E-Business
Stemming The Tide Of Cyberbullying
In spite of the significant improvement benefits associated with these innovations, there are still some fears that hss come with the emergence of the internet.
One of the adverse effects that has emerged with the coming of the internet is cyberbullying. This is a serious trend that has brought fears inti the hearts of parents, the world over.
Studies have shown that cyberbullying is the greatest fear of parents when their kids make use of the internet.
This is true, when you consider the growing prevalence of digital technologies in schools.
The Internet, smartphones and tablets are now the primary tools in the exhibition of bullying behavior.
With the unlimited access to the internet through smart devices by of teens and kids of this present age, the negative surge of cyberbullying is believed to have surpassed kidnapping as the number one fear globally.
In simple terms, cyberbullying occurs when someone appears to be tormenting, threatening, harassing, or embarrassing a young person, using smart devices or technologies.
In other words, cyberbullying comes in different forms, such as harassment, flaming, masquerading, etc.
Some ways in which cyberbullies operate include creating fake profiles of someone or impersonating another person with the negative intent of harming someone’s reputation.
In some other cases, you share a private photo or a private message with someone, and you see that confidential stuff being spread all over the internet. From where the leak came from, you do not know.
Why Cyberbullying Should Be Fought
It is necessary for us to fight cyber bullying yo a standstill to avert the negative implications of this surge are enormous.
Just think of the physical bullying, for instance, your kid goes to school everyday, and he is being bullied.
You realize that such kid becomes reluctant to go to school again, whenever he remembers that one teacher or another student who is a bully is waiting to harrass him in school.
Besides being unwilling to go to school again, such child is psychologically troubled. The emotional and psychological effects of cyberbullying are similar to those of real-life bullying.
Aside from this, such a kid can experience negative physical and mental health issues.
Kids who are bullied are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, feelings of sadness, loneliness, changes in sleep and eating patterns, etc.
Studies also show that adults who were bullied as a youth were three times more likely to have suicidal thoughts or inclinations.
According to findings from the “2016 Norton Cyber Security Insights Report: Family Edition, “nearly 57 percent of parents choose to check their child’s browser history, 46 percent only allow access to certain websites, 48 percent allow internet access only with parental supervision”.
“A concern for many parents is that cyberbullying doesn’t stop when their child leaves school as long as your child is connected to a device, a bully can connect to them,” said Ritesh Chopra, Country Manager, Norton by Symantec.
“Nearly one in three parents of children ages 12-17 agree that bullying is a more serious concern than other dangers, including domestic terrorism, car accidents, and suicide”, according to a national survey commissioned by Care.com.
What Parents Should Do
Interestingly, when a child is in trouble, the parents are usually the last to be aware. Kids find it tough to open up to their parents when they are bullied online.
Some of them fear that revealing to their parents about their situation will exacerbate the issue. It, therefore, becomes a herculean task for parents to protect their children if you don’t understand the problem in the first instance.
In this wise, therefore, below are some tips that parents should adopted in preventing the surge of cyberbullying.
Monitor Your Kids Activities Online
It is pertinent for you to know what your kids are doing online. Most of the time, some of these kids spend time on social media such as Facebook, so you need, as a parent, have an understanding of how various social networking websites work.
You can sometimes ask your children for their Facebook status updates, profile pages or Facebook wall. From there, you can have an idea of what is going on.
Build Trust Between You and Your Kids
It does not help at all, to be harsh to your children in situations that requires being relaxed and gentle.
When you are known for being harsh, your kids become too scared to open up to you on issues like cyberbullying when they find themselves entangled with it online.
You should always make them feel very relaxed and try ti have discussions regularly with your children about online issues. You need to let them have confidence in you by telling them to come to you for help if anything is wrong with them.
Let your kids understand the risks associated with the internet. Discuss rules for online safety and Internet use with them. Set time limits of how long they should spend on social media or the internet for them and ensure that they follow it to the letter.
