₦airaland Forum

The electricity service provider in Nigeria over the last 40 years has become a source of pain, anger and frustration for Nigerians. The company continually fails to deliver electricity, does not bill accurately for the most part and insists on getting paid.

While there are a few alternative power solutions out there, few can be relied upon at the expense of what used to ECN, NEPA, PHCN and now several “EDCs”.

However, some of the new Electricity Distribution Companies are trying to improve on customer service even if supply of electricity is still epileptic.

Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company also Known as Ikeja Electric now sends its customers notification of their debt and its plan to disconnect them soon. While this might not seem like good news to many people, it does give you the chance to pay your bills before any embarrassing disconnection occurs. Also, you get notified of payment when you pay your bills with a balance of any amount still owed given.

This will also help to curb fraud where some officials of the company or even sometimes the people sent to pay on a customer’s behalf pocket the money and claim to have paid thereby causing argument on whether or not a bill has been settled.

This is the example of the message IKEDC customers now get to avoid disconnection:

Dear Customer,
Our record shows that as at today, you have outstanding bills yet to be paid. We advise that you please settle all outstanding debts to avoid service disruption. Please disregard if payments have been made.

Thank you for allowing us serve you.



Upon payment being made by the customer, you receive a message like this:

Dear (account number) Your payment of ₦ danger danger for your IE bill was successful. Your outstanding balance is ₦ danger danger Pls pay to avoid service disruption. For enquires call 017000250

Of course, there may be some other notifications depending on whether you use a prepaid meter or have a credit balance with the company.

We applaud the willingness to communicate more effectively with customers but would also love to have steady electricity supply or what do you say?

source: IKEDC Now Sends SMS Alert for Disconnection and Payment

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

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It’s common knowledge that stress, the sun, and your genes can cause you to age before you’re due, but what about your diet? Jumia Food, Nigeria’s no 1 food ordering platform, shares the foods you should avoid if you want to stay looking vibrant and youthful.

Dairy products

People might age quicker when they eat dairy products. Therefore, it’s important to take note of adverse reactions and make a change if necessary. Dairy foods can cause some individuals to get skin reactions, such as eczema, itchy red and patches on the skin. They can also exacerbate these skin issues and, often times, when you eliminate dairy from your diet, the skin improves.

High-fat proteins

A little bit of fat is good for you, but it’s important to enjoy it in moderation, since it can have a negative impact on your body, particularly on your skin. After eating a dinner that’s high in sodium, you’ll likely wake up the next morning looking puffy-faced because having an overdose of salt causes you to retain water. That’s why it is recommended that you steer clear of too much salt the evening before or the morning of a big presentation at work.

Alcohol

To retain its firmness and elasticity, your skin needs proper hydration. Drinking alcohol can make you sleepy at first, but there’s a rebound effect later on that can prevent good quality sleep. One or two drinks are fine, but more than that also puts a strain on the liver, which can make it difficult for the body to detox.

Sugary drinks

Sugary drinks aren’t only bad for your health, but they also do damage to your teeth. Having a bad tooth will make you appear older than you are. There are so many sugar substitutes out there. Hence it is not difficult to avoid it. You have to be determined.

Red meat

A diet high in red meat can also make you look older than your years. That’s because they contain saturated fats that can make you age faster. Overconsumption of saturated fats, especially when they are combined with high sugar foods, will contribute to inflammation.

Source: Here Are Foods That Can Make You Age Faster

By Samuel M. Chinwe

In Nigeria and many developing countries, power outage is a major problem. However, there are many technologies that can help to mitigate this problem, let’s look at some of them:

Car Powering the House

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Our electricity bills this days can be a snag, getting more annoying after a hard day’s work only to get back home with no light, with the Nissan leaf an innovation that is set to not only reduce carbon emission but also help in powering up the home, Nissan LEAF lithium-ion battery can power up the house and at the same time getting charged with the help of the of a PCS (Power Control System) connected to the household’s distribution board that converts power from the high DC of the car to 200v AC for the house and vice-versa. One thing we love about this is that the Leaf and e-NV200 vans can be used as mobile power station where there is low power supply or even disaster hit areas for emergency power.

Salt Solute Lamp

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Engineer Aisa Mijeno, a Filipino inventor after living with the people of Butbut (in her country) for some time discovered that they all depend on the moon light or kerosene lamp to run their night activities so she decided to come up with an idea to help them spend less and save more by designing a led lamp powered by a glass of water mixed with two tea spoon of salt capable of lasting 8 hours straight up for about six months before changing the anode. This also come with a USB port used for changing portable devices such as phones and mp3. We definitely need this to be mass produced in Nigeria, ‘let there be light”, we plead.

