It is early, but the rainy season is certainly upon us! While Nigerians find succor in the fact that the rains bring a weather fondly referred to as “weather for two”, there are certain drawbacks to the season; one of them being the smelly shoe dilemma, especially since the damp air also makes it hard for shoes to dry properly.

It sucks when your favorite shoes smell like rotting onions, but do not lose hope just yet! Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking portal shares five simple ways to get rid of the stench, especially while on a trip.

Wash and dry the shoes

The best way to get rid of the smell from your shoes is to wash them thoroughly using detergent and bleach then taking drying them, either in the dry section of a washing machine or under the sun. To ensure they dry out completely, first use a hair dryer and towel to mop up excess moisture. As an extra precaution, once the shoes are dry double bag and put them in the freezer overnight. The next morning, place them in the sun, to further dry. This will kill the bacteria that cause the odor.

Microwave them

If you find that your shoe is damp but not entirely wet, and the wetness is from an external source, not sweat from your feet, rather than wash it and take it out in the sun, microwave them for about 90 seconds. This will dry up the shoe and also kill the bacteria that causes the smell. If you are staying at a hotel, the attending staff can help you with it. Before you put the shoes in the microwave, ensure they do not have any metal decorations and that they are made of non-flammable materials. Again, also ensure you do not leave the shoe for too long in the machine, as they may end up getting burnt.



Use dryer sheets and fabrics

If your shoe has been affected by the rains and is wet, but you do not have the means to wash or dry them immediately, you can always make use of dryer sheets or bits of fabrics. All you need to do is place the material on the shoes before wearing them, that way, when you eventually put them on, they absorb the extra wetness and serve as a barrier between your feet and the bacteria present.

Try Black tea

Nigerians, generally, are not tea people. However, black tea is very helpful when it comes to getting rid of the bacteria that comes alive with wetness inside a shoe. Black teabags contain tannins which are very effective in killing bacteria so, rather than throw away the tea bag after drinking it, wash them up under running tap water, dry them, stuff a few of these into the toe area of the of the shoe and leave it in overnight. Tea leaves are excellent moisture absorbers and they will do wonders for your feet.



Rub alcohol

Alcohol is an excellent home remedy to help get rid of shoe odor caused by mismanaged wetness. Using a cotton bud, dab some alcohol and rub it inside the shoe. Ensure you do not place alcohol on the outer area, especially if it is made out of leather as that may cause some ruin to the surface of the footwear. Apart from the fact that alcohol can help remove the smell of the shoes, it can also act as a disinfectant and eradicate the bacteria while removing dirt at the same time.

The blissful Tarkwa bay beach is located some kilometers offshore away from the ever busy Lagos Island. It is only accessible by boat and the ride will take about fifteen minutes. While cruising to the island on a boat, you will be treated to amazing views of popular spots in Lagos such as the Radisson Blu hotel, the

Lagos Yacht Club, the Lagos harbour and straight head on into the open ocean.

Tarkwa bay has been existing since around the 1960s.



Things to do at Tarkwa Bay

With a splendid beach to boost of, Tarkwa bay resort is a perfect place to relax and have fun. Treat yourself and entourage to a fresh fish barbeque, all you have to do is to spot a fisherman returning from the Ocean, buy as many as you want, which will immediately be processed into a barbeque.

If you are fascinated by ships, a fun thing to do is to take a walk along the beach coast to view massive cargo ships and several other smaller ones passing by. Also there are some rusty wrecked ships which are very good for photography. About 30 minutes walk from the beach is the 110-year old Lagos harbour lighthouse located at a nearby beach called Lighthouse beach.

Round up your visit to Tarka bay with another boat trip back to Lagos Island and relish the view of Lagos and expansive ocean.

IMPORTANT TIPS:

* Go with a waterproof beach bag.

* Go prepared with your swimming suit on because the beach lacks a changing room facility or toilet.

* You are better off going with your drinks even though these are sold on the beach.

* Make sure you establish the price of anything and everything beforehand. It’s custom to haggle, so know that they may try to overcharge you.

* Be prepared to rent beach chairs and covers, just try not to over pay.

* Don’t forget other items such as towels, balls, floating pads etc.

* Avoid sun burns and remember to go with a sunscreen.

* Pack light as you will need to keep your personal items close to avoid theft.

Jovago.com, Africa’s leading hotel-booking website, has officially launched Jovago Extranet App, a mobile application that will revolutionize the daily tasks of Hotel Managers.

March 9, 2016 – Africa’s No. 1 hotel booking website, Jovago.com, has launched Jovago Extranet App, a mobile application that aims at giving more flexibility and independence to hotel managers.

“Jovago wants to give the best international standards of the hotel industry and the latest technologies to all our Hotel partners, we want to democratize these new tools for all our partners and make their job easier ” said Paul Midy, CEO of Jovago.

The Android App will enable Hotel managers to confirm new reservations, see and search through all reservations, change rates for any time period and change room availability for any time period. They will also see customer reviews, confirm guest check in and get some unique stats about hotel performance, all this at their convenient time. This will create a better experience for both the hotel and the Jovago customer.

Jovago.com ensures that its inventory of 25,000 hotels in Africa is accessible to customers online, by tapping on today’s technology. For instance, with insightful data provided by the company, a hotel manager will easily know the pricing of his competitors, thus making informed decisions on how to remain competitive.

“Hotels on Jovago benefit from focused local marketing reach in Africa, generating business they could not tap into otherwise. We want to empower these partners to get the best out of working with us,” says Eduard Meyjes, Head of Revenue Management, Jovago. He adds that “Phone communication can be challenging in Africa. With the app, hotels can make fast and reliable changes exactly when they want to. Especially smaller hotels can now benefit from smart tools, that were only available to larger hotel chains before.”

Having begun the massive roll-out of the Extranet app, first feedback from hotel owners have been highly positive: “This Extranet App is a good addition, many hotels around the world use it and now to have it here is great”, said Michael Pinder from the Group General Manager of Sun Heaven Hotels in Nigeria.

Following the launch of the Extranet mobile application, Jovago.com is now working towards unveiling the Web version of the App, to further improve user experience for potential customers. As a leading online hotel-booking website, Jovago.com is simply a one-stop-shop for hotels when it comes to their online marketing and operations.

About Jovago

Jovago.com is an online hotel booking service with offices in Lagos (Nigeria), Nairobi (Kenya), and Dakar (Senegal) founded by Africa Internet Group and has MTN and Millicom as investors. Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 booking portal, 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.

An island beautifully set on the southern edge of the Atlantic Ocean, Bonny Island lives up to its status as the true beauty of the state. The city holds several historical and economic symbolisms for the Nigerian federation, and its dramatic coastline as well as strategic position attracts holidaymakers in their droves.

While Bonny situated in Rivers State has a handful of low-key attractions, Bonny Nature Park, and Finima, the main draw is the natural environment. Beach lovers are joined on the island by tourist who come for the popular carnivals; including the “Nwaotam” carnival display, a renowned and colorful display among men and women, young and old of the bonny community.

Bonny Island-Finima is surrounded on the west and south by long stretches of beaches. For history buffs, there’s a lot to explore, but mostly people come here to feel the sand between their toes and clear their heads. Jovago.com, Africa’s largest hotel booking portal shares more.



TOP THREE SITES



Bonny Nature Park

The Bonny Nature Park, a popular eco-tourism spot developed by Nigeria LNG is eye-catching. The park not only covers the rainforest, mangrove swamps and area of sandy soil with fresh water ponds and tall timbers between the swamp and beach, it harbors numerous creatures, including the pygmy hippo and reptiles such as crocodiles, monkeys as well as different bird species.

Finima beach

The Finima beach is one of the many beautiful seashores spread across Bonny Island, however, it is the most visited by tourists and fun seeking visitors. The beach is usually crowded on sunny days and festive periods. From the 26th to the 31st December of every year, thousands of people visit the Finima beaches for carnivals.

“Monkey village”

The monkey village is the nickname for a settlement which used to be a large forest inhabited by monkeys on the Island. The area is not inhabited by locals and is at best a slum, as most of the people live under poor condition and in houses made of palm-tree leaves and branches.



LODGING

While visiting Bonny Island, do not expect white-sand beaches and ritzy resorts. With only a smattering of traditional guesthouses and comfortable hideaways, it’s tailor-made for ecotourists.

Tourist-class hotels are confined to the mainland. Although fairly basic by international standards, these hotels generally have rooms with or without private shower and air-con. Most have restaurants and bars, offer wi-fi service and take credit cards.



DINNING

Sea food is well consumed on this island as it is close to the ocean, and there are a number of dining options both on the mainland and the hinterland. Visitors get the best taste from Local food joints and restaurants. There are however classy eateries for high-class business travellers or expats who come to the island on oil business.



