How My Friend Got Scammed

(Short Note from Yemi Olakitan)

When I saw this article on LinkedIn, I knew I had to publish it on my blog so that my readers can benefit from it. 

I can perfectly relate to the story in it because for the past six months a group of self-acclaimed and self-professed cryptocurrency experts have been harassing me on social media and asking me to invest with them, not that investment is bad but, many are fraudsters!! 

I thank God that they have not succeeded in making me part with my money. This article is published for this very reason; to alert the public to the scammers out there, claiming to be crypto experts, asking you to part with your hard-earned money in order to scam you. Beware!! 

How My Friend Got Scammed

By Oluwatosin Olaseinde

It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon, we had just closed from church when I picked up my friend’s call and she was sounding as excited as someone that won the lottery.

At first, I thought she had finally gotten a scholarship, as this has been her desire for the past few years. I was busy dancing at the thought of my friend relocating from Nigeria at last. But she quickly cut my celebration short and said ‘No, it’s not relocation’, so I paused to listen to her. She said, “Omo I don hammer, maga ti pay…lol.” I thought to myself, ‘what is fueling all these words and excitement?”

Before I forget, this same friend called me the previous night (Saturday), that she needed some money to address an urgent need, and promised to pay it back by Monday. At first, I was reluctant, but it was very unusual of her to make such a request, so I just gave it to her without question.

After the call on Sunday, she called me again on Monday sounding sad. I had already forgotten the money I gave her and I thought she wanted to explain that she wouldn't be able to pay it back as promised, but what I heard next shocked me to the bone. “I have been scammed. I have lost all the money I saved for my travelling,” She said as she cried like a baby. I was short of words.

 

“What! What happened? How manage?”

 

This is her story….

 

A particular group she had been following in the media, claimed to help people invest their money in cryptocurrency and pay them a certain amount as returns. They claimed to have an understanding of the crypto market and were into futures trading (Cryptocurrency futures are contracts between two investors that bet on a cryptocurrency's future price. They allow investors to gain exposure to select cryptocurrencies without purchasing them).

Since she had little knowledge of cryptocurrency, she thought it would be a good investment decision for her. She told me how she monitored them for up to 2 weeks, and how people thronged into the discussion group to thank the traders. Anytime people in the group reported one problem or the other, they got it resolved before she blinked an eye. They shared the link to their website (which was never theirs) but the excitement did not even allow her to dig deep. In order to verify the genuineness, she sent private messages to some of the individuals in the group and they all confirmed how helpful the company had been. She later realized that it was all staged.

To cut the long story short, they promised to pay back her investment and return by 3 PM on Monday. By 4 PM, she had not received anything and that was when she realized that she had been scammed.

A lot of people have fallen victim to this scam, their hard-earned money disappeared into thin air just because they didn’t carry out due diligence.

And others who carried out their research, have fallen victim to the “phishing scam”. This scam targets information pertaining to online wallets. Specifically, scammers are now interested in login details of crypto wallets, which would give access to the money within the wallet. They send an email leading unsuspecting investors to a specially created website that asks them to enter private information. When the hackers have acquired this information, they can steal the cryptocurrency contained in those wallets.

This is why at Money Africa we equip you with the right financial knowledge you need to start investing in stocks, bonds, treasury bills, mutual funds, ETFs, REITs, cryptocurrency and many more.

And since we know a lot of people fall victim to the wrong platforms for investment, we guide you to the right companies or apps to start your investment journey, like Luno.

Luno is a cryptocurrency platform available to both iOS and Android users. It checks off several of the most important boxes for a crypto exchange. It is highly secure, easy to use, beginner-friendly, pays interest on crypto savings, has secure storage and provides educational resources.

