Nigeria’s retail lender, Unity Bank Plc has kick-started programmes for 2020 Customer Service Week celebration to reward staff and teams that have created an exceptional customer service experience in the Bank.

The 2020 Unity Bank Customer Service Week is a week-long event which will be celebrated from October 5 – 9 across the lender’s over 200 branch networks in Nigeria.



The theme of this year’s s year’s Customer Service Week is: “Dream Team”, and it is to reflect the importance of teamwork in providing outstanding service to all customers.

As part of activities to mark the week’s celebration, all branches of the Bank will engage in several activities aimed at making the celebration exciting and memorable. There have also been several activities lined up to reward outstanding teams across all branches and units of the Bank within the week.

Also, Unity Bank’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Tomi Somefun, will be engaging directly with the customers within the week to personally appreciate their continuous patronage and assure them of more reliable services and customer-centric business.

Commenting on the programmes, Mrs Somefun, said that “in the recent past, the Bank initiated a dynamic customer services experience strategy which enabled the Bank and customers to adjust quickly to the new normal caused by the pandemic”.

Read more https://nigeriatodaynews.com/unity-bank-customer-service-week/

Marriage is a beautiful thing and is even more beautiful when the children start coming. Couples are usually happy when the kids begin to arrive.

But, while some couples prepare for this phase of the marriage journey, some others do not. But it is important to put plans in place before the kids’ arrival in order to cater for the extra financial burden.

Below are 5 simple ways you can handle your finances when married with kids:

1. OPEN A SAVING ACCOUNT FOR YOUR KIDS

Opening a savings account for your kids is the best way to handle your finances and also aids you to plan for their future. And it is also the best way for your children to gain financial independence.

When it comes to opening a savings account for your children, there are some banks that have account opening packages for children in
Nigeria such as the Fidelity Sweeta Account, KidsFirst savings account by First Bank, UBA Kiddies Account, Zeca Account by Zenith Bank, Wema Bank Royal Kiddies Account & Access Bank Early Servers account etc. These banks offer you the opportunity to open a savings
account for your kids at an early stage.

Read more https://nigeriatodaynews.com/handle-your-finances-when-married-with-kids/

It was a harvest of goals on Sunday evening as Aston Villa handed the Premier League champion, Liverpool a shocking 7 – 2 defeat.

The Jurgan Klopp side were clearly dominated in a match that witnessed a rain of 9 goals at stoppage time with Liverpool’s striker Mohammed Sallah scoring the only two goals.

Salah is the only Liverpool player who has looked anything like their usual best.

As the goals poured in, manager Klopp let out wry smile that betrayed his shock as the game unfolded.

Read more https://nigeriatodaynews.com/liverpool-2-7-aston-villa-champions-reduced-to-rubble/

Manchester United on Sunday suffered a shameful 6 – 1 defeat in the hands of hungry and ferocious Tottenham Hotspur.

Although the Red Devils scored an early goal to maintain an early lead, it was short-lived as they conceded 4 goals before the end of the first half, and 2 more goals in the second half.

With Martial sent out by the referee, Tottenham proved unstoppable and things only got worse for United.

Manchester United has now conceded 10 goals in 2 premier league games this season, and continues to remain at the bottom 5 on the log.

The game was a huge reward for Jose Mourinho’s side which endured a bad break during last week’s encounter with Newcastle following a disappointing VAR decision that awarded Newcastle a penalty shortly before the stoppage time.

Read more https://nigeriatodaynews.com/tottenham-humble-manchester-united-5-1/

Leeds United proved a formidable opponent during the Saturday clash with hitherto powerful Manchester City.

The clash ended with a goal each as Manchester City struggled to maintain possession as they lost their one goal lead at first half.

The Pep Guardiola side are curreny disadvantaged by injury which has affected some of their biggest names.

With the draw, Leeds move to number 5 on the log while City remained humbled at number 10.

Read more [url] https://nigeriatodaynews.com/struggling-manchester-city-draw-1-1-with-leeds-united/[/url]

Nigerian international and Everton forward Alex Iwobi delivered a sterling performance on Saturday as his accurate passes resulted to two of Everton’s 4 goals against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Everton’s first goal came 16 minutes into the game by Calvert-Lewin. Brighton’s Neal Maupay delivered an equaliser by 41st minute.

