You may know how to ask hotel staff for things, how to book, when to push your cause and when definitely not to, but while these things are supposed to mark you out as a good guest, there is a high chance that almost everyone wears unhappy expression each time you begin making constant demands. It may be due to an unconsciously misspoken word or wrong body language but the good things is that you can turn the tide in your favour.

To help get your act together, Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking site share 4 signs that show you are a difficult lodger.



The hotel staff avoids you

If the front desk officer always puts you on hold or the hotel staff is never enthusiastic about completing your requests, it is sure-fire sign that you are a difficult staff. No matter how ill-trained the hotel staff is, one thing they never fail to do is meet the demands of the lodger, so if they avoid that you, the lodger or completely flaunt your requests without much apologies, it is usually because the you are quite difficult to please, you are unreasonable and they are tired of being hounded by him.

You are always complaining about compensation

Nobody loves a complainer, especially not the hotel staff. If you complain and raise your voice at about almost everyone and everything, from room service to state of amenities and you rant about compensations due to you, you certainly are on your way to the hotel’s black book. Rather than scream out loud and seek attention, just ask whom you should speak with to have any problem solved.

While everyone loves freebies, the desire and demand for them at the moment can be a huge problem. Continually demanding for free bits from the hotel is a sure way of getting yourself being marked out as difficult.



You break rules and never tip

Every traveller understands the importance of tipping as though life depends on it. However, the most difficult of lodgers are the types who never tip! No matter the number of errands run by the local junior stuff in the hotel they never gift them or appreciate them .They do not understand why they need to tip these workers when they have paid a fee for their services. As a result, they fail to get favors from these staff. Also, they refuse to follow the basic rules laid down by the hotel. For instance, they smoke in rooms with signs that indicate that smoking is prohibited.

You get a formal notice to leave

This is the most tangible sign. Most lodgers believe that the moment they pay for a hotel, they cannot be asked/forced to leave or be evicted. They start to misbehave and do things that are not just detrimental to him but the hotel as well. Unfortunately for these breed of people, they eventually get served a formal (although pleasantly worded) letter asking them to leave the hotel, refunds for their lodge made to them accordingly.

The vibrant and exotic atmosphere of the markets in Benin City can make shopping lots of fun. From the roadside stores to the shopping streets and popular market centers, the city has numerous perfect markets that can satisfy all shoppers’ desires, including modern pieces and cultural memorabilia. In fact, Benin City located in Edo State, Nigeria has the best markets in the south-south region, with a treasure trove of goods waiting to be discovered.

We at Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking portal, have summarized 5 markets which are the top 5 to explore while visiting Benin. Check them out on your next tour of the city!



Oba Market (Ekioba)

The Oba market is found in the heart of Benin City. Very popular and lively, Oba market has something for everyone and is frequently visited by travellers from neighboring states buying and selling all kinds of goods. The market is broken down into distinct sections: meat and frozen goods are mainly sold on the left hand side of the road, while household goods, books, magazines, linen, and ironmongery occupy the right. You will find goods from almost everywhere in this market, and It is a great place to shop for things to take back home if you are visiting the city. You will, however, need all your bargaining skills to get a really decent price.

Ekeosa Market (Queen’s Market)

Predominantly a food market, Ekeosa Market is located along Sapkonba road, stretching all the way to the heart if the city. Featuring hundreds of stalls selling a mind-boggling variety of items, the market also offers other kinds of products as local soap, toiletries, cosmetics, and has a section devoted to traditional medicines. The market can be fascinating and disorienting at the same time. Visitors are advised not to touch or damage stalls as they pass, and keep their bags and possessions close at hand. The place remains one of the most popular markets among expats and locals.



Uselu Market

Stretching almost three miles, Uselu market is located along Uselu Lagos Road , Benin City and is a well-known shopping area that offers a dizzying array of items. There are more than 600 shops offering anything a shopper could want. Mostly patronized by students at the University of Benin Ugbowo Campus, the area is particularly bright and fun in the evenings, making it a fun area to visit. It is also an ideal place for looking around and sampling the delicious local snacks.

Oliha market

Oliha market , located in the Siloku road area of Benin City gives a unique experienceas it provides an interesting glimpse into the Benin culture. It is one of the oldest markets in Benin and is abuzz with shoppers, most swarming around in search of farm produce cultivated in the interior villages. Aside from the farm produce, Oliha Market also has sections for clothes, food items, drinks, locally made beads and fabrics; and just like Ekeosa Market, one of this market’s main attractions is the sale of objects for Benin traditional worship and rituals such as native chalks, red, white and black fabrics, alligator pepper, tortoise, Ostrich, feathers, animal skulls and bones. E.t.c



New Benin Market

New Benin Market is one of the largest, busiest and most popular markets in the city, and it is certainly a shopping enthusiast’s paradise. Located in the New Benin – Mission road and New Lagos road area, the commodities offered are various and comprehensively stocked. They are sold at really good prices such as food items, electronics, clothes and fabrics, traditional beads as well as a large bush meat section. The market may always be crowded, disorganized and ridden with traffic, but pay a visit to witness even the creme de la creme crowd of Benin in terms of fashion and fancy. It is important to remember that not all of the items are genuine and you have to haggle hard if you want to purchase something.

Lagos and traffic jams have a long history especially as the state marches towards becoming a mega city. Ironically, each time the traffic recedes, you will discover the cause of the gridlock to be as strange as a commercial driver picking passengers on the road or two people parked in the middle of the road shouting at the top of their voices for no major reason. This is the story of Lagos’ traffic… and this notorious roadblocks do not appear to be going away anytime soon.

However, while others groan, you can actually flip the coin and enjoy this situation! Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal shares tips on how you can achieve this.



Take Pleasure in comical scenes

There are so many hilarious things that happen on Lagos roads that you cannot help but laughing. You have the conductor shouting at his passengers to board his bus with their change, a tout forcefully collecting money from the commercial buses which sometimes leads to a fight, and two people trying to outwit one another in a shouting match. There are so many witty dramas that happen in traffic.

Drive alongside a lady

Women have a special effect on men that even best scientists are yet to decipher. So, when you are leaving for home, go with either your wife or your girlfriend. Both of you will keep yourselves company. It is even better if you have a crowd in your car. You exchange banters, talk about office issues and deal with any traffic problems. This can be fun.



Do traffic shopping

After a stressful day at work, you may not be so keen on going to the mall. As an alternative, you can do some traffic shopping. You can get almost everything for a meal in traffic. If you are not buying perishables, ensure that you bargain as much as you can because the sellers usually hike their prices.

Ignore trouble-makers

If you had an amazing day at work, the shenanigans on Lagos roads can destroy your good mood. So, you must develop a thick skin while driving less you lose it. If you want to enjoy your travel, ignore these troublemakers and ensure that you obey traffic rules.



Turn the music up!

Music is the food of the soul. When driving, wind up, play your favourite music and sing along. This will help you manage the depression that comes with driving in traffic. Do not forget to concentrate on the road!

Popular for the major art form named after it, “Afikpo Mask”, Afipko also known as “Ehugbo” is an ancient town and a mecca of ancient Igbo tradition. The town, which is the second largest urban area in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, has managed to retain much of its cultural identity, ancestral heritage and celebrated art forms even though several archeological findings support the claim that Afikpo civilization existed as far back as the Neolithic age.

Afikpo is blessed with a wealth of distinctive art form on display in museums, galleries and online stores worldwide. The town is also home to some of Africa’s top traditional dance groups, artists and cultural festivals. Wherever you go though, you will find that Afikpo retains an appeal for independent travellers that are in short supply at more package-oriented destinations elsewhere in the state. Most budget and mid-range accommodation is still in the form of private rooms, inns and motels, and there has been an explosion in the number of hostel-type establishments in the major. There is plenty in the way of urbane appeal too, if that is what you are after, with impressive hotels and cocktail bars aplenty.



TOP SITES

Mater Misericordia Hospital School of Nursing and Midwifery

The legendary Mater Misericordia Hospital School of Nursing and Midwifery was one of the first and probably remains the finest nursing school established in Nigeria by the Irish missionaries and Dr. Akanu Ibiam.