SHOPPING

Shopping is not huge on Bonny Island, but visitors have options of supermarkets, stores, and even an open market. Best Way Supermarket, offers all kinds of provisions, you can also get a range of products on sale including cocktail drinks, wines and beer from Dammy Supermarket. But for frozen food and packed food, try one of the stores on Pepple Road. Most of the impressive clothing stores are found inside the NLNG camp.

FUN FACT

Although the official language spoken in Bonny Island and Bonny Town is Ibani, most Bonny natives speak the Igbo dialect.

A few Nigerians believe that Kajuru castle does not exist while others question why such a magnificent and beautiful castle is in a country like Nigeria.

One of many tourist attractions in Nigeria, this castle is Africa’s best kept secret. As usual, Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking does its best to promote Nigerian destinations so we present to you a two-minute travel guide to Kajuru castle.



History

The foreign architecture of these awesome and incredible castle makes it unique. It was constructed by a German expert who lived in Kaduna State in 1978. The castle has a very European look which adds to its beauty which is why it is one of the most amazing destinations to visit in Nigeria.



Where

The Castle is located in south-east Kaduna on Kachia road, Kajuru local government area. The imposing structure makes it conspicuous to all travelers. You cannot miss it. You can access Kajuru by road or by flying into Kaduna from any city in Nigeria via the Kaduna Airport.



The Castle

It is a gorgeous masterpiece with breathtaking ambience that is sure to thrill every tourists or visitor to the Castle as there is so much to see and do but first, you would have to brave the mountain as the castle comfortably sits at the top of a rocky formation. At the end of your climb, the reward for your hard work would be a picturesque view of Kajuru village.

The castle is a private lodge that covers 360 square metres and can perfectly accommodate 12 individuals. Its features include four dungeon rooms, master’s bedroom, swimming pools and kitchen. You also have the opportunity to see a live crocodile. The mystery of the castle is still intact as a there is secret door whose location will not be disclosed by Mr Bela Becker, the Hungarian caretaker of the castle.

Kajuru is the most appropriate place to visit for an awesome getaway, however, do not forget to pack the things you need as you cannot buy anything at the castle except adjoining villages circling the estate.

With the plethora of information online, abundant travel agencies and alluring vacation packages, international travel has never been easier. In the process of making the necessary arrangements, however, certain details that seem minor at the time are neglected, one of them being ‘making the necessary notifications before the trip’.

Yes, social media makes it easy to stay connected from almost any part of the world, but there are still key people that need to be kept in the loop to ensure you do not end up in a bind far from home.

Whether it is a quick trip to next door countries like Ghana or Cameroon, or a sojourn to exotic locales in other continents, Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking site provides a list of 5 people you should contact before traveling overseas.



Health Insurance Provider

Your health should be one of your major concerns. Aside from the official checkup and vaccinations, ensure that your health insurance that covers international travel. Sometimes, health insurance set up by companies is limited and only cater to minor situations. Visit your health insurance provider or put a call through to them and make necessary verifications. Determine what you need covered before you travel and adjust your policy if needed. If you do not have any health insurance at all, make efforts to obtain one for your trip.



Bank

There is no denying that money plays a huge role in determining how fabulous your trip turns out. With the current situation in Nigeria, where you can no longer access local accounts abroad or use local ATMs, the call to the bank is a critical phone call to make before you make the trip. The bank not only assists with acquiring the needed foreign currency, alerting your bank reduces the chance of any problems with your account or ATM while you’re away from home . They keep tabs on transactions, perhaps fraudulent, that may occur locally while you are away.



The Nigerian Embassy

This may seem far-fetched, but it is important to inform your local embassy before taking a trip to a foreign country, that way they give you details on where to find your country’s embassy when you get there. This is very essential especially if you are visiting a travel-risk zone or a country that has experienced unrest in recent months. The Nigerian Embassy may not be in every country in the world, but for the locations where they are not present, they link you up with sister embassies that can give you the immunity or protection you may need in dire situations. Notifying them also helps if you lose your passport.



Mobile Phone Network Carrier

Making phone calls outside the country comes with a very stiff price, especially if you are roaming. If you have plans of travelling you’re your local SIM card, put a call through to your network provider and find out the plans they have available for the destination you are headed. Some networks offer options that allow you sign up for an international plan which could save you a lot of money, while staying connected while abroad. Data, phone, and text plans are available with most networks and they can generally be implemented with the right know-how.



Neighbour/Friend/Relative

No man is an island. If you are travelling, no matter how discreet you want your journey to be, ensure you tell someone or have a contact with whom you will stay connected to while you are away. A neighbor could be helpful with keeping an eye on your property and alerting you or even taking proper actions in the case where notice anything out of the ordinary at your home. A trusted friend or relative on the other hand is also a good option as they can help you water your plant or take care of your pets, and also, they are in a better position to take actions in situations where you do not come home when you were supposed to return.

If you are single and are an avid traveller or have a job that frequently keeps you on the road, you know it is very hard to find love or maintain relationships. As a major downside to frequent and long-term travel, perpetual singleness is something you are faced to deal with when you are always on the move. The truth however is that, while you are never in one place long enough to start or build a lasting relationship with someone, there are still chances that you can find love against all odds.

Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking portal offers 4 tips for Nigerians looking to find love and romance on the road. Read on…and best of luck applying these tips.



Seek out Solo Travelers

The easiest people to befriend are solo travelers. Look out for the solo travellers on your radar, preferably of the opposite sex that you find attractive, walk up to them and strike a conversation.

You do not need to have something in common at the start to maintain a flow in conversation. Just raise a popular topic and charm them with your wit and presence. Try not to use cheesy or cliché pickup lines either and they tend to put most people off. Just be honest and friendly, you may be lucky and kick start your love story from there. Remember, every relationship starts with just a few words said.



Make offers to help others in your vicinity

Most times in life, you need to give a little something to receive other things in return. If you are visiting a city that you have been to severally or have been living in for a while.

Make offers to help other travellers who are new to the location. You can provide some pointers or advice to the new travelers that are just arriving, volunteer to be their tour guide or translator, bargain for her/him and help them find a good deal. There is a huge chance that one of the people you help will develop a soft spot and things can brew on from there. Whatever the case, a little bit of niceness never hurts anyone’s reputation. If you keep putting out good, something good will come to you sooner or later.



Find out where the singles hangout and go there

While you are on the road or visiting a destination, do not just visit the usual go-to places for families and old people. Find out where the single people go to and visit there too. You have a higher chance of finding love when you mingle with people who are available or looking for the same thing you want. Wear a chic swimsuit and go to the pool, visit the beach and try to strike up a conversation with anyone who looks lonely or bored…explore the nightlife! Rather than staying cooped up in your hotel room or office lodge, working your eyeballs out, go out, ask the locals for the hotspots…put yourself out there and you will find love before long.



Go hunting for food and see who is eating alone

Forget room service, forget takeaways…yes, they are easier and allow more privacy, but they are also very limiting, especially if you are keen on building your social skills, expanding your social strata or finding love.

Go out for breakfast, lunch and even dinner. Visit different restaurants, go to the local bistros and fast food joints when you can and do not just seat alone, ask to share a table with someone else, maybe someone who makes your cut for possible love interests. If you prefer to make food on you own, got to the local markets and large grocery shops, you may run into to someone new…and love.

There are a handful of stereotypes that Africans hold against each other and this is not surprising due to the multi-cultural structure of our society. Nigeria has over 500 ethnic groups. Among the 500, about 9 languages are extinct while only three are -Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba- leading the pack, and each one of these tribal groups have their peculiarities.

The Igbos of Southeastern, Nigeria are one of the leading ethnic groups in the country. They can be found in Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo, and Abia. Despite these peculiarities, a handful of Nigerians have some misconceptions about this amazing ethnic group.

Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal identifies 5 stereotypes that Nigerians have about persons of Igbo extraction and offers facts that debunk them.



They know nothing but business

Let’s give it to the Igbos, when it comes to business, there is no contest. At major markets, they are dominant. In fact, in places where you do not imagine that you will find them, they are always there. But, there is more to this people than business. You find them in politics, literature, education, economy and other sectors. Late Nnamdi Azikiwe, was a businessman, first prime minister of Nigeria and a nationalist as well as a lawyer. The literary lord, the man of words and the author of the evergreen book Things Fall Apart that made the world change their perception about African literature, late Chinua Achebe was not a businessman, same with Chiwetel Ejiofor, and also Chimamanda Adichie. The list is endless. Take it or leave it, no matter the field an Igbo Man ventures into, the business trait tails him.



