To everyone, a palace is a place dwelt by Royal Kings and their family, there are countless number of Palace around the world and Nigeria but it’s not every day one comes across a palace that has a unique and spectacular story. Walking down the ever busy upper king’s street at Lagos Island is another history written down in form of a building which dates back to the 15th century. It is the Oba of Lagos Palace “Iga Idunganran”- the official residence of Oba of Lagos. Iga is derived from the Oyo/Ife Yoruba language, Gaa means royal home, Idun means land or place in English Language and Ganran is the Yoruba translation of pepper. All the words combined together forms Iga Idunganran “Palace built on pepper”.

The land where the palace is built was originally owned by Chief Aromire, an Ile Ife (a town in Osun State) indigene , he was the first inhabitant of Lagos Island . Aromire once used the palace land as a farm where he cultivated pepper. This explains the origin of the name, Iga Idunganran – Palace built on pepper.

The ancient palace was built by Oba Gaboro in 1670, the Portuguese contributed to the construction of the Palace as most of the materials were brought in from Portugal. Later during the reign of Oba Adeniji Adele II, the palace was modernized. Recently under the reign of the current king, Oba Akiolu, the palace was re-modernized.

Significant cultural events that have taken place at the palace includes the famous Eyo Festival also known as the Adamu Orisha play.The festival is often held whenever an occasion arises or tradition demands. It is part of the final burial rites of highly regarded chief in the king’s court and to also escort the soul of a departed Lagos King. During the festival, tourists from all part of the World gather together to have fun, from large speakers around the palace comes all kind and genres of music. On both sides of the street leading to the palace are traders selling their wares and large number of people patronizing them. It’s an experience to remember.



At the exit gate of the palace is the shrine of esu (pronounced as eshu) commonly referred to as devil among people of the Christian faith. In the past, the deity was consulted each time the Oba is going out, he goes there to enquire about his journey, the outcome of such outings and pray to wade off all evil on his way. At this shrine, Oba and his chiefs also pray to wade off all dangers from Lagos and Nigeria as a whole.

Exterior to the palace is the ogun shrine; ogun is also referred to as the God of Thunder. The shrine is manned by a priestess who is responsible for its daily activities. Prayers are held every 16 days within the palace by the traditional priests and priestesses with items such as kola nut, alligator pepper, chicken, schnapp and other items as dictated by the Ifa priest.

Obas are known as the custodians of culture and tradition – there is no better place to find out about the cultural history of the people of Lagos than at the palace.

Ever wanted to go on that romantic picnic but was discouraged by lack of a known park or the ones you know are not just clean enough or not secured enough? Jhalobia Recreation Park and Gardens is the perfect destination.



This beautiful creation was first conceived by Mrs V.A Adepoju in Benin before it was developed along Muritala Muhammed International Airport Road, Lagos, where it presently occupies. A perfect site to host an outdoor wedding, be it traditional, religious or white wedding. Jhalobia park and gardens can also host other events such as children excursion, picnics, video filming (music videos or movies), product launch and many more. If you are staying in any hotel near Lagos Airport, you can easily visit the park to relish the blissful environment.

The carefully planned haven on two-acre lush green land is magnificent. The Jhalobia park and garden is well maintained and this is obvious as you experience nature away from the hustle and bustle of the ever busy Lagos state at the park. A few of the features of the garden are; a well maintained and ever-green lawns, walkways, topiary of different shapes, sculpture, waterfalls, fountains, ponds, rock gardens, gazebos of different sizes. Also obvious in the park are tropical trees, palms and flowers. There is also a playground for kids that is equipped with several play toys and other fun activities. As a result of its size, Jhalobia Recreation Park and Gardens is quite conducive for several activities including hosting events. There is extensive space for guests.

For couples, the park has a haven called the 2-2-1 village. The 2-2-1 village can best be described as a garden within another garden. The name was derived from the geometrical formation of the thatch huts. The village is the perfect retreat for lovers, an even more serene place where you can sit and enjoy nature.

Planning your event in Lagos? This park might just be the perfect place for you.

Awka has a certain kind of aura about it, because it was the place of the blacksmiths that created implements which made agriculture possible. – Chinua Achebe

Located between Enugu and Onitsha and about 400 miles east of Lagos, Awka, pronounced “Oka”, is in the center of the densely populated Igbo heartland in southeastern Nigeria. Also the capital city of Anambra state in Nigeria, visiting Awka is big fun. Friendly locals. Beautiful nature. Tasty food. Plus, it is a cheap town to travel; you will certainly get great value for your money.

One of the earliest places documented to have produced bronze works and thus, regarded as the foundation of Igbo civilization, the town became popular for its metal works and skilled blacksmiths who were responsible for making local guns and agriculture implements for neighbouring towns. The people of Awka take pride in their metal works, hence the slogan ‘Sires of Smiths’.

Awka is the one of the towns in Nigeria that welcomes foreigners from all other states and countries. Currently, it has a significant number of immigrants from northern Nigeria, Delta and Enugu states; Cameroon and Ghana now comprising more than 60% of residents in the town. If you are not on a budget, you can have the very best for a reasonable price.



TOP 3 SITES

Eke Awka

The largest market in the town, Eke Awka is named after one of the four market . It is located on a former community burial ground in the center of the city and houses an estimated 5,000 lock-up shops and stalls all tightly packed into less than 35,000 square meters of space and has become infamous for causing tremendous traffic chaos with a medley of shoppers, buses, wheelbarrows all jostling for the limited amount of space available.

Agulu Crocodile Lake

Not far from Awka, Agulu Crocodile Lake that has over three hundred crocodiles with guest houses in Awka where visitors can lodge.

Imo-Oka Stream

Popularized by the Imo-Oka festival usually held in May to begin the farming season and appease the gods for a fruitful farming period, Imo-Oka Stream is one of the venues where very colourful masquerade and dances are displayed.



LODGING

Awka is regarded as the centre of hospitality in Anambra state as it hosts a wide range of visitors. It is the go-to place for holding political meetings, conferences are organized by the state government and Nnamdi Azikiwe University and where other events such as workshops and trainings are hosted by federal institutions and NGOs such as the World Bank and the UN. The town currently has over 15 3-star hotels, each providing a measure of western-style comfort and services . Some of the most popular include: Finotel Classiy Hotel, Jesse Hotel, Parktonian Hotel e.t.c

SHOPPING

Shopping in Awka can be quite a worthwhile experience. The town is has fantastic shopping opportunities and is also known by many as a great handicraft center. From Boutiques, supermarkets, fashion outlets, and local markets, there are a lot of places to go and it all depends on what you intend to buy, and how much is your budget. If you look for something like a flea market, check out “Nkwo Amaenyi” market located further down on the busy Zik Avenue business district artery. You will find antiques, jewelry and pearls and of course cheap fake branded clothes.



FOOD

The Awka cuisine is not that famous around the country, but it is quite unique and the meals are quite tasty. The locals love their food and there are a lot of things worth trying! Visitors enjoy their favorite: the ‘Banga stew’, locally called ‘Ofe-akwu’. The delicacy is made from the oil extracted from the palm kernel and spiced up with the local scent leaf called ‘Nchonwu’. Another delicacy of the city is the bitter leaf soup. There is also the goat meat pepper-soup and other local dishes.

FUN FACT

The renowned writer Chinua Achebe is said to have drawn inspiration from Awka in writing Things Fall Apart.

The cinema culture is fast returning at an appreciable pace after it declined in the 1990s. Today, cinemas like Ozone, Silverbird and Genesis Deluxe around the country are witnessing reasonable attendance. While the many rediscover the joy of blockbuster movies on a big screen, there are some persons who may be hell-bent on diverting your attention from the screenplay and this can be annoying. Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal gather some of these annoying things that Nigerians do at the cinema.



The prolific commentator

They are better commentators than Andy Gray and John Motson. However, they do not to run football commentaries but annoying movie commentaries at the cinema. They will narrate every scene, they cannot keep their emotions under wraps and they always have something to say about the movie. They cannot simply keep their mouth shut. This kind of people can be very frustrating.

The phone talkative

Your phone rings every second in the cinema hall and you pick it every time it rings. Even if you are a businessman, your phone should be on silent rather than disturbing others with your calls. It is better to just switch it off when you are at the movies. In addition, remember that you are on a date with your significant other, you should make it an eventful evening for her. However, for some people, they do not really care, they will convert the cinema into a phone call hub even though there is a clear sign that you should switch-off your phone.



The selfie addict

You cannot do without taking pictures even in the cinema. You flip out your phone, pose and click! These pictures are immediately uploaded on social media. It is either you take your pictures before or after the not everyone will be happy with the lousy display of your photography talent.



The crying baby

You will definitely regret going to the cinema if you are in the same hall with a crying baby. The question is why do some mothers bring their babies to the cinema? Because at a particular point during the movie, the baby will inescapably brawl its lungs. If this happens, you will have no choice than to leave the hall.

He who laughs last…

A comical scene was shown and everyone in the cinema hall laughs. However, for you that is when your laughter begins. You may be laughing last but you are definitely not laughing best as your laughter could bring you ridicule. It will be quite embarrassing if everyone in the hall shoot you with their piercing and angry pupil. You will have no choice than to compose.

Abuja boasts of a number clubs, lounges and pubs that serve a variety of beverages: spirits, cocktails and wines, and every fun-lover in Abuja appreciates the need for happy hour at the end of a long day or on weekend nights. But then, while the happy hour is a much-needed bonding time, it is important that participants keep tab on their calorie budget. The key to a healthy lifestyle is balance ,therefore eating or drinking to excess while at your favorite bar’s happy hour can have serious repercussions on your health.

If you enjoy having a “happy hour” while visiting Abuja, but you are striving to live a healthy lifestyle, Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking site suggests 4 tips to help you enjoy a ‘healthy’ happy hour in Abuja and stay responsible in your consumption.