Garbage Electricity

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The tons of waste measured annually across the globe is so high that some even decide to ship them down to lesser developed countries. With the advance in technology, waste is no longer a thing of err… waste but a great source of energy in the power sector. Take for example, Covanta Energy Corporation, having a plant that burns up every waste thrown on the streets of Alexandria and Arlington, Virginia, and some parts of the District of Columbia and Maryland producing 23 megawatts of electricity capable of powering 20,000 homes, isn’t that an impressive one?

Water Generator

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With just 4 gallon of an average tap water your house is on a light up all with the help of an emissionless generator that produces up to 5000 watts of power for straight 4 hours, by turning on the start button this kicks the battery, pump and turbine to a start, this was solely designed for emergency purpose and can be used inside a room due to the fact that is a “No fume No poison” device with 50% less noise making compare to the normal fossil powered ones. All the maintenance needed is draining and spraying.

Solar Powered Generator

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Unlike a solar system that requires big time installation a solar generator is a DIY device that could come portable or big depending on its capacity or your wants. This kind of generator depends on the sun to get fueled having an inbuilt battery, inverter to be used on at any point in time, some of this generators comes with external portable connectors that allows you to connect your devices like your phone without being connected to the house and this is awesome for camping and emergency power-up.

Solar Power System

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Countries like India, China and the U.S.A are already taking the lead globally when it come to the investment into renewable energy. Africa which is the hottest continent on the planet is not doing so much when it comes to renewable energy but the fact is that if we decide to invest in solar power, we will not need as much of a wide area compared to the less hot continents and this kind of power generator could be installed anywhere like our home which may be expensive initially but cheaper in the years ahead when you compare with the fossil fuel generators.

Powerwall Batteries

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A kind of flat battery that hangs on your wall carrying charges of up to 10kwh but the new designs go as far as 14kwh getting its power from the sun or a power grid. it comes with a preinstalled cooler to regulate the temperature. Although many companies are now diving into the production of powerwalls with Tesla taking lead, this power pack allows you to monitor your power usage over a mobile app through the internet. The main idea of this invention is to power the world with solar power in a small system.

These are some inventions and technologies that we can use to reduce or eliminate the effect of poor electricity supply and outages in Nigeria and other developing countries. Investors, government and individuals can take steps to make them accessible to a large part of our population thereby improving productivity, security and general quality of life.

Source: See the Power Innovations that can Solve the Electricity Supply Problem in Nigeria

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Even though you might have substantial experience in international travel, at a time, you were a newbie. Perhaps, you haven’t had any scuffle with a customs agent in your many years of traveling. Or, you have friends looking forward to their first international trip. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, shares some important things to know before your first journey beyond the domestic terminals.

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Learn the basics

You don’t need to be fluent in the local language of your destination, but endeavour to become familiar with this 4 essential information: the currency exchange rate; how to count to 10; how to say “yes” and “no”; and how to say “thank you”.

Do not be over-adventurous

Upon arrival in a new country, you are vulnerable to all sorts of errors and bad choices. Hence, you have to be very careful with the places you visit. Better to relax and do a bit of research when you arrive at your hotel before exploring things and places.

The visa process may be complicated

The visa application process may be more complicated and time-consuming than you’d expect, but think of it this way: as complicated as getting a passport in your own country can be, take that imposingly bureaucratic process and add in another country with a completely different set of laws, with limited staff working from a single embassy office. Given these circumstances, it’s a wonder that it isn’t harder to get a visa.

Plan accordingly

You may think your own home airport is a pretty busy place, but the world’s biggest international hubs — including Dubai International, London Heathrow, Hong Kong International and others take it to another level, with so many terminals, customs checkpoints, re-check-in and more. So, you get prepared and plan how you are going to navigate these airports depending on the country you are visiting.

Pack light

This will be the hardest thing about travel. There are a few harder urges to overcome than overpacking. Try as much as possible to resist the temptation of overpacking. Also, do not forget to pack your things in a well-secured luggage.

Source: Things A Newbie Should Know About Travelling Abroad

Nigeria is still buzzing about Usman Mohammed’s goal for the Super Eagles against Atletico Madrid last night. However in 1993, Nigerian football legend, Jay Jay Okocha, scored perhaps a better goal for Einthracht Frankfurt with no less a goalkeeper than the legendary Oliver Kahn facing him in goal.

See the goal next:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUPiMFHbbFU

Perhaps, inspired by that legendary moment, Usman Mohammed scored a similar goal against Atletico Madrid last night:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8trWxOB2O4

Our question now is: who scored a better goal — Jay Jay Okocha or Usman Mohammed?

