress. Choose relationships that add value, inspire growth, and bring positivity into your life.

Neglecting Your Health

Skipping exercise, living on junk food, or sacrificing sleep might not show immediate consequences, but they add up. Build sustainable habits like consistent workouts, balanced nutrition, and adequate rest—so you protect your future self from avoidable health struggles.

Read this: Longevity Lifestyle: 7 Habits for a Longer, Healthier Life

Procrastinating on Skill Development

Relying solely on your degree is no longer enough in today’s competitive world. Learn new skills, take certifications, and stay curious. The earlier you invest in personal development, the more doors you’ll open later in life.

Chasing Validation Instead of Purpose

Social media can create pressure to look successful rather than be successful. Don’t let likes or followers define your progress. Focus on meaningful pursuits skills, relationships, and experiences that add lasting value beyond the digital screen.

Playing It Too Safe

The biggest risk in your 20s is not taking any risk at all. Fear of failure often keeps people from starting businesses, moving to new places, or trying different career paths. Use this decade to experiment, fail fast, and learn.

Neglecting Networking

Opportunities rarely come from talent alone; they come from people. Build professional and social networks early. Attend events, connect with mentors, and nurture relationships that could benefit your career and personal growth in the future.

Read this: 5 Habits That Will Transform Your Career in the Next 12 Months

Avoiding Responsibility

Delaying financial planning, career advancement, or personal accountability only makes transitions harder later. Taking responsibility early; whether in managing money or building discipline lays a strong foundation for independence.

Constantly Comparing Yourself to Others

Everyone moves at a different pace. Comparing yourself to friends or online personalities can lead to unnecessary pressure and self-doubt. Measure progress against your past self, not someone else’s timeline.

Your 20s should be about exploration, but not carelessness. Avoiding these common mistakes can save you years of regret and help you step into your 30s with confidence, financial stability, and a strong sense of direction.

In a world where every day seems to blur into work, hustle, and endless routines, Sundays in Nigeria stand out as a day that feels different. No matter the city or village, the energy shifts on this day. Streets are calmer, kitchens are busier, and families seem to find their way back to each other. In a sense, Sundays still hold a sacred charm that refuses to fade.

A Day of Faith and Reflection

For many Nigerians, Sunday begins with faith. Churches come alive across the country, from the echo of hymns in small village chapels to the energetic praise sessions in mega auditoriums. For Christians, Sunday is not just a day of worship but also of community, a chance to reset spiritually before the week ahead. Even for those who don’t attend services, the aura of quiet reflection and gratitude lingers in the air.

The Tradition of Sunday Rice

If there is one tradition that has stood the test of time, it is the Sunday meal. In countless homes, “Sunday rice” has become more than food; it’s a cultural ritual. Whether it’s jollof, fried, or white rice with stew, the dish unites families together. It’s often the only day when everyone eats together in high spirit, turning a simple meal into a memory that carries through generations.

Rest, Reset, and Reconnection

Unlike other days packed with deadlines and errands, Sunday encourages rest. Children play in the yard, parents catch up on conversations, and some families visit relatives. For many, it’s also a day of slowing down, catching a football match, or simply napping after a heavy lunch. The balance of activity and rest makes Sunday feel like a pause button on life.

A Cultural Constant in Changing Times

Despite Nigeria’s rapid modernization, from bustling tech hubs to non-stop social media, Sundays still retain their sacredness. The blend of faith, family, food, and rest is deeply ingrained in the culture. Even younger generations, who may prefer streaming Netflix or hanging out with friends, often find themselves pulled back into the rhythm of tradition.

More Than Just a Day

Ultimately, Sundays in Nigeria remind us that life is not just about work or survival. It’s about community, togetherness, and honoring traditions that bring meaning to our days. The sacredness of Sunday lies not only in religion but also in the simple joys of food, laughter, and shared time. And in a fast-moving world, that might just be the most important ritual of all.

