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MILLENNIALS AND THE GEN Z: WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN THE WORLD IS IN THEIR HANDS?

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MILLENNIALS AND THE GEN Z

By Matthew Eloyi

As you may have known, defining who is a millennial and who is a member of Gen Z (Generation Z) is based entirely on dates (in this case, years). A Millennial is someone who was given birth to between 1980 and 1995. According to research, there are roughly 1.8 billion Millennials around the world, equal to 23% of the global population. A member of Gen Z is someone that was born between 1996 and the mid-2000s. Gen Z is the largest generation ever. Globally, there are almost 2 billion of them, comprising almost 30% of the world’s population. Please, note that the birth years vary according to sources.

Millennials and Gen Z are not parent and offspring respectively; they are siblings. The former is older than the latter, but they are both forged by the internet; and are rightly considered as a single generation with some slight differences of opinion regarding emoji, slangs, and hashtags.

Millennials and members of Gen Z are offspring of Generation X (baby boomers), the two generations are often referred to as the ‘Me’ Generation, thereby producing the ‘Me Me Me Generation’ who are known for being selfish, greedy, over-confident, entitled and technology addicted. Also known as iGeneration (iGen), digital natives, Post-Millennials and zoomers, Gen Z succeeded Millennials and preceded Generation Alpha. They are famous for being the first generation to be totally engrossed in the internet since birth.

Millennials and members of Gen Z have been molded by the powers of globalization, making society progressively connected and inter-reliant in terms of communication exchange, economic integration, tourism and cultural diffusions. Consequently, they operate in environments that not only vertically integrate several generations, but also horizontally integrate individuals across national and cultural boundaries.

They are the most intimidating and thrilling generation since the baby boomers brought about social revolution. The Industrial Revolution has made them far more powerful that they could move to a city, read and set up establishments on their own. The digital revolution has further empowered them by handing them the technology to compete against giant organizations, as evident in the case of hackers competing against corporations; bloggers competing against newspapers; terrorists competing against nation-states, YouTube directors competing against studios; and app-makers competing against entire industries. In fact, older generations feel threatened by Millennials and members of Gen Z because of their “I know it all” attitudes.

Characteristics of this demography

Millennials differ from country to country, but because of globalization, social media, cultural imperialism and the speed of change, Millennials worldwide are more similar to one another than to older generations within their nations. Even in China, where family history is more significant than any individual, the Internet, urbanization and the one-child policy have produced a generation as brash and self-involved as the Western one. And these aren’t peculiar to the wealthy ones: poor Millennials have even higher rates of egotism, cupidity and technology addiction in their isolated, segregated and self-contained lives.

Aside being relatively close in age and both being technologically savvy, Millennials and members of Gen Z share many more characteristics. They include, but are not limited to the following:

Customization: Millennials were brought up in a generation where almost everything could be customized to an individual’s specific liking. They pull this expectancy into their places of work and want their workplace training, work tools and career paths to have the same level of customization. Gen Z shares Millennials’ affinity for customization. In fact, most members of Gen Z prefer customizing their own career plans to having an organization impose one on them.

Enthralled by gaming: Millennials are captivated by products, processes, or procedures that are “gamified”. Inculcating gaming features in your activities will also engage members of Gen Z, especially since majority of them see gaming as their main hobby.

Contribution at home: Millennials were brought up as the household. They help their folks troubleshoot a laptop, create a Facebook account, and download their first smartphone apps.  Millennials feel obligated at work to contribute their distinctive skills and viewpoints. Similarly, members of Gen Z have been helping their folks to conduct research, plan vacations, and many more.

Enthusiastic about Development: Majority of Millennials undergo training to develop their leadership skills. Their desire for professional development grows as they begin to rise into leadership positions inside of organizations. Members of Gen Z are devoted to continuous learning and development because they know their careers will be longer and more varied than any other generation in history.

