It is a few days to Christmas and some Nigerians have made big plans just so they can have a great time during the holidays. In order to keep you from going overboard, Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal shares 5 ways you can have fun and still stay within your Christmas budget!



Decide how much you can spend for Christmas

During the yuletide season, there is an often appreciable rise in the price of goods and services – whether perishable or consumer products. In the quest to have a rich experience, it easy to yield to pressure while trying to meet the expectations of friends and family. To keep yourself from going begging in the New Year, put a cap on what you can spend in view of your total income and you will be better off for it.



Prioritize your list

This is the stage where you take radical decisions on who you actually want to offer gifts. Cut down your cost by excluding close friends who will be just as happy to receive colourful Christmas cards at this time of the year. It can be quite difficult but as earlier mentioned, it is about tailoring your expenses to match the money in the bank.

Assign and roundup necessary preparations

After prioritizing your list, it is key to decide on the value of gifts each person will receive. Do a market survey on the internet before placing an order on the item. Your market survey should be thorough so that you can get the best and most affordable price in the market.

Make the budget work

Remember that life will continue after Christmas. If borrowing money makes you uncomfortable, consciously devote time each day to track your spending and see your budget through. It is possible to enjoy Christmas without racking up any debt, especially if you make the choice to live within your means. Having considered the outcome you expect, do all you can to make your budget work for you.

In today’s technology savvy world, being absent or anonymous online is inexcusable. This is because there are unlimited advantages of having a grounded online presence like a website, social media accounts and other online marketing or conversational tools. Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal shares four reasons why companies or businesses require an online presence.

Business Opportunity

As businesses continually search for opportunities, the internet is flooded with people from different parts of the world looking for individuals and companies to work it and google is a viable tool that many people searching for businesses utilize. If you are absent online, your business name will not appear in the search and it is a huge goldmine you are missing.

Know Your Customer

In the past, there was little or no conversation between businesses and their customers. With twitter having 302 million active users and 1.44 billion on Facebook, the possibilities of social media abound. Social media can help you segment your audience and tailor your services to satisfy the needs of the audience.

Measurability

Measuring the success of a social media campaign has been made very easy. This can be done through feedback, increase in sales and business opportunities as well as change of attitude towards the transmitted message. Being online is therefore compulsory for any businesses to succeed.

Brand Building

Building a brand especially for an emerging product is quite difficult due to the high cost involved. As an alternative strategy, great online presence can be of benefit. You can make the product the number 1 trending topic coupled with giveaways on twitter. Gradually, you begin to build your brand thus achieving brand loyalty within your limited budget.

With the Central Bank of Nigeria announcing a possible recession hitting the economy by 2016, analysts have forecasted higher cash receipts for the hospitality sector.

According to PriceWaterHouseCoopers, the global accounting firm, although the domestic market took a knock in the first half of the year, an increase in hotel bookings is projected to occur at a 6.6% compound annual rate to 2.2 million by 2019.

While the wider economy takes a beating, stakeholders are optimistic that with in­frastructure investments in technology taking center stage, the ease of trade will turn the fate of the industry from peripheral to mainstream in the near future.

Kushal Dutta, Managing Director of Jovago, said: “The hospitality industry has faced a lot of challenges this year but it is a tremendously resilient sector. Despite a number of regional incidents, the industry has still grown faster than the GDP by about 1 percent.

“With this in mind, we are optimistic about its ability to compete on the international stage, adapt and succeed. There are more investments being made in the deployment of ICT and e-commerce is playing a key support role so although the yields may not be as high it has the capacity to be, but we are still likely to see some improvements in the sector,” Dutta said.

Although a slowdown in general growth is expected to hit the country, a report released by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, showed the accommodation and food services industry outperformed the wider economy raising its contributions to GDP by 5.24 percent in Q3 of 2015, giving investors some reprieve.

In spite of the positive outlook, the government emphasizes the need for better preparedness for long economic headwinds.

Speaking to newsmen recently, Godwin Emefiele, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria said at the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting that “the overall economic environment remains fragile. The economy further slowed in the second quarter of the year, making it the second consecutive quarterly less-than-expected performance.”

As the new administration promises a revamp of dormant sectors, hopes are high that the nation will begin making tangible progress in line with global objectives.

About Jovago

Jovago.com is an online hotel booking service with offices in Lagos (Nigeria), Nairobi (Kenya), Dakar (Senegal) founded by Africa Internet Group. Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 booking portal, provide users with the best hotel booking experience through fast, transparent and easy-to-use services. Jovago.com has over 25,000 local hotel listings across Africa and over 200,000 hotels around the world.

About AIG

Africa Internet Group introduces and accelerates the online shift in Africa – for its people and its culture. It is committed to running successful and vibrant internet companies which boost the evolution of African online culture. AIG is the parent group of nine successful and fast-growing companies in more than 26 African countries, accounting for over 3,500 staff. AIG cares about entrepreneurship and brings together all the key elements required to build great companies: team, concept, technology and capital. Its network of companies includes JUMIA, Kaymu, Hellofood, Lamudi, Carmudi, Zando, Jovago, Lendico and Easy Taxi.

The current harmattan season, with its cool and dry weather, is often considered a reprieve from the wet and soggy feel of the rainy season.

For individuals who are particular about their appearance, it is during this the period that they take the utmost care in preventing the dryness that accompanies the harmattan from chapping their skin. So, while you go on adventures in coastal cities around Nigeria or travel home for the Christmas, remember to keep these tips Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal has put together close to heart in order to achieve a glowing look this season.



Stay away from the sun

If you want a smooth skin, exposing yourself to the sun should be a rare occurrence.

Regular exposure to the sun causes wrinkles, spots and other skin problems including skin cancer. You can use sunscreen and wear protective clothing. So, when next you travel for that getaway, do not forget your sunscreen.

Quit smoking

Smoking is naturally not good for the body as addicts are liable to heart diseases. For the skin, the constant intake of nicotine makes the skin appear older as it shrinks tiny blood vessels and reduces blood flow. If you want to look better, this is one habit you should not indulge in.

Treat your skin gently

Using harsh chemicals on your skin will gradually strip it of it natural protective layer leaving you vulnerable to diseases. Hence, try as much as possible to use mild soaps, cream and cleansers on daily and avoid bathing with hot water as much as you can.

Manage stress

The work environment in Nigeria is quite stressful. It is even worse for married couples who have kids. Stress management is important in every area of your health and your skin is not left out. For a calm and rested look, take a break by spending the night at a great hotel like this one here and keep the stress away.

Moisturize your skin always

This is one of the best ways to counter the effect of the harmattan. The dryness makes the skin haggard and unattractive but with regular oiling, you are on your way to having a glowing body.

Winning is like honey; very delicious and everyone wants a taste of it. So, whenever there is a sporting event like the Olympics, FIFA world cup or World Athletics Championship, and Nigerian participants give a sterling performance the entire nation rises up to savour the moment.

In the spirit of celebration, Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal identifies 5 memorable Nigerian sporting moments.



Brief World Boxing Council Champion

Popularly called the Nigerian Nightmare, Simon Okon Peter became the World Boxing Council championship on March 8, 2008 after defeating Oleg Maskaev in the heavyweight category. He made headlines as one of the best boxers in the world at that period. The 6’2’ inches boxer lost his belt to Vitali Klitschko on October 11, 2008. He was heavyweight champion for seven months. Notwithstanding, Nigerians appreciated the moment.