All Igbo women are light skinned

There is no argument about Igbo women being light skinned but the stereotype is tagging all Igbo women light skinned which is not the case. There are chocolate, ebony, and dark skinned ladies among them. In addition, light skinned women are not restricted to Igbo women alone but it cut across all Nigerian tribes. When next you see a light skinned lady, do not make up your mind that she is Igbo!

They love ‘Ego‘ also known as ‘Money‘

Who does not love money? Money is desired by almost everyone in varying degrees. Many say you cannot date an Igbo girl if you do not have money but these preconceived notions are not entirely based on facts. Rather than singling out a particular ethnic group to castigate, this is a blanket perception for all ethnic groups. Same thing for the men. There should be no ethnic colouration when it comes to making money.



It’s expensive to marry an Igbo woman

Nigerian women are beautiful, expensive and sophisticated. A man should be happy to marry an Igbo woman because she is not cheap. A man should be proud to provide everything on the list presented to him by the parents to show that he is a ‘man’, however there is always room for negotiation. So, the stereotype that before you marry an Igbo woman, you need to bring an arm and a leg only applies when the groom’s family are not masters at striking a good bargain.

All Igbos have left their villages for Lagos

Lagos is the melting pot for various ethnic groups and the commercial heartbeat of Nigeria as a result, the state is bound to be peopled by different tribes. However, expressing the thought that all Igbos have emptied their various states to reside in Lagos is laughable and wrong. There are individuals who run thriving businesses in these different south-eastern states that have never visited Lagos.

The 127.6-kilometre-long expressway connecting Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State and Lagos State, popularly referred to as “Lagos-Ibadan expressway”, is the oldest and remains one of the busiest inter-state routes in West Africa. As major traffic artery, it has certainly hosted its share of accidents over the years.

While many have attributed the frequency of these accidents to the bad state of the road, there are other factors that play major roles in facilitating these accidental calamities. From drunk-driving to negligence of road laws as well as speeding, these factors but can be adequately tackled and accidents prevented by taking key steps.

Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking site throws light on steps motorists can take to avoid accidents on Lagos-Ibadan expressway.



Stay away from the ‘fast lane’.

It the expressway, so it feels natural to kick up your gear and soar…but remember that speed thrills and also kills. While on the expressway, keep a rein on your speed and stay in control of your vehicle.

Also, stay away from the fast lane and instead, use the center or right lane. Doing so ensures you have more escape routes should a problem suddenly arise that requires you to quickly change lanes. Actually, most of the accidents on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway occur in the left lane, so stay away already reduces your chances of being involved. An added perk is to stay away from the fast lane ensure that less conspicuous to the highway patrols and will not be flagged down so often.



Do not drive on drugs and alcohol

This may sound cliché but, alcohol and drugs, not just cocaine or intoxicants like marijuana but any kind of drug basically, alter the normal body system and so can impair judgments as well as slow down reflexes.

Driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or other drugs can cost you your license – or your life. So many accidents that have occurred on the expressway have been as a result of drivers who insisted on heading out while on drugs or alcohol. Even if you think it is just only one drink or one smoked joint, do not take the risk, stay of the wheel and save not just your life, but the life of others.



Check your vehicle before you set out. Know its limits.

A lot of drivers just set out with their vehicles, without first checking to see if the engine and brake is in perfect condition or the tires well inflated and screwed in. This negligence puts the driver as well as other motorist at risk. Drivers must ensure their vehicles are in good working condition- there should be no compromise on the quality of brakes and tyres.

Aside from checking the engine, rate the performance limits of the vehicle. Pay attention to how your particular vehicle reacts in certain situations, how long it can last on the road and how many people plus cargo it can take per time. The risk of a fatal crash also increases with every additional passenger or luggage.



Ignore aggressive drivers, do not tailgate.

If you have driven past the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, you will be well aware of the kind of crazy drivers that parade the road. They are far from courteous and flaunt road rules with no remorse. They also like to challenge other drivers by doing such things as speeding recklessly or cutting other drivers off. Do not engage this kind of drivers or try to beat them at their own game, best thing to do is to get as far out of their way as possible. Rather than play their games and get them even much more infuriated, slow down and let them pass. The quicker you can get them away from you, the safer you will be.

Do not tailgate any other vehicle or allow others to tailgate you. Leave a three-second cushion between you and the car in front of you and begin your journey early enough so you do not have to speed to make up time. Again, large tractor trailers need extra space when making wide right turns, so, stay away from the right side of anyone you see on the expressway.



Lock your Mobile phones away. Avoid other in-car distractions.

Mobile phones are not the best companion on the road and should only be used for emergency purposes only. And even before being use, the driver should cut of motion and make a parking by the road side to take or make the call. Talking on the phone, while driving, is straight ticket to an accident as it is extremely distracting.

If you must use your cell phone while driving, try a hands-free model or enable a Bluetooth connection with the car’s radio. It is important basically to avoid all forms of distractions, from loud music to doing things like eating or brushing your hair (yes, some people who actually do these things). If you are not concentrating solely on your driving, you will not be prepared for anything that is up ahead and you put yourself at risk of an accident.

Solo travellers often have mixed experiences that go a long way in helping them decide if they will travel regularly or not. Making conversations with strangers can be an uphill or simple task depending on the individual but the end result of winning a new friend is usually well worth it. No matter the divide you belong, Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal shares easy ways to break the ice when travelling solo, as travelling makes interactions with strangers less complicated.



Enthusiasm to overcome language barriers

If you find yourself in a place where you do not speak a common language, you do not have to worry too much as your enthusiasm can overcome any language barrier. If you are greeted in Hausa in a state like Kano in Northern Nigeria, you should respond enthusiastically. This will not only endear you to the people but they will also volunteer to show you around.



Do not pretend you can find your way

There is absolutely nothing wrong with a person being unable to find their way. People can immediately tell if you are a new to an area or not so be bold enough to ask for directions. If you do not ask about where you are going, no one will offer any help. Funny enough, some people will have gone deep the wrong way before they eat their pride and ask for direction. It will definitely help you make friends.



Eat and live like a local

Travelling solo can make you a bit conscious and concerned about your safety. But, this does not necessarily mean that you should isolate yourself from the locals. For you to make friends, eat, live, play, and dance the way of the locals. You will never be lonely because you will always have people swarming around you like bees. However, do not take this hospitality for granted.



Do not be put off because of incomprehension

Living amidst persons who speak a language you do not understand can be excruciating because you feel left out of the conversation. This could discourage you from opening up to others. This attitude can make you less amiable to the people thus they may just ignore you. Rather than sucking because you cannot comprehend what they are saying, try to contribute or ask someone to interpret for you.

The old [b]Tejuoso marke[/b]t has always been known as a destination for affordable ready-made clothes, shoes and other household items. The market is located in Yaba, Lagos mainland, where it enjoys traffic on weekdays and even more on weekends.

At the old Tejuoso market, getting a place to park your car is difficult, most shoppers are forced to park by the roadside which caused a lot of traffic and subject to been towed by law enforcement agencies. To avoid this, shoppers are advised to use the public transport or a taxi.

Once you enter the complex, you will immediately be greeted by hawkers selling refreshments, snacks, clothing accessories and store marketers pitching different kinds of products and services. You can ask these sales people for directions to help ease your navigation around the old Tejuoso complex.

The market is usually rowdy, if you are shopping with friends and other family member, ensure that everyone is in close contact to prevent anyone from falling behind.

After the old market got razed by fire, a new ultramodern market has been built by the government – the Tejuosho Ultramodern Shopping Centre.

Unlike the old structure where very limited parking space were available, the car park of the new Tejuoso market has a capacity of 580 cars. Standard fire safety equipments have also been installed in the complex to prevent any fire hazard that can lead to loss of lives and properties. The four-storey structure comprises of 4,000 lock up shops, 1, 251 K-clamps units, a number of banking spaces, 14 food court spaces, a total of 8 elevators, 2 escalators that links all the four floors, a parking space that can contain 580 vehicles, constant electricity, steady water supply, equipped fire station, two ramps to assist the physically challenged and a crèche for mothers that couldn’t leave their kids at home for one reason or the other.

Easily one of the top beaches in Lagos, the Oniru private beach is recommended for its clean and secured waterfront.

The beach promises a delightful ambience and a welcoming clean sea water that spells everything blissful. if you are particular about the sea sands, here you will find the sandy beach quite lovely. You can soak your feet under or just take a walk taking in the beauty of nature.

The Oniru beach is a private beach in Lagos located in the uptown end of Ligali Ayorinde Street in Victoria Island. The beach is one of the many assets managed by the lineage of the famous Oniru royal family in Lagos.

