₦airaland Forum

This is a Press by the United Labour Congress of Nigeria (ULC)

THE LAGOS LAND USE ACT: A DECLARATION OF WAR AGAINST LAGOSIANS ESPECIALLY THE POOR

We condemn the Lagos Land Use Act and see it as a declaration of war against Lagosians most especially the poor. We see in it a continuation of the organised onslaught of the rich and mighty against workers and the masses targeted at pushing them out of a city that was built on their sweat and blood. This is unacceptable and must immediately be withdrawn.

We are disappointed that Ambode and the APC that rode on the back of popular slogan of making life and living better for the masses would turn around to enact such a devious law. The fulfilment of electoral promises is really a matter of morality and integrity. Any Politician and indeed government that rides on the back of the sweet promises it made to the masses and refuses not just to implement it but deliberately goes out of its way to erect frameworks that work against the interests of the people loses the moral authority to continue occupying the seat of government.

Lagos state remains the most taxed and exploited environment in Nigeria. Its citizens and workers suffer the heaviest burden of taxation in the country. Virtually everything is taxed including the ordinary street hawker who does not have a roof over his head, the Akara seller, the Okada, Keke, Wheelbarrow pusher, the scrap picker etc. The huge funds that accrue to the coffers of the state as IGR is virtually unaccounted for as Lagosians do not see its impact on their lives rather the government keeps on raising new taxes and increasing the ones being paid before.

This is a yoke that the people of Lagos state especially the workers are tired of carrying. A sensitive government that is people oriented weighs the impact of its policies and actions on the people before ever embarking on it. In Lagos, it is as if the interest of the average citizen does not matter. All we hear is one tax or another.

We do not support this tax as it is heavily weighted against the poor who do not have their own houses and who depend on the rich for housing. A progressive government would have made the provision of housing a priority to ensure that most of the citizenry have access to quality housing but the thinking in Alausa seems to be different. Ambode should tell us how many pro-poor housing scheme that he has embarked upon since assumption of office. We can category say none because what we see are houses built for the rich.

It is on record that Nigeria suffers heavy housing deficit and Lagos as one of the most heavily urbanised states in Nigeria has one of the highest deficits. The implication of this is that the supply of housing is short and creates a Landlord’s market as it leaves the masses with little options in the face of Landlord decisions. Anything that therefore raises the cost of supplying housing by the landlords will be totally transferred to the tenants who bear its final incidence.

This Land use Act which raises land use charges payable in the state by between 400 and 500% is therefore an unmitigated disaster for the poor in the state. This is within the context that the poor does not have alternatives as would have been the case if the supply of housing by the government is adequate which would have checked the extent to which Landlords are able to offload the taxes on the tenants. As soon as it becomes operational, Landlords will immediately transfer it to their tenants by raising rents payable on their properties. We believe that this ought to be against the avowals of a government that is committed to the people that voted them into office. With this Act, Ambode’s Government is inadvertently trying to make it difficult for the poor to live in Lagos thus distances himself from them. This is also inflationary as it will also elicit corresponding increases in the price of other services in the state.

If the intention is to deprive the poor and push them out of Lagos then it speaks volume of the characters that occupy the seat of Government in Alausa and that of the party that they represent. This is not how to create a Megacity or build any city at all in the world. Governments do not intentionally exclude the poor but here, the reverse is the case. Megacities are balanced cities that are inclusive catering to both the rich and the poor. Without the people, a mega city hollows out and eventually dies. It is therefore the people that give life to the city and Lagos is not an exception.

Ambode should understand the history of Lagos and how it came to become what it is today. It was built by the people and its sustenance is based on the people. We do not therefore understand the philosophy behind the present onslaught against the people.

This is why Lateef Jakande’s regime remains indelible in the hearts of Lagosians. He never placed undue burden on the people but sought ways to reduce the suffering of the masses and workers. Massive Low-cost housing projects were strewn all over Lagos state that gave access to quality housing to the poor. What we see today is an unfortunate reversal driven by selfishness and greed.

We urge Ambode not to place politics and IGR above the people. Governance is for the people and not the people for Governance. Any governmental policy that does not factor this into its processes suffers in the long run. He should think of the workers and the poor first in his actions and policies.