But the equaliser was not to be as Yerry Mina scored another goal within the extra 2 minutes awarded after the first half.

Read more [url] https://nigeriatodaynews.com/iwobi-shines-as-everton-beat-brighton-4-2/[/url]

Manchester City have suffered a humiliating home defeat as it conceded 5 goals against a much better Leicester City on Sunday.

The Pep Guardiola side conceded three penalties during the match, with Leicester’s James Vardy taking advantage of Manchester City’s sloppy defence and weak attack to net a hat-trick.

Riyad Mahrez had given Man City a lead by the 3rd minute but the Jamie Vardy hat-trick and James Maddison screamer sealed a win for Leicester.

Nathan Ake got a consolation back with his first City goal, before Youri Tielemans added Leicester’s fifth from the spot.

Read more https://nigeriatodaynews.com/leicester-humiliate-man-city-5-2-etihad/

Chelsea football club unarguably have become a reckoning force not only in English football but also at the European scene. And, like every other European club side, they have credentials to gun for any title both at local and European arenas. This identity came into existence at the arrival of the Russian billionaire, Roman Abramovich who bought the West London club from the then-owner, Ken Bates in 2003.

The Abramovich era changed the looks of the club and made the nomenclature attractive with the English Premier League (EPL) when Jose Mourinho who just won UEFA Champions League for Porto FC arrived at the Stamford Bridge in 2004. In his debut 2004/05 season, Mourinho fondly called the ‘Special One’ won the EPL title, and replicated the same in the following season 2005/06 season, taking prominent clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal by surprise. Mourinho successfully in his first stint claimed six titles at the Bridge. He won two Premier Leagues, two League Cups, one FA Cup and one Community Shield. He left Chelsea in 2007 on ‘mutual consent’ following a disagreement with the board of directors.

It is quite interesting to note that Chelsea are the most successful English club of the last decade after capturing an impressive eleven major titles, and nineteen titles all together under Abramovich. This achievement, however, is contingent upon the policy of spending to get a result which has seen the club sack managers at will, making them probably the club with the highest number of managers in a short period of time. Even the Italian Roberto Di Matteo who was the only manager that has won the UEFA Champions League for Chelsea in 2012, was axed some months later when the club was ousted from the following European campaign which made them hire Rafael Benitez, who guided the team to clinch the Europa League instead in 2013.

Read more https://nigeriatodaynews.com/why-chelsea-may-win-the-epl/

EPL side, Chelsea FC has amended it’ squad list for the 2020/21 list.

The West London club released the amended list on Thursday, confirming several changes to the original list.

According to a statement by the club, “new signing Hakim Ziyech will wear 22, vacated by Christian Pulisic who has been given 10 following the departure of Willian.

“The 11 most recently worn by Pedro has been handed to Timo Werner, while another summer acquisition, Kai Havertz, will take the 29 shirt. Fikayo Tomori switches to 14.

“Our two new defenders, Ben Chilwell and Thiago Silva, will wear 21 and 6 respectively”.

See the full Chelsea squad:

1. Kepa Arrizabalaga
2. Antonio Rudiger
3. Marcos Alonso
4. Andreas Christensen
5. Jorginho
6. Thiago Silva
7. N’Golo Kante
8. Ross Barkley
9. Tammy Abraham
10. Christian Pulisic
11. Timo Werner
12. Ruben Loftus-Cheek
13. Willy Caballero
14. Fikayo Tomori
15. Kurt Zouma
17. Mateo Kovacic
18. Olivier Giroud
19. Mason Mount
20. Callum Hudson-Odoi
21. Ben Chilwell
22. Hakim Ziyech
23. Michy Batshuayi
24. Reece James
28. Cesar Azpilicueta
29. Kai Havertz
33. Emerson
47. Billy Gilmour

Read more: https://nigeriatodaynews.com/pulisic-takes-willians-shirt-in-chelsea-squad/

Unity Bank Plc’s earnings of N1.3 billion through electronic banking channels in H1 2020 has placed the lender among the top 10 highest earners in Nigeria. This was according to a Nairametrics research report released recently.

