Top 5 Best Places to Live in Lagos

The city of Lagos is unarguably one of the largest and most important cities in Africa. A former capital city of Nigeria, the city of Lagos serves as the business hub and commercial nerve centre of the country. The city stands at the forefront of economic development and is regarded as the entertainment capital of West Africa.

Lagos is perceived by many as a land of opportunities, this saying hold true as hundreds of buses filled with hopeful economic migrants from all parts of the country pull up at various parks in the city, eager to have a taste of the promise land.

Several internationally owned companies can also be seen springing up as foreign investors and tons of expatriates have seized the opportunity to set up flourishing businesses in the state.

With a rich history that can be traced back to the neo-colonial era, its role as a former capital city and its part in the struggle for independence. Lagos state has easily become the choice place to reside in Nigeria.

Choosing and getting the right place to live in the city can be a little tasking, depending on cost and proximity to major business locations.

Here is a list of some of the best places to live in Lagos:

1.      Yaba:

Yaba is a relatively inexpensive neighbourhood, strategically located between the island and ikeja, the major commercial districts in Lagos. It is home to the major tertiary institutions in the state, the University of Lagos and Yaba College of Technology. Several commercial institutions and major start-ups can be seen springing up in the area, it is fast becoming a commercial treasure trove for tech businesses.

2.      Ikeja:

Ikeja is the oldest serving industrial centre in Lagos. Home to various international companies and Government institutions, including the Governor’s office. Ikeja is one of the best places to live and work. It lies in close proximity to parts like Maryland and Ilupeju.

Ikeja boasts of several relaxation centres, the well visited City Mall and Murtala Muhammed Airport, the busiest airport in the country.

3.      Surulere:

One of the best places to live in Lagos is Surulere. With several residential areas, several small businesses and malls springing up. The area is one of the most ideal residential locations in the state.

4.      Magodo:

Magodo and its environs lie close to Ikeja axis but with little commercial activity around. It is a quiet residential area with very little traffic congestion problem. Magodo GRA Phase 2 is located just across Alausa secretariat.

5.      Victoria Island:

Houses in Victoria Island are mainly for the affluent members of the society, it also serves as one of the most preferred location for large businesses and corporate headquarters. It is one of the best places to live or own a property in. Some of the best hotels in Lagos can also be found in Victoria Island.

A Checklist for Business Travellers

At the top of every business traveller’s struggle list is the query “How can I pack all the essential things but with as like luggage as possible?”  You set out thinking you have everything you need but then just when you arrive at your destination, you realize you forgot an essential item like an electronic gadget or your toiletries.

The key to travelling light but with all the important stuffs you’ll need during your business trip is by creating a checklist covering your essentials. Create a list that helps you remember to pack only the most important things.

Are you planning a business trip within the confines of Nigeria or overseas? This checklist is just as applicable and useful for anyone setting out from Lagos to Port Harcourt to close a local business deal or for people flying out of the country to attend business meetings or conventions.

For major tips on organizing a business travel checklist; here are some of the things to look out for:

Get a carry-on sized bag:

Most business travellers stick to using carryon luggage only. It saves time and reduces the risk of losing your luggage. It is extremely uncomfortable to arrive at your business destination without your work clothes. You don’t have to check your luggage in or wait for it at the other end.

Clothing:

A business traveller’s wardrobe tends to be a lot more conservative. Accessories and catchy outfits are kept at a minimum. A number of factors affect the type and amount of clothing you will need for a trip, stick to packing appropriate business attire that can also play a double role for both meetings and dining out and stick with just a few casual outfits for your free time.

Packing:

The best packing method for your carryon luggage is the Bundle Wrapping Method. You will be surprised by how much of your outfits will be able to fit into your carryon luggage. Roll softer fabric and fold stiffer fabrics. You can also use garment carrier bags when travelling with suits. Ensure you pack and arrange your items strategically, it saves you valuable time and hassle when going through security.

