How Developers are driving up the cost of Land in Lagos.

 How Developers are driving up the cost of Land in Lagos.

Land is gold in Lagos.

Lagos is the smallest state in Nigeria in terms of land area, and obviously the most densely populated. Housing is a major challenge for the city inhabitants as the Lagos State Government continues to struggle to meet the demands of the people.

A recent trend in property development especially in highbrow areas and generally all over the state the wholesale development of properties by private developers and it’s inherent increase in cost of purchase of land. Cost of land has astronomically increased over the past few years which is directly connected to Property Developers with humongous stash of cash, Let’s take Magodo G.R.A Phase II as a case study, it is an area I am very familiar with. Just a few years back, a plot of very scarce land in the estate will set you back around One hundred and Fifty Million Naira, the same land today will cost between Four hundred to Six hundred Million Naira depending on the size and location.

The reason for this is not far fetched, the demand for Land by these developers for their next project has driven up the cost of purchase, while the average person will want to get the best value to build his dream home, the developer isn’t particularly concerned with the cost and will always be willing to pay a higher price, even willing to offer a higher price to beat out the competition. Such a Developer can build four buildings on a parcel that will normally contain a single building. Imagine the profit maximized from such project.

Besides the prime examples of places like Old Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Lekki Phase I axis, Developers have also caused sharp increase in the value of land in places like Surulere, Ogudu, Omole Estates Phase I and II, Gbagada, Mushin, Festac.

While some industry experts will argue that it augurs well for the industry, others are of the opinion that it drives the price of properties further away from the reach of the ordinary Nigerian living in Lagos, it makes owning a home more like a pipe dream and that Lagosians in that category will have to seek land in the outskirts of town, where infrastructural amenities is still at infancy.

This is also true for major cities in the country and indeed around the world,

THE WAY FORWARD.

In a free market capitalist economy like ours, there is really little anyone can do about the increase in cost of land. The market dictates the price. What can be done instead is for the Lagos State Government to continue to invest in Mass Housing projects through Public- Private Partnerships to provide housing for as many people as it can while empowering it’s agencies to develop new towns and residential schemes. It has the New Town Development Authority for that. The Agency should seek out new areas where government acquired land will be available for individuals to buy and develop as was done in the 80’s which gave birth to so many Estates in Lagos today.

Muizz Kazeem.

November 2024.

Cybertruck....Engineering Efficiency

As a car guy ..I have watched exactly 8 videos totalling roughly 6 hours of reviews of the Tesla Cybertruck...Elon's latest reinvention and I must admit, Dude is a genius, ofcourse he didn't do it alone, but he surely pushed his team to get to the limits of engineering and design, the efficiecy of this revolutionary Truck is astonishing.

The technical details in the design, the in house production of basically all of its major technical parts. Consider that  the Cybertruck  has a smaller battery pack compared to the Hummer EV Truck, hence less horsepower and weight (always a good thing to weigh less) and uses these to beat the Hummer EV in every regard.

Engineering Efficiency is the most important factor to be considered when making EV's and Tesla just  about made the most efficient one yet.

Lekki Regional Road

The Lekki Regional Road – Taking Position for Real Estate Gains

The Regional Road - VGC to Freedom Way LEKKI PHASE 1

Earlier in the month, it was announced that the Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has flagged off the construction of what was termed “The Regional Road” in the Lekki axis of Lagos state.

The 45m wide road, which is expected to span along a distance of no less than 8.7km starting from the Victoria Garden City Junction on the Lekki – Epe Expressway to Freedom Way in Lekki Phase 1 is due to be completed within an estimated period of 24 months.

The road, first conceived by the Lagos state government in the Lagos Metropolitan Master Plan (1980 – 2000), remained incorporated in the subsequent Lekki Comprehensive Master Plan of 2013. Layout approval for three other major roads – Coastal Road, Lagoon Highway and the well-known Lekki-Epe Expressway – was also granted at that time.

The project was inaugurated in 2017 by the former governor of the state, but various setbacks did not allow this to happen. This time it looks very much like a reality

Without a doubt, the most obvious beneficiaries of the regional road project will be commuters who ply that axis on a daily basis. However, this of course cannot be the only positive to be taken away from the project.

      

VGC INTERCHANGE

 

PROPERTIES TO BE RECLAIMED BY GOVERNMENT

Owners of property on the roads Right of Way (ROW) are bound to lose their investments, with the Lagos State Government having announced the revocation of right to parts of the Elegushi Royal Family’s Layout that fall within the road’s alignment, some parts of Cowrie Creek Estate will also be affected.