Burkina Faso has suspended the Target Malaria project, halting the release of genetically modified mosquitoes. Here’s why the decision was made, how the technology works, and what it means for Africa’s malaria fight.

Burkina Faso Suspends GM Mosquito Project

Burkina Faso has suspended all activities of the Target Malaria project, a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation–backed initiative that was testing genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes to curb malaria transmission.

The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation issued the suspension order on August 18, 2025, halting trials and sealing off facilities where GM mosquitoes were being bred. Remaining insects are set to be destroyed under biosafety protocols.

This move is seen as a major setback for biotechnology’s role in malaria control, especially as Africa continues to account for more than 95% of global malaria deaths each year.

What Is the GM Mosquito Project?

The GM mosquito project is a scientific effort to fight malaria by altering mosquito populations. There are two main strategies:

1. Sterile or self-limiting males (non–gene drive): Male mosquitoes are engineered with a genetic trait that prevents female offspring from surviving. Over time, this reduces the mosquito population.
2. Gene drive mosquitoes (still in development): Using CRISPR gene editing, scientists insert traits that spread quickly through wild populations. These traits could make mosquitoes resistant to malaria parasites or cause female infertility, breaking the cycle of transmission.

African Countries Testing GM Mosquitoes

While Burkina Faso was a pioneer, it is not the only African country exploring genetically engineered mosquitoes:

1. Burkina Faso: First release in 2019 of sterile Anopheles gambiae males under Target Malaria.
2. Djibouti (2024–2025): Pilot release of Oxitec’s “Friendly™” Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes to combat urban malaria outbreaks.
3. Ghana and Uganda: Ongoing lab research under Target Malaria, but no field releases yet.
4. Tanzania: Transmission Zero project preparing future gene drive trials.

Why Did Burkina Faso Suspend the Project?

Despite initial regulatory approvals, Burkina Faso pulled the brakes for several reasons:

• Public Opposition: Civil society groups argued there was a lack of transparency and genuine community consent.
• Scientific Concerns: Independent studies raised issues about genetic stability, hybridization with wild species, and potential unintended ecological impacts.
• Ethical Questions: Critics said the project offered no immediate health benefits to communities and risked using them as experimental grounds.

The suspension underscores the need for caution, independent review, and stronger community engagement before advancing such high-risk biotechnology in Africa.

What This Means for Malaria Control in Africa

Burkina Faso’s decision puts Africa at a crossroads. While countries like Djibouti continue to test GM mosquitoes, the suspension raises questions about safety, ethics, and public trust.

As malaria remains one of Africa’s deadliest diseases, the challenge is finding the right balance between innovation and precaution. Whether genetically modified mosquitoes become part of the continent’s malaria toolkit will depend on how governments, scientists, and communities navigate these concerns in the years ahead.

Two former boxers from Warwickshire, Harry and Joe Freeman, have launched a grassroots campaign aimed at tackling childhood obesity and improving children’s mental health across the United Kingdom.

The initiative, called Boxwave, offers free fitness and mentorship programmes in parks, playgrounds, and community spaces, targeting young people struggling with weight, low self-esteem, and social isolation.

According to the brothers, the project was created to provide an accessible and supportive alternative to gym memberships or paid classes. “We wanted to make sure every child, no matter their background, has the chance to feel stronger, healthier and more confident,” Harry Freeman said.

Boxwave’s sessions combine fitness activities such as hill sprints, tyre-pulling, football drills and boxing pad work with motivational mentorship. The approach has already attracted a strong following online, with the brothers building an audience of more than 700,000 on TikTok and Instagram, where they share training videos and success stories.

Since its launch last year, the initiative has reported several success stories. Among them is 10-year-old Jacob, who lost more than three stone through the programme and has since appeared on ITV’s This Morning to speak about his journey. Other children involved have shifted from sedentary lifestyles to active participation in sports and regained confidence after years of bullying.