To download the app, kindly use the links below;

Android;

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.bitx.android.wallet&hl=en&gl=US

Apple;

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/luno-buy-and-sell-crypto-app/id927362479

Published by

Oluwatosin Olaseinde

Founder, Money Africa & Ladda | Fintech | Edtech | Linked In Top Voices Finance & Economy 2020 | Mandela Washington Fellowship | Financial literacy expert

Founder, Money Africa & Ladda | Fintech | Edtech | Linked In Top Voices Finance & Economy 2020 | Mandela Washington Fellowship | Financial literacy expert

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-my-friend-got-scammed-oluwatosin-olaseinde/

This article was first published on LinkedIn

Meet Adeola Ogunmola: First Nigerian woman to Fly Boeing 787

Meet Adeola Ogunmola, Nigerian-born Commercial Pilot and the first Nigerian woman to fly with Qatar Airways. 

She hails from Ogbomoso, Oyo state Nigeria and graduated from the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology based in Ogbomoso.

She started her aviation career and obtained her Commercial Pilot Licence from Sunrise Aviation (Ormond Beach, Florida) in 2011.

Adeola joined Medview operations Abuja in 2013 till October 2018, first as a First officer on Boeing 737 classic, and was later upgraded to Boeing 767-300ER. 

In October 2018, she joined Qatar Airways and became the first Nigerian woman to fly the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. 

‘‘Nigerian Made’’ Armoured Vehicles, Make Waves

Proforce Armoured Landcruiser 

Proforce Limited, a provider of defence solutions that specializes in weapons, armoured vehicles, and personal protection, is expanding production lines in Ogun state for weapons and armoured personnel carriers.

The only manufacturer of armoured vehicles in Sub-Saharan Africa, based in Ode-Remo, Ogun state, is producing more weapons and armoured vehicles to combat the rising level of insecurity and save the country enormous sums of money annually spent on importing arms, ammunition, and armoured personnel carriers.

Ade Ogundeyin, the chief executive officer of Proforce Limited, produces mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles (MRAPs) for the country's security personnel. He also manufactures bulletproof vests that security personnel require urgently. MRAP refers to light tactical vehicles used by the United States military that are designed to withstand improvised explosive device attacks and ambushes.

 The company, which is headquartered in Ode-Remo, Ogun State, has created a thriving security and mobile protective products market in Nigeria and Africa.  In 2008, Ogundeyin was motivated to incorporate the company as a provider of total defence solutions, specializing in armoured vehicles and personal protection. A Colombian company initially approached him to help them sell their armoured vehicles in Nigeria.

 He stated that he wanted to be a partner with the company rather than a sales representative, but the company denied his request.

 In a recent Journalists Hangout at TVC, he stated, "We wanted a partnership with them, but the company let us down. Coincidentally, the company folded within three months, and we brought the equipment into the country."

 In addition to a third burner that can withstand stress variance, the vehicle is equipped with a 360-degree camera. It can travel at 120 kilometres per hour on the road and 110 kilometres per hour off-road and weighs 15 tons.

 Proforce has designed and constructed the vehicles to aid Nigerian troops in their fight against terrorism in the northeast and throughout the country. It is 3,4 meters tall and has a 400-horsepower engine. The underbelly can withstand and deflect explosives up to 10 kilograms in weight. The MRAP is equipped with two 440-litre fuel tanks, allowing it to travel 1200 kilometres without refuelling. It has long, flat tires that allow it to travel 50 kilometres despite being fired upon.

 According to him, the Nigerian government at all levels has no reason to import any type of armoured vehicle because the ones produced locally are superior, more durable, and do not experience overheating issues.

 "The majority of MRAPs you see on the road have overheating engines and long flat tires, but this is not the case with our MRAPs," he says. "They have been evaluated in the north-eastern United States. He added, "It has been able to withstand the test of time."

There is a general tendency to undervalue anything produced in Nigeria, but Proforce's success in the country is altering this perception. The Nigerian military has placed orders for MRAPs and spare parts from Proforce.

Ogundeyin stated that poor electricity supply and foreign exchange volatility continue to be Proforce's most significant challenges. According to him, the company imports some spare parts, and obtaining foreign exchange has been extremely difficult.

According to him, the poor power supply has continued to have a negative impact on the company, as it spends a great deal on diesel to power its factory, thereby increasing production costs. The company's current clientele consists of Chad, Rwanda, and Niger.

