A professional model is one who works independently. They do, however, represent themselves, unlike other models. They are responsible for seeking out and securing their own work because they are not under contract with or affiliated with any modeling agency. While this might entail more effort than models who are tied to agencies do, it allows independent models greater creative control over their work and might even increase their income by preventing them from having to deduct agency fees from their earnings.
If you’ve ever considered making money off of your good looks, you should think about becoming a model. Either work for an agency or work independently as a freelance model. Being a freelancer gives you the freedom to work without restrictions and the ability to manage your time and revenue from your assignments. If you think these benefits seem appealing, you might be interested in finding out what it takes to become a freelance model.

Do you even know what kind of model you want to be?

The next step in your modeling career is to choose a direction.
Let’s examine a handful of the various modeling subfields available:

Runway or catwalk

Catwalk modeling typically takes place on a runway. You’ll be posing for pictures as you traverse the length of a runway. Catwalk models frequently appear at fashion shows and other occasions all around the world (again, ideal for travelers). They do this to display clothing created by brilliant or well-known designers.

Fitness

Fitness modeling typically involves working with sports brands and calls for a lean figure.

Commercial

Commercial models are those you see in magazines or on TV when viewing advertising for items.

Swimwear or a bikini

Due to its sexual content, bikini modeling is normally reserved for adults only (though exceptions may exist).

Lingerie

Like bikini modeling, lingerie modeling often requires an age of 18 or older. Additionally, lingerie models are occasionally obliged to display some nudity.

Print

Magazines, catalogs, and advertisements all use print models.

Parts

Only specific bodily parts, such as the hands, face, or feet, are modeled by part models. One of the quickest methods to start making money modeling is to learn how to sell feeling pictures online, which may sound a little strange.

Fashion (Editorial)

A fashion model is the face of a company that promotes a clothing line or accessory collection. They frequently appear in upscale publications like Vogue, work for renowned designers, and demand more experience.

Promotional

Promotional models also exclusively represent a brand, but they do it live at events and trade shows rather than behind a camera. They must have a commanding personality and a thorough knowledge of the cause they are advocating.
Nigerian Freelance Modeling: How to Get Started

This is what it takes to become a freelance model in Nigeria

1. Join an  online modeling course

Although having confidence and a good outer look are the main requirements for modeling for work, you would also need to complete some online introduction classes. On websites like Udemy, you can find a ton of courses that can guide you through your career as a freelance model.

You’ll learn from professionals in the field how to comprehend the numerous modeling niches available, the best procedures for photoshoots, and much more. Fundamentals of Modeling and How to Become a Model (Modeling 101), to name a couple, are examples of online courses on Udemy that could help an aspiring freelance model learn more about the industry.

2. Apply what you’ve learned regularly

You must polish your craft if you want to stand out in Nigeria’s very competitive modeling market. And one surefire way to do so is to consistently put what you’ve learned from online classes and seasoned freelancing models into practice.

Strides and stances that highlight your greatest features should be practiced when walking. You improve, gain experience, and hone your skills as you practice more. It’s advised to have a camera at home so you can record your practice sessions and monitor your development.

3. Portfolio

Building a portfolio comes after you’ve completed a crash course in modeling ideas and put your newfound knowledge into practice. Your portfolio needs to include a few images and quick movies that highlight your best qualities. You should recognize your best physical qualities and adopt stances that highlight them.

To develop a strong portfolio early on in your freelance modeling career, you might have to charge less. Applying for jobs is much simpler when you have a portfolio ready.

4. Carefully maintain your outward appearance

You must take care of your appearance because it is your selling point if you want to create a successful career out of modeling. Make sure you always look fantastic, even when you’re just walking around your neighborhood or shopping in a mall. Spend money on skincare products, fashion accessories, and other items that will make you look better.

5. Get  a Website Presence

It doesn’t matter how sophisticated your website or portfolio is if you don’t market yourself.
Maintain an active social media presence, keep your profile up to date, and attend events that are relevant to the kind of modeling you want to do.

Additionally, it doesn’t hurt to approach customers or companies and offer your services as a model.
Persistence is crucial, so don’t give up if no jobs materialize immediately. Simply demonstrate your values to potential clients, and your work will speak for itself.