 

NEIGHBOURHOODS TO EXPERIENCE INCREASED VALUE

On the flip side though, positive impacts of the road are beginning to manifest even as the project is still in its early stages. Properties on the Ajah and Elegushi axis with New city projects on the Lekki Central Zone as well as those around the Lagoon District are set to experience a boom in value as a result of the ongoing road construction. Specifically, Ostia Island, Gracefield Island and Orange Island are just a few of the neighborhoods that are already garnering attention.

The inevitable upsurge in the value of properties lying along the corridor of the road as well as within its neighborhood will definitely be huge. One only has to be reminded that developments within these neighborhoods will be only a couple of minutes’ drive away from Ikoyi and Lekki to further appreciate how much of an appeal they will have.

 

     

CONNECTION TO FREEDOM WAY

Apparently, like the Lekki – Epe Expressway before it, with the completion of the regional road, new towns and developments will be opened up. This will mostly be comprised of residential and commercial properties. The road in the long run, will further accelerate the growth and development of areas within its proximity.

TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY

This is the time for the savvy investor to invest in properties strategically located along the path of the road. Check it out…..Remember, number one rule in real estate is Location!

 

Fluids you should maintain to keep your car in good shape

Your car needs these to be in shape.

A good way to keep your car in action between the major interventions is to check the fluids yourself. This is a cost effective and easy way to avoid engine wear or damage and to save your money. Although checking the fluids in your car is fairly straightforward. Here are seven liquids to watch out for to get your car running properly: 1. oil Your engine requires oil to keep the moving parts lubricated. To check the oil, take your car first for a short ride, then wait about five minutes for it to cool. Under the bonnet, the dipstick should be in the oil tank near the front of the engine. It's usually pretty easy to find. Remove the dipstick, wipe it off with a cloth or towel, and then immerse it in the oil tank. Pull it out again and see where the oil line is. The dipstick should have a notch indicating where a safe oil level should be. If it appears low, check the lid or the car manual for the type of oil you should use and then add something yourself. 2. Radiator fluid The radiator fluid protects your engine from overheating. If you have too little, there is a risk that your vehicle overheats in traffic and you are stuck on the side of the road. Check this fluid if your car has been driven and not when it is cold. The cooler contents are under pressure. Never remove the cover when the engine is hot or running. Probably the radiator cap is located at the front and in the middle of the engine compartment. Gently open it with a rag and look into the radiator to see if you can see the coolant. If you can not see it above, you will need to add more. 3. Transmission oil The transmission oil keeps your transmission lubricated, which can prevent the emergence of many expensive problems. The other oil dipstick in your engine is for your transmission fluid. Similar to the oil you just have to take out the dipstick, wipe it with a rag or cloth and put it back in the tank. Pull it out again to see how high the liquid gets on the rod. You also want to check the quality of the liquid. Grab your fingers and rub it around to see if it's pink or clear as it should be. When it smells burnt or contains particles, it's time for a change. 4. Power steering fluid The power steering fluid keeps your car's power steering functioning by keeping it lubricated and boosting your ability to steer the car's wheels. To check the power steering fluid, locate the reservoir under the bonnet. It's usually on the passenger side. In any case, it is likely to be near the straps and the cap is likely to show "steering". Most cars have an opaque container so you should be able to see the fluid level without opening the lid. Otherwise, clean the environment with a cloth before opening the cap to prevent dirt from entering the system. Then open the lid and use the dipstick as well as the oil tank. If the liquid level is low, you can easily add more by yourself. You may also want to check the reservoir to make sure there is no leak. 5. Brake fluid Your brake fluid is under pressure, increasing the braking force and preventing you from bumping into other vehicles. The brake fluid reservoir is usually located near the rear of the engine compartment. Clean the outside before opening the tank as dirt in the fluid in your system can be dangerous. To open the reservoir, simply unscrew the cover or pry off a clip with a screwdriver, which may hold it in place. Look in to see where the fluid level is. It should be within half an inch of the cap. If not, refer to your manual for the type of fluid you should add. Also check the color of the brake fluid. If it looks dark, have it replaced by a mechanic. 6. Air conditioning refrigerant When the weather warms, check the coolant level in your air conditioner to make sure it is ready for use. Checking this fluid can be a bit tricky, but it's better than having a mechanic handle it when you fill up more when it's not needed. Before you begin, you must obtain the correct AC meter and the right thermometer from an auto parts store. If your coolant level turns out to be low, you can easily recharge the system with accessories from the auto parts store. 7. Washing liquid The windscreen washer fluid does not keep your engine running but is very helpful so you can see it more easily while driving. Checking the washing liquid is easy. Most cars have opaque wash fluid tanks with a label on the cap such as "windshield" or "washer". You should be able to see interior without removing the cap. Otherwise, it should only rotate as the fluid is not under pressure or dangerous. If you need more fluid, do not use only soap and water. Get some washing liquid that has been developed for handling insects and road dirt. If you are completely out of the house because of a dirty drive, the window cleaner you use at home can be used until you get washing liquid.