ULC does not understand why the state Government will place the interest of individual organisations above that of the people. It remains an aberration that in trying to make such a law, one organisation is named to have a monopoly of collecting the taxes. This is the height of political patronage. It makes a mockery of governance and democracy and truly undermines the integrity of this government. The insertion of AlphaBeta in the Act though the LSHA has come to say that it was a mistake tells us clearly what the goal of the law is – recycling public wealth into the hands of few private citizens.

We demand an immediate withdrawal of that Act in its entirety. If the state government insist on going ahead with that Act, we shall begin the immediate mobilisation of the angst of the citizenry of Lagos state against this government. Amongst others, we shall demand the resignation of the state Governor and the Speaker of the LSHA through which the Law was passed. This is one Act that would not be allowed to remain as it has the tendency of spreading to other states of the country.

Comrade Joe Ajaero
(President)

Source: http://www.opinions.ng/lagos-land-use-act-declaration-war-lagosians-especially-poor/

cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44

A good one.

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These 2 Asian giants and rivals are the 2 most populous countries in the world, while one has either become or is fast-becoming a superpower, the other has similar ambition. Let us look at how both of these two countries are doing based on indices obtained from the Spectator Index.
China vs India: Head-to-Head Comparison

Population
China: 1.4 billion

India: 1.34 billion

GDP, 2017

China: $11.9 trillion

India: $2.4 trillion

Exports, 2016

China: $2060 billion

India: $257 billion

GDP per capita, 2017

China: $8580

India: $1850

GDP growth, 2017

China: 6.8%

India: 6.5%

It seems China trumps India on many fronts. However, some may argue that India is a democracy (the largest one in the world) and China is an authoritarian state and that because of this, long term, India should do better. We believe this is subjective and only time will tell whether or not those who are of this view are correct.

On a final note, which do you prefer: Chinese movies or Bollywood movies? Let us know by dropping a comment.

source: http://www.opinions.ng/china-vs-india-winning-race-superpower-status/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

The war in Syria whicxh started in 2001 remains a huge shame to the whole of humanity as it has now lasted more longer than World War II with between 350,000 -500,000 people killed (depending on which estimate you believe) and 12 million displaced.

All sides in the war including the Syrian government, anti-Assad forces, foreign governments like the United States, Russia, Iran, Turkey and their respective allies blame their opponents for atrocities.

However, the latest escalation in Eastern Ghouta a suburb of Damascus the country’s capital is shocking even by Syria’s abysmal standards. Government forces have laid siege on the area and have been bombarding it heavily despite the fact that about 400,000 civilians live there.

The United Nation’s Human Rights Chief, Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein declared earlier this month that:

“I must emphasise that what we are seeing, in Eastern Ghouta and elsewhere in Syria, are likely war crimes, and potentially, crimes against humanity.

“The perpetrators of these crimes must know they are being identified; that dossiers are being built up with a view to their prosecution; and that they will be held accountable for what they have done,” he stated.

Well, this young Syrian girl just has a simple message for those bombing civillians in Syria: “DON’T BOMB ME AGAIN, IT HURTS”.

https://i1.wp.com/www.opinions.ng/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Syrian-girls-message-e1520863679836.jpg?resize=600%2C600

We hope they will listen.

source: http://www.opinions.ng/young-syrian-girls-message-will-break-heart/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

You don't become truly successful by relying on sex. Young people should be taught strong values that have almost disappeared.

By Yakubu Jimoh

Recently, I was given a task by my boss to find out some certain things on agriculture. As I was doing the research, I learnt many things and discovered a lot. I started with Rwanda, because I am going to the eastern part of Africa. I discovered 2 sisters, Fidelis Karangwa and Consolata Nakure who have been doing great in agriculture. When they finished from university, they saved some money for creating jobs themselves while still having paid employment.


They had the dream to become farmers, they went to Kigali Farms to recieve training on cultivating mushroom. They tried in the first instance, they failed but they kepy trying till they were successful. They have made a name for themselves in Kigali and are training youths and local farmers on mushroom farming. Presently, they have empowered and employed 10 people.

I look forward to visiting them in Kigali.

They succeeded due to 3 reasons:

1. Determination: They were determined to become farmers, some family and friends tried to discourage them. Luckily for them, their dad was supportive of thier dream. Papa was supporting them with finance and advice, they were determined.

2. Commitment: These 2 sisters were committed and serious in becoming latest agricpreneur in Rwanda, they were never discouraged by thier gender status. They never saw themselves as slay queens or big ladies, they knew what they want to achieve.