Order low-calorie beverages

Most people are unaware of the facts but, some alcoholic drinks actually are fattening and unhealthy as they are high in sugar and consequently calories. Skip the sugary options, especially cocktails and go for wine. If you insist on a cocktail, ask the bartender to skip the simple syrup or agave. Some alcoholic brands are low-calorie, find out them out and request for them when you are at the bar. If you love spirits as well, go for vodka and mix with club soda. Club soda is not only sugar free, it keeps you hydrated which is helpful when drinking.

Hydrate between drinks

While drinking and having a good time, remember to slow down. Do not be constricted by peer pressure, limit the number of drinks you gulp down and order water or club soda to take at intervals, possibly in between your drink orders. Heavy drinking can only leads to hangovers when your body is dehydrated. If you drink water in the same quantity to your booze, there is a slim chance of you going overboard.



Snack smart

Happy hour drinking usually comes with a lot of snacking. Fries, chicken wings, barbeque, salted nuts etc may be offered at a great price, and may seem like a good combination for your beverage, but they may not the best option if you are keen on staying healthy. If you are puckish and looking for what to nibble on while guzzling your beer or cocktails, go for something high in protein and low in fat or grease. Sea food like shrimp and fish, keep calories low by filling you up until dinner. Even better, to eliminate this temptation completely, eat a proper healthy meal before you go to the bar.

[img]Try a happy hour at home[/img]

Having a happy hour at home not only saves your waistline, it cushions your wallet, ensuring extra coins or notes are removed from it. A happy hour at home does not have to be alone; you can invite your friend or co-workers over for a drink. A chill at your place of residence puts you in charge of the kind of drinks and food you consume through the time. You can ask your friends to bring light snacks to ease some of your hosting duties, but essentially you control the kind of cocktails that are served, its ingredients and frequency.

An amiable relationship is not restricted to visiting malls, watching romantic movies and having late night dinners. Dating partners should also go on vacation regularly because it is a proven fact that couples that travel together stay together.

However, if the girl you are about to date dislikes travelling, Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal shares the following 5 reasons why you should immediately search for another beau.



She may not love you

They may have flight phobia which makes them dislike travelling. But this is not enough reason for them to outrightly reject travelling with you. The advantages of spending time with you should far outweigh any other excuse. Versatile travellers love and appreciate one another. If its true love, your partner will jump at most travel opportunities to be with you.

No opportunity to try something new

Addicted travellers are always encountering and having refreshing experiences. From meeting new people, speaking a different dialect, tasting an appetizing cuisine and engaging with locals are moments couples should cherish. For example, junketing from Lagos to Port Harcourt will expose you to a whole new chapter of life especially for partners leaving Lagos for the first time. So why should your partner resist such an exciting vacation break?



The attraction will fade

Makeup and dressing to nines alone cannot make you super attractive. A medley of hiking to different parts of Nigeria will make partners attractive. With your exclusive experiences, your friends will always want to hang out with and both of you will be the envy of others. In fact, other people will love to their relationship to be like yours.

You will never expand your horizon

Travellers are knowledgeable and smart. It makes them think beyond their immediate environment thus giving them a whole new life perspective. Except a partner prefers to be confined to their immediate environs, they will have a skewed perception about life. You do not want to date a person whose perception are largely influenced by their ambiance. Travelling takes you outside the box.



Always misunderstanding each other

Surmounting travel upheavals is a unique feature that must not be traded for any other experience in this world. The more you travel the more you understand each other and agree on best solutions to resolve any ‘crises’. But the opposite will be the case if one of the partners have an insatiable dislike for adventure.

Sometimes in life, the demands of work and the need for independence has turned many of us into mini-flat dwellers and apartment settlers. Others times, we are forced to move to foreign lands for work or studies and find ourselves living alone.

The thought of living alone in a big metropolitan city like Lagos can be utterly daunting, especially if it is your first time. At first, you battle with such thoughts as “won’t it get really lonely?”, “will I cope?” And the answer is sure, as with time you realize that are so many great things about living by yourself in Lagos.

While life alone in Lagos can be very rewarding, there are certain things you need to remember to ensure the days you spend turn out smoothly. If you are thinking about being on your own in Lagos for the first time, Jovago.com, suggests 5 things to remember.



The alarm clock is your best friend

The problem of traffic congestion in Lagos is no longer a secret nor something that can be ignored. The moment you have found a place to move into within the city, the first thing you need to buy is an alarm clock. Even if you are on a sabbatical and will stay indoors for the period you are in town, you still need an alarm clock to help you schedule the few movements you may need to make. That way you can remind yourself of rush hours and give yourself an early start to any destination.

A good relationship with your landlord saves you a lot of stress

Before you move into a new apartment in Lagos, ensure you have a clear deal with your landlord. Sign a contract that clearly states the amount you will be paying and when will you be doing so. Again try to always fulfill your end of the contract, as that is the way to stay in your landlord’s good graces. No doubt some landlords that will just be terrible no matter what you do, however, while you do not have to make your landlord your best friend, keep your relationship positive, cheerful and fairly simple. Maintain this attitude is important as it becomes an incentive during times you need your landlord help to settle utility bills and other concerns.



Tipping your security guard is the best way to survive

The security guard often called ‘gateman’ or ‘maiguard’ plays an important role when it comes to living a good life if you are doing it solo in Lagos. They are very handy and the tip is usually an essential motivation for them. They can help you runs small errands like fetching water, buy fuel for you in times of fuel scarcity and even sort out problems in your apartment when you are not around. He also keeps you informed on what is going on in your environs. You however need to be careful, study the security guard and trust him before you start to rely on him.

Having a rigid budget and learning to improvise keeps you afloat

You need to have a firm budget. Put everything into consideration: from food to transportation and utility bills. Learn to cook rather than always buying food outside, it will help you cut costs. Also, learn to improvise rather than always purchasing new appliances. Again, try how to do things yourself rather than employing external help to get things done. YouTube has all the DIY instructions you need so use it instead. Ensure you remain strict with spending, otherwise you will severely cut into your budget, and cause bigger problems for yourself.



Secure windows and doors are essential

Before you move in, ensure the windows and doors are secure and possibly impenetrable. This is very important for your safety, especially if you are living in a notorious part of the city. While security guards are employed to make sure no suspicious individual enter without your permission, you need to be extra cautious as some unwelcome guests can be very innovative.

Africa’s largest hotel booking portal, Jovago.com and mobile telecommunications company, MTN have entered a partnership which will deliver to MTN’s Music+ subscribers’ discounts worth 20% OFF on all hotel booking around the country, as a means to providing affordable, convenient and easy accommodation anywhere in the world.

The partnership with Jovago will deliver to MTN’s Music+ subscribers’ the opportunity to receive fast, easy and secure hotel services around the world at 20% discount on all bookings made on Jovago’s website.

Speaking on the launch of the campaign, Kushal Dutta, Managing Director of Jovago Nigeria said “We are happy to announce this partnership with MTN. With this initiative, you will never be stranded again. Now you can go anywhere in the country, find a place to stay on Jovago.com and save 20% when you use the code MUSIC+20. Nigeria’s mobile penetration is improving each day and this drives Jovago and MTN to provide even better and more affordable services for subscribers.”

With the launch of its offices in Pakistan, Myanmar and Bangladesh, Jovago now has a large inventory of 25,000 hotels in over 40 African countries and 200,000 hotels worldwide. With its ongoing success, Jovago aims to drive the innovation of its digital services in the hospitality industry in emerging countries. at the best prices possible and global presence in more than 41 countries around the world.

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.

Booking a local flight in Nigeria is as easy as going online and registering on an airline’s website. With the plethora of airlines and travel agencies available online, the process seems easy and seamless, however there are certain difficulties unassuming travelers are bound to face if they do not double-check certain details before hitting the “book your flight” button. From arriving late to the airport, missing their flight and feeling cheated when they realize they missed a promo, these challenges can be disheartening.

Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking site, therefore reveals the 5 things to check before booking a flight in Nigeria.



The location of the airport

While most states in Nigeria have just one airport, it is important to know where exactly the airport is located within the state, that way you know if going to your location by air is the best option.

Sometimes, the airport might be miles away from where you are going within the state and you would have to embark on another journey from the airport to your destination; wasting time and money. For instance, If you are heading to Okada in Edo state from Lagos state, it might be a better either to go by road, as going by air, you would be landing in Benin City and will have to embark on a long drive (minimum 1 hours) from the airport to Okada.

Ensure you check and find out exactly where you will be flying into, and how you can get from there to where you will be staying.

Available flights and Ticket prices

Not all airlines go to every destination within the country, and different local airlines have different fares for even same destination. It is important to always check prices on some price comparison websites before you book anything.

All you need to do is simply put in your departure airport, and it will suggest different flight combinations and the best prices for them. With the endless search engines available and constantly fluctuating prices, the approach to frugal flight booking can overwhelming, so, these comparison sites do not only save you the stress of doing the comparison yourself, it provides you with options that may not even have been aware of.



The best time or day to fly out

Most times the particular day fixed for the trip, may not be the best day to actually make the trip. There are periods when you may have to reschedule or switch choices between departure times for a flight.

Checking out schedules rather than exact flights can be life-saving. A weekday flight will certainly be cheaper than weekend flight. Also, a 6am flight might look great, considering it is always the cheapest flight of the day, but check other factors out before booking: how feasible is the journey to the airport at that time? Can you make it in time without missing your flight? Will you have access to certain amenities on getting to the airport at that time?

If for instance heading out to the airport that early will rule out changes of public transport and you have to pay a large sum for private arrangements, the cheap flight might end up costing you more after all.

Promos

Local airlines run promos from time to time. These promos might require inputting a certain code for a slash in ticket price or following certain procedures for a full fee waive. Sometimes, these promos might not be properly advertised and the traveler would be unaware of it, even while booking online via their website. Ensure you look out for possible promos.