You are aware that managing the work you receive is your responsibility as a freelance model in Nigeria. Having an online presence might help you stand out from the crowd by increasing your exposure and chances of getting hired. You should invest in a website where potential employers can easily find your whole portfolio, contact information, and the modeling niche you specialize in. Creating a website is a smart move for your freelance modeling business.

Additionally, educate yourself on how to drive traffic to your website, which will inevitably boost the number of prospective leads and conversions. Consider best practices for SEO and other online marketing strategies. You can engage with an online audience in addition to owning a website by using social media sites like Facebook and Instagram. The impact a good web presence offers on your freelance modeling job cannot be overstated.

6. Network

How far you advance in the field is greatly influenced by the networks you build. You must put in a deliberate effort to network with other industry professionals as an aspiring freelance model if you want to establish yourself in the field. There are various ways to establish this link, including participating in modeling workshops led by seasoned professionals, making cold calls to other industry specialists, and teaming up with other freelancers.

Through your website and social media platforms, you may network with individuals online as well, so make sure to update these regularly. Your chances of finding a job increase when you begin to establish a name for yourself in the field through all of your networking efforts.

7. Prepare a contract

With a freelance model contract, you can set your own fees and exercise more control over your work. It’s a contract that is enforceable in court between you and your client, and it’s the strongest defense against fraud.

You can either engage a lawyer to draft one for you or utilize a sample freelance modeling contract.

A contract makes it more likely that freelancers will receive prompt and complete payment for all work completed. They also serve to clear up any ambiguity regarding who owns the rights to the content or photos from a shoot by discouraging or punishing either party for breaking an agreement.

Nevertheless, contracts can be challenging, and you might need to engage in some negotiating on your end. Additionally, they might even scare away some brands, especially if you’re just getting started.

But it’s best to be safe than sorry when it comes to security, especially in the realm of freelancing. Always carefully read the terms before agreeing to anything, and be sure the company is one you can trust.

8. Apply. Apply. Apply

You are responsible for finding jobs if you want to be a freelance model. As a result, you must apply to modeling jobs often. You should make it a habit to email prospective employers on a daily basis. When applying for jobs online, you should make sure to put together a portfolio that highlights your strengths and write a strong résumé.

Additionally, you can send cold emails to other experts like makeup artists, photographers, and other possible customers. Make sure to list your contact information, your abilities, and your area of expertise. Continue sending these cold emails even if you don’t receive many reactions until the offers start flowing in.

9. Get the casting materials ready

Prepare your materials for casting calls. In addition to your portfolio, it’s crucial to make a comp card. It’s generally advantageous to alter your COMP card each time you apply for a job. A comp card summarizes your profile and personal information similarly to a business card. This comprises:

• Name
• Your body measurements
• Your contact details
• Your choice of four or five different pictures.

A casting photo or video is required by some organizations. You can be given clear direction from a job regarding what they want to see from these materials. For either of these objects, set up your camera on a tripod, and make sure to take the photo while facing a plain wall. Additionally, it’s crucial to wear plain-colored clothing and little to no makeup.

A background story of Nigeria’s amalgamation

The amalgamation of Nigeria was done in 1914 but part of the groundwork was done in 1906 when the Lagos colony was merged into the southern protectorate.

The vision to harmonize Nigeria was actually conceived in 1898. At the time, Nigeria was divided into the Northern protectorate, the southern protectorate and the lagos colony. There was a need to merge these 3 entities

Combining the three jurisdictions would lower administrative costs and ease the distribution of funds and resources across the regions. Specifically, it would allow for direct funding of the Northern jurisdiction’s lower profitability. Lugard, Antrobus, Fiddes, and Strachey at the Colonial Office supported the merger.

Specifically, on May 1, 1906, the Colonial Office united Lagos Colony and the Southern Nigeria Protectorate in accordance with the Niger Committee’s recommendation, creating a bigger protectorate (still known as the Southern Nigeria Protectorate) that stretched along the coast between Dahomey and Cameroon.

Lugard consistently pushed for the merger of the entire region, and the Colonial Office invited him to take charge of the combined colony in August 1911.

Lugard served a six-year tenure as Governor of Hong Kong before returning to Nigeria in 1912 to supervise the union of the northern and southern protectorates. On May 9, 1913, Lugard formally proposed to the Colonial Office the creation of separate administrations for the Northern and Southern provinces, each under the direction of a “highly authoritarian” Governor-General. Most of Lugard’s plan was approved by the Colonial Office, but they objected to giving him the power to adopt laws without their consent.