10 Ways to take care of your car engine.

1.
Replace the spark plugs and cables

An easy way to proactively protect your engine is to replace the spark plugs and cables. The wires going out from your distributor send electrical current to the spark plugs, which then create a spark to ignite the fuel and air mixture in your cylinders. They are used frequently and can cause your engine to run very rough when they get too old.
When changing the spark plugs of your engine, be sure to change the cables at the same time to make sure you get the best possible spark plug current. If you change the plugs and cables regularly, it strengthens the life of the car. 

2.
Protect the starting and stopping of driving

Your engine is designed to operate, but runs much better and lasts longer when operated at a constant speed. It would wear off if you only increase the speed to stop every few minutes.
If possible, stay on the highway and keep speed and speed at a constant level. You'll find that fuel economy is better and your engine is likely to last longer if your driving habits allow relatively constant fuel consumption. 

3.
Replace the fuel filter

The fuel filter collects any particles or debris that are harmful to the engine and holds it in a canister, similar to your oil filter.If the filter has not been changed for a long time, it is a good idea to replace it to keep the engine running smoothly. If your filter is easily accessible, this repair is not too difficult. However, some filters may be difficult to achieve. If you can not access your car's fuel filter, take it to a mechanic to replace it.

4.
Follow-up when car warning lights come on
This may seem obvious, but if you fail to have your car checked when one of the vehicle's warning light comes on, you can neglect a serious problem. The engine test lamp and other warning lights may come on for a number of reasons. But you will not know until you get it checked out.

In addition to the typical check engine light, many cars have several other lights that indicates a problem. To protect your engine, either run a diagnostic test when the lamp is on, and then fix the problem yourself or take it to a qualified mechanic to test it and do the work.

5.
Check your belts

The function of a belt varies, but some of its main tasks are the operation of the fan, the water pump, the alternator, and the air conditioning.
When your engine is on, your belts will run. In other words, they are much used. They usually last a long time, but eventually show signs of wear and tear. If the belt breaks while driving, the engine can be severely damaged. Check your straps by turning them slightly to see if they show visible cracks. A twisting belt may also indicate that it needs to be adjusted or replaced.

6.
Fill up your gas tank before it gets too flat

Gasoline contains a certain amount of sediment that settles to the bottom of your gas tank. After years of driving around and many refueling operations, there may actually be a lot of garbage on the bottom of your fuel tank. Your fuel filter catches a lot of this sediment and keeps it away from the fuel lines of your car and your engine. However, if you drive your car to a stop all the time, pull out the rest of the barrel and all the extra garbage that has accumulated there.

If the sediment passes through the fuel filter, it may get into the engine and cause internal damage. It deposits dirt in areas where it should not be and causes your fuel system and other parts of your engine to work harder. It's recommend that you always have half a tank of fuel. You may not want to fill up that often, but make sure you do not empty the gasoline until it stops.

7.
Check for leaks

You do not have to be a mechanic to detect a leak. In fact, sometimes you do not even have to see it ,you can just smell it. Oil and antifreeze are the two main fluids that you want to make sure they do not come out of your engine.

Strong heat and pressure can cause the engine hoses to fail. Old and cracked rubber engine hoses may leak antifreeze or other liquids your engine needs. In other areas where leaks often occur, two parts combine with a rubber seal and silicone. Over time, these gaskets may break down, causing oil or other fluids to escape from the engine, or cause fluids to enter the wrong areas of the engine.

8.
Keep the engine breathing

Cars need a constant flow of air. In addition to fuel, air is the next essential ingredient to keep the engine running. The air must enter the engine continuously, without restriction and without deposits.
Air filters prevent external waste such as insects, leaves and dirt from entering the engine. Over time, these filters can become clogged with dirt and must be replaced. Depending on your driving habits and road conditions, an air filter can usually have a long life. However, if the filter becomes too dirty and does not do its job efficiently, it can either cause the lack of oxygen in your engine.

9.
Keep the cooling system running

In addition to the oil change, there is another aspect that you can not overlook; the cooling system. The cooling system consists of radiator, thermostat, water pump and coolant. The easiest way to protect your engine from overheating is to ensure that the right amount of coolant is circulating in your engine.

The coolant circulates through your engine when the thermostat detects that the engine is getting hot and needs to be cooled down. The water pump then sucks coolant out of the radiator, sends it into the engine block and then back to the radiator to cool it down. To inspect the coolant level, lift the hood and look at your coolant tank. It is a clear tank with a green or orange liquid. Make sure that the coolant is above the minimum level but below the maximum level.

10.
Change the oil regularly

It's vital to regularly change the oil of your engine. Oil keeps important engine parts well lubricated so they do not overheat. Your engine will not work without it, and if you wait too long between oil changes, your engine may be permanently damaged over time.