Amanchore Cave:

Located at Etiti in Amanchore-Edd in Afikpo-South LGA of the state, this cave is about 3m high with multiple narrow tunnels that extend to different directions. It is accessible through Abakaliki to Afikpo, Ngusu and Mile 2 along Akaeze/Ngusu roads (about 140km and 76km from Enugu and Abakaliki respectively).

Unwana and Ndibe Sand Beaches:

Unwana and Ndibe beaches are both located at Afikpo North LGA. Ideal centers for relaxation, sunbathing, swimming, sport fishing, canoe-racing, and yachting, the two beaches are part of extensive scenic golden sand beaches along Cross River basin.



Lodging

There’s a growing choice of accommodation in Afikpo with the best options including Ndibe Beach Hotels And Resorts Limited, The Focus Hotel & Resort, and Ikemba Guest House. Most of them are boutique hotels and B&Bs, as there is a relative shortage number of well-equipped four- and five-star hotels. For the moment, the budget hotel rooms offered represent the town’s best-value accommodation.

Dinning

Afikpo is a major food basket of Nigeria. There are a number of local restaurants, fast food joints and bukkas around town. Most of the dishes are usually no different from main Ibo dishes served around the south-east, the meals are served come in large portions, making an excellent low-cost meal.



Shopping

Afikpo offers a range of retail experiences you won’t find in other parts of Ebonyi State. The city has regular flea markets, second-hand clothes shops and plenty of stores selling old books and electronics. It also has more in the way of boutiques selling household goods and fashion accessories made by local designers. Many of Afikpo’s best souvenir ideas involve the art and craft that the town is best known for. Even the smallest pieces make gorgeous souvenirs, but can be very expensive.

Fun Facts

Afipko is also the home of the late Eze (DR) Akanu Ibiam, who hailed from the village of Unwana. Dr. Ibiam was one of the first Igbo medical doctors of Western training and the former Governor of Eastern region.

Video games are very popular today. Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, Angry Bird and Candy Crush are some of the games many people play around the world. These games may be ideal to help you passtime but there is so much that you can learn from them. Jovago.com, Africa's No 1 hotel booking portal shares some of the life lessons you can take away from playing video games.

Video games encourage you to 'try again'

Very few people stop playing a video game when they run out 'lives'. They keep trying and trying until they reach a particular level when they can eventually stop. Regardless of the number of failures, they still return to the game to continue. And if they win, it’s an even bigger motivation. As an educational tool, you can incorporate this small wins into real-life situations by being patient and persevering.

Plan life strategically

Planning is very valuable in any life endeavour. A person that fails to plan plans to fail. There are some games you cannot navigate without planning ahead. You have to plan your next step or else you will keep trying without making any meaningful impact. Some strategic games that help your planning skills are Call To Duty, Destiny and Battlefield.

It is not all about winning
In a PS4 soccer game, you win some and lose others. Winning is not always guaranteed. Aside from being magnanimous in victory, it also teaches you to be tolerant.

The general notion is that girls, Nigerian or not, do not like football. And so, most people find it a hard pill to swallow when they find females who not only have genuine knowledge of the sport, but love and feel the exact same way men are supposed to feel about the sport.

The truth is, there are millions of real female football fans out there, but due to the reaction they get from both men and women who are mystified by them, they keep their passion under wraps. To shed light on this issue, Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking portal shares 5 things Nigerian girls who love football should know.



Everyone will not take your passion seriously

Most women who love football in Nigeria need to keep in mind that most people will not take their love for football seriously, based on their gender. From as early as primary school, football teams are restricted to boys while girls are recommended for ‘softer’ sports like Sprinting, gymnastics or swimming.

The widely accepted ‘stereotype’ is that football is a man’s game and women have no place in it. And despite the fact that Nigeria now has an active football league for women, the impression lingers. Rather than get upset or give up every time someone calls you out for daring to have an opinion about the game, shake the negativity away and get on with investing your time as much as you feel you need to in the match. You do not need anyone’s approval really.



It is okay for you to talk about football

Most football viewing centers around the country are crowded by men and the few women who make their way to these venues are seen as arm-candies who are probably only there to cheer their boyfriend’s teams. So, when they dare to comment on a particular player or move, you find a number of the men making jokes.

It is important for every Nigerian woman who loves football to realize that there is no law or rule that says a woman cannot talk about football. It is just a game, and like men, they also can develop the interest and love for the sport and so have every right to talk about it if they chose.



YOU ARE EVERY FOOTBALL-LOVING GUY’S FANTASY

The idea that women do not really love football is continually fostered by girls who actually pretend to have interest in the game just to attract a guy or just watch the games to support their husbands or male partners. These girls cannot be blamed really because guys who are football lovers (and we are talking about almost every guy in Nigeria) tend to get a thrill from girls who have similar interest with them. They basically fantasize of being with a girl who genuinely understands the game as it makes them feel the lady understands or “gets” them at a primal level.

So, if you are a woman who has a genuine love for football, you just are in luck, as you are a hot cake for this breed of football-loving men. You however should try not to overdo it, as these guys also can be intimidated by girls who know more than them about a team or the sport in general.



You can make a living doing what you love

There are some girls whose love for the games stems from great skill and talent for the sport. The girls will definitely school any guy on the field. They also need to realize that they can make a living from this talent.

There are professional football players all over the world and women have their own football world cup and premier league. Aside from the option of going pro and joining a football club, they could also work as coaches or personal trainers. Either way, they make a living from doing what they love.

Lunch hour is one of the best periods you get each day at work. Sometimes, however, when you have too much to do, and not enough time, you may forget to take the time to enjoy a proper afternoon break. While skipping an afternoon meal may seem like a breeze, in the long run, you realize that it can cause such emotional symptoms as frustration, decreased patience, feeling emotionally drained and irritability.

No matter the kind of job you do, making sure you take that time-out offers benefits that can improve your productivity levels. For this cause, Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking portal offers top 3 reasons why you should give lunch time a second thought.



It is a offers a mental break

No matter the kind of job you do, your brain is most certainly involved in the creative process. All the tasks – both minor and major- you complete while working, gradually exhausts your cognitive capacity and depletes your psychological resources.

Taking a lunch break, takes your mind of work, even if it is for a little bit, prevents you from getting burnt out, and creates an opportunity for your brain to recuperate. The mental break helps you stay refreshed and gives you time to recharge.



Lunch breaks are the best time to socialize

All work and no play, they say, makes Jack a dull boy. While lunch break is not the best time to literally play around per say, it offers great opportunities to network with other people in your organization or industry. Socialize. Use this time to chat with clients, industry peers, coworkers, and supervisors and quiz them about anything work-related really. The benefits include staying in the know about happenings in the office, building strategic alliances and finding connectivity and common goals with others whom you spend your day.

Building interpersonal relationships are an important part of success within a workplace, and taking your lunch break can help you do just that.



You can catch up on your exercise routine

Depending on how long the lunch break is, it may be the best time to catch up on exercise. Most offices have gyms for staff and you can take advantage of that. Otherwise, you can just walk around the vicinity to stretch your legs.

Exercising has lots of benefits! Taking a few minutes to get the blood flowing is good for both your mental and physical health as it reduces stress, improves your mood as well as confidence and self-esteem, and it can make you feel better about your body.

It is yet another festive Easter season, one of the biggest holidays of the year and Jumia wants to help you catch all the excitement to the fullest. Easter is all about spending time with your family and loved ones, sharing memorable moments and exchanging gifts. The Easter holiday is also an opportunity for a quick getaway in a beautiful city or a luxury hotel in Nigeria.

This year, Jumia is offering you everything you need for the festivities in one store for the most memorable Easter moments that you and your family deserve;



Gaming Marathon: Gaming marathons are a fun way to bond and enjoy quality time with your friends. It might seem overwhelming, but after the 1st hour, you’ll forget just how fast time flies! Whether you are a PlayStation lover or the Xbox is your favourite, be sure to have a memorable Easter with either of them. If you do not have a variety of video games, dash online and get your CDs at the best deals.

Netflix & Chill with LED TV & Home Theatre: It’s a long weekend approaching and there is no better time to catch up with all the exciting movies you have missed, the thrills and drills the football world has to offer or netflix & chill. To get best images or sound quality, you can upgrade to an LED TV along with an home theatres from your favourite brands of you do not have one already.