This autumn, the Freemans plan to expand Boxwave into more than 50 schools through a new campaign titled “The Strongest Generation.” The expansion will be supported by sponsorships and retail partnerships, enabling the programme to host monthly community events across the country.

Although the NHS and local councils have shown interest in collaborating, the brothers say they are determined to keep the service free. “For us, this is about helping children, not creating barriers with costs. That’s why everything we do remains open to anyone who wants to join,” Joe Freeman explained.

The launch of Boxwave comes at a time when childhood obesity in Britain has reached record levels. Recent studies warn that obesity rates, which spiked during the pandemic, could cost the UK billions of pounds in healthcare and economic impact in the coming years.

Health experts say grassroots efforts like Boxwave complement national strategies, such as the government’s £85 million Public Health Innovation Programme and NHS smart-scale clinics for young people.

With its community-first approach and early success stories, Boxwave is positioning itself as one of the most promising grassroots movements in the fight against childhood obesity in the UK.

Living a long, healthy life is a universal desire, but in Nigeria, the pressures of modern living, stress, processed foods, and urbanization often make it challenging. Interestingly, many of our elders in rural communities have naturally practiced habits similar to those found in the world’s “Blue Zones”—regions known for extraordinary longevity.

If you’ve ever traveled through villages—especially when entering Edo State, you’ve probably noticed obituary posters of elders who lived into their 90s or even past 100. It always makes me wonder: what did they do differently, and why do they seem to enjoy longer lifespans compared to urban dwellers? This reflection connects closely with the idea of Blue Zones; regions of the world where people consistently live longer, healthier lives due to their lifestyle and habits.

So, how can we adopt a Longevity Lifestyle that fits into our culture and everyday reality? Here are seven powerful habits to help you live longer and healthier.

Eat More Natural, Plant-Based Nigerian Foods

Traditional Nigerian diets are rich in beans, yam, plantain, vegetables, millet, and sorghum. These unprocessed foods provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals that promote long-term health.

Swap fast food for local options like beans porridge, moi-moi, okra soup, or millet pap. Treat meat as a side dish, not the main meal.

Stay Active Through Everyday Movement

You don’t need a gym to stay fit. Farming, walking, pounding yam, and market hustle kept past generations strong. Today, urban living makes many people sedentary.

Walk instead of taking keke/okada for short trips, climb stairs instead of using lifts, or do home-friendly exercises like skipping and squats.

Read more

Why More Young Nigerians Are Facing High Blood Pressure

Why More Young Nigerians Are Facing High Blood Pressure

Discover Your Purpose (“Ikigai”)

Our elders often stayed active because they had responsibilities—farming, caring for grandchildren, or leading in the community. Purpose adds meaning and energy to life.

Even in retirement, stay engaged, mentor youths, volunteer in church/mosque, or start a small side project or farm.

Reduce Stress

From traffic jams to financial stress, life here can be overwhelming. But Nigerian traditions already provide stress relief—storytelling, prayer, communal gatherings, music, and dance.

Dedicate 10–15 minutes daily for prayer, meditation, or reflection. Socialize with friends and family to laugh and release tension.

Strengthen Family and Social Connections

Loneliness shortens life, but Nigeria’s communal culture helps. In villages, people share meals and support one another—reducing stress and depression.
Call loved ones weekly, attend family gatherings, or host a simple get-together. A strong support system is key to living longer.

Read more

The Loneliness Epidemic: Can Tech Help Us Reconnect?

Practice Moderation in Eating and Drinking

Many Nigerians overindulge at parties or with alcohol. In Blue Zone regions, moderation is a secret to long life.

Follow the “80% rule”—stop eating before you feel completely full. Limit alcohol, and try local, healthier drinks like zobo, kunu, or small portions of palm wine.

Hold on to Faith and Spirituality

Spirituality brings hope, reduces stress, and builds resilience. In Nigeria, faith, whether Christian, Muslim, or traditional is central to wellbeing.