Suggestions on when to change your oil varies, but the latest standard for modern cars is to change oil every 8,047 kilometers. Some engines can run longer, while some older engines require it earlier. Since it is about proactively protecting your engine, be sure to read the car manufacturer's recommendations for the oil change interval of your vehicle.

Bugatti Centodieci

The new Bugatti Centodieci, Only 10 will be made, price tag of £8 million and to qualify to buy, you must have had either a Veyron or Chiron in your collection.    Well, it got sold out at the unveiling.

Smart locations to import your cars from the USA

When buying your car from USA, one thing you should never overlook is the distance between the location of the car and the closest port of exit. This is very critical because it's a major determining factor of the total cost of landing your car to Nigeria especially for those on a budget. If you don't pre-determine the distance to the closest port before buying your car, you may end up paying up to additional N900,000 ($2,500) to transport your car within the United States in a bid to get it to the port. Then you'll pay another N306,000 ($850) as ocean freight from the US port to the Nigerian port. That's a total cost of N1,206,000 ($3,350) as against a total cost that can be as low as N360,000 ($1,000) if the car is purchased at a location very close to the port. Certainly, no one will be happy with such a deal. Don't make the mistake of buying a 2005 Toyota Corolla from Alaska thinking you will get it to Nigeria at a good price. The trucking and shipping cost alone will shake your bank account without mercy.

I decided to write about this because it's one of the most popular questions we receive from our Autojosh followers. Some were even forced to ask after they had made the mistake of buying their cars from a wrong location. One bought his car in Alaska while the other bought his in Hawaii. They were excited by the cheap prices they saw on online auctions but immediately realised it was a bad idea when they received the invoices from their shipping agents after the bids had been won. The person that bought from Hawaii got an outrageous bill of about $3,700 to get his 2006 Toyota Rav4 to Lagos. They eventually returned the cars to wherever they were bought as shipping to Nigeria wouldn't have made any economic sense. Note that auction companies usually charge a fees for such returns.


Photo from marylandports.com

Today, we'll be looking at the location of 11 USA ports through which you can easily ship your cars to Nigeria as well as the Shipping lines that sail from those ports:

1. Baltimore, Maryland: Grimaldi and Sallaum Shipping Line

2. Boston, Massachusetts: Sallaum

3. Freeport, Texas: Sallaum

4. Galveston, Texas: Grimaldi.

5. Jacksonville, Florida: Grimaldi and Sallaum

6. Newark, New Jersey: Sallaum

7. New York (NYCT): Grimaldi

8. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Sallaum

9. Providence, Rhode Island: Grimaldi

10. Savannah, Georgia: Grimaldi

11. Wilmington, Delaware: Grimaldi

Most people prefer to ship their cars through Grimaldi as the cost of clearing cars that arrive on Sallaum can be more expensive especially in the case of more recent cars.

After you've determined the port through which your car will be shipped, the next step will be to calculate the shipping cost. Our next post will be about how to calculate the estimated cost of shipping your car from USA to Nigeria.

Is there any other port or shipping line you've shipped through recently? Tell us about it in the comment section if we don't have it on this list.

Don't forget to like, rate and share.

https://autojosh.com/11-usa-ports-cars-ship-to-nigeria

End of the Shift Levers

Car Trends come and go mostly...but some are so fundamental to what the car is that their replacement is bound to be controversial.. The Shift Lever is one of them.

Car manufactirers in recent times have decided to do away with the traditional shift lever in automatic transmission and replace them with either buttons or rotary knobs..This removes the feeling from holding on to the lever and actually shifting something...opinions are divided on this new trending the automobile industry..Tell us what you think ?

Automobile designs, When they get it not "quite right" ?

Car Manufacturers do sometimes get it wrong with a new design, so bad feedback from car buyers shows an outgoing model of a car looks way better than a new redesign... Which is why car Manufacturers do something called Mid-Cycle refresh...meaning in the middle of production, some mainly usually cosmetic changes are introduced...Here are three Manufacturers that did just that.
Toyota: Toyota Camry.
When the 2012 Model year was unveiled in 2011, it faced criticism for it's boring design which has seemed to be the hall mark of Toyota. Bland designs but reliable. The criticism must have been felt by Toyota executives all over that two years into the Model year, Toyota came up with a mid cycle facelifting...some could have confused it for a totally newer model. This update ran for the remainder of the production and was praised for it's much more improved sporty aesthetic.

Hyundai : The Hyundai Elantra

The 2012 to 2015 Hyundai Elantra was a master piece, the curves on that vehicle coupled with the right pricing made it the best selling hyundai Model in North America, it particularly became a top selling Model in Nigeria too. One would have thought it's replacement would use the same formula but looked liked the guys at Hyundai got intoxicated and tried to go conservative. It went South..


