Mujib Ishola · Blog

Rails before loans: why Nigeria's push into SME credit depends on payment infrastructure

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The CBN launched its Payments System Vision 2028 (PSV 2028) in June. Alongside it, Nigerian fintech is moving from payments into embedded finance: credit offered inside the payment flows businesses already use, priced on their transaction data, and aimed at small businesses that formal lenders have never served.

I think that’s right. Embedded finance is the most practical route to credit for small businesses that we have. I also think we underrate how much it depends on the plumbing underneath it. I’ve spent 15 years building national payments infrastructure, on a platform that moves salaries, pensions and government collections. The lesson I keep coming back to is that a loan book takes on every weakness of the rails it sits on.

Underwriting gets the attention. Collection decides the outcome.

Most of the excitement about SME credit is about underwriting: better data, better models, faster approvals. That matters. But a loan is only as good as your ability to collect it.

Payment data tells you who can repay. Whether they actually do depends on mandates, direct debits and the systems between banks working when they’re supposed to. When a repayment debit fails because something downstream timed out, the borrower hasn’t defaulted. The infrastructure has. It still shows up in arrears, it still triggers a collections call, and it still damages the relationship with a customer who did nothing wrong.

At small volumes that’s noise. Across millions of small loans it skews your risk models and pushes up the price of credit for everyone. So I’d put collection success rate on the same dashboard as approval rate and NPL ratio.

In embedded finance, the rails are the product

Embedded credit works because the payment flow does three jobs at once. It is the distribution: the offer appears on the terminal or app where the business already takes payments. It is the data: the same transactions that show the business is real are the ones that price the loan. And it is often the collection channel: repayment is taken from the money flowing through.

That is what makes embedded finance powerful, and it is also why it is unforgiving. When the rails falter, the offer, the underwriting and the repayment all falter together.

Fast in the middle, fragile at the edges

At the launch, the CBN said most instant transfers across the industry settle in under 10 seconds. The middle of the system is fast. The problems are at the edges: the transfer stuck on “pending”, the reversal that takes days, the dispute nobody owns.

And the Governor has been open that trust in digital payments is still a major challenge. Embedded lending makes this more serious, because now a failed transaction isn’t just an annoyance, it’s a missed repayment.

Three things would help:

Measure the whole journey. Each institution reports its own uptime, but a transaction crosses several. A shared, published success rate for the full journey would tell us far more.
Make reversals automatic. Failed-but-debited transactions should reverse within a fixed window, the same way across the industry.
Use the richer data. The industry is moving to ISO 20022: since 22 November 2025, payment instructions between banks on Swift travel only in that format. The structured data in those messages can make reconciliation, fraud checks and dispute handling much faster, which is exactly what a high-volume credit operation needs.

Lenders see fragments

PSV 2028 · Open banking & credit

Rails first, then loans.

One trader. Four places her money moves.

100+

licensed open banking APIs already available, the CBN Governor said at the launch.

Payment data shows who can repay. Whether they do depends on collection.

Source: CBN Governor at the PSV 2028 launch, 1 June 2026, as reported by Blueprint.

Most small businesses in Nigeria spread their money across more than one provider. Picture a trader with a POS terminal from one company, two bank accounts, and a wallet she uses to pay suppliers. Each lender sees part of her business and prices the loan on that part. Good borrowers get small limits, and risky ones slip through.

Open banking is the fix. The Governor said at the launch that more than 100 licensed APIs are already available. With the customer’s consent, a lender could look at her whole cash flow and collect from wherever the money actually lands. That matters for embedded finance in particular: without it, a lender built into one platform only ever sees the flows on that platform.

One analyst who went through the 132-page PSV 2028 document for TechCabal counted open finance appearing only once. For the credit ambitions to work, it needs to be a much bigger part of how the vision is implemented.

Compliance has to be automated

As fintechs grow, compliance done by hand doesn’t scale. The direction from the regulator is already clear. According to TechCabal’s reading, the CBN issued baseline standards for automated AML monitoring in March 2026, giving deposit banks 18 months and other institutions 24 months to run machine-learning monitoring. The same analysis says PSV 2028 aims for a machine-readable CBN rulebook and for 90% of institutions to send automated compliance data by 2028.

