Peggy

RESCUE OF KIDNAPPED PERSONS ERRONEOUSLY ALLEGED TO BE UTME CANDIDATES The nation’s security agencies have once again demonstrated commendable efficiency with the successful rescue of seven of the individuals who were kidnapped while traveling from Makurdi to Otukpo. Initial reports wrongly identified them as candidates en route to sit for the 2026 UTME, a claim that has now been proven false. This development brings immense relief, as the thought of these individuals remaining in the custody of their captors was deeply distressing, we pray for the rescue of the remaining ones. Notably, none of the victims were UTME candidates. Rather, they were individuals who had traveled to Makurdi to participate in the ongoing police recruitment exercise and were returning to Otukpo at the time of the incident. It is regrettable that, in moments like this, there is a tendency to hastily malign government institutions particularly the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) without proper verification of facts. Such premature conclusions appear, at times, to be driven more by a desire to assign blame than to seek truth. Some individuals even attempted to link the incident to the Board’s examination schedule, despite clear inconsistencies in that narrative. One would expect that, in light of the facts now established, those who propagated these unfounded claims would extend a public apology to JAMB for the unwarranted damage to its reputation. It is important to emphasize that the victims were not examination candidates but participants in a police recruitment exercise who were returning to their base in Otukpo. Regardless of their identity or purpose of travel, however, no Nigerian deserves to be subjected to kidnapping. Such incidents should unite us in concern and compassion, rather than serve as an opportunity to disparage institutions. Even at the onset, there were clear indications that the initial narrative lacked credibility. The structure of UTME examinations makes it highly unlikely for candidates who know one another to be assigned to the same centre or to travel together for the exam. That such a flawed account gained widespread traction highlights the need for greater responsibility in information dissemination. As citizens, we must cultivate the discipline of verifying facts before drawing conclusions or assigning blame. Supporting our institutions in their efforts to deliver on their mandates is far more constructive than undermining them based on unverified claims. The Board remains committed to implementing progressive, development-driven policies that will continue to elevate its operations to global standards. It will not be deterred by unfounded criticism or the efforts of detractors. Finally, it is our collective hope that Nigeria’s security architecture continues to improve, ensuring that no citizen regardless of identity, purpose, or destination falls victim to such criminal acts. Fabian Benjamin, Ph.D., OrgExpert PCA JAMB

Here is a hot take for every 9-5er: Your Salary can never be enough to land you financial freedom. We know they told you to climb the corporate ladder but they forgot to tell you that the ladder is broken and so you can fall off at anytime. Summary is, you need to create channels for extra income: Monitize your skill Monitize your story Monitize your Ideas Monitize your access Monitize your knowledge.

If you’re a young creative and you are able to, please work a corporate job for a little bit before going to build your own thing. Your future self will thank you. I suggest a bank or somewhere with super rigid structure. Yes it’ll feel like it’s killing your soul but trust me you’ll learn invaluable discipline.

2023. I was broke. Talented. And desperate. I had been on Upwork for 3 months. No job. No client. Just “Connects exhausted.” I reached out to one of the top earners then. Sent him a message. Asked for guidance. He replied once. I tried again months later. the Truth is I didn’t even have a laptop then. Imagine being a digital marketer without a laptop in Nigeria. Na motivation and borrowed data I get. That period he was doing a giveaway. So I gathered courage and asked if he could help me get a laptop. I even promised to pay back. No response. I followed up the next year. He replied: “I found it very rude. I was helping people support their kids. You asked for a laptop.” That message humbled me. Not because he said no. But because I realized something. Nobody owes you your dream. I apologized. Closed the chat. Sat down with myself. And asked one question: “If nobody helps you, what next?” That was the turning point. I started calling friends. “Bro, you get any small gig?” “Even $10 work I go do am.” One friend borrowed me his laptop. Another gave me a $20 job. Another gave me a ridiculous gig that wasn’t worth the stress. I did all of them. No pride. No ego. Just hunger. With those small gigs, I bought my first laptop. That laptop changed everything. Even after buying it, it wasn’t easy. Clients still ghosted. Proposals still failed. But this time, I had learned something bigger than freelancing: Rejection is not an insult. It is redirection. I joined communities. Built relationships. Improved my skill. Kept showing up. Today when people see results, they think it was smooth. They didn’t see: • The begging • The embarrassment • The apologies • The small $10 wins • The borrowed laptop If you’re in that phase right now, hear me clearly: You are not behind. You are building. In Nigeria, things are not balanced. You will hustle. You will stretch. You will swallow pride. But don’t stop. One small opportunity can change your level. One borrowed laptop can become your breakthrough tool. One connection can unlock your next season. Fast forward to today. I’m not where I used to be. And for that, I thank God. I’m still not where I want to be. But I’m no longer that guy sending desperate DMs without a laptop. Along the journey, something beautiful happened... I started mentoring people in my niche. I’ve shared free resources. I’ve given out laptops. I’ve helped with money quietly. I’ve helped people land their first freelance jobs. And the funny part? You won’t see most of it online. Because not everything is for social media. Some impact is meant to stay private. Life has a way of teaching you empathy through struggle. The same way I once asked for help, Today, I try to be the help I once needed. Not because I’ve “arrived.” But because I understand that one small support can change someone’s direction. I’m still building. Still learning. Still hungry. But I’m better than yesterday. And that’s enough motivation to keep going. This phase you see is a journey.. It’s not a destination. We move. Every single day. Keep pushing. Your current struggle is not your final story.

Nigeria teaches you one dangerous lesson early: Results matter more than process. That single belief is why cheating feels normal and integrity feels foolish.

The way you think about money, the Internet, and life in general is deeply influenced by how you saw your parents handle them. If they believed making money is hard, you’re likely to think the same. If they believed life is to be endured, not enjoyed, chances are you will think that way too. Breakthrough that terrible mentality, create a new reality for yourself and teach it to your kids.

What is that life hack you think everyone should know?

I have no desire to work a 9-5. I want to be a wife and a business owner. I want freedom, purpose, peace, and income on my terms. Gym mornings. Midday brunch. Spa days without asking permission. Travel because I can. Giving God the glory while living comfortably. Every woman deserves a life that doesn’t drain her

I offered two guys contracts worth $5k late last year. I’d never met these guys until I stumbled on their posts showcasing their work on the 27th of December. Contracts sealed by the 31st. My favourite part of this story? The guy I found on IG? The post that made me decide to choose him had 1 like and about 16 views. The guy on X? He simply quoted another post and that post got 122 impressions. Two things that should stay top of your mind this year: 1. There’s an 11th hour blessing. Their break came when most people had packed up for the year. Keep pushing even when it doesn’t make logical sense. 2. Chasing vanity metrics is a futile adventure. Imagine if they deleted those posts because they didn’t get views or likes? I guess we’ll never know. Rooting for you. Always ❤️⏰

If you are 23 - 28 and you feel you have not made it financially, Do this. leave your girlfriend and become single. No football, sleep 5hrs max daily. Grind for 1 year with no distractions. When you’re back, the football and younger girls will be there. You cannot finish them.