The Model that replaced it has been described as drab and uninspiring.


Mercedes Benz : E Class.
Mercedes also had it's fair share of Midlife Crisis in the aesthetics department for it's best selling sedan...This E Class first introduced in 2009 as a 2010 Model year got heavily revised in 2013, the E-Class was comprehensively facelifted, featuring significant styling changes, fuel economy improvements and updated safety features. Daimler invested close to €1 billion into the development of the extensive refresh, making it likely the most expensive mid-life facelift in the history of the automobile. The biggest change was the singular front lights replacing the twin headlamp design (marking the end of Mercedes's dual headlamps use) with integrated LED DRL'shttps://www.nairaland.com/4833358/automobiles-designs-when-get-it#72777731

Bentley & Rolls Royce : Shared history and separated at Rebirth

Bentley and Rolls-Royce are probably best known Britain’s luxury car producers. They are strikingly different yet strikingly similar at the same time which is a result of their history which became permanently intertwined in the early 1930s when Bentley was acquired by Rolls-Royce. Another thing both luxury cars have in common is the fact that both were created by motoring pioneers who were driven by the passion for cars and engineering.

About Bentley



Bentley was founded in 1919 by W. O. Bentley and his brother H. M. Bentley. Their first sports vehicle (a chassis, to be more precise) – the Bentley 3 Litre was shown at the London Motor Show in the same year, while the first cars were delivered in 1921. It was considerably larger from other sports cars at the time but with its innovative technology, the Bentley 3 Litre soon ended the domination of tiny sports cars in racing and attracted a lot of attention among the wealthy British car enthusiasts who formed the so-called Bentley Boys. And it was one from the Bentley Boys – Woolf Barnato who helped the company during financial hardship although W.O. was forced to give up his ownership of the company and become an employee instead. Under Barnato, Bentley produced five more models including the famous Speed Six which is the most successful racing Bentley of all times. After victory of Speed Six at Le Mans of 1930, Bentley would need 73 years to win another
About Rolls-Royce



Rolls-Royce was created by Sir Henry Royce and Charles Rolls in 1904. Just like Bentleys, Rolls-Royces immediately attracted attention among car enthusiasts. But in contrary to Bentley, Rolls-Royce focused on pure luxury especially after the introduction of the iconic Silver Ghost with its own personal licence plate and aluminium trims. And while Bentley was struggling with financial problems, Rolls-Royce successfully withstood the Stock Market Crash of 1929 although it had to close its factory in the United States. However, Rolls-Royce prematurely lost one of its founders as Charles Rolls was killed in a plain crash in 1910, aged only 32.
Rolls-Royce Acquires Bentley

Bentley was severely hit by the Great Depression and in 1931, Barnato notified the lenders he is no longer able to meet the debts he had guaranteed for. The court appointed a Receiver to Bentley and in November 1931, the company was bought by the British Central Equitable Trust which was in reality Rolls-Royce. From the acquisition of Bentley by Rolls-Royce, the future development of both car producers became intertwined with Bentley being dependant on the Rolls-Royce’s owner. This, however, has been shown to have no effect on the brand. Just like Rolls-Royce remains associated with pure luxury, Bentley remains associated with top sports cars and high performance for increased driving experience.
While the Bentley is known for it's racing heritage even with its tonnes of luxury features, the RR is geared more towards a luxury touring experience, so we could conveniently say the Bentley is the car you wanna drive, the Rolls Royce is the one you want to be driven in. olls-Royce Acquires Bentley

Bentley was severely hit by the Great Depression and in 1931, Barnato notified the lenders he is no longer able to meet the debts he had guaranteed for. The court appointed a Receiver to Bentley and in November 1931, the company was bought by the British Central Equitable Trust which was in reality Rolls-Royce. From the acquisition of Bentley by Rolls-Royce, the future development of both car producers became intertwined with Bentley being dependant on the Rolls-Royce’s owner. This, however, has been shown to have no effect on the brand. Just like Rolls-Royce remains associated with pure luxury, Bentley remains associated with top sports cars and high performance for increased driving experience.
While the Bentley is known for it's racing heritage even with its tonnes of luxury features, the RR is geared more towards a luxury touring experience, so we could conveniently say the Bentley is the car you wanna drive, the Rolls Royce is the one you want to be driven in.

Rolls Royce vs Bentley coming right up

I Just Got Married And This Is My Story (Part Two)

I Just Got Married And This Is My Story

(Part Two)

           

Image Source: www.onthewall.com

I was overwhelmed by the number of hotels in Lagos. Every hotel I checked seemed to be lacking something until I checked the next one. In all this, I had written down the criteria for selecting my dream hotel. I wanted a 4-star luxury hotel with fully air conditioned and spacious rooms, a jacuzzi,  TV with satellite reception, swimming pool, a beautiful hallway for pictures, a bar for the guys to hangout, full-length mirrors for my girls to take selfies (winks, we are vain like that), free Wi-Fi internet, just to mention a few.