Use Google and check the airline’s social media pages before booking. If possible, call their customers services and make inquiries to know what kind of promos or offers they have for you. This may seem over the top, but it is actually an important step to take before booking a flight. Booking a flight at standard rates and finding out later that co-passengers got theirs cheaper can cause a lot of disappointment and possibly ruin your entire trip.



Lodging and connecting flight info

Some local flights actually require connecting flights. For instance, if you are going to Yola on some airlines, you would have to stop at the Abuja terminal and take a connecting flight. Also some flights to Gombe require stops at various locations.

It is important you verify these stops before you book the flight, to avoid any future confusions or challenges. Also, find the best possible location for lodging in the area and book your first night accommodation. The Jovago App is very helpful with searching for best hotels. Ensure you have your first night booked and the address written down before you go ahead and book the flight, this saves you a lot of hassles.

Shoppers are often at the mercy of some of these gigantic malls when it comes to getting the best bargain. These malls located in different parts of Lagos have become notorious for their non-negotiable stance with regards to pricing. They expect shoppers to simply walk in, pay the price on the price tag whether it was hiked or not and leave.

As a bargain hunter, there are certain sins that you must not commit if you actually looking for a good deal. Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking roll out some of these lapses that bargain hunters must avoid.

Assume the price is non-negotiable

Many walk into large stores and assume that they do not need to negotiate as it may be embarrassing to haggle at a mall as if in a market. However, there are various ways to get a good bargain. You can buy in bulk and request for a discount. Alternatively, you can scavenge for an item that is slightly scratched or dented, then walk to the cashier and demand for a discount. Due to the dent, you may be given 10% to 15% discount.

Ignore social media

Quite a number of retailers are on social media because it is now one of the most effective ways to promote a business. In order to attract new customers and retain others, these malls regularly offer awesome discounts and coupons through their Twitter and Facebook posts. In addition, they usually run social media campaigns where you can get an all expenses paid shopping trip by taking part in the campaign. So, do not ignore social media.



Be an introvert in-store

You may be an introvert by nature but if you want an awesome bargain you must be the opposite – an extrovert. Chatting up the employees and other shoppers about a particular product and upcoming promotions can give you great insight on the item you want to buy. Besides getting a good bargain, you will also make an informed purchasing decision.

Shop on an empty stomach

This may be a funny lapse but shopping on an empty bowel can erode your chances of getting a bargain. This may happen to people that prefer last minute shopping or wake up and simply drive to the mall to buy some groceries. Rather than focus on shopping, you will practically concerned about satisfying your hunger pangs when you are meant to skirt for an incredible bargain. You will end up spending more money if you go an empty stomach. As a rule of thumb, always eat before shopping and continue your shopping later.



Leave your smartphone in the car

Your smartphone is a perfect tool to help make informed purchasing decisions. If you are unsatisfied with the price of a particular item, you can easily google it and in a few minutes, get the price. You may probably have to decide whether to buy from the mall or order online so always arm yourself with your phone when you are in a mall.

A recurring travel problem that many people often encounter is the loss of their luggage. With black being the generic colour of every travel bag, this makes it easy for dark colored luggage to go missing in transit while moving from one locale to the other especially as bus terminals and airports crowd over in preparation for the Easter holiday rush.

However, if you do not want to fall victim to this horrible experience, Jovago.com. Africa’s No. 1 hotel booking portal points you to smart ways you can make your luggage stand out in the crowd.



Tie a Scarf or Ribbon

You do not need a whole length of cloth to tie on the handle of your luggage. Just get a very colourful fabric maybe red or burgundy, strap it to your travelling bag and you are good to go. This can do the job differentiating your luggage from the crowd.

Colourful luggage tag

The function of the luggage tag is to identify your luggage. You will fill in your name, destination and other relevant information. This tag can only go a long way. But if you use a flashy luggage tag, it will definitely cut down the chances of your luggage being snatched as you probably know that you are the only one using that type of tag.



Stickers

Regular travellers must have experienced the horrors associated with losing their luggage. They would not want to be entangled in such again because it is usually intractable. In line with this, you can use a sticker. Wherever you travel, you should buy a sticker and add paste it on your luggage.

Show off your artistic flair

You do not need to be an artist to paint your luggage. You can use any painting ideas that pops into your head like a cup, spoon, bird, or phone. Draw or paint anything that you know will lead to a luggage mix up.



Be Weird

Deviating from the norm makes you weird and different. It may attract unnecessary attention but you are guaranteed that your luggage will not be stolen. In addition, you are assured that your luggage will not be confused with another.

Tape your suitcase

Tape can also make your suitcase stand out from the crowd. You can use a decorative duct tape which makes it easier for you to identify your suitcase. Aside from preventing the theft of your luggage, it will forestall any kind of delay at the airport.

[img]http://blog.ng.jovago.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/promo251999489-660x400.jpe[/img]

Are you visiting Nigeria and looking for ways to cut down expenses by sticking to a low budget meal? The key to achieving your goal would be to look for healthy foods that are versatile nutritious and can be made for $5 or less. Usually, with most of staple items gotten from local markets scattered around the country, you should be able to prepare a variety of inexpensive meals.

However, to make things easier, Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking portal, has a list of five dollar or less dinners, lunches or breakfast ideas that will help you create a delicious and nutritious dish tailored to fit your budget.



Nigerian Jollof rice

‘Boring’ will never be a word to describe this popular Nigerian meal. Jollof rice is one of the most simple and the easy Nigerian foods to make . It is always a favorite option for the thrifty as it is not only delicious and nutritious , it comes together with ingredients that you already have. Also, it tastes good whether served hot or cold. To prepare this meal, you need: 1/2 Kg Chicken: costs about N300 ($1.20), 1 cup of rice: costs about N100 ($.50), Ground fresh tomatoes: costs about N50($.25) per tin, ground fresh pepper Onions, spices, groundnut oil, salt, cubes of knorr/maggi and dried crayfish: optional. The meal takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to get cooked, depending on your cooking methods. The end product however will have you clamouring back for seconds. You definitely want to start with this meal if you are new to Nigerian foods.



Yam porridge

Yet another simple meal, yam porridge will make a great main dish for midweek lunch. A staple food in Nigeria, it is quite popular in the western part of Nigeria and is known as Asaro or Ebe. Mainly yam cooked with few ingredients and little or no vegetable, the resulting dish contains some soupy liquid. Main Ingredient include White Puna yam: costs about N300 ($1.20)for a medium size tuber, Red palm Oil: costs about N200($1) for 50c, smoked mackerel fish : costs about N300 per whole fish($1.50), onion, ground crayfish, fresh green vegetable (eg pumpkin, parsley, scent leaf or green amaranth), habanero or chili Pepper & Salt (to taste), and of course, stock cubes. This meal is satisfying both taste- and budget-wise.



Okro soup

This meal is the perfect perfection as it is very easy to prepare and likely the cheapest soup in Nigeria. Also known as the Lady finger’s soup, or locally referred to as Ofe okwuru (ibo), Obe ila(Yoruba) or Miyan Kubewa(hausa), this soup can be made chunky or smooth and eaten alone (if you are a weight watcher), or paired with Eba or pounded yam. To prepare this meal, you need the following ingredients: Okra (a medium size bowl full), Fluted Pumpkin leaves (optional), Stock fish, meat (beef, chicken, turkey, etc), dry fish or smoked fish(optional), stock cubes, palm oil, salt, ground crayfish and pepper to taste. You can get quantities of each of the main ingredient from the local market for as low as N100($.50) each, except for meat which you can get ½ kilo from as low as N200 ($1). Throw this simple but satisfying meal together and your wallet will thank you.



Yam and Garden egg sauce

Get your dose of protein and fibre with yam and garden egg sauce. A great choice for a quick weeknight dinner, the meal is quick, easy and flavorful. For the sauce, you can make use of any type of garden egg available to you, including Aubergines. You will also need the following ingredients: Garden eggs, palm oil, onion, smoked mackerels, Habanero Pepper & Salt (to taste), ogiri okpei/ iru(optional). Like the Okro soup, you can get quantities of the main ingredients from the local market for as low as N100($.50) .For the yam, you will need a tuber of yam which you will just have to peel, cut and boil separately with salt. The entire meal takes about 45 minutes to prepare. The perfect meal for weight watchers and a budget friendly meal option, some of the benefits of this mean include effective weight loss as well as lowering blood cholesterol and eye pressure in glaucoma.



Moi Moi

This high-protein meal will have you salivating. One of the most popular dishes in Nigeria, Moi Moi is made from pureed beans. The process of making this meal is a bit complicated, but the end result is always a delight. Usually, a special kind of beans (Black eyed beans) is used for making beans pudding in Nigeria, but you can substitute with any other type of beans if you live outside Nigeria. Other ingredients include: Onions,Red bell pepper (Tatashe),Scotch bonnet pepper (ata rodo), Ground crayfish , Palm oil, stock cubes (Maggi) and Salt . Purchasing all ingredients will cost less than $4 at the local market. Moi Moi can be eaten alone or paired with other meals such as Pap (akamu, Ogi) or soaked garri; or it can also be served as a side to such meals as fried rice e.t.c

If you are frequent visitor to Nigeria, you will realize that a dollar just isn’t what it was early last year. As matter of fact, it is increasing per day and so are the cost of commodities around the nation. As it is, your original budget for a stay in Nigeria may not be sufficient anymore and you will need spare hard cash to survive or complete your stay.

If all available funds and traditional sources of credit are frozen or you are faced with an unexpected expense, you do not have to be in a bind. Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking site has a few ideas on how you can stay afloat with quick cash in Nigeria. Keep in mind that while all of these ideas are legal, some of them are simply not glamorous.



