New Post #11

In today this Newsletter

1. Nigerian and Fake Products

2. Surviving the Real Hunger Games

3. Trending…..

4. Don’t Kill Yourself!

5. As Seen ONLINE

6. Where the Job at….

Nigerian and Fake Products

During the week, we were struck by the news from TG OMORI, that he is currently undergoing a kidney transplant and revealed to netizens that he has spent most part of the year in the hospital. This worrying update took netizens by surprise and many extend their sympathies and say a prayer for the Boy Director.

In the middle of this, he revealed the largest cause if not the main cause of his kidney failure, and they are his habit for smoking and most importantly his consumption of Alcohol in Nigeria, in which most of this alcohol products are fake or counterfeit. Which lead me to this question, Do We ever consume or use real

Fake It Till You Break It: The Nigerian Love Affair with Counterfeit Products

If there's one thing Nigerians love, it's a bargain. Who doesn't want to save a few naira, especially in these economic times? But when it comes to fake products, Nigerians seem to have taken the "save more" mantra to a whole new level. From "designer" perfumes that last about as long as your patience in Lagos traffic, to smartphones that shut down faster than your neighbor's generator during load shedding—our love for fake products is, shall we say, truly authentic.

• The Fashion Faux Pas 

  Let’s start with fashion, because if there's anything we love more than a good party, it's looking good for said party. Enter the world of "Adibas" sneakers and "Guchi" belts. You’d think the misspelled logos would be a dead giveaway, but who cares when you're flexing on Instagram? That is, until your "Louis Button" bag handle breaks in the middle of a wedding, sending your expensive makeup (also fake, by the way) flying across the dance floor.

• Beauty at a Price 

  Nigerian women are not left out. The cosmetics industry is flooded with products promising to make you look like a Nollywood star. Sadly, some of these products are more likely to make you look like you got in a fight with a box of crayons. From hair extensions that look more like broomsticks to creams that promise to lighten your skin overnight (and maybe your wallet too), the consequences can be hilariously tragic.

• Gadgets That Give Up Before You Do 

  Ah, electronics. There's nothing quite like buying the latest "iPhony" only for it to freeze up faster than a shy kid at a spelling bee. Or how about that "Sony" TV that refuses to turn on just as your team is about to score a goal? It’s almost like these products have a sense of humor.

• The Health Scare 

  Perhaps the most dangerous are the counterfeit drugs and health products. Nigerians are known for self-medicating; why go to the doctor when you can diagnose yourself on Google and buy drugs from "Chemist Bros Ltd" down the road? Except sometimes, that malaria drug is actually just a placebo wrapped in fancy foil, and now your symptoms are laughing at your wallet.

• Food for Thought (or Not) 

  And let's not forget food. From plastic rice that doubles as bouncy balls to engine oil being sold as olive oil, Nigerians have seen it all. We all remember the infamous fake egg saga—thankfully, it’s much easier to identify these days, especially when you try to crack one and it bounces right off the pan.

• A Love-Hate Relationship 

  It's a strange relationship, this one. We know the dangers, we’ve read the stories, and yet, the allure of a good deal keeps us coming back. Perhaps it's a testament to the Nigerian spirit—resilient, humorous, and ever hopeful that maybe, just maybe, this time the "Gussi" shoes will last more than two weeks.

CONCLUSION  

In the end, there’s no real moral here—just a gentle reminder that sometimes, when the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. So, before you go reaching for that half-price "Brada" suit or "Samsungh" phone, just remember: You might save some money now, but the cost of the embarrassment (or hospital bill) might be far higher.

After all, it's not just about faking it till you make it—sometimes, faking it just breaks it. And that, my friends, is the real cost of counterfeit culture.

"NYSC is Over... Now What? A Nigerian Graduate's Guide to Surviving the Real Hunger Games"

Ah, the sweet, deceptive relief of completing NYSC. You’ve traded the khaki for crisp shirts, the jungle boots for shiny shoes, and that not-so-great allawee for... well, that's the problem, isn’t it? Because, just like that, you’re now in the big, scary Nigerian job market where every job application feels like entering a raffle you’ll never win. Here's a little guide on what to expect when the 'free money' stops flowing:

• The Job Hunt: 

  Step one, update your CV. If you’re like most people, this means turning that one line about "Participated in CDS activities" into a 3-page masterpiece that somehow makes you sound like a CEO. Then comes the real challenge: the job hunt. Your new routine involves waking up early, not for morning parade, but to scour LinkedIn, Jobberman, and even that one WhatsApp group where jobs are posted alongside motivational quotes and marriage advice.

• The “Experience Required” Dilemma: 

  How does every entry-level job demand 5 years of experience? Who decided that? If you were blessed to serve in a company where you actually did work (not just make photocopies or brew coffee), you might have a shot. For everyone else, it's time to creatively write about your “extensive experience in conflict resolution” (resolving roommate fights), “excellent communication skills” (talking your way out of NYSC trouble), and “proficiency in Microsoft Office” (because who hasn’t typed a few words in Word?).

• Family Expectations: 

  Ah, yes. The family. Those loving, well-meaning people who are both your biggest cheerleaders and worst nightmares. “Have you gotten a job yet?” becomes the anthem of your household. Your mom suddenly knows about a cousin’s friend’s uncle who got a job in oil and gas without NYSC (definitely a lie), and your dad keeps forwarding you emails about obscure government jobs in states you can’t even find on the map.

• The Graduate Hustle: 

  While you’re waiting for that big break, you’ll inevitably join the hustle culture. You’ll try your hand at everything from selling imported wigs, baking cakes, graphic design, and maybe even online tutoring. At this point, your LinkedIn profile starts to look like a Swiss Army knife – full of skills nobody is sure about, including you.