“You know your guests will be too tired to use all of these”. Tobi, my wedding planner said during one of our many sessions together. “They are only lodging for two nights”, she further added. “I just want my guests to have the best time of their lives during those two days. I want it to be like a perfect getaway from all the hustling and bustling activities of Lagos. Is it too much to ask?” I lamented.

Still, my search for the perfect hotel went on. I was bent on selecting a hotel that had everything on my checklist, and this was quite difficult to find. And the D-day was fast approaching.

One of my last days at work before the D-day, Meg, the VP of the company where I work, approached me to ask if I needed any assistance. ‘I can’t seem to find my dream hotel’, I cried out in frustration. ‘That’s quite funny’, she said. ‘You must be checking the wrong places’, she further added. 

Once again, I went through the ritual of listing the important things I wanted my dream hotel to have. Which was what I had been telling anyone that cared over the past days. “Your description fits Ibis Hotel Ikeja, Meg exclaimed. “You can also check out Apartment Royale in Opebi. My friend lodged there during her honeymoon and she enjoyed her stay” she added.

After much comparison and deliberations, Le Boo and I eventually settled for both hotels.  One for family and friends and the other for the bridal crew. And we got a whooping 50% discount on our hotel reservations. I later learnt from Meg that the company offers amazing discounts to guests from time to time. You can be on the lookout, so you don’t miss out on this type of ‘awoof’.

To say I was happy with the choice we made will be an understatement. I was over the moon. And thanks to Meg, we were able to save 50% of our intended budget on hotel reservations. Awesome, right?

I Just Got Married And This is My Story (Part One)

I Just Got Married And This is My Story

(Part One)

 Image Source: www.trend-chaser.com

Saturday, the 18th of February, 2017 will forever be etched in my memory. Not because I won the Olympic medal I have always been dreaming about. No, not yet. Neither is it because I bought my dream car – the red mini cooper 2016 edition. Oh well, I know God is working things out for me and very soon my red mini cooper will arrive (giggles). And until then, I patiently await ‘her’ arrival.

But that is not the essence of this story. The gist of this story is about the milestone that I just achieved. Yes, you guessed right. After several years of waiting and praying, I finally got married to the love of my life. And this is a recap of the unending episodes that preceded the d-day.

Like every excited bride-to-be, I looked forward to the wedding date with so much glee. Being a daddy’s girl meant that I had to get married in my dad’s church. And since it was also the church I worshiped, I had no issue with it. However, I found the compulsory 6 months pre-marital counseling period too long. More gut wrenching were the rules ‘le boo’ and I had to abide by if we wanted the church to certify us ‘marriage-worthy’.

‘Your skirt must be more than 3 inches below your knee. You must always tie a scarf to church. You must not have those ‘so-called’ artificial nails on when coming to this church. Trousers are not allowed in this church for whatever reason, you are not here to seduce the church members’. I sat down and listened to Madam Liz, the woman in charge of the pre-marital counseling, as she read out the rules to us.

‘Why are all the rules meant for only me?’ I asked Madam Liz. ‘ We are serious minded people in this church. If you want to do fashion parade, go to your Lekki church where you people dress half-naked to the house of God every Sunday’, she said. Just know we cannot join you together in this church if you refuse to change your bad attitude’, she further added. Since I had made up my mind that my wedding was going to be conducted in my dad’s church, I decided to abide by their rules, although grudgingly and reluctantly.

Weeks seemed to be taking forever to end. While the days dragged by like a snail in an Olympics. However, each new day brought the ‘d-day’ closer. And before I knew it, it was three weeks to the wedding day. It then came to my realization that I still had a lot of things to to. Despite the fact that I had a wedding planner, I wanted to do some things myself. And since I work for the number one hotel booking portal in Africa, I decided to book the hotel rooms where our guests will be lodged myself.

Since I wanted my guests to be lodged in one of the best hotels in Ikeja, I decided to approach the Vice President of the company, Meg, to ask for recommendations. Unknowingly to me, the company was offering a whooping 50% discount on all hotel reservations made during the Valentine’s season. And since my wedding date fell within this period, I was eligible to use the voucher codes.

...to be continued

6 Travel Hacks for Frequent Business Travelers

Traveling for business purposes is commonplace these days. Most job descriptions require that employees travel at least two times in a year while some others travel on a monthly basis. For those employees that travel frequently, planning the trip can be a very stressful task for them. As they are always faced with recurring issues of choosing which airline to fly with, what hotel accommodation to lodge in while in the destination, as well as things to carry along with them for the trip. If you happen to belong to this category of people, then your problem is about to be over. Below are 6 travel hacks to help you in planning your next business trip.