The entrance fee into the beautiful serene private beach is usually N1000 but can get up to N4000 depending on the activity going on at the beach. On days when there are shows which popular A-listed Nigerian and International artistes are featured on the beach, the fee gets increased. There is adequate presence of security personnel to ensure fees are paid and the safety of visitors.

Visitors will find satisfactory joint so enjoy suya, grilled fish and other refreshments. Bottled drinks are not allowed on the beach except can drinks which sell for twice the normal amount. Also, renting a canopy with a table and four seats for few hours costs N1,500. A lot of the bars on the beach are owned by popular celebrities and prominent people in the Nigerian social scene. For every foreign tourist who might want to check out the dynamism of the local food culture, Oniru beach is a great place to do so.

When it is 12pm, no entrance is allowed on the beach till the next morning but once you are in before the curfew, you can leave at any time you desire.

The best day of the week to have a fun filled day at the beach is Sunday. Every Sunday evening, the beach arena gets into high party mood with various classes of women and men doing their thing without minding who is watching.

Are you a lover of classy waterfront destinations? Oniru beach is at your beck and call!

There is nothing more fascinating when travelling than getting something or everything for free and a very important freebie is accommodation as this is one travel expense that can shoot up your travel budget.

After you have immerse yourself in what your destination has to offer, figuring out where to stay can be stressful but not to worry, Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal points out 5 confirmed ways you can cop a bed for the night without paying a dime. It works!



Stay with locals

Locals are familiar with their environment. This is why whenever you travel, it is always a brilliant idea to relate and interact with the locals; you will profit exceedingly from this relationship. One of which is getting free accommodation. Most locals are hospitable since they know that you are in an unfamiliar terrain hence, they want to please you with everything they have, from food, to accommodation and even social engagements, so keep them close.

House-sitting

House-sitting will require you to perform some not very tasking chores when the owner of the house travels and leaves it in your care until they return. You simply need to keep the home neat. You may not get this magnanimity in a city like Lagos but if you are travelling to the countryside, this will not be problem.



Hotel discounts

A hotel booking portal like Jovago intermittently offers fantastic discount that may require you to pay little or nothing at the hotel. On your part, you simply have to track them to get this discounts and vouchers. In some cases, you can even win an all expense paid trip to your destination. Just be on the lookout.

Home swap

Friends and family members will be helpful here. If you are travelling to Calabar on a small budget, you can phone your friend who hails from the state and request to stay in his family house or connect you with a friend you can stay with. Your friend will certainly grant your request. This also works.



Join a travel crew

If you can travel in a crew or group, there is the likelihood that you will get free accommodation. However, in some instances, you may be required to pay a small amount which may not affect your budget. Rather, than travelling alone, it is advisable to join a travel crew especially if your budget is tight.

Nigerians generally love the idea of travelling outside their country, whether for work, school or vacation, however, most times, they are unable to make their desired trip as due to immigration issues: they need to apply for a visa to visit most foreign countries, especially those outside Africa.

While every visa application is judged fairly, rigorously, and on its merits, often times, Nigerians have their visa application rejected or denied for reasons ranging from mistakes made by an unscrupulous agent, insufficient funds and false information.

Jovago.com, Africa’s No. 1 online hotel booking portal, understands that getting a visa rejected can be quite a painful experience as the process is tedious, and so, if you are in Nigeria, read on to discover top three secrets on how to get your visa application approved by foreign embassies.



Do not make mistakes in the visa application

The visa application, whether paper or electronic, is a formal document and it is important that you do not make any mistakes while inputting required information. Make sure you write your answers clearly or type them in with clear font. Scan and correct typos, run-on sentences and jargons, including slangs. Ensure you avoid big grammar as well or ambiguous phrases. Keep your responses short, simple and straight to the point; you stand a higher chance of getting your visa that way.

When you eventually go for interview as well, make sure you are prepared, so that your answers correspond with what you already inputted in the forms submitted. Also, answer with confidence as a weak and feeble answer can be your undoing.



Do not give false Information

Most times, applicants give false information in the bid to present themselves in a better light. They believe that the truth could limit the chances of their visa being approved, forgetting that the applications are vetted and information given thoroughly verified. Most embassies (especially the UK and USA) share information on a lot of things and so if information you are giving is different from information in a previous application in another embassy, they could penalize you for it.

Lying on a visa application is a very bad idea. If they find out, they will not only deny you visa, they will make it almost impossible for you to visit the UK ever again and possibly any other countries they share that information with. And worse, if they find out after you have entered their country, you could face up to two years in prison or get deported. Note that lying and hiding information in visa application are regarded as same and leads to prosecution as well.



Ensure you have sufficient funds

Most Nigerians believe that the minute they have enough funds to purchase a ticket to a destination, they can apply for the Visa. WRONG! There are other costs to consider: Hotel bill, transportation and feeding allowance. Your bank statement must reflect that you can cater to these costs on your own without breaking bank.

Generally, most embassies assume all applicants are seeking permanent entry into their country until proven otherwise. Using your last savings to embark on a “vacation” smells rather fishy. A major way to prove that you have strong economic reasons to return to your country following your stay is to show abundant funds and a steady source. Some people try to beat this procedure by borrowing large money and installing in their account prior to application. Unfortunately, the foreign embassies also check pattern and consistency of inflow and outflow of funds recorded in your account and they certainly rely on their estimates to justify giving you a visa or denying it. Ensure you CAN afford to travel to a particular country before you apply for a visa.

Yay! It’s the world’s most endearing day of the year “Mother’s Day” come Sunday, 6th of March, 2016. Now we have an amazing opportunity to show our mothers just how much they mean to us. Frankly, we cannot thank our mums enough no matter how hard we try but here is a perfect time to celebrate her by showering her with unconditional love and amazing gifts.

There are hundreds of friends you could hang out with but I would wager that nothing beats the time spent with the woman who has showed you love all your life. Make this season a special one for your mother.

Treat her to a pampering session at the spa, a vacation to the spectacular Obudu Cattle Mountain resort or have her booked into 5 star hotels in Lagos. There should be no limit to the amount you can spend on your precious mother this Mother’s Day, yet it’s not the cost that counts but an unabashed show of love.

Here are a few gifts ideas to make your mother feel special this season:



Jewelry set: Jewelry are personal ornaments that is meant to beautify your neck, fingers such as a necklace, earrings, ring, or bracelet, made from gemstones, precious metals or the traditional beads. It has always played an important and dramatic role in the lives and wardrobe of ladies. Accessorizing your mother right kind or pearl jewelry and diamonds would most definitely make her feel special.



Wristwatches: If you want your mother to step out looking all elegant in the chain strapped watch be it gold plated or silver plated, as well as the genuine leather watch, this is the impeccable time to make it available at her disposal. Nothing gets better than having dazzling bracelet strap for your mother to flaunt everywhere she goes.



Classy Fabrics: Nothing makes a mother as happy as being spoilt for choice with classy fabrics for different occasions like the owambe parties, August meeting and more.

Handbags: The interesting thing about hand bags is that they add glitz, glamour or lend an interesting facet to your outfit. If you are having doubts about buying your mother a hand bad, be reassured it is a win-win for both of you.



Beauty Products: Women of all races and ages, no matter what culture and background they come from all have one thing in common; they always love to look good any day, any time and at any cost. No woman feels she is too old to use some beauty products to spice up her looks.

Fragrances: It is only proper and nice to compliment your mother with the fragrances of designer perfumes that gives her a classy edge.

Happy Mother’s Day in advance to all Mothers in Nigeria.

4th, March 2016 – Africa Internet Group (“AIG”), the parent of Jumia and Jovago, the leading ecommerce platform in Africa, has secured more than Euro 300 million in funding from new and existing investors, including the previously announced funding commitment from AXA, a worldwide leader in insurance and asset management. This new round of investment is led by existing investors including MTN and Rocket Internet as well as a new investor, Goldman Sachs. The funds will significantly strengthen the balance sheet of AIG enabling the company to leverage the significant growth of Jumia and Jovago and to capitalize on the significant opportunities in Africa.

“This investment is a recognition of the success that AIG has already achieved and provides us with a strategic flexibility to further support our efforts to offer the best shopping experience to our customers,” said Sacha Poignonnec and Jeremy Hodara, founders and co-CEOs of Jumia and AIG. “We are delighted to welcome AXA and Goldman Sachs as new investors and are also grateful for the continued confidence from our existing shareholders. To us, it is a recognition of the quality of our operations across the African continent and an affirmation of the significant growth potential of AIG.”

Jumia and Jovago, the leading ecommerce platforms in Africa, intends to use the funds to support its continued growth, and to execute on attractive development opportunities in Africa along with AIG’s other ecommerce platforms.

