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Stories from Victims – Online Scam Survivors

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Ads - scam or real

Online Scam has been prevalent nowadays. Scammers now use fake money making ads to dupe people . On Thursday, 2 January, a man came to my DM and wrote to me “Greetings Am DANIEL ‘ chatting from Lagos Nigeria, I have something that brings money if you promise to give me 40% on your first withdrawal?? He then asked me. “Which package can you go for because you can only do it once? He continued “3k to add 300k,4k to add 400k, 5klll to add 500k. Note All are 30% payment after sporty bet balance is been added successfully” After this he sent me a link to Sporty Bet to create my account. Immediately I made a payment of N5K. After payment, I waited according to his instructions to withdraw. After 5 days I went to see if I had earned to see N0 in my account. I called him but he didn’t pick the call. That’s when it dawned on me that I had been duped. Given this ugly experience, I decided to investigate some of the online ads I have seen around in recent times. I am not Alone For decades ads have been used to promote businesses on Instagram, Facebook and other social media platforms. The ads are generating thousands of people to do businesses once again. But this time, Scammers are impersonating the businesses being advertised A group of Instagram ads unverified are spreading fake money making links and duping people of their hard earned money in Nigeria in a coordinated way. Like the original ads the ad claims to enrich people by performing simple tasks. Speaking with the online business coach, Olivia Onochie she said “I have lost so much online and I was scammed #20K. But I learnt from it.” She said if you see anything like this, “This is about sporty bet adder. This has nothing to do with betting or gambling. This has nothing to do with betting or gambling, you’re only making use of an account to get your 2K boosted to 200K and it’s withdrawable. What matters most is the adder link. I’ll help with the link as far as you stand on your promise. Are you interested??” Know that is scam According to her, online businesses are not all scam. You can win and you can lose. But any unverified ad on social media that directs you to a whatsapp or telegram group chat of people you don’t know where you are asked to pay some amount of money to earn money is scam and fake “Anyone and that takes you to a place where you will use your money to sporty bets, gaming stuff, they are all scam. Tons of people have fallen for it.” She said Another online coach, Mr Kingzy, highlighted that 80% of online businesses are fake. And anyone that asked you to pay to earn is fake or else well investigated. Real money making websites or apps will not come to your DMs or post unverified ads on social media to lure people to their website. Rather they will advertise their business through social media stars. Like how the verified tiktoker Betty advertised about UPHERIOR, famous dancer Purple Speedy advertised about BENEFIX, popular comedians, Mr Sabinus advertised ANCHOR and many more. Though this money making apps and websites crash. Major reason you need a well experienced familiar coach to guide you. Why do they share these ads? The major impact of this fake money ad is defrauding and scamming people opposite their claimed purpose of enriching people On January 4, I clicked on an ad by Master Funder that reads “trade gold with master funder core trading challenge! Start trading as low as $25.” The ad claims to reward and refund it’s users their money after depositing $25 in their website. It encouraged interested users to click on the link below  I clicked on the link attached to Instagram which took me to a website. A form at the bottom of the website requested my name, physical and email address. After registration the website instructed me to pick an auction of $5 to earn $10K or any other one of my choices. Once you pick an auction you will be directed to a payout page where you will deposit your money. The website is like a game. After the auction you will either win or lose the challenges. This is a trick to reap people off their hard earned money. Nobody has ever won the challenge. And it’s a lie, the money is not refundable. “I was a victim.” said Vera Francis. What are the techniques used by fraudsters? PHISHING. According to check point Phishing is a type of cybersecurity attack during which malicious actors send messages pretending to be a trusted person or entity. Phishing messages manipulate a user, causing them to perform actions like installing a malicious file, clicking a malicious link, or divulging sensitive information such as access credentials. MALWARE A software that is specifically designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system. INVOICE FRAUD Is a type of financial crime where someone sends a fake or altered invoice to a business, with the intention of getting them to pay. The goal is to trick the business into thinking they are making a legitimate payment. RECEIPT SCAM Receipt fraud is the act of stealing or falsifying receipts to get a refund or other benefit. It can involve: Returning stolen items, Returning items to a different store for a higher price, Adjusting customer records in exchange for incentives, and Stealing cash or checks. FAKE WEBSITE Scammers create fake websites that look like they’re from a legitimate source. FAKE OFFERS Scammers make false promises about products, services, or investments. What are some examples of these frauds? 2020, A Facebook page called “M.T.N Lockdown Giveaways – Kingdom” is advertising phone, car and laptop giveaways for students. “MTN is here to support the First 5,000 students because of this pandemic … Read more