1st Olympic Gold Medal

Winning an Olympic gold medal is the ultimate achievement of any sport personality. During the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games, Chioma Ajunwa, one of the Nigerian team members that attended the games won the gold medal. She is a track and field athlete specializing in long jump. It is Nigeria’s only Olympic Gold medal till date in track and field. It was a proud moment to be Nigerian.


D’Tigers Won AfroBasket Championship

D’Tigers is the sobriquet of Nigeria’s Basketball team. They won the Afrobasket Championship for the first time thus qualifying for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. They defeated their nemesis-Angola 74 to 65 baskets on 30th August, 2015. The victory was interesting because the team had always lost to Angola whenever they confront the team.

The American Wonder of Atlanta 1996

1996 seems to be a remarkable year for Nigerian sports. The Atlanta 1996 football team had a miraculous and magical performance at the game and one of Nigeria’s colourful and most decorated players, Kanu Nwankwo, shone like a million stars. He scored the golden goal against Brazil at the Semi-finals enabling the country qualify for the final. Nigeria defeated Argentina 3 goals to 2. And according to FIFA.com, “Nigeria made Olympic football history by becoming the first African and non-European and South American team to win the gold medal.”


World Scrabble Championship

Scrabble requires intellect and consistency to be a champion. In fact, scrabble as a game played at the highest level in Nigeria is rare. Hence, when the news broke that Wellington Jighere won the World Scrabble Championship, it was a surprise to many. Jighere participated in the elite competition with 130 players from many countries battling it out over 32 rounds.

Hausas are counted among the three most prominent tribes in Nigeria and they occupy the middle-belt to northern regions of the country.

Like other tribes, Hausas have a rich culture and unique traditions. They also have certain wise sayings drawn from the rich experiences of their daily lives. While these proverbs which have been passed down from one generation to the other offers great insight, some of them are also hilarious and bring a smile to the face of the listener.

Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking site has selected a delightful number of these proverbs in the hope that you will not only see a different side of the Hausas whenever you travel north or pay them a visit, but will also have a exciting time reading through them:



Idan dei a chini ba a seyer ba, kaza ta fi doki

Translation: If it is a matter of eating and not of selling, then the hen is better than a horse.

Meaning: Everything is unique and has its own peculiar uses.

Fawa biu tana bata hankali’n kuda

Translation: Two pieces of meat confuse the mind of the fly.

Meaning: When you have too many options, there is a high chance you will hesitate

Makafo ya rassa ido, ya che ido na wari

Translation: The blind man lacks eyes, he says eyes stink.

Meaning: You cannot appreciate what you do not have.

Mai akwia ya yi taffia derri, bale mai kua

Translation: If the owner of a goat is not afraid to travel by night, why should the owner of a hyena be (seeing that night is the usual time for a hyena to move about).

Meaning: Sometimes the danger we find ourselves in is of our own doing.

Na Ma’azu kasshi’n shanu

Translation: The Nupes are like cow’s dung- they are so deceitful (Cow’s dung which has been exposed to the air has a hard outside and a soft inside)

Meaning: The manner of a Nupe is sincere while his heart is false.

Lagos houses a dramatic society, and its inhabitants like to do things elaborately, especially when it comes to giving gifts However, a lot of people do not always have the best taste and can end up sticking you with a dress, a size too big or shoe that pinches in all the wrong places.

Rather than throwing them away, Jovago.com, Africa’s no.1 online hotel booking portal has put together a list of tips to help you tactfully transfer these items to a new user in a rewarding way.



Sell the gifts online

If the gift is not homemade, a hand-me-down or an old family heirloom, chances are you may fetch some money for your unwanted gift on certain sites online.

All you need to do is upload the details and photos to one of the many online marketplaces now present in the city, such as Kaymu, Efiritin, and OLX. before posting your sale, ensure you do your research, that way you are sure to ask for a reasonable price .

Re-gift the present

The unfortunate thing about gifts in Lagos is that most of the givers take out the price tag and receipt so there is a very slim chance of returning it to the store and asking for refund.

However, the good thing is that you can always re-gift it. It is not an unfair thing to do, you are only being practical. At some point in the future, you are bound to get an invite to an impromptu birthday or wedding, and those unwanted gifts become true gems. It is important to remember who gifted you with the present in the first place, that way you do not run the risk of re-gifting the person with the item they gave you in the first place.



Donate to charity

There is always someone who has a need but cannot afford that item you do not want. Whatever your reasons for not wanting to keep Christmas presents, you can put them to good use by donating it to charity. This way, you can make a real difference in another person’s life.

From orphanages, foster homes and homes for the disabled to charity shops, there are so many places that will gladly receive clean clothes, shoes, home ware, books, and antiques. The joy that comes from this kind of giving that is priceless.

Swapping party

It may not be very common but swap parties are held in different areas within Lagos throughout the year. Friends connect in a group and exchange possessions over a couple of drinks. They set certain guidelines and everyone benefits from it in the long run.

Stay alert on Instagram or Twitter for such opportunities or arrange one on your own. Pick a venue, invite friends, make the rules easy (just to ensure one person does not run off with all the good stuff) and start swapping.



Re-appropriate

The good thing about life is that almost everything can be used in different ways or modified into something entirely new – depending on the user’s perspective. For instance, a toothbrush that is too tiny or too soft can be used for the hair (edge control), and a wrapper can be remodeled into a lovely flare skirt or party dress.

Rather than just tossing things aside, use your imagination to transform the gift into something much more brilliant and useful to you. That way, you cut out the guilt that comes with knowing you rejected a friend’s gift and spare the giver the agony of finding out later on that his or her gift was unused

The idea that traffic jams and gridlocks are the bane of commuters in Nigeria lives is quite cliché. However, with Onitsha, one of the most popular cities in the south-eastern part of the country, the reality behind that cliché is quite understated.

Onitsha is a major passage for travellers heading to the east. Usually, travelers heading in the south-east direction from the Asaba end get the first taste of the traffic at the Onitsha Head Bridge before the ‘main course’ within the town where commercial activities add to make the traffic even more frustrating.

With almost every Igbo indigene making plans to visit their home towns, there is bound to be serious traffic gridlock. But not to worry, Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking site has a few tips to help alleviate the stress that comes with Onitsha Traffic.



Set out early
The early bird gets the fattest worm. If you are determined to beat the Onitsha gridlock, you should make plans to wake up super-early.

If you are travelling from Lagos and are commuting via public transport, endeavor to catch up with the first bus which leaves at about 6am. However, if you are setting out on your own, you can actually leave home as early as 5am. You however need to be vigilant so as not to fall victim to robbery or mugging.


Fill your stomach
Hunger has a way of intensifying stress and making you angry even in situations where you would normally ignore on a normal day.

Putting hunger at bay helps you stay focused on the traffic ahead, keeps you alert and makes your journey much more bearable. Luckily there are hawkers who parade the sidewalks of busy streets tasty delights. You can patronize them or you can pack your own food before you hit the road.

For those who have tiny stomachs and cannot afford to indulge in whole meals, popcorn is a life saver. Eating one kernel at a time occupies your mind while the carbs calm you down.

Listen to soothing Music
Music is food for the soul and everyone has their favourite genre of music – the type that calms and soothes their nerves in times of stress of difficulties.

Before you hit the road, ensure you stock up on CDs and MP3s. Diversify the genre as there is no telling what mood you will be in when the gridlock sets in – you may find out that singing along to loud, fast-paced music might work better than slow music.