For anyone building credit products, that means KYC, AML and reporting need to be built into the product from day one, not bolted on after an audit.

What I’d ask for

From builders:

Treat reliability engineering as part of your credit function. In embedded finance a failed payment is a failed repayment, so engineering and risk teams should share metrics.
Design collections for a world where the borrower’s money sits in several places.
Build compliance into the product.

From the industry:

Publish end-to-end success and resolution metrics.
Standardise reversal timelines.
Move faster on consented data sharing, with clear rules on liability and consumer protection.

PSV 2028 has ambitious inclusion goals, and credit is one of the best tools we have to reach them. Embedded finance can put working capital where small businesses already transact, and nothing brings a business into the formal economy faster. But credit built on unreliable, fragmented rails will let down both the businesses that need it and the lenders who extend it.

The order matters. Rails first, then loans.

Sources

Nairametrics: CBN targets 95% financial inclusion by 2028 (most instant transfers settle in under 10 seconds)
Blueprint: CBN moves to reduce cash outside banks to 40% (more than 100 licensed open banking APIs)
BusinessDay: CBN targets 50m new financial users by 2028 under payments vision (trust in digital payments remains a major challenge)
East & Partners: Swift ISO 20022 goes live as deadline passes (22 November 2025)
TechCabal: The CBN has a big plan for payments by 2028 (open finance count, AML standards, machine-readable rulebook, 90% target)

United Against Digital Financial Fraud: How Community and Crowdsourcing Can Protect Nigeria's Digital Future

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Digital financial fraud is a global issue, but it remains a significant challenge in Nigeria, as fraudsters constantly adapt their methods to exploit digital vulnerabilities. While the financial community works tirelessly to protect the public, fraudsters are just as relentless in sustaining their illegal activities. The Q1 2024 industry fraud report shows that the number of reported fraud incidents decreased from 27,555 in Q1 2023 to 20,638 in Q1 2024. However, despite considerable efforts to strengthen security, there are indications of underreporting, and these crimes are becoming more targeted and sophisticated.

It’s as if we keep stepping on the same banana peel of fraud. Each time we slip, rather than disposing of the peel or alerting those behind us, we simply put it back in the same spot, hoping for different results.

While there are broad-based approaches to mitigating fraud that I could discuss, I will save that for another time. For now, it’s crucial that we all do our part by reporting fraud and supporting initiatives like Reporta.

To effectively combat fraud, a united effort is needed—one that combines stronger law enforcement with robust community-driven reporting. Many Nigerians still see fraud as an unavoidable part of life, believing that nothing can be done to stop it. This perception needs to change, and it starts with empowering people to report fraud. Platforms like Reporta provide a way to bridge this gap by encouraging everyone to take an active role in protecting themselves and their communities.

A Platform for All: Why Reporta is Different

What sets Reporta.ng apart from other initiatives is its genuine community ownership. Reporta operates with independence, guided by a rotating team of seasoned professionals in the digital finance sector who adhere to transparent rules of engagement. This independence is not just a feature—it’s a foundational strength. It ensures that the platform remains a fair, unbiased, and transparent resource for all, fostering trust that every report will be handled with impartiality and integrity.

The governance structure of Reporta is meticulously crafted, deeply rooted in local realities, and designed to ensure relevance and wide adoption. It leverages our cultural strengths while navigating around potential conflicts that could undermine its mission. Despite our strong sense of community, internal competition sometimes clouds our judgement; Reporta has accounted for this. Even the public face of the initiative— Simon Aderinlola—does not serve on the governing Board, which consists of a rotating panel of leading industry professionals. This governance structure further reinforces the platform’s commitment to fairness and neutrality.

By embracing an open, community-driven approach, Reporta is a formidable force in the battle against financial fraud. It empowers everyone to report fraud freely, without fear of bias or manipulation, promoting widespread participation and building a collective commitment to tackling fraud head-on.