Hangout: It is certain that majority of Nigerians already have their vacation plans outlined for Easter. Whether you are going to the mall, spending the time at a beach resort or going on a tour be sure to take a camera along to capture all the exciting moments and a fleeting sceneries.

Karaoke Sessions: You can organize a great karaoke session for friends and family with the help of little musical instruments like keyboard or guitar.

Easter is one of the most significant celebrations in Christendom as it highlights the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In Nigeria, it is celebrated with pomp and pageantry, and each year, beaches, hotels and relaxation spots are peopled with fun seekers. For the foodie, one cuisine that has remained a part of the Southwestern delicacy during the Easter season is Frejon a local beans and coconut specialty.

As many Nigerians host guests while others travel to their hometown for the celebrations, Frejon is an exciting dish to have your visitors try out. Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal offers you a step by step guide to prepare this popular Easter cuisine.



What you need

2 cups of Beans

1/2 – 3/4 cups of Coconut milk

2 heaped tablespoons of sugar – or more

A pinch of salt

5 cloves

Seasoning to taste

Preparation

Step 1 – Cook the beans.

Cook the beans till its soft in water. Do not add salt at the beginning because it will take longer to cook. Once the beans is tender sap it of all its liquid.

Step 2-Mix beans and coconut milk

Blend the beans with coconut milk to form a puree. Ensure that you blend both of them until it is smooth.

Step 3 – ‘Cook’ the pureed mixture

Turn the pureed mixture into a pan. Add the sugar, salt, cinnamon powder and whole cloves. Allow to cook uncovered for 5 – 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent it from burning. The mixture should thicken a bit in the process of cooking. Add seasoning to taste.

Step 4 – Serve

Serve with dry, toasted garri or fish sauce. Tasty and delicious!

A foremost tourist destination in Ekiti West Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Arinta Waterfalls is a natural wonder to behold in the ancient city of Ipole Iloro.

The community harbouring the waterfalls, Ipole Iloro is a rural settlement surrounded by undulating mountains, thick evergreen forest and flowing rivers. The waterfall is a favourable destination for holidaymakers and local tourism. According to the Oba (king), the Olupole of Ipole Iloro, Oba Babatola Oladele, the waterfall has been in existence before Oba Alapa-Ajalorun, one of the grandchildren of Oduduwa, founded the town in the 14th century. The waterfall influenced the decision to settle in Ipole Iloro as it is a good source of water for domestic use and drinking.

Features of Arinta Waterfalls

A long steep valley, undulating ridges and tall deciduous trees characterize the waterfall. It has lush green vegetation around it and various insects, bird colonies and large water mass flowing against the rocks. Arinta Waterfalls is made up of seven different layers (cascades) each with unique features.

There is a cobblestone of about 25cm in diameter in one of the seven cascades of the waterfall. It is often referred to as the ‘Wonderful Stone’. This stone is believed to be a rare mystery. It is heavy to the extent that up till today, nobody has been able to lift it. You might just create a Guinness book of record by becoming the first person to lift the cobblestone.

Also, water from the fall is believed to have medicinal value. It is said that it has the power to cure skin diseases. However, the waterfall is not regarded as a deity or worshipped.

Lodging

Search and select a hotel near Ipole-Iloro Waterfall for a comfortable place to stay when visiting. You can get a decent hotel for as low as N3,000. Make sure to check the hotel amenities and read reviews to decide on the best accommodation choice.

How to get there

Accessing the waterfall is quite easy. The roads leading to the town of Ipole Iloro are in good shape. From the capital city of Ado Ekiti, Arinta Waterfalls is about an hour and thirty minutes drive. You can make use of public buses going to Ipole Iloro or hire a car.

Things to do

One other thing to experience is the sound that erupts from the ever bubbling and bursting water that flows down the fall. The sound from the fall of water dominates the surrounding of the waterfall as if it is raining heavily. Visitors can swim in the natural swimming pool arena at the base of the waterfall. Tour guards are always available to guide tourists. There are sheds very close to the slope of the waterfall. Tourists relax and eat under this shed. Bush meat of wide variety, which is always adored by visitors are made available from food vendors.

To make visiting interesting and exciting for tourists, infrastructures have been put in place to ease their movement and stay. A befitting gate, social centre and relaxation sheds have been constructed on the landmark.

Kaduna State is a popular city in the north-central geopolitical zone of Nigeria with the capital also known as Kaduna. It was created in 1976 out of the old Northern Region of Nigeria. The state derived its name from KADA, which is Hausa word that means crocodile – kaduna is a plural word for KADA. The presence of crocodiles in the river gave birth to the name, ‘River Kaduna’ from which the state derives its moniker. The state has recorded continuous growth to the level of being the commercial hub of northern Nigeria. The major occupation is agriculture, comprising crop production and animal husbandry.

Although Katsina state was carved out of Kaduna state in 1987 there are still many ethnic groups in Kaduna, but the major ones are Hausa, Fulani, Jaba, Gbagyi, Bajju, Adara, Kadara, Kagoma, Kurama, Gwong, Gure, Numana, Atyap, Moro’a, Kaninkon, Koro , Ninzo, Kagoro and Ham. The state shares boundaries with Katsina, Zamfara, Kano, Bauchi, Plateau, Niger states and the Federal capital Territory, Abuja.

The people of Kaduna are hospitable and accommodating and its topology, noted for tourism which is evident in its cultural festivals and many tourist attractions that abound in the state. The notable among the festivals are the following:

Kaduna State Festival of Arts and Culture: This is an annual festival organized by the State Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The festival serves as an avenue for the twenty three local government areas that make up the state to come together and showcase their culture, talents and skills. The festival breeds unity among the different ethnic groups in the state.

Durbar Festival: This is an annual festival that takes place during sallah. Men are seen in beautiful garment and regalia. The festival features horse-riding, religious and cultural displays among others. It brings together thousands of people in very happy mood.

Afan Festival: It is an annual festival celebrated by the Kagoro people of the south of Kaduna state. The festival symbolizes an end of the annual grains harvest and the beginning of hunting expeditions. The festival features traditional dances and other exciting activities.

Kalankuwa Cultural Festival: Celebrated by the people of the northern part of Kaduna state after the harvest season, Kalankuwa is a thanksgiving festival. It takes place between November and December at Bomo, a village in Sabon Gari Local Government Area of the state.

Tuk-Ham: Celebrated by the people of Jaba tribe, Tuk-Ham which features traditional and cultural displays, takes place during Easter Holidays annually.



Apart from the festivals, there are a number of tourist destinations that attract thousands of people to Kaduna State. Some of them are discussed below:

Emir’s Palace, Zaria: The Emir’s palace, which is very rich in cultural artifacts and rare architectural design is located at the opposite of the central Mosque in Zaria.

Amalgamation House: This historic house is the building where amalgamation of the Northern and the Southern Protectorates was declared in 1914 by Lord Lugard. The cease fire that ended the Nigerian civil war in 1970 was also declared in this building.

The Nok: The Nok is a famous archeological site where the Nigeria’s much studied terracotta sculptures originated around 500BC. It witnesses frequent visits by tourists from both within and outside the country.

Lord Lugard Residence: It is a one-storey building that where Lord Lugard, who amalgamated Nigeria resided. It is located right opposite the amalgamation house.

Lord Lugard Hall: Regarded as the centre of political power in northern Nigeria, the hall is the former House of Assembly and House of Chiefs in the first republic. It also became the House of Legislature in the second republic. This historic building is conserved and visited by thousands on daily basis.

Barewa College: Located in Zaria, Barewa College remains the oldest High School in Northern Nigeria that produced most of the notable political and military leaders from the north.

Ahmadu Bello University: The first University established in the Northern Nigeria. Till date, it remains one of the best Universities in Africa.

City Walls, Zaria: Zaria city walls were erected during the reign of Queen Amina. The walls, which circumnavigate Zaria City, are between 14km and 16km long pierced by 8 gates. The walls are conserved till date.