Take a part-time jobs

Taking on a part-time job, especially if you are vacationing can be a killjoy, but comes in very handy when you are looking to make quick extra cash, especially ones that include tips. You could work as a night waiter in a restaurant or club, a retail clerk, or sales person. Most times, it will take at least two weeks to receive that first paycheck, but if you are good with negotiating, you can land yourself a part-time job that pays you per hour or at the end of the day. Alternatively, you can do an odd job. This might not seem glamorous as they are usually menial jobs, but desperate times call for desperate measures, and odd jobs offer immediate money in your pocket. You could babysit, walk dogs or do general cleaning; you just need to offer your services for a reasonable price.

Sell Your Stuff

The best time to get rid of things you do not need is when you actually need the extra income solve a dire problem or survive. You will earn some quick cash and have a good clean out of all your unneeded items. Check your closet, book shelves and store and sell your clutter for cash. Remember, if you have not used it or worn it in the last year, it is certainly time to let go. If for some reason, you do not own anything you can sell, make something and sell. The growing trend for vintage and homemade products shows no sign of stopping, the Internet is chock full of well-known outlets for such wares. You would be surprised the kind of things that sell quickly on e-commerce websites . Aside from handmade items such as crafts, jewelry, painting, you can try soaps and perfumes, although these typically take a little longer to make. Again, do not limit yourself to Internet sales; consider specialty stores for some items.



Register for competitions

Nigerians love promos and grand prizes, and so, loads of companies in the country always have some sort of competition or promo running that would benefit the winners. The prizes usually consist of large sums of money which when won can give the winner a lot of extra cash. A good way to get quick cash would be registering for these competitions. While entering these competitions come with no guarantees, there is a growing community of ‘compers’ making a lot of cash through all sorts of competitions. Competitions available to enter range from simple registration forms to social media page liking and answering questions correctly over the phone to a TV/radio game show.



Offer Classes

Everyone has some sort of knowledge to pass across. Another great way to earn money is by teaching skill acquisition classes. For instance, if you’re a fitness guru, you might can start an exercise or nutrition class in a large spacious area in your residence, estate or a hotel area. From cooking, makeup, bead-making, hair dressing, instrument playing, and dancing, to dog training, people are willing to pay to learn about many fields of knowledge, and you can benefit from that. You just have to make sure the class sounds unique and irresistible, that way you will have people signing up over and over again.

LOCATION: within the University of Ibadan Campus, Ibadan, Oyo State.

HISTORY

The Zoological Garden, University of Ibadan was established in 1948 as part of the Department of Zoology in the University. It was primarily meant to support teaching and research works of the department. Over time, wild animals of Nigerian native were acquired in the zoo for teaching and research. They were living in cages and enclosures adjacent to the department. It actually became a full-fledged zoo in 1974. A large number of people from far and near started visiting the zoo for tourism purposes since then. The zoo remains a place for the conservation of endangered species of animals. It forms a habitat for a wide collection of animals of different background.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN

The UI zoo was established as a menagerie in 1948. As a result of the University’s management decision to allow the public access to the animals, the zoo was borne. The desire of the University authority to make the collection of animals realize its full potentials as a zoo led her to hiring a white man, Bob Golding all the way from Bristol in England in 1963. He was in charge of the zoo as a Zoo Curator till 1979. Under his supervision, the animal collection was increased and diversified. Modern zoo exhibits were designed and constructed. Gorillas and chimpanzees exhibits with water-moat enclosure boundaries, pygmy hippo exhibits and reptile houses were part of the facilities constructed. At a time Bob Golding used to air a regular children television programme on Western Nigeria Television. On this programme, Uncle Bob (as he was fondly called) did introduce young viewers to an assortment of interesting animal species. This had a multiplier effect on the tourists’ visits to the zoo as their number was dramatically increased. As a result of the rapid growth and expansion, both in size and operation of the zoo, the University’s governing authority decided to separate what is known as the ‘Zoological Garden’, today from the Zoology Department. The zoological Garden was given autonomy as a separate Public Service Unit under an appointed Zoo Management Committee headed by the then Dean of the Faculty of Science, Professor John Beetlestone, with Bob Golding as the Director.

The Zoological Garden since then has been providing tourists with new animal and natural world class experience and privilege of viewing wild animals in a new light. The safety and leisure of the Zoo visitors have been guaranteed. As at 1979, when Bob Golding left Nigeria, the zoological Garden was receiving about two hundred and fifty thousand visitors annually



ANIMALS FOUND IN THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN

Animals were donated by some prominent Nigerians who subscribed to wildlife preservation and other lovers of animals. The largest population is made up of monkeys with several species. Very popular among them is the Anubi (Olive) baboon. This specie can be found in twenty five African countries with a life expectancy of thirty years. They are usually found in the savannah and forest jungles while some live near streams. They are always in large groups of both sexes. They feed on fruits, flowers, tree barks, foxes and rodents. They feed on fruits served them in the zoo. The two prominent ones in the zoo are placed in separate buildings. They always growl on sighting visitors. The dirty aspect of their life styles is the fact that they always attempt spraying visitors at intervals with their faeces. Aside this specie, there are other species whose display activities are too great to behold.

The most beautiful scene of nature in the zoo is that of the birds’ colony. Birds of different species, ranging from the parrots, the Indian peafowl, monitor Bullard, the long legged black crowned crane, the African purple swan, the big white stork to eagles, are there.

Apart from the ones mentioned, the Dorcas gazelle which are small grassland antelope specie are found in the zoo. But the elands are more eye-catching. These are huge savannah/ open forest antelopes that measure up to six feet high. They feed majorly on leaves. Due to their great strength, they are caged in order to prevent them from pulling down fences and jumping over high barricades.

Ajoke, a friendly giraffe is one of the wonderful creatures found in the zoo. It is always seen playing with the zoo keepers. It is, however said to be dangerous if an unfamiliar person is at close proximity to it.

Horses are also present at the zoo. The most popular is the female called Mary. She does pose for photographs with interested tourists.

Other animals in the zoo include gorillas, camels, Warthog, foxes, lions and a wide range of reptiles.

Idanre hills with the highest peak reached by six hundred and sixty seven (667) steps remain one of the wonders of nature and a marvelous tourist destination. Estimated to be over 800 years, they are located in the ancient town of Idanre, Ondo State, South West, Nigeria. It is found to be fifteen kilometres (15km) South West of Akure, the State Capital. The ancient town is on the hill top while the new settlement is at the base of the hills. Idanre hills, in the past offered protection against invaders and are appeased annually.

THE NATURE OF THE HILLS

The Idanre hills are steep-sided, smooth and dome-shaped in nature. The hills, named after some historical figures in the socio-cultural evolution of Idanre land, form an inspiring sight. Examples are the Olofin and the Orosun hills named after the pioneer Oba (king) of Oke Idanre and his Olori (queen) respectively. The hills are surrounded by evergreen undulating landscape

EVIDENCE OF HUMAN HABITATION ON THE HILLS

Owa’s (king) palace courtyard with carved figures and doors believed to be built in the seventeenth (17th) century. Also present are –

Old primary school buildings

Native court building

The tombs buildings (mausoleum)

The Secretary to Owa’s (king) office building

The quarters of Oloris (queens)

MONUMENTAL FEATURES

The Agbagba Hill: This hill became popular because of Agboogun, mysterious footprints that are found on it. Tourists are allowed to put their feet into the footprints. Surprisingly and mysteriously, the footprints contract and expand to accommodate all feet put into them. It is believed that anybody whose feet do not exactly fit into the footprints is considered to be a witch or a wizard.

The Carter Hill: This hill was named after a former colonial Governor who signed a peace treaty with the Oba (king) of Idanre dated back in 1891.

The Ajimoba Hill: This hill was named after a dedicated King’s gateman.

The Ilesun Hill: This is named after a great warrior who killed his daughter in fulfillment of his vow to sacrifice the first living thing that would come his way if he should win the war he went into. The girl was buried at the base of the Ilesun Hill. Annual commemoration ceremony is observed on the hill by children of her age.

The Arun River: It is a small river found on the hill. A swim in the middle of the river gives a mysterious frightening and bustling experience. Arun is a crystal clear river where crabs and some other aquatic creatures are found.

Cultural features: gods, goddesses and traditional arts are present on the hills.



ASCENSION TO THE HILL TOP

To get to the top of the hill, tourists would have to climb six hundred and sixty seven (667) steps with five (5) resting posts along the steps where tourists can take rest. The steps and the resting places have been reconstructed while the notable historical monuments, such as the old primary school buildings, native court building, the mausoleum, the Owa’s secretary’s office, the Oloris’ quarters and the ancient palace have all been rehabilitated for conservation.

In order to complement the tourism potentials of Idanre hills, Ondo State Government has embarked on the construction of an eighteen inches hole-golf course at Atosin-Idanre and a forty bedroom hotel in collaboration with private investors. Idanre hills has been enlisted on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage list.

Looking for an adventurous destination in Ondo State? Visit the Idanre Hills.[/img]

Born out of the need to have a place that offers business, leisure and entertainment destination that is comparable to no other in the World, Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort was developed. The Tinapa resort is close to Calabar River and occupies 265 hectares of land. The first phase of Tinapa Business and Resort was commissioned in April, 2007.

Tinapa has a free trade zone. The free trade arena consists of four large emporiums of about 10,000m² each, 54 line shops whose size ranges between 150m²-200m². Proximity of Tinapa to Calabar port makes the idea of free trade zone feasible; goods sold there are free from import duties and taxes thus making the prices of all commodities very cheap and competitive. It’s the perfect place for quality and price conscious customers to make their purchases, items sold here includes furniture, clothings, fashion jewelleries and accessories, stationeries, pharmaceutical products, kids toys, vegetables to mention a few. The free trade zone also creates an avenue for manufacturers and traders to sell their products, all the rigor involved in clearing of imported goods at the port is avoided when commodities are to be sold there; they also can enjoy high turnover and maximize profit. The zone is also open to window shoppers.