Let’s have your thoughts ?

Source: Who Scored It Better: Jay Jay Okocha or Usman Mohammed?

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

opeyemicollins:
We appreciate PMB little effort on the econome of this country,its better than been in the hand of a fraudster like Atiku abubakar...this man is a thief that want to come to power by all means .never in this country

The man needs a complete image makeover then.

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic is in the news again. This time not for scoring and outrageous goal or dropping another incredibly conceited quote. He was sent off in the LA Galaxy’s game against Montreal Impact for slapping Michael Petrasso who had stepped on his foot in what looked like an accidental act. However, Zlatan reacted violently by slapping the Montreal Player in the head before going down in an apparent attempt to feign injury.

Following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, he was shown a red card.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d72Ru3y4YJA

This will be Zlatan’s first red card after joining LA Galaxy and one wonders if this will be the last.

Source: Zlatan Gets Sent off after Slapping Montreal Impact Player

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The All-Atiku Support Group has blamed the criticism by the Buhari Media Organisation of the proposal by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to privatize some aspects of the oil and gas sector as a display of poor knowledge about modern economic management.

The AASG in a press statement signed by its Coordinator, Mr. Oladimeji Fabiyi said that the Buhari administration was least qualified to pass a remark about ideas geared towards modernizing and optimizing the operations of the Nigerian oil and gas sector, and indeed of any other sector of the economy.

“For an administration that campaigned heavily about jettisoning subsidy regime and ‘stabilizing global oil prices’ coming out to criticize a workable idea to liberalize the country’s oil and gas sector is unfortunate to say the least,” the statement said.

The group noted that while the operations and revenue of the Nigerian oil giant has been shrouded in secrecy for years past, it is worrisome that a group such as Buhari Media Organisation will employ cheap blackmail to cover up the operations of the NNPC, saying such tendencies isn’t in line with the change that Nigerians expected.

“Today, this administration pays over N1.4 Trillion annually on subsidy on fuel consumption in Nigeria, a staggering 386% when compared to the figure of N774 million daily as at March this year. Till this day, ordinary Nigerians have no idea how much revenue the NNPC makes in crude sales and the NNPC continues to drench in corruption without transparency and accountability.

“What the BMO has done by its criticism of Atiku’s proposal is to further expose its lack of knowledge in the ways modern economies are run. As it is today, the NNPC is unprofitable, unwieldy and not accountable. Compared to its contemporaries like Petronas of Malaysia and Petrobras of Brazil which have since liberalized and modernized its operations, the NNPC still riddles in inefficiency and obvious lack of capacity.”

Continuing, the group said: “There are clearly good examples of how liberalization of some sectors of the economy had benefitted Nigerians such as in the telecommunications industry and the banking industry. If the Obasanjo/Atiku administration had held on to NITEL, we wouldn’t have had the GSM revolution. If our commercial banks were not recapitalized, we still would be having failed banks.

“The trend the world over is for countries to liberalize the downstream sub-sector of the oil sector to improve efficiency and ensure product availability at all times. We are surprised that the BMO is ignorant of Saudi Arabia’s celebrated decision to privatize Aramco and raise needed cash to fund its social and economic services. We know exactly who the masquerades are: they are the very people who feed fat on the misfortune that has befallen the refineries – largely as a result of the inaction of the government.”

“What will happen when the NNPC is liberalized is that the company will be more transparent and accountable and Nigerians can actually buy into the shares of the NNPC. Maybe, by that time too, we could have energy revolution.

“Tying the proposal for the liberalization of NNPC to ‘amplifying the long condemned IMF recommendation’ smacks of illiteracy and a poor attempt to hoodwink Nigerians about the shadiness in the operations of the NNPC,” the group said.

“The contradiction inherent in the position of President Buhari on subsidy is evident for Nigerians to see. After saying there was no subsidy, to making Nigerians buy fuel at the highest price in the history of this country without palliative or cushioning effects to Nigerians and now paying over 1 trillion naira on subsidy. This same contradiction attendant upon by shallow understanding of economics is what leaves Nigeria with a jumbled compassless economy devoid of defined ideology. The world has moved beyond indecision.

“You can’t be going to the US to negotiate free market deals in the name of wooing investors while coming home to frustrate any genuine attempt to free the economy. The most fundamental question is what has the Buhari administration done to the refineries? Three years down the line, Nigeria still imports fuel. And some people want us stuck to a past that does not work. We need a present that can make Nigeria work again.”

