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How to Survive and Thrive in a Market Downturn

By
Paul Ugbede Godwin
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0

A bear market is a period of declining stock prices, usually lasting at least two months and dropping by at least 20%. It can be a scary and stressful time for investors, especially those who are not prepared for it. However, a bear market can also be an opportunity to build wealth and resilience, if you know how to navigate it. Here are some tips on how to survive and thrive in a bear market.

Don’t panic. The worst thing you can do in a bear market is to sell your stocks or cryptos in a hurry, locking in losses and missing out on potential rebounds. Remember that stock prices fluctuate over time, and that bear markets are inevitable and temporary. Instead of reacting emotionally, stay calm and rational, and stick to your long-term investment plan.

Review your portfolio. A bear market is a good time to evaluate your portfolio and make sure it is aligned with your goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. You may want to rebalance your portfolio to reduce your exposure to volatile sectors or companies and increase your allocation to defensive or value stocks that can withstand market downturns better. You may also want to diversify your portfolio across different asset classes, such as bonds, cash, gold, or real estate, to reduce your overall risk.

Look for bargains. A bear market can be a great opportunity to buy high-quality stocks at discounted prices. Look for companies that have strong fundamentals, competitive advantages, loyal customers, and growth potential, but are trading below their intrinsic value due to market pessimism. You can use various valuation metrics, such as price-to-earnings ratio, price-to-book ratio, or dividend yield, to identify undervalued stocks. Be selective and patient, and don’t chase after falling knives or fads.

Keep some cash on hand. Having some cash on hand can help you take advantage of buying opportunities in a bear market, as well as provide you with liquidity and flexibility in case of emergencies or unexpected expenses. However, don’t keep too much cash, as it can erode your purchasing power due to inflation and opportunity cost. A good rule of thumb is to have enough cash to cover six to twelve months of living expenses.

Think long term. A bear market can test your patience and confidence as an investor, but it can also reward you if you think long term. Historically, the stock market has always recovered from bear markets and reached new highs over time. Therefore, instead of focusing on short-term fluctuations, think about the long-term potential of your investments and the compounding effect of reinvesting your dividends and capital gains. Remember that time in the market is more important than timing the market.

A bear market can be a challenging but rewarding experience for investors who are prepared for it. By following these tips, you can survive and thrive in a bear market, and build a stronger and more resilient portfolio for the future.

Thank You That West Africa is Not at War

By
Ndubuisi Ekekwe
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To all citizens of Nigeria, Africa and the world who shouted, making it impossible for wars to be triggered after the coups in Niger (and Gabon), thank you. People begin wars with the shouts to right injustice, but during wars, injustice is used to fight wars. At the end, the next war becomes necessary because injustice was left behind. These days, the world seems like a hot place, and no one can predict where the next bomb will be dropped.

We’re truly lucky that West Africa is not a theater where new weapons are being tested as I write. To all the citizens who shouted and contributed, big gboza: “ECOWAS Must AVOID War in Niger Republic”.

This is a pivotal moment for ECOWAS and everyone of us must speak out. From Ghana to Nigeria, Ivory Coast to Guinea, tell your leaders that we do not want a military solution to the crisis in Niger Republic. It must NEVER again be recorded that Africans are attacking themselves. Put the carrots and call for dialogues.

The Moral Language of Drug Abuse in Nigerian Newspapers

By
Mutiu Iyanda
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The issue of drug abuse has been a persistent concern in Nigeria, with its devastating impacts on individuals and society as a whole. The moral language used in Nigerian newspapers is a fascinating aspect of the discourse surrounding this issue. Our analyst notes that the selected headlines of The Punch, The Guardian, and Vanguard between 2016 and 2020 reveal a complex web of concerns, emotions, and values. These headlines served as a lens through which we could analyse the evolving societal response to this pressing concern.

Concern: The first stage of the moral panic theory, as outlined by Stanley Cohen, begins with the identification of an issue as a threat to societal values and interests. During this period, the media gave increased attention to the issue. We saw headlines that expressed a growing concern about the consequences of drug abuse. “Re-engineering the drug law and enforcement agency” was a clear call to action. It highlighted the need to address the issue systematically. “Shocking sexual abuses by aid workers in Africa” sheds light on the alarming moral implications of drug abuse, as it often leads to such horrific incidents. “Task before presidential committee on drugs” recognized the need for a comprehensive approach. While the concerns were palpable, they set the stage for addressing the issue more robustly through strategic policy and managerial action.