The Bank’s performance is not unconnected with its aggressive push in digital banking in recent years as it spearheaded the launch of several cutting-edge digital baking solutions including a youth-focused mobile banking solution called UniFi and a robust internet banking platform.

Recall that earlier this year, the lender also launched multi-lingual USSD banking, the first in Nigeria’s banking industry. These gains come on the back of aggressive reforms embarked on by the bank over the past three years which saw the Bank returning to a profit position in 2019 when it recorded a N4.061 billion gross profit.

The Bank continued its impressive performance in 2020 as it declared gross earnings of N22.8 billion in the period between January and June 2020.

Read more - https://nigeriatodaynews.com/unity-bank-e-banking-revenue-earners/

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday reacted to the complaints by Nigerians over the recent increase in petrol pump price.

According to the President, the payment of petrol subsidy is no longer provided for in the national budget, and that letting it go was a crucial decision needed to free up resources for education, health and other social services.

“There is no provision for fuel subsidy in the revised 2020 budget, simply because we are not able to afford it, if reasonable provisions must be made for health, education and other social services. We simply can not sustain the petroleum subsidy,” President Buhari said in a statement by the Presidency.

Recall that following the stoppage of the fuel subsidy and therefore deregulating the downstream oil sector, petrol pump price rose from 143 in July to 151 in September.

The petrol price increase has riled up millions of Nigerians who are already groaning under the burden of the coronavirus impact on the economy.

Read more: https://nigeriatodaynews.com/buhari-speaks-on-petrol-price-increase/

President Muhammadu Buhari’s government last week increased the pump price of petrol from N148 to N151.56 per litre, the third consecutive increase in three months.

The Nigeria fuel price hike comes barely 24 hours after the government approved an increase in electricity tariff by over 300 per cent.

The federal government, while justifying its decision said that the effort was in the best interest of the people. But, Nigerians believe otherwise, condemning the timing as millions groan under the negative impact of COVID-19 on the economy.

A cross-section of Nigerians who spoke to Nigeria Today lamented that since petrol cost affects the prices of every goods and service, the increase in petrol prices at this period will worsen the already rising cost of living due to the rising inflation.

They argued that transport fares, food prices, utility bills, school fees would definitely increase which in turn multiply the hardship of the citizens in the country.

Read report here: https://nigeriatodaynews.com/nigeria-fuel-price-hike-to-worsen-conditions/

Patoranking has featured on a new track by Buju Banton titled “Blessed More Blessed.”

The song is the remix of the original track that was released earlier. The remix which comes from the album UpsideDown2020 dropped on the 4th of September, 2020.

It was produced by Dave Kelly.

The song just as the title depicts talks about blessings, its essence and the amount of blessings in the singer’s life.

This is the first time Patoranking would be collaborating with Buju Banton to produce a track.

To listen to the song, click herehttps://nigeriatodaynews.com/patoranking-collaborates-with-jamaican-singer/

Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw has slammed Nigerians who are asking entertainers to protest against the government.

The award winning actress took to her Twitter page today to express herself concerning this issue.

She tweeted: “It’s been a while but you see silence sometimes gives cretins the temerity to think that because the walls are down, goat fit climb house. Who are you pointing at to go fight for you? Celebrities koor, celebrities ni. What HAVE YOU DONE?? Have you been tear gassed before?”

Henshaw’s tweets come in the wake of fuel and electricity bill increment by the government and although the government has tried all in its power to pacify the people, the call for celebrities to lead protests is endless.

Read more: https://nigeriatodaynews.com/celebrities-cant-lead-protests-kate-henshaw/

Depending on what you are borrowing for, debt itself is neither an enemy nor a burden. In fact, debt can become a great enabler in the wealth creation process as access to credit can make all the differences.

However, debt or borrowing that leads to debt becomes an enemy when it is used for unproductive venture. Usually in such circumstances, it becomes difficult to service and therein lies the problem.