Singing does not only get your mind off the traffic, it also changes your breathing pattern, which in turn lowers stress levels by slowing the heart rate and calming the nervous system. If you are however not a fan of any kind of music, you can simply go for an audio book or a podcast.


Go with public transport
Most people prefer to travel in their own private cars, however, it may not be the best option to deal with Onitsha traffic, especially if you intend to get to your destination as soon possible.

Sitting in the car and having someone else struggle through traffic gives you the opportunity to focus on tasks that provide utility or pleasure to you. These public transport driver are aware of certain short cuts and routes (unknown to regular commuters) that help them escape some areas known for heavy gridlock.

Relax
Saying that the Onitsha traffic is exasperating is an understatement. However, if you try to force your way through traffic and carry an aggressive mien you will end up further stressed out.

When you find yourself at the point of frustration and anger; rather than banging on the wheel, making faces, muttering hateful curses under your breath, try to take a deep breath and relax, as deep inhalation has a way of lowering stress levels, making it easier to deal with the gridlock.

Nigerians, old and young, love holiday seasons for its obvious perks: getting away from work, spending time with friends and family, and exchanging gifts.

Are you Nigerian and still looking for a reason to get in the festive mood? Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking site, shares 6 ways to get pumped up for the season.

Festivals and Carnivals
Christmas and New Year usher in a number of religious, cultural and social celebrations among billions of people around the world, and Nigeria does not miss out on celebrations like these.

From the Calabar carnival and CarniRiv to the Igue festival in Benin and the War Dance in the eastern parts on the country, these festivals add flavor to the celebrations, making it utterly exciting for people from all parts of the nation.


Sales
The yuletide season comes with deals and increased promotions encouraging consumers to buy more, however it is the red and white signs promoting sales discounts at stores that immediately catch the eye.

Shops from Mango to Mr. Price, as well as online stores like Jovago, all offer great discounts of up to 50% OFF goods and services. The most exciting sales for the season, aside from the Black Friday, begins after Boxing Day and it’s an opportunity to get great gifts for everyone before the New Year rolls in.


The food
Although Nigerians do not have traditional meals for Christmas like most western countries do, African delicacies are still consumed more in immense proportions during this period than at any other time of the year.

From breakfast to dinner, Nigerians seize the opportunity to let go and indulge themselves completely in a bid to satiate their long held appetite. It is also during this time that family and friends from all over the world gather with happy chatter and laughter to fill the air.


The fireworks
What is a holiday without fireworks?! The sparklers are a popular addition to the razzmatazz, and it highlights the magic of the season. Every typical Nigerian has had the immense pleasure of tossing Christmas fireworks, generally known as ‘knock-out’ or banger’, in the air in celebration.

Although fireworks need to be handled with care, many throw caution to the wind especially on Christmas eve as they enjoy the lights and rush of adrenaline that comes with it. In some families, it has become an age-long tradition.

SHOWS AND EVENTS
There are certain events that only happen during Christmas and a favorite among the many, is Rhythm Unplugged, an annual event which holds in Victoria Island at a center opposite the Maison Fahrenheit Hotel.

There are also Christmas carol programmes held by churches such as DayStar Christian Centre and House on the Rock giving everyone somewhere endearing to go and something fun to do.

With all the partying going on around town, the urge to go out and enjoy the moment will drive many overboard as the tendency to gulp as many glasses of wine, eat as much as one can as well as have a profitable time with family and friends gives the perfect excuse to indulge.

However, do you know that you can drink without getting a hangover this Christmas? Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal rolls out tips on how to make this reality.



Know when to stop drinking
When you have cartons of drinks before you, the temptation to keep going is usually irresistible but you should know when to stop drinking. Researchers say that men, should have no more than one bottle of alcohol in an hour while for women should stick with half a bottle of drink every hour at this rate, drinking should end in about four hours at the most.


Avoid sugary drinks
Sugar is the catalyst that drives many to drink. In spite of its many side-effects, the appealing taste sweet wine and flavoured larger gives can draw one to the bottle at great risk. Not only does your liver take a beating but heart starts to fail from diabetes related diseases. To live a longer healthier life in Nigeria, either stay away from sugary alcoholic drinks which masks the true volume of phenol’s you are ingesting or take as little amount as possible.

Eat before you drink
If you must drink alcohol, do not guzzle it on an empty stomach as it will easily overwhelm you! You can eat biscuit or some cheese before tipping the glass. Another alternative is to drink lots of water to dilute the drinks concentration. At least, with water you cannot get a hangover after that Christmas party.


Drink pure forms of alcohol
Coloured alcoholic drinks like whisky, red wine and brandy contain impurities that can cause headaches and hangovers. Rather than indulge in this, take plain, uncoloured drinks like white wine and vodka – if you have to.

Nigeria is famed for its romantic men. They go out of their way to ‘give’ women what they want, however receiving gifts is not the exclusive preserve of women even though culture demands that men provide nearly everything a woman wants.

If you are the mood to do something spectacular and boost your romantic life, how about trying something new with your ‘bae’ for a change for the 2015 Christmas? Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal suggest 5 things women can do for their men this Christmas.



Tasty and Delicious Food
Food is definitely one ingenious way to steal man’s heart. Make an attempt to cook something new or add something different to give the meal a more delicious taste and it will go a long way. As they say food is a sure tool for stealing a man’s heart.


Wife
A man will not readily admit it that he needs wife. But the desire for companionship and thirst for love goes beyond the facade – it runs deep. So, women…get your game on as there are men out there searching for their other half this Christmas.


A trip to the Calabar carnival
The Calabar carnival is Africa’s largest street party and one of the biggest events happening in December. It will be a good idea for both of you to take a trip to Nigeria’s hospitality hub for the time of your lives. If you can set this up, he’ll never forget you.

A break from demands
Christmas is a very important period of the year where gift sharing is encouraged. Quite a substantial number of men request a break from these demands so they are allowed to use their discretion to buy personal gifts for their women without being nagged into doing so.


A bottle of sparkling wine
If your man doesn’t mind a sip of liquor, this is a good time to buy him one. He will actually be surprised that you thought of buying something precious because men have entirely embraced the idea that he is to provide for a woman and this will add some spice to your relationship.

So you have decided to visit one of the biggest carnivals in Nigeria held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State the most populous city in the southern regions of the country.

Not only is CarniRiv regarded as Africa’s oldest street carnival, it is a blend of culture, tradition, fashion and lifestyle fused together to showcase a rich heritage. Last year, more than 2 million people participated in it, and the number is expected to increase this year.

CarniRiv is an event of epic proportions and you will certainly need some key planning tips to survive. And because the event has just kicked off – it began on the 13th of December, 2015 to end on the 20th, Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking portal provides tips to help visitors scale through.



Connect in advance.
Sometimes you may make plans to meet certain people at an event so they can share in the joy of that moment with you however, doing this at a carnival can be a nightmare – thanks to road closures and streets-filled with partying people.

The best way to connect with anyone is to do it in advance, before the rowdiness begins. Plan to meet them way before the main event of the day commences or at another venue all together. You may want to also take your mobile phones, as you may get separated in the crowd.

Find a good spot
Location is everything! It would be a huge bummer if you are travelled all the way to Port Harcourt for the carnival, and could not get a good view or enjoy the full impact of the event just because you did not find a good spot.