3. Patience: Thier mushroom failed in the first instance, they didn’t give up, They went to another training and their patience and persistence later paid off for them.

I want to commend President Paul Kagame of Rwanda for keying into agriculture, 75% Of Rwandans are farmers. This is what they are using to build thier nation and economy after the 1994 Genocide. They are doing great in mushroom, tea and coffee.

To my Nigerian sisters, stop pursuing white collar jobs, go for agriculture. Start something and do something, stop blaming the government or lack of funds.

Instead of buying Brazilian hair, fixing nails, buying big phones and costly dresses, minimize your spending, go into farming.

Take action today and see how supports will roll in.

https://www.opinions.ng/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1459249126two-sisters_20180312120149745.jpg

www.opinions.ng/nigerian-slay-queens-embrace-agriculture/

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By David Adeoye

In those days when many African nations first gained independence (and for the next two decades or so), jobs were plentiful. You hear tales of a graduate getting two or more job offers with a car and sometimes, a residential quarters to match. All on the bill of the employer.

After sometime, it was no longer sufficient to just have a first degree. Only a Master’s degree and or professional qualification would assure such a lofty start. However as the years passed and as both the society and the economy evolved, opportunities for ready jobs with “cool pay” started to dwindle. Attractive jobs in established organizations became competitive.
The economic resurgence of the late 1990s to the early 2000s came with a significant increase in the supply of graduate jobs. New businesses (banks, telcos, IT firms, investment firms, etc) rolled out across the economy on a rather massive scale. Once again, graduates became very much in-demand.

This time, the setting was slightly different: most of the employers were private businesses deploying their own capital, that of other shareholders, and of course borrowed funds from banks, and the bond market. Therefore, recruitment was largely on merit and retention was largely based on performance. Degrees and certificates, though required, had become less important.

In more recent years, the Nigerian economy has seen a marked reduction in the influx of big business. In reality, the economic conditions and our brand of political economy has constrained otherwise big businesses to shrink (in the name of right-sizing, restructuring, refocusing, and those other terms that start with the letter R but never mention retrenchment). Technology has also not helped the fate of the average graduate as a traditional worker, even while it presents immense opportunities for personal growth.

With the rise of technology, and challenging economic conditions, many new businesses now start small, and most older ones aim to be more efficient, more profitable, but not necessarily bigger (at least by headcount). At the same time, the capacity of establishment-type employers to expand their workforce is severely constrained. Budgetary allocations, grants, etc impose a limit.

What do all of this mean for today’s graduate? First, the era of establishment-type jobs with the perks that follow is largely gone. Secondly, today’s employers are far more performance and results-oriented than those of past decades where there was more emphasis on activity and presence. Thirdly, the demand on a graduate’s capacity to contribute at both individual and team level becomes the most important factor in to secure and retain gainful employment.

Now, if capacity to perform has become such a critical element, it is important to ask and get some valid answers to the question: what is the fundamental requirement to perform in a world of service and knowledge work? The answer, to my mind is three-fold: readiness to learn, willingness to work hard, and a disposition to work with others.

In other words, today’s graduate must be willing to accept a first degree for what it really is. Essentially, during the first degree, a person learns to reason and to relate. To build upon this foundation, the individual then has to submit himself or herself to a process of learning something meaningful, specific, and valuable to others. We call this apprenticeship. In the same way that fellows with less formal education have to choose a trade to which he is willing to apply himself or herself.

In the context of today’s work environment, the graduate must see herself first as an apprentice and put the ‘graduate thing’ in the background. An apprentice is first of all, “here to learn”. It’s not about the pay. Rather he’s paying his dues by being on time, attentive, responsive, and above all by being responsible to at least one person: the boss who is then responsible to one set of people: customers. The same way an apprentice aims to be successful at the trade, and not merely follow-the-money, today’s young person with a first degree will have to submit herself to the rudiments and demands of the business.

There are three main ingredients required for an apprentice to be successful: intelligence (or aptitude), interest, and intensity (or how well you apply yourself, call it hard work. On intelligence, there are various types of aptitude, some fellows are gifted with words, some with patterns, some with data, some with music etc. For example, it takes certain traits to be a good tailor or fashion designer. At the same time, not every young person can be a mechanic. In the same vein, not everyone who studied accounting would do well as an auditor. Natural talents provide some guidance for a choice of career.

