I joined steemit since February this year, but started blogging on the 16th of March. I began my Steemit adventure when I had no single penny on me. It doesn't mean I was jobless, but I was making very little from my efforts. I'm a crafts-person. I make beads. Since the economic recession in the country, making a comfortable living from that alone was extremely difficult. For the past 16 months, life has become very frustrating for so many Nigerians. Being able to provide basic life necessities is a challenge for the masses. In the quest for survival, then came the "Almighty MMM".
My beautiful bead
MMM is a HYIP (High Yield Investment Program) scheme. It was established by Sergei Mavrodi, a Russian. It is a well packaged scam. So many Nigerians were victims of the MMM scam. I was also a victim, not because I don't understand how HYIPs work, but because in very hard times, the struggle for survival makes people do weird things. I lost the little money I had to schemes like MMM. Then someone introduced me to Steemit.
Another beautiful design
An anonymous facebook friend introduced me to Steemit. He said I could earn $20 a day on steemit. I leaped for joy on hearing that, but when he said they'll pay me with cryptocurrency, I became sceptical about it. The reason I was initially sceptical about it was because MMM and its cohorts have given cryptocurrency a bad name in Nigeria. They were the ones that first introduced cryptos to us. Since they turned out to defraud people of their hard earned money, so many people don't want to here anything about cryptocurrency. When I told my sister about Steemit, she said "this is another well packaged MMM". She said, after wasting my time here, I'm not going to be paid. I'm glad Steemit has turned out to be the exact opposite of MMM. Steemit is putting smiles on the faces of so many Nigerians.
Since I joined steemit, my ever radiant face is glowing more and more.
What it cost me to stay active here
It cost me courage to join steemit when everyone around me was against it.
It cost me sacrifices to have enough money to always purchase data for my internet connection. Staying connected to the internet is not a very cheap thing for most Nigerians. To purchase One gigabyte worth of data, it will costs you approximately $3. More than 50% of Nigerians are living below $3 a day.
Electricity supply is a major problem here. 10 hrs a day electricity supply is not guaranteed. For some people to power on their computers for a long period, it takes using a generator set or solar energy.
For an average Nigerian to stay active online, it takes a lot of sacrifices.
A shout-out to all the Nigerians and others from Third World countries who defiled all odds to come on board and remain active here.
If you ain't on Steemit, you haven't experienced the power and wealth of social network.
The story is almost the same as my friend, I was also told by my friend to join steemit because every post we are appreciated. I almost do not believe it but I try it, it really is true steemit appreciate our work. I was glad. How are you, friend?
Yes, steemit presented what is uncommon that's why people hardly believe it. Thanks for your comment here @berkat.
Both friends, we must support each other here.
@ogowinner thats the truth, being online in this part of the world is really difficult with exorbitant data subscription and epileptic power supply. I'm just about 2 weeks old on steemit and I've spent over 3000 Naira on subscription let alone the stress of constantly powering my gadget. Sometimes i just feel stressed out but seeing notable steemians like you has been a source of inspiration to me.
check your wallet. I've given you 20 SBD to help with energy and internet.
I've heard of your benevolence but i've never thought it's this magnificient. You're a true symbol of love and care, a leader we should all aspire to be. Thank you for your generosity and support @stellabelle.
I am just a human and am not perfect. Sometimes I act from what I know I can do to help others, but I act from self-preservation most of the time. It's my goal to be more useful to the world. I saw a need, so i realized I could help in that moment.
Oh my goodness! @stellabelle, to what do I owe you this kindness? I'm very grateful. Thanks so much for this.
@harbysco, thanks for reading this. I encourage you not to give up. Join the African community on steemit chat, that will help.
Welcome on board.
Thanks @ogowinner. I have joined the African community on discord(PAL to be precise)
I mean the one on steemit chat. Register there, I'll mention you in the channel.