Training transformation: Majority of Millennials leave an organization because they are not satisfied with how their leadership skills are being developed. Members of Gen Z share Millennial’s dislike for how boring and obsolete so many of today’s workplace trainings have become.

Motivated by Coaching: Coaching is the workplace leadership style that resonates best with Millennials. This is because they were surrounded by so many coaches during their over-scheduled after-school activities. Gen Z will also pursue coaching relationships because they won’t be looking to leaders for answers (all the information they need is in their palms) but will prefer leaders to coach them through their learning process, decisions, and actions.

How the age of internet has affected their lives

Millennials and members of Gen Z were born into a stage of development where the internet and social media have been integrated in nearly all phases of their lives. While social media has proven to be a cherished communication tool in connecting with each other and sharing information, the long-term psychosocial effects are beginning to become more obvious as digital technology advances.

The learning process of Millennials and Gen Z differ greatly from that of the earlier generations. Their education has been greatly influenced by technology. At some point in their education, online textbooks, YouTube, Smart Boards, and videos have been used in the classrooms.

When digital technology newly came into existence, people did not see the Internet as a reliable source for formal research, but as professional journals and books have migrated online, many researchers and scholars now rely solely on electronic resources.

In many schools today, it is more common for students to find all research articles online than to use any printed material at all. With the Internet constantly in the palm of their hands, Millennials and members of Gen Z need only a few seconds to find their desired information.

They always interact but almost entirely through a screen. It is common to see them sitting next to one another and texting. They might look quiet, but they’re deeply nervous about missing out on something better. Majority of them check their phones every hour, and many experiences phantom pocket-vibration syndrome.

Now that most of them are in the workforce, technology determines how they apply for jobs and what kind of jobs are available. Most available job opportunities now require an all-encompassing familiarity with various forms of technology, and Millennials and members of Gen Z are already well-equipped to handle them.

The Nigerian case: the desire to work less and earn plenty

One of the biggest and most cited conceptions about Millennials and members of Gen Z is their sense of entitlement. This is why some refer to them as the “Me Me Me Generation”, whose selfishness has only been aggravated by technology. In Nigeria, Millennials and members of the Gen Z typically ask for a salary far higher than what they’re worth, or expect a job immediately after graduation as if they are the only ones that graduated.

The idea is that the generations were raised by baby boomer and Gen X parents who over-pampered them. They were awarded participation trophies just for attending competitive events, and had access to the internet with practically unlimited connectivity in their childhood and early adult years.

Accordingly, they grew up believing that the world already owed them something, and as such, complain when they don’t immediately get it. Consequently, they tend to misbehave at work when their expectations are not met by their employers.

Despite the numerous negative traits attributed to Millennials and members of Gen Z, it is worth noting that the world cannot do without them at the moment as they are the most educated and creative generation in history, and pursuing higher and higher levels of education can only set up future generations for the better, creating a ripple effect that will last long into the future.

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Africa

Customs hands over illicit drugs worth N117.59m to NDLEA

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Customs hands over illicit drugs worth N117.59m to NDLEA

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun Area 1 Command, has handed over illicit drugs worth N117.59 million to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The Comptroller of the command, Mr James Ojo, disclosed this during the handing over of the drugs to Mr Olusegun Adeyeye, the Commander of NDLEA, Idiroko Special Area Command, in Abeokuta, Ogun, on Friday.

Ojo said the customs handed over the seized cannabis and tramadol tablets to the Idiroko Special Command for further investigation in line with the standard operating procedures and inter-agency collaboration.

He said the illicit drugs were seized  in various strategic locations between January and November 21, 2024, in Ogun State.

He added that the illicit drugs were abandoned at various locations, including the Abeokuta axis, the Agbawo/Igankoto area of Yewa North Local Government Area, and Imeko Afton axis.

Ojo said that the seizure of the cannabis sativa and tramaling tablets, another brand of tramadol, was made possible through credible intelligence and strategic operations of the customs personnel.