Coping with Poverty in Universities

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Poverty in Universities

Poverty level in Nigeria has propelled students of the University of Port Harcourt, a citadel of learning, to cry out to their institution management and government considering the present economic recession and negative impact of the hike, to reconsider the high price of school fees. As of 2023, newly admitted students of the Federal University of Port Harcourt paid N190,000 – N205,000. But in 2024/2025 academic sessions, the same newly admitted students are paying N210,000 – N234,000. Uniport school fees which was formerly N45,000 for returning students have been increased to N78,000. and their hostel fee which was N25,000 – N35,000 doubled in 2024/2025 academic sessions to N50,000 Amidst Poverty, tertiary  institutions other than Uniport have over 200 per cent hike in registration and tuition fees for students in 2024, according to a report by The Punch Over 40 universities including boarding schools in Nigeria have increased their school fees. These universities posted the new prices of tuition fees on their official websites amidst resumption of newly admitted students. These universities includes UNIUYO, University of Ibadan, LASU, UNILAG, Obafemi Awolowo University, UNIPORT, UNN, amongst many other Due to these poverty, students not only in Uniport but other tertiary institutions have devised a means of getting their school fees paid. “Some students don’t have parents or strong sponsors for their education. Considering the hike in fees coupled with recession, tons of students will be forced to go into prostitution, stealing or illegal means of funding.” said Lisa Francis, a 200 level student of Federal University of Port. Speaking with Vera Francis, a Uniport law student. “This could also lead students to drop out entirely if the means of sponsorship is not sorted out.” According to recent World Bank data, the poverty rate in Nigeria is estimated to be around 38.9%, meaning a significant portion of the population lives below the poverty line, which significantly impacts students in tertiary institutions by limiting their access to education due to financial constraints, affecting their ability to afford tuition, basic necessities, and study materials, potentially leading to poor academic performance and even dropping out Amidst this poverty and murmurs came Nelfund What is Nelfund? The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is a federal agency that provides student loans in Nigeria. President Bola Tinubu signed the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) (Repeal and Re-enactment) Act into law on April 3, 2024, establishing NELFUND A 200 level student in the department of broadcasting in Uniport who will prefer to remain anonymous said. “When I got admission I was frustrated because I had no money to pay for my school and registration fee. Poverty coupled with inflation has disabled everyone, especially me. I decided to apply for student loan in nelfund. I was approved by the company after some weeks and my loan was disbursed into my account.” students who are struggling with fees, act now! Secure your future by applying through the @NELFUND social media channels.” He added. Nelfund has alleviated poverty amongst students and helped so many in continuing their academy pursuit amidst economics crisis. The Fund disclosed this on Monday in a statement signed by its management and shared with PREMIUM TIMES. NELFUND said it has received a total of 364,042 student loan applications since inception and has approved 192,906 applications. The Fund said it has disbursed a total of N20 billion (N20,074,050,000) for institutional fees as of 3 February. It added that it has disbursed twelve billion (N12,818,960,000) as upkeep to 169,114 students Students in tertiary institutions have also devised means of overcoming poverty ingself e dthrough buying and selling of snakes, clothes, and cleaning agents, hairstyling, makeup artistry, tailoring, and joining of profitable organizations.   Also Read: Effects Of Climate Change On Human Health    