To prevent this from happening to you. Arrive at the venue early, scope the location and find the right place for you. A front-row spot along the main route is usually the way to go.



No need for heels
This mostly applies to women. The high heels tend to add a level of sophistication to our ensemble and are the usual go-to for festivals and parties, however, with CarniRiv, you may want to ditch them. You will be on your feet almost all the time and the added stress or strain from heels can kill the fun eventually.

Comfort should be your watchword. Go for closed-toe flats as they are preferable to flip-flops or peep-toes, and are the best for protecting your feet while wading through rubbish.

Go for Taxis
Getting around during the carnival can be tough, even when there are no parades.

The city essentially shuts down and focuses all of its energy onto the event and so relying on certain public transport options like buses may not be the best move. Taxis are usually the favourite option. Although a bit expensive, they are lifesavers, especially when you are travelling with a companion or as a group.



Stay safe
CarniRiv is a lively, fun and welcoming fiesta, but as it is with any huge event, staying vigilant and alert is important.

Be very mindful of your personal safety around carnival time. Try not to mingle with the crowds while you have valuables on you. If you have no plans to party, stay away from congested streets or wait until the jam has cleared. If you are suspicious, alert the police, there are usually plenty of them around during the carnival. Also, be careful what you eat or drink.

Stick to Jovago for accommodation
Port Harcourt is generally regarded as an expensive city and the price for accommodation can be steep during the CarniRiv period, the prices tend to soar even much higher and visitors find themselves either stranded or cash-strapped.

With Jovago however, you will not only discover very cheap budget hotels, you will also get the chance to pay a fraction of what you would normally pay at one of the Port Harcourt high-rises.

Check out on Best Western Premier Port Harcourt located 27km away from the Port Harcourt International Airport and 3km from the Garden City Terminal to benefit from Jovago’s 45% discount deal. And for budget travellers, there is also a 47% discount deal on Twin Valley Hotel located at Trans-Amadi, you can get rooms with great comfort from as low as N4,000.

It is the Yuletide season, that time of year when consumers typically spend the most on presents and other holiday items.

While everyone gears up for season, is your company taking advantage of the opportunity to promote and market your products or services this period? Are your company’s social media channels decked out to share in the season’s spirit?

Chatter and conversations are happening constantly on social networks, so it makes perfect sense to use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other similar platforms to spread the holiday cheer. To this end Jovago.com, Nigeria’s online hotel booking site shares a few ideas that can help you join the festivities and produce unique and engaging content to drive traffic to your social media channels and website.

Revamp your cover photos
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Changing the cover picture on your social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Google+ ,and Twitter, to reflect the season is one major way to get your social media visitors in a holiday mood.

Your cover photo primarily represents the values and personality of your brand, so, a fresh cover photo suggesting you are sporting the season spirit, will motivate them to check your page for special offers or gift ideas. Even if your business cannot offer any special holiday discounts or service, put up picture of your office’s Christmas decorations branded elegantly with your logo to give off an inviting and festive vibe. It is a proactive way to show off your unique identity and demonstrate your efforts to stay connected to them.

Initiate a countdown
Build up anticipation and get your consumers as well as followers excited for Christmas or New Year with a countdown on your social media pages. Depending on how active you are online, you may consider uploading images daily with the corresponding number of days left on your wall with an engaging call-to-response question. To save time, you can actually automate your countdown using HootSuite or Facebook’s scheduling feature.

Create seasonal hashtags
Shake up your profile status with festive-related hashtags . These hashtags serve to tie in all your social media accounts and help shoppers who are using Twitter or Instagram to research your offers in more detail. You can go with generic hashtags such as #Wishlist2015 or #Christmas2015, or you can create a unique company-related hashtag that could be utilized by others as a part of the holiday marketing campaign. Be sure to include holiday-trending hashtags to be part of the larger conversation.

Many radio and television station now live stream their programmes online today. This is possible in Nigeria and other parts of the world because of increased internet access. An added advantage is that you can record this live streams for later viewing. Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal shares 4 apps that can record live streams.

Live Media Player
Live media player can be used to watch live streams as well as record the streamed videos. It supports nearly all streaming protocols and media formats. It is one of the best media players that you can use.

Any video Recorder
As the name implies, this application can record any online video whether it is live streamed or not. Therefore, no matter the format of the video, it will be recorded. It is free to download for Windows.

Movavi
If you want to save a live stream for later, download and launch Movavi. After launching it, a yellow frame will appear on your system. You must position the four arcs of the frame on the streaming video. Then click on record to beginning record it. You continue with other things while the video is recording.

Apowersoft Streaming video Recorder
This is another useful app for recording video streams and other online video playing platforms. The app plays videos automatically immediately it notices any streams on your browser. It will prompt the user before any download starts.

The Microsoft OneNote is a programme that was developed to make it possible for users to have a central hub for all their documents and files. It is oftentimes saved in a network and is always available to the user anywhere and anytime. The caveat here is that people must be connected to the internet for this programme to be effective. Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal shares five reasons why you should use OneNote.

Take classroom notes
There is no need to take books and biros to classes any longer because with OneNote, you can takes notes if you are connected to the internet. In fact, the notes taken can be shared and accessed by your course mates who are within the network.

Serve as Backup
This is a unique feature of OneNote. Since all your files are on a network, you do not need to worry about them if your system inadvertently crashes. In addition, you do not need to backup with a hard drive or a flash drive. What you need to do is login to OneNote with your username and password, and you will have access to the files you saved in the note.

Record Audio and Video
This is another exciting feature that makes OneNote attractive to many users. You can record audio or video with it during a meeting or a conference as well as in a classroom. Your computer microphone must be on to make this recording possible.

Simple to use
OneNote is a digital notebook that can be used by anyone as far as they have internet access. It is simple, and less complicated compared to other digital notetaking platforms like Evernote and Google Doc.

Aba is one of the most visited cities in South-east Nigeria.

A profound commercial centre in Abia State, the metropolis was established by the Ngwa clan of Igbo People of Nigeria as a market town and then later, a military post was placed there by the British colonial administration in 1901. It lies along the west bank of Aba River, and is at the intersection of roads leading to Port Harcourt, Owerri, Umuahia, Ikot Ekpene, and Ikot Abasi.

The first thing that strikes visitors to the city is the extraordinary diversity of its inhabitants (it has a vibrant mix of history and modernity) as well as the density of its population. Although there are not many scenic spots and historical sites here, there is always something to do no matter what time you visit or what your interests are.

Jovago.com, Africa’s largest hotel booking website reveals why Aba is a city for all seasons.



THREE FAMOUS SITES

National Museum of Colonial History, Aba
Established in 1984, the National Museum of Colonial History in Aba showcases the artifacts detailing the history of Nigeria through the colonial era, as well as several relics of the slave trade and collections that marked Nigeria’s evolution as a nation.

Aba River
One of the key rivers that runs through this town is a tributary of the Imo River. Cutting across the thick forest of Okpu Umuobo in Osisioma local council, Aba River snakes its way through the city to Ukwa and empties into the Opopo River . It serves as a key source for supplying fresh water to the city.

The Ariaria International Market
The largest market in West Africa nicknamed “China of Africa” because of its versatility in the making of wears and leather works, the Ariaria International Market is an open-air market located in the heart of Aba City. Established in 1976 following a fire outbreak that destroyed the old “Ekeoha Market”, the market is estimated to habour about two millions traders.