“Jovago’s strong performance in the last 2 years makes it one of the fastest growing hotel booking portal in the world and this investment consolidates our commitment to making travel more convenient and affordable for our customers in all Africa” says Paul Midy, CEO of Jovago

Since its creation in 2013 by AIG and the opening of its first offices in Africa, Jovago has been growing steadily. Its large inventory lists 25,000 hotels in over 40 African countries and 200,000 hotels worldwide. With its ongoing success, Jovago aims to accelerate the innovation of its digital services in the hospitality industry in emerging countries.

About Jumia & Africa Internet Group

Jumia (www.jumia.com) is Africa’s leading online shopping destination with a presence in 11 countries. Since launching in 2012, the company has transformed the way that African consumers shop by offering them the opportunity to buy everything from fashion items to consumer electronics to home appliances all online. Jumia is part of a larger ecosystem of companies supported by Africa Internet Group (AIG), the leading internet platform in Africa with a network of companies including Carmudi, Easy Taxi, Everjobs, Hellofood, Jovago, Jumia, Kaymu, Lamudi, Vendito and Zando across 23 African countries.

About Jovago

Jovago.com is an online hotel booking service with offices in Lagos (Nigeria), Nairobi (Kenya), Dakar (Senegal) and in 10 others countries in Africa and Asia, founded by Africa Internet Group. Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 booking portal, 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.

Spoiling for an adventure to the remote parts of Northern Nigeria? Sokoto State is the first place that actually comes to mind because of its popularity as the seat of the caliphate. This thriving caliphate dates as far back as 1804 where a grounded and conspicuous system of governance was instituted by Uthman Dan Fodio. Over the years, the city has preserved its air of royalty and this legacy is being carried forward by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, who is the custodian of culture and the spiritual leader of Muslims.

Another thing that stands Sokoto out is the Sahara desert. Laid bare for the eyes to see is an unfiltered display of how the people have survived desert encroachment for decades. All these combined have resulted in an enviable way of life, an evergreen culture, and a resilient caliphate that wields so much influence.

Sokoto is among the earliest states created in Nigeria on February 3, 1976 with an estimated population of 4,244,399 and it has a total of 23 local governments. One can fly into the Sadiq Abubakar 111 International Airport in Sokoto from any airport in Nigeria. Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal unveils Sokoto where you are guaranteed a swashbuckling and idyllic adventure.



Top three sites

Sultan of Sokoto Palace

The magnificent and imposing palace of the Sultan of Sokoto is located in the center of the city. The Palace has gone beyond a mere edifice to become a place for taking political decisions and making religious pronunciations. In addition, it is a cultural and traditional haven where you will see relics of the different Sultans of Sokoto like regalia, robes as well as turbans. The Sultan’s Palace has also become a tourists attractions welcoming quite a substantial number daily.

Surame Cultural Landscape

The Surame Cultural Landscape is on the tentative list of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. It was enrolled on this list on the 8th of October 2007. The ancient kingdom existed in the 15th and 16th centuries according to the World Heritage Site reviews. Despite the seeming extinction of its ancient tombs, you will still see clear signs of the place being inhabited for decades. This is a clear indication of Hausa civilization.

Sokoto Museum

This is a museum that holds artifacts and monuments of the ancient okoto Caliphate. The museum revolves around the supposed founder of the city – Uthman Dan Fodio. On display here are some of his private belongings like his throne, regalia, sword, map and other items.



Sleeping

There are quite a number of hotels domiciled in Sokoto. Since getting a quality hotel and the best prices are currently guaranteed by Jovago.com, you don’t need to worry about where to rest for the night. Some of the available hotels are Shukuru Coral hotel, Grand Ibro Hotel, and Golden view hotel.

Unwinding

The big restaurants are scantily located in different parts of the city as there are more low budget restaurants than eateries. They include Sayala restaurant limited, Majaddas restaurant and snacks, Abusi Do restaurant, Maslaha restaurant and Hajia Rukayat restaurant.



Shopping

The level of development in Sokoto cannot be compared to that of Lagos or Kano despite the fact that it has existed for less than a century. So, you rarely find the big malls in Sokoto. Not that they are not available but they are not much. To fill up this space are the small kiosk and malls like All ages bookstore, Kofar Rini Electronics, Scanwel Nigeria limited and Spectrum books limited.

Fun fact

The Sokoto Caliphate is one of the most powerful traditional institution in Nigeria. The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar leads thousands of Muslim adherents in the country and he is a first class traditional ruler. In addition, he is the 20th Sultan of Sokoto.

Nigerians generally consider themselves smart, quick and intelligent. Very rarely are they swindled, deceived, or conned, especially within their country. However, some who have traveled overseas have often times narrated tales on the shady people who took advantage of them as tourists.

Sure, it is embarrassing for any person from Nigeria to be tricked out of their money, but the truth is that no matter how smart, prepared or careful, anyone can fall for certain travel scams. From getting ridiculously fleeced on cab rides to unknowingly revealing credit card information, Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking portal shares some of the travel scams Nigerians have fallen for around the world.



The Taxi Scam

There are shady drivers in all parts of the world! Travelling by budget taxi is usually the most convenient and affordable option for people abroad, however it sets them up for the ‘Taxi Scam’.

The scam can be pulled off in three ways. The cab driver intentionally heading into gridlocked traffic to drive up the price, or they tell you the meter is broken so they can charge you a ridiculously high price; others hack the meter such that it advances faster than normal. Some cab drivers even insist that the traveller pay them in larger bills that way they can give them counterfeit change. The good thing is that this scam can be easily avoided. Ensure you negotiate rates ahead of time, or ask to confirm that the meter is working before you get in the car.



Free, fake wifi hubs

Most people depend on Wifi when abroad to communicate, especially when they are on short trips and do not have the luxury of registering with a phone company or enough credit to make or receive roaming calls. Unfortunately, some scammers abroad use turn the public Wifi access to opportunities where they can gain access to personal information and passwords from the people who connect to it. They create fake Wifi hub or set up unsecured Wifi hotspots in public locations, that way, tourist are tempted to log on, giving the thief access to their passwords, online accounts, and more.

To save yourself from this scam, beware of generic hubs or Free Wifi in public places. Also, if you must have access in public, ask the hotel/coffee shop/airport staff to know which Wifi connection is the official one.



“Sir, you’ve got gunk on your shirt”

This scam is very popular in some parts of Europe and South America. Unknown to the traveller, a person puts or throws something, such as mustard or ketchup…even human or animal feces on a persons body, then pretends to be a friendly stranger or local who want to assist him with wiping it off. Usually, the tourist plays nice and lets the stranger assist him, but as the stranger cleans up the mess, he makes away with something valuable like your wristwatch or your wallet from your pocket or purse. It happens so fast that the tourist does not know, especially as he is unsuspecting. The best way to avoid this scam is to be on alert and never allow someone to help you clean up any mess on your body. Find a bathroom and clean the gunk off yourself or wear it with pride…it could be part of the adventure!



Fake policeofficer scam

Nigerians are very careful not to get the in the way of the law or cause any legal trouble whenever they are abroad, as such, they are very cooperative when accosted by the law. Unfortunately, in most countries abroad, certain con men pull the fake police officer scam on the regular. The scam is usually pulled off by a group. A person approaches the Nigerian tourist and offers illicit items, like drugs, and while they are having the conversation, one or two other people will approach, appearing to be police officers. They flash fake badges and insist the unsuspecting traveler hand over their passport and wallet, which they eventually make away with.

Word of caution: never hand over your wallet or passport to anyone until they have shown you proper identification and then call the police to confirm they are who they say they are. Also, you can save yourself the stress by claiming you do not have your wallet or ID with you and ask them to follow you to your hotel.

Magical, splendid and awe-inspiring are the sight of waterfalls in Nigeria. As water cascade from the rocks from calculated meters, the whole being of visitors are often arrested as the eyes shimmers with so much joy in appreciation of this incredible gift of nature. Most people never want to leave as they set up camp to have a lifetime interaction with nature. Its an experience that every Nigerian must have. These waterfalls cut across the country.

Checking out these waterfalls important now more than ever as the government encourages Nigerians to buy and patronize homemade services. It begs the question why some Nigerians prefer to go on vacation abroad rather than visiting the tourist attractions here where you are offered all round hospitality from accommodation to food and relaxation. In line with this, Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal rolls out five awe-inspiring waterfalls in Nigeria where you do not need to spend millions to visit!



The Agbokim Waterfall

Are you a Nigerian and you have journeyed round the world and never visited Calabar? You should pack your bags now, book the next flight and leave for Calabar. Why? Calabar is Nigeria’s Disney. In fact, when it comes to tourism and hospitality, Calabar possesses everything you want.