Oladimeji stressed that if privatizing the refineries, and even providing the required incentives for the private sector to get competitively involved in owning and running modular refineries is what can make Nigeria wriggle out of the trap imposed on her by NNPC, the courage to say that, and the commitment to do it, should be commended not condemned.

Source:
Atiku on NNPC: Buhari’s Men Display Ignorance of Modern Economy


cc: lalasticlala mynd44

dominique:
He wasn't even among the coaches in contention, how did he get squeezed in?

Last week was all about Arteta taking the job, this week Emery, next week who's it going to be?

A fantastic agent most likely.

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Beyond having the money to fly first class, there are so many perks associated with flying first class. While you’re trying to get to sleep alongside a couple of strangers on many international flights, those at the front are lying on a bed in a private cabin. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, highlights reasons to consider flying first class.

Less stress

If long lines for security checks and crowds of passengers waiting to board the flight annoy you, a first-class flight will be an enjoyable escape from the stress and inconvenience of air travel. The check-in is faster with priority screening at many airports and priority boarding at the gate.

You do not arrive at your destination exhausted

On a two hour flight this doesn’t make much of a difference, but if you travel halfway around the world you know exactly how it feels to arrive at your destination absolutely exhausted. Instead of being cramped into a small seat with very little leg room, you will have enough space to relax if you fly first class.

Free food and drinks

Many do not necessarily fly because of food. Regardless, it won’t be a bad idea if you are served some nice, tasty meal while flying. So, it’s a pleasurable change to sit in first class and be free to order whatever you want.

Opportunity to work

It depends on your reasons for traveling but having the opportunity to work comfortably can be very valuable for certain travelers. With plenty of space, power outlets, and often free wifi, getting some work done or even planning a meeting while on a flight all of a sudden becomes very easy.

Networking opportunities

For business travelers, a flight can turn into a great opportunity to develop their business network. As a first class or business class passenger, you will often find yourself surrounded by successful business people and can end up having some very interesting conversations.

Source: Good Reasons To Consider Flying First Class

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

No fewer than six children from different local government areas of Akwa Ibom State were rescued last Thursday from what is believed to be the hideouts of human traffickers in Eket by volunteers of the Child’s Right and Rehabilitation Network (CRARN).

The Manager of the organization, Pastor Hezekiah Akpasi stated this while fielding questions from newsmen in his office at the CRARN Children Center, Eket.
Pastor Akpasi said the children who were all stigmatized in various churches and prayer houses were 13 in number and seven were nowhere to be found as they were believed to have been whisked away by the human trafficking syndicates who lured them into their enclave and took them away before the organization got the tip.

“We believe from what the children said that all of them were denounced as witches and wizards by some of these hungry and desperate pastors and prophets. As we got the information we went there immediately. The children even said seven of their colleagues were already missing after some men came and told them that they have a place to take for work and go to school ” said Akpasi

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He added that they got hint from a child who was reunited with her parents six months ago but pushed out of the house again with the warning that she should not return back to CRARN, otherwise she’d be killed by the father. So she opted to go back to the streets where she was rescued during an anti-witch branding campaign rally organized by the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Women and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and related matters (NAPTIP).

One of the rescued children, Emmanuel Akpan Uno said he trekked from Oron to Eket (about 50 KM) after two of his friends on the streets were badly beaten and tortured by their brothers to a state of coma before dragged into the bush and he became afraid that he would be the next victim so ran away.

For a five year old Wisdom Friday Ndohose from Enen Ekpene, Afaha-Eket, the story is different. Friday told newsmen that he lost touch with his mother after their pastor told him that he was responsible for the accident his mother had. His mother then took from Uyo to Eket and returned him to his father. Though his father welcomed him, such welcome was merely short-lived as his stepmother and father later turned him into punching bag and usually tied him to a pillar in the backyard, burnt a nylon bag and allowed it to be dropping on him.

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He said even after he ran out of the house, his father normally comes to the streets where he stays with friends and beats the hell out of him saying that until he releases his wife’s womb from the witch coven, he wouldl never know peace.
The CRARN Children Centre in Eket was established in 2003 by a Nigerian, Sam Itauma when he rescued four children who were being beaten by a dozen of adults in his community with the fanciful claim that they were holding down the sales and progress of the market in his community. Since then, the centre has continued to rescued pariah children and street urchins from the streets and woods

Source: 6 Children Rescued From Human Traffickers’ Den, 7 Missing

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Former governorship candidate for the Accord Party in the 2014 governorship election in Ekiti State, Barrister Bankole Ajayi has died. Popularly known as “Abere mi lokun nidi”.