The second point is interest: what would this young man or woman rather do or contribute to humanity? What drives you? How would you rather work? The combination of intellect and interest manifest in one thing: learning, What are you willing to learn. Permit me to ask in Yoruba: “As a graduate, ise wo l’ofe ko?”. Over the years, I’ve seen many examples that prove this is a far more practical approach than merely sitting, praying, and hoping. Prayer is good but we should direct it at something specific.

Still on knowledge, smartness does not equate to knowledge. You can be smart but empty about certain areas. We all have areas where we are empty. Where we know nothing because we never bothered to, or needed to learn. Many times, what is needed as per intelligence is just a threshold level of aptitude. Often, a more knowledgeable person with the threshold level of IQ would make far better decisions than an uninformed genius.

Lastly, for an apprentice to be successful, he or she must be willing, able, and ready to apply himself with persistence and perseverance. You need to believe the work is both valuable and worth doing. Pouring yourself into what you do, when you’re tired, when others are giving up, is one key trait of world champions. Apply yourself to what you do and someday, you would find yourself at the top.

In a nutshell, it’s not enough to be a graduate. We need to choose to learn something that is both meaningful and valuable and then begin to apply ourselves to what we learn. It may start in a small measure but it will surely lead somewhere great.

Source: http://www.opinions.ng/nigerian-youths-need-make-transition-graduate-apprentice/

cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44

Na wah...

SafiaaFeminist:
Idiotic illiterate trying hard to justify his fake story.

The wedding happened the next morning. When was the honeymoon supposed to start?

Three months later abi?

Idiot.

Keep enhancing your stupidity for all to see.

She has discovered her error trying to use insults to cover up. Always learn to comprehend before trying to ridicule others, the joke is on you and you obviously are ignorant.

SafiaaFeminist:
Asin ehn.

Illiteracy is bad.

How can someone contract HIV today & transfer it tomorrow?

Smh.

Obviously you are literate but fail woefully with comprehension. Where in the story does it say what you concluded?

The story says the virus was contacted by the wife from the infected husband during their honeymoon.

There is a difference between going to school and being educated. You obviously went to school but missed large parts of getting educated.

Which one is white wedding again? Are they not Muslims?

I hope the couple will learn from this http://www.opinions.ng/can-get-hiv-aids-sex-dolls/

Another way to destroy people’s lives has been invented. Later, doctors will be treating Sex Doll Addiction (SDA).

In recent times, sex dolls have generated a lot of interest and debate for and against their use.

However,  what has not been properly discussed is the health implication of using sex dolls ranging from psychological effects and the prospect of contacting diseases.

The following story from Memphis in the United States that we monitored online shows the danger that people may be exposed to:

This story comes from a Memphis man, it was told that he was about to get married and he told his fiancée he was going to have a bachelor party. She didnt like the idea because she didnt want him with any strippers.

So thinking outside of the box, 3 of his friends ordered a sex doll online for the  bachelor party. They bought all of the party favors, party bus , weed and drinks.  They loaded the party bus and his friends pulled out the sex doll, they made John have sex with the doll while taking shots. One of the friends pulled out his cell phone and said lets post the video on facebook, another guy yelled lets run a train on that hoe. Friend after friend ejaculated inside of the doll back to back not knowing one of the friends had Aids. 

After a long drunken night, John got married the next morning and passed the disease to his new wife on their honeymoon.

Like any new innovation,  there are always risks and unexpected consequences and in the case of sex dolls,  there are definitely dangers that might not be immediately obvious to the users.

Source: http://www.opinions.ng/can-get-hiv-aids-sex-dolls/

cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44

In a welcome but rather unexpected twist of events President Donald Trump of the United States and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un are planning a meeting.

This follows the delivery of Kim Jong Un’s invitation via a letter to Trump at the White House yesterday by South Korea’s National Security Director Chung Eui-yong, who visited the White House accompanied by intelligence chief Suh Hoon and South Korea’s ambassador to US, Cho Yoon-je.

The North Koreans have also offered to suspend missile and nuclear tests, the condition US officials have laid down for the start of any substantive talks.

Chung Eui-yong had led a 10-man South Korean delegation to the North on Monday where he had discussions with Kim Jong Un who ended-up agreeing to a summit with South Korea’s President, Moon Jae-in and in turn extended an offer to meet President Trump.