Nigeria has just two water parks – one of which is at the resort. The water park consists of three pools. The lazy river is the largest of the three pools and it’s the first point of contact for visitors approaching the water park. There is a pool for adults and children can enjoy the water slide.

From the Fisherman’s wharf, visitors can have a clear view of the excitement going on at the water park. The wharf is known for delicious delicacies and well stocked pubs.



Studio Tinapa, one of the first cinema houses in Nigeria is located within the premises of Tinapa resort. It contains a casino, digital cinema, mini amphi theatre and a games arcade. The arcade has lots of games for kids excitement, from the ocean bomber, to the mini basket ball, to the ice hockey game and the dodge-em cars. Studio Tinapa otherwise called Nollywood prides itself as the most modern film production studio in Nigeria.

The resort has standard meeting and conference rooms that take between 8-1500 people at a time. Cross River being the carnival state attracts millions of people that come for tourism to various historical sites spread around the state. After an eventful and long day of sightseeing, you will agree that one needs a very comfortable and cozy place to have a good sleep; Tinapa Lakeside Hotel is a three-star hotel and one of the finest in West Africa Nigeria, it is known as the premium hotel of choice for men and women of distinction. The hotel got her name from the Artificial Lake which runs just behind it. Asides the very beautiful rooms, the hotel offers fantastic room services and free internet connection that keeps you abreast of happenings outside this paradise. It’s the best description of home away from home.

From the Artificial Lake that runs behind the hotel, guests can go on boat cruise to some other tourist centers such as Marina Street and Creek town both within Calabar in Cross River State. During some times of the year, the tides on the lake is usually heavy thus creating an ideal site for surfing.

How often does a national park exist two states? Kainji National Park is a national park that was established in 1978 and span across Kwara state and Niger state. Though not the largest national park in Nigeria, Kainji national park extends across a landmass of 5,340 kilometres and divided into three main regions which comprises of two game reserves and one Lake – the Borgu Game Reserve, the Zugurma Game Reserve and the Kainji Lake. Borgu Game Reserve is located in the western part of the Kainji National Park while the Zugurma Game Reserve is located southeast of the park. The Kainji Lake on the other hand is formed by the presence of Kainji Dam. The Lake exists as a reservoir on the Niger River.

Kainji National Park is known to be the largest wildlife park in Nigeria. At the park, there are tour guides to take you round to spot and observe wildlife animals like the king of the jungle; Lion, a large herd of buck, Hippopotamus, monkey and Elephants. Also noticeable are warning sign that states “No hunting in the park”. To protect yourself from the heat of the sun, flies and reptiles, visitors are advised to wear light clothes (avoid colour black) and a pair of light boots.

The fastest way to get to the Kainji National Park is by travelling by air to Ilorin, Kwara State. From the Ilorin International airport, visitors can hire a taxi to the park. Or if you prefer to spend a night in Ilorin and head out to the park first thing the next morning, visitors can seek accommodation in Ilorin hotels.

At Kainji Lake, there is also a “No fishing policy” and “No littering policy”. This is where the Hippopotamus at the park can be sighted. From time to time, other animals make their way to this Lake and eight other ponds in the park to drink water and cool off from the heat of the sun.



Don’t leave Kainji National Park unless you have visited the Wildlife Museum, where the skins of wild animals are on display for your spectacle. Not to worry, these skins are from animal that either died of natural causes or killed by poachers. Aside from the animal skins, other things in sight at the museum are; skin of a big python that stretches from the floor to the ceiling of the building, a huge glutted crocodile, a big egg of an ostrich, snakes and large spiders. The hides of many animals can be seen on the wall, alongside posters with the inscriptions the park hope will help discourage poaching in the park “No hunting in the park”. This inscription is to inform visitors of the dangers the wildlife is exposed to by poaching activities of local hunters in the region.

Africa’s leading hotel booking portal, Jovago.com, has launched an innovative campaign tagged #MyNigeria. The project which commenced on the 18th of February 2016 gives social media users the opportunity to have pictures of beautiful landmarks from across the country promoted worldwide.

The initiative is driven towards promoting the nation’s domestic tourism and hospitality industry as well as showcasing Nigeria’s exciting landscape says Kushal Dutta, Managing Director of Jovago.

According to Dutta, “This #MyNigeria campaign is different from all the other initiatives we have launched because it is engaging, social and taps into our sense of patriotism.

“Through this project, we are able to promote this nation as a tourist destination and show the world the Nigeria the media never talks about. When people drive through the streets, they see many wonderful monuments and landmarks but these places are left undiscovered because many do not know they exist. We would like to change that,” he said.

The #MyNigeria campaign which is currently running on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook is coming on the heels of the $84 million funding Jovago and the Africa Internet Group received from world leaders in insurance and mainstream investors, AXA Group, confirming Jovago’s strategy to boost its operations and local presence in Africa in order to meet the needs of domestic and international travelers.

To join in the project, participants are to simply take beautiful pictures of any monument, landscape or landmark; post them on social media using the hashtag #MyNigeria and stand a chance to have them promoted by Jovago around the world.

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

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.

In Nigeria, travelling by air is a lot easier than going by road or water. You save more time, there are less risks and basically, you get greater value for your money. However, there some procedures that can take the joy out of the air travel, as they make what should be a seamless process rather tedious. One of those procedures is the airport security check.

In truth, packing to meet airline security guidelines is not always easy. You may want to carry along a few electronics, like your laptop and personal grooming items especially if you are going on a long trip but these can cause a lot of hitches as aside from the body scanner, your carry-on luggage can actually slow you down at the checkpoint as well.

However, the good thing is that if you plan ahead, you can get through security smoothly and have an easier flight. Jovago.com, Africa’s no.1 online hotel booking portal offers a few tips on how to pack your bags and move through airport security with ease.



Pack in layers

Do not just throw everything into your box and leave for the airport.

Take out some time and actually structure the way you pack your belongings. If you have a carry on, pack in a layer of clothes, before you pack the electronics, then possibly another layer of clothes again inside a carry-on. This does not just cushion your gadgets, protecting them from severe friction, it allows the security agents to quickly see what is in the carry-on, making it easy for them to process you faster.

Do not pack too many cords

A luggage full of tangled cords is not a pretty sight for anyone to behold, especially not the airport security as it looks risky and potentially dangerous, even if it is not.

Rather than set yourself up for a thorough and time-consuming bag check due to excess cords, ensure you pack only the cables you absolutely need, wrap the cords around their devices, and pack your chargers together in one bag, preferably a see-through bag. You can use rubber bands on them to keep them tangle-free. It is also a good idea to use retractable cables when possible to make them easier to store.



Ensure large devices are easily accessible

If you are travelling with a laptop and Ipad or any other bulky electronic device, place them at the top of your carry-on or put them in your hand bag so they are easy to reach in and pull out.

You really do not want start digging around in your bag to find your laptop, or even a gaming console when you are already security. Ensure you do not keep them in checked bags. As they certainly have to come out of your bags at screening checkpoints. Doing this will save you a lot of time and cut out undue stress.

Pack all liquid in checked bags

Generally the airport security limits the amount of liquids that travelers may carry through a security checkpoint. Make sure you pack only the liquid cosmetics you need for the trip and if you know it will be provided by the hotel, try not to pack extra from your cabinet.

You may call in advance to double check. Most hotels will have essentials like liquid soap; stain remover, body creams, and some feminine hygiene products on hand for guests. Ensure that large quantities of liquids, gels, and aerosols are packed in checked baggage rather than carry-ons.



Wait to wrap gifts

The airport security is very strict on wrapped packages, and they are allowed through security, unless the security officers can see inside the bag or package.

Most times, passengers are forced to rip open the package, especially if it electronics, sometimes, destroying the package in the process. Rather than set yourself up for the delay that come with wrapping and revealing the package, as well the disappointment of a ruined wrap job, it may be easier to just wait until you get to your destination.

The eastern part of Nigeria, largely occupied by the Ibo tribe, is rich in culture, customs and traditions and one of the tenets that has survived the rage of civilization and modernization is the art of storytelling. Interesting and educative folktales which have been passed down from generations to generations from the ‘ancestors’ are told to children in the bid to preserve the norms and culture of the tribe, imbibe good morals and instill the spirit of communal love amongst members of their society.

These Igbo folktales which paints colourful pictures of spiritual life and traditional aspirations are regarded as fictitious, incredible, mythical and totally removed from real life situations. However, with regards to their functionality, these folktales exhibit elements of truth that translate into realism.

Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking site offers 4 common traditional folktales you should seek to hear while visiting eastern Nigeria.



Obaledo

Usually accompanied with a song, this folktale tells of a young pretty girl who meets a great misfortune due to her defiance and decision to disobey her parents.

Set in a time when demons and spirits roamed around villages, the girl called “obaledo” was instructed by her parent before embarking on their trip, to remain within the confines of their home and eat just yam and snail when hungry. The parents asked that she roast the yam first before the snail, as the snail would eventually quench the fire. Unfortunately, the girl, being greedy and having a strong lust for meat, roasted the snail first and fire went off. Still hungry, she set out of her home, in disobedience to her parents, to get a matchstick from neighbors. On her way, she encounters a demon that steals her beauty and leaves her with his own ugliness.

The King’s Drum

This story tells about a greedy tortoise who ends up trapping himself in his own greed. The tortoise, envious of a rich king who had a drum that would produce food and great wealth each time it was beaten, set a trap for the king’s wife, and when she fell for it, he demanded the drum as his only compensation.

Unknown to him however, the drum only produced the luxury he has seen on certain conditions and was bound by a juju. Eventually, the tortoise and his children break the juju that was bound to the drum and instead of food and riches, each time he beat the drum, some men will emerge and whip him thoroughly. Defeated, the tortoise and his family made their home underneath the prickly tree, and according to the tale, that is the reason tortoises are always found living under the prickly tie-tie palm, as they have nowhere else to go to for food.