The Calabar carnival, Obudu Cattle Ranch and the amazing, amazing Agbokim Waterfalls are among the most priced possessions of the state! Agbokim Waterfall is regarded as the seven-wonders of nature because of the seven streams from which water flows. It sits comfortably in Etung local government and it is also in proximity with the Nigeria-Cameroon border.



The Gurara Waterfall

This pictures of Gurara waterfall on the internet are enough to convince you to visit this waterfall- “The waterfall is about one hour from Minna, Niger State. The sound is almost deafening with the water hurriedly splashing on the rocks below. The climb towards the fall is exciting. Navigating closer to the fall is adventurous but you to have good grip shoes because the rocks are wet and slippery. Do not go alone, come with your snacks and food to enjoy nature.” Gurara waterfall is located in Niger and it is an hour drive from Abuja. The Waterfall covers a length of 200 meters with a drop of 30 meters.



The Olumirin Waterfall

Osun State is a cultural hub in Nigeria. The Olumirin waterfall is an enhanced motivation to visit the state. It is located in Erin Ijesha in Oriade, local government area. You will be enchanted by the seven steps of rock and the seven waterfalls as it flows unhindered and majestically among the rocks and splashes downwards with massive force. It is a fascinating and picturesque scenery.



The Assop Waterfall

The Assop waterfall is located in Jos. It is a reliable place to have fun. You will not be disappointed as there is so much to do. Shrills of excitement will travel through your spine by the sheer sight of the waterfall.



Awhum Waterfall

The Coal City state, Enugu is where Awhum waterfall is tucked away. Specifically, it is located at Amaugwe village of Awhum town in Udi local government area. It cascade 30 meters downwards. It is an inviting and idyllic sight that beckons on everyone to visit. It is close to the Awhum monastery. In addition, the water is said to have some spiritual powers. Do not hesitate to have a peek at the Awhum waterfall when you are in Enugu state!

Nigeria as a country is highly populated and so it is natural that the idea of travelling to other parts of the world excites the average citizen. Unfortunately, not many people get the opportunity to travel and remain confined within the country for a long period of time. For those who eventually get the chance to see the world, there are some amazing experiences that lead them to see the world in a different light.

Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking portal shares 4 things every Nigerian realizes after losing their travel virginity.



There is no place like home

Although a cliché phrase, Nigerians find its reality the moment they are hit with homesickness. Aside from the dealing with culture shock and adjusting to different food, water, and time zones, travelling for the first time opens their eyes to the perks and positive attributes of the country that they take for granted. They appreciate the tiny things that make their home different and unique. From local food, to mode of communication and certain freedoms, Nigerians realize that no matter how fancy other places may seem or look, they are actually happiest when they are home as it where they were created to thrive in.

Imagination very rarely equates reality

Most Nigerians, especially those who have never been out of the country tend to believe that any place outside the country’s borders is a better place. They imagine an utopia with an abundance of everything they feel they lack in the country. However, the moment their travel virginity is gone, they realize that sometimes imaginations are not always equal to reality. They see that no matter how beautiful, organized or even cheap a destination may be, there are certain drawbacks to it that cannot be very easily tackled.



Money is not all that matters

Some Nigerians get opportunities to travel, but they do not take it as they do not want to lose valuable time travelling when they can spend it making more money. You hear Nigerians all around say: “time is money” or “no time to say ‘no time’ ”. They consider the cost of travelling, the added expense that comes with hotel bills, transport, food and more and they just post pone. However, the moment they eventually travel, they experience the awesome feeling that comes with travelling, having new adventures and exploring new frontiers…and they realize that money is not all that matters, there are other things in life (travel) that bring the kind of joy and fulfillment that money cannot bring or buy.



Planning is essential and African time only works in Nigeria

The majority of people in Nigeria are not huge on planning or scheduling and they rarely keep to time. They like to be spontaneous as they tend to believe that most things are unpredictable. Travelling teaches them otherwise. From the process of securing the visa to budgeting, booking hotels, buying the tickets, checking in at the airport and basically moving around on getting to the destination, they are forced to do a lot of planning and they realize how essential it is to achieving almost everything. They also realize that keeping to time is essential as in most other places, opportunities are missed when time and planning is taken for granted.

Lagos is a metropolitan city that attracts a lot of visitors and tourists. Many times, these visitors are so taken in by the beauty and charisma of the city that they relocate to live in the city for a while or even permanently. Most migrants, who come to Lagos, over time, realize that it is a better bet to buy a house or build one in the city than to keep paying rent. Aside from being a cheaper option, buying a house gives a sense of stability and security.

While purchasing a house in the city is one of the biggest and most daunting purchases a person ever makes, there are certain steps that could be taken to ensure the process is seamless and the purchase, rewarding. Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking Services proffers key steps to take before buying a house in Lagos



Have a budget

A majority of prospective property buyers in Lagos make the mistake of not having a budget before they set out to make a purchase. Buying house is not as easy as walking into a grocery store and buy provisions. From legal to agency fees, there are a lot of hidden and extra costs that need to be considered. Also, you need to know how much you can afford so you know what area to research and where to draw the line or put a pin in the course of your search.



Inspect, investigate and appraise the property

The moment you find a house that catches your fancy and fits your budget, ensure you pay the property a visit to inspect its environs. Check for signs of structural damage or things that may need fixing. It is usually important to do the inspection with your real estate agent as sometimes they may notice something that you do not notice. Your observation will give you opportunities to re-negotiate on price or withdraw interest outrightly. If after inspection you still love the house, investigate the house, find out the who the owner of the property is, who is selling the property, who the previous owners were, why the house was put up on sale etc. Then, arrange for an appraiser to provide an independent estimate of the value of the house you are buying. The appraisal lets you know if you are paying a fair price for the house.



Verify the documents

Before you make payments for the house, confirm there are authentic documents to prove ownership of the house. Also, ensure you verify the documents being presented . Check with the local registry and the state government – The bureau of lands of Lagos state to know if the property is registered as a government acquired properties and if there are pending litigation or issues on the property. is responsible for all land related matters in Lagos state. Verification is a very important thing as it confirms the validity of your purchase and saves you from fraudsters or any future heartache with the government.



Make payment and collect all receipts/documents

Make all payments regarding the house with your lawyer. After making payment, make all efforts to collect every related receipt forms. Also, from deed of assignment, contract of sale, letter of allocation, affidavits, purchase receipt, deed of gifts, letters of administration, e.t.c, there are so many documents you need to ensure you collect after making payment to guarantee authentic ownership. After you have collected the necessary documents and receipts, file them with the State Government. It is important you do so , that way you purchase is valid in the eyes of the law.

The importance of mothers cannot be overstated – this in part is the reason there are many days dedicated as Mother’s day. In Nigeria, every day is simply mother’s day. The celebration of a special day for Mothers is to appreciate their commitment to nurturing the family in spite of the challenges they face.

Mother’s Day became a recognized national holiday in the USA in early 20th century. Across traditions there had always several celebrations for mothers such as the Roman Festival of Hilaria, Mothering Sunday for Christians among others and today, the special day for mothers is celebrated in over 170 countries. In the spirit of the celebration, Jovago has prepared an infographic on mothers and mother’s day across Africa in celebrating the day.

Pick out a thoughtful gift, book a 5 star hotel in Lagos or any destination of your choice and treat your mother, our mothers, to a wonderful time this year.

02/03/2016 – Lagos, Nigeria – Jovago, Africa’s largest hotel booking portal called for higher investment in the hospitality and tourism sector at its landmark Annual Stakeholders Forum which held on the 1st of March at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.

The event themed ‘Solving the Foreign Exchange Dilemma through Tourism’ had Paul Midy, global CEO of Jovago, the Director General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry ably represented, Bruce Prins, operations expert and Kushal Dutta, Managing Director of Jovago Nigeria brainstorm on tangible avenues to generate revenue for the industry in view of recent foreign exchange issues.

Speaking during the panel discussion, Paul Midy, Global CEO of Jovago, who laid the roadmap for stabilizing the hospitality market and growing Africa’s tourism industry said, “Africa’s strong performance in 2014 makes it the second fastest-growing tourist destination after Southeast Asia. Across the continent, there are around 20 million people working directly or indirectly for the tourism industry. This shows that there is a high potential here and our goal at Jovago is to support Africa in getting to number one position.”

With hospitality businesses having the potential of contributing over $100million to Nigeria’s economy annually, stakeholders also called for further public-private sector partnerships as a means to boost engagement.

Vincent Nwani, Director of Research and Advocacy at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry representing the DG, Muda Yusuf, said, “Nigeria’s economy is going through a crisis. Inflation is high and the cost of doing business is hitting the roof. We need to find a way around this challenges and it’s good to know that Jovago is taking steps in this direction.”