1. Make a Travel Checklist

It is very pertinent that you make a checklist of the things you will need for your trip. Even if you travel regularly, there is a chance that you might forget something. To prevent this from happening, always use a travel checklist. Keep crossing off things on the list until you are sure you have all the items you need for your trip.

2. Pay a Premium for Direct Flights

Paying a premium for direct flights will save you a lot of time and stress in airport lobbies. Apart from it being time efficient, it is also cheaper to fly from point A to point B instead of breaking the journey and boarding flights from different locations, you will most likely spend more. If you are having a hard time getting cheap rates for direct flights to your destination, then check an online portal for flight booking to get best rates.

3. Check in Online

There is no better way to save time than to check in online. Most airline companies now let customers check in online within 24 hours of their flight. This is in a bid to help customers save the time spent on long security lines at the airport, especially those that are not checking in any baggage. More so, checking in online prevents unexpected delays that happen on travel days.

4. Book your Hotel Accommodation Online Prior to Your Departure

To save you the hassle of being stranded when you get to your destination, it is better to book your hotel online prior to your departure. There are online hotel booking sites with a comprehensive list of hotels where you can book an accommodation close to your destination.

5. Arrive Early

Arriving early to the airport will save you a lot of stress associated with business travel. In a nutshell, business travel entails preparing for the unforeseen, such as unexpected gate changes, long taxi lines, flight delays and security check-points. By getting to the airport early, you give yourself the extra time to deal with the unexpected occurrences.

6. Travel Light

Experienced business travelers know the danger of traveling with too much load. From long delay at the checking-in section to annoying security checks at the airport. As such, it is always better to travel with a light luggage. To achieve this, make sure you pack clothing and shoes with similar colours. That way, you won’t have to bother whether the clothes match or not.   

Being single is not a reason to stay indoors on Valentine’s Day. You deserve to have fun irrespective of whether you have a partner or not. Valentine’s Day is not the time to be gloomy and sad about your single status. Rather, it is the time to get up and explore the world around you. There are so many fun things to do by your self this Valentine season. Some of them include:

1. Treat Yourself

Most single people find the idea of taking themselves out on a date very awkward. Although it may seem strange, it is one of the best ways to find happiness alone. There are so many places you can go on a date all by yourself. One of the best options is to go to a hotel near you and treat yourself to a nice and affordable buffet. Sheraton Lagos Hotel, for instance, offers tasty and mouth watery buffet to guests at an affordable price.

2. Go Shopping

Spoil yourself by going shopping this Valentine season. Buy yourself that dress you have been day dreaming about all this while. You can also go shopping in the company of your single friends to make it more interesting and memorable.  

3. Travel Solo

Another fun thing to do on Valentine’s Day if you are single is to travel solo. There is no better time to explore the world than when you are single and free. You can start by touring points of interest close to you before embarking on long distance trips. You can travel by air or by road. But for an interstate trip, I will suggest you go by road so you don’t miss out on the interesting sights by the road side.

4. Go Kayaking

There is nothing more fun than going kayaking on Valentine’s Day. Kayaking is the perfect fun and relaxing activity to do all by yourself. Apart from offering you a chance to get close to nature, kayaking is also a good way to relieve stress. It is great for aerobic exercise and offers upper body conditioning. So you see, going kayaking is actually a good decision to make this Valentine season.

5. Read a Book

If you have not had time to read On Becoming by Toke Makinwa, then this is the perfect time to do that. There is no better time to relax with a good book than on Valentine’s Day. Avoid reading academic books this season. Valentine’s Day is not the time to get too serious, just relax, read and enjoy!

6. Host a Singles Party

If you prefer the company of other people to being alone, then host a party for your single friends. You don’t have to go overboard in your budget for the party. A few drinks and finger foods will do. The aim of the party is for you and your fellow single friends to have unwind and have fun while enjoying the company of each other. 

10 Must have Items for any business Trip

Trying to decipher what to pack for a business trip can be a very daunting task for a first time business traveller. Even the regular business travellers do encounter difficulty when it comes to making a list of important things to carry along. If you happen to be caught in this web, then you need not worry. Below is a list of ten important items to carry along with you for your next business trip:

1. Laptop

A laptop is a very important item to carry along for a business trip. This is because the computers at the business-centre in your hotel accomodation might not have the software you require. As such you will be better off if you carry along your personal computer or a wide-screen tablet to help you keep tabs on your daily assignments.

2. Plug Adapter

Instead of relying on your hotel accomodation to provide a plug adapter for you, it’s better you bring yours along with you for any business trip. A plug adapter can come in handy at any time during your business trip, such as charging your laptop, mobile phones, and other electronic devices that require charging. 