Travel documents and money:

Keep your travel documents organized and in as safe place while travelling. Travel organizers are perfect for storing your travel documents while on the move. Extra copies of your travel documents should be kept separately at all times as you are likely to need some of these items for your journey:

Electronics and Gadgets:

Ensure that your carryon luggage allows you easy access to your laptop, as you have to remove it from your bag when going through airport security. Every business traveller takes a small mobile office along on trips. This includes your mobile phone, laptop, iPad and charger, e-book reader, extension cord or plug Adaptor. Invest in good quality wheeled carryon luggage for business travels, it helps you stay organized and makes it easier for you to work while travelling.

Toiletries:

Minimize the amount of toiletries you put in your carryon bag as much as possible but take the necessary things like your hygiene products and antibacterial wipes, insect repellent or sunscreen lotion.

When arranging, keep your toiletry bag at the top of your carryon bag for easy access. Put all liquids in the right size of containers (less than 100 ml. is the current regulation) and should be in separate clear plastic bags.

Follow TSA regulations:

The Transportation Security Administration screens all aircraft passengers and luggage prior to boarding a commercial aircraft. Restrictions on liquids, gels and aerosols may vary by destination, so, go to the website of your departure airport for information before packing.

Packing for a business trip doesn’t have to be such a herculean task. By preparing in time and sticking only to the essentials, you can focus solely on the trip.

Getting the Revenge Body

Breakups have become harder to handle in recent times especially when combined with work stress and coupled with the inconvenience of budding urban cities in Nigeria. But rather than spending time wallowing in self-pity and health damaging activities, hit the gym. Heartbreaks are life events that offers you the right opportunity to make some changes you have been putting off for years.

Don’t get angry, get healthy. Chanel your frustration on building the life and the body you always wanted. Getting a fab bod is a sure way to remind your ex he made a terrible mistake, it improves your self-esteem, help you live healthily and in no time you forget about whoever dumped you.

Some of the benefits you get from hitting the gym is a perfectly toned body, you look great in pictures and get the right body for those new clothes you have been itching to wear.
Khloe Kardashian’s body is a perfect example of a revenge body, she emerged looking sizzling hot after her divorce with Lamar Odom.
The French-born Orsoni tells clients, "don't get angry, get healthy." She advice's people to channel frustration and anger over a break-up into what she calls 'The VENDETTA”

Let’s take a look at French born Orsoni's 7-step plan to getting over a break-up with what is tagged “The Vendetta Technique”.

STEP 1: Choose Your Enemy

Orsoni advices "You are not trying to destroy your enemy. Instead, you are rebuilding yourself and making yourself more powerful to be better than them." She says “instead of devising a plan of revenge to hurt the other person, this plan will ultimately make you a better person and leave the other in the dust."

STEP 2: Choose Your Vendetta
Statistics show people who write down their goals are 80 percent more likely to achieve them, Orsoni says. She advises to figure out your goal—such as looking and feeling better about yourself--and then write it down.

STEP 3: Cleanup
"Metaphorically annihilate them!" exclaims the weight-loss coach. "Erase the enemy and their friends from your life. Take them off your Facebook, out of your phone, and address book."

STEP 4: Establish a Fanbase
"Tell ONLY your close friends and family about your Vendetta. They will be your support team," Orsoni says. "Get your girlfriends together and watch movies like GI Jane, Waiting to Exhale, Thelma and Louise, and The Women for empowerment and inspiration."

STEP 5: The Vendetta Diet
"Ivana Trump once said 'looking good is the best revenge.' She's right. When you look and feel good, you have more confidence and are ready for action. Throw out junk food, fill the fridge with veggies, and start a new exercise routine like walking with friends for 15 minutes a day."

STEP 6: It's Go Time
"Set small goals for yourself and create a Vendetta Treasure Chest," Orsoni says, "which is a box containing promise notes for rewards when you reach results." These can be 'Get a Massage,' 'Buy a New Outfit,' or getting to wear a sexy red lipstick that you aren't allowing yourself to wear until you've reached your goal. Orsoni says, when your Treasure Chest is empty, you have achieved your Vendetta!