“The successful interception of these dangerous substances would not have been possible without the robust collaboration and support from our intelligence units, local informants and sister agencies.

“These landmark operations are testament to the unwavering dedication of the NCS to safeguard the health and well-being of our citizens and uphold the rule of law,” he said.

He said the seizures comprised 403 sacks and 6,504 parcels, weighing 7,217.7 kg and 362 packs of tramaling tablets of 225mg each, with a total Duty Paid Value of N117,587,405,00.

He described the height of illicit drugs smuggling in the recent time as worrisome.

This, he said, underscores the severity of drug trafficking within the borders.

“Between Oct. 13 and Nov. 12 alone, operatives intercepted a total of 1,373 parcels of cannabis sativa, weighing 1,337kg and 362 packs of tramaling tablets of 225mg each,” he said.

Ojo said the seizures had  disrupted the supply chain of illicit drugs, thereby mitigating the risks those substances posed to the youth, families and communities.

He lauded the synergy between its command, security agencies and other stakeholders that led to the remarkable achievements.

Ojo also commended the Comptroller General of NCS for creating an enabling environment for the command to achieve the success.

Responding, Adeyeye, applauded the customs for achieving the feat.

Adeyeye pledged to continue to collaborate with the customs to fight against illicit trade and drug trafficking in the state.

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Africa

Ann-Kio Briggs Faults Tinubu for Scrapping Niger Delta Ministry

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Prominent Niger Delta human rights activist and environmentalist, Ann-Kio Briggs, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to scrap the Ministry of Niger Delta, describing it as ill-advised and detrimental to the oil-rich region.

Briggs expressed her concerns during an appearance on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, a socio-political programme aired on Channels Television.

“The Ministry of Niger Delta was created by the late (President Umaru) Yar’Adua. There was a reason for the creation. So, just removing it because the president was advised. I want to believe that he was advised because if he did it by himself, that would be terribly wrong,” she stated.

President Tinubu, in October, dissolved the Ministry of Niger Delta and replaced it with the Ministry of Regional Development, which is tasked with overseeing all regional development commissions, including the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), North-West Development Commission, and North-East Development Commission.

Briggs questioned the rationale behind the restructuring, expressing concerns about its feasibility and implications. “But that’s not going to be the solution because who is going to fund the commissions? Is it the regions because it is called the Regional Development Ministry? Is it the states in the regions? What are the regions because we don’t work with regions right now; we are working with geopolitical zones,” she remarked.

She added, “Are we going back to regionalism? If we are, we have to discuss it. The president can’t decide on his own to restructure Nigeria. If we are restructuring Nigeria, the president alone can’t restructure Nigeria, he has to take my opinion and your opinion into consideration.”

Briggs also decried the longstanding neglect of the Niger Delta despite its significant contributions to Nigeria’s economy since 1958. “The Niger Delta has been developing Nigeria since 1958. We want to use our resources to develop our region; let regions use their resources to develop themselves,” she asserted.

Reflecting on the various bodies established to address the region’s development, Briggs lamented their failure to deliver meaningful progress. She highlighted the Niger Delta Basin Authority, the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC), and the NDDC as examples of ineffective interventions.

“NDDC was created by Olusegun Obasanjo…There was OMPADEC before NDDC. OMPADEC was an agency. Before OMPADEC, there was the Basin Authority…These authorities were created to help us. Were we helped by those authorities? No, we were not,” she said.

Briggs further described the NDDC as an “ATM for failed politicians, disgruntled politicians, and politicians that have had their electoral wins taken away from them and given to somebody else.”

Her remarks underscore the deep-seated frustrations in the Niger Delta, where residents continue to advocate for greater control over their resources and improved governance.