Matsirga Waterfalls: Located in Kafanchan, the water drops 30 metres into a gorge that is supported by a beautiful set of rocks. The place is noted for very cool breeze that keeps tourists staying for days if not weeks. It is a perfect place for relaxation.

River Kaduna: This is the most popular river in the state from which the state got its name. The river is visited for excursion and sight-seeing.

Fifth Chukker Resort: This is a world class sports entertainment facility used for playing and observing the famous sport of polo. It is usually opened to members and to the public with tickets during tournaments.

National Museum: The national museum in Kaduna houses wood carvings, masks, terracotta figures, Benin bronzes, Hausa storytelling exhibitions and music. The place experiences mass visits by people from all walks of life.

CHELTECH, Samaru, Zaria: This is a leather processing Institute where leather processing and uses are taught, using traditional and modern methods of technology.

St. Bartholomew’s Church: The traditional architectural design church built of mud, cow dung and grass by the Church Missionary Society in 1929 in Kaduna is still standing till date.

When touring Kaduna state, you can also visit destinations such as Trappco Ranch and Resort, Lord Lugard Foot Bridge, Kajuru Castle and Kamuku National Park.

Do you recall how you felt the last time your plane was hit by turbulence? It is difficult not to get distressed and frightened by the sudden, erratic shaking of the aircraft.

While living through turbulence is a huge concern for anyone who is nervous about flying in Nigeria, there are ways its after-effect can be managed to ensure it does not become a nerve-wrecking experience. Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking service offers top 5 ways to handle turbulence on local flights.



Remain buckled to your seat

The most important thing to do when there is turbulence is to stay buckled to your seat. Refrain from walking around or moving from one corner to the other. No matter how afraid you are, sit still and ensure you only raise your hand if you need to signal an air hostess for anything. Sitting still rather than walking around helps you stay calm and reduced chances of injury or accidents in the case of severe turbulence.

Breathe deeply as often as you can

Deep breaths can be very helpful while enduring an episode of turbulence. Rather than fret and worry, close your eyes, inhale and exhale deeply as frequently as you can. Also, you can carry a paper bag which you can use as an anti-hyperventilating device as well. It is very good for reducing anxiety.



Listen to slow, calming music

The fear for turbulence has a way of kicking up anxiety inside you, making it hard for you to be calm or focused on any flight. You find your mind consumed on the possibility of a plane crash and how it could mean the end of your life or worse, a maimed body. You mind wanders and perfectly normal flight noises seem like sounds from outer space! But listening to peaceful and calming music help you manage yourself on the plane and even when an actual turbulence is going on. It occupies your mind and takes off a lot of stress that comes with turbulence.

Try the rubberband technique

This is not a common technique and may not work for everyone. The rubber band technique is such that you wear a rubberband around your wrist and snap the band against your skin anytime you feel yourself becoming agitated, such that the pain serves as the reality bite which takes your mind off any particular situation making you anxious or giving you a fright. Adopting this method helps with turbulence. It distracts you from it and cuts out chances of you being traumatized by the movements.



Avoid caffeine products

Caffeine products, especially coffee may seem like the perfect drink for a long flight, but it can cause as an overly hyper state of mind and will only exacerbate your anxiety when you have to deal with turbulence. Avoid taking any caffeine product before or while you are on the flight, instead, go for other liquids that will keep you hydrated. A glass of one can be very good for calming the nerves.

It can be chaotic getting a taxi in a bustling and fast-paced city like Lagos, especially for first-time visitors. There are hundreds of taxi or cab operators in the city that you may be spoiled for choice. However, the taxi you board can make or mar your journey. If you cannot bear the turbulence of Lagos commercial buses and the outrageous traffic, your best option is to take a cab. In line with this, Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal points you to five things you should know before hailing a Lagos taxi.



They are painted the ‘Lagos’ colour

The Lagos colour for commercial taxis and buses is yellow. If you visit other states, they also have their transport operator colours. Normally, commercial taxis that are not coated in yellow should not operate. But, Lagos is the city of hustlers, so any colour of cabs operate. If you need a cab, it is advisable to go for the one painted in yellow. It is not only safe but you can easily track the driver to his park if you have any complaints or you forgot something in his car.



Ignore rickety cabs

Rickety cabs can break down anytime during your road trip. These drivers are aware of the mechanical fault but do nothing. They will prefer to manage it instead taking it for repairs. To stop any delay, especially, if you are in a hurry, you should not take a rickety cab. Not that the good looking cab is perfect but the probability that it will break down on the road is low.

Negotiate before hopping in

Except you have a particular cab driver, you must bargain. Do not conclude that they will accept a price when you have not negotiated. If you do, they may embarrass you or engage you in a battle of wits.



Do not be too chatty

Ever wondered why some cab drivers are chatty? They always want to strike a conversation with you. If you perhaps decide to chat with them, do not reveal too much information about yourself.

Decide on who to pay the toll gate fee

If you are going to Lekki, you cannot circumvent the Lekki Toll Gate unless you take an alternative route. A huge problem cab drivers and their passengers encounter is who to settle the charge for the toll gate. Some cab drivers will refuse to pay while the passenger expects that the driver sum it up with the cab charges. Always ensure that you settle this before taking off.

Easter 2016 falls at the end of March when temperatures in Lagos are rising fast and the rainy season is kicking in. What would be a better way to celebrate this first chance that many of us get to have a break each year, than a stay or visit to a fabulous hotel within town?

Whether you are looking for an intimate affair to share with close family, or to take advantage of the bank holiday weekend with friends, you are sure to find the best Easter hotel package with the help of Jovago.com’s list of the 2016 top three Easter hotel deals in Lagos, presented in alphabetical order.



FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON LAGOS

Plot 9/10 Block 2 Oniru Chieftaincy Estate, P. O Box 53197 Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria

Enjoy a luxurious Easter break at Four Points by Sheraton, Lagos; a 5-star luxury hotel with great deals including discounted room rates and Easter buffet. It allows the perfect time to show the family all that Lagos Island has to offer.

The room offerings include:

NGN48,500 per room, per night, for Four Points’ comfortable Room, daily buffet breakfast for two, complimentary Internet, complimentary use of Suana and Steam Room and complimentary use of Gym and Pool.
NGN58,500 per room, per night, for Four Points’ comfortable Room, daily buffet breakfast for two, buffet dinner for two, complimentary Internet, complimentary use of Suana and Steam Room, complimentary use of Gym and Pool
All rates include taxes and are only valid from March 24th – March 29th. The Easter feast on the other hand, offers a chance for lovers, family and friends to experience special Easter treats from NGN9,500. The package includes a special Buffet brunch, lunch and dinner with Easter Flavors and Trappings all through the Festivity. There will be a glass of Martini Rose/ Chapman on arrival, selected soft beverages and special entertainment and Gifts for children. The feasting will be only available for dining at their Brazzerie Restaurant from March 25, 2016 – March 29th 2016. Lunch on Easter Sunday – 27th March, however is available at NGN12,000 per person.



GOLDEN TULIP

Amuwo Odofin, Festac, Lagos, Nigeria

Experience Easter in a different city with a stay at The Golden Tulip Hotel! One of Lagos’ finest hotels, it is built on a 7-hectare site surrounded by landscaped gardens. Take a walk and enjoy a green oasis in the Festac Town area of the city. Indulge in a luxury spa treatment and treat yourself to dinner in one of its esteemed restaurants. For the Easter holiday, they have a special Easter family fiesta package featuring:

Easter Family Pool Party which opens up their swimming pools to every swimming member of the family on Easter Sunday and Monday with mouth-watering array of affordable BBQ, grills, fries and finger chips on display. Swimming guests; Adults; N3000, Kids N1000.
Easter buffet Specials which offer a taste of heavenly tasting fine dining with display of a wide selection of local and international buffet varieties from Good Friday to Easter Monday for only N6000. Brunch starts from 12noon and dinner from 7pm. 50% discount on services for all children below 12 years old.
Easter room specials which will last from March 15th to April 15th.The package offers their rooms at NGN 25,000 to couples with complimentary breakfast for two and N30,000 for families with complimentary breakfast for four.