STEP 7: Vendetta Ceremony
Now that you've accomplished your vendetta, "celebrate by throwing a party for yourself or going on a trip. Or gather all of the ex's photos and memorabilia that you no longer want and get rid of it in a symbolic way," she adds.

Remember "The best revenge is when you don’t just look like you’re having an amazing time without you ex, it is when you’re actually having an amazing time without them."

Tips to Survive Economic Recession in Nigeria Today

No one foresaw the economic state of the country today after the change we so desperately sought in the country was handed down to us. We were quick to forget that our value system has become so warped and clung to a wishful clandestine plot of the government to transform our economy miraculously.

We believed the rigour with which the new government fought the state of corruption in the state would also cause drastic developments in all areas, choosing to believe that price of fuel will drop to a mere 10 naira per litre, trusting that there will be uninterrupted power supply and that graduates no longer had to wait several years to get a suitable job.

We chose to believe things couldn’t be so bad, since we were considered the largest economy in Africa, an oil rich country, the purported giant of Africa, but alas, the cost of living has skyrocketed in recent times, the fuel queues wouldn’t disappear, there was no hope in getting PHCN to turn on power for at least 20 mins in a week, the heat emanating from the sun rays has become unbearable, well-paying jobs have become scarce and the foreign exchange rate has become heartbreakingly high.

Rather than rely solely on the government for the change we so need, I believe healthy scepticism is very necessary for survival.

Hence, our survival instinct has to kick in. Here are a few tips on how to survive in the face of the economic instability plaguing our beloved country:

1.      Minimize or stop foreign purchase for now:

I know this is no easy feat, but you have to buy Nigerian to grow the naira. The consolation here though is that our indigenous fashion designer for instance are doing a tremendous job right now. You can get your fashion apparels from stores like ShopMaju or the 5k store. Get your household items, appliances or accessories from online stores in Nigeria. Stick to Jumia online store right now, to avoid the overbearing cost of importation.

2.      Start a business to address unemployment:

If you already have a job, please do everything you can to keep it, as times are hard. However, if you are currently unemployed, the best way to tackle unemployment is through personal empowerment. Entrepreneurship is key, start something today. Even if it’s a small trading business, monetizing your writing, event coordination or planning, get something done.

Tap into the various industries at your disposal, Lagosian love to party, get into a catering business, start small but who knows, you could probably end up catering to bigger events or even be hired as an interior decorator in the homes of some affluent people living in the upscale residential areas of Lekki or Victoria Island.

3.      Use cheap hotels only:

If you have to travel round the country, avoid staying in luxury hotels in Nigeria for now. If you need a place to stay close to the airport, stick to cheap hotels in Ikeja.

The hotels in Lagos and Abuja are considered to be on the high end of the cost spectrum but you can get affordable accommodations online through Jumia Travel, Africa’s no 1 hotel booking portal. You are assured of great deals and amazing discounts on all hotel across the country.

4.      Fight the heat:

To protect yourself from the health consequences of the heat wave, stick to wearing light and loosely fitted clothing, drink plenty of water, use a deodorant spray and wear sunglasses.

5.      Maintain the Nigerian sense of humor:

While we continue to struggle with the seemingly unabating economic hardship, our will to survive should be the greatest resolve. We must ensure that we retain the Nigerian sense of humor, for which we are well known. Humour is a sure way to cope with all the hassle and it lifts all the pressure off us.