Stay connected to your faith community, but also use spirituality for gratitude, peace of mind, and a positive outlook.

Building a Nigerian Longevity Lifestyle

Living longer in isn’t about expensive diets or luxury gyms. It’s about returning to the healthy, simple habits that our grandparents lived by. By eating clean, moving daily, managing stress, and nurturing relationships, we can create a Longevity Lifestyle that fits our culture and ensures a healthier future.

Longevity in Nigeria starts with small, intentional choices today.

Gift-giving is a timeless way to strengthen relationships, celebrate milestones, and show appreciation. In Nigeria today, many people want to buy thoughtful presents without spending too much. While perfume is a common go-to option, it can sometimes feel repetitive and expensive. The good news is that there are several other budget-friendly yet meaningful gift ideas that Nigerians can consider when celebrating friends or peers.

Customized Mugs or Water Bottles

Personalized mugs or water bottles are simple yet practical gifts. Many local printing shops in Nigeria offer customization services at affordable prices, allowing you to add names, photos, or motivational quotes. These items are useful for everyday life, whether at home, school, or the office.

Books and Journals

Books make excellent gifts, especially when chosen according to the recipient’s interests, whether it’s fiction, motivational reads, or professional guides. Journals and notebooks are also thoughtful, as they encourage productivity, organization, and creativity. Pairing them with a pen adds an extra touch.

Fashion Accessories

Affordable accessories such as wristwatches, bracelets, earrings, belts, or wallets are always appreciated. Many Nigerian markets and online stores offer stylish pieces at reasonable prices. These items add a touch of personality and can be used daily.

Related: Top Fashion brands in Nigeria 2025

Tech Accessories

With the increasing reliance on smartphones and gadgets, small tech accessories make highly practical gifts. Options include earphones, phone holders, power banks, USB drives, or even affordable Bluetooth speakers. These items are not only budget-friendly but also extremely useful.

Personalized Keepsakes

Personalized gifts have sentimental value. Examples include framed photographs, engraved keychains, or custom-made phone cases. Such items are affordable and often hold more meaning than generic presents. They show effort and thoughtfulness, which many Nigerians appreciate.

Self-Care Packs

Affordable self-care items such as skincare products, bath salts, or lip balms are great for encouraging relaxation. In Nigeria, locally-made skincare products are widely available and budget-friendly, making this option accessible.

Related: Male Grooming in 2025: Why Men Are Paying More Attention to Skincare

10 Most Counterfeited Skincare Products in Nigeria According to Research — And How to Avoid Them

Food and Snacks

Food remains one of the most loved and practical gifts. From a small hamper of snacks, chocolates, and biscuits to locally packaged delicacies, food items are affordable and guaranteed to be appreciated. Even homemade treats can serve as thoughtful, budget-conscious gifts.

Related: What to Expect at the 2025 Bole Festival

In Nigeria, where cost-consciousness often guides purchasing decisions, giving a meaningful gift does not have to be expensive. By considering the recipient’s lifestyle, preferences, and needs, you can choose from a wide range of affordable options beyond perfume. Ultimately, it is the thought, effort, and personal touch behind the gift that makes it memorable.

Scams are not new in Nigeria, but 2025 has ushered in a more sophisticated wave of fraud, blending traditional tricks with cutting-edge technology like AI, deepfakes, and digital blackmail. From fake e-commerce sites to sextortion networks, the methods are constantly evolving and staying informed is the first step to staying safe.
Below, we break down the most prevalent scams Nigerians are facing today, how they work, and what you can do to avoid falling victim.

AI-Powered Fake E-Commerce and Loan Platforms

Fraudsters now use artificial intelligence to design convincing online stores and lending apps. These sites feature polished product listings, fake customer reviews, and even AI chatbots that mimic real customer service. Many Nigerians have lost money to platforms that vanish after collecting upfront payments or bogus loan “processing fees.”