Trump took to Twitter to announce his acceptance of the offer tweeting:

“Kim Jong Un talked about denuclearization with the South Korean Representatives, not just a freeze. Also, no missile testing by North Korea during this period of time. Great progress being made but sanctions will remain until an agreement is reached. Meeting being planned!”

A meeting between the two could happen in May this year and would be an historic and pivotal moment since the armistice agreement that halted the Korean war in July 1953.

Watch the report next:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ld06BHS0hig

President Trump’s Tweet

Kim Jong Un talked about denuclearization with the South Korean Representatives, not just a freeze. Also, no missile testing by North Korea during this period of time. Great progress being made but sanctions will remain until an agreement is reached. Meeting being planned!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 9, 2018

Source: Donald Trump and Kim Jong-Un Agree to Have a Meeting

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

see them every where


Military to Ekweremadu: We Have No Interest in Coup
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How to win elections in Nigeria

http://www.opinions.ng/win-election-public-office-nigeria/

While every Nigerian citizen is free to obtain and hold property in any part of the world with their legitimate wealth, it becomes a source of interest, concern and dismay if people who hold high office with limited sources of income are found to have investments in real estate that only some of the wealthiest people in the world can afford.

This is the case with the allegation that Nigeria’s Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu owns a number of choice property in Dubai and London, 2 of the world’s most expensive and exclusive cities. The list also shows property he allegedly owns in Florida in the United States.

We hope that this is just a lie and that the respected distinguished Senator will clear this accusation.

Here is the list:

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We look forward to the Senator’s formal reaction to this allegation.

Source: See the Alleged List of Properties Senator Ike Ekweremadu Owns in Dubai, London and Florida


cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Is unlimited population growth related to poverty? This is a question that comes to mind when you look at the global birth rate statistic. We obtained our data from the Central Intelligence Agencies ‘s (CIA) Factbook website. Suprised? The United States spy agency not only does its obvious covert work but conducts research and publishes a lot of its findings on its website.

Its table for the top 20 countries with highest birth rate (which is calculated by comparing the average annual number of births during a year per 1,000 persons in the population at midyear) shows 19 African countries in the list with Afghanistan the only non-African country.

Considering the widespread level of poverty in these country, it is easy to associate high birth rate with high rate of poverty in these countries. Their governments might need to take steps to educate their populations of managing birth of children and increasing their productivity.



You can see Nigeria with a birth rate of 36.90 per 1000. Do you think the Nigerian government and other African governments should focus on trying birth control? Let us know what you think.

See the Table next:

source: opinions.ng/See the List of Top 20 Countries in the World with Highest Birth Rate

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While searching a Nigerian hotel, you have to struggle hard to choose the hotel of your choice as you will be faced with a wide array of choices. Choosing the one that meets your needs and requirements out of the available options can prove to be a difficult task. Jumia Travel presents a quick checklist you can seek for while booking a suitable Nigerian hotel online.

Facilities

There are some hotels whose facilities are not up-to-scratch. They should have basic facilities like kids’ area and swimming pool if your trip is a family trip.While if your trip is intended for the business purpose, a Wifi connection along with other business level services may prioritise your list.

Location

The location should be feasible and easily accessible to nearby picnic spots and other tourist attractions if you are planning a family outing. If your trip is for business purpose, then proximity to nearby town becomes crucial. Close proximity to various shopping sites and other amenities can also be a point setter in your preference list.

Reviews

Don’t miss out to check the reviews. Look out for reviews shared by various people who have stayed there to know whether their experience is good or bad. Online travel forums, hotel review sites and social media sites can help you in finding the one that you yearn for. There is the probability of finding a negative review too as it differs from person to person. Make a wise decision.

Accessibility

Easy accessibility by air, road or train along with parking facility is what one should look for. Availability of hotel shuttle service to the nearby airport, railway station and other tourist attractions can be a plus point. If not, easy accessibility to public transport should be there to make things more manageable. Size of accommodation along with other facilities and some sort of loyalty benefits are some other factors that you should consider.

Price factor

Before making a final decision, consider various other value-added services including laundry, extended hour room service etc that can make your stay more comfortable. Search for the hotel that offers attractive price with luxurious accommodation in your budget. You can also perform an online comparison of various available options.

Source: Things To Look For When Booking A Nigerian Hotel

Exercise is not the only way you can burn fat, You can combat fat or burn calories by eating yummy foods by selecting the right picks. What are some of these right picks? Jumia food, Nigeria’s no 1 food ordering platform, shares some of them. Henceforth, add these tasty picks to your diet.