He died while on his way to Lagos. Ajayi was said to have suffered from a heart attack. A lawyer by profession, until his death he was a staunch supporter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Dr Kayode Fayemi for the July 14th governorship election.

Ajayi posted on Facebook less than 24 hours ago writing: “Where was America when Koro, Tko, Omisore, Oshoko and Captain Koli invaded Ekiti with the Nigerian Army to thwart peoples’ votes? Gba fun gbada nile ni gbafun gbada loko. He who comes into equity must come with clean hands. JKF ti daraba”.

That post has been flooded with tributes from friends and associates as they mourn his loss.

One Otunba wrote: ” You left home strong , but did not come back home again,what a painful exit,may God strengthen and console those left behind.”

This is definitely a blow for the APC as it seeks to wrestle power in the forthcoming election governorship election in Ekiti State.

Source: http://www.opinions.ng/fayemi-supporter-ajayi-dies/

cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44

mrphysics:
I strongly don't think she meant what she said. It's another way of looking for attention. They call it reverse psychology

What if she is tired of like 100 toasters as a married woman that respects herself?

A Nigerian lady named Chy Anyanwu has written a letter to Facebook users to advise them on how not to make a fool of themselves in the name of expressing love for a romantic interest on social media. Read her letter next:

Dear brothers and sisters of social media especially Zuckerville residents,

I hope this letter meets you well.

I crave your highest indulgence to please check someone’s profile before you slip into their DM, PM or whatever private messaging form you may choose.
Before you start “toasting”, “chaiking”, “talking to” or “being fresh” with anyone, check the following:

1. If they are married.

2. If they are old enough to be your grand mother/father.

3. If their children can physically man-handle you(which is a dangerous thing “should in case” they run into you somewhere and teach you an adequate lesson as not everyone understands this thing called the God kind of love oh).

4. If there are better things they can do for you apart from the foolery you are about to display thereby missing a god-given opportunity.

Do not, I repeat do not hide under the shadows of social media to display your bad behavior or tell the whole world you were not properly trained or at worst had no home training at all.

Respect is still in vogue and pays a whole lot.

Use your data wisely.

A word is enough for the wise.

Thanks for reading

There you have it folks, be careful who you go about “toasting” on Facebook and other social media. A word should be enough for the wise or what do you think?

Source: Opinions.Ng

cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44

SalamRushdie:
When will Africans open their eyes and stop being blood thirsty

It could have been caused by anything. By the way, Murder happens all over the world. It is not an African problem but a human problem.

Not the best of times for Dangote.

The Country Manager of Dangote Cement Ethiopia, Deep Kamara, has been shot dead with 2 other Ethiopians, a secretary and mother of two kids and driver, by unidentified persons on Wednesday. Beakal, the secretary, is a mother of three, the youngest of whom is a year old.

They were murdered while driving in Inchini, an hour 31 minutes’ drive from the capital Addis Ababa. Dangote Cement is located in West Shewa Zone of the Oromo Regional State, Ada Berga District, Mugher Town, an hour 41 minutes’ drive from Addis Ababa.

Mr Kamara, who was mediator in a ceremony organised by Dangote Cement and local authorities to settle differences with the local community was nicknamed “Gallatta” by the locals for his role in the mediation process.

There has been a rancorous relationship between the community residents and Dangote Cement. During the 2016 -2017 Oromia protests, trucks and machineries owned by Dangote Cement were destroyed. However, in 2017, a reconciliation process was carried out which was attended by over 1, 500 locals including community leaders.

Until his death, Mr Kamara was the manager of the Dangote Cement factory in Ethiopia, before his appointment in 2015, was also the CEO of MGCRST Mining in Mozambique. A first class graduate of Mining Engineering from the National Institute of Raipur, and a Diploma Holder in Marketing Management from the Institute of Marketing, Vasant Kunj.

Source: Opinions.Ng

cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44

LoJ:
Being shot at, being interned for one year, kidnapped or similar things just for doing business is not having Lion's heart. It is being stupid.

There are equally huge opportunities in other countries without the above described folly. I am currently operating in an European country and 2 African countries with relative peace of mind and profits.

I agree that doing business is challenging, but the challenge should be a tactical strategic and emotional one, not the life and family threatening nonsense previously mentioned.

Nigerians should not accept this situation, as a normal one. It is not. I want to believe it is the politicians and their friends that perpetuate such climate to ensure they have monopoly, and rob the population off via lack of choice.

A definite No for me, if this narrative is true.

Whatever works for you.