Paying off debt or saving money is a personal finance dilemma that many people face today. But it is important to note that both are very important financial goals.

While clearing your debt is essential as it brings a new certain kind of freedom but it is advisable to put aside 10-20 per cent of your income into your savings account in order to plan for an emergency or even provide resources for future investment. Undoubtedly, debt repayment can affect you from reaching your financial goal if you do not plan for it to accommodate some levels of savings.

Read more here: https://nigeriatodaynews.com/paying-off-debt-or-saving-money/

Last week, the authorities of Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre announced that primary and secondary schools would resume by September 21.

Nigeria Today correspondent, Biodun Busari went around the city and spoke to school owners, teachers and parents about the Lagos schools resumption and found that while private schools were optimistic about the resumption and are making the necessary preparations, public schools appear not prepared and are worried about controlling the population of pupils and students.

The lack of preparation on the part of public schools might not be unconnected with the confusion around the recommencement of schools as Lagos State Ministry of Education dissociated itself from the academic calendar flying around in the social media.

Read the full report here: https://nigeriatodaynews.com/lagos-schools-resumption/

President Muhammadu Buhari has blamed the current food price hike on the activities of the middlemen who have prioritised profits over availability.

The President stated this on Thursday in a statement by the Presidency.

This is even as he approved the release of 30,000 tons of maize from the national reserves, to animal feed producers as part of efforts to boost poultry production.

While assuring Nigerians that the food prices will be temporary, the President said his administration is “also engaging with food producers associations and groups to tackle the issue of exploitative behaviour by middlemen and other actors, which is one of the factors responsible for the high food prices being experienced”.

“We are very mindful of the challenge of high food prices, at a time when the economy is already in a slowdown caused by the global coronavirus situation, and are doing everything in our power to bring down the prices of food items across the country,” the President stated.

Read more - https://nigeriatodaynews.com/food-price-hike-buhari-blames-middlemen/

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the recent increase in electricity tariffs by distribution companies across Nigeria.

“I reject the increased electricity tariffs. Coming out of the lock-down, Nigerians need a stimulus, not an impetuous disregard for the challenges they face,” the Presidential candidate of the main opposition party in the 2019 presidential election tweeted on Monday.

Atiku’s comments follow the commencement of the implementation of the increase in electricity tariff by almost 300 per cent by electricity distribution companies across Nigeria.

“Many Nigerians have not earned an income for months, due to no fault of theirs. This increase is ill-timed and ill-advised,” he added.

Read more: https://nigeriatodaynews.com/atiku-abubakar-rejects-tariff-increase/

The hammer of Nigeria’s stock market regulator, the Security and Exchange Commission has landed on six quoted companies as the Nigerian Stock Exchange suspended trading on their shares over their failure to file their annual accounts.

The 6 suspended companies include Capital Oil Plc, FTN Cocoa Processors Plc, Medview Airline Plc, Niger Insurance Plc, R.T. Briscoe (Nigeria) Plc and
Union Dicon Salt Plc.

The NSE suspends trading on the shares of the companies with effect from Tuesday, September 1 over their failure to file their audited financial statement for the year ended December 31, 2019.

The suspension is in line with the regulatory rules at the NSE which require all quoted companies to submit their annual audited report and financial statement not later than 90 days after the end of the financial year.

Read more - https://nigeriatodaynews.com/nse-suspends-capital-oil-5-others/

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote has endorsed the candidacy of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala as the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

“In these challenging times, the WTO needs the renowned skills and tested experience of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala @NOIweala to lead the organisation through identified obstacles and strengthen its position as the prime facilitator of international trade,” Dangote said on his official Twitter handle on Tuesday morning.

With the backing of a number of prominent people around the world, making her a top contender, it is likely that Dr. Okonjo Iweala could emerge as the DG, World Trade Organisation.

Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari, had in June this year, nominated the erudite economist and former Managing Director of the World Bank to head the World Trade Organisation, WTO as the Director-General.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala accepted the nomination and said she hopes to turn things around at the WTO and make it fit for 21st century global economy.