The disobedient daughter who married a skull

This tale narrates the story of a maiden who was so pretty she had suitor from around the world. Unfortunately, she was very picky and was never satisfied with any of the offers. A demon from the spirit world in the form of a skull , fell in love with her and was determined to marry her. He went round villages collecting body parts and became extraordinary handsome.

As expected, the maiden fell in love with him once she set her eyes on him and agreed to marry him. After the marriage, the demon took the maiden to the spirit world where she suffered. She was however very nice and helpful to the demon’s mother and in appreciation of her acts of kindness, the demon’s mother helped her escape and sent her back to her parents. On getting to her parents’ home, the father asked her to marry a friend of his, and she willingly consented, and lived with him for many years, and had many children.

Why a Hawk kills Chickens

More of a fable than a story, this tale tries to justify or give reason to why the hawk always attacks the chicken or steals the hen’s chicks. The story tells of a love story between the hawk and a pretty hen which was aborted by a desperate cock who was in love with the hen. After the hawk had paid the bride price of the hen, married her and taken her to the land of the Hawks, a desperate cock who encountered her fell in love with her and crowed beautifully when he accosted her.

Unable to resist the sweet sound of the crow, she absconds her husband’s house and returns to the land of fowls with the cock. Angry and feeling cheated, the hawk demanded for a return of his dowry as it was the custom, but since the hen’s parents nor the cock could pay him back, they took the case to the king of animals who then decreed that the hawk could kill and eat any of the cock’s children whenever and wherever he found them as payment of his dowry, and, if the cock made any complaint, the king would not listen to him. And so from that time until now, whenever, a hawk sees a chicken he swoops down and carries it off in part-payment of his dowry.

A fairly bustling metropolis combined with some of the most famous salt lakes in Nigeria, this southeastern State is known for being peopled by the very industrious Igbo ethnic group. Located in the southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria, Ebonyi State was created in 1996 and it is called “the salt of the nation” because of its huge salt deposit. The state is divided into thirteen local government areas which include Abakaliki, Afikpo South, Afikpo North, Ebonyi, Effium, Ezza, Ezza South, Ikwo, Ishielu, Ivo, Ohaozara, Ohaukwu and Onicha. Ebonyi has its perks which have encouraged tourist to flood the state with a population 1,739,136.

Ebonyi State is indeed blessed with many destinations that are alluring, charming and beautiful. The capital city of Ebonyi is Abakaliki. Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal unleash the sights and sounds of Ebonyi to enable you have a hassle free journey.



Top three sites

The Abakaliki Golf Course

The Abakaliki Golf Course is both a tourist destination and relaxation spot. It will be a wholesome experience if you can play golf by swinging a few holes alongside friends and other tourists. The Abakaliki Golf Course is of international standard and it is also thoroughly well kept. You can learn how to play golf but if you are not interested in playing, you can simply watch and cheer the players. At the golf course, friends are quickly made which is the more reason you should check it out as it is peopled by top business executives and government functionaries. It is located at the Abakaliki Township stadium and has a clubhouse, practice facilities, as well as a snack bar

Okposi Salt Lake

You have unfinished business with Ebonyi if you do not check out the Okposi Salt Lake. This is because salt is a natural resource in the state which it is known and it is a must see. A visit to the lake will offer you a firsthand experience of the traditional salt making process and how women engage in the thriving business of salt trading. Salt production has existed for about 400 years in Okposi Okwu. The trade was discovered by two hunters namely Ekwuna Chita and Uta Anoo. You can be magnanimous and buy the salt as a souvenir.



Abakaliki Greater Rice Husks

The igbos are known to be incredibly industrious. Their sense of industry and craftsmanship is amazing. You will find in any legal business. Hence, it is not surprising, they cultivate rice, process it and over the years, until it became a source of livelihood for the people of Abakaliki. You will see rice husks piled into huge heaps which is a significant proof of how the trade has survived for decades. The rice mill industry serves is the source of the local rice delivered to most Nigerian homes. The rice husks have become sort of landmark for the people of Ebonyi State and they are proud of it.

Shopping

Most of the stores are located in the capital city. These small scale malls are more popular in the just-evolving state. There are also mega malls you can do your shopping. These stalls stores are King Nancy provision stores, Omeh Okoro ventures and Michael provision.



Sleeping

The hotels in Ebonyi are quite affordable and inexpensive. The price range is between N5,000 and N10,000. Some of the hotels are Salt Lake Hotel, Ebonyi Hotel Abakaliki, Grace Court Hotel & Salts, and Klasson Suites Limited. You can select other amazing hotels among the 72 available ones on Jovago.com.

Unwinding

Abakaliki is the most important city in Ebonyi and it is where all the restaurants and nightclubs-for the night crawlers- are concentrated. You can get a good and tasty plate of goat head or ‘Isiewu’ or a plate of yummy pepper soup with a cup of newly tapped palm wine (the best palm wine is tapped in south-east Nigeria) . With these plates, you are on your way to having an exhilarating time in Ebonyi. If you do not fancy the palm wine and pepper soup or goat head ritual, you can try their delicious local cuisine in the following restaurants – Ogbuefi joint, Flavour Gardens and Restaurant, Paradise Bush Bar, and D Base Bar.



Fun fact

A popular staple in Nigeria is Rice. In homes and at parties it is a must consumed carb. Despite the Abakaliki rice, Nigerians still prefer to import rice from other parts of the world. Well, perhaps it is good that #BuyNaijaToGrowTheNaira is trending on social media. Perhaps, someday, Abakaliki rice will be the rice eaten in every Nigerian home. The rice is very delicious.

We took a tour of Africa to explore its people and cuisine and discovered some of the most spectacular dishes across the land. In the spirit of camaraderie, Africa’s largest hotel booking website – Jovago.com – showcases mouthwatering delicacies to look out for on a visit to Nigeria, where Ofada rice is a favourite, Kenya with its array of Nyama Choma as well as other countries listed below.

Enjoy!

A frequent traveller cannot be compared with someone who has never seen beyond the shores of their home state as the experience garnered from visiting new places is priceless when compared to any other encounter in the world.

A journey from Lagos to Kano by train or via road and even flight is a medley of dauntless and dazzling experience. There is so much to do and learn throughout your trip.

This lends credence to the fact that whoever travel regularly will be smarter, sexier and fun to be with. Do you want to join this category of people? Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 Hotel booking portal shares 5 ways travel can make you more attractive. Perhaps this will encourage to travel regularly.



Endless tales and stories

Travellers have endless tales about the various destinations they visited. The tales may include their encounters on the road, interactions with the people they met-their culture, idiosyncrasies, food, dress, and language as well as the travel dangers they had to overcome. Travellers are friends with nearly everyone because of their explicable travel knowledge. Ignorance is not in the dictionary of a traveller.

It improves your smile

A smile is a beautiful thing, and people who smile a lot are alluring and pleasant. What can make you smile often? Travel. A visit to the zenith of Olumo rock will give you a picturesque view of an ancient city. The arresting and overwhelming scenery will definitely make you smile. Of course, when you take pictures, you will smile. Hence, no matter what you have going on in your life, or what your past is, if you travel, you are bound to experience happiness.



Mysterious and interesting

Everyone loves a little mystery, and that is exactly how you will seem when you are travelling. While you are doing your own thing whether with friends, family or alone, people will be wondering what you are up to, and the nature of the enthralling things you are doing while exploring a destination like Mount Patti in Kogi state. Your availability will also significantly decline, adding to the mystery and soon you will be in high demand for figuring out. You just tell you have been junketing around Nigeria.

It builds your stamina

There are many mountains and hills that travellers can test their survival instinct like the Idanre Hills in Ondo state. People with this type of experience coupled with other high intensity destination travel will largely improve their strength and stamina. So, whenever it comes to travelling, they are always excited as they look forward to it. You do not need the gym to keep them fit.



Understand the quirks of other ethnic groups

There are over 250 ethnic groups Nigeria cutting across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. A traveller will encounter different languages, shenanigans and traditions that will make them an all-rounded-persons. A good traveller rarely has misconceptions about other tribes.

While some people in Lagos have the natural gift of waking up full of energy and ready to face the day…there are some who need extra motivation and possibly pampering to accept the dawn of the new morning.

If you are within the city and you find yourself registered to the camp of the unlucky for whom mornings are not pleasant, Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking site has got some tips to make them more bearable.



Start your morning the Night Before

Many times, you may find mornings chaotic because you have so much to do and little time to do them. To save yourself the added stress, try to prepare for the next day the night before. There are a lot of things you can remove completely from your morning to-do list by completing them before you go to bed. Picking out your outfit for the day, sorting your office lunch, even putting bags in the car that you know you need for work are simple tasks to complete the night before, that way all you have to do is brush your teeth, take a bath, put on clothes and shoes, and you are out the door. When you are organized, you are less stressed.

Set Up Your Favorite Song as Your Alarm Tone

Almost everyone in Lagos sets the alarm for the next day before they sleep. Most people believe that an annoying alarm tone is the best move if you want the alarm to actually wake you up, but this may be the reason your mornings have been unbearable.

Rather than set up the alarm with the one sound you dread, try setting it with one of your favorite song. Just ensure the song you pick for the alarm is something fast and loud; R&B or blues would just lull you back to sleep. Using your favourite song as alarm tone does not just give you a good mood swing first thing in the morning, waking up and dancing to the rhythms of that song can refresh you up. You will feel less lethargic and will be pumped with enough positivity to face the rest of the morning.



Add something positive to your morning routine

Mornings are unbearable not necessarily because we have an unsatisfying sleep or were forced to wake up before we were ready to, they exist because we dread starting our day and dealing with intense commute in places like Lagos.