Salmon
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https://static01.nyt.com/images/2016/04/13/dining/13PAIRING/13PAIRING-articleLarge.jpg

The omega-3s in salmon and other fatty fish help build muscle and the more muscle you have, the more calories you burn. Omega-3s may also help reduce fat storage by lowering cortisol levels.

Yogurt
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Calcium-rich foods like Yogurt have slimming powers. So, downing Yoghurt regularly will help your body to cut fat. Yoghurt can also keep belly fat under control.

Eggs
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High-protein breakfasts, especially ones that include eggs, have been linked to weight loss, reducing belly fat in the process.

Coffee
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The caffeine in one cup of coffee boosts your metabolism by as much as 15 percent. Caffeine also helps mobilize the forces that burn stored fat. You should take one to two cups a day, especially before exercise.

Beans
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Beans can also be beneficial for weight loss. This food is high in protein and fibre, which are two nutrients that have been shown to lead to satisfaction. They also tend to contain some resistant starch.

source: opinions.ng/Yummy Foods That Combat Fat

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Getting a visa is not difficult. You simply need two things- complete documents and confidence. You will definitely get your visa. However, this is not always the case. There are avoidable mistakes that may happen during the visa interview that will obviously ruin your chances of being issued a visa. To forestall these possible problems during your visa interview, Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, shares some mistakes to steer clear of.

Inappropriate Answers

You should be prepared for your visa interview so that you do not give irrelevant and inappropriate answers. If you are not able to predict what visa interview questions are, you will not be able to give genuine and well-thought-out answers for visa officials. That is why it is essential for you to be familiar with the common visa interview questions, to properly plan in your head your answers early enough before the visa interview date.

Skipping questions or giving false answers

Whenever you apply for a visa, the interview is simply a way for the diplomatic office to meet with you and understand more in depth if the information provided in the visa application form is correctly offered. Trying to avoid answering questions of the visa official, does not protect you at all. Also, giving fake information does not give you any good result, as the diplomatic office will reconfirm all the information you provide during the interview and in the application form.

Inappropriate appearance

The way you appear during your interview, including your outfit, shoes, makeup, body posture and even the amount of perfume you wear can go a long way in determining the outcome of the interview. Remember that the first impression is everything and, usually, you cannot get the second chance to leave the first impression, so give it the needed importance instead of trying to improve it another time.

Incomplete supporting documentation

Appearing in the interview half or inappropriately equipped with the needed documentation to support the accuracy of the information provided in the visa application form, will absolutely decrease your chances to get a visa. Instead, make sure to consider early enough all the visa requirements and ensure they are complete.

Unnecessary information

If you have been asked a question, make sure to understand it well. Exaggerated answers and not required explanations are not supposed to be given in visa interview. The visa official is not interested in losing a day hearing unneeded and irrelevant information. The official only wants to get specific and clear information that directly asks you.

Nervousness

What destroys your answers during the interview, is appearing there full of nervousness. Even though your visa application and supporting documents, as well as your physical appearance, are as they should, nervousness, over-confidence might be destroyers of your interview.

Lateness

When you have a visa interview appointment, the embassy or consulate will communicate the exact date and time of it. As such try to arrive at the embassy or consulate where your interview will take place, at least a few minutes earlier. For example, if you have a visa interview at the US embassy, there is no room for lateness the gates open as early as 6: am. It is advisable you book a hotel near the embassy so that you won’t be late.

Source: http://www.opinions.ng/top-mistakes-avoid-visa-interview/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

By Uchechi Moses

Uyo, capital of Akwa Ibom is renowned for her serenity, safety, hospitality, well-paved roads and arguably the best of delicious delicacies. A city of slightly over half a million residents with her international airport one hour drive from the city centre. She has enough to wow her visitors. Here are four interesting places to visit in Uyo.

Discovery Park
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Located along Udo Umana Street. With the popular market – Akpan Andem – and the Township Stadium in propinquity. It is a nature themed park that is characterised by scenic views of the old stadium and the surrounding environment. Revellers can indulge themselves in the delicacies available in the park while melodious songs are played by the audio team. Delicacies include but not limited to: Isi-ewu, Nkwobi (made using cow’s leg and tail), Dog meat (popularly called 404), chicken prepared in different forms – deliciously, goat meat pepper soup, barbecue fish and lots more. Akwa Ibom is known for her array of mouth-watering soups ranging from Afang to Editan to Afia Efere (White soup) to Atama to Edika Ikong and others. Albeit, not a soup, the legendary Ekpang Nkuwo is available. Discover them at Discovery!