SHERATON LAGOS HOTEL

30 Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, P.O. Box 21189 Airport Road, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria

Whether exploring Lagos’ finest shopping destinations and famous landmarks or relaxing in a luxury appointed room and enjoying dinner in one of its prized restaurants, the perfect Easter break awaits at Sheraton Lagos Hotel. Their offer includes:

Special Easter room rates from NGN50,400 per person, per night, including a welcome drink upon arrival, buffet breakfast at the Crockpot restaurant, standard in-room internet, 4pm late check-out based on availability and complimentary access to gymnasium and pool. The rates cover all taxes and are only valid from 24th March – 3rd April 2016.
The unique Easter Club Room package which allows visitor to enjoy a warm and comforting atmosphere in any of their newly renovated club rooms and suites. The package accommodates a welcome drink upon arrival, a full American breakfast at the Crockpot Restaurant or Room Service for one, a bottle of wine in your getaway room, Easter Chocolate bunny upon check in, standard in-room internet, and 4pm late check-out based on availability. The offer is inclusive of tax and service charge, however, it is just for Clubrooms and only valid from 24th March – 3rd April 2016.
Special Easter buffet brunch on Easter Sunday, March 27th 2016 at the Crockpot Restaurant, priced at just NGN 12,000 per person. The Easter Brunch including deluxe buffet, free glass of Martini Champagne on arrival and non-stop live entertainment.

Let’s face it, Nigerian women love compliments more the men do, and when they are clocking 30 and above, the effect of the passage of time on them becomes more visible. Due to the norm in Nigeria where women over the age of 30 are considered “older women”, the single ones especially tend to feel less attractive and conscious of their looks as they no longer feel the rush of being ‘hot’ singles. The married, on the other hand, also battle with feelings of insecurity and also require a measure of reassurance as regards how they look.

Giving compliments is an easy way to make these breed of women feel better about themselves, especially if they have a particularly endearing quality that ensures their insecurities are not well founded. If you are friends with, dating or married to a woman over 30, Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking site offers 5 best compliments to pay her. Putting a smile on her face will definitely come back to you in positive ways.



“You Are Gorgeous”

The usually compliment would be telling the woman that she is beautiful, but for a woman over 30, she has probably heard the word “beautiful” so many times in her teens and 20’s, and now considers it random or negligible. She may even see the compliment as something impersonal and take no mind to it. The word gorgeous is definitely a lot more powerful than the word beautiful. Swapping the word for “gorgeous”, however, makes her feel much more unique and elegant. She believes you are not just complimenting her for her looks, but you are also her personality and aura.



“You are so trendy”

Keeping up with the trends and fashion is a struggle for most women over 30 in Nigeria. They are at a point in their life where they start to realize that they are no longer as particular about things as they used to be, and the times are totally different. They start to harbor the secret fear that they are no longer current and they no longer what is in vogue. Some of them actually achieve fashionable looks anyways, while some in their determination to be on par with the recent trends tend to overdo it. While telling them they are trendy or fashionable sounds like the most boring lines ever, it can be extremely effective when you say it the right way. It tells her that her style attracted your attention because the way she dresses reveals her personality and her interest.



“You are so smart”

Nigerian women over 30 like to feel powerful and they like to know that others notice their achievements. Telling her she is smart is a good way to make her feel empowered and most importantly feel good about herself. It reveals to her that there is more to her that people notice and her body or beauty looks may not be a pivotal as she is afraid it might be. Also, in the case of the compliment coming from a boyfriend or husband, it tells her that you respect and appreciate her for the fact that she is more intelligent than the average girl, so, there is less chance of you cheating on her with the pretty or younger faces.

“I feel like I can talk about everything with you”

This is one of the best compliments to pay a Nigerian woman over 30 as it communicates trust, appreciation and love at the same time. At their stage, they are very curious and tend to need a lot of assurance. They like to know that they are important to you enough that you want to confide in her and share your secrets. It also tells her that you appreciate her for the conversations and you have love the time you spend with her. Basically, it tells her that she’s still got it.

Each time most people travel in an airplane, they come out feeling morose, worn out, disheveled, irritable and tired once they reach their destination. With a tight schedule, this can be a little unnerving. While there is no magic wand to rejuvenate you back to wholeness, there are some quick steps you can take to defeat jet lag as soon as possible. Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal outline 5 steps.



Eat light meals

Eating heavy meals before a long flight will make you grumpy and the toilet can become your temporary abode during the flight. So meals should be consumed in smaller proportions. Light meals will allow you to sleep like a baby during the flight. Also do not travel on a hungry stomach, as hunger pangs can keep you uncomfortable as well.

Book a reliable airline

Arriving early to your destination offers you ample time to relax. However, this can be disrupted if you book with an unreliable airline. Your flight meant to take-off at 10:00 am can be moved till later or cancelled due to avoidable circumstances created by the airline. Many Nigerian travelers encounter this, especially with local airlines and need to be extra picky with domestic carriers.



Sleep on the plane

A nap on a plane goes a long way in beating jet lag. After all, the seats are designed in a way to help you sleep during a flight. When next you are travelling do not forget to take with you an eye mask and headphones.

Take a warm bath

After a long flight, you arrive home or at the hotel, dump your luggage, and fall like a log on your bed and activate sleeping mode. This is what many travellers do when they return. Instead of going to sleep immediately, it is better to immerse your body in a bathtub or take a hot cup of tea. This will definitely help you from feeling groggy the following day!



Drink lot of water

Normally, if you are not travelling, you should drink lots of water. Being hydrated keeps you in good shape thus preventing travel hangovers. Importantly, do not replace water with alcohol and stay away from sugary substances.

Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State in north-eastern Nigeria, has been boycotted by a number of visitors for a couple of years as the area is considered a red zone.

With Easter weekend slated for Friday, March 25th to Monday, March 28th 2016, Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking site has some ‘egg’cellent holiday ideas that will keep visitors as well as locals in Maiduguri smiling ear to ear.



Film Marathon

The perfect thing about running a film marathon is that you do not have to go to a cinema. Dig out all you favorite movies, then invite some friends over so you can spend time watching them back to back. The film marathon could stretch for as long as two days, you just need to make sure you have your steady power supply, food in your fridge and soft pillows to make yourself a comfortable spot. This activity is safe for people who are not keen on exploring the city or just going outside based on the fear of terrorists.



Food banquet

Food is essential to any holiday and what better way to make the most of your Easter by having a food banquet. For most Christians who are observing the lent, the fasting period ends with the holiday and so they have the chance to pamper their taste buds and fill their stomach with all it missed out on during the fasting period. You could cook up a platter and invite friends or you can make it a solo party; the idea is to cook a large variety of food and eat till you drop. Alternatively, you can treat yourself to a buffet at one of the classy restaurants around town- this activity will be best enjoyed by a foodie.



Football match

Maiduguri is home to the El-Kanemi Warriors (a popular football team) and has an active local football league. While the players were advised to dump their El Kanemi stadium in 2014 for fear of insurgents, the team has recently returned and there will be most likely be matches slated for the holiday period. If you are a football fan, a good way to make your Easter exciting would be to attend one of these matches and get your adrenaline pumping.



Picnic at the Kyarimi Park

Originally established in 1970 as a forest reserve, before becoming a large wildlife sanctuary and a botanical park, the Sanda Kyarimi Park is one place still provides residents with some semblance of leisure despite the insurrections in the locale. The oldest and largest zoo in Nigeria, it attracts thousands of visitors per year, but continues to be a sanctuary for people who want to relieve themselves of the day’s stress in the city. Spend a couple of hours off your Easter holiday visiting this location. You could certainly carry your food basket and a mat for picnic or you could decide to tour the park and visit other nearby picnic zones such as Alo Lake and Zambiza game reserve.

Nestled in Ogun state, Ijebu-Ode is a warm, animate and touristic town that boast of fingerlicking gourmet, overwhelming hospitality and a magnetic festival that attracts all and sundry from different parts of the world.

The town is the second largest city after Abeokuta in Ogun state and the thriving traditional institution led by Oba Sikiru Adetona further attests to the rich heritage of Ijebu-Ode making Ijebu-Ode one of the most sort after destinations in Nigeria. Jovago.com, Africa’s No. 1 hotel booking tells you a tale of the people, their festival as well as shows you how to navigate this receptive town.