DINNING
Street food rules the city of Aba and as such, there is a Dearth of spot for fine dinning. The cheapest canteens are necessarily basic, with simple food costing a few bucks, however, they serve meals much better than you would expect from the furnishings. Most popular are fast food joints including Jevenik, Crunchies, spice, e.t.c



SHOPPING
Aba has several shopping districts offering a mind-boggling variety of goods. Besides the traditional shopping districts, including School Road and Pound Road, the lively outdoor markets should not be missed by foreign travelers. Check out Ariaria Market and Ahia Ohuru ( New Market)for local specialties such as crafts, artifacts antiques,and much more.

LODGING
Aba’s accommodation scene continues to improve at fast pace as it boats of a range of good options from budget to top-end. While there are no luxury or 5-star hotels, excellent mix of budget hotels abound in the state capital. Prices vary per location but are mostly affordable. Most importantly, food if relatively cheap. You can get a room for as low as N1, 500 at Sweet Home Guest House via Jovago.com.

FUN FACT
The popular football club Enyimba International F.C., among the richest of all Nigerian football clubs, currently ranked 2nd in the CAF Club Rankings and popularly called The Peoples Elephant, is the town’s most popular football club.

Saving money during Christmas is not the norm as this period is a time to share gifts with friends and family.

As many go on spending sprees, they often end up broke and bankrupt by the time the new year is ushered in. To prevent the draught from hitting your account, Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal shares 5 ideas that can help you save money this festive period.

Make a shopping list
The malls in Lagos are flooded with goods for potential customers. They are expecting you to visit their stores to empty the shelves when you go Christmas shopping. If you randomly stop by any of them, the possibility of spending beyond your capacity is high. So, it is advisable to draw up a list before you do any shopping.

Book and Shop online
Buying products on the internet is trending in Nigeria these days. You can book hotels online in any city in Nigeria, order for food as well as purchasing services on the internet. Aside from quality being guaranteed, you are also assured of the best and competitive prices. That’s why Jovago, Jumia, Hellofood, Carmudi, Lamudi, Easy Taxi and Kaymu are among the top platforms for online transactions in Nigeria presently.

Take advantage of discount vouchers and coupons
One benefit of shopping online is that you get amazing discounts, vouchers as well as coupons. For example, Jovago, a hotel booking portal in Lagos is offering various amazing offers on hotels in different parts of the country this festive season! Before you make the down payment on any item, hunt for a coupon and try to save some cash in the process.

Organise a potluck gig
If you are keen on organizing a party, make it a potluck. At this type of parties, nobody asks for more as whatever you provide is believed to be enough for the attendees of the gig. This doesn’t mean that the gig will be poorly planned but it will be a low budget one and you can get away with serving finger foods as well.

Remember the January hangover
January is usually financially tight for many because of the December spending. To prevent this hangover, it is advisable to spend wisely and reasonably this festive period.

This Christmas, food will be available in unquantifiable measure for many and everyone is guaranteed some fun because it is a time for sharing gifts and delicious meals with friends and family.

It therefore, follows that the temptation to eat anything and everything will overwhelm some people who may have a hard time resisting the tendency of overeating. Because heavy eating can take a toll on the body, Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal shares 4 reasons why you should watch the size of your platter this festive season.

Weight Gain
This is an obvious disadvantage of eating too much. Your body mass index will increase and can lead to obesity. If you are obese, it is advisable to avoid any fatty foods but if you want to indulge, be ready to engage in high intensity exercise to help you burn the fat.

Stomach Upset
The most common cause of stomach upsets are eating and drinking too much. Individuals that suffer symptoms of stomach upsets are likely to visit the convenience more than twice a day. Interestingly, due to the fact that food is aplenty during Christmas, it is worthwhile not to overeat so that you do not suffer a heartburn, nausea and belching. In addition, you will miss out in the Christmas fun if you have stomach upset.

Lethargy
If you are feeling lazy immediately after a humongous meal it simply means that you have eaten too much and it is affecting you negatively. To prevent you from feeling lethargic during this festive season, try to eat right.

Danger of disease
High cholesterol, diabetes, heart diseases, hypertension, depression and poor sleep are some of the symptoms of overeating. It can turn into a horrible Christmas if you throw caution to the wind and eventually experience any of these dangers or side effects.

Fans are the ones who make football interesting to watch. Imagine an empty stadium without fans! Boring, right. Their noise, boos and shenanigans create a fever pitch and energetic atmosphere such that viewers never have a dull moment all through the game.

In Lagos, there are viewing centres in nearly all the nooks and crannies of the city. And at the weekend, fans troop to these centres to watch their favourite teams, especially those playing in Europe playing the game of soccer. At these various centres, you are likely to find all kinds of football fans and Jovago.com, identifies five of these.



The passionate fan
The passionate fan is more like the die-hard aficionado. He does not miss any of the games played by his team. Their mood is very predictable: happy when their team is winning and sad whenever they lose. This fan can only be approached when his team is victorious.

The Bad belle fan
The primary mission of this type of fan is to taunt other fans. They are experts in bad mouthing everything about the teams or coaches that they utterly dislike to the annoyance of other fans. You find them at all viewing centres.

The football Professors
These are the football encyclopedias. They are the ‘google’ of their favourite teams. For example, if they support Arsenal, they can tell you everything about the club from the number of trophies won, to set records, and many other relevant statistics that an average fan would not know. You don’t want to argue with this type fan because they are very opinionated. They belief that their statistics will win them any argument in soccer.

The betting fan
Sports betting is the trend now. There are many betting companies in Lagos today where you can place a bet on different games daily. The betting fan is always at the edge of his seat as he follows the live score of the different teams he placed his bet on. They have little or no passion for the game but are just concerned about the bets so that can win some cash.

The Neutral fan
They are neither passive nor active, they just love watching and enjoying good football. If they are asked the team they support, the response is “I support any winning team’! They just love soccer!

Imagine it is Christmas Day and everything has gone haywire: your kitchen is a mess, the food you have been laboring for hours to cook is charred, everyone is on your neck and you are filled with a mélange of irritation, anger and guilt that you have single-handedly ruined lunch. Luckily, it does not have to be the end of the world.

If you are in Lagos, you can always resort to one of the top restaurants in the metro where you can enjoy a fuss-free buffet. From intercontinental, indian and chinese to african you can enjoy amazing and festive meals to suite your tastes and budget.

Why set yourself up for despair when you can relax at one of these top-shelf restaurants in the city? Read on to discover Jovago.com, Africa’s largest hotel booking portal’s pick of restaurants in Lagos for the perfect Christmas buffet.



Southern Sun, Ikoyi
Acclaimed to be the best spot for dining in the city, The Southern Sun Ikoyi Hotel offers the best of local flavors with an international, modern take on dining. The popular restaurant serves 24 hours breakfast, lunch, dinner buffets, a la carte and light meals every day, with a number of weekly specials on holidays, including Christmas. The buffet service includes breakfast at 6.30 am – 10.30 am, lunch and dinner from 6.30 pm – 9.30 pm. Put your apron away on Christmas day and enjoy the restaurant’s extensive menu which is complemented with a fine selection of international wines. Here, you’ll get to enjoy a dining experience on par with five-star hotels but at a much lower price.


Golden Tulip Festac Restaurant
Golden tulip Resturant, located within the Golden Tulip hotel in Festac, Lagos, is an upscale buffet nest that offers you traditional and contemporary African and foreign dishes, beautifully decorated in a conducive atmosphere. Guest get the opportunity to relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere around the hotel. The menu features all favorite holiday comfort foods, all you need do is pay a visit on Christmas Day for brunch on any of the 12 days of Christmas.


