Day: July 17, 2024

In Nigeria, where youth unemployment rates are high, tap-to-earn games have attracted many as a potential source of income.

Since its launch on February 15, 2024, Tap swap has captured the attention of millions of users, especially in Nigeria.

Tapping the app’s central icon to mine coins has become a daily routine for many.

Viral videos show Nigerians, both young and old, constantly tapping their screens to earn coins. These coins can be converted to dollars when the token is launched.

For example, Joseph Adewale, a recent university graduate, turned to these games after struggling to find a job.

He spends several hours daily on his smartphone, earning small amounts of crypto currency.

Although he has made some money Adewale admits it is far from enough to fully support him.

However, the financial prospects of tap-to-earn games are not guaranteed. Success often depends on a combination of skill, time investment, and sometimes, upfront costs for in-game purchases.

While some players like Adewale have m
ade modest gains, many others find the earnings to be insufficient, questioning the true potential of these games to deliver substantial wealth.

According to a report by Global Web Index, Nigeria had the highest number of addicted internet users in Africa in 2021, with the average user spending three hours and 42 minutes on social networks daily. South Africa is second.

In the same year, Nigeria ranked third globally, following the Philippines and Brazil.

Although gambling is regulated in Nigeria, there are still numerous grey areas regarding tap-to-earn games and casino operations that the government does not cover.

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Industry analysts attribute the high accessibility and lack of regulations as causes for young individuals overspending in the digital gaming sector, leading to significant mental health disorders.

Put in context, Tap-to-earn games have rapidly evolved from simple entertainment to complex ecosystems promising real-wor
ld financial rewards.

These games often leverage block chain technology and crypto currency, allowing players to earn digital assets that can be converted into real money.

Enthusiasts argue that these games democratise earning opportunities, potentially making players richer through their game-play skills.

Beyond the finances, the addictive nature of tap-to-earn games has raised alarms, particularly regarding youth enthusiasts.

The constant drive to earn and the lure of potential wealth can lead to excessive screen time and gaming addiction.

For instance Favour Ekeh initially joined these games to make money but found herself neglecting her studies and social life as she became increasingly engrossed.

For unemployed Nigerian youths like Adewale and Ekeh, understanding these dynamics is essential to harness the benefits without falling into detrimental habits.

As tap-to-earn games continue to gain popularity, finding a balance between enjoying the potential financial benefits and avoiding the pitfalls o
f addiction is crucial.

Players, especially the younger ones, need to be educated about responsible gaming practices and the realistic expectations of earning from these games.

Dr Richard Enemaku, an expert in youth development says by educating young people about the risks and realities of tap-to-earn games, they could be helped to make informed decisions and avoid potential pitfalls.

According to him, the introduction of comprehensive digital literacy programmes in schools and communities will help in that regard.

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Enemaku underscored the importance of parental guidance in gaming activities, saying understanding the potential dangers and promoting healthy gaming habits is crucial in protecting the nation’s youth.

‘The Nigerian government must step in with regulations to oversee tap-to-earn games.

‘Ensuring these games are fair and transparent can protect players from exploitation.

‘Players need to know what to expect to avoid
false hopes and disappointment, clear communication about the realistic earning potential is essential’, he said.

He called for the enforcement of age restrictions and parental controls to prevent younger children from accessing potentially addictive games and safeguarding their well-being.

An IT security expert, Ms. Seun Johnson, said that developing programmes with alternative activities and job opportunities can keep youths engaged and reduce their reliance on these games.

She further said that counselling support services were needed for those struggling with game addiction.

‘Investing in programmes that teach valuable digital and vocational skills provide young people with alternative earning avenues.

‘Parents and guardians should use tools and apps to monitor gaming usage and enforce time limits, this can steer them away from an over reliance on tap-to-earn games’, she said.

Johnson also called for entrepreneurship support through resources to help youths start their own ventures.

By so doing, sh
e said, appeal of these games as a primary income source would be reduced while also fostering innovation and self-sufficiency.

Similarly, understanding end-user responsibilities is crucial in mitigating the risks of tap-to-earn game addiction.

According to Dr Noimot Abdullahi, a counsellor specialising in addiction, young people should establish time limits for gaming activities and prioritise their school and family obligations.

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Abdullahi said the importance of engaging in other hobbies and physical activities to maintain a healthy balance.

‘It is also essential for youths to be aware of the potential risks and realistic earnings from these games.

‘Seeking support from family, friends, or professional counselors can significantly help those struggling with addiction’, she said.