On the verge of World War I, the unification project was completed. A proconsul, known as the Governor-General of Nigeria, reigned over the newly combined colony and protectorate starting in January 1914.

The Significance of amalgamation in Nigeria

This section will discuss the actual reality of Nigeria’s amalgamation while also explaining why our amalgamation is important.

It put an end to colonialism

Amalgamation was the unifying force that puts an end to colonialism and the ethnic strife among the many interests of Nigeria. Nigeria’s division among tribes, religions and natural resources is evident and is based on politics of resource control.

Amalgamation doesn’t actually mean Nigerians don’t know their individual roots

The truth is that we haven’t yet integrated ourselves. Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a founding father of the Yoruba ethnic group, claimed that when colonialism ended, “The thing named Nigeria was a mere geographical term; there is no country called Nigeria,” because he had previously been an Egba man, a Yoruba man, and then a Nigerian. It is implied that his allegiance and patriotism were formed along those lines.

This scene repeated itself during the 2014 National Conference when some delegates noted that “The country exists along ethnic and religious divides; and the same replayed itself out in the 2015 general elections that ushered in Muhammadu Buhari as the President of Nigeria.” Since the amalgamation was a mistake, there was obviously nothing to celebrate after the country had existed for a century. In fact, Nigeria has made no real strides toward growth since the year 1914. Our presumptions can be incorrect if we are trying to include Nigeria in the group of emerging nations.

Amalgamation meant we could fight for our freedom with a common voice but it doesn’t mean there is love in the country

We do not love one another and do not recognize ourselves as a nation, thus we have not yet assumed nationhood. With differences along religious creeds, ethnic feelings have ingested deeply into the foundations of our national identities. Therefore, Nigeria will always sound like a misnomer without a behavioral rebirth, viewing one another as fellow humans, or an indigenous constitution to propel the country forward.

Our Amalgamation is only valid for only a 100 years

Additionally, since the 1914 amalgamation was accomplished through a treaty, it follows that under international law, any treaty that is not specifically dated expires after 100 years and invariably signifies the demise of the country as a sovereign state. But let’s take the reports and suggestions from the Confab seriously if we want to stop a threat that could cause the union to fall apart.

Though Nigeria is one country but it is still heavily divided along regional lines

Nigeria is compared to a failed state whose cohesiveness is limited to numerical strength with little or no development success. Because there is no unity in Nigeria, the phrase “unity in diversity” is a misnomer. I will say that the pre-66 Nigerians held sway and loyalty to their various regions, before the entire entity. The results of this unfortunate marriage are factors that have bred ethnic nationalism in our earlier democratic government, with cleavages to regionalism; and of course in the Army that brought about a coup in 1966 and a civil war that followed.

Nigeria might very well breakaway along ethnic and religious lines

Nigeria is positioned as a test tube infant that is unable to control its environment from 1999 to 2014. We are not related to one another in any way, as evidenced by the emergence of micro-nationalisms such as the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Movement for the Survival of a Sovereign State of Biafra (MOSSOB), Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), Odua People’s Congress (OPC), and Arewa Consultative Forum (AFC).

Therefore, throughout the colonial era, the goal of merger was accomplished; yet, after that, disunity in numerous implications emerged. If so, why should we always want for a president who represents our religion, our country, and, of course, our ethnic group if we are really as unified or amalgamated as we appear to be? If this is all a century-old nation can stand for, I’ll be damned if I’m wrong. But if we debunk our ethno-religious tendencies, we can keep coexisting.

Benefits of Amalgamation

It is impossible to comprehend the benefits of amalgamation without having some understanding of how the various ethnic groups interacted prior to the time of conquest and war. The relationship between the various ethnolinguistic groups living in the Nigeria region throughout the 19th century was characterized by hostility; as a result, European writers claimed that African states had no history, or that, if they did, it could be summarized as barbarism, chaos, and stagnation.

War was a crucial component of the state’s relationships with other states and is appropriately seen as proof of intergroup connections. The majority of conflicts were fueled by the desire for political control and expansion, as well as for access to trade routes, farmlands, and financial looting.

In Hausa territory, a significant interethnic conflict known as “the jihad” began in 1804. From 1846 through 1893, there was conflict between Bornu and Wadai outside of Jihad. In the West, Ilorin’s secession from old Oyo in 1817 was the first in a long sequence of ethnic conflicts that continued through the 1860–1864 Ibadan–Ijaye War. Before 1891, there seemed to be a lack of law and order in the Eastern province.

By uniting these various communities under one political umbrella, the establishment of the British administration signaled the end of interethnic conflicts for good. Wars of religion, conquest, and expansion, as well as conflicts over market access and trade monopolies, vanished.

A last note

A peaceful partition of Nigeria is impossible given the current state of affairs, and nobody should take any actions that could drag the giant of Africa—our country—into yet another civil war. No country can survive two civil wars. Additionally, we have witnessed how the general election’s aftermath in 2015 has changed the destiny of the nation and led to more protests than before.

Therefore, it is advised that we undergo a complete behavioral makeover, draft a constitution that is people-oriented, launch people-oriented policies and programs, create an environment that is conducive to employment and job creation mechanisms, downplay our ethno-religious inclinations to give our politicians a level playing field, and prioritize our security above all else, especially one that can combat the scourge of insurgency.

We should adopt a new revenue mobilization and allocation formula and make it drawn within the context of fiscal federalism as obtained in mature democracies like the United States, even though we should learn from history in order to avoid repeating its mistakes. It is our responsibility to overcome the challenges caused by our history.

What is Citizenship?

The concept of citizenship refers to both one’s individual attitude toward the responsibilities or obligations that come along with being a member of a specific state or country. It refers to a person’s connection to or relationship with the state or country in which they reside and have legal, social, and political rights as well as obligations to that state, including following the law, paying taxes, defending the state, and other social duties.

Nigerians are able to speak, move, and reside anywhere in the nation without restriction. They exercise their right to vote in elections and their freedom to leave and enter Nigeria without restriction. They do exercise their right to take advantage of some social and political institutions as well as public utilities. They also occasionally exercise their right to legal protection as well as their right to freedom of religion and assembly. In Nigeria, not only are these and numerous other citizenship rights recognized in theory but they are also put into reality.

Types of Citizenship

1. Citizenship by Birth

This is the status that a person can obtain if they were born in Nigeria or elsewhere but their parents or grandparents are already citizens of the country.

2. Citizenship via Naturalization

This category of citizenship is for people who were not born in a country but would nonetheless like to call it home. They must submit an application to the relevant government agency in that nation, and after meeting certain requirements, they may be given citizenship.

3. Citizenship by marriage

Marriage-based citizenship is also referred to as citizenship by registration or marriage.

4. Citizenship by honor

This occurs when a government bestows special honor on a notable foreigner by granting him or her citizenship in that nation.

Why Citizenship is important

1. Permits individuals to possess a Nigerian passport

Nigerian citizens can obtain a Nigerian passport by becoming citizens. Nigerian nationals would be able to travel freely throughout the nation if they possessed a Nigerian passport.

A citizen may be permitted to leave Nigeria for extended periods of time and to live elsewhere. More importantly, citizenship entitles Nigerians to the protection and aid of the Nigerian government while they are overseas.

Furthermore, a Nigerian citizen is never subject to deportation and is never permitted to be returned to his own nation, which is Nigeria. It is comforting to know that Nigerian citizens are protected from all forms of deportation by virtue of their citizenship.

2. Enables Respect for Other People

Tolerance is made possible through citizenship. Describe tolerance. Tolerance is just the spirit of someone seeking to understand the other person, not just putting up with someone who could be different from themselves in terms of tribe and culture. Instead of classifying people, it is about judging them as unique individuals.

Living in harmony with other citizens is made possible by citizenship. The maxim “do unto others as you would have them do unto you also” is supported by citizenship.

3. Participation in democratic government

Being a citizen entitles you to take part in the democratic administration of society, including voting, running for office, protesting unjust laws, and constructively criticizing authorities.

Due to the fact that every citizen has the right to vote, it is crucial for Nigerians to be able to exercise that right during elections. For instance, voters typically have a bigger say in how the nation’s decisions are made in democracies.

Nigerian citizens’ needs, wants, and opinions might affect how their legislators vote. Citizens can elect political representatives whose political views they can agree on since they have the constitutional right to vote.

For instance, if people don’t like their elected leaders, they can choose to vote for someone else in the following election. However, citizenship has also made it possible for people to compete for political office during national elections.

4. It allows one to give back to their community

Additionally, citizenship supports the idea of giving back to one’s community. It inspires Nigerians to collaborate since doing so can genuinely assist a community to accomplish more than any individual could ever expect to work alone and accomplish.

Each Nigerian has a responsibility to ensure that the Nigerian community improves for all Nigerians by virtue of their status as citizens.

Giving back to one’s community simply refers to the act of contributing one’s time, abilities, and even money to improve one’s community. To put it another way, one of the benefits of citizenship is that it has made volunteering possible and contributed to the advancement of Nigerian society.

5. Permits Citizens to Reside Permanently

Nigerian nationality grants the right to reside permanently in the country. For instance, if you are a citizen of Nigeria, you can legally ensure that you bring your family members, including your parents, siblings, and possibly underage unmarried children, as well as your spouse and wife, into Nigeria by filing the appropriate petition.

As soon as these people enter Nigeria, they will typically each receive their own permanent resident status and legal standing in the nation by virtue of their citizenship.

Additionally, it permits citizens of Nigeria to enter the nation with their grown children, adult children, brothers, and sisters, albeit it would take a little longer for them to obtain permanent residence.

6. Encourages Education

Citizenship encourages education and school attendance. Every citizen has a right to attend education. I believe that Nigerian public education is permitted by various national laws.

For instance, there are laws in place today that make education obligatory for all Nigerian children, particularly in the majority of the states that make up the federation, where public schools are free and open to all Nigerian children.

It is fairly obvious that the future of the Nigerian nation depends on having educated citizens who have acquired the necessary information and skills to ensure the growth of the Nigerian economy.

citizens who have maintained their intellectual integrity and who will not allow themselves to be swayed by weak philosophies but rather by those that may advance the interests of the Nigerian country.

7. Taxes

Every Nigerian citizen has a legal obligation to pay taxes on time. Yet, because of citizenship rights, Nigerian citizens are able to fulfill this obligation.

For instance, if a person works, he must pay taxes. Taxes fund motorways, police and fire protection, clean water, and wholesome food. They also support police and fire protection.

Public utilities, such as streetlights and other social amenities, as well as public schools, libraries, and parks, are all supported by taxes. The main benefit of citizenship in this situation is that it enables people to pay both local and state taxes in addition to federal taxes.

Citizens’ rights

• It means a person is a resident of one or more states.
  For instance, every citizen of the USA is also a resident of a specific state. On the other hand, a Swiss national may also have citizenship in another nation.
• Elections are only open to citizens.
• Election contestants must be citizens.
• Any constitutional office in the nation, such as that of the President, Vice-President, Governor, Minister, Judge, etc., may only be held by citizens.

The government programs intended for the Nigerian people are only open to citizens who can profit from them.
Certain fundamental rights are only available to citizens.

What makes you a  good citizen?

1. Respect

Is the quality of a citizen exhibiting self-respect, respect for the opinions of others, and respect for rules and laws.

2. Responsibility

Personal responsibility for oneself and social duty for one’s society are both parts of responsibility. It involves one’s obligation to educate oneself, dedication to the ideals of one’s neighborhood, and the obligation to defend and safeguard one’s country.

3. Courage

Courage is essential to healthy citizenship because it motivates the citizen to take part in making the changes that the community needs, even when they are risky or unfamiliar.

4. Honesty

In order to be a good member of their community, a person must be honest both with others and with themselves.

5. Compassion

Is the feeling of concern for other living things and for other people. A person and others become emotionally connected via compassion.

The reality of citizenship in Nigeria

According to what this essay has demonstrated, the Nigerian state is a nation-state or an association of several ethnic nationalities that are communities or groupings with all the necessary elements for a shared existence that fosters natural feelings of loyalty and identification. Due to their deep fundamental ties, these ethnic groupings are nations in a more meaningful sense than the Nigerian federation, which is a nation in a less meaningful sense, held together by a legal connection.

The application for citizenship in Nigeria is an unfinished undertaking because of the nature of the Nigerian state, where citizens are more devoted to their ethnic nationality. It is a known fact that many Nigerian citizens are denied the rights and privileges of citizenship because they do not belong to a particular ethnic group, state, or local government and are instead viewed as second-class citizens or foreigners in Nigeria.

Therefore, in Nigeria, indigeneity rather than citizenship is important. Being a Nigerian citizen without being a native of a state or local government has few advantages there. Prebendalism, clientelism, and disregard for the law are among the more repulsive behaviors that encourage citizenship denial in Nigeria. Although it would be incorrect to claim that Nigerian citizenship has no significance at all, it would not be incorrect to claim that its rejection is more obvious than its application in modern Nigeria, since having Nigerian citizenship has little significance outside of one’s own country.

Well, I decided to write this blog post as a Nigerian as there is a very wrong description of the Nigerian word for a scammer.

If you type the search query “Nigerian word for scammer,” the term “Alaye” pops out right at the top. This, my dear, is very wrong.

“Alaye” is a word from the Yoruba language spoken in Nigeria. It is a syncopation of two words used as a phrase: “Ala aiye.”

“Ala,” which is one of the means of referring to “owner” in Yoruba, and “Aiye,” which means “life” in Yoruba,

So, literally, it means “owner of life”. However, Alaye actually means a thug or someone who wields some sort of power. Thing is, fraudsters often become rich and wield some power and hence can as well be referred to as ALAYE. However, this one is definitely not linked or reserved for scammers and can even be used to hail an individual.

Now that we have cleared the air, we will now talk about the words that actually mean “scammers.”

These are the Nigerian words for scammers

1. 419 (Noun and verb)

Internet scams are a relatively new affair in Nigeria. There have always been scams in the country, and you can take it from me that the oldest definition or alternative word for scammers in Nigeria is 419.

The way this word is used in the everyday Nigerian language is like this:

• You be 419
• These 419’ners want to scam me.
• Do you want to pull a 419 on me?

But where did the number 419 originate from? The Nigerian criminal code has a certain section that describes the offense and associated punishment of scamming someone.

That particular criminal code is “SECTION 419” of the rulebook. This is exactly where the term “419” came about. The code reads

“Any person who, by any false pretense, and with intent to defraud, obtains from any other person anything capable of being stolen, or induces any other person to deliver to any person anything capable of being stolen, is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for three years.”

But if the stolen item is worth upwards of a thousand Nigerian naira, the offender is liable to up to 7 years in prison.

However, such an offender cannot be arrested without a warrant unless found committing the offense.

onto the next one. You should be proud of yourself because most Nigerians don’t know anything about the criminal code.

2. Yahoo boy

Yahoo Boy is a term that stemmed from the search email provider, Yahoo. Back in the days… the early 2000s, the internet was not mainstream in Nigeria, and people used to use internet cafés. It was not uncommon for people to buy overnight tickets at the cafe. The same internet cafes that were used for good were also used to perpetrate bad.

Back to the matter, Google’s search engine and Gmail were not as popular then. It was Yahoo that was ruling the internet back then. Since most earlier online scammers used Yahoomail to send romantic messages to potential victims.

But Yahoomail wasn’t the biggest tool. Yahoo Messenger was indeed the number one tool that the scammers used to chat and hook their victims. And these boys spend a ton of time on the app.

Indeed, the number one piece of technology that facilitated international scamming was made by Yahoo. And this is why those boys were inevitably referred to as “Yahoo Boys.”

3. G-boy

Another term for scammers in the Nigerian lexicon is G-Boys. While there isn’t a clear explanation for how that term came about, I have a highly plausible explanation for it.

Among the Nigerian youths, and more so, among the scammers, Mercedes is the most sought-after automobile. The Benz has been referred to as the number one P*ssy magnate by the boys, and they thrive to obtain one for themselves. The German machine, as they also like to call it, is the ultimate car that announces to whoever is watching that you have arrived.

Now, among the different models of the car, the king of them all is the G-Wagon. So, even if you can afford a C or E-series car, the person who owns the G-Wagon is the don. I know now that the G-wagon is beginning to lose some of its prestige as the GLE series is perhaps a much more handsome and less masculine alternative.

In essence, the boys who love Mercedes the most are the scammer boys, and the ultimate Mercedes out there is the G-wagon. It is for this reason that the scammers started seeing and calling themselves the G-Boys.

4. AZAMAN

Send me your AZA! Do I send AZA? What does the term “AZA” mean? AZA means your banking details. When a scammer hooks the victim, there is always going to be a point where the scammer asks for the victim’s account (or AZA), and without that information, how then can you transfer them money?