Read more https://nigeriatodaynews.com/dangote-calls-for-votes-for-okonjo-iweala/

Impulsive and compulsive spending has been a major reason most people overshoot their budget, which usually leaves them battling with their finances.

A lot of people spend their money unwisely because they do not have good knowledge on how to manage their finances, making them go into debt that will, in turn, become difficult to manage and cause financial frustrations.

Budgeting implies planning. However, bringing a plan into fruition requires self-discipline. No matter how much your Gross income is, if you did not plan and budget well, you will end up living like you are earning nothing.

Such lifestyle has left a lot of people penniless. One thing to consider when spending unwisely is: what if you get laid -off? Is there anything left for me to fall back on? If you are not able to answer this salient question, then you need to start budgeting as it is not too late to get your financial life together.

Below are 8 strategies that will help you live within your budget:

1. AVOID IMPLUSE BUYING

To curb the habit of spending lavishly especially on things that you did not budget for, you must be strict with budgeting.

Impulse buying has left a lot of people bankrupt because they are always splurging on things not planned for.

To avoid impulse buying, always list out the keys things you will be spending your funds on and stick to it. Impulse buying is an enemy that forces people spend money that they do not have.

Read more here https://nigeriatodaynews.com/7-strategies-to-live-within-your-budget/

Despite the impact of the coronavirus on the entertainment industry, the Nigerian music scene remained rather active.

In the month of August alone, about 3 albums were dropped and over 10 singles from several artistes were released into the market. From Fireboy’s “Eli,” “Tattoo,” to Burna Boy’s “Bank On It,” to Tiwa Savage‘s “Temptation”, Nigerian artistes continued to explore their ingenuity and entertain the people.

1. PAMI BY DJ TUNEZ

Top on our list is Pami by DJ Tunez released on the 14th of August featuring Omah Lay, Adekunle Gold and Wizkid. It is a deviation from the regular club hits these artistes are known for. It is a cool vibe with a pleasantly melodic, groovy and reflective tune rendered by some of the best male vocalists in the industry.

It was produced by Blaise Beatz. Two things which make this song super impressive is the collaboration of 4 Nigerian hitmakers and the timeframe within which the artistes put in their parts.

We think it is not an easily forgettable song and could still be enjoyed years from now. The song has now garnered almost 400K views on YouTube.

Read more>>>https://nigeriatodaynews.com/here-are-5-songs-to-listen-to-from-august/

Now, this is one question that has generally not succumbed to any particular answer. While every regular football fan has an idea what, or more appropriately, who a world-class player is, it’s not quite easy explaining what makes those players world-class. Is it trophies? Skills? Is it sheer ability or potential?

It will be pretty difficult to attribute world-classness to trophies because while we have players like Harry Kane who many consider world class but doesn’t have trophies to show for it, a certain goalie named Pinto had won almost every major club trophy even though he’s nowhere near class.

We also can’t join world-classness with dazzling skill because a certain Quaresma and Denilson came fully equipped with all the dazzling skills in the world but Beckham and de Bruyne achieved world class where they failed without half the flashiness. We also can’t chalk it down to potential with the curious case of Alex Pato and Hatam Ben Arfa whom the world thought were world-beaters but Didier Drogba and Diego Forlan made it there ahead of them.

So what makes a footballer truly world-class? Below I’m going to enumerate some criteria that guide my own assessment of a player’s class. I believe a player should fulfill all or most (at least 80 per cent) of these criteria to be called world-class. So let’s go.

1. HIGHLY SKILLED AND COMPETENT

This is actually quite basic and probably is the first quality a world-class player must have. Just like a doctor or lawyer or salesman or architect, the best footballers simply have to be highly skilled and very competent in their crafts and roles. This is simply why Manchester United’s Phil Jones will never be world-class. He’s simply neither highly skilled not competent, except of course with own-goals and anti-club activities on the pitch.

A world-class player has to be clear about his purpose on the pitch, clear about the manager’s instructions, and always deliver his KPI match to match with ruthless and near-perfect efficiency.