Hostility: As the headlines moved from concern to hostility, the emotional response to the perceived threat intensified. “Beware, drug addiction is dangerous” evoked fear and caution among readers, as it clearly signalled the need to be vigilant about the perils of addiction. “Father rapes 15-year-old daughter, drugs her to prevent pregnancy” elicited a sense of outrage and anger. The moral implications were crystal clear. These headlines were a harsh reminder of the natural and immediate consequences of drug abuse. However, this emotional reaction was not unproductive. It can serve as a catalyst for action. It’s here that strategic policy recommendations become crucial. Stricter laws, effective law enforcement, and comprehensive education programs can be deployed to address the issue and protect society’s most vulnerable members.

Consensus: As the moral panic continued to develop, the third stage brought about a growing consensus that the issue needed attention. The headlines in this stage illustrated this collective recognition. “NDLEA advises parents to counsel children on drugs” highlighted the importance of parental involvement in addressing the issue. “CPC vows to protect Nigerians against abuse” conveyed a commitment to safeguarding society. The mention of research and linking drug addiction to various factors showcased a move towards understanding the problem and reaching a consensus on the need for intervention. At this stage, strategic policy recommendations would involve implementing comprehensive educational programs in schools and communities, increasing access to rehabilitation and treatment, and fostering public-private partnerships to tackle drug abuse holistically.

Disproportionality: The fourth stage often sees a disproportionate response to the issue, including stricter laws and increased law enforcement. Several headlines reflected this stage, indicating an active and intensive approach. “NDLEA arrests 24 suspected drug traffickers in Bayelsa” showed a proactive approach in curbing drug trafficking. The magnitude of drug seizures and the mention of politicians, civil servants, and students undergoing drug tests reflect a concerted effort to curb drug abuse. The involvement of Nigeria’s Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) was central in this stage. While the intensity of enforcement was commendable, it is essential to ensure that these efforts are accompanied by rehabilitation programs to address the root causes of addiction. A balanced approach that combines stringent enforcement with support for recovery is crucial.

Volatility: In the final stage, the moral panic may either die down or escalate further. Several headlines suggested a mix of responses, indicating that the discourse surrounding drug abuse continues. “More women in Kano, Katsina abusing drugs” demonstrated that the issue is evolving, affecting new demographics. “Egbeyemi laments high drug consumption in Ado Ekiti” indicated that concerns are still prevalent at the regional level. “NDLEA arrests 59 drug dealers in Kebbi” showed that law enforcement efforts remained in force. This stage calls for a flexible and adaptable approach. As the nature of drug abuse changes, so must the strategies to address it. Policymakers and managers need to constantly monitor and adjust their approaches, ensuring that they are relevant to the current situation.

Strategic Policy and Managerial Recommendations

Preventive Education: Develop and implement comprehensive drug abuse prevention programs in schools and communities. Education is a powerful tool to create awareness and deter individuals from experimenting with drugs.

Treatment and Rehabilitation: Invest in the expansion of addiction treatment and rehabilitation centres. Ensure that individuals with substance use disorders have access to effective treatment options.

Law Enforcement and Regulation: Strengthen the legal framework to combat drug trafficking and distribution. Enhance the capabilities of agencies like NDLEA and promote international cooperation to curb the illicit drug trade.

Holistic Approach: Combine strict law enforcement with support for recovery. Address the root causes of addiction, such as poverty, mental health issues, and social disintegration.

Data Collection and Analysis: Establish a comprehensive system for collecting and analyzing data related to drug abuse. This data-driven approach can guide policy and resource allocation.

Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with private organizations and NGOs to create a more extensive support network for individuals struggling with addiction.

Community Engagement: Encourage community-based initiatives to raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with drug abuse.

Adaptive Strategies: Continuously monitor the drug abuse landscape and adapt strategies to address evolving challenges.

Resuscitate Your Business Through Advertising

By
Stanley Alieke
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Although I am not professionally qualified to talk extensively on the topic of marketing and advertising, permit me to talk about it based on the little experience I have had as a business owner. Because of my lack of qualifications, I will not belabor you with definitions of what marketing or advertising is or what it is not and the rest of theoretical nonsense, I’m just here to share an experience with you on how much I have seen advertising turn around a struggling business with no sales to booming business with so much sales.

Let us assume that you have a good product or render impeccable services. Everyone who has patronized you all attests to that fact but the problem is you are struggling to make sales despite your excellent product and impeccable service. You do not have many clients or customers; nobody knows about you or about your product. If that is you, you should definitely consider advertising. 