The thing is, mornings do not have to be all gloomy. Plan to do something pleasant and positive at the outset, something you can look forward to, it will make getting up and out of the house much more bearable. It could be something as simple making a playlist specifically for your morning routine, allowing yourself one glass of early morning juice, watching a funny clip on your phone, listening to an audio novel or devouring the one chunk of carb you allow yourself per day. The moment you can do something fun and get your mind in a positive place, the rest of the morning will not seem like such a chore as your mood will be brightened.

Give yourself transition time

This sounds like a waste of time, but this actually has a solid impact on your entire day, not just morning. You need transition time between sleep and getting out the door. The moment you wake up, your brain literally starts to boot, so, you need to give it time to start up fully before bombarding it with new tasks for the day.

Wake up earlier, and get your blood pumping by doing some stretch or talking a walk round your apartment. Just five minutes of simple stretches can have a huge impact on you both physically and emotionally, throughout the day, it helps stimulate blood flow and kick-start circulation, a sure way to get yourself feeling more alert, faster. Also, taking the time to slowly move your muscles by walking can have beneficial effects on your heart, lungs, digestive system, and brain, and also brings a satisfying start to the day.



Take out 1 minute to just smile

Taking out 30 seconds to one minute to just smile is not weird. The act of smiling has a special way of making us happier. Taking out time to smile fills you with positive energy and keeps you optimistic for the rest of the morning and possibly day. Smile at yourself in the mirror for the set time, either immediately you wake up morning routine or just before you head out the door. And if the effect wears out and you start to feel negative energy during the day, consider top-up smile session.

The Hausas are perhaps the most under researched ethnic group in Nigeria. The situation is not aided by the war being waged by the militant group Boko haram which has led to the militarization of states like Borno, Yobe and Adamawa. This has resulted in negative perception about people from the region, especially by those that reside in the South. Nevertheless, there are some things that many people do not know about these tribe. Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal rounds up some interesting facts about Hausas that will shine them in a new light.



They are not Boko Haram members

In a city like Lagos, many Hausas have been tagged Boko Haram even though they do not have any link with the militant organization which has been waging a guerilla war in the northeastern part of the country. Fortunately, the military is winning the war against the group. Even when they board buses, the look of suspicion is written all over the faces of the passengers. They are not Boko Haram.

Enlightened

When you see a hausa man, he is always armed with his transistor radio. With this radio, he listens to British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Hausa service and other programmes aired in Hausa. This helps him keep tabs on what is happening in Nigeria and other parts of the world. Hence, if you still think the hausa man in your neighbourhood is an information illiterate, you have to shelve that thought.



Hardworking

On the streets of Lagos, it is the hausa man is willing to do ‘anything’ to survive as far as it is legal. They are the cobblers that mend your shoe, the small kiosk owners built to complement their jobs as a security guards and are ready to do menial jobs in a bid to keep body and soul going. In fact, they are the unofficial Bureau De Change of many Nigerians. In addition, they offer the best kilishi.

Willing to help/Trustworthy

Consider this scenario – if you are a first time visitor to Lagos, where the pursuit of money is faster than lightening and you approach a hausa bike man for a drop-off but the cost is N500 and you have N450 with you, he will most likely take you to your destination. In total contrast, if it you meet a person from other ethnic groups, they are sure to double price and instead of taking the normal route, he will take the longer route just to justify the amount he charged.



Beautiful women

If you have been searching for a beautiful woman, you can go the hausa way. The catch is you just need to speak a bit of the local dialect. And since some of them are religious, they will probably prefer a man with strong beliefs. But this not stop you from trying though.

If you plan on visiting Lagos State Nigeria and you also have it in mind to have a day out on the beach, then you have the answer; Lighthouse Beach is the place to be. One very good thing about this beach is what I call the ripple effect; using a stone to kill several birds as there are a number of side attractions on visiting this beautiful beach in Lagos.

The historical beach was named after Lighthouse Building. The lighthouse was built at the entrance of Lagos harbor. It emits light from a system of lamps and lenses; it is used as a navigation aid for marine pilots at sea or inland building and functions mainly as an entrance maker. Due to high maintenance cost and advancement in technology, many Lighthouses around the world are no longer in existence, fortunately the Lighthouse building in Lagos Nigeria which is over one hundred and ten thousand years old is still standing erect and shinning.

Situated at the main shore of the Atlantic Ocean around Apapa Wharf, it’s popularly called the Shipwreck because of the large numbers of ship that park on the sea and this makes it distinct from every other beach in Lagos State. As a result of its isolation from other part of the Island, the only access to the beach is by water. Visitors can take boat to the beach from Maroko or at Falomo under-bridge. Boat ride to the beach is bound to be fun on its own as tourists can have an experience of Lagos’ waterway and its views.

Further down the Lighthouse beach is the Tarkwa Bay beach which was created during the formation of the Lagos harbor. Tarkwa Bay beach is more like the congested version of the Lighthouse Beach. For visitors that would like to sit down, enjoy the beautiful scenery and have a feel of the natural breeze at the beach, there are deck chairs and tents for rent.

Not far from Lighthouse Beach is also the Tarzan Jetty, it’s an open bar that opens for 17hrs on every day of the week. It’s a place you would not want to miss on your visit to Lighthouse beach. Just take a Tarzan boat from the Lighthouse beach to Tarzan Jetty. At Tarzan Jetty, you have the best of local and international meals, you will enjoy every bit of time spent and the party does not end there.

At Lighthouse beach, you can buy beautiful beads, paintings, woodcarvings and several other handiworks from locals that hawks.

For security reasons, there is curfew that restricts all boat movement on the water between the hours of 6am and 6pm, the last boat leaves the beach 5pm daily, visitors and tourists are advised to go early so they can have so much fun before departure time.

The alluring terrain of Lagos state is unarguably one-of-its-kind in Nigeria. The city houses a people who enjoy life as much as they work hard. Lagos, the city of hustle, is one of the fastest growing cities in Africa.

Created May 27, 1967, Lagos State has proven to be the mainstay of Nigeria’s burgeoning economy and the melting point for all Nigerians and indeed global citizens. Bounded by Ogun State on the North and East, it shares boundaries with the Republic of Benin on the west. It boasts of the Atlantic Ocean by the southern borders. About 22% of its 3,577 km2 are lagoons and creeks.

The beautiful city of Lagos was first called ‘Eko’ (Island) by the Aworis whose major occupation was hunting and fishing. However, the name ‘Lagos’ was adopted by the Portuguese. Overtime, Lagos has grown immensely even though the seat of power had been moved to Abuja.



Lasgidi is a fun place to visit and explore. The city features the Lagos Lagoon, the sand spits, the Bar beach, the high-rise buildings, the eye-popping InterContinental Hotel Lagos built on an elevated terrain overlooking Lagos port. The city’s largest wholesale marketplaces (such as the popular Idumota and Balogun markets) and more are all landmarks to watch out for as a visitor to the city. Visitors have a wide range of accommodation facilities to lodge at when they visiting lagos. From the 5 star hotels in Lagos to the affordable/budget hotels, you will always get a comfortable accommodation.

Lagos’ aim to be Africa’s model mega-city is on course as the city is surging ahead in preparation to take its rightful place as Africa’s no. 1 city. “The city that never sleeps” is at the heart of the entertainment and tourism in Nigeria. The wealth of opportunities for the business community in Lagos is enormous, just like Lagos can serve as a get-away for a family, couple or group seeking to have fun, experience rich African culture and party non-stop the city’s entertainment centres.



Filled with malls, cinemas, club houses, beaches, hotels and other worthy side attractions like the Lagos Carnival, Lagos Boat Regatta, the Eyo Festival, the Eko Festival, Lagos is also the home of event organisers all over Africa.

Places to visit
Important landmarks in Lagos includes; the long and popular Third Mainland Bridge, the architectural master piece called Tafawa Balewa Square (formerly Race Course), the Lekki Conservative Park, Lekki Conservation Area, the National Theatre, New African Shine, Terra Kulture, The Oba of Lagos Palace and the ancient town of Badagry.

Lagos markets are also the ideal places to shop for locally made products for first time visitors who want to go back with memories if the city. On display in these markets are fabrics at very cheap prices, local art works that are rich in content, statues, local hand crafted jewelry, masks and various other locally made souvenirs that adorn the nook and crannies of the markets.

Lastly, one major feature everyone agrees is “DA BOMB’ in Lagos is the restaurants. The restaurants in the city are of world class standards and are no doubt competing with the best restaurants in other climes. From local to continental to Intercontinental dishes, Lagos restaurants come tops when it comes to tasteful meals that will make a visitor visit the city again and again.

It is not for nothing that people keep trooping into Lagos on a daily basis. Looking for a city that is a one-stop centre for your happiness and leisure? Visit Lagos Nigeria.

Ibeno Beach is renowned as the longest sand beach in West Africa. It extends across 30 kilometres along the Atlantic Ocean from the beach all the way down to Jamestown in Akwa Ibom. The beach is located in Akwa Ibom southeastern Nigeria and it inherited its name from Ibeno local government area. Ibeno is a major boost for tourism in Nigeria, especially in the oil rich southeastern part of the country. Estimated to be first occupied around 1200 – 1500 BC by the Ibeno tribe, the white sand beach is one of the oldest beaches in Nigeria and West Africa at large.



Ibeno beach in Akwa Ibom features one of the most most natural beaches in Nigeria with a beautiful coastline and a boundless bank of lush white sand along the coastline of the beach and extends the beauty of Ibeno beyond our human sight. This natural scenery of visual spectacle blends perfectly with the sound of splashing waves and screams of seagulls under casts made out of the shadows of fascinating trees bedded along the beach. For those that intend to spend a night in or around Ibeno, get affordable hotels around Ibeno.

Ibeno provides endless natural facilities for tourist such as beach volleyball, water sporting, beach soccer, general boating, sunbathing or taking strolls along the beach coast. The beach provides an ample view of the Gulf of Guinea over which the scattered gas flares from ExxonMobil offshore oil platforms create an image of flaming tongues of fire on the sea.