Incredible post my fellow Nigerian...you had say it all...... the hardships of data, precisely power failure it's really took us good couraged to be active here... I will be a bad Nigerian without Me UPVOTE this .. Thank for this great post.💪💪💪💪
Thanks so much for confirming this story @davidad.
true post
I see people complaining about steemit not making the money they want it to. It is so refreshing to see someone like you who has real struggles making this work. We should appreciate anything that moves us forward and see it as a long term investment rather than a scheme to get rich. I am genuinely excited for you and hope this takes you farther than you ever imagined! I have upvoted and resteemed it to help as much as i can.
Thanks so so much for this feedback @goatgarden. There were times when I spent more I earned on steemit. My posts hardly got up to $1 then, but I never gave up. I'm so glad today that steemit is rewriting the story of my life.
you never gave up and that is why you are changing the world...now on steemit.
Thank you.
@goatgarden, i am also new in steemit...can you help me out?how can i earn through steam it? I am following you !!
I am still fairly new myself, but here is what i am learning. Posting quality posts often is important. This is difficult for me because of my schedule but i do what i can. More importantly, get into the community. Leave sincere replies and get into conversations with people. Also, join the chats, especially the minnowsupport on discord. Get to know people and this will gain followers. Gaining followers gets upvotes. Don't focus on money, focus on people and community. Success will follow. Follow @aggroed and @gmuxx. They will lead you to a great steemit experience.
thanks a lot @goatgarden....how do i join chats? could you guide me through?
For steemit chat, click on the 3 bars at the upper right corner of your page. There is a link near the bottom of the drop down menu. For the minnowsupport project you have to use discord. It is an app you download to your phone. On a standard computer in not sure. I'll see if i can find an invite link to get you in the group. I'm a little low-tech so it may take some searching :-)
https://steemit.com/guide/@a4illusionist/how-to-register-for-discord-complete-guide
Click on this link. It should be all you need to get there.
@ogoowinner,
I had no idea it was so difficult that sometimes solar generators were used for computers. It makes sense but I am spoiled by my centralized utilities.
I have had the same objections when I tell people about Steemit. They think it sounds like some sort of scam, because admittedly, it promises to do pretty amazing things.
Is it possible to buy any of your beadwork (I am assuming the pictures are both yours) via Steemit? Also, can it be shipped to the US?
Ps - I gave you a full upvote & resteem, but unfortunately it'll only get you about a gig of data at the current price =/
@lexiconical, thanks so much for the Upvote and resteem. You're one of the reasons I can't leave steemit. I appreciate your regular feedback on my posts.
Yes those pictures are mine. It's possible to buy through steemit. I'll be glad to pm you on this. Are you on steemit.chat?
I'm usually not logged in there. I'll have to get back to you on this in the future - few things came up this week!
Ok. Thanks @lexiconical.
Lol... The data part got me... For a month, you could expend $6 just for a month... It may not be up to a month in some cases..
The amount of fuel generators consumes is abysmal...
Steemit has changed lives Mehn....
Lol! Which network? Cos I spend more than 6,000 every month for mtn data.
Thanks for reading and commenting @dean-mno.
I use gloves which issomewhat cheaper.. At random, I could expend 4k or 5k on data per month with measures OOO @ogoowinner
Glo is very unreliable here. Too slow.
I was so lucky to join Steemit at the start of the year and when everyone was complaining of recession, I was like "what tf is that?". I almost looked insensitive to people's plight but it wasn't totally my fault.
Steemit kickstarted what has been an amazing 2017!
@fisteganos, same thing is happening to me now, I'm no longer feeling the terrible waves of the recession. Thanks for reading and leaving a comment here bro.
naija, the hustle is real. The challenges are several and the overcomers are my heros. Data, Power all join but dem no reach to scatter ya show!
nice one, Lady
My brother I almost gave up, but today, I'm glad I didn't. Thanks for this comment here @kolex.
my sista tell dem...internet is not a small somtin
#GBAM
Yeah, I've heard people who complained that they spend too much to be here, then earn nothing. Thanks for reading @purplerabbit.