Do you use a gas cooker or keep a gas cylinder at home? No doubt, you are one of those who have found great benefit in using gas cookers and have experienced how efficient and convenient it is to use. This is most especially true after graduating from the usage of kerosene stoves and fire woods. However, one of the biggest problems associated with using a gas cooker which is now affordable is the issue of safety. If you are careless about using it, it can lead to a catastrophe. As such, Jumia Nigeria the online shop you can trust shares gas safety hacks you must know.

Keep your appliances well maintained

Gas appliances should be safety checked and serviced at least once every year, unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer. A thorough service on your boiler and gas supply will include a range of tests and checks to ensure that the appliance is operating safely.

Have a carbon monoxide (CO2) alarm installed

Carbon monoxide is not only a potentially dangerous gas. It’s also incredibly hard to detect as it is both odourless and colourless. Carbon monoxide alarms detect and alert you to the presence of the poisonous gas, and should be fitted in your home.

Ventilation

Store gas cylinders upright in a well-ventilated area that is situated away from open flames, power outlets and electrical appliances. Also, if the ventilation of your room is hot, endeavour to open your windows.

Be careful when cooking

Today, gas cookers and cookers are found in almost every home because it is now inexpensive. So, when cooking with it, don’t sit or stand too close to the gas heater or cooker when it is in use, as this can be hazardous or result in gas burns.

Never light a naked flame if you smell CO2

Ensure you refrain from lighting a match, cigarette lighter, or any other source of flame or spark whenever you smell or perceive carbon monoxide. If you do, you are at risk of burning down your home as a result of an explosion.


Source: http://www.opinions.ng/gas-safety-tips-everyone-know/

Malaysia's Prime Minister has returned to power at the astounding age of 92. While he is the oldest leader to get into power in recent times. There are a few other leaders that are very old indeed. We have a look at the top 5.

World's Oldest Heads of State or Government

1. Mahathir Mohamed of Malaysia: 92 years, 309 days

2. Elizabeth II of UK: 92 years, 24 days

3. Beji Essebsi of Tunisia: 91 years, 167 days

4. Sabah Ahmad Al-Sabah of Kuwait: 88 years, 333 days

5. Paul Biya of Cameroon: 85 years, 91 days

These leaders show that you are never too old to rule or be elected ito power.

At what age would you consider yourself too old to run for public office? Let us know by dropping a comment.

Source: See the List of World's Oldest Heads of State or Government

Wow.

LoJ:
This article got me thinking.

I actually intend(ed ) to do business over there. I see so many opportunities. A few friends are discouraging me however because of the lack of security and bad business practices.

@OP,

Why does this man equate doing business in Nigeria yo riding a bull? What does concretely happen that kills entrepreneurs there?

Why was the wife interned for a year? How scary that is!

He means doing business in Nigeria is not for the faint-hearted. Do you have the instincts of a lion in the African savanna or the tiger in the Asian jungle? Then you can do business in Nigeria because of the huge opportunities that will be available to you.

However, if you are as docile as sheep, you might want to skip Nigeria for now.

By Dr Aroms Aigbehi

Talking about riding the bull at the Rodeo

I have been doing business in Europe and America for over 25 years. I have never been targeted for assassination. Not by a business rival and not even talking about government people. I still can travel freely to over 180 countries of the world, except my own country Nigeria. Why? Because I went to do business there to change lives.

I have be shot at several times, almost got kidnapped. jailed by the police, Lost money to crooks, flew on a plane that crashed a week later due to poor maintenance and many more. My spouse was locked indoor for an entire year because she couldnt go out without being kidnapped. I don’t know where in Europe or America you lock Foreigners indoor for an entire year. Investors are people. they have spouses and children.
I have never come across someone doing business in Nigeria that is having fun doing it. So if you have that great experience or know who does I really want to talk with you. We all could learn some lessons from you.

One of the reasons Europeans are more successful than us is they look at the problem and do a thorough analysis then port solutions to tackle the problems.

Africans like to whitewash the problem and hide it in public. But the public already know what the problem is, so why not face it and deal with it.

I can tell you all beautiful stories of how great it is to do business in Nigeria and I would be lying. I like to be real.

If you love to ride a bull, thank God Nigeria is available to do business. It is not for everyone out there.


Source: Doing Business in Nigeria is Like Riding a Bull at the Rodeo- Aroms

https://www.opinions.ng/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/32399241_1659487270803563_6383742404670783488_n_20180515132159035.jpg

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

uruba23:
I think this is the second time I am seeing this article, the reality is that Nigeria and the entire West Africa is a good market for tomato paste.The truth is that Government is not incitifying farmers neither is it putting the require policy in place to stop imports from China.The truth is the supply of tomatoes is part of the supply chain mechanism that go wrong.I believe proper visibility study was done,but what happens in the field is always different. It is better to close shop and cut your lose than continue to be acquiring debts.Although I believe I know how to turn things around,if my consultation is required Alhaji knows how to get me.