The Role of Reporting in Strengthening Law Enforcement

For law enforcement agencies to effectively combat fraud, they need accurate and timely information. Unfortunately, fraud is often underreported due to several reasons:

Perception of Ineffectiveness: Many people believe that reporting fraud will not lead to any meaningful action, leading to a culture of silence where fraud is accepted as something that cannot be changed.
High Barriers to Reporting: Reporting fraud is often viewed as a complex and time-consuming process, discouraging many from taking action. Victims may not know where to report or how to navigate the process.
Lack of Awareness and Collaboration: Many people are unaware of the available channels for reporting fraud or the importance of doing so. Without sufficient information and collaboration, fraud frequently goes unreported.

However, when people report fraud, it provides the data needed for law enforcement to identify patterns, target high-risk areas, and allocate resources effectively. Increased reporting means better-equipped law enforcement agencies can take meaningful action against fraudsters.

How Reporta Enhances the Fight Against Fraud

Reporta is a crucial national resource in the effort to combat fraud, offering a simple and effective way for people to report fraudulent activities. The platform serves as a bridge between the community and law enforcement, making it easier for different people to participate in fighting fraud.

Key Features of Reporta

Community Ownership and Trust: Because no single group owns Reporta, it operates as a neutral platform, increasing trust among users. This independence ensures that all reports are treated equally, fostering a sense of fairness and encouraging more people to come forward.

Anonymized Reporting: Users can report fraudulent activities anonymously, reducing fear and encouraging broader participation.
Data Collection and Sharing: Reporta gathers data from user reports and shares it with relevant stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies. This collaboration ensures that fraud cases are thoroughly investigated and that perpetrators are held accountable.
Awareness and Education: The platform provides resources to help people recognise and avoid fraud. By raising awareness, it empowers individuals to protect themselves and encourages them to report any suspicious activities.
Community Alerts: Crowdsourced reports create a community-driven alert system, helping people stay informed about the latest fraud trends and tactics.

Why Stronger Enforcement is Needed

While community reporting is essential, it must be combined with tougher enforcement by law to make a real impact. Here’s why stronger enforcement matters:

Deterrence: Effective enforcement demonstrates that fraud will not be tolerated and that those caught will face serious consequences. This sends a strong message that illegal activities will have real repercussions, deterring potential fraudsters.
Restoring Trust: When law enforcement agencies take visible and decisive action against fraud, it restores public confidence in the system and encourages more people to report incidents.
Disrupting Fraud Networks: Fraudsters are organised and work collaboratively to maintain their operations. Stronger enforcement, supported by community reporting, can disrupt these networks and make it harder for them to continue their illegal activities.

Conclusion: Building the Nigeria We All Aspire To

Nigerians are among the most intelligent, resourceful, and resilient people in the world. By standing together against fraud and leveraging platforms like Reporta, we demonstrate our collective strength and our ability to overcome challenges on our own terms. Every report submitted, every piece of knowledge shared, and every vigilant act contributes to fortifying our defences against the relentless threat of fraud.

Reporta’s community ownership is its greatest asset—it is a platform for everyone, free from bias and wholly committed to the fight against fraud. This open, inclusive model inspires confidence in its effectiveness and ensures that every Nigerian has a stake in building a safer, more secure nation.

The true value of Reporta lies in its success being a win for all of us. It’s not about enriching a board, glorifying a few individuals, or giving one organisation a competitive edge. It’s about creating a collective victory against a common enemy “Digital Financial FRAUD”.

We can choose to support and strengthen this initiative, or we can allow fraud to grow unchecked, pretending that we have no options. It’s time to draw a clear line between collaboration and competition.

We should compete on innovation and customer experience, not on who suffers the least from fraud which erodes our values. Together, we can reduce fraud for the benefit of all.

Visit Reporta.ng today to report fraud, access resources, and join a community dedicated to safeguarding our digital future.

God bless Nigeria!

Lessons from ELK's Licensing Saga

Sat, 31 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT

When I first decided to move my team to the ELK stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, and Kibana), it was based on a deep belief in the power of open source. ELK was a robust solution for log management, search, and analytics—a flexible, powerful stack backed by a vibrant community. As a proponent of the DIKW (Data, Information, Knowledge, Wisdom) hierarchy, I believe tools like ELK are crucial for turning raw data into meaningful insights. But then the licensing drama began, and everything seemed to fall apart. Despite the challenges, I never gave up on ELK, and here’s why.