Yea, Nigerians struggles sum up in a post, Nigerians are coming to steemit in numbers and trust Nigerians to take this community to it dream land. I love my people
Thanks for reading this @austinofana. Nigerian will make a big market for Steem and steemit.
180million internet passionate people is no joke
Wow how do people live on $3 a day? That's crazy to think.
The thing is, you would be losing nothing even if crypto currencies went bad.. Because compared to Facebook, where you got nothing, this is in every way a ton better experience :)
Interesting post. Talk soon. I will give you a follow!
Being on facebook and being active on steemit are not the same thing. You come on facebook when you want, but you must be very active and committed to make anything on steemit. It takes staying longer online. Beside steemit consumes more data.
Thanks for your here @enazwahsdarb.
My pleasure :)
True, but I am just thinking about how much time some people spend on Facebook anyways.. Just wasting time away. If you think about it like that, that if they just spent that time on Steemit, they could potentially make a decent money if they do it properly.
Talk soon.
@ogoowinner, this challenges were the reason I didn't really give attention to steemit since January I heard about it, it was until this July I decided to take the bold step and I can tell you, I'm loving every bit of it. There is hope for Africa & Nigeria.
Proudly Nigerian!
@kayceesuave
I'm glad you finally took the bold step to join. I assure you, you won't regret it. Welcome on board. Join the African community on steemit chat.
Thanks for your comment here @kayceesuave.
the hustle is real bro. Am a Ghanaian and just joined steemit through a link a received from a friend. Hoping it will worth my stay
It certainly will worth your stay. Join the African community on steemit chat. That will go a long way to help you.
Thanks for reading @mecael-emerald.
I hit you with a 100% upvote, its inspiring to see how crypto is actually changing lives for those in all corners of the world like it was meant to. im glad that you persevered and are doing your best to overcome your obstacles!!! many blessings!
@orangeshasta, thank you. Cryptocurrency is changing lives, but Steem and steemit is giving hope to the hopeless.
Thanks for your comment here.
Amazing story! You know, in my years of being an active internet user right from mid-90s I've seen a lot of scams. I even wrote an article about deal with Steemit Skeptics on Facebook and Reddit because people who are not as knowledgeable think everything is a scam. Steemit is complex and requires some use of it to understand how it works. It's great that people who are open minded to trying new things often end up doing well.
It's a winner when a service pays you to use it and doesnt take a penny from you for making you spend your time!
@firepower, thanks for reading. A lot of online scam is the reason people get sceptical about steemit. I'm glad I'm always opened to new things.
Steemit has been a source of blessing to me.
Your posts are very encouraging too. Thanks once more.
You're welcome! :)
Wow, @ogoowinner what a great article and why did I see this so late!!! I introduced 3 people on steemit @mcekworo , @kenhudoy and @hynet . All of them are in Nigeria and will love to read this as they understand the situation you just explained. I hereby send you my 100% upvote in order to send you my love and support. Bless you and am sure that you will be a big success.
Thank you @charles1.
welcome , always
@ogoowinner
you truly a winner... those who truly understand such sacrifices will appreciate your post...
epileptic power supply, high cost of data and constant downtime...insecurity... recession, restructuring, referendum... a country garnished with polynometivism, polycommunitivism, prebendalism just to mention a few...
However, against all odds...dedicated steemians in Nigeria are still steeming hot..
Nice post...keep it up
Thanks for reading @kenhudoy. It's really not easy being a Nigerian.
you can say it again! i feel you...following you already and will support anytime the need arises...
hope you shoping right @shopright in Enugu with ur sbd;) ...nice location...;)
nigerians are always sckeptical when you tell them about cryptocurrencies , they always feel it is one HYIP or the other, steemit is real reward for effort and social networking, thank you for sharing.
cheers !