Really?

Bishopsgate:
Bros forget o.

I worked with this guy as far back as 16 years ago. He is about the "shrewdest" business man I have met in all my almost 2 decades in banking an FMCG industries.

Yes he and a couple of guys had the unfair advantage of having govt created monopolies (in some cases duopolies) but that era was over more than a decade ago and at that point of change he was almost bankrupt. He clawed his way back up and changed his tactics. He moved from a rent taker to a creator of value (importer to manufacturer). You can compare him with his fellow monopolies and the understanding of his business acumen becomes obvious.

Where are the other beneficiaries of govt monopolies? How many factories have they built, how many people do they employ, how much tax do they contribute to the Nigerian economy?

Overrated - no I don't think so one bit!

H

Apparently he got this one wrong, read this http://www.opinions.ng/dangote-goofed-closed-tomato-factory/

nice one

See original thread and debate here https://www.nairaland.com/4500631/why-dangote-closed-tomato-factory

Some people were right, others were wrong. Can you tell who was wrong or right?

We recently published an article written by Aroms Aigbehi on how Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote who ultimately controls what happens in the Dangote Group invested in a tomato company in Kano but has had to close it for now. The article generated a lot of online debate with some observers questioning the validity of Mr Aigbehi's submissions.

However, further research by our team supports Mr. Aigbehi's submissions.

Our Findings

Nascon Allied Industries, a subsidiary of Dangote Industry Limited, producer of Dangote salt and DanQ seasoning, recorded strong performance in 2017.

Nascon recorded impressive turnover of N27.06 billion, profit after tax improved by 121% from N2.42 billion in 2016 to N5.34 billion. An expanded fleet operation with the addition of 98 new trucks contributed over N3bn to revenue. Through intense focus, accelerated productivity, and operational discipline, it maintained financial stability with healthy cash reserves of N9.4 billon.

Its core salt business remains the major revenue driver, while its DanQ seasoning brand has just one percent market share. However, the tomato paste segment is still experiencing drawbacks, and unable to find a foothold in the highly competitive fast-moving-consumer­-goods market, as the Triple Tomato Concentrate required to make tomato paste remain on the restricted list of the Federal Government.

Local suppliers of tomatoes are unable to meet the required quantity to run the plant efficiently, because locally grown tomatoes contain too much water, unfit to make quality tomato paste.

But as part of its backward integration policy, in 2018 the company plans to mitigate counter-party risks, to ensure quality control, and to optimize route-to-market efficiency.

Our Conclusion

The summary is that Dangote built a factory without guaranteeing his source of raw materials. This is a classic case of how not to conduct a business. This does not take anything away from his achievements as Africa's richest man and probably largest single employer. It is also interesting to note that the company is now trying to rectify the anomaly. It just goes to show how complex business is to the extent that even successful people make big mistakes.

Source: Aroms was Right, Dangote Goofed on his Closed Tomato Factory

cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44

https://food.fnr.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/food/fullset/2015/5/13/1/FN_assorted-baking-tools_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.966.725.suffix/1431551165056.jpeg

By Raliya Ahmed Saminaka

Baking is a form of The that requires its own skill set and tools. Let us look at the major ones you need if you are going to do some proper baking that leaves family and friends wanting more.

1. Oven

I don’t have to mention that an oven is essential for baking. You can make some desserts without oven such as chocolates and confections, but you definitely need an oven either it is regular or mini size for baking. The thing about oven is that ovens don’t work the same way even if they are same brand, so you have to get to know your own oven by experimenting, remembering, and adjusting it as you bake.

2. Timer

Most people have a timer in their kitchen as it either comes with an oven or microwave. You don’t have to have a separate timer. If you have one in your house already, that is one less thing for you to buy.

3. Measuring Spoons

Measuring spoons are used for both dry and wet ingredients. They usually include 1 tablespoon, 1 teaspoon, 1/2, teaspoon, and 1/4 teaspoon. Many stores sell measuring spoons with 1/8 teaspoon these days. If you are
buying a new set now, I recommend you to buy the one with 1/8 teaspoon because it is useful when you make a small batch, but it is certainly not necessary to go out and buy if you have measuring spoons already.

4. Measuring Cups

Measuring cups are usually used for measuring ingredients such as flour, cocoa powder, sugar, or nuts;
however, they are also used for measuring wet ingredients. A standard measuring cups set comes with 1/4-, 1/3-, 1/2-, and 1-cup measures. Overfill the cup with dry ingredients and level the cup using a knife.