2. CONSISTENCY AT THE TOP LEVEL

It doesn’t matter how good a player is, if he can’t turn up with a class performance every time or at least most times, then his claim to world class would be superficial. Class is wasted on a player if he could turn up at his best only when the conditions are right and oppositions are easy.

Read the rest of the report here https://nigeriatodaynews.com/what-makes-a-football-player-truly-world-class/

No fewer than 21.7 million Nigerians are without jobs, according to latest unemployment figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS on Friday.

According to the NBS, Nigeria’s unemployment figure rose from 23.1 per cent in Q3, 2018 to 27.1 per cent, while the underemployment rate increased from 20.1 per cent to hit 28.6 per cent.

A combination of both the unemployment and underemployment rate for the reference period gave a figure of 55.7 per cent.

“This means that 27.1 per cent of the labour force in Nigeria or 21,764,617 persons either did nothing or worked for less than 20 hours a week, making them unemployed by our definition in Nigeria.

Read more https://nigeriatodaynews.com/breaking-at-least-21-7-million-nigerians-are-jobless-nbs/

When I saw the message that my first salary has been credited into my account, I was extremely happy. It was the kind of exceptional and satisfying feeling anyone who just started earning for the first time would have. Getting to this point has been a challenging one for me, with months of interviews, patient, and prayer. I was jumping in joy and planning earnestly how I was going to spend & and manage my fund wisely.

During my job hunting, I came across interesting books on personal finance and I also deemed it fit to follow some personal finance experts on social media. The likes of Arese Ugwu and Nancy Iloh were my muse. They have a way of breaking down everything you need to know about gaining financial freedom. I was determined to imbibe all that I have learned once I start earning.

How I learnt the Hard Way

I completed (NYSC) 2019 and during the course of my service, I was a spendthrift. I spent all my NYSC allowances on irrelevant things without any plan for the future. It got to a point that I plan what I will spend my allowance on before the money comes. I didn’t know the significance of saving. Even when I was posted to a private sector for my primary place of the assignment were, I was paid N15,000, I was still not able to save, the reason being that I have no basic idea of financial literacy. I spent all allowance on irrelevant things which I later regretted.

Some of my friends during the course of our service was able to save up 100-150 thousand naira. Some said they invested the money while others were able to start a small-scale business immediately we ended our service. I was really perplexed and ashamed when they told me their stories.

After that experience, I was forced to learn, unlearn, relearn. I told myself that I am going to take charge of my finances if I am opportune to get a job after my service. However, after a series of interviews, I was hired by a financial institution. I told myself that instead of making impulsive decisions and doing things that provide monetary satisfactions, I was going to strategise on how to make this new beginning worthwhile.

Here are the few things I did when I first received my first salary.

Read more here https://nigeriatodaynews.com/smartkobo-how-i-spent-my-first-salary-and-5-lessons-learned/

One of Nigeria’s top lenders, Guaranty Trust Bank, GTB has slashed international transactions spending limit on its Naira Mastercard to $100 per month, following in the footsteps of other lenders such as Fidelity Bank which announced cuts on spending limit to $300 per months last week.

“Dear Customer, the monthly spending limit on your GTBank Naira Mastercard is now $100 for international transactions. Thank you for banking with us,” the lender said in a text message to its customers on Wednesday.

This move comes as financial institutions in Nigeria contend with the worsening scarcity of foreign exchange in the country, a situation which has also forced Nigeria’s central bank to devalue the local currency, the naira by adjusting the official exchange rate to N379/$1 from N361/$1.

Many have seen the apex bank’s move as part of efforts to unify the exchange rate and llthough the CBN has not officially announced that the N379 per $1 will be the unified rate, it is seen in many quarters as a major move towards ending the era of multiple rates as the shortage bites harder in Africa’s largest economy

Read more https://nigeriatodaynews.com/gtb-slashes-international-transactions-spending-limit-to-100-per-month-as-forex-scarcity-bites-harder/

Ugaboy:
Yoruba AMAKA = one Nigeria AMAKA

Thank you

If you talk about young Nigerians breaking boundaries and shooting for the stars, Faisal Hamman is one of them. In July this year, the 20-year-old emerged the overall best graduating student at Isik University in Turkey, after he made a GPA of 3.98 on the scale of 4.0. In this interview with Nigeria Today’s Biodun Busari, Faisal shares the story of his journey to academic excellence, his aspirations and what the Nigerian authorities can do improve the learning environment.