Top 3 tourist attractions

Ojude-Oba Festival

Arguably one of the most anticipated festivals in Nigeria. Ojude-Oba festival is a widely and lavishly celebrated festival in Ijebu-ode. It is a day set aside to pay homage to the King and commemorate the values, culture and tradition of Ijebus’. Hotels are fully booked, homes are filled with visitors and tourists come from far and wide to experience the festival. Key highlights of the festival include horse displays by the various horse-riding families, dancing competitions among the various regbe regbes i.e age grades, resplendent attires and deftly plaited hairdo of women. The festival is held opposite the Oba’s palace. It is a festival to quench your desire for fun

Awujale’s Palace.

Led by His Eminence Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale’s palace over the years is a historical monument that houses valuables of past Awujales of Ijebuland as well as provide relevant information about the history of Ijebu-Ode. The palace is a compendium of the people’s culture, craft and art.

Sungbo’s Eredo

Sungbo’s Eredo is war that was dedicated to Bilikisu Sungbo for her commendable contributions to the development of Ijebu-Ode. The sungbo Eredo is also believed to be the final resting place of the Queen of Sheba. The site was added to the tentative list of World Heritage Sites on 1st November, 1995.



Unwinding

Ikokore is a meal readily available in Ijebu-Ode. They own this delicious cuisine. It is a must eat for visitors to the state. It is prepared with Water yam sprinkled with fresh fish, prawn, crab, pepper. Yummy! If you cannot get someone to prepare it for you, you can walk into these restaurants to order for ikokore or any one of your favourite food- Tasty Food consult, Ademola Food Canteen, lollyboi kitchen. Goodnews delicious restaurant and Odunsi Eatery.

Shopping

Ife-oluwa variety store, Deo Gratias Super store, Mariam Variety store, and Olori Mini Mart are among the small scale that you can do your shopping. It is a developing town, do not bother to search for giant shopping like you have in Lagos.



Hotel

As a town where a popular festival is held, there are various stars of hotels that corresponds with your taste. Visit Jovago.com to select any one of the 38 available hotels. These hotel are inexpensive.

Fun fact

Indigenes of Ijebu-Ode are known to be party freaks. They love to rock the dance floor with glossy attire and flamboyant hairdos. It should come as a surprise that they host one of the biggest festivals in Nigeria.

The term “Waffarian” used alternatively for waffi or waffiman, has over the years been used to refer to people from Warri, Delta State, Nigeria. While a lot of jokes have been made about them and certain people who admire claim to be part of their creed, very few actually have that coveted “typical warri” credibility.

In this article, Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking portal, discloses 7 signs to spot any typical waffarian. From the use of a unique brand of pidgin to ridiculously loud banters these signs are sure bankers.



They have actually lived in Warri

To be a considered a real waffarian, you must actually be a native of one of the three main ethnic groups: the Ijaws, the Itsekiris and the Urhobos, who claim original ownership of Warri. And not only that, you must have lived in this town at some point in your life. The main sign that you are a typical waffarian is when you know first hand the culture and values of the people, and this is learnt by cohabiting and socializing with locals in the area.

They are fluent in that special pidgin

Waffarians are easily marked by their special brand of pidgin. For instance, a normal Nigerian would translate “that girl is crazy” as “dat girl dey Krays” but a typical waffarian would rather say “she dey para”. Another thing about waffarians also is that they are so proud of their pidgin that it has become their go-to language. They throw it at anyone they encounter in the area and sometimes even get offended when they get a reply in clean English.



They love Banga soup

It is no secret that Banga soup -whether with starch or pounded yam- is a favorite of waffi people. There are literally hundreds of restaurants that offer the cuisine around the city and the natives never give up on patronizing these food joints. Any person whose first pick of local meal is Banga and starch, 8 times out of 10, they are typical waffarians.

They have long native names

The waffarians are very proud of their heritage and so you find the real ones have native names which they use rather proudly. These names are usually very long and have varied meanings, although most of them make reference to God as this tribe are a religious lot. Some examples of their names include: “onetoritsebawoete” meaning “whom the lord is with cannot be put to shame”, “Ogbaghabkomi” meaning “they taught me to be wise”, and so on.



They are never fazed

They are bold and hardly ever turn down any challenge thrown at them. They also are very confident in themselves. You hardly find a waffarian depressed or threatening to commit suicide based on a dilemma. They face issues head on and are almost always optimistic about their situation.

They have a knack for banter

A knack for banter is another major sign. Warri people are verbal and quite witty too. They coin their words in very interesting ways and would never relent in a verbal fight. They are also very expressive, quick to give their opinion, no matter the situation and can be very loud while at it. It is no wonder comedy thrives greatly in the area, as they are the group of people most talked about actually by Nigerian comedians.



Respect is important to them

Waffarians are very particular about respect. It means everything to them and they would do anything to earn it. Also when they are denied the respect they believe is due to them, they become uncooperative and sometimes even belligerent. The first question they ask when challenged is: “Who you be sef?!” as they see a challenge, first as an impending show of disrespect.

A visit to Nigeria can expose you to different genres of music however, the ones that will probably be fill the airways of your radio set are hip hop, R&B, reggae and rap and as a guest, chances are higher that you want to seek invigorating experiences, fresh rhythms and new sounds. If you want to listen to something more traditional and different from the everyday clang of metal and bass you are bombarded with daily, Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal shares five indigenous genres to listen out for while in Nigeria.



Afrobeat

Only one name comes to mind when any discourse on Afrobeat pops up. That is Fela Anikulapo Kuti. He was the one who popularized this genre of music as he churned out a medley of songs that addressed societal issues and the military government. Fela could even perform on stage for hours non-stop.

Afrobeat came to the consciousness of Nigerians in the 1970s as artists joyfully concocted traditional Yoruba music with jazz, West African highlife and funk. If you want to enjoy the best of Afrobeat, visit the Afrika Shrine at Central Business District, Ikeja.



Igbo highlife

This class of music is proudly owned by the Igbos of Eastern Nigeria. The genre combines the soulful strings of highlife with Igbo traditional music. With a standing microphone, a guitar in hand and backup singers, the lead singer in very melodic tones dish out songs in Igbo or pidgin English to entertain teeming fans. The story of highlife in Nigeria is incomplete without mentioning the contributions of Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe. He was music personified. Other highlife greats are Oliver De Coque, Orlando Owoh, and Jim Rex Lawson among others.



Juju

Juju was popularized by the ever energetic and unflappable King Sunny Ade. His thrilling dance steps, the rhythmic tunes from the percussionists and his voice will get you hooked on Juju. Ebenezer Obe also contributed his quota in the growth of Juju music. In the interim, Shina Peters took it one step higher by blending it with African tunes to produce Afrojuju. These songs are worth listening to. Before it became well known, it was pioneered by musicians like Fatai Rolling Dollars, Tunde Nightingale, and I.K. Dairo.



Apala

Before Apala became popular amongst the Yorubas of Southwest, Nigeria, it was strictly a religious song used to arouse fasting Muslims during Ramadan. As time went by, it shed its religious toga and became a general form of entertainment. It was developed in the late 1930s and early 1940s in Ijebuland in Ogun state. The main instruments in apala are talking drums, shekere rattle, agogo bell, agidigbo, and a thumb piano often played by the lead singer. Popular Apala musicians include Haruna Ishola and Ayinla Omowura.



Fuji

Fuji is an offshoot of Apala music. Fuji is indigenous to the Yorubas of Western Nigeria. Alhaji Sikiru Barrister led the pack in the 1960s while Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, Pasuma Wonder, Saheed Osupa, Obesere, Adewale Ayuba, and Malaika among others made it widely known. They mostly sing in Yoruba language but it is no doubt danceable.

Lagos is a beautiful city and owing to the large number of residents, there are so many apartments on lease, most of them small but functional. With many options available and so many decisions to make regarding moving in and decorating, it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed. The good thing however is that though the apartment may be short on space, it doesn’t mean it has to be short on style.