6 Interesting Facts About Tim Walz- Kamala Harris’ Running Mate

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Tim Walz has been selected by Kamala Harris of the United States of America as her running mate for the upcoming 2024 US presidential election. Many Americans expected whom Harris would pick as her vice for the presidential race, being a coloured female who had served as the vice president for Joe Biden for three and a half years. At the announcement of Tim, so many never expected such a qualified and competent running mate, whom was not well known. Below are basic interesting facts about Tim, Walz. Tim Walz is an American politician serving as the Governor of Minnesota. Walz was elected as the Governor of Minnesota, in 2018. He was serving his sixth term representing Minnesota congressional district. He serves the southern Minnesota on three committees in the United States. He assumed office on January 7, 2019. As governor, he has focused on issues such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and climate change.   He had his early life and education in Nebraska. Tim Walz was born on April 6, 1964, in West Point, Nebraska. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science from Chadron State College and a Master’s degree in Education from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Tim’s father was a public administrator and community activist. From a tender age, Tim had learned the values of hard work and community service. These values instilled propelled him as a leader through his career trajectory.   He served as a former social studies teacher and high school football coach. In Tim’s career, before venturing into politics, he had a teaching career. Tim was a high school teacher and a coach. He served as a geography teacher and coach at Mankato west High school. He started teaching from 1989-1990 in a high school, in China, as part of the first government groups of American educators. These were those who taught in China, through a program at the Harvard University. He taught social studies and coached various sports at Mankato West High School.     Tim Walz was a National Guard veteran. In his military service, Walz served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 1989 to 2005. He was deployed to Kosovo and also served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Also, he is regarded as the highest-ranking enlisted soldier ever to serve in the congress. Walz has been recognized for his work in Congress with awards from different organisations like, the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, the American Cancer Society, the National Association of Development Organizations, the National Farmers Union and the Matthew Shepard Foundation.   Tim Walz began his political career in 2006 when he was elected as the U.S. Representative for Minnesota’s 1st congressional district. He served in the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2019. He is a ranking member of the Agricultural subcommittees on General farm commodities and risk Management. Tim Walz serves as the co-chair for the congressional sportsmen’s caucus, and has leadership post at the National Guard, Reserve Caucus and the congressional Veterans Job Caucus.   His Personal Life: Walz is married to Gwen Walz, his wife whom he in Nebraska. They both got married in 1994 but had to wait for seven years before they had their children. Also, they have two children whom Tim describes as being born through the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process, after years of struggling with infertility. Currently, the family resides in Mankato, Minnesota. Walz attends the Evangelical church in America. He has once been arrested for driving in 1995, under the influence of alcohol, which he never took afterwards.   ALSO READ: Colorado Court Disqualifies Trump from 2024 Ballot

Aminah, my friend smiled last

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Aminah, my friend smiled last

I didn’t need a soothsayer to tell me Aminah had cried all night. Was it her swollen eyes that didn’t pass the message to me or her gloomy face? It was Aminah’s husband that called me at the odd hours of the night. He had travelled and wasn’t at home; he pleaded with me to try as much as possible to be at their place the following morning; someone called her barren again. He said bitterly. Aminah was a waiting mother for 11 years; she had been strong and carried on with her life, hoping Allah would answer her prayers on time.  Until some folks started calling her barren, Aminah was an online chef who shared recipes that she thought would be useful for her followers, but anytime any of the recipes didn’t sit well with them, they would go to her DM to call her all sorts of names. Some even went as far as telling her to divert all her energy into how she would have children, forgetting she was not Allah. That morning, I didn’t bother to ask her why she was crying; all I did was to pacify her. I made sure she ate and slept before going to my home. READ ALSO: Indeed Dreams Come Through Hardwork And Perseverance  A  month after, I visited her randomly as I always did and noticed the smile on my baby girl’s face was contagious, I could sense she was genuinely happy. Before I could ask her what was up she handed a paper to me, it was a doctor’s report that stated my friend was 5 weeks pregnant!!! IN THAT MOMENT, the only thing that kept coming out of my mouth was ALHAMDULILAH!!!!!..

Understanding and Confronting Drug Addiction

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Understanding and Confronting Drug Addiction

The Oxford Dictionary defines drug addiction as “a state of dependence produced either by the habitual taking of drugs or by regularly engaging in certain behaviors. Drug addiction is a complex, and pervasive issue affecting individual, families, and communities worldwide. This article aims to shed light on the nuances of drug addiction, its impact, and the importance of adopting a compassionate approach towards those struggling with substance abuse. The Nature of Drug Addiction: Drug addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes in the brain. Understanding it as a medical condition. Factors Contributing to Addiction: Various factors contribute to the development of addiction, including genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and mental health conditions. Acknowledging these elements helps frame addiction as a multi-faceted challenge. Impact on Individuals and Society: Drug addiction takes a toll on both individuals and society, affecting physical health, mental well-being, relationships, and productivity. Exploring the border consequences emphasizes the need for comprehensive solutions. The Importance of Compassion: Compassion is a key element in addressing drug addiction. Rather than stigmatizing individuals, a compassionate approach involves understanding the underlying struggles, acknowledging the efforts to overcome addiction, and providing support without judgment.        Treatment Options: Effective treatment for drug addiction involves a combination of medical, psychological, and social interventions. From detoxification to counseling and support groups, a personalized approach is crucial for successful recovery. Prevention and Education: Education plays a pivotal role in preventing drug addiction. By raising awareness about the risks, promoting healthy coping mechanisms, and fostering a supportive environment, we can work towards reducing the incidence of substance abuse. Read Also: Artificial Intelligence and Its Regulated Usage Conclusion Addressing drug addiction requires a holistic and compassionate perspective. By recognizing it as a medical condition influenced by various factors, supporting individuals through treatment, and emphasizing prevention and education, we can contribute to a society that views addiction through a lens of empathy and understanding. Together, we can build a foundation for lasting recovery and positive change.