5 Lagos four star hotels fit for business travellers

The city of Lagos is fast becoming a treasure trove for foreign expatriates likewise tourists who are regularly admitted into the country. Thereby, increasing the number and quality of accommodation that has to be provided.
There has been recent upsurge in the number of hotels ready to provide world class service and standard within the state, as various investors and stakeholders in the hospitality industry have seen the need to provide the best accommodation and living experience in Lagos at highly competitive rates for both locals and foreigners.
I personally believe you don’t have to splurge on a 5 star hotel to enjoy both quality and comfort.
Here is a list of some of the 4 star hotels in Lagos where quality meets service extraordinaire:

Lilygate:
The Lilygate hotel is located on the Lekki Peninsula, and lies very close to Ikoyi and Victoria Island. The hotel facilities affords both leisure and business travellers the opportunity to enjoy a comfortable stay in a unique ambience. The hotel boasts of a well-equipped gym and an outdoor pool flanked with recliner chairs. The onsite restaurant serves various continental and local a la carte meals. Laundry, airport pickup and car hire services can be arranged on request.

Protea Hotel:
Protea Hotel Victoria Island lies in one of the coolest areas in Lagos. The hotel is strategically located close to the Eko Hotel Roundabout and the South African Embassy. The hotel boasts of an excellent security system, neatly kept and well equipped rooms fitted with comfortable bed, work tables, in room safe and satellite serviced TV.
Protea Hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, conferencing facilities as well as laundry and luggage storage facilities.
The hotel offers a daily complimentary breakfast service. A fitness centre and outdoor pool is also open to all guests. Conferencing facilities are available on site while laundry and luggage storage service can be arranged.

Elion House:
Elion House is strategically located away from the busy corporate district of the island areas in Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi. The rooms are tastefully decorated with a sophisticated residential touch and number of luxury furnishings and facilities. A stay at this rustic styled abode after a busy business day will have you relishing the experience of a new home away from home. The attentive staffs are all too ready to cater to your every need.

Maison Fahrenheit:
Maison Fahrenheit is situated within the prestigious area of Victoria Island, Lagos. The hotel lies in close proximity with several social hubs and corporate offices on the Island. The hotel is very close to Bar Beach and the Palms Shopping Mall in Victoria Island.
Its rooms are well equipped and it offers free wireless internet service to all guests. It restaurants serves both local and continental meals, one of the remarkable things here is that daily breakfast service is complimentary. A gym and swimming pool is also available for use by guests.

Wheatbaker Hotel:
The Wheatbaker hotel lies in the heart of Ikoyi, Lagos. Its proximity to the Lagos business districts of Marina, Ikoyi and Victoria Island makes it perfect for business travellers. The hotel offers corporate travellers all the comfort of a luxury accommodation, all room are tastefully decorated and free WiFi service is available to all guests. The hotel is just about 35 Km from the airport.

5 places to get affordable tasty meals in Owerri

If you are tired of the hassle in Lagos and crave for a much need vacation within Nigeria. I would suggest you go to Owerri, the capital city of Imo State and the heart of Igboland.

A prominent city with reminiscent the the civil war, it contains various statuary memorializing the war.  Owerri city boasts of a rich cultural heritage, breath-taking landscape and a list of tasty local cuisine.

The town is renowned for its local dishes, from Ofe Owerri, a meal prepared with two different vegetable to spicy goat meat pepper soup, you are assured of an amazing culinary experience coupled with a warm welcome to the heartland. Take a tour of some of the various food stalls, street cafés and restaurants you can find in town

Here is a list of some of the places where you can enjoy affordable yet tasty meals in the city of Owerri:

Ukwu Mango:

To enjoy a specially make plate of goat meat pepper soup at an ultra-affordable rate, check out Ukwu Mango. It is one of the most frequented spots in town. Enjoy a combination of the pepper soup with rice or agidi and finish your meal up with a cold bottle of beer.

The restaurant behind ITC Park:

Have a taste of the renowned Owerri delicacy called Ofe Owerri. It is made with an assortment of special condiments, vegetables and meat. It is an affordable yet tasty meal that give you an opportunity to enjoy and appreciate the uniqueness of Owerri’s local cuisine.

Ikenegbu:

During your stay in Owerri, you are privy to not just local dishes but given an opportunity to also enjoy contemporary meals with a local touch. The tasