TEENS, FRAUD AND DISCIPLES

Few weeks ago, I had a revealing discussion with one of my teenage daughter. I was passing by her parents house and found her at home and asked why. She confided she'd lost her small job. As we talked, she mentioned another teenage boy (known to us) who according to her was doing well.

When I asked what job this boy had, she couldn't name one. Yet she insisted. Uncle, he's financially successful because he has an iPhone worth almost ₦500k.

I tried to explain that the boy likely isn't doing well he has financial obligations; supporting his single parent, siblings, and funding his own education.

This teenage girl then said, Uncle, he’s even doing better than both of yours. Because she thinks he carries a ₦500k iPhone, while am using a ₦230k Infinix.

The stark reality, This boy has, No registered company, No formal employment, No visible business that I know of for now.

This highlights a dangerous mindset among many young teens today, especially recent secondary school graduates. A young girl believing an iPhone equals financial freedom is alarming. At this rate, she might compromise herself just to admire an iPhone owner. 

Let's looks at the following:

1.Nigeria Education System Failure: It prioritizes cramming over critical thinking. Certificates and jobs are the goals, not practical wisdom. My primary school child carries 16 books daily, with homework focused on rote memorization. 
2.Unprepared Graduates: Teens leave school unable to think independently. They seek inspiration from social media "celebrities" flaunting dollar cars and imported luxuries. 
3.The Fraud Pipeline: Desperation leads some to fraud. To advance, they dive deeper eventually facing demands for unthinkable acts like human sacrifice. The girl admiring iPhones becomes easy prey with promises of money. 
4.Generational Disconnect: Parents understand less than 10% of their teens' hidden lives. Teens communicate in coded signs and slang even at the dinner table while parents remain unaware. 

Parents, religious leaders, and educators bear greater responsibility than ever. EFCC’s daily arrests won’t stop this allure of quick wealth. 
 
Social Media Regulation: Consider China’s model strict controls on what students see online. Limit exposure to influencers glorifying ₦20m nightclub splurges or Lamborghinis from sugar daddies. 
Parental Strategy: 
Start training at age 10. Build trust through "coded friendship." 
Teach critical thinking, not just textbooks. 
Give monthly upkeep (even ₦1k) to teach financial responsibility. Many parents don’t know their daughters' monthly struggles. 
Never parent by 60s standards. Blend old-school morals with their modern reality. 
Spiritual Foundation: Above all, teach them God. 

Raising teens today requires divine guidance. Their world is complex, hidden, and easily swayed by flashy illusions. Stay vigilant.

Until the moment when will shall dance in white Greater Grace.

Oyugbo Osagie Jonah
#throwback