With the Federal Government targeting the transformation of key sectors of the economy, panelists revealed that the scarcity of foreign currency can yield high benefits to the domestic market. At the time of this report, the dollar sold at N352 to the Naira.

“The forex situation Nigeria is facing has its positive slant for the industry,” said Kushal Dutta, Jovago Nigeria Managing Director, “Although its impact is affecting the Gross Domestic product (GDP), on the flipside it forces us to look inward as a country and patronize what we produce here”.

As the first African company to partner with the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) and Google Hotel Ads, Jovago provides a vast portfolio of 8,000 hotels in Nigeria and over 200,000 hotels around the world at the best prices possible.

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 MTN and Millicom as investors. Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 booking portal, 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.

Cramped seats, impromptu delays, traffic jams, frayed nerves and fatigue are usual in the course of a business trip. However, travelling for work does not mean you cannot experience everything a city has to offer, especially if the destination is Warri, Delta State, Nigeria. With just a bit of forethought and a little research, it is still possible to make the most of your business trip and find time for fun.

Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking site has some ideas on how to squeeze in a little bit of fun next time you are visiting the old riverine town for business.



Add on a day of vacation

The moment you confirm a business trip to Warri and you have been asked to turn in a budget and plan, try and structure your trips in such a way that you can have extra time, possible an extra day to yourself. Plan to go a day before or leave a day after; or even better, plan to head out over the weekend. That way, you can use the extra day or two to explore the city, engage in fun leisure activities or just take some time out for yourself

Go with your ‘significant other’

Any kind of trip is much more fun when you have love around. A very good way to spice up your business trip and squeeze in loads of fun is by taking your wife, lover, girlfriend or love interest along on the trip. Most times on business trips, your flight and hotel are already catered to, and many companies would not mind if you bring anyone else along, so long as you do not bill them for extra costs incurred. Warri may not be ‘Paris”, but you have a lot of opportunities to enjoy a mini-vacation with your loved ones as well, while on a business trip.



Create your own cultural guide

Warri may be considered a metropolitan area, but it is still rich in culture and local traditions. Rather than sit and get bored in your hotel room, go out and explore! Take a camera with you and take pictures of interesting things you find, you could even make short videos or Keep a journal of your gallivanting. Nearly every locale in Warri has something interesting, it could be a strange activity being performed by a local, an unusual but historical sight, or a minor event. D not just experience it, record it and save it to your list so you can share it with the next person traveling to Warri.

Go on a foodie tour

Food makes everything better. On a business trip, you do not pay for your own food, so take advantage of the situation and ensure you eat really good, tasty and healthy food. Of course, you could stay in and order in room service, but a little effort can uncover an interesting feast just about anywhere else. If your hotel does not have a fancy onsite restaurant, there are a number of appealing eateries and bistros around town. If you are feeling adventurous, seek out the local food hangouts within the city and try some of the native cuisines. You are bound to have an exciting time.



Meet up with a social media contact

Warri may not be as aware in terms of tech as Lagos, Abuja or Port Harcourt, but most hotels offer Wifi for their guests. Take advantage of the internet and do some virtual networking, then take it up a notch by connecting face to face. Social platforms like instamessage help you locate people close to you that are willing to meet up for a chat. If you already have someone from Warri that you have been chatting with for a while, use your travel opportunity to actually meet that person you connected with online. If nothing else, you could at least get treated to free drinks, great meals and a fun experience.

Parks in different parts of Lagos are always busy round-the-clock. They convey passengers and travellers to the North, South, East and West of Nigeria. These parks offer many people a miniaturized peek into the Lagos hustle, where you find the good, the bad and the ugly.

Although, it is quite fascinating to have a first hand experience of park shenanigans, you will have to be self conscious when you find yourself in such an ambience. If you are a first time visitor to a Lagos park, Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal unveil the many kinds of people you will find at these parks dotted around the centre of excellence.



The roving reporter

The roving reporter does not report for any news agency but if you want to get current information about happenings at the park, they will gladly volunteer themselves.Their daily survival is knitted around the park. They are also wanderers who have little or nothing to do but to be nuisance and puck nose in other people’s businesses. Of course, they are very popular which means it is not difficult to find them.

The exhibitionist

At the park, you find people displaying and selling all sorts of items. From alcoholic beverages to local gins, fairly used clothes, mama put, perfumes, electronics, and other wares. The park is where they make their daily income. You have to be careful with the type of goods you purchase at the park to ensure that is original.



The early bird

The early birds are the travelers. They are leaving Lagos for various parts of Nigeria. The buses leave very early so that they will arrive at their destination as early as possible. This will forestall any delay. The rule for any transport business is-leave early, arrive early and vice versa. So, do not be astonished if you find a handful of people at the park!

The sit down and look

This type of people are idle. They simply want to feel among as they participate in discussions, intervene in arguments and adjudicate park dispute. They take pride in being called the boss and they actually are. If you are harassed or mishandled, walk up to the sit down and look, who alternatively is referred to as chairman and make a report. In fact, if you forgot your phone in a cab or misplaced your luggage, just make a report and if they find it, it will be returned to you. Of course, theft is totally condemned because if anyone is caught, they are appropriately dealt with. Ironically, it is the same parks that theft is prevalent.



The conductor

The conductor does not conduct an orchestra but stands on the highway, fiercely and voraciously spiriting for travelers. Immediately he sights a car or bus, he assumes that any one of the passenger is traveling if he sights a luggage in the boot, he then sprints like Usain Bolt to the boot to pick your luggage even though you did not authorize him to do so. Many travellers have lost their luggage due to the over-zealousness of these conductors. If you are visiting the park for the first time, you will be dazed and shocked by the desperation of these conductors. So, when you arrive at the park, hold on tight to your luggage, keep a straight facade and ensure that you have a particular transport company you want to board.

Benin City is one of the oldest cities in Nigeria and holds a lot of history, culture and thus mystery. Unfortunately, while it is regarded as metropolitan, it is yet to measure up to other cities in the country in terms of fun day activities, nightlife and amenities. There are however certain experiences that are unique to Benin and make it a treasure destination for visitors from all around the world. Jovago.com reveals 5 of the things any visitor will not enjoy doing while visiting Benin.



A taste of Pepper Rice at Mama Ebo

Anyone who visits Benin on a regular basis will attest to the peculiarity of the city’s favourite cuisine: Pepper rice. Consisting of plain white rice and much spiced tomato sauce- locally referred to as pepper stew, the meal is served usually served on a green leaf which adds to the flavor. While this delicacy is sold in most local bukkas and restaurants found around the city, Mama Ebo restaurant on Airport road , GRA,is the number one spot for an original taste. The small restaurant is very well kept and visitors have a wide variety of sides to the meal: Moi Moi, plantain, e.t.c. A taste of this special serving is an experience any visitor will surely not forget.

A Visit to New Benin Market

Located at New Lagos Rd. Benin city, the New Benin Market is one of the markets that offer visitors impressive choices upon their visit to the city, especially if they plan to stay a while. From home appliances to electronics, fashion wares, souvenirs and even food items, the market is a one-stop-for-all. The market also is a good venue for visitors who want to interact with the locals or have a taste of the everyday life in Benin.



A long weekend at Best Western Homeville Hotel

As expected of most hotels in the Best Western hotel chain, Homeville offers one of the best lodging experience in the city as it is equipped with the necessary amenities to make your stay enjoyable. At the hotel located at Evbuomwan street, Off Sapele Road, Etete., Avbriaria, Benin City, Nigeria, you are not only in close proximity and surrounded by the sights and sounds of the city, you get relaxed and energized simultaneously as you step into some of the impressive guest rooms. The hotel also offers a well-equipped gym and an outdoor pool, and guests can enjoy therapeutic body treatments at the spa. The premises are guarded by security personnel and car hire services are also available in case you want to chance to tour the city. For visitors who just want to stay indoors, Newspapers are also provided daily.

A stroll along Igun street

The Igun street is a popular boulevard in Benin as it plays a significant role in the appreciation of the art in the city. Listed as Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO, Igun street is the home of the brass/bronze casting industries in Benin. Take a stroll down the street; admire and witness bronze casting from the various stages and make sure to purchase any piece of you find alluring. It will be golden opportunity to own an outstanding bronze souvenir while visiting the state.



A tour of the Oba’s palace

The Oba’s palace is a prominent location and is right in the centre of the city, very close to the King’s Square popularly called Ring road in Benin City. Its unique traditional architecture and works of arts dating back to the 9th and 10th centuries is centrally located. Anyone who knows the Kingdom properly knows that the palace is regarded as one of the greatest museums in the world because it still holds a large collection of royal court arts, scriptural pieces of past Obas in bronze and ivory and ancestral shrines. A visit will allow you a chance to see first-hand, a major memento of Africa’s ancient history.

