By Samson Adeyanju

In the bustling streets of Lagos, the quiet corners of Abuja, and the cyber cafés of Benin City, a troubling reality unfolds daily—young, energetic Nigerians, unable to secure legitimate jobs, are turning to cybercrime as a means of survival.

Popularly referred to as Yahoo Yahoo, cyber fraud has become a booming underground industry, evolving from crude email scams to sophisticated financial crimes that span continents.

Despite repeated crackdowns by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the trend persists, raising pressing questions: Why do so many young Nigerians see cybercrime as their only option? How has unemployment fueled this digital underworld?

The Unemployment Crisis and a Desperate Generation

Nigeria’s unemployment rate remains a ticking time bomb. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), youth unemployment hovers around alarming levels, leaving millions stranded in uncertainty.

Many graduates, armed with degrees but no opportunities, roam the streets in frustration.

“I spent years in school, did my NYSC, but I have nothing to show for it,” laments Chuka, a 28-year-old graduate from Anambra. “At some point, you start considering other ways to survive.”

For thousands like Chuka, cybercrime offers an escape—a digital hustle that promises quick wealth in a society where hard work and integrity often seem unrewarded.

Social media is flooded with images of young men flaunting luxury cars, designer clothes, and wads of cash, reinforcing the idea that Yahoo Yahoo is a viable shortcut to success.

From ‘Yahoo Yahoo’ to ‘Yahoo Plus’—The Dark Evolution

What started as simple email scams—where fraudsters posed as foreign businessmen or lovers—has morphed into elaborate online heists.

Today, ‘Yahoo Plus’ involves ritualistic practices believed to enhance the scammers’ abilities to deceive victims.

Some even turn to hacking, phishing, and identity theft, targeting businesses and individuals globally.

“I started with basic email scams, but as the game changed, I had to upgrade,” confesses a young fraudster, who declined to give his name.

“Now, it’s more about hacking accounts, manipulating forex platforms, and laundering money through cryptocurrencies.”

The Government’s Struggle and a Society Caught in Between

Law enforcement agencies have intensified efforts to curb cybercrime, leading to numerous arrests.

However, critics argue that tackling the issue requires more than just police raids and EFCC parades. The root cause—rampant unemployment—remains unaddressed.

“Nigeria needs to fix its economic structure,” says Dr. Musa, an economist in Abuja. “If the system offers young people real opportunities, they won’t be lured by cybercrime.”

Meanwhile, the perception of cyber fraud in society is complicated. While many condemn it as outright theft, others see it as an unfortunate survival tactic in a harsh economy.

In some communities, ‘Yahoo boys’ are even celebrated, their wealth admired rather than questioned.

A Way Forward: Beyond Arrests and Name-Shaming

If Nigeria is serious about tackling cybercrime, the approach must go beyond arrests and public shaming.

The government must create sustainable jobs, invest in digital skills training, and foster a business environment where young people can thrive legitimately.

Tech hubs, vocational programs, and entrepreneurship support can provide alternative paths for the youth.

Moreover, a shift in societal values is crucial. The glorification of sudden wealth, often obtained through questionable means, must be replaced with a culture that rewards hard work, creativity, and ethical success.

Until these fundamental issues are addressed, cybercrime will continue to flourish, not just as an act of greed, but as a desperate response to a country struggling to provide for its own.

By Ade Iyamoye 

Nigeria is a country of enormous potential, yet its state governance is mired in a persistent pattern of neglect that undermines long-term development.

Across the nation, governors frequently opt for headline-grabbing projects and lavish expenditures rather than investing in human capital, local enterprise, and innovative solutions.

This common trend not only squanders the nation’s scarce resources but also deepens public cynicism, as citizens witness little genuine progress in their everyday lives.

In many Nigerian states, governors allocate significant portions of their budgets to grandiose construction projects—flyovers, new government complexes, and high-profile recreational centers—intended more for political showmanship than for community empowerment.

For instance, in Rivers State, former Governor, Nyesom Wike’s administration has been known for its impressive infrastructural feats.

Projects such as the construction of multiple flyovers, the upgrade of road networks, and the transformation of public spaces like the Port Harcourt Pleasure Park have all captured media attention.

However, despite these flashy developments, many ordinary residents still struggle with everyday challenges—poor local services, unaddressed security issues, and a lack of opportunities for small business growth.

Similarly, in Niger State, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago—often celebrated for his palliative measures like distributing JAMB forms and providing rice during crises—has also embarked on visible projects such as rehabilitating extensive road networks and purchasing tractors to boost agricultural production.

While these initiatives offer short-term relief, they are symptomatic of a broader approach that emphasizes temporary fixes over sustainable, community-driven development.

Instead of channeling funds into training programs, innovation hubs, or support for local entrepreneurs, resources are absorbed by projects that create immediate, but fleeting, impacts.

The underlying issue is that such expenditure patterns favor political patronage and short-term image-building rather than long-term socioeconomic progress.