AZA covers any banking details and could be a Western Union transfer that a scammer uses to obtain payments.

An AZAMAN is a more recent description of the fraudsters. I think the boys just like it because it sounds cool.

Conclusion

This article will continue to be updated to accommodate more names that scammers are called. And by the way, not all Nigerians are scammers and lots of crimes reportedly committed by Nigerians are indeed not committed by Nigerians.

I hope you find this article useful and you all should be careful out there, don’t fall victim.

Well, I guess I am going to be doing some Nigerian Scammer articles to keep you all updated. In my other article, I debunked a huge misconception that the word ALAYE means scammer and you can check that article in this link.

Today, I am writing the article about Nigerian Scammer Words. In essence, these are the words you should pay attention that would strongly suggest that the person you are dealing with is a potential scammer.

This fellow might be someone you met on an online dating app and you feel you are talking to one Richard, who is currently serving in the United States Outpost in Somalia. It could also be someone you know personally and you have a hold of their phone and begin to see a lot of the words I will be talking about in this article.

This list of words doesn’t make a person a scammer on their own but if a person begins to use it a lot, especially with their friends and your guts tells you that the person, maybe you should also pay attention and be worried.

There are at least a hundred words that Yahoo boys use but I have picked out the very bad ones that almost guarantee that you are dealing with someone who is up to no good.

1. Picker

A picker is a foreigner who in most cases is in the same country as you are. They are basically mules, usually white people who help the yahoo boys make their scam look more legit. So yeah, in lots of cases, your fellow countrymen help to facilitate these crimes. So, the picker is definitely a huge red flag. They could be disguised in various forms like a “nanny” that is taking care of the scammer’s imaginary kid, so watch out.

2. Loader

This is used to refer to a person who deposits/pays fake currency or a cheque into a victim’s account. This fake cheque is usually to make the victim feel they are dealing with someone who is legit, of course, they don’t know that currency or money is fake.

3. Waya Waya

This is another language that gives a fairly strong indication that who you are dealing with might be up to no good. WAYA or wire is just the normal means of international money transfer and scammers who are the big players often use this method to obtain some serious money from people.

4. G-boy/G-nigga

If someone you know is being referred to as a G-Boy, you are most likely dealing with a scammer.

5. Bomb Site/Bombing

This involves sending different messages to multiple victims all at once. These scammers are great multi-taskers…you should know.

6. Format

Series of e-mails specially prepared to be sent to prospective victims. It contains lies and falsehood, systematically package to deceive unsuspecting victims. This could even come in the form of SMS (Short message service).

7. Oka Ti Fo/Ise Ti Ja

This is a Yoruba word which means that a scam activity has been exposed.

8. Maye/Maga

Maye is the word scammers use to refer to their female victims. Maga is the word they use to refer to their male victims.

9. Come and Marry

This is something that women usually fall for. They see a fine man on the internet who promises to marry them. Of course, there will be no marriage, all he will do is give you excuses why the marriage can’t work for now and that you should send him some money to fix another unending problem.

10. Come and Carry

Victims are sometimes not suspicious of things. A scammer can tell you that they are going to ship stuffs to you, stuffs that you know you don’t even deserve. But when the shipment arrives at the “customs office,” it can’t be cleared until you pay some substantial fee.

11. Hacker Ika/Hacker Aye

“ika” in Yoruba means “wicked.” Hacker ika means a wicked hacker who is up to no good. Yahoo boys or scammers are not necessarily some computer hackers…they are just great social engineers.

12. Wọ́ke (Pronounced: WOH-KAY)

Means to steal your credit card details in order to use it for buy stuffs for themselves or to withdraw such money to their bank accounts.

13. Westy

Western Union is one of the most prevalent ways by which Yahoo boys receive proceeds of their acts. So the word, WESTY is a short form for western Union money transfer.

14. Gbẹ́sẹ̀ kúrò lóri wire yẹn

This is a word that the yahoo boys use to warn each other that the victim is smarter than them and they might run into trouble.

15. Ijoba Wire

A clique or group of scammers who have made it big.

16. Log-in

This is to imply stolen username and password details that they bought off the dark web.

Once more, I must reiterate that the use of these words on their own doesn’t make someone a scammer. But if you can build a pattern, especially with other things that sound suspicious and the person begin to ask for money or they have money they don’t earn…just know that you are dealing with the wrong crowd.