Maximize Profits through this Strategic Insights in Playing CropBytes

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How to earn on CropBytes

Dear aspiring crypto farmer, are you ready to yield in your crypto farm? I have a valuable tip for you in CryptoBytes. CropBytes is an Andriod NFT game. It is modelled as a crypto farm game based on real-world farming. You play the game and build your empire by owning assets, increasing or buying assets, trading crypto assets, and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). In CropBytes, you have a farm where you can cultivate crops, raise animals, and engage in weekly fishing tournaments, aside from other activities. Another exhilarating aspect of CropBytes is it marketplace where you can trade. The trading activities involve buying or selling to fellow players various digital assets such as animals and machineries. With an exceptional 650K downloads, $21 million asset value, 286m CBX in circulation, and no 1 rated crypto experiences from users, CropBytes is set to be among the top crypto games. Are you ready to maximize profits in Cryptobytes? Here are strategic insights to boost your crypto wealth and set you in your dream world. Remember, you can play CropBytes on Android, iOS, and web. Highlights of CropBytes In a period of four years, the team has built one of the most immersive game experiences, and its key features include Balance economy Real ownership. In CropBytes, you own your assets in the game while they represent real-world farm tools. with total control over these assets, you can use them to grow your farm, trade them, or sell them for other cryptocurrency. Open market trade. You can trade your assets and NFTs in the game market with other players. The market is covered by smart contracts, and Blockchain technology allows you to prices and negotiate with other traders.You can use the exchange to buy and sell assets instantly. Utility based NFTs. CrropBytes NFTs have utility and value in the game. You collect NFTs such as superheroes, pro assets, and collectibles. Superheroes are rare NFTs that you can use to boost your farm output. Pro assets are items that help you produce more extracts and utilities, and collectibles are unique and limited edition NFTs that can be displayed or traded Metaverse of games. When you explore and interact with CropBytes metaverse. Its virtual world allows you to play different games and activities. You can use your game builder tools to create your game and experience and share them with other players. Leaders in crypto gaming. You earn CBX when you play in the game. CBX is the native token of CropBytes, and this utility token can be used to buy assets, pay fees, stake, and mine in the game. Owning CBX means you have a governance token that gives you the right and reward to participate in the games development. How to Play CropBytes You have to follow simple steps to begin earning in CropBytes. Here are key steps: Sign up to get free assets When you sign up, you get free assets. You can use these free assets to learn about the game’s economy. Grow crops & make food When you grow your food and harvest them, you can grind your produce for food for your livestock or sell them for crypto. Feed animals, collect extracts Just like a real-world farm, you have to feed your animals. In return, your livestock gives you extracts such as milk, wool, eggs, truffles, etc. You can convert these extracts to CBX. Note that missing feed will lead to health and extract loss. Trade and Earn Crypto You grow your portfolio by trading, which is the most recommended means. Just like the real business scene, you make calculated trade in the market and get returns from them. Own more and earn more The more assets and NFT you get, the more your business expands. In CryptoBytes, superheroes are rare NFT’s that can boost the output of your farm. Other pro asssets like Feed Mill can help to boost your daily revenue. Conclusion CropBytes is a model of the real-world market that is revolutionizing the crypto gaming space. CropBytes is a beautifully crafted game economy. You can maximize the power of crypto to play and earn in the virtual world by getting started. Why not get started now.   For more information,  visit CropBytes’ official website

Over N400bn was Disbursed to Tertiary Institutions in 2023 -Says Echono

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  The Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, Sonny Echono, has disclosed that the board has disbursed over N400 billion to Tertiary Institutions across the country in 2023. Echono stated this on Monday, 18 December 2023 in Makurdi while speaking to journalists during TETFund’s Management Retreat. He added that the amount represented the backlog of previous years that were not accessed and disbursement for the ongoing year. Read Also: Sanwo-Olu Commissions Mushin Food Agro-Hub, Eulogizes Fayinka He said the funds disbursed were in two phases and the first phase was in 2023, with the approved disbursement in the neighborhood of about N320 billion. He said: “I am also pleased to report that today they have accessed more than that. The reason is that we have a backlog of allocations from previous years that some institutions have not accessed but because we streamlined the process and created an avenue to assist the institutions in accessing their backlog, that number has grown.” “So, now we are in the neighborhood of about N400 billion that we have disbursed to our institutions this year, far more than the budget because most of the outstanding allocations are now being accessed. We are also removing little bottlenecks that are hampering the completion of these projects.” The Executive Secretary further added that TETFund can not be extended to private institutions for now due to the extant law of the country. He said: “The only way we collaborate with private institutions currently is in the area of research because we know that research is universal and we know that knowledge is collaboration.” “So, we are encouraging them to participate and we sponsor people or private individuals who have ideas. Going forward, we are under authority; if the law is amended and extended, we will have no exceptions.”