Avoid Blaming your Child for Falling Victim of Cyberbullying
When your child is bullied online, relax abd do not raise to much dust by blaming your child.
At that point, what your child needs is for you to be supportive and as show understanding. You need to investigate to figure out how long this has been happening and ensure that you work together with your kid to devise a solution to stem it instead of blaming your child.
Conclusion
Apart from knowing what your kid is doing online, you need to also let your kid in on that good old advice that as you are careful of dealing with strangers in real life, so also, they must be careful dealing with strangers online.
Wakanow Group, one of Africa’s leading travel technology companies, has acquired Nairabox, a fast-growing Nigerian platform for digital ticketing, events, and lifestyle experiences.
In a statement on Monday, the company said the move marks a strategic step as it expands beyond travel services into entertainment and lifestyle sectors increasingly shaped by digital integration and consumer experience.
Founded as a digital hub for concerts, cinema tickets, and live events, Nairabox has built a reputation for connecting users to leisure activities through its app and online platform.
They say its integration into the Wakanow ecosystem will allow the group to offer a more seamless experience across travel, leisure, and culture.
Wakanow also named Tobi Andero as the new Head of Business for Nairabox.
Andero, who joins from the experiential marketing sector, is expected to lead the brand’s growth and strengthen its market positioning under Wakanow’s ownership.
Commenting on the acquisition, Bayo Adedeji, Wakanow’s Group CEO, said it aligns with the company’s mission to deepen consumer engagement across lifestyle touchpoints.
He said, “We see tremendous opportunity in the intersection of travel and entertainment. This acquisition allows us to offer deeper, richer experiences to our customers, not just where they travel but also how they live, enjoy, and engage with culture. We are excited about what the future holds as we combine Wakanow’s strength and reach with the lifestyle energy of Nairabox.”
He added that Wakanow’s expansion strategy extends beyond geographical reach to include new sectors that complement its travel business.
Ugochukwu Jay Chikezie, CEO of Nairabox, described the partnership as “an exciting new chapter” for the entertainment-tech space in Nigeria.
“Joining forces with Wakanow marks an exciting new chapter for Nairabox and for entertainment in Nigeria. Over the years, we’ve built a platform that connects people to the experiences they love: concerts, movies, and live events.
‘‘This acquiition allows us to further scale that vision by integrating travel and entertainment into one seamless ecosystem. Together with Wakanow, we’re creating a future where access to unforgettable experiences, whether across cities or continents, becomes simpler, smarter, and more connected than ever,’’ he said.
The acquisition underscores a growing convergence between travel and entertainment within Africa’s digital economy, as tech-driven brands seek to deliver more holistic consumer experiences.
Wakanow Group’s portfolio now includes platforms such as Wakanow.com, Kalabash54.com, Roomde.com, Onburd.com, Pointview Travels, Trip Merchant, and the newly acquired Nairabox.com.
By Kehinde Ogundare, Country Head, Zoho Nigeria
Nigeria’s e-commerce landscape is evolving rapidly. From fashion and electronics to groceries and beauty products, more Nigerians are shopping online than ever before. According to DataReportal, the country had 103 million internet users as of January 2024, and online retail sales continue to grow as more people gain access to affordable smartphones and digital payment systems.
However, while opportunity is expanding, so is competition. Thousands of small businesses now sell across Instagram, WhatsApp, and local marketplaces. For many, the challenge is no longer getting online, it’s standing out and building sustainable growth.
Below are six strategies that can help e-commerce entrepreneurs in Nigeria compete more effectively, connect with customers, and scale sustainably.
1. Focus on a niche, not the crowd
The internet offers endless reach, but success often lies in narrowing your focus. Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, identify a specific audience whose needs you understand deeply—whether that’s fitness enthusiasts, new parents, or tech-savvy students.
Niche targeting allows you to tailor your message, pricing, and product experience. It also helps small businesses build loyalty and word-of-mouth credibility in markets where advertising budgets are limited.