Monty Buffet
A subsidiary of Monty Suites in Calabar and Uyo , Monty Buffet, located at 29 Karimu Kotun, Victoria Island, Lagos is a strictly buffet restaurant at a very affordable price of $20 per head. You can visit solo of as a group (less than twenty) , however, e-mail reservation is mandatory for an all you can eat buffet of various dishes. Monty Buffet caters to fussy and fuss free dinners this Christmas, with a wide array of food trays to choose from. You can enjoy Monty Special Fried Rice with Julienne Veg. Chicken Or Fish In Chilli Sauce and Chicken Chisato if that is your preference, yoy have all you need to indulge your taste buds.


Ekaabo restaurant
This culinary gem located at the Intercontinental hotel, Lagos, is much-loved for its authentic meals (Nigerian and intercontinental), Live cooking stations and interactive chef-to-guest serving style. Open all day, including on Christmas, It is features high ceiling skylights , delicate walls and pillars all overlooking a spectacular terrace fountain. Add its cozy and inviting atmosphere to the mix, and you will be all set for an extremely satisfying holiday dinner. Their Opening hours for buffet include: breakfast – 6:30-10am, lunch- 12:30-3:30pm and dinner – 6:30pm-10pm.


Crockpot restaurant, Ikeja
Think Chicken breast Marinated in herbs and olive oil with an Ages balsamic glaze and Homemade Italian Class vegetable soup perfumed with drops of pesto. Are you salivating yet? And that’ll only take about $30 off you. This modern restaurant Located at Sheraton Lagos Hotel is perfect for those who like to control their own portions as they offer scrumptious, extensive buffet meals. Lunch and Dinner Buffet is served daily at the Crockpot Restaurant.

Black girls are often regarded as the most beautiful and intelligent group of women in Africa. Although every lady has a unique taste, there are certain things each one of them crave and will not hesitate to include on their secret Santa list.

Jovago.com, Africa’s No. 1 online hotel booking portal has put together a list items Nigerian girls want for Christmas in the hope that you get the clue and have a couple of laughs as you read on.



A great food processor
Although many comedians and tabloids have tried to portray Nigerian girls as fast-food lovers, the truth is that they love to cook!
With the modern technology making cooking easier and faster, the average Nigerian girl has a food machine on their ‘Santa’s list’. Get her a food processor with several blades and functions, and you are on your way to stealing her heart.


Husband
This applies to the single girl. African women are raised to be homely and family-oriented, and so a majority of them who are above 25 and yet unmarried have the intense longing for a husband with whom they can start a family with.

While most of them will never admit it, a glance on their wishlist will reveal snagging a “husband” as Number 1. If you are dating a Nigerian girl, this Christmas might just be the best time to propose to her, that way you help both Santa and yourself. Also, if you are a single brother, ready for marriage and searching for your ‘missing rib’…go find a sister and propose.


Gym membership
Keeping fit and looking trim is the new trend for Nigerian girls, especially those in Lagos, and so, a majority of them are saving their hard earned registered in gym – the idea basically is to look like most of the celebrities.

Unfortunately, not all gyms offer great services and those who are unable to gain gym membership at the top sweatshops where they can get great work out, keep wishing for membership. They hope that somehow, Santa will touch someone to get them registered in one of the gyms, and for free too.


Calorie- Free Alcohol
Christmas is a time for merriment and celebration. And truth be told, there is no party without alcohol! Unfortunately, drinking every night at the festivities is all fun and games until it is January and you look less like Toke Makinwa and more like Lepacious Bose.

Alcohol in some way, tends to add fat to the thighs, belly and arms. So, some girls who believe they can eat their cake and have it now want calorie-free alcohol. Let’s hope Santa has something in store.



An unlimited cash account
Forget Nigerian girls, every single human in the country and the world would do almost anything for an unlimited expense account. Shoes, clothes, hair, spa time…they all cost money, and usually, for the average lady, it is a bit of a challenge getting everything you need to stay on top of the fashion game.

Also with an unlimited expense account, it would easy to set up dream businesses and live an organized life. While they know there is a slim chance of this wish coming true, these girls still include it on their list in faith.

Lagos, 10th December, 2015 – In line with its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative in advancing the cause of social development, Jovago.com, Africa’s largest hotel booking portal has reached out to victims rendered homeless from the recent inferno which ravaged the Oko-oba axis of Lagos.

The fire incident which began in the late hours of Tuesday, the 1st of December razed the community of stilt houses and popular timber market located on the Lagos lagoon close the Third Mainland Bridge.

While speaking to newsmen, the Managing Director of Jovago Nigeria, Kushal Dutta explained the importance of engaging in causes geared towards developing social welfare and providing support for those in need.

In his words, “At Jovago, we are committed to creating platforms that serve to positively grow the capacity of Nigerians because we understand that if the welfare of our society is adequately taken care of, our collective development as a nation will increase as well. This is why we have reached out to the families here at Oko-oba and we will continue to engage in as many projects like this in the future.”

The ravaged area neighbouring the Makoko district has a high population of women and children with low access to healthcare and educational facilities.

Expressing their excitement at the visit by Jovago, community leader, Chief Aderoye Ogunmefun said “Since the fire happened, many people have been sleeping in the open without a roof over their heads because all their properties were lost in the fire. With what Jovago has done, we now have hope and we thank them very much for this help that they have given us.”

As the first Nigerian e-commerce company to partner with the United Nations Child Education Fund, UNICEF, Jovago actively contributes $5 on every booking made to the payment of school fees for the girl-child across Africa.

With the recent launch of its offices in Myanmar and Bangladesh, Jovago now has a vast portfolio of 8,000 hotels in Nigeria and over 200,000 hotels around the world 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. Jovago.com has over 25,000 local hotel listings across Africa and over 200,000 hotels around the world.

About AIG

Africa Internet Group introduces and accelerates the online shift in Africa – for its people and its culture. It is committed to running successful and vibrant internet companies which boost the evolution of African online culture. AIG is the parent group of nine successful and fast-growing companies in more than 26 African countries, accounting for over 3,500 staff. AIG cares about entrepreneurship and brings together all the key elements required to build great companies: team, concept, technology and capital. Its network of companies includes JUMIA, Kaymu, Hellofood, Lamudi, Carmudi, Zando, Jovago, Lendico and Easy Taxi.

You are excited that you have upgraded to Windows 10 without it affecting the files and applications on your system. This is because of the concern that many users have about Windows 10.

However, as the complaints about Windows 10 is gradually declining and as many are now able to download it, the worry has moved to post-download. That is adjusting the setting to suit your computer and your needs. Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal shares 5 settings to adjust after downloading Windows 10.

Privacy Setting

Before you upgrade your windows 10, the advertising ID is always turned off. This will prevent adverts from taking over your system. You can resolve this by either downloading the Adblock extension or turning-off advertising ID on Windows 10.

Enable System protection/Restore point

Windows 10 is yet to be 100% certified. Thus, in case any software or driver you download malfunctions, the system protection or restore point will help restore or reset your computer to the former status before it downloaded the driver or software.

With the download of Windows 10, this function is usually disabled. You should enable it after upgrading to windows 10 by going to control panel, system restore and then create restore point.