"The majority of the MRAPs we are currently manufacturing are destined for Chad. “The government has determined that our MRAPs are superior in this environment," he stated.

Employees are trained locally and internationally for their specific jobs. By doing so, the company is increasing its local capacity and giving rural residents the opportunity to collaborate with international companies like Proforce.

 On the organization's long-term goals, he stated that its armoured vehicles will be used to combat terrorism on a global scale and will be present in every country on the continent.

According to a recent report, Proforce and Belarus have signed a contract for the delivery of defence equipment, possibly including armoured vehicles. Belarus is set to become the first country in Europe to acquire defence products from Nigeria, according to a tweet from @DefenseNigeria.

Belarus became the first European nation to purchase Nigerian defence products with this contract. Proforce, as well as the Nigerian and Belarussian governments, have not disclosed the date and party with whom the contract was signed in Belarus.

In December 2021, Proforce introduced Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. The Proforce PF Viper is an infantry assault vehicle designed for FAST ATTACK (IAV). Designed to provide ballistic protection, ricochet capability, and mobility, this MRAP variant is lighter and more manoeuvrable. T

The PROFORCE PF Viper is equipped with a fully independent suspension system that offers controlled mobility over any terrain. The monocoque body structure and optimized sidewall angles are intended to enhance the vehicle's ballistic protection.

Regarding Proforce Limited

PROFORCE LIMITED was founded in 2008 as a provider of total defence solutions specializing in the manufacture of armoured vehicles and personal protection. The company's primary objective is to provide confidence in protective mobility. It has created a thriving market for mobile security and protection products in Nigeria and Africa.

 PROFORCE has leveraged its extensive technical expertise to provide exceptional security solutions for Government Agencies, Corporate Bodies, Diplomatic Communities, and the Private Sector throughout Nigeria and Africa.

The Benefits of Proforce Armoured Vehicles

Provision of sufficient protective overlaps around door gaps and major joints. On-site fabrication of ballistic glasses, thereby preventing rapid de-lamination. Customized solution based on customer specifications.

Suspension enhancement based on additional weight. Permitting customers to observe the production of the armoured vehicle. Utilize only materials with international certification for ballistics. Ballistic glasses that have passed temperature, transmissible, multiple-hit, vibration, sand and dust tests are installed. Insertion of run-flat tire components.

Utilizing ballistic steel and composite armour of the highest quality. Expats from Proforce have over 120 years of combined armouring experience. Proforce is the first-ever indigenous manufacturer of armoured vehicles in Nigeria. 

Innoson Unveils ''Nigeria Made'' Tricycles

 

It's been said that the production of Made In Nigerian products will save the Nigerian economy and move the nation towards development. One company that is working towards that is Innoson Vehicles Manufacturing, (IVM)

The Nigerian indigenous car maker, Innoson Vehicles Manufacturing (IVM) has rolled out brand new tricycles for the Nigerian market.

The 5-seater IVM-branded tricycles popularly known as ‘Keke Marwa’ joins the lineup of vehicles from the company’s stable, including Connect, Caris, G20 Smart, Ikenga, G40 and G80.

Pictures of the tricycles which were produced in Anambra state were shared on a Facebook page, ‘For The Love of Anambra’ with the caption, “Just in: Innoson rolls out IVM Keke

Burna Boy's Magnificient Mansion in Lagos

 Grammy-winning musician Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, also known as Burna Boy, has provided a sneak peek of his Lekki, Lagos, mansion. Burnaboy gave Architectural Digest a tour of his Lagos residence, revealing that he recorded his Grammy-winning album 'Twice as Tall' there.

Architectural Digest, a monthly American publication founded in 1920 that focuses primarily on interior design and landscaping, has also featured the homes of Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Diddy.

Burna Boy's home is a two-story structure situated on 13,000 square feet of land in Lekki. Burna Boy's architect, Akose Enebeli, designed the two-story Lekki home where he could be himself.

"...but the story of this home and how it came to begin in 2017, when Enebeli was in the midst of constructing a 10-bedroom mansion for former Manchester United striker Jude Ighalo (@ighalojude) and received a call from an unknown number," AD wrote in an Instagram post.