Thanks for reading @epikcoin. You won't blame them. Not after what MMM and its likes did to Nigerians.
I've already have been following you but I hit you up with 100% upvote. I'm also going to resteem. Hopefully we can get you a months worth of data!!!
@alao, thanks for this kindness. I've earned enough to purchase a year's worth of data. But when I started, it wasn't easy.
Thanks for reading, the Upvote & Resteem.
wow...nice one @alao
great to see fellow steemians supporting one another...nice comment
wow I am so happy to hear your sacrifice is paying off. Good luck to you!
Thanks @bearbear613
Great Effort !! #Respect
Thanks @blazing, I'm glad to see your comment here.
Thank you for sharing this and for sticking with it. I hope many more Nigerians will find that it's worth the sacrifice also!
Thank you @donkeypong for finding time to read this and for your support to the Nigerian community here. Steemit is truly worth the sacrifice.
Wow this is absolutely incredible. Thank you so much for your sacrifice. Can;t wait to see more content from you
Thanks for reading this @chiefmappster. I got your sbd gifts. Thanks so much for that. I have written so many other contents and will still write more.
I'm glad you drop by on this post.
You're very welcome, glad I could help out :)
And heck yeah can't wait to see your future content. Keep doing great things
nice piece! proudly Nigerian.Following you right away.
Thank you @blessedman939.
Good for you! It's really awesome to me that Steemit is tangibly helping people live better lives.
Yeah! I'm a witness to the fact that steemit is changing lives. Thanks for reading and leaving a comment here @fungusmonk.
Happy to see steemit is helping you greatly. :)
Thank you @alex-icy, you are one of those who keep me motivated here. Thanks for always reading and commenting. I appreciate that.
Anytime. :)
Thank you for sharing your story and your experiences. My ex-husband is from Nigeria, and I believe the scam you mentioned is one that he recently told me about. I wish you well, peace and blessings in your Steemit journey!
Thanks @rainsworld. So many Nigerians were victims of MMM. I'm glad to see your comment here.
MMM has robbed many people in Russia, but I did not know that he did this trick in Nigeria. But it's great that you have the strength not to lose confidence in the crypto currency.
@dlina-v-metrah I never knew he also robbed his countrymen. So many Nigerians were victims of the MMM scam. I'm glad I found steemit.
Thanks for your comment here.
Wow your commitment really inspires me. It is amazing to see what you and others sacrifice, most people will never understand this and probably don't even know about this.
Yes, people who enjoy steady electricity supply and free internet access cannot understand this. I wanted to give-up, but some good steemians here kept encouraging me. Today, I'm glad I didn't give up on steemit.
Thanks for your comment here @dragonslayer109.
well done ,love this post
Thank you @eddyova. I'm glad you read it.
I just up voted at 100% @ogoowinner I hope it helps. I never really thought about the struggle like you explain. I always tell people we have no idea, so now I have more info. to let others know the word; gratefulness.
Thanks and
full steem ahead!
@streetstyle, thanks for the Upvote. I know so many people have no idea what another person might be facing.
Thanks so much for reading and commenting on my post.
@ogoowinner The good thing is that there are many who want to and will help, they sometimes just don't know about situations such as yours and others.
That is the great thing about steemit, it isn't the money, but the HOPE that it gives, and the ability of others (strangers really) to help fill that hope.
full steem ahead!
You are right. Thanks for finding time to reply.
Love that this post puts things in perspective for those of us that readily have power and internet 24/7. Sometimes people forget how good they have it and focus on what they don't. Just being able to connect to steemit is a blessing many take for granted here in the States.
That's true. We humans focus so much on what we don't have, then fail to make an efficient use of what we have.
Thanks for reading and commenting @scaredcatguide.
Pretty inspiring. Glad to have you here with us on steemit. Hope it continues to help you in your goals.
@exavier, thank you very much. Steemit has helped me a lot.