The Licensing Saga: When Open Source Lost Its Way

In 2021, Elastic, the company behind Elasticsearch, announced a shift from the Apache 2.0 licence to a dual licensing model: the Server Side Public License (SSPL) and Elastic License v2 (ELv2). This change aimed to protect Elastic from cloud providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS), who were offering Elasticsearch as a managed service without contributing back to the community.

While this decision was understandable from a business standpoint, it caused a rift in the open-source community. The SSPL was not recognised as an open-source licence by the Open Source Initiative (OSI), which meant Elasticsearch was no longer considered genuinely open source. This created uncertainty for those of us who had invested heavily in ELK, as we now faced questions about compliance, future support, and the ethical implications of continuing to use the stack.

Navigating the Aftermath: Frustration and Exploration

The licensing change left many, including myself, at a crossroads. Should we stick with Elastic’s version under the new licence, or should we transition to AWS’s OpenSearch or explore other alternatives like Apache Solr? This decision was not just technical but also philosophical, weighing the principles of open source against practical business needs.

For a time, it seemed like we were spending more effort on legal considerations and potential migrations than actually using ELK to solve our core problems. The debate over licences and business practices was exhausting and seemed to undermine the open-source spirit of freedom, transparency, and collaboration.

Why I Stuck with ELK: Tools for the DIKW Hierarchy

Despite the confusion and frustration, I never gave up on ELK. My commitment to this stack came from a belief in the DIKW hierarchy—transforming raw data into information, information into knowledge, and knowledge into wisdom. Tools like ELK are essential in this process, helping us manage, analyse, and visualise data to drive informed decision-making.

Concrete examples illustrate this. For instance, using Elasticsearch to quickly search through millions of log entries saved our team countless hours in diagnosing and resolving critical issues. Logstash’s ability to handle complex data pipelines and Kibana’s intuitive dashboards made it easier to communicate insights to stakeholders, enhancing our decision-making process. Abandoning ELK would have meant losing an invaluable tool in our arsenal—a tool that had already proven its worth many times over.

Elastic’s Reversal: A Welcome Change

Just when it seemed like the situation couldn’t get more complicated, Elastic made a surprising announcement in August 2024: Elasticsearch and Kibana were “open source again.” They introduced the GNU Affero General Public License (AGPL), alongside the Elastic License v2 (ELv2) and Server Side Public License (SSPL).

The AGPL, an OSI-approved open-source licence, allows Elastic to use the term “Open Source” while maintaining other licensing options. This decision aims to align with open-source values while protecting Elastic’s interests and responding to community concerns.

What This Means: Open Source Must Stay Open

This experience taught me an important lesson: open source should be open source. It shouldn’t be subject to sudden changes driven by corporate strategies that leave users in the lurch. Open-source software thrives on trust, transparency, and a commitment to freedom. When these principles are compromised, it undermines the very foundation on which open source is built.

Elastic’s decision to adopt the AGPL and commit to the Apache 2.0 licence is a positive step, but it’s also a reminder to be vigilant. As users and contributors, we must be aware of the licences governing our tools and advocate for the values that make open source so powerful.

Looking Forward: Tools for the Future of DIKW

With Elastic’s renewed commitment to open source, I feel more confident than ever in using and advocating for ELK. Returning to the Apache 2.0 licence means we can continue building on a solid, open foundation without worrying about unexpected restrictions or licensing shifts.

The experience has only strengthened my belief in the importance of tools like ELK in the DIKW era. As more organisations recognise the value of data-driven decision-making, having reliable, open-source tools in our toolbox is more critical than ever.

Conclusion: Stay True to Open Source

I stayed with ELK because I believe open source is about more than just code—it’s about community, trust, and the power of collective innovation. Elastic’s decision to return to open source shows that our voices matter and that a balance between business needs and open-source values is possible.

If you’re facing similar challenges, my advice is simple: Stay true to the tools that empower you to make the best decisions. Be vigilant, be informed, and always advocate for openness and transparency. Because open source should remain open, and with that principle, we can build better tools for the future.