Ibom Tropicana Centre
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Situated along Udo Udoma Way in Uyo. This is the number one entertainment centre in the state. Modelled after Sun City in South Africa with Silverbird Cinemas as the anchor tenant. Movie tickets range from N1, 000 – 1,500. With students in tertiary institutions and corps’ members paying 20% less the fee (Note: Have a form of identification). Another notable tenant is Silver Lounge Restaurant, with her rich array of meals – continental and African. This is an environment lovers will find romantic. Additionally, the centre provides visitors with activities such as bike riding, electronic games, snooker etc. to immerse themselves in.

Museum of Arts and Culture
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For arts and culture lovers, this is one place to visit. Established in 1989, this is a centre of archival items, ethnographic collections and artifacts of the state’s history. It is also a centre for museum education and sales of memorabilia. It is situated along Udo Udoma Way.

Playground

Located at 36, Dominic Etuk Avenue (formerly known as Brooks Street). Playground which is similar to Discovery Park but more popular offers a serene place for friends, associates and family to unwind after the hustle and bustle of life. With more than 15 aesthetically designed bars that offer the best of delicacies, and an open space wide as an Olympic size football stadium, it can host events of relative attendance. With a standby musical band and avenues for sporting activities, entertainment never ceases at Playground.1111-300x169 Interesting Places to Visit In Uyo, Akwa Ibom StateTour Her Culinary Sites

Tour Her Culinary Sites

The people of the state are renowned for their exceptional culinary skills, which have produced some of Nigeria’s best delicacies. The home of Afang. Atama, Edika Ikong, Editan, Afia efere soups, and not forgetting Ekpang Nkukwo. Home to some of Nigeria’s well-paved roads, I implore you to tour the city. Visit the popular Mummy J; Ola’s Place (for your Yoruba meals); Kilimanjaro (both continental and local); Food Affairs, and the various culinary outfits by the Ibibios. Taste the city through her delicacies.

Source: http://www.opinions.ng/interesting-places-visit-uyo-akwa-ibom-state/

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Very few people would turn down rare opportunity to upgrade their flight which is why they’re so hard to get. Nowadays, the majority of upgrades are done via an airline’s computer system, which will typically generate a list of who should be offered an upgrade based on certain yardsticks depending on the airline. However, there are some tips and tricks that can help increase the likelihood of you being offered an upgrade whether it’s to economy plus, business class, or even the much sought-after first class. Below are tips for you to get a free flight upgrade, shared by Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency,.

Join a frequent flyer program

You can earn your upgrade by enrolling in a frequent flyer programme. If you know you’ll be flying a lot, join a loyalty programme. Try to stick to one airline or group of affiliated airlines to collect the most points and in no time you’ll be able to grab some great deals which may include an upgrade.

Choose flight times wisely

Flying at peak times and on peak days mean flights full to the brim with businessmen and women, all of whom may belong to the airline’s frequent flyer club. Hence, choose off-peak times, days, and even routes, and your chance of an upgrade will be significantly higher.

Subscribe to email and text alerts

Once in a while, airlines will have special deals or sales going on that they want to let their customers be aware of. As such, subscribe to email, newsletters and text alerts for your favourite airline. You’ll be the first one to know when there are cannot-miss deals, which could potentially include very cheap flights around the world in business or even first class.

Be nice and dress nice

Always greet airline staff with enthusiasm and leave an impression because if they’re looking for a lucky person to get a free upgrade, they might choose you. Dressing nicely also helps because they want someone that is good looking to be in the premium cabin.

Travel solo

You’re more likely to get an upgrade if you’re flying solo. Families of four, or even couples are harder to seat, but if it’s just you, then they can fit you anywhere. This writes off their chances of getting an upgrade.

Ask for it and have a valid reason

There is nothing wrong with asking for it. Just make sure you have a valid and honest reason so the airline staff might consider it. You might say you’re on a honeymoon or you’re pregnant and you need a free upgrade. It wouldn’t hurt to ask.

source: http://www.opinions.ng/hacks-getting-free-flight-upgrade/

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