When governors invest in projects designed primarily to impress voters or bolster their political capital, they neglect the essential elements of human capital development—education, healthcare, and local enterprise support.

These areas are crucial for nurturing the talent and entrepreneurial spirit that could drive Nigeria’s sustainable economic growth.

This focus on grand projects often leads to the diversion of funds away from critical investments.

In many instances, substantial sums are spent on luxury vehicles for lawmakers, expensive ceremonial events, or overly ambitious infrastructural developments that are never fully integrated into the broader economic fabric of the state.

Such practices breed a culture of mismanagement where the fiscal discipline required to foster real development is replaced by an obsession with political optics.

This not only stifles grassroots innovation but also creates an environment where citizens lose faith in the ability of their leaders to address their basic needs.

Furthermore, the neglect of investments in human capital has lasting repercussions.

Without proper educational facilities, healthcare centers, and support for small businesses, the next generation is left without the tools and opportunities needed to drive forward the country’s growth.

The irony is that while states might showcase “world-class” infrastructural achievements, the benefits rarely trickle down to the level of local communities.

Instead, these projects become monuments to wasted resources and missed opportunities.

What is needed is a paradigm shift in state governance. Nigerian governors must transition from a model centered on conspicuous consumption and political patronage to one that prioritizes sustainable development through human capital investment and support for local entrepreneurship.

Investing in quality education and healthcare, offering vocational training, and establishing innovation hubs can create a fertile environment for grassroots economic growth.

When local communities have access to these opportunities, they become active participants in driving their own development, rather than mere recipients of top-down, politically motivated projects.

Citizens, too, have a role to play. They must demand transparency and accountability from their leaders, insisting that state budgets are allocated in ways that yield tangible improvements in everyday life.

Grassroots movements and civil society organizations can push for policy reforms that incentivize long-term investments in human capital over short-term, flashy projects.

Only with such collective pressure can the current pattern of neglect be dismantled.

In conclusion, the common pattern among Nigerian governors is clear: too often, resources are funneled into projects that serve political image rather than real progress.

This approach squanders the nation’s potential and reinforces a system built on patronage, leaving communities underserved and the country’s future at risk.

For Nigeria to truly rise, state leaders must reorient their priorities toward sustainable development, empowering local communities and investing in the people who are the true engine of progress.

Only then can Nigeria unlock its immense potential and build a future defined by genuine growth and innovation.

By Ade Iyamoye 

Sammy More’s rise to fame in the music industry wasn’t an overnight success. For him, the road to recognition was paved with hard work, resilience, and a deep passion for highlife and juju music.

His journey, though marked by early struggles, took a significant turn through performances at nightclubs and lounges, which helped him build a loyal fanbase and catch the attention of the wider music scene.

The Early Struggles

Like many aspiring artists, Sammy More faced the typical challenges of securing a platform and breaking into the competitive music industry.

But what set him apart was his unwavering commitment to perfecting his craft and using every opportunity to perform live.

The energetic nightlife scenes became his proving ground, where he refined his skills and learned the dynamics of connecting with diverse audiences.

The Nightclub Scene: A Launchpad for Stardom

Nightclubs and lounges were crucial in shaping Sammy’s career. These lively venues gave him the chance to interact with audiences, offering an intimate space where he could showcase his unique blend of highlife and juju music.

The pulsating beats, the vibrant atmosphere, and the engaged crowd were perfect for his style, making it the ideal setting for him to shine.

Sammy quickly learned that engaging with his audience was key. He understood that his music wasn’t just about playing instruments but creating an experience that resonated with people.

Each performance was a dialogue with the crowd, making them feel the energy and passion of the music.

Building a Loyal Fanbase

Through consistent performances, Sammy began to build a strong fanbase.

Word of mouth spread, and soon his music became synonymous with memorable nights out. As his popularity grew, so did his confidence.

He transitioned from a local musician to a recognizable figure in Abuja’s music scene, with people eagerly anticipating his next performance.

The Turning Point: From Lounges to Larger Stages

What started in smaller venues soon caught the attention of a broader audience.

Sammy’s success at nightclubs and lounges led to bigger opportunities, including concert performances, album launches, and collaborations with renowned artists.

The exposure from these intimate settings became the stepping stone to his breakthrough in the larger music industry.

The Impact of the Nightlife Scene

Performing at nightclubs and lounges played a pivotal role in Sammy More’s career.

It allowed him to build his reputation, connect with fans, and get noticed by industry professionals.

The experience laid the foundation for his high-profile events, like the “Sammy More Live in Concert/Album Launch,” marking his ascent to stardom.

Today, as the CEO of Sammy More International, Sammy reflects on his humble beginnings.

While his music continues to evolve, the lessons he learned from the nightclub and lounge scenes remain integral to his artistry and success.

His story is a testament to the power of persistence, resilience, and creating an unforgettable experience for every audience.