Read the interview with Faisal here https://nigeriatodaynews.com/faisal-hamman-smashes-turkey-versity-records/

Lack of money is one of the major reasons some people opt-out of marriages (divorce). Quite a number of couples make that mistake of not having money talks during courtship. This in turn becomes a huge problem when the marriage progresses.

Personal finance experts usually counsel young couples on the need to have a conversation around finances before settling down for marriage, the reason being that money is one of the most critical aspects of one’s future marriage/household finance.

However, bringing up the money topic may seem less engaging and even intimidating as the two parties are still trying to understand themselves. Nevertheless, it is imperative to discuss it as well as any other financial matters that might cause detriment in the near future. Having this conversation, as uncomfortable as it might be, will enable the duo to have financially-independent marriage and also avoid the money mistakes the newlyweds usually make.

Here are 7 money mistakes newlyweds should look at for from the beginning:

1. SHYING AWAY FROM MONEY TALKS

Partaking in money talks with your spouse will aid your journey to financial freedom. Discussing your finances with your spouse can be a bit uncomfortable but, if tackled head-on you will surely have a blissful home.

Understand your partner’s financial goals and spending habits. Ask questions and understand what the future holds for you both. Do not shy away from asking your partner if they are in any debt and if yes, you both should devise a means to clear it.

Having conversations about your finances will assist you develop an approach to money management and also aid you in planning for a better future.

2. NOT HAVING A BUDGET IN PLACE

Some grave money mistakes many couples make include not having a budget in place at the early stage. Some usually spend their money on extraneous things, like having fairytale weddings, without having a tight plan for the future. They overlooked the fact that weddings are just mere events while marriages are the main journey.

Setting up a budget is always a good financial plan for couples as this will aid them in managing their finances. It is always recommended to have a good conversation with your partner in other to understand how you can plan for a beautiful future not only for yourselves but that of your offspring.

Read more here https://nigeriatodaynews.com/7-money-mistakes-new-married-should-avoid/

Read:https://nigeriatodaynews.com/why-chelseas-should-not-lose-willian/

Willian’s contract situation over at Chelsea hurtled to an unsavory crescendo in the days following the club’s defeat at the FA Cup final. Out of contract at the end of the season, Willian has resolutely refused to pen a new deal at the West London club. His major grouse being the club’s reluctance to offer him more than 2 years in the new deal.

Chelsea has, in recent times, adopted a policy of not granting players older than 30 more than a year’s extension. A similar situation played out at the club a little over a year ago in May 2019 when David Luiz, then 32 years old, refused a one year extension. The club and the player eventually settled for 2 years although Luiz would join Arsenal just 3 months later for 8 million pounds on an initial one year contract.

While Chelsea have broken its own rule to offer the same two years instead of one to Willian, the winger has refused, insisting it has to be 3 years or nothing. And now, Chelsea are at the verge of losing him to, in something akin to dejavu, the same club they lost Luiz to.

One would have thought losing David in the heart of its defence would have thought Chelsea a lesson or two on why not to lose your most experienced players. With Luiz out of the team, the defence looked like a fleeting shadow of the one that had won the Europa League just last season. The team kept a total of 28 clean sheets in 63 games played across all competitions, against just 13 in 54 games this season.

It wasn’t difficult to see that Chelsea’s biggest problems this season have been their defence and goalkeeping departments. While it could be argued that the goalkeeping department was the biggest problem with Kepa Arrizabalaga putting up horrendous showings, an indisputable fact is that the same Kepa had 23 of Chelsea’s 28 clean sheets last season.

The missing piece of Chelsea’s defensive puzzle has been, IMO, David Luiz who, despite his occasional loss of concentration resulting in calamitous performances, had been the bulwark of Arteta’s defence and Emery’s before him. Luiz was very instrumental when Arsenal defeated Chelsea in the FA Cup final.