Disable Lock Screen

The lock screen is an unnecessary distraction. Instead of the system taking the user to the screen where you will enter your password to access your desktop, the lock screen will not make this possible. It is better for the user to go straight to the login screen rather than having to click on the lock screen before accessing the login screen. You can disable lock screen by searching for registry editor in Windows search.

Change your Default browser

When you were using Windows 8 or 8.1, you will notice that your default browser is Chrome. However, after upgrading to Windows 10, your default browser will automatically become Microsoft Edge. If this is not your preferred choice, you can change it to your own choice; Firefox, Opera Mini or Chrome. Go to settings, click system, select default apps, click Microsoft edge under the Web browser sub head and select the browser you want to use.

Delete the previous Windows Folder

After you have upgraded to Windows 10, your system saves the file of your previous version of Windows. This is because you may want to probably revert back to that windows because you are unsatisfied with windows 10. However, if you are excited with your new upgrade, you can delete the former windows so as to free up space for your system. Your old windows take as much as 33 GB of disk space.

Go to Control panel, click on administrative tools and select disk clean up. Click on ok and ensure that you click on the files you want to clean up. After this, delete files and the previous Windows folder will be permanently deleted from your system!

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With Nigerian languages facing the possibility of extinction, many people have encouraged dialogue in local languages at home and in the schools while others are taking advantage of technology to develop mobile applications in order to check this trend.

We reveal some applications that can help you learn Nigerian languages.

LearnHausa

Hausa is mainly spoken in Northern Nigeria. For anyone that does not understand a bit of the language, you can learn basic Hausa using this app.

The app is divided into different categories and you can learn the words that belong to that category. The categories area- animals, body, colours, days, food and greetings.

iSabi

The Yoruba and Igbo version of this app is available for download on Google Play store and on iTunes. Users can learn how to pronounce words like a native speaker while taking fun quizzes to test your knowledge about what you have learnt so far. But the app is not free.

Igbo 101 with Onye Nkuzi Asa

This is a fun platform for learning Igbo. It is unique as you have a teacher named Onye Nkuzi Asa that dishes out the basics of the Igbo language. You can also play interactive games to test your understanding of the language.

aYoruba

A shared application for kids to familiarize themselves with the language of one of Africa’s richest cultural groups-Yoruba.

Talkasoft Soro

The Talkasoft Soro app has three language versions available for download-Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo. You can select your preferred choice as it teaches users how to read, write and pronounce words in any of these languages.

If you are a phone addict who fiddles with your device all day, you need to download an app that can clean your phone as well as save space as there are some unwanted residues that are left on your system especially after surfing the internet for long hours. These residues take space and also hinder the speed of your phone. Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal rolls out 4 apps will clean trash, boost the speed of your phone as well as empty cache space.

Clean Master
This is a very reliable space saver app that can boost the performance of your phone, clean junk files, and guard against virus. In addition, clean master can delete residual files thus making space available on the phone.

FreeSpace
FreeSpace is attractive to many android users because it is a sizable app to download. On this platform, you can list the application you want to monitor with the app. You can do this for applications that you use often. This will ensure that only active apps are monitored rather than all the apps on your phone.

Disk Usage and Storage Analyser
This is an app that monitors apps running at the background checking and alerting when the data usage is excessive, delete caches as well as analyse internal and external memory thereby removing any irrelevant files.

App Cache Cleaner
This is another app for memory management. The app gets rid of cache, trash and also boost your phone if it has a low memory. The app is simple to use.[/img]

It is no secret, teenagers are picky when it comes to choosing gifts and are rarely likely to accept the options their parents or caregivers make for them. However, they adore technology especially when it is a trendy gadget such as a phone.
If you are having a hard time figuring out the best gift to give your teenage child or friend who loves gadgets, you are in luck! Jovago.com, Africa’s largest hotel booking portal has picked out the top 3 gifts that will appeal to any teen; whether they are selfie-obsessed, game addict or music lovers. Read on to discover these treasures.

Olloclip 4-In-1 Photo Lens

It is the year of the selfie and clearly, the teenagers are stoked over taking these pictures and sharing them around with friends and family. The Olloclips 4-in-1 photo lens is a sure way to appeal to this obsession and surely endear yourself to your teen. The gadget’s lens system features fish eye, wide-angle and two macro lenses that ensure the user takes the exact image they want, anytime, anywhere!

Hello Kitty Beats Solo2 Headphones
Teenagers may be uncommunicative, distant and difficult but many generally enjoy music and the headphones that keeps them lost in their own little worlds. The Hello Kitty Beats Solo2 Headphones, which are limited-edition headphones from the trendy brand every teen covets, were created in celebration of 40 years of the popular cartoon character, Hello Kitty, and is currently what every teenager wants. It is certainly the best way to get your teen screaming ‘you are the best!”


DIY Gamer Kit with Arduino
Most teenagers who love gadgets like to fiddle with mobile or TV games. The DIY Gamer Kit with Arduino, a gadget that combines retro gaming and garage hacking, is a charming way of keeping your teenager entertained while giving him or her opportunities to improve their creativity skills, as allows the user build their own handheld games console and invent their own as well.

Christmas is in the air and ‘right now’ is the perfect time to commence your shopping. For the tech-savvy or the geeks in your circle, you would want to wow them with something that offers them the right amount of appeal.

We at Jovago.com are in love with Christmas and already, we have on our list the right kind of tech gift you should be shopping for. From the best tablets, wearable tech, accessories to gadgets, we have something to suit anyone you need to buy for. Read on for 5 of the best tech gifts for Christmas 2015.

Anova precision cooker

If you have got a mother who loves to cook or even a husband who fancies himself a homemade chef, the Anova precision cooker is the perfect tech gift! An award winning cooking device , all you need to do is attach it a pot, seal your food in a bag, fill pot with water, set the time and temperature on the gadget and it will do the rest of the work. Even more exciting, it connects to a smartphone so you’ll know when it’s time to dig in.

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Fluxmob Bolt Portable Battery and Wall Charger

Currently the world’s smallest combination of portable battery backup and wall charger, Fluxmob Bolt is a grab and go solution for anyone with phone charging needs…and right about now, that includes almost every single person on planet earth. The gadget features a USB port that lets you charge anything from an MP3 player and e-reader, to an iPad and Android smartphone. Luckily it comes in a variety of colours, including black, blue, grey, lime green, pink and red.

Withings Smart Body Analyzer

Not the typical Christmas gift, Withings smart body analyzer is a gadget that will appeal mostly to the health-conscious. Definitely not your everyday bathroom scale, the device measures not only weight but also heart rate, body fat and even air quality. It is perked up with very impressive features that let it communicate via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to a smartphone. Again, the gadget automatically recognizes its user and in addition to the free Withings Health Mate app, this scale works with more than 60 other health and fitness apps.

Plantronics BackBeat Pro

What is life without music and music without good earphones? The Plantronic BackBeat pro is the excellent Christmas gift for the tech-savvy music lover and the device is certainly the most techie cans ever. The earphone features both wireless Bluetooth and ANC technology which blocks outside noise, in a sturdy comfortable design; and it also has excellent battery life and comes with a nice carrying pouch. Even more, the Pro delivers rich and full sound with a Bluetooth range of 150 feet, and last a day on a charge.

iPad Pro

Any Apple fan would be excited to gain an iPad Pro for christmas this season as it is currently hot in the market. Aside from its attractively huge screen –12.9-inch screen boasts a 2732 x 2048-pixel resolution; the gadget features a A9X processor that makes it faster than 80 percent of all rival mobile computing devices.