Whether you are starting out or starting over, Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking service offers tips to help you navigate the difficult process of decorating an apartment in Lagos



Have a budget

The moment you find your apartment and pay for it, you become obsessed with the idea of making beautiful as well as functional in the best way possible without losing your personal style. Controlled by that strong desire, you find that you might be tempted to spend a lot of money acquiring new decorative items and building new pieces for the apartment, and you end up broke at the end of the day, possibly without money to feed yourself for a while afterwards. To avoid falling into this trap, draw up a specific budget for budgeting. The budget helps you figure out how much you can spend and know what to prioritize. Basically, they budget lets you know where to draw the line and actually forces to get creative with improvising.

Sketch out a plan

Before you start decorating, it is important that you have a plan. Make a sketch of what you want the apartment to look like. Where you want each furniture to be and how you would like each corner to be arranged. The sketch does not have to be professional; you just have to be able to understand it. Fortunately, the internet has a lot of ideas and samples for inspiration. You can also even find floor plan programs online. The sketch also helps you know how well to coordinate your colors.

Go for functional furniture pieces

Of course, you would prefer new furniture, new gadgets and everything fresh, but you need to realize that you would be doing yourself a disservice by giving into that lure…that is if you can afford to. Ensure your largest pieces of furniture are second hand. You can find very good second-hand furniture at Westminster market, Apapa or Alaba market. Also -in the bid to make the apartment pretty- do not clog it with furniture that will not be of actual use.

Hire an interior decorator

If you are totally clueless as to what to do as regard decorating your apartment, hire an interior decorator as a consult to do the entire job for you. Luckily in Lagos, most interior decorators are flexible and willing to work for different budgets. The designer will help you simplify your style, give you tips to acquire the right furnishings and assist in the carrying out your decoration plan.



Take it easy

Before you set out to decorate, remind yourself that Rome was not built in one day. It is okay if your decoration does not come out looking picture-perfect. You can start with decorating one room or space at a time and slowly work your way through the entire house. Your taste might change with time and you maybe not live in that apartment forever. Give yourself time to learn what you like to live with, not just what you like in a picture.

Lagos, Nigeria, 14 March 2016, Jovago and AccorHotels announced today the signing of an innovative partnership to incorporate all AccorHotels established on the African continent on the Jovago platform – Africa’s n°1 online hotel booking website.

The partnership would firstly involve the incorporation of 30 AccorHotels hotels located in 13 countries on the Jovago platform and then, the overall hotels of the Group in Africa.

“AccorHotels is one of the largest players in the hotel industry in Africa. As Africa’s leading hotel booking platform, we are proud to incorporate AccorHotels into our platform in order to provide our African customers with high quality hotelsin the key cities of the continent” said Paul Midy CEO Jovago. “This strategic partnership confirms our passion for hospitality and hotel development in Africa.”

The AccorHotels’ portfolio will become a part of Jovago’s catalog of 25,000 hotels in Africa, further enabling customers to book a room directly through the jovago.com website and benefit from a personalized, locally based customer service available 24/7 in several languages.

“The partnership with Jovago highly contributes to establish our distribution strategy in Africa, says Souleymane Khol, VP Sales Marketing Distribution & Revenue Management for Africa & Indian Ocean. AccorHotels is in a continuous process of dynamic innovation aiming to always mix more efficiently the digital experience with our hospitality know-how “

About Jovago

Jovago.com is an online hotel booking service with offices in Lagos (Nigeria), Nairobi (Kenya), Dakar (Senegal) founded by Africa Internet Group and has Rocket Internet, MTN, Millicom, Axa and Goldman Sachs as investors. Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 booking website, facilitates the booking process for its users to provide them with the best hotel booking experience with fast, transparent and easy-to-use services. Jovago.com has over 25,000 local hotel listings across Africa and over 200,000 hotels around the world.

For More informations : abdesslam.benzitouni@jovago.com

About AccorHotels

AccorHotels is a Group united by a shared passion for hospitality and driven by a shared promise to make everyone Feel Welcome.

Over 180,000 women and men in 3,900 AccorHotels establishments look after thousands of guests every day in 92 countries.



AccorHotels is the world’s leading hotel operator and offers its customers, partners and employees:

– its dual expertise as a hotel operator and franchisor (HotelServices) and a hotel owner and investor (HotelInvest);

– a large portfolio of internationally renowned brands covering the full spectrum, with luxury (Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery by Sofitel, Grand Mercure, The Sebel), midscale (Novotel, Mercure, Mama Shelter, Adagio) economy (ibis, ibis Styles, ibis budget, adagio access and hotelF1) establishments;

– a powerful marketplace and loyalty program Le Club AccorHotels

– almost half a century of commitment to corporate citizenship and solidarity with the PLANET 21 program.

Accor SA shares are listed on the Euronext Paris exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and traded in the USA on the OTC marketplace

Definitely the largest shopping district in West Africa, the Lagos Island Market is a bouquet of commodities ranging from as little as jewellery to fabrics, clothings, homewares and electronics. While the market has no particular address as it spans across many streets on the island, certain parts within the market including Balogun and Breadfruit streets are famous for being visited by tourists.

Seeing as the market in its entirely is super large and always crowded, it is important to be prepared before embarking on a visit to the location. Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking portal reveals 5 things that can happen to you on a visit to the Lagos Island Market.



You are overwhelmed by the extremely large crowd

The throngs of people who visit Balogun on the daily are numerous. From weekdays to weekends, the market bustles with a crowd of vendors, buyers as well as tourists who crave to discover the essence of the place.

To get to the major parts of the market, you will need to charge ahead like a bull, moving past stalls and street vendors trying to drag you into their kiosks. Peak seasons are even worse as the crowd becomes more of a nuisance, making shopping difficult for locals who want to get what they need. Visiting as a result can be fun but utterly overwhelming.

You find so many options you can’t make a choice

To succeed at Balogun market, you need to have a sense of purpose and direction. You literally need to have a vision of what you intend to buy or accomplish while visiting. Each section of the markets holds a large variety of each product, from different brands – both foreign and local- and for different prices. If you do not know what exactly you want, you will be faced with the challenge of making the right choice.

Most times, visitors find themselves giving into their inner shopaholics and end up buying so many items that they do not necessarily need. If you know you are weak when it comes to shopping, do not visit the market with your ATM or extra cash. Set a budget at least and stick to it.



Haggling is your best bet

The only way to get good deals or buy items at the best price is by haggling. The vendors never give you the flat price. They always hope to make more so, they size up their customers before giving each one the prices they think the customer can afford. They consider the dressing, language and mode of communication. Paying whatever first price that is thrown at you ensures you get cheated. You would be surprised to discover that the same exact shirt sold for N4,500 in shop A, would be offered for N 2,000 in shop B especially since the cost is given based on the seller’s perception. Best way to go is to start haggling by offering to pay one-third of whatever price is first thrown at you and gradually work up to the price you think should be most appropriate.

You learn to appreciate Lagos street-food

Street food vendors are a part of the Lagos Island market that you cannot ignore. From the entrance of the market to whatever exit you choose, the aroma of different local meals assaults your nostrils, tying your intestines into knots and ensuring you crave a taste of the gastronomies. As there are very few fast food joints around the market, most times you are actually forced to patronize these street foods, from fries (yam, plantain, bean cake) to abacha, even pepper soup and more. Having a taste of these foods definitely gives you a chance to appreciate the foods that most other boulevards in Lagos have to offer.

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Although there are quite a number of places that animal lovers can visit in Nigeria, very few people know where to go to satisfy their urges to explore the wild. They will rather travel to Kruger National Park in South Africa, Masai Mara game reserve in Kenya or Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to have this close encounter.

Why travel to other parts of Africa when you can have a fierce, and animate animal encounter in Nigeria? Aside from having an unforgettable time, you will save cash. In line with this, Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal identify 4 places animal lovers can visit in Nigeria.



Yankari Games Reserve

The Gashaka Gumti National Park may be the largest park in the country but the Yankari Games Reserve will always top the list of parks to visit in Nigeria. The park was established in 1956 and opened to the public in 1962. It is located around Gagi River, approximately 11/2 hours by road, SouthEast of Bauchi Town. The reserve covers 2,058 sq. km. of savanna woodland and is well-stocked with elephants, baboons, waterbucks, bushbucks, oribi, crocodile, hippopotamus, roan antelope, buffalo and various types of monkeys.



