Success leaves clues Finance Strategists sat down with Jude Umeano of the Nigeria Bitcoin Community. He shared his thoughts on the past, present, and future of the company, as well as insight gained from running the business. Q: Who are you and what’s your background? My name is Jude Umeano. I am a crypto/blockchain enthusiast, investor, trader, and educator. I have a Bachelors’ Degree from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. This education didn’t really get me far or help my financial status. I have always had a passion to teach - make things that are somewhat complex really simple, and the feedback I get has been amazing. I also knew that I needed to become an entrepreneur to attain the financial freedom that would allow the flexibility to pursue my goals. Nigeria went into recession in 2016, as the naira was inflationary. Lots of people in the oil/infrastructure or related sectors lost their jobs and were looking for other sources of income. As a result, Bitcoin-based Ponzi schemes and scam sites targeting Nigerians were on the rise. Lots of people, including me, lost money because we didn’t really understand blockchain technology and the associated Ponzi Schemes. As a result, I created this study and founded the Nigeria Bitcoin Community blog to educate other Nigerians. In it, I reviewed lots of these Crypto-based products and services and identified the scams. This, I did, with details and facts but simplified in a way that could be easily understood and not dismissed. Lots of my readers thanked me for saving them from losing their money and requested more reviews. I also hear from those who aren’t happy with the reviews - usually, these are the creators of the scheme or are heavily involved in it. I have since started making videos on YouTube on crypto-related topics, created a crypto trading academy - CT Mastery, and working on an exchange that will be launched in 2022. Q: Who has been your biggest influence, and why did they have such a significant effect on you? There have been a number of people that have influenced my journey. Robert Kiyosaki: Rich dad, Poor Dad was the first entrepreneurial book I read after graduating from university. It opened my eyes to: - the mistakes in choices I have made in the past - how to have the business mindset, and - to look out for opportunities even where others might not see it I went ahead to read his other books. Brian Tracy: Reading his books makes it feel like I am in the same room with him. He speaks to me directly. He really shaped me to: - have a positive mindset no matter the condition I find myself in - to always plan and prepare, and - to keep seeking knowledge His teachings taught me to have a reading habit which led me to my daily mentor Darren. Darren Hardy: Darren is one of the most consistent leaders I have met. I listen to Darren’s mentorship daily (Monday to Friday). Darren is not just a motivator; he is a teacher. He teaches you to understand. His mentorship has been a guide for me and my team in this entrepreneurial journey. Ofir 99Bitcoin: Ofir was a great influence in my early days of writing. By reading his articles, I learned how to break down the mine in the simplest way possible. Family: My big sister has been of tremendous support to my education. She always encourages me to reach for the sky, and my mum has been a consistent supporter of my career decisions. I have learned a lot from her experience. Knowing what you know now, what would you have told yourself when you were in your twenties? - Think bigger, reach for the stars - Surround yourself with go-getters - Do not underrate yourself Q: What is Nigeria Bitcoin Community? Nigeria Bitcoin Community is a crypto knowledge hub for both newbies and professionals in the crypto-space. Founded in 2016, it has grown to become the go-to blog for clarity on cryptocurrency and blockchain matters. In the beginning, I focused primarily on scam reviews but now also write about exchanges and coins. At press time, I have 630+ articles and counting published on the blog. Q: What makes Nigeria Bitcoin Community different from other cryptocurrency sites? I will say, first of all, the writing. It is a style that aims to speak to the reader directly and allows for easy comprehension of the subject matter. This is our signature as we try to break things down to the simplest form. Secondly, the blog’s design. It appeals to the reader with clear directions and allows for easy navigation for the reader. Lastly, the quality of these articles. I have seasoned writers on my team who have helped me over the years to consistently produce high-quality articles. They are ace researchers who put out nothing but the best. These are the things that make the blog unique. Q: What led you to start Nigeria Bitcoin Community? As I mentioned above, the rise in Ponzi schemes in Nigeria back in 2015 - 2016 prompted it. After I had lost a good amount of funds to these schemes, I decided to take up the responsibility of educating myself and other Nigerians on cryptocurrency-related matters. Q: What has the experience of building the business taught you? I will say I have learned a whole lot from the experience. These include: Q: Where do you see things headed for you in the next 5 years? In 5 years, our exchange is going to be the biggest in Africa and one of the best in the world. We should be giving a lot more back to society to help alleviate poverty, not only by teaching financial education but also via scholarships and other relevant infrastructure. For more information, see NigeriaBitcoinCommunity.com.
Introduction
Who is Jude Umeano?
Business
True Tamplin is a published author, public speaker, CEO of UpDigital, and founder of Finance Strategists.
True is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF®), author of The Handy Financial Ratios Guide, a member of the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing, contributes to his financial education site, Finance Strategists, and has spoken to various financial communities such as the CFA Institute, as well as university students like his Alma mater, Biola University, where he received a bachelor of science in business and data analytics.
To learn more about True, visit his personal website or view his author profiles on Amazon, Nasdaq and Forbes.