2. Build relationships beyond social media
Social platforms are powerful but unpredictable. Algorithms change, engagement fluctuates, and visibility can vanish overnight. That’s why it’s essential to diversify how you stay connected with customers.
Email newsletters, community groups, or loyalty programs provide more direct and reliable touchpoints. Use these channels to share updates, answer questions, and offer genuine value—not just promotions. Consistent, thoughtful communication builds trust that outlasts social trends.
3. Use data to understand customer behaviour
Every click, search, and abandoned cart tells a story. Tracking customer behaviour—through analytics dashboards, feedback forms, or even simple observation—can reveal why shoppers drop off and what keeps them coming back.
For example, you might discover that most users exit your site during checkout due to limited payment options. Adding mobile money or bank transfer features could increase conversions immediately. Data-driven decisions help eliminate guesswork and improve user experience.
4. Create content that answers real questions
Many Nigerian shoppers research extensively before buying online, especially from lesser-known brands. Publishing clear, helpful content—such as FAQs, size guides, or product comparisons—can bridge the trust gap.
A small skincare brand, for example, could post educational pieces on ingredients and routines, while a gadget store could share short explainers on choosing the right devices. When people find answers through your content, they are more likely to view your business as credible and dependable.
5. Explore automation and AI for efficiency
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping how small businesses operate globally—and Nigeria is no exception. From customer support chatbots to inventory management and personalized recommendations, automation can simplify repetitive work and improve decision-making.
Even basic AI tools can help analyse trends, spot buying patterns, and free up time for strategic tasks. The goal isn’t to replace human connection but to enhance it by focusing your energy where it matters most—understanding and serving your customers.
6. Build credibility through customer voices
Nigerians value peer opinions. Reviews, testimonials, and user-generated content often carry more weight than brand messaging. Encourage satisfied customers to share feedback or showcase how they use your products.
Displaying honest reviews on your website or social pages signals transparency and confidence. People are far more likely to trust a brand that others vouch for, especially in a marketplace crowded with new entrants.
Building for the long term
Sustainable e-commerce growth in Nigeria isn’t about chasing every new platform or pouring money into ads—it’s about clarity, consistency, and connection. By focusing on real customer needs, learning from data, and building trust at every step, businesses can create lasting impact in one of Africa’s most dynamic digital markets.
National Health Insurance Authority of Nigeria (NHIA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to make the National Identification Number (NIN) an integral part of healthcare access in the country.
The MoU was signed recently between the CEOs of both government agencies and the principal idea to have the digital ID fully integrated with the healthcare system, a step which both parties see as critical in advancing Nigeria’s universal health coverage (UHC) scheme.
Nigeria launched a UHC initiative in 2005 but its implementation has faced several challenges along the way.
The government retouched the plan in 2022 under the NHIA Act and the new target is to ensure every citizen is covered by the UHC scheme by 2030.
Kelechi Ohiri, director general and CEO, NHIA, said in a thread on his X account that the integration of the NIMC’s identity infrastructure with the national healthcare system will boost the UHC scheme by enhancing inclusivity, improving the efficiency of service delivery processes, and strengthening data integrity to support better planning.
“This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to building a resilient healthcare ecosystem through strong inter-agency partnerships,” the CEO added.
Through the collaboration, a unified system will be put in place which will link the identity of NHIA members to their patient records, not only for easy identification but also to streamline access to care.
The move is also aimed at reducing fraud and enhancing transparency in the patient management process especially in the area of processing claims.
Talking about transparency, Nigeria’s NIMC-NHIA collaboration is in the steps of moves in a country like Kenya where biometrics is used to tackle insurance fraud which has seen the government lose millions of dollars in the last few years.
The MoU comes as the MINC has continued to strengthen NIN coverage with almost 124 million issued as of September, according to The Guardian.
Meanwhile, the ID authority announced in July that it looks forward to launching the General Multipurpose Identity Card (GMPC) this month.
The ID, which the NIMC announced last year, is framed as a tool with a triple purpose to enhance digital and financial inclusion.
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