How to protect yourself:

• Only shop on verified sites with strong reputations.
• Check that websites use secure domains (“https”).
• Avoid apps or sites that demand money before offering loans, unless confirmed by the Central Bank of Nigeria or FCCPC.

Fake Bank Alerts and Phishing Messages

Scammers send cloned debit alerts or SMS messages that look like they came from your bank. In some cases, they direct victims to phishing websites that steal login details.

How to protect yourself:

• Always confirm credits or debits via your bank’s official app or USSD code.
• Never click suspicious links sent via SMS or WhatsApp.

Job and Recruitment Scams

Fake recruiters promise high-paying roles with well-known companies, but demand “training,” “ID card,” or “medical” fees before employment. Many of these fake ads spread on social media and WhatsApp groups.

How to protect yourself:

• Genuine companies do not charge fees before hiring.
• Verify job postings directly on official company websites.
• Use trusted platforms like Jobberman or MyJobMag.

POS and Marketplace Scams

POS agents are increasingly being targeted with fake transfers and manipulated receipts, while on Instagram and Jiji, scammers collect payments for goods that are never delivered.

How to protect yourself:

• For POS, always confirm transactions directly from your bank balance.
• When shopping online, insist on payment on delivery or use escrow-protected platforms.
• Avoid sellers without verifiable contact details.

Giveaway and Celebrity Impersonation Fraud

Scammers create fake accounts of celebrities or popular brands, promising giveaways. Victims are then asked to pay “processing fees” before receiving fake prizes.

How to protect yourself:

• Official giveaways never require upfront payments.
• Confirm verified social media handles with blue checks or official websites.

Referral Apps and Click-to-Earn Schemes

These schemes promise income by recruiting others or performing simple online tasks. They often collapse quickly, leaving users with losses.

How to protect yourself:

• Avoid platforms with no clear business model.
• Don’t provide personal or financial details to unverified apps.

Deepfake Investment Scams and Pig-Butchering

Scammers are using deepfake videos, AI-generated endorsements, and long-term relationship building (known as “pig-butchering”) to trick people into fake crypto or forex investments. Victims are “fattened up” with small initial profits before being defrauded of larger sums.

How to protect yourself:

• Be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities.
• Check if the platform is registered with the SEC or CAC.
• Stay away from “guaranteed” quick returns.

Sextortion and AI-Driven Blackmail

Perhaps the most disturbing trend in 2025 is sextortion. Networks like the “BM Boys” in Nigeria catfish teenagers and young adults, persuading them to share explicit images, then blackmailing them for money. Some scammers even use AI-generated fake news reports to pressure victims into paying.

How to protect yourself:

• Never share intimate photos or videos online.
• If threatened, cut off communication immediately and report to authorities.
• Parents should educate teenagers about online safety.

Digital Arrest Scams

Scammers impersonate police, EFCC, or immigration officers via WhatsApp or video calls, accusing victims of crimes and demanding bribes for “release.”

How to protect yourself:

• No genuine authority will demand money over the phone.
• Always verify with official agencies through their public hotlines.

SIM Swap and Tech Support Frauds

With SIM swaps, fraudsters hijack your phone line to access bank accounts and OTPs. Others impersonate “Microsoft” or “Windows” support, tricking victims into installing apps that grant remote access.

How to protect yourself:

• Enable SIM locks and two-factor authentication using authenticator apps, not SMS alone.
• Never share OTPs or banking details over the phone.
• Refuse unsolicited remote support requests.

Scammers are adapting to Nigeria’s digital and financial landscape at lightning speed. What used to be crude “419 emails” has now evolved into AI-powered platforms, deepfake blackmail, and sophisticated phishing schemes.

Always be skeptical of anything that sounds too good to be true. Verify everything. Protect your data.

By staying informed and cautious, you reduce your chances of becoming the next victim.