5. Graduated Measuring Cup

Graduated measuring cups are used to measure liquid and pourable ingredients. They are marked with lines to show amounts. You can have either glass or plastic measures in 1-,2-, and 4-cup capacities. Over years,
I’ve found it is really convenient to have both 1-cup measure and 2-cup measure. But, I recommend to get a glass 2-cup measure if you are getting only one.

6. Whisk

A whisk is a non-electronic hand mixer. When you are not yet ready to buy a hand mixer or stand mixer, this is what you need. It is very time-consuming, but it will perform baking tasks like whipping, creaming, and mixing. You will be amazed that you can even make meringue with a whisk although I do not recommend you to do that. =] It is good to have different size whisks because you will use in many different ways. Also, a smaller whisk performs better than a bigger whisk.

7. Sifter

A sifter is used to sift flour or combine dry ingredients. Sifters usually have a crank that pushes ingredients through the mesh, but sieves work very well as much as sifters. If you have regular sieves that you use for cooking, you don’t need to buy a sifter for baking purpose.

8. Cooling Rack

Cooling racks are used to cool cakes or cookies after taking them out of the oven. There are so many different types and shapes of cooling racks, so whatever you have or whatever you can buy will work just fine.

9. Rubber Spatula

You will find many different lengths and widths rubber spatulas in stores. A wide head spatula is good for stirring and folding batters and a narrow head spatula is useful for scraping foods from jars or bowls. It is good to have one of each size. I recommend you to buy spatulas with silicone heads if you are purchasing one as it can withstand temperatures up to 600F.

10. Metal Spatula

Metal spatulas are also known as icing (decorating) spatulas. You will use them to spread batters, decorate cakes, or applying frosting and filling. They are available in many different sizes and flat or offset (angled).

11. Pastry Brush

Pastry brushes are useful when you apply egg wash, moisturize cakes with syrups, or brush loose crumbs
from cake tops. They are made with soft nylon, unbleached hog bristles, or silicone (on the photo). It’s good
to have one of each kinds, but I would recommend silicone one if you can only choose one because it is easier to maintain.

12. Bowls

Bowls come in so many different shapes, sizes, and materials (plastic, glass, silicone, or stainless steel). Most
of you already have some kinds of bowls in your kitchen, so you probably don’t have to go buy new ones. It’s good to have a couple of bowls made of different materials, so you can use based one the type of sweets you are making. If I have to pick just one, I would recommend stainless steel bowls because they are light enough to move around and strong enough to take rough mixing motions

13. Baking Sheet

Baking sheets are essential on baking cookies. You can get a standard cookie sheet that has edges without
sides to make it easier to slide into the oven. However, I would first get jelly roll pans because they can be
used for both of baking cookies and sponge cakes. I personally recommend heavy aluminum baking pans. They will not get rust and last lifetime with a proper care. We all know that some of non stick pans are not really NON-STICK.

14. Baking Pan

Cake pans are also available in many different materials such as steel, aluminum, non-stick coating, glass, or silicone.If you are planning to make a cake for someone’s birthday, BBQ party, or anything, it is definitely worth to have round cake pans.

15. Electric Mixer

When making the cake, beat your butter and sugar until fluffy, then use a lower speed when adding your dry ingredients. You’ll probably need a mixer to make your frosting, too.

16. Toothpick

If you’re planning to write on the cake, trace the letters in the frosting first with a toothpick to avoid messy piping mistakes. You can also use the toothpick when baking to test if your cakes are ready to come out of the oven.

17. Paring Knife

Have a sharp paring knife on hand to slice edible decorations such as fruit and candy to the desired size.

18. Turntable or Lazy Susan

Cakes and turntables are inseparable. To decorate a cake without a turntable is frustrating and almost impossible. You will use a turntable to torte, fill, crumb coat and decorate your cake.

There you have it, all you need to start baking properly outside of the actual ingredients.

Source: See the kitchen Tools you Need to do Proper Baking

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Ikeja Electric also known as (IKEDC) has taken time to explain why it is common to electricity cut in Nigeria when there is a rainstorm.

It posted the explanation on Twitter thus:

Do You know?

That power outages during storms are mostly a safety measure that in the event of a short circuit, broken branch or strong winds felling poles, lives and property may be protected as there is significantly increased risk of harm where wires remain energized in a strong storm?

What do you think: a good thing or not?

Source: http://www.opinions.ng/electricity-cut-rainstorm-nigeria-ikedc/