3. Portable WiFi

Not all hotels provide free internet services to their guests. And connecting to the paid internet services available in the hotel can be quite expensive. As such, it is important you carry your portable WiFi along with you everytime you are going on a business trip. This will save you the extra cost of paying to use the internet. It will also keep you connected to the internet at all times so that you do not miss out on important mails.

4. Plenty of Business Cards

It is a bad idea to run out of business cards while on a trip. So always ensure you tuck extra business cards into your briefcase, wallet/purse, luggage as well as your suit pockets. This way, you will hardly run out of them while on a business trip.

5. A Name Badge

A professional name badge is important for networking during business trips. Do not rely on the hosting organization to design a name badge for you, as they may not get it right.

6. A Memory Stick

A memory stick is as important as a laptop. As such, always ensure you take it along with you when going for a business trip. As you may need it to copy or transfer presentation files to other people while networking.

7. The Right Clothes

When preparing for a business trip, always ensure you research the prevaling weather condition in your travel destination. This will enable you pack the right type of clothing you will need throughout your stay.

8. Water Bottle

Taking a water bottle along with you during your business trip is a good decision. As this will save you the cost of buying bottled water everytime. This is one of the best investment a cost-conscious person embarking on a business trip can make.

9. A Sizable Luggage

A durable and sizeable luggage is one of the most inportant items to carry along with you for a business trip. In fact, it is the first item you think of when preparing to travel for business purpose. As such, it is expedient you invest in a durable one of moderate size. So you don’t buy a new luggage everytime you intend to go on a business trip.

10. A Camera / Smart Phone

A camera will come in handy at those moments you sneak out of your hotel accomodation to get a view of the city. If you can’t get your hands on a good camera, then take a smart phone with a high resolution camera along with you. This will help you memorialize an important meeting or occasion.

5 Best Places to Visit in Lagos

The hustling and bustling associated with our daily lives may deprive us of that special time with our families, friends or loved ones. Besides Lagos being the busiest state in Nigeria, it also has some of the best places, restaurants, movie centers and what have you. There is a wide variety of places in Lagos to choose from such as cheap and affordable hotels, ice cream factories, beautiful beaches as well as exquisite hotels. If you are based in Lagos, or planning a trip to Lagos very soon, here is a list of the five best places to visit with your friends and loved ones:

1. Terra Kulture

Terra Culture, Nigeria’s foremost cultural center, is one of the best places to visit in Lagos. It is located in the buzzing business district at the heart of Victoria Island, and serves as a cultural and recreational hub in Lagos. It attracts a large number of crowd from far and near places. Here, you can appreciate beautiful pieces of artwork with your spouse, enjoy tasty delicacies at the restaurants situated in the premises, or even take in

 the beautiful view of the surroundings.

2. La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort

La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort is one of the best places in Lagos where you can enjoy a romantic getaway with your spouse. With its beautiful and serene environment, couples are bound to forget their worries while enjoying each others company. The beach resort is intertwined in the core freshness of nature amongst virgin trees and the beautiful view of the alluring romantic reflection of the setting sun upon the calm surface of the Atlantic Ocean.

3. Bheerhugz Cafe

If you are looking to go hangout with your friends, then Bheerhugz Cafe is one of the best places to visit for that purpose. It is a stylish lounge perfect for personal, corporate, group and social hangout. Situated in the high brow areas of Lagos State, Bheerhugz Cafe is a one-stop place for people looking to relax, unwind and enjoy delicious sumptuous meals prepared by some of the best chefs in town. The cosy longe at Bheerhugz Cafe will give your friends and you an interesting experience whilst you enjoy the thrill and comfort it gives.

4. Eko Hotels and Suites

Eko Hotels and Suites is a perfect location for a romantic get away with your spouse. It is one of the luxury hotels in Nigeria. Located at the center of Victoria Island away from the hustle and bustle of the Lagos metropolis, they offer their walk in guests as well as corporate clients a prefect blend of African delicacies, intercontinental dishes, relaxation and so many fun activities. Overlooking the Eko Atlantic Ocean and City, the hotel is designed for the comfort and convenience of the guest. The hotel prides itself with having banqueting and conference facility that are world class. Eko Hotels and Suites organizes the best themed buffet held every Friday evening where guests are treated to specialties across the globe. You can attend the special themed buffet with your spouse on a quiet Friday night.

5. Ikeja City Mall

Your exploration of the city of Lagos will not be complete if you do not visit Ikeja City Mall. Ikeja City Mall is one of the best places to visit in Lagos. It is a major shopping center and home to cool hangout spots in Lagos. It is a good place to visit with your spouse. There is a wide variety of things you can do in Ikeja City Mall. They vary from seeing the latest blockbuster movie to trying new international cuisines, shopping for groceries at lower prices, buying original make-up or even buying the latest designer outfit.