What an awesome story and what a stunning personality you are! Glad you are here on steemit, you add a lot of value @ogoowinner
Thank you @uwelang. You were among the first steemit users that helped my posts then with upvotes and comments. I appreciate you sir.
I'm sorry to hear about what happened to you and how hard life has been. I'm glad you've managed to rise above that. Your story is very inspiring. I'm also from a third world country. That aside, your beadworks are fudging fantabulous! You make gorgeous beadworks, that's for sure! <3
Thanks for reading @unspeakable. I'm glad you like my bead works.
Woah I was JUST looking at Nigrian Wedding Decorations they have the craziest intriocate wedding necklaceses!!
stuff like this
we should make modern avante garde hip hop jewlery in Gold and diamonds using this pattern
or we shouold make new high fashion vercasce or gucci necklaces that look likethis but attache dto new clothes like we hould use this and make amazing clothing lines or fashion line out of these styles!!! u can use stemit to market it
we need to uyse steemit to INCUBATE all sorts of new companies!
Africa has so much SWAG so much culture and DANCE and energy they should realy package it and sell it in form of youytube videos dance videos africans can use their culture to make money with MEDIA and entertainment and MUSIC VIDEOS!!!!
SWAG will become Africa's Number 1 Export
This is a very good marketing idea @ackza. I'll give it a deep thought. Thanks for this.
I am new here on steemit and i have leaved long enough to recognize a good thing when i see one, if for nothing steemit do give out teeming youth a mode of expression and freedom despite the daunting lack of infrastructure is our country, i have confidence in the Nigerian youth(they are survivals), their passion and creativity if only the father land can turn out the scums that blanket its greatness in selfish greeds and grace itself with beautiful minds as this we might as well be spoiled as the Americans @ackza quoted. i am happy to see your success and would be following you, i hope you do the same for me, who knows we might get to meet some day.
@djuvantebit, thanks for this feedback back. I followed you to see more from you.
@ogoowinner you're an inspiration to us all ❣️
Thank you @karencarrens.
https://steemit.com/life/@neerajsharma007/travel-with-me-visit-shimla
if you like this then please upvote
@fisteganos, could you please help me out with steemit?can i earn money by voting...also, do ia get paid if someone likes this comment?i am foloowing you...please follow me
Congratulations on overcoming such odds - especially after your experience with scammers - keep up the good work and thanks again for the insight.
Are you the Steemit Ambassador of Nigeria? I hope you share Steemit with everyone. How long does one gig last for you? Thank goodness I have unlimited internet because one time we tried Hughes Net Satellite Internet and we used up 10 GB in less than 3 days.
It's amazing the sacrifices you make to Steem. Had no idea! Where is the best place to contact you? Left you a message on chat a few days ago, but I have no idea where you are at!
Nice post. Really captures the situation and sacrifice to stay online.
You are indeed a crafty person. You make beautiful beads. And your story is very inspiring. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, the power issue can be mostly solved with solar energy packs, and I think you might have some insight on things like shipping to your country. How is shipping and receiving packages in your area? If we can solve this shipping issue, I think a big project could make a huge difference. Let's think about how we can work with Steemians for a big change: solar power packs for smartphones like many have been talking about.
I think those living in Lagos where the seaports are will have a better idea about how shipping works here. I'll contact some people for more info about that. Thanks for your concern @stellabelle.
I've just become aware of the need for solar chargers for smartphones, and I believe this one project could have a huge impact on people. Yes, maybe we do a test shipment to you when you find out information. Do you have a solar charger for your smartphone?
No, I don't have. I usually go to a hotel that's close to my house to charge my phone.
Hi @stellabelle,
Congratulations! You have been chosen to appear on another amazing edition of "Who to Follow Daily". Thank you for adding so much value to the Steemit community. Steem on!
Awesome read. It's crazy to think that people live in less than the cost of a gigabyte of data. The things we take for granted...
I'm very happy for you that you were able to find a way to prosper =) I wish you more success to come!