Sadly, the Luiz situation appears to be playing out all over again, only this time another Brazilian is at the middle of it. 9 goals in the EPL makes Willian Chelsea’s second top scorer while 7 assists makes him the club’s top benefactor. Overall, he’s arguably Chelsea’s best attacking player and certainly the most experienced. And once again, Chelsea is set to lose one of its more inspirational performers.

I’ve always been of the opinion that you don’t lose your most experienced players, no matter how awesome your young players are. One could only hope the promising Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount, along with the arrival of Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner and maybe Kai Harvetz does enough to plug the gap Willian’s imminent departure could leave.

Read more:https://nigeriatodaynews.com/why-chelseas-should-not-lose-willian/

Nigeria Today explores one of Nigeria’s wealthiest men, Abdul Samad Rabiu as he celebrates his 60th birthday today.

Abdul Samad Rabiu is the chairman of BUA Group and third richest man in Nigeria with an estimated net worth of $3.2 billion. In July 7, 2020, Forbes listed him as the 8th richest man in Africa.

Here are 5 things you probably don’t know about him:

1. HE AND DANGOTE COME FROM THE SAME STATE

Abdul Samad Rabiu was born on 4th August 1960. He hails from Kano State, Nigeria. His late father was Khalifah Isyaku Rabiu, a notable industrialist in the 1970/1980’s. Abdul Samad had his early education in his hometown before he proceeded to the United States of America to study Economics at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio.

He returned to Nigeria in 1984 to manage his father’s estate as he was being detained by the military regime of General Muhammadu Buhari for alleged failure to pay rice import duties.

2. BUA FIRST MADE ITS FORTUNES FROM STEEL

Abdul Samad Rabiu started BUA International Limited in 1988 to concentrate on commodity trading of imported rice, edible oil, flour, iron, and steel. He had a contract with government-owned Delta Steel Company in 1990 to provide raw materials in exchange for finished products. This business adventure launched the company into its financial explosion, as it expanded further into steel, production of billets, importation of iron ore, and construction of multiple rolling mills.

In the following years, BUA acquired Nigerian Oil Mills Limited as the biggest oil processing company in the country. It established two flour-milling firms in Lagos and Kano in 2005.

Read the rest here https://nigeriatodaynews.com/the-3rd-richest-in-nigeria-abdul-samad-rabiu/

Entering into your 30s is a period when life begins to get more serious. It is a time when statistically, you have more responsibilities at hand, like taking on a mortgage, furthering your education, planning your wedding/ marriage and having kids.

This new level of commitment often comes with new costs, too. Moving into a new apartment, weddings and the obligatory honeymoon usually feature as key expenditures during this time of your life. Your responsibilities, and the financial pressure on your bank account grow by the day as there is a day care, schooling, rent and endless groceries to purchase.

At your thirties, the game begins to change when it comes to your finances. You are no longer in the joy ride of your twenties, where retirement seemed like a faraway imaginary life. Your thirties are the time to get serious about building a solid financial foundation for the rest of your life. However, do not fret if you are a little bit behind, it is not too late to get going. Time really is still on your side, and this is the reason you need to see the guide below to successfully direct your path.

1. PLANNING YOUR BUDGET WISELY
Having a good career/business provides a great opportunity to begin to invest in your 30s. Your income might rise, but also have it in mind that your expenses will also rise. It is imperative to have a budget in order to track your expenses and financial commitments as it aids you in putting aside cash for your future. As your income is coming in, it is advisable to have a budget planner. This will guide you through in order not to overshoot your budget or make costly mistakes.

As a young and hardworking youth with a good career/business, getting married, and having your own family is would be one of your top priorities, which doesn’t come at zero cost. If you are planning a wedding, bear in mind that an average wedding in Nigeria is up to N1,000,000, however it all depends on the locations and number of people you are inviting. Though some people go as far as taking a loan to cover the costs. But if you have a budget in place, it will enable you to know how much you are putting aside for your big day and how much you are locking up for the main journey which is the “Marriage”.

Read the rest of the tips here https://nigeriatodaynews.com/10-smartest-ways-to-invest-in-your-30s/