Final Thoughts: What’s Your Take?

Have you been affected by the ELK licensing changes? Are you sticking with Elasticsearch, moving to OpenSearch, or exploring other alternatives? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below. Open source is shaped by its community, and together, we can ensure its future stays bright.

From Data to Wisdom – The Smart Path to Decision-Making

Sun, 18 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT

In the fast-paced world of fintech, making the right decisions is key to staying ahead. Whether you’re managing risks, driving innovation, or improving customer experiences, one thing is clear: you need to be well-informed and wise in your choices. But how do we go from having raw data to making decisions that actually make sense? Let’s break it down in a straightforward way that anyone can follow.

The DIKW Hierarchy: From Data to Wisdom

Just like you wouldn’t eat raw ingredients without cooking them first, you can’t make great decisions without turning raw data into wisdom. The DIKW hierarchy—Data, Information, Knowledge, and Wisdom—shows how to do just that. Skipping any of these steps could lead to trouble; Motor will definitely jam you!

Data: Think of data as raw, unprocessed facts and figures, like uncooked rice. In fintech, this could be transaction logs, server metrics, or user clicks. But data alone is like having ingredients without a recipe—there’s no value in it yet.
Information: Information is what you get when you process data—like cooking that rice and turning it into a meal. For example, analysing transaction logs to find out when your busiest hours gives you information. It’s useful, but it’s not the full picture yet.
Knowledge: Knowledge comes from understanding information in context. It’s like knowing that people often eat more rice on weekends, so you prepare extra. In fintech, knowledge might involve recognising that the first of the month is always busy due to payroll processing. This understanding helps you make better decisions.
Wisdom: Wisdom is the ability to use knowledge to make sound decisions. It’s like knowing to cook extra rice ahead of time on weekends because you’ve learned from experience. In fintech, wisdom might involve scaling your server resources automatically at the beginning of each month to handle the increased load. As the Bible says, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom” (Proverbs 4:7).

Let’s look at how the DIKW hierarchy applies in a fintech scenario:

Data: Your fintech platform collects massive amounts of raw data—transaction amounts, server response times, user clicks, etc. But without processing, this data is just noise.
Information: Using tools like ELK (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana), you can turn that raw data into information. For instance, ELK can help you discover that transaction volumes spike on the first day of every month.
Knowledge: With Apache Superset, you can visualise this information and recognise a pattern: the spike occurs because companies process payroll on the first day of each month. Now you have knowledge—insight into why the spike happens and when to expect it.
Wisdom: You apply wisdom by automating your server scaling to handle the predictable spike at the beginning of each month. Additionally, you might enhance your system’s architecture to prepare for future growth, ensuring a seamless experience for users. As the Quran says, “He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:269).

The Role of AI, ML, and Knowledge Graphs

AI and ML accelerate the journey from data to wisdom by automating the processing and analysis of vast datasets. They help identify patterns and make predictions that would be impossible for humans to see alone. Knowledge graphs further enhance this process by connecting disparate pieces of information, creating a web of related data points that provide a holistic view of the situation.

For instance, in fintech, a knowledge graph might link transaction data with customer feedback, social media trends, and market conditions, allowing you to make more informed, nuanced decisions. AI and ML then use this connected information to drive smarter algorithms that predict not just what will happen, but why it will happen, and how best to respond.

Conclusion: The Smart Path to Decision-Making

Data without context is just noise. Information without understanding is incomplete. Knowledge without action is wasted potential. But wisdom? Wisdom is the crown jewel of decision-making. In fintech, you can’t afford to guess or make decisions based on incomplete information. By following the DIKW hierarchy—Data, Information, Knowledge, Wisdom—you ensure that your decisions are grounded, effective, and sustainable. That’s how you stay ahead and build a future-ready platform.

Conquering Challenges and Making Decisions: The "E Dey Work" Method of Progress

Sat, 10 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Ever feel like you’re stuck in a professional quagmire? Challenges looming, decisions swirling, and that sinking feeling that nothing’s quite…clicking? You’re not alone. We’ve all been there. But what if a simple, adaptable framework existed to break through the fog and find clarity? I’m here to introduce you to my secret weapon: the “E Dey Work” method.