The above problem of no sales or low patronage has been the major problem after finance/funding facing many entrepreneurs and business owners. These are the major killers of businesses and entrepreneurship in Africa. So many folks have good products and services they offer but nobody is buying, nobody knows about them or their products, not to talk about patronizing them. 

Ironically, there are thousands of people out there who are in dire need of the product or services you are offering, they have been looking for who offers that service and who sells the products you have. You as the seller are worlds apart from the potential customer and the only way they can get to know what you sell or offer is through either referrals or advertising. Once people get to know that you are offering that service or selling that product and some other persons who are your existing customers can vouch for you that what you offer is solid, that’s all potential client needs, your business will boom. 

I have seen advertising; specifically social media advertising take a struggling business into a booming one within a short period of time. 

The proven truth is if you want your business to scale quickly and grow exponentially in a short period you will need to consider advertising. Letting the business grow organically without advertising may work but it will definitely take some time hence why advertising is there to save the day. 

Let us not forget that this can only work and will be sustainable if you have a good product. So the formula is; to attract new clients through advertising and retain old and existing clients by offering great products and services. 

Social media has even made it easier to run cheaper and well targeted advertisements so you don’t shoot and miss or waste money and time advertising to the wrong people or people who do not need your product. For instance, If your target market are the youngins and trendy people your platform should be Instagram, if your target is older people, consider Facebook, if your target audience are professionals and those in the corporate world, you should focus on LinkedIn etc. 

Social media Influencer advertising is probably the best way to get more customers on social media faster. It is getting a popular person on that social media to endorse your product. It is more like putting a stamp of endorsement on that product from a popular person and it also introduces your product to the influencer’s millions of followers who from that moment become potential customers. 

Help your struggling business today by spending some money on advertising, the return on investment is always huge especially when you target the proper audience, even if you did not target the proper audience, no money spent on advertising is a waste. 

The Illegality or Otherwise of Publishing a Private Conversation

By
Stanley Alieke
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0

Someone called my attention to a video from a lawyer educating people that it is a crime and breach of privacy to screenshot a private conversation you had with another person and share it on a social media timeline.

It happens regularly on WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram and even LinkedIn where users publish a private conversation they had with another person. The person at the other end of the conversation can commence a legal action against you for breach of privacy.

Section 37 of the constitution provides thus; “The privacy of citizens, their homes, correspondence, telephone conversations and telegraphic communications is hereby guaranteed and protected”. This section is the fons et origo for the protection of privacy of an individual’s privacy in Nigeria thereby making it a crime when a person’s privacy has been breached by another person which can include publishing a private conversation.

Taking a screenshot of a private conversation between you and another person without that person’s consent can be illegal and posting a private conversation between you and that person or even disclosing the conversation to a third party can get you sued for breach of privacy.

But this rule of the illegality of publishing a private conversation is not a rock solid one just as it is said that in every rule there must be an or some exceptions, the same goes with this rule. 

There are some instances where you can leak a private conversation without incurring any criminal liability. Truth be told, the legality or otherwise of publishing recordings of conversations/interactions in any medium is based on whether there is a reasonable expectation of privacy which is to be judged by the content and context of the conversation and whether it would be highly offensive and damaging to a reasonable person.

So the question posed in determining the illegality of publishing a private conversation is whether there is a reasonable expectation of privacy in the conversation. The answer to this question will be determined solely by the content or context of the conversation. 

As a petitioner bringing an action against another person for publishing the content of the private conversation you had with the person, the court in determining if you have a reasonable cause of action or not will consider amongst other things;

a) whether there was a reasonable expectation of privacy in the conversation

b) whether the content would be highly offensive or damaging

C) whether the content or the focus of the conversation is criminal in nature or not.

For instance, if two adults engage in sexting and sharing of their nude pictures and videos with each other, it will reasonably be expected that the content of such conversation should be kept away from the third eye and publishing such a private conversation will be highly damaging to the other person. So instances like this, a right to legal action may arise.

As a take home, if you must publish a private conversation for whatever reason, consider the potential damage it might cause to the person at the other end, think about the potential for the post to go viral, and think about the potential for the succeeding crimes relating to the posting of the messages. After considering the above, if you still want to go ahead to publish such a private conversation, be sure to blur out any identifiable information of the other person because sharing private information of another person is a crime on its own. 

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