The beach is often patronised by visitors from southeastern, south south and north central part of Nigeria who desire to take time off their schedules and relax at Ibeno beach. In 2013, the Federal Government of Nigeria constructed and opened the Ibeno bridge as a move to attract tourist and improve other economic activities in the region.

Abuja has always been an embodiment of awesomeness. The well-planned and co-ordinated metropolitan city boasts of exotic hotels in the country. These exotic hotels include some very popular yet affordable names while some can be categorized with the cheapest yet popular hotels in Nigeria.

However, whether affordable, cheap or popular, these hotels are designed and tailored in an international standard, suiting every visitor’s taste. The moment a visitor steps into these hotels, the aura gives way, making the visitor forget he/she is still in Abuja Nigeria. All thanks to the superb tastes of these hotel owners coupled with the serenity that Abuja itself offers.

Abuja hotels offer classy and unbeatable services. The metropolitan capital city is visited by both high and mighty in the society.



Transcorp Hilton Abuja
is one of the top hotels in the capital city of Nigeria. The popular Hilton Abuja is strategically placed on Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, just 40 minutes’ drive from the city’s major airport, Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport.
The beautifully crafted edifice of the hotel offers wide range of leisure facilities that can blow a tourist away. The state-of-art executive rooms, the multi-purpose meeting rooms, expansive 1200-capacity congress hall and many other features all put Transcorp Hilton Abuja on the list of the most popular luxury hotels in Abuja.



Sheraton Hotel Abuja
also comes to mind when luxury hotels in Abuja are being mentioned. Located in the heart of the capital city, just by Ladi Kwali Way, the hotel is also not so far from the major Airport that services Abuja, Nigeria.
Over 540 executive soundproofed rooms and suites, 24/7 fitness lounge, amazing meeting rooms and many more fantastic services are what a tourist enjoys the moment he/she steps into the breathtaking environment of the hotel.

Not all luxury accommodation in Abuja are so expensive. You can also enjoy top hospitality at hotels such as Rockview Hotel Abuja, Chelsea Hotel, Bolton White Hotel Abuja and Valencia Hotels. These are some of the popular, well designed yet affordable hotels in Abuja.

Do you want classy and luxury hotel in Abuja? Try any of the above hotels!

Nigeria is a haven for anyone seeking to explore gastronomic delights. Each community within the nation offers its own unique delicacies which you will find nowhere else – not even in restaurants! These food and snacks are different from rest of the world not only in taste but also in cooking methods as they reflect a perfect blend of cultures and histories.

Just as the culture, snacks in Nigeria has had its fair share of western influences. However, there are some that remain originally unique to the country. Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking portal, brings you an assortment of 5 snacks that are not ‘only’ be savoured, but are set to make your mouth water.



Kuli-Kuli

A favourite Nigerian snack originated from the Hausa people of Northern regions of the country, Kuli-Kuli is primarily made from peanuts. The process of making this snack is such that peanuts are roasted and then ground into a paste called Labu, then mixed with spices, salt, and sometimes ground pepper. The paste is further stripped of excess oil, made into the desired shape then fried until it solidifies. While the snack is often eaten alone, it can be paired with a mixture of garri (cassava), sugar and water. It is often also ground and used as an ingredient for Suya and Kilishi.



Kokoro

A common crunchy snack consumed in the western parts of Nigeria, Kokoro is a found only in Nigeria. The snack is made from a paste of maize flour mixed with sugar and gari (cassava) or yam flour which is deep-fried in either groundnut or palm oil. Two kinds of the kokoro are sold in the local markets :the Crunchy plain type and the Crunchy Spicy type. The difference is noted in in shape and taste.

Kilishi

Kilishi ,also known as the Nigerian beef jerky, is one of the most loved meat delicacies derived either from beef, mutton or chevon, and it is common among Hausa people in Northern Nigeria. Kilishi is prepared by slicing lean meat into thin sheets which are sun dried on a raised wooden table covered in rush matting for about four hours. The dried sheets of meat are then immersed in “Labu”, a slurry of groundnut and seasonings including sugar, salt and paper. After being immersed in the Labu, the meat is returned to the rush matting to dry in the sun for a further five to twelve hours. The final product is finally roasted briefly over fire, and can be kept for months without much change to its taste.



Nigerian Chin Chin

A crunchy deep-fried snack that originated from Nigeria and very popular around the country, Chin Chin is an ideal snack for periods you feel puckish or just light refreshment. The snack is very easy to make as it does not require baking or grilling. It is made from basic combination of flour, milk and sugar with optional ingredients like egg, baking powder and nutmeg. It can be made hard or crunchy and can last for weeks if stored in an airtight container.



Kpekere

Kpekere is the pidgin lingo for fried unripe plantain, a Nigerian snack found in almost every part of the country, mostly sold by street vendors and hawkers. It is also known as Igbekere by the Yoruba tribe of Western Nigerian. Kpekere is the simplest plantain recipe to try and it can be made in varieties : crunchy, salty, spicy or sweet. To prepare this snack, all you need to do is peel unripe plantain and slice as thin as possible; then Sprinkle some salt and pepper and mix together; heat a pan of vegetable oil, adding onions for flavor, then fry the slices for about 2-3 minutes.

Unlike women in several African cultures, the women in Nigeria are daring and are not afraid to be who they know they are meant to be. They are hardworking, driven and very ambitious. From time to time, some of these women who have made their mark are recognized and showcased in the media to serve as inspiration to others who aspire to aim higher.

CNN’s African Voices, a weekly show on the international network that highlights Africa’s most engaging personalities – people who are shaping change in Africa, exploring their lives and passions, is one of these media platforms upon which some of these Nigerian women have been showcased. If you are visiting Nigeria and looking to meet up with any of these female celebrities who have graced this show, Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking portal points you to 4, from whom you are bound to garner great inspiration.



Omotola Jalade

Although featured on CNN African Voices about 2 years ago, the Nollywood superstar who is also a UN ambassador, in an interview with Vladimir Duthiers opened up on the challenges she faced and experiences garnered starting out as a model, getting her first role, starting her reality TV show – Omotola: The Real Me, raising her children, and more. She also revealed her passion for activism and future plans: “I’ve reached a point in my life where I’ve realized I have to leave something. I have to have a legacy. I decided I will be an activist for Africa. My experience with the UN and other humanitarian organizations inspired me to want to speak out and say more and there’s so much you can just say with words. This was my motivation for singing.”



Tara Fela Durotoye

Chief Executive Officer of House of Tara, Mrs. Tara Fela Durotoye, who is unarguably, one of the pioneers of the Make-up and beauty business in Nigeria as she is reputed for setting up the first make up studio and first make up school in Nigeria in the year 2004, is another Nigerian celebrity who has been featured on CNN’s African Voices. In her episode, she talks about her brand being Nigeria and indeed Africa’s leading beauty brand, her passion for empowering young women to build businesses and blazing a trail for young Africans and young African women especially to believe in themselves and to build their communities.



Olajumoke Adenowo

Once described as the “face of architecture in the Nigeria”, Olajumoke Adenowo is one of the few females in Nigeria recognized in the architecture/building sector of the country. Involved in the design and construction of over 70 buildings, she is responsible for breathing life into several institutional facilities, auditoriums, residences, estates and cutting edge corporate offices both within and outside the country. In her interview with CNN African Voices, she revealed how she goes about her designs:both functional and beautiful structures across the continent, gives top tips for her success and explains why and how she intends to inspire the next generation.



Waje

Most recently featured on the show, Nigerian female famous vocalist and UN ambassador Waje talked about several issues including the African Women project, her mission to help homeless kids in Nigeria through her Waje Safe house project partners with Child Life and her forthcoming album as well as what her fans should expect from it, while on the show. The 35 year old singer also threw light on how she uses her music platform to impact lives and be a voice to several Nigerians.

Lodging in an exquisite hotel and paying thousands of naira does not give you the opportunity to be carefree and dramatic. You can still be thrown out or embarrassed at the hotel. These hotels may not explicitly disclose their code of conduct but they expect their customers to be well-behaved and courteous. It will be a horrible experience and slap on the face if you unceremoniously vacate the hotel you paid for with your sweat because you are guaranteed not to get any refund. To prevent this kind of embarrassing incident, Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal reveal 6 reasons you may be asked to leave your hotel.

Not settling your bills

For you to stay in a hotel, you have to pay for the number of days you are staying. After that initial payment, if you refuse to settle other accumulated bills, you will both be embarassed and prevented from leaving. In fact, you may be asked to perform some chores like washing plates, or other menial jobs that corresponds with your bills. If the situation is beyond control, you will be handed over to the police. Afterwards, you may be allowed to leave but any booking that carries your name will never be honoured.

Breastfeeding your baby at the reception

Many may not consider this a problem but some hotels take exception to breastfeeding babies at the full glare of other hotel guests. To say the least, you are expected to feed your baby in your room or express breastmilk in a feeding bottle for later use rather than making others uncomfortable while tending to your baby. This may get you expelled from your hotel especially when it is a habitual practice.



Swimming without paying

Some people forget that they are in a hotel and not their home and so they act in an unruly fashion. Such kind of carefree attitude may not be endorsed by a hotel. For example, swimming in a hotel pool is usually not free. You have to pay. If you confidently UnCloth yourself and enter into the pool without making enquiries, do not be shocked if you are asked to vacate the hotel.

Drunken Master

Even though hotels offer 24 hours services, it does not give you the right to arrive anytime you want everyday of the week reeking of alcohol and creating a scene. If you always drink yourself to stupor that you cannot find your way to your room, you are calling to be dislodged from your hotel.



Nuisance to other guests

Being a nuisance to other guest can put you at odds with the management of the hotel because of the unending complaint they receive about you almost on a daily basis. To stop you from making other guest uncomfortable, you may be asked to leave by the hotel management.