She also said that by raising awareness and promoting responsible gaming practices, Nigerians would be empowered to enjoy their digital interests wit
hout succumbing to harmful habits.

Experts believe game developers should practice responsible design, adopting ethical practices that minimise addictive elements and promote balanced game-play.

They say implementing these measures can mitigate the risks of tap-to-earn games and create a safer environment for young Nigerians to explore their digital interests responsibly.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

With the hours ticking closer to the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA), parliamentary officials are busy finalising preparations for Thursday night’s ceremony.

On the ground, some locals are expressing nostalgia for the Opening of Parliament that took place in 1994 – 30 years ago.

A local resident, Skhosana Mkhwanazi, told SAnews that he cannot wait for the address tomorrow.

‘This Parliament reminds me of Madiba’s Parliament, the Government of National Unity (GNU). I feel this is real democracy,’ Mkhwanazi said.

He added that he hopes the political parties in the GNU will work together to advance the interests of all South Africans.

‘I am confident that things are going to change for the better. Our lives are going to change for the better and there’s going to be better service delivery in our communities and there’s going to be less corruption. What has happened during the elections [of 29 May], was what people wanted. It was God’s will that all the parties should work together,’ Mkhwanazi said.

Echo
ing the same sentiments was Arkell Marson who expressed his irritation at politicians who were enriching themselves and forgetting about the people who voted them in power.

‘All the parties are going to work together to improve our lives and create more job opportunities,’ he told SAnews.

As of 14 July 2024, the Cape Town City Hall has been officially designated as the parliamentary precinct in accordance with Section 2 of the Powers, Privileges, and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act.

Streets in the vicinity of the City Hall have been closed and the red carpet has been rolled out for President Cyril Ramaphosa, his Deputy Paul Mashatile, Cabinet Ministers, Parliamentarians and other guests who will be attending the address which will get underway at 7pm.

Despite the predicted rainy weather, all is on track for tomorrow’s big day.

READ | Heavy rains expected for Opening of Parliament Address

On the opposite side of the hall, a big marquee has been set up and both the community and n
ational media representatives have taken their positions therin. Meanwhile, military and police officials are also dotting their I’s and crossing their T’s.

Within the vicinity of the City Hall, decorations with flowers have been put up, where only police, military and government vehicles are allowed.

‘We have accredited about 9 000 journalists to cover the Opening of Parliament tomorrow,’ Parliamentary spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said on Wednesday.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, earlier today said this historic event marks the beginning of the seventh term of a democratic Parliament and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to constitutional democracy.

‘We look forward to welcoming all participants to this significant occasion, which promises to be a compelling demonstration of our nation’s democratic principles, unity and resilience,’ she said.

Mandela Day

This year’s opening of Parliament is unique as it takes place on Nelson Mandela’s birthday, 18 July.

In this regard, Parliament has
called upon all parliamentarians, South Africans and global citizens to emulate Madiba’s selflessness and untiring service to humanity.

The Presiding Officers of Parliament will tomorrow take time away from their OPA duties to participate in service programs around Cape Town.

This, according to the Speaker of the National Assembly, holds particular significance, as it coincides with the commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of South Africa’s constitutional democracy.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Transportation minister Said Alkali has charged the Governing Council of the Federal University of Transportation, Daura (FUTD), to develop policies to boost interconnectedness among roads, rail, air and marine modes of transportation.

Alkali spoke on Tuesday when members of FUTD paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to him, it is imperative for the new council to immediately swing into action by formulating sound policies that will actualise the objectives of establishing the university.

‘There should be emphasis on development of effective transportation policies that will further strengthen the interconnectedness of operations of the existing roads, rail, air and marine infrastructure.

‘FUTD has the responsibility of incorporating the principles of sustainability into your curriculum, research, operations, to foster a culture of sustainability for a sustainable infrastructure, and transportation future of Nigeria,’ Alkali said.

The minister said such a move would ensur
e that the University contributed to the nation’s economic growth and development through sustainable policies and principles that would be the institute’s programmes and operational guide.

He urged the council to incorporate staff training programmes that would focus on implementing sustainability in areas like innovation, collaboration and ethical behaviour.

Alkali further urged the council not to relent efforts in delivering on the primary assignment in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu.

Earlier, the Chairman of the council, Dr Muiz Banire, had assured the minister of the council members’ readiness to deploy their wealth of experience in nurturing the new tertiary institution to maturity.

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According to Benire, the wealth of experience he gathered in Lagos State when he was a former Commissioner of Transport for eight years will assist to actualise the dream of the institution.

Source: News Agency of Niger
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