Sanwo-Olu Commissions Mushin Food Agro-Hub, Eulogizes Fayinka

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  The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has commended Hon. Toyin Fayinka, a member representing Mushin Federal Constituency II, at the Lower Legislative Chamber, Abuja on his immense contribution to the successful completion of the Middle-Level Food Agro-Hub located at Idi-Oro in Mushin Local Government Area of the State. Gov. Sanwo-Olu, who was accompanied by Lagos State’s top government functionaries commissioned the Agro-Hub on Sunday, 17 December 2023, stating that the project will address the issue of food insecurity and sustainability plaguing the country in general and Lagos State in particular. Read Also: Soun Ladies Visit Orphanage Home, Donate Gift Items In his keynote address, Sanwo-Olu thanked stakeholders in Mushin Local Government and Odi-Olowo LCDA for the successful completion of the hub, stressing that it will meet up with the State’s THEME agenda of enhancing food security. “Let me appreciate the two Mayors of Mushin and Odi Olowo who made this project achievable, particularly Hon. Toyin Fayinka who was the former Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation. I called and told him this Hub must be a success because it is located within your territory and I’m glad today, we are commissioning the project,” Governor Sanwo-Olu remarked. According to Imole Media, Fayinka, in his goodwill message, applauded Gov. Sanwo-Olu for the launch of a new way of food distribution in Lagos. In his words, “When the project began here in Idi-Oro, I assured Mr. Governor that I would take over the security of the project and I’m glad I did. The Contractor that worked on the project can also testify to this. Even during the EndSARS when state property was being torched, this project was spared. This Hub is our property and to the Glory of God, we will continue to safeguard it.” Speaking further, Hon. Fayinka said the commissioning of the Middle-Level Food Agro-Hub will see to the tackling of problems associated with post-harvest losses, inflation, carbon footprint, and traffic congestion.

EPL: Awoniyi Bids Cooper Farewell After Nottingham Forest Exit

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  Taiwo Awoniyi has sent an emotional message to Steve Cooper after he was sacked by Nottingham Forest. Cooper, a popular figure at the City Ground, was sacked by Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, 19 December 2023, following the team’s poor performance. Forest have lost five of their last six Premier League games, including last Friday’s 2-0 defeat at home by Tottenham. Awoniyi was signed by Cooper last summer and repaid the manager’s faith by netting 10 times in 25 Premier League appearances. The 26-year-old expressed appreciation to the Gaffer for helping him actualize his dream of playing in the Premier League. “Thank you for helping me make my big dream come true and bringing out the best in me. All the very best Gaffer,” he shared on Instagram.

Colorado Court Disqualifies Trump from 2024 Ballot

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  The Colorado Supreme Court has disqualified former President Donald J. Trump from holding office again due to his engagement in insurrection with his actions leading up to the Jan. 6 2021 storming of the Capitol. In its ruling on Tuesday, 19 December 2023, Colorado’s top Court was the first in the nation to find that Section 3 of the 14th Amendment which disqualifies people who engage in insurrection against the Constitution after taking an oath to support it applies to Mr. Trump. Read Also: Governor Dapo Appoints Oladunjoye as Senior Media Consultant The ruling directs the Colorado Secretary of State to exclude Mr. Trump’s name from the State’s Republican primary ballot. But, the ruling does not address the general election. “We do not reach these conclusions lightly,” a four-justice majority wrote, with three justices dissenting. “We are mindful of the magnitude and weight of the questions before us. We are likewise mindful of our solemn duty to apply the law, without fear or favor, and without being swayed by public reaction to the decisions that the law mandates we reach.” Mr. Trump’s campaign said that it would appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Colorado justices anticipated that likelihood by putting their ruling on hold at least until Jan. 4 2024; if Mr. Trump appeals before then, the hold will continue until the Supreme Court rules. And while Tuesday’s ruling applies only to one state, it could all but force the nation’s highest court to decide the question for all 50. Recall that Trump’s supporters had stormed the Capitol on Jan.6, 2021, trying to stop the certification of the 2020 election, an action considered an insurrection.