• Interview Gymnastics:  

  Finally, you get called for an interview. Hooray! But wait, that’s just the first battle. You’ll now have to answer age-old questions like “Where do you see yourself in five years?” without saying, “Hopefully not in this interview again.” There’s also the dreaded aptitude test, where you’ll be solving math problems that have no business being anywhere near a marketing role. And let’s not forget the group tasks where everyone wants to be the leader because “leadership experience” looks good on a CV.

• The Salary Shock: 

  So you’ve survived the interview and gotten the job. Congratulations! Now for your salary. Ah, the salary – a delicate topic. It’s enough to cover your transport, a lunch of small chops, and a half-year subscription to Netflix. But, hey, at least you can now brag about being "gainfully employed" on LinkedIn.

• The Pressure Cooker: 

  Between updating your CV every three months, networking, professional certifications, and the obligatory “God when?” tweets, the pressure is real. But here’s a little secret: everyone is winging it. Yes, even that your friend who posts "CEO vibes" every Monday morning is probably trying to figure it out too.

  CONCLUSION

  Surviving post-NYSC life is a journey of humor, hustle, and hope. Remember, it’s not just about the job; it’s about finding your way through the madness with a smile, some creativity, and the occasional Jollof rice treat to keep your spirits up. And if all else fails, there’s always the next batch of corpers to make fun of – because isn’t that what NYSC is all about?

Trending…..

Well we dive into the usual, have you listened to Fireboy DML’s New Album “ADEDAMOLA”?

Fireboy DML's new album, "Adedamola," is his fourth studio release and includes 14 tracks that showcase his musical evolution and versatility. The album features collaborations with notable artists such as Lagbaja, Jon Batiste, Seun Kuti, Lojay, and SPINALL, adding a rich blend of different styles and influences to the project.

The Tracklist:

• Iseoluwa

• Call Me

• Ecstasy ft Seun Kuti

• Hell and Back

• Letting Go ft Lojay

• Back and Forth ft Lagbaja

• Ready ft Jon Batiste

• Wande’s Bop ft SPINALL

• Change your Life

• Obaa Sima

• Need Me

• Yawa

• Everyday

• Jon’s Interlude. Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here are some of the latest updates in the Nigerian entertainment and social media scene:

• BBNaija Updates: Mercy Eke, a former BBNaija winner, opened up about her decision to undergo a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), citing peer pressure as a significant factor. In other BBNaija news, Doyin David, a former contestant, recently secured an international endorsement deal, while Phyna, another former winner, was involved in a controversy regarding a rented wig, leading to a police invitation. Read More

• Celebrity Health News: TG Omori, a popular Nigerian music video director, has been in the news due to his recent health struggles. He underwent a kidney transplant that unfortunately failed, leading to complications. He is currently healing and has received a kidney donation from his brother. Read More

• New Releases and Projects: Fireboy has released his highly anticipated fourth album, "Adedamola," which he describes as a nostalgic project. Additionally, Jim Iyke has started filming for his new project, “SIN,” which has already generated a lot of excitement among fans. Read More

• Social Media Highlights: Funke Akindele, a well-known Nollywood actress, warned the public about scammers using her identity to defraud people. There was also a viral video of a Nigerian lady apologizing to her pet dog for keeping it in a cage overnight, which amused many social media users. Read More

• Celebrity Apologies: Dammy Krane, a Nigerian singer, recently apologized to his fans after being released from police custody. He expressed remorse over the incident and promised to make amends. Read More

Don’t Kill Yourself!

How to enjoy the weekend:

• Watch This: “The Killer”. Zee is feared contract killer known as “the Queen of the dead”, but when she refuses to murder a young blind woman, she finds herself hunted both by criminal colleagues and a determined police detective.

• Listen to This: “Adedamola”. So, Fireboy DML has just dropped his latest album, "Adedamola," and let’s just say if music were food, this album would be a banquet of jollof rice, suya, and spicy pepper soup – everything your heart desires, all served hot!. Enjoy!

• Chow Here: “ILE IYAN”. This a modern restaurant that serves yoruba traditional delicacy, they give wonderful traditional dining experience and food delivery. Kindly Visit at Plot 6, Dr Muiz Bakare street, Lekki phase 1, same street with IMAX film house cinema.

• Read This: “Afonja: The Rise”by Tunde Leye is a historical fiction novel set in the 18th-century Oyo Empire, located in present-day Nigeria. It tells the story of Afonja, the war chief of Ilorin, who rises to power amidst political intrigue, conflict, and betrayal. As Afonja navigates the complex dynamics of the Oyo Empire, his ambition to claim the throne leads him into an alliance with the charismatic Fulani scholar, Shehu Alimi. This partnership sets off a chain of events that ultimately changes the course of the empire's history. The novel explores themes of power, ambition, loyalty, and the shifting sands of political alliances. Read this and you will enjoy it!

As seen ONLINE

• Cost of healthy diet in Nigeria hits N1,265 in July – NBS. Read More

• 2027: Primate Ayodele Discloses Only Way to Unseat Tinubu, APC. Read More

• Osimhen’s Move to Saudi Arabia: Billionaire Son Kiddwaya’s Comment About Football Stirs Reactions. Read More

where the job at …..

• 2025 Young Graduate Immersion Program in ECOWAS Institutions. Apply Here

• UI / UX Instructor at JM Tech Centre. Apply Here

• Telematics Success Manager at Max Drive. Apply Here

• Data Protection Officer/ Auditor at Audit And Systems Solutions. Apply Here

• Carbon Data/BI Trainee Programme. Apply Here

• Graphics Designer at Joes & Eves. Apply Here

P.S If the job link redirects you to an email, just attach your CV and Cover Letter, and make the job title the title of the email. Goodluck!!

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Best, Faruk Adebayo