On the 3rd of December, 2015, a lion reportedly escaped from the Jos wildlife park and caused a bit of panic among people residing around the zoo. It was later announced that the lion was shot dead by security forces.

Despite the dangers of a loose lion, many conservationist and tourism enthusiast have questioned the rationale for shooting dead the animal. Questions like – ‘Why was a tranquilizer not used and why were soldiers and policemen sent to hunt down a lion rather than rangers?’ – have gone unanswered.

The death of the lion exposed some of the shortcomings in Nigeria’s multi-million-Naira tourism industry that’s yet to be fully explored by the governments. As a result, Jovago.com, deems it fit to reel-out 3 reasons why we must protect and preserve these rare and valued wildlife.



Protect endangered species

Nigeria has eight National parks managed by the Nigeria National Park. They are Okomu Forest Reserve, Jos Wildlife Park, Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Yankari National Park, Cross River National Park, Kumuku National Park, Kainji Lake National Park and Old Oyo National Park established not only to host tourists but also to protect animals that are prone and susceptible to extinction.

According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Lions are among 23,000 species threatened with extinction. This is part reason why in Zimbabawe, the death of 13 year-old Cecil the lion caused uproar across the world. The lion was a familiar sight at Zimbabwe’s Hwange National park according to Reuters.

Nigeria has few active wildlife hosting a handful of wild animals. Therefore, everything must be done to protect them before they either migrate to other parts of the world or become extinct.

Conservation of Natural Habitat

With the rise in hunting, deforestation and encroachment of animal spaces by man, the need to conserve the natural habitats of these animals is very essential as well as conserve rain forest. The absence of this protection has led to the rapid spread of the Sahara Desert in Northern Nigeria and the upsurge in the threat of climate change. Even though parks have being dedicated for this purpose across the country, more needs to be done to keep their natural habitats from poachers and other intruders.

Generate Revenue

In countries like South-Africa, Kenya and Tanzania; there are swaths of lands dedicated to Wildlife. The Serengeti national park in Tanzania welcomes millions of tourists annually who simply visit to check out these wild animals. Revenues are accrued from these visits which is used to funds substantial chunk of the country’s budget.

In Nigeria, despite the cash crunch, wildlife parks domiciled in different parts of the country still require government attention. If the government can deploy cash to revamp these parks, a steady stream of revenue is guaranteed in the future. So, no one will dare shoot dead a lion. Rather, a well thought out plan will be a conceived to capture the animal alive.

Do not tell River State or Benin City, but the Calabar Carnival is simply the single greatest festival in Nigeria!

The history of this event, also tagged ” Africa’s Biggest Street Party”, points to its beginning in 2004 when it was created as part of the vision of making the Cross River State the number one tourist destination for Nigerians and tourist all over the world.

As the largest festival in the country, it draws in some 50,000 visitors each year. Masques, parades, colorful street party and dance shows all get together to create a mood of celebration and this year’s edition of the Carnival Calabar theme tagged ‘Climate Change’ will be holding at the Old Calabar Zoo Garden. And while the fun already began on the 1st of December, celebrations will run till January 1 2016, giving you ample time to buy your feathers and flight tickets and get going!

Jovago.com, Africa’s largest hotel booking portal, gives five reasons why this year’s Calabar’s Carnival is the place to be.



The fusion of color, culture and modernism

It is no secret that Calabar has rich traditions and a profound cultural heritage, however due to the ensuing of commercialism; this rich traditional heritage is not seen quite as much. The Calabar carnival revitalizes the people with renewed energy, exposing the city’s unique identity.

You can savor traditional Calabar food and drinks while tapping your feet to a local band’s music. Also, most activities are interposed by the very modern and chic shows, colorful parades and DJ Nights which bring on a different hue to the carnival altogether.

Communal camaraderie
The Calabar Carnival is open to all and sundry, people from all over the world attend and all kinds of people from different sects, age groups and societies participate and mingle. Every member of the family and society at large have a way to participate and enjoy, as even toddlers are enthralled by the colorful clothes, music, masquerades and dances too. Masses unite in feting and friendship, creating opportunities for accruing best-time-ever moments with old friends, and turning strangers to kindred.



The continuous festivities

Feting for the Calabar carnival is an enduring business. The carnival stretches out over a month and features a lot of activities. Your stamina will certainly be tested, but you will enjoy every moment. From the colorful atmosphere and live band performances to the street dances, the food and drinks, the glee revivifies anxieties with festive fervor, causing a major distraction from the dilemmas of life.

A sure way to discover the city
As is with carnivals, the Calabar carnival involves a lot of gallivanting and trekking, you are bound to move around and explore a lot of areas while carousing. The Carnival ensures that participants travel around Calabar and are basically guided through the entire city via interesting routes and boulevards. The best thing about the exploration is the umpteen merrymaking and fun that always comes with it.

An opportunity to unwind

In addition to the activities and location, the Calabar carnival gives the participant a good chance to relax and unwind. The activities and fun distract you from your worries, you don’t just witness these events, but participate in the madness as well and that has a way of revitalizing your life and spirit. Also, there are ample restaurants, bars and lounges where you can kick back and relax. The fiesta holds in December, Is there a better way to end the year?

The festive month of December is here again. It is a month that almost everyone looks forward to from the momentary break from the hustle and bustle experiences all year round. The atmosphere is not exempted from the season as the harmattan haze adds to the anticipation.

It is also a time when there is an increase in social activities across board especially for the travel and hospitality industry.

As at now, many families will be contemplating whether to travel to their countryhome or stay in the city to celebrate Christmas and New Year. If you are undecided about where to go for the holidays, Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal rolls out five reasons why you should visit your home town this festive period.



Escape the stress of the City

If you reside in a fast moving city like Lagos, Port Harcourt and Kano, you should cherish the opportunity of visiting your hometown. It has been proven overtime that life in the countryside is simple, unassuming, inexpensive and reasonably stress-free. These are the things you will enjoy for free while your visit to your hometown will be a viable stress reliever.

Meet Family and Friends

Chinua Achebe wrote in his evergreen book Things Fall Apart said that “…When we gather together in the moonlit village ground it is not because of the moon. Every man can see it in his own compound. We come together because it is good for kinsmen to do so.” In other words, it is good for family and friends to meet. Where and when do you have this opportunity to meet all your family and friends if not during the festive period? This is another reason for you to travel.



Visit Tourists Attractions

If you grew up in the rural areas of the country, you will appreciate life in the countryside more. It is natural, unadulterated and virgin.

It is also puzzling that many of Nigeria’s tourist attractions are located in these areas. So, if you eventually visit your hometown it will be a double barrel experience-you enjoy the fairly unpolluted ambience as well as the tourist attractions.

Taste real indigenous local food

When it comes to the preparation of food, there is rarely a competition between food prepared in the countryside and the city.

The food that many consume in the city is processed. loses its nutritious content during the processing. Meanwhile, in the countryside, the preparation is irresistible as each step is as natural as possible. The result is a tasty meal.



Reconnect with your heritage

Life in the city is both enthralling and exciting. Thus, this has made it quite difficult for some people to visit their hometown due to their unsophisticated lifestyle. So, in order not to severe the fetter that links you to your heritage, it is worthwhile to visit your hometown during these upcoming festive period with your family.