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Securing the Digital Frontier: Global and Nigerian Cybersecurity Landscape

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Securing the Digital Frontier: Global and Nigerian Cybersecurity Landscape
“Cybersecurity is much more than a matter of IT; it’s a matter of national security.”
Pauline Neville-Jones, former UK Minister for Security
By Ernest Ogezi

As the digital landscape rapidly expands, the global cybersecurity situation has reached a critical juncture. In an increasingly interconnected world, the scale and frequency of cyber threats continue to escalate, affecting individuals, businesses, and governments alike. October, designated as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, serves as a stark reminder of the growing importance of cybersecurity and the collective responsibility we all share in securing our digital spaces.

Globally, the numbers paint a grim picture. According to a 2024 report by IBM Security, the average cost of a data breach has soared to $4.88 million, marking the highest figure ever recorded. This staggering figure underscores the severe financial implications of cyber incidents. Additionally, the number of data compromises worldwide in the first half of 2024 rose to 1,571, a 14% increase from 2023. These statistics highlight the growing sophistication of cyberattacks and the pressing need for more robust defenses. Ransomware, phishing, and advanced persistent threats (APTs) continue to dominate the threat landscape, with attackers constantly evolving their tactics.

The situation in Nigeria mirrors global trends but presents its own set of unique challenges. As Africa’s largest economy and a rapidly growing digital hub, Nigeria has experienced a surge in cybercrime activity. In 2022 alone, the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) recorded over 60,000 cyberattacks on financial institutions, amounting to billions in losses. The rise of digital banking, e-commerce, and the widespread adoption of mobile devices have made the country a prime target for cybercriminals. In response to these challenges, the Nigerian government has taken significant steps to bolster the nation’s cybersecurity infrastructure, with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) playing a pivotal role.

NITDA, the agency responsible for regulating and promoting Nigeria’s IT ecosystem, has been at the forefront of the country’s cybersecurity efforts. In line with its mandate to foster a safe and secure digital environment, NITDA has implemented a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing cybersecurity awareness, promoting best practices, and strengthening the country’s defense against cyber threats. The agency’s role in cybersecurity is multi-faceted, focusing on policy development, capacity building, and public-private partnerships.

One of NITDA’s key contributions has been the development of Nigeria’s National Cybersecurity Strategy, which outlines the country’s approach to combating cyber threats. The strategy emphasizes the importance of protecting critical infrastructure, safeguarding personal data, and building cyber resilience. It also focuses on creating a culture of cybersecurity awareness across all sectors of society. NITDA has been instrumental in implementing this strategy by working with stakeholders to ensure its effectiveness.

In October 2024, as part of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, NITDA launched a nationwide awareness campaign to educate individuals and organizations on the importance of cybersecurity. The campaign, which aligns with the global theme “Secure Our World,” emphasizes the shared responsibility of all Nigerians in protecting the digital landscape. Through workshops, webinars, and educational materials, NITDA is working to equip citizens with the knowledge and tools they need to safeguard their digital assets.

A key focus of NITDA’s efforts has been the protection of Nigeria’s critical infrastructure, including the financial, energy, and healthcare sectors. Cyberattacks on these sectors can have devastating consequences, not only financially but also in terms of public safety. In response, NITDA has collaborated with both national and international organizations to enhance the cybersecurity frameworks of these industries, ensuring that they are equipped to defend against evolving threats.

Beyond its focus on critical infrastructure, NITDA has made significant strides in fostering a cybersecurity-conscious workforce. Through its Cybersecurity Awareness Program, the agency has trained thousands of IT professionals, law enforcement officers, and government personnel on the latest cybersecurity trends and defense techniques. This capacity-building initiative is crucial for ensuring that Nigeria has a skilled workforce capable of responding to the ever-changing threat landscape.

Despite these efforts, the scale and complexity of cyber threats continue to grow. The rise of ransomware attacks, data breaches, and phishing schemes poses significant risks to both the public and private sectors. NITDA recognizes that cybersecurity is not a static field but one that requires constant vigilance and adaptation. The agency is therefore committed to continuously improving Nigeria’s cybersecurity posture through policy updates, enhanced defenses, and ongoing education.

 

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