Yes, you heard that right. I’m borrowing a phrase used in my team because sometimes, the simplest wisdom carries the most weight. So, what exactly is this “E Dey Work” method? It’s all about asking the right questions – specifically, one powerful question: “E dey work?”

For those unfamiliar with Nigerian pidgin, “e dey work” translates to “is it working?” But it’s more than just a question; it’s a mantra, a call to action, a laser focus on progress. It’s about constantly evaluating, tweaking, and iterating until we find the sweet spot where things truly click.

Here’s how my “E Dey Work” method unfolds:

1. Identify the Hurdle or Crossroads: No more vague pronouncements! Get specific. Is it a stalled project? A communication breakdown? Define the precise issue, and get ready to drill down.

2. Generate Multiple “Workarounds”: Ditch the one-size-fits-all mentality. This is where “e dey work” shines! Get creative, brainstorm wildly, explore unconventional approaches. Three to Five solutions – the more, the merrier.

When pressure mounts, limit to 3 solutions.

3. Test and Adapt, Rinse and Repeat: Now, the rubber meets the road. Implement your workarounds, small and quick. Ask yourself, “E dey work?” Be honest, be data-driven, and don’t be afraid to pivot. This is an iterative process, not a one-shot deal.

4. Celebrate “Yes!” and Refine “No”: Did a workaround hit the jackpot? Fantastic! Celebrate, learn, and scale it up. Did it fall flat? No problem! Analyse, adapt, and try another. Remember, “no” is just a stepping stone towards a resounding “yes!”

Here’s the magic of the “E Dey Work” method

Focus: No more drowning in ambiguity. Pinpointing the exact issue empowers you to tackle it head-on.

Creativity: Unleash your inner innovator. The “multiple workarounds” rule sparks fresh thinking and unlocks possibilities you might have missed.

Agility: This method is all about testing, learning, and adapting. You’re constantly evolving, never stagnant.

Ownership: Asking “e dey work” promotes accountability and empowers your team to take ownership of their solutions.

Remember, the “E Dey Work” method is a tool, not a rigid formula. Adapt it to your team’s style and context. Use brainstorming techniques, encourage open communication, and celebrate the journey just as much as the destination.

Ready to put it to the test? Here are some real-world challenges to conquer with the “E Dey Work” method:

Boosting team productivity and collaboration
Landing that big client or exceeding sales targets
Optimising workflows and processes for efficiency
Sparking innovation and solving complex problems together

Remember, your potential is limitless. With the “E Dey Work” method as your guide, you can conquer any obstacle and achieve extraordinary results.

P.S. Spread the word! Share this article with anyone who might benefit from the “E Dey Work” method’s transformative power.

Diligence: A silent champion of competence in the era of hustle

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Recently, I had a fascinating conversation with my colleague Chika about the unsung hero of competence in our fast-paced world: diligence. As an expert in business strategy, Chika emphasised how meticulous attention to detail in data gathering and analysis can prevent costly errors and unlock valuable insights. This resonated deeply with me, and I started reflecting on how diligence has played a crucial role in my own career journey.

I would be a gazillionaire if I got a penny for every time I heard “Become an expert in two weeks”, watch this, just read that or just do this!

Let’s not forget the quiet power of diligence in the age of “hustle,” where shortcuts and quick wins are often glorified. It’s not about working yourself to the bone; it’s about intentional, sustained effort, the kind that fuels deep learning, meticulous craftsmanship, and unwavering resilience.

Here’s why diligence is the secret sauce of competence:

1. Deep Learning vs. Buzzwords

The internet age offers a smorgasbord of knowledge, making it tempting to hop from trend to trend, collecting buzzwords like trophies. But true competence requires deep understanding, the kind that comes from sustained inquiry, focused study, and deliberate practice. Diligence is the fuel that propels us beyond the superficial and into the fertile ground of mastery.

2. Craftsmanship Over Shortcuts

In the race to be first, corners are often cut. We prioritise speed over quality and quantity over depth. But diligence reminds us that excellence takes time. It encourages us to hone our craft, refine our skills, and embrace the slow, satisfying burn of meticulous effort. True competence is more than just “getting things done”; it’s about doing them right.