The perks of civil service is that on certain occasions, workers get to go on cool trips either for work, meetings, training or team bonding exercises. The thing about these trips is that it is usually for a select few who have proven to be the best candidate for the opportunity.

So, you are a civil servant, you want to get drafted for a really cool trip most of your colleagues have been canvassing for, but you do not know how to convince your boss to let you go…leap for joy, Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking site has got you covered! Here are 5 ways you can convince your boss that that sending you on that cool trip is a smart move.



Compose a strong, concise proposal

This may sound a little over the top, but it works all the time. Writing a proposal not only keeps your thoughts organized, it most times also impresses your boss, as it shows that you have done your homework and you take the opportunity seriously. However, remember to keep the proposal short, relevant, and possibly witty.

Aptly defend your case

When you get the opportunity to speak to your boss about the trip, explain how the trip will not just be beneficial to you but to your company as a whole. Also, preemptively offer solutions to the downsides and offer solutions to them. If you leave your boss to resolve the concerns that may come up by himself, there is a chance your request would less likely be granted. For instance, if the cool trip is for a training class that is not inclusive in your company’s budget, point out how the new skills you will gain from the training will save the department from hiring outside contractors in the future.



Suggest but do not force

Do not kick up a fuss over going on the trip, this will mark you out as a ‘bad egg’ and possibly kill your chances of being nominated for any other trip ever again. Make your suggestions subtly , but very clearly and do not take any rashes decisions in the bid of proving you are the best nominee for the trip. Also, ensure you get the timing right before making your request. Ensure you consider the full landscape your boss is dealing with before you make your request. If your company is in the middle of cost-cutting or laying off staff, you may just want to stay mute.

Stay enthusiastic

Enthusiasm, passion and Energy are infectious and they have a way of opening a lot of doors. Before you set out to convince your boss about the trip, ensure your aura exudes confidence and enthusiasm, that way your boss will be more inclined to comply and give you what you are asking for. No matter how nervous, channel the nerves into excitement and it will certainly give off a positive vibe. Try not to overdo it though lest your boss views you as an “ass-kisser”.



If you get a ‘No’, find out what it would take to change it

No matter how cheerful you are or how well-put-together your proposal is, there is still a chance that you will get a “No”, and sometimes, you need to be prepared to accept it. However, if you are -like Abraham Lincoln- determined, you could ask your boss what it would take to get a positive answer. If the response is something you can quickly tackle, you may still be up for the trip, but if not, you can take the advice for the future. For instance, if you’re turned down for limited budget, you could either offer to pay for your own fare or you apply early for priority consideration when the next opportunity comes.

The reasonable level of comfort that many Nigerians experience when they travel abroad can be highly tempting. This seeming luxury has prompted quite a large number of Nigerians to seek greener pastures in foreign lands.

Despite the attraction travelling abroad holds, there is a nostalgic feeling about home and country many of them feel. As the popular saying goes, ‘there is no place like home’. Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal shares 6 exhilarating things that they miss dearly when they any part of Nigeria to travel abroad!



Owambe parties

Nigerians love to party. At gigs, they adorn unique resplendent attires popularly referred to as ‘aso ebi’. The music, dance, flamboyant hairstyles and the spraying of cash at these parties are what make Nigerian balls different. In fact, the organizers are often worried at the sheer amount of uninvited guests who will gatecrash the party, just so they can have a little fun. And Nigerian love it! Even if they organize a near similar owambe abroad, it can never be like the ones back home.

Your loved ones

Family, friends and loved one are everything. Your wellbeing revolves around them. They are always there when you need them. They offer you a sense of belonging and community. You do not feel isolated. Any Nigerian that is abroad will always miss this because in other parts of the world you are not given this nature of treatment. This is because of the ‘mind your business syndrome’!



Lagos hustle

Lagos hustle! Who would not miss Lagos hustle? Waking up as early as 4 am, the notorious traffic, the nastiness, and restlessness of the yellow bus drivers, the bus conductor, the small kiosk, police and Lastma wahala, the do you know I am hype and much more. You will always find hilarious things about Lagos. ‘Lasgidi’ is the place to be.

Street food

Akara, kuli kuli, moi moi, kokoro, kilishi, palm wine, roasted corn, boli and Isi-Ewu are some of the well-known street foods in Nigeria. You will find even executives patronizing the woman selling these street foods. They are very tasty! You will definitely miss street foods as well as other tasty Nigerian cuisines.



Market haggling

Haggling to get the best price is a part of the Nigerian culture. Women are more disposed to haggling than men. If you witness a haggling moment of a Nigerian woman, you will be dazed at the expertise with which this done. This, you cannot do in London or other places in the world.

Taxes

The drive for the collection of taxes is incomparable with the way it is done abroad. They take the collection of taxes very serious and you could be sent to jail for evading taxes. This is why quite a large amount is sliced off your salary as tax. In Nigeria, the tax system is a bit lopsided. You will pay tax but at least, you will not be jailed for tax evasion. Perhaps, this will change in the near future because tax is essential in developing any nation.

Following the merger of Tin Can and Roro, what is today known as the Tin Can Island Port came into existence. The Port and Terminal Multiservices Ltd. (PTML) started operating the terminals. Tin Can is located in the port city of Apapa, Lagos. It is in close proximity to the Apapa port which is the busiest and the largest in the whole of Nigeria.

A day at Tin Can Island Port TCIP is definitely going to be busy. The traffic at Apapa where the port is located is usually heavy due to a large number trucks from several states of the country enroute to various petroleum depots in Apapa. If you plan to visit the port, you are advised to leave as early as 4am or better still lodge in a hotel in Apapa. By so doing, you can get enough rest before and after a long day at the Tin Can Island port.



With a workforce of about 450 employees, the port has a massive container yard that occupies 24 hectares of land with a total wharf length of 770m. The port is equally equipped with 28 Yard Trailers, 1 Ship to shore gantries, 4 Empty Handlers, 11 Reach stackers, 5 Mobile harbour cranes, 27 Tug masters, 3 Forklifts, 7 Top Loaders and 10 Rubber Tyred Gantries. Annually the storage facility of the port is estimated to handle about 395,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent unit). Tin Can Island port also provides a total of 274 dedicated container refrigeration.

The port opens for loading and unloading operations at 8:00 a.m till 8:00 p.m daily from Monday to Saturday. Some other activities take place 24 hours everyday.

Location: Lekki Peninsula, Eti Osa Local Government, Lagos.

Size: Covering an area of 78 hectares of land.

Lekki Conservation Centre (LCC) is one of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) projects. The centre is a conservation initiative meant for protecting wildlife in the coastal area of southwest Nigeria. This 26 years old centre has attracted a lot of national and global interests. It is serving as an educational, as well as resource centre to groups, educational institutions and tourists.

The project, apart from serving as a tourist attraction to both local and global visitors, it also promotes environmental protection and works against illegal game killing by the communities surrounding it. It is a centre for up-to-date research into environmental education and awareness creation. Nature lovers visiting or staying in Lagos have to visit LCC.

Why Visit Lekki Conservation Centre

Lekki Conservation Centre was solely established as a conservation institute for the southwestern Nigeria’s coastal mangrove resources and an information centre for environmental education and public awareness. Over the years, it has become an inspiring tourist attraction to the visiting students from various academic cadres. Through their visits to LCC, practical steps to conserving our God given natural resources have been learnt. It also serves as an environmental education resource centre for non-educated and semi-literate visitors. The wonderful flora and fauna resources found within the LCC do inspire a desire to support the cause of conservation in the hearts and minds of the visitors.

Over two million tourists from over 100 countries have visited LCC since inception. Most of NCF’s School Conservation Clubs were established following the impact of students/teachers’ visits to the Centre. LCC has achieved, and it is still achieving, the goal of educating the public, both young and old on the need to conserve natural resources. Government officials are not left out in the learning of nature conservation lessons from visiting the Centre.



Lekki Conservation Centre’s 78 hectares land area is divided into two sections: LCC Complex and the nature reserve. The LCC Complex is made up of striking multi-purpose Rotunda surrounded by four office blocks. The office blocks contain project staff offices, gift shop, canteen and the drivers’ office. The facilities of the LCC Complex were expanded in 1998 with the construction of the National Secretariat at the rear of the Complex.

The nature reserve is full of a range of vegetation types, namely: secondary forest, swamp forest and Savanna grassland.

A 2 km trail boardwalk was constructed in 1992 to aid the tourists/visitors view of the vast resources of the nature reserve which is encapsulated on a mangrove terrain. The side attractions along the trail are swamp outlook, bird hide, rest stops and the tree house.