In addition, there is ample garage space and tall windows. The 3,700-square-foot, two-part structure was designed by Enebeli and his colleagues to maximise natural light.

"One area contains a recording studio, a gym, and guest bedrooms. The second is a more personal space for Burna. AD reports that this is where he entertains his closest friends and where his primary bedroom suite and private terrace are located.

"The downstairs rooms form a continuous, doorless space, with one interior leading directly into the next. Notable is the main living room, which features a large window overlooking the meticulously maintained gardens. Overall, the compound evokes the tranquillity of the lagoons, creeks, and vegetation of the Port Harcourt region, where Burna was born 384 miles away in the Rivers State of Nigeria. Burna says, "I've got a lot of Rivers material and water sounds." "[It is] simply very water-inspired. It is tranquil. The natural world speaks to me."

How Burna Boy Started

Burna Boy was born in Lagos in 1991 as Damini Ogulu. 

A Classmate gave him a copy of the production software Fruity loops when he was just ten years old. 

This allowed him to begin making music at a very young age.

Armed with these resources, he started producing his own beats on an old computer.

 

Sokoto govt declares 24-hr curfew as protesters demand release of Deborah’s killers

Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State, on Saturday afternoon, declared a 24-hour curfew in Sokoto metropolis after a protest had rocked the city.

According to a post on the verified Facebook page of the Sokoto State governor, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the governor, Muhammad Bello, said the decision was “in pursuance of peace and order in Sokoto metropolis and the entire state.”

This newspaper earlier reported that there was pandemonium and palpable fear in Sokoto metropolis as protesters in their hundreds trooped into the streets to express their displeasure over the detention of two suspects arrested by the Police over the killing of Deborah Yakubu, a 200-level Home Economics student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, over alleged blasphemy.

Major streets such as Ahmadu Bello Way, Kano Road, where banks are located and Emir Yahaya Road, are currently deserted with business places and shops closed.

The grouse of the protesters, according to a report by Leadership, was Sultan Abubakar’s condemnation of the dastard killing of the late Deborah Yakubu. Unperturbed by the presence of security personnel in some strategic areas within the state capital, the protesters in their large numbers stormed the Ahmadu Bello Way church line, where Catholic, Anglican, Baptist, ECWA and C&S churches are located.

Attempts by the protesters to set the St. Mary Catholic Church ablaze were also resisted by armed security personnel drafted to the area, who fired several canisters of tear gas to disperse the irate protesters.

The protesters, however, succeeded in burning down a car around St. Mary Catholic Church.

Atiku deletes posts on Deborah’s killing after Islamic fanatics threaten to withhold votes

 

Atiku Abubakar has deleted a post he made syndicated on his Facebook and Twitter pages about slain Deborah Samuel after coming under a barrage of threats from fanatics of northern origin who asked him to forget his 2023 presidential ambition.

Mr Atiku’s posts around 10:20 p.m. Thursday were deleted less than an hour later. Both had garnered thousands of reactions within minutes, according to a screenshot taken by Peoples Gazette. 

Most of the comments were from fundamentalists who warned the politician to stay away from condemning the murder of the Christian student.

“There can not be a justification for such gruesome murder. Deborah Yakubu was murdered, and all those behind her death must be brought to justice,” Mr Atiku said. “My condolences to her family and friends.”

A spokesman for Mr Abubkar did not return a request seeking comments about why he took down the post on Facebook. The former vice-president didn’t delete a similar message that he posted on Twitter until much later, indicating that he might have seen a difference between Facebook and Twitter users on the sensitive development. Ms Samuel was murdered at Shehu Shagari College of Education on Thursday morning for allegedly posting comments that blasphemed Prophet Mohammed. The violence has elicited widespread uproar and condemnation, with Catholic priest Matthew Kukah and the Sultan of Sokoto calling on authorities to immediately bring the killers to book.

Mr Abubakar is from the northern Adamawa state but continues to receive support across the country, especially amongst southern Christians who see him as a moderate statesman.