3. Resilience in the Face of Setbacks

The path to competence is rarely smooth. There will be stumbles, failures, and moments of doubt. But diligence is the quiet voice that whispers, “Keep going.” It fuels the resilience needed to dust ourselves off, learn from mistakes, and push through the inevitable setbacks. When the “hustle” fades, diligence keeps us on track, inching closer to our goals.

4. Building Trust and Credibility

In a world saturated with hype and self-promotion, genuine competence stands out. Diligence fosters trust and credibility by demonstrating a commitment to integrity, consistency, and results. When someone is known for their unwavering dedication, their work speaks for itself, building a reputation that transcends fleeting trends and fickle algorithms.

Diligence is not a glamorous trait, but it’s a potent one. It’s the bedrock upon which competence is built, the steady hand that guides us through the chaos, and the unwavering spirit that propels us towards mastery. So, in the age of “hustle,” let’s celebrate the Chikas of the world: the craftsmen, the deep learners, the relentless pursuers of excellence. Let diligence be the silent companion on our journey to becoming competent professionals.

Find Chika here Chika Nwogu.

Embracing Resilience In 2024

Sun, 07 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Embracing Resilience: The Rise of “No Gree for Anybody” in 2024

Welcome to Lagos, where the streets pulse with a new vibrancy! The phrase “No Gree for Anybody” is not just popular lingo but a powerful declaration of self-assurance and the symbolic voice of Lagos and Nigeria for 2024.

A Phrase Born of Collective Strength

Identifying the genesis of “No Gree for Anybody” is as elusive as capturing a flash of lightning. Emerging from the heart of Lagos, this expression reflects a shared sentiment. 2023 was a year of economic and social upheavals for Nigerians. As 2024 emerged, Lagosians and Nigeria unconsciously sought a unifying mantra to embody their fortitude and willpower to prosper despite challenges.

‘No gree for anybody’ emerged from the pidgin English spoken across Lagos, striking a chord among all walks of life. This phrase symbolises steadfastness, a refusal to be marginalised, and the courage to forge one’s path. It’s the rallying cry for entrepreneurs, artists, and dreamers navigating a demanding environment.

Interestingly, there was no town hall meeting or gathering where it was agreed that it would be the theme for 2024.

The online platforms were instrumental in popularising “No Gree for Anybody.” The phrase gained humour, artistic expression, and communal bonding through memes, music, and social challenges. It soon became ubiquitous, resonating in cafes, markets, and everyday dialogues.

A Multifaceted Slogan

Transcending Literal Meaning: “No Gree for Anybody” is more than a superficial disagreement; it embodies perseverance, self-confidence, and constructive opposition. It’s the voice of a generation standing against intimidation and stereotyping, symbolising independence and empowerment rather than confrontation.

The Essence of Entrepreneurial Spirit: Picture a determined entrepreneur defying constraints and sceptics. This is the core of “No gree for anybody” - a hymn of the determined, fuelling creativity and ambition. It’s about persisting against the odds and building success step by step.

Asserting Oneself: This phrase also represents resisting societal pressures or defending one’s stance in the debate. It’s about rejecting manipulation or peer pressure, emphasising assertiveness over aggression.

Unity in Defiance: Beyond individual assertion, “No Gree for Anybody” fosters collective resilience. Envision communities standing against injustice, supporting each other for shared progress. It’s a collective stand against negativity, a harmonised voice rising against adversity.

Global Resonance: Originating in Nigeria, “No Gree for Anybody” connects universally with anyone who’s ever dreamt big and defied expectations. It’s a global anthem of tenacity and defiance.

When you hear “No Gree for Anybody,” see it as a profound expression of identity and the indomitable human spirit. It’s an encouragement to reject negativity and choose a bold, self-directed path with peace at heart.

In essence, “No Gree for Anybody” is about embracing your path without resorting to force. It’s standing with integrity, sharing your truth, and motivating others, all while fostering positivity and shaping a hopeful future. Let’s continue to embrace and discuss this empowering phrase!