Jos Wildlife park

The Jos wildlife park came to the consciousness of Nigerians when a lion which escaped from the park was shot dead. At least, the park made headlines, even though for the wrong reasons. Despite this, the park attracts inter- and intra-visitors yearly.The park is located in the Rantya area of Jos. It is home to species of rare animals like elephants, lions, hyenas, birds, Chimpanzees, Baboons and Monkeys. You are guaranteed a swell time in Jos as the park is only one of many tourist destinations in the state.



Ogba Zoo and Nature park

This is one of the few parks that is managed and run via a public-private partnership. It is owned by the Edo State government. It is a one-stop center not only for animal lovers but also for anyone that wants to indulge. The Ogba Zoo covers about 750 acres and was established in 1966 and sits comfortably on Airport Road in the ancient Benin Kingdom. You will see the king of animals, Lions, Chimpanzees, Giant Tortoises, rock python, pea fowls and much more.



Gashaka Gumti National Park

If you are looking for a park with international recognition, then the Gashaka-Gumti National Park is the place to go. The park has the title of being the largest National Park in Nigeria covering about 6,402 Km2 and it is situated in between Taraba (Gashaka and Adamawa (Gumti). This natural habitat is home to a wide range of plant and animal life from the leopard to elephants, lions, wild dogs, antelope, forest hogs, golden cats, bird life, insects, reptiles and aquatic life. After exploring this National Park, you can also visit the Chappal Waddi, which is Nigeria’s highest mountain. The mountain is a stone throw from the Gashaka-Gumti National Park.

Toddlers are the cutest, but they are also unpredictable and are prone to flying how into a rage at a whim. While the easiest thing to do would be to keep them at home all the time to avoid the stress that comes with taking them outside, staying indoors can also get them super cranky.

For those who are anxious about an outdoor trip with the kids, Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking portal offers five helpful tips for taking a toddler out in public.



Give them a warning before you set out

Toddlers can be utterly defiant, but they do have a sense of direction and can follow instructions once they are clearly informed. Before you set out to the grocery shop, mall or church, sit the toddler down and tell them what behaviors you expect from them, letting them know what the consequences of a disobedience would be. It helps to paint big pictures of the price they pay for disobedience as toddlers are very impressionable and tend to believe almost everything.

Adopt a reward system

The only thing toddlers love more than tasty treats and attention are rewards. To them, rewards are a form of recognition and so they are willing to comply to earn one. Rather than shout on then or even spank them, offer them a reward for good behavior and keep your words. For instance, you could have a sticker book for good behaviors and you could say to the toddler: if you behave nicely and eat properly when we get to the restaurants, I will give you an extra sticker. Toddles for some reason love stickers and as long as they are sure a number of stickers will eventually earn them something nice, they’ll most likely behave.



Do not forget the diaper

Toddlers may not be babies anymore, but they use the toilet a lot. They always want to take a pee or even do a ‘number 2’. Public toilets are not the best for toddlers as they are not only exposed to strong germs, they also can be difficult to control in the loo. It is advisable to garb them in diapers when going to a public place. Also pack extra diapers in a bag as well as extra clothing…you just never can tell how many times they will go.

Give a measure of freedom

Toddlers can get really rebellious, especially when they feel they are being constricted. It is important to give them a measure of freedom rather than have them on a tight leash. This gives them the idea that they are having fun and they are less cranky or less prone to tantrums that way. This does not mean you should not be firm. Just find a way to create a measure of balance, that way they remain manageable. Carefully packed distractions come in handy as well.

There’s no better way to learn about Enugu’s cultural heritage than through your tastebuds. For a big bite in the Coal city, Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking portal has insight on great meals to check-out on a food-lover’s trip to Enugu.



Okpa

Popularly referred to as ‘ The Lion’s food or the King’s meal’, Okpa is a traditional Nigerian dish popular in Eastern part of Nigeria and is believed it to be originated from Nsukka, Enugu. Okpa is made from Bambara flour gotten from the Bambara nut. It is very easy to make as very few ingredients are required and it takes just about 45 minutes to cook. While a lot of vendors sell them wrapped in thin transparent nylon bags, the locals prepare use banana leaves as wrap. Visitors are sure to get the best of this delicacy at 9th Mile Corner in Ngwo near Enugu.



Abacha

Often referred to as African Salad, Abacha is a traditional Igbo meal made with dried shredded cassava, fermented oil bean seeds and a lot of spices. Believed to have originated from Achi in Enugu state, the meal can be served as an appetizer or main course. No event happens in the Enugu without Abacha on the menu. The key to making a good African Salad is to make sure that all the ingredients are well incorporated and the palm oil used in the right quantity. Visitors in the city will find Abacha on the street, local bukkas and even some upscale restaurants that serve indigenous meals.



Nkwobi

A constant in every Enugu beer palour, Nkwobi or Spicy cow-legs is a much-loved delicacy in the eastern part of Nigeria. While it is easy to make as it basically cooked cow-foot mixed in spicy palm oil paste, it is rarely prepared at homes. It takes a lot of time and so people prefer to buy from restaurants and local joints. These joints cook it in large quantity so it is economical for them. A plate in an average restaurant ranges between 600-1500 Naira.



Yam and Agbugbu (FioFio)

This is a favorite for most locals in Enugu and most visitors tend to fall in love with this meal at first taste. Porridge made with yam and a kind of beans- Pigeon peas, a tropical and subtropical perennial legume that belongs to the family of Fabaceae, also called Akidi, in local dialect. The meal is easy to make, all you have to do is cook the pigeon peas until they are soft, then gently mash and boil together with the yam and a little bit of water until the yam is cooked. It is usually accompanied with palm oil onion and pepper sauce.



Ofe akwu

The Igbo version of Banga stew, Ofe Akwu is made with palm fruit oil extract. The filtrate which is totally different from pure palm oil is distilled at a very low temperature and is a mixture of oil and water. The scent leaves, however give the Ofe Akwu its unique aroma and taste. The preparation can be tedious, but the taste is rewarding. Ofe akwu is usually served with boiled white rice, yam or plantain ,and is certainly eaten as main course.



Ofe Onugbu and Akpu

Ofe Onugbu is the native name for bitter leaf soup and Akpu is also referred to as Fufu. The bitter leaf soup is a very simple soup as its ingredients are not many. You only require a lot of meat, fish, palm oil, bitter leaf, cocoyam paste, salt and optional spices. The soup is very tasty as the bitter leaves are detoxed of the heavy bitterness in the leaves before being cooked or used in the soup. Akpu on the other hand is made of cassava and makes for a perfect swallow combo with the soup.

Your camera’s storage often holds sweet memories of trips around Nigeria and discovering that the memory card is broken or missing can hurt a little – all these memories, gone forever. To help preserve fond moments, Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal shares 6 ways to keep your pictures safe for longer.



Shoot with more than one memory card

Memory cards are quite affordable and you can take as many as four memory cards along when travelling but remember to store them in different places in your bag or pocket. This is safer and reduces the chances of all three of them being lost or damaged at the same time. More importantly, do not wait until a memory card max’s out before you switch it, so rotate as often as possible.

Keep your cards in water-tight cases

Your camera and memory cards are often subjected to the rigours of travel. To protect them from damage, place them in water-tight cases and tucked away from direct sunlight.

Backup your photos

For extra measure, backup your files with a hard drive or Personal Computer. If anything happens to your camera, you can recover the pictures from the computer or the hard disk.



Use cloud storage services

This is perhaps the most reliable form of backing up your files. To use Google photos, simply upload your pictures after entering your login details. You only need to remember these details to access your pictures. With cloud storage, there is nothing like file corruption or damaged memory but be conscious of hackers and ensure that you use an impenetrable password.

Do not delete individual pictures

The habit of deleting pictures you do not like immediately is both risky and unprofessional. If you want to delete any pictures, it is advisable to delete it with your camera rather than your PC. This is because your PC can either damage or corrupt your memory card.

Data recovery

If you perhaps failed to do any of the aforementioned, then the only option you may have is to recover your photos by using a data recovery program. The program will recover what is left of the memory card. So, when your card is corrupted or damaged, do not spontaneously dispose of it. You can try the data recovery process especially if the photos are important.