THE NIGERIAN FRAUDSTER
For example, if I we're to go on the information I get, Nigerians are all con artists and under educated. So thank you for busting that myth for me!
Well this information isn't totally false, unfortunately. I know this reflects poorly on me as I am a Nigerian as well, however it true. Your chances of being scammed in Nigeria or by a Nigerian is very high, I will give it an 8/10 rate. Nigeria is not a sphere for gullible people. I live in a dog-eat-dog society where people are willing to do almost anything in othee to survive and engaging in cyber crime is one of those means many young Nigerians have chosen to survive. It has become a norm.
Cyber crime has been repackaged and glamorised to the point where young teenagers aspire to be fraudsters. It's a lifestyle. Sadly some go as far as involving themselves in some diabolic ritual which might involve killing a loved one. This is how far many are willing to go in their pursuit for wealth. Some do this as a means to survive, because in all honesty, there isn't much for them to aspire for. In a society that has glamorised materialism it's almost impossible for one to feel like they are worth anything if they do not have money--lots of it, to bribe government officials; to get the best serves; and to attract the right kind attention. You often get shunned with patronising questions like: how much to you have?. It doesn't matter the meeit of your statement as long as your answer to this question is negative it means absolutely nothing.
We are the choices we make, so I will not totally shift the blame from those who have assumed this kind of lifestyle. Even I was once enticement by the lifestyle of this said fraudsters, but I told myself that I would rather spend hours doing something productive with my life than spend that same exact amount of time and energy defrauding someone else, only to spend it all trying to impress people who mean little or nothing to me. That aside, I believe the rise in cyber crime by young Nigerians is the product of a larger problem: a dysfunctional system. Yes, I blame the government for not doing the needful, by providing a conducive environment where young people can thrive; I blame the proponents of this materialistic lifestyle that has captivated the hearts and soul of the youth--pop culture, the media, peer and family pressure. There is enough blame to pass around but that won't solve any problem.
I am not one of those people who look at the future of Nigeria with some much optimism. This is because a lot still needs to be done and as a nation we are not even moving towards that direction at all. Cyber crime will still continue, irrespective of the strict laws and policies put in place to discourage young youths from the practise. If there will be any form of change then it will have to start from the media. They hold the power over the youths. An average Nigerian youth spends his time watching and listening to artistes that tell them that if they do not have money they should be ashamed, and we all dance to these songs whilst it's massage(s) goes deep into our subconscious mind. My current favourite song is property by Mr.Eazi, and the first line in the song goes like this:
na money be koko
Meaning money is the main thing. I might not be so particular about the lyrics because usually it's the beat of the song I fancy, however it is something I have listened to repeatedly and it doesn't matter if I like it or not, but the lyrics will still have an impression on me. Am I willing to give it up? I don't think so.
So my dear friends, you should be weary if you find a Nigerian making you promises that are too good to be true. But the problem with stereotyping people is that we usually condemn both the good and bad. Yes some will live up to the stereotype but others won't, so it is important we keep an open mind.
I am a Nigerian who is passionate about writing and I assure you that there are many like myself who are honest and reliable. Beside me now, is a fellow writer who came to to charge his laptop in other to finish up his article for a blog. Maybe there is still hope for this country.
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I have lost faith in any government to be able to do the right thing by its people and I believe that you're more onto something with singers and such like being more likely to be the leaders who will put people on the right path. It's a trend we're seeing more in the western world. Our new heroes are those saying you don't need to feel ashamed for not having the money. I love this song by Jesse J, it's a good example.
Then there's Ron Finley, the guerilla gardener who's growing real food in the poorer areas. Bet you can guess why I like him! 😉
Thank you for more insight into your people. There is always hope and it just takes a few to lead the way.
I always feel we should judge everyone individually on their own merit and not as a people. However, your people and culture are still important as they are what shape you. How they shape you is up to each individual.
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I also like song by jesse j with b.o.b.
and your last statement is right. weare all influeneced by our environment but we do have the choice to choose what we want out of life.
I think that if a person, Nigerian or otherwise, is intelligent, and open minded then they can see through the conditioning of their upbringing and learn to see things as they really are. I know this because this is what happened to me.
I was taught all kinds of nonsense when I was a kid. We grew up as poor as you can get in this country. I remember being so hungry sometimes I would go in a store and eat some candy in the aisle when no one was looking. My parents, sadly were not the hardworking kind of poor. Instead, they were lazy, uneducated and sorry for themselves. I hate to say this but it's true! They taught me that I should get money however I can, and spend it quickly before someone takes it away.
I made a lot of stupid mistakes when I was young. I was in and out of jail all the time, always angry and blamed the world for everything. Then I had to stop and really look at things. I say that my thinking was the problem. I had to change my thinking and behavior. Learn how to play the game, as it were. I don't mean selling out my values, but learn to beat the system at its own game.
I think that this is probably the case with many youths in Nigeria as well. They see a corrupt system and feel like there is no hope other than to life a life as a fraudster. Their own families and elders teach them a brutal way to live and they believe it is the only way to make it.
The hardest part is getting people to open their eyes and see that there is another way. One way that the rich control the poor is by portraying them as violent, thieving animals. The only way to fight back is to succeed and not give them any fuel!
a nice perspective. I believe most Nigerians feel trapped and helpless. they feel they cannot change a corrupt system and the only way to succeed is to part of it. however, you are a living prove that one can breakout from the norm or what theyve been thought and make a life for themselves. Thanks for sharing your story, I appreciate
Yeah, I know what it's like to feel like there is no benefit to being a good person. Especially with the horrible man that is in the White House right now. He is basically proof that you can be a mean, uncaring person who steps on people, insults those who oppose you and be a career criminal but still get to be President. It makes it look as if doing things the right way doesn't matter; but in the end corruption is always exposed. Sometimes it just takes a very long time! :(
"Nigerian prince" stereotype confirmed.
I wouldn't say you're necessarily stronger than the fraudsters, but I do say you want more from life than they do. And that's a great thing.
thanks for complement, I appreciate.
I've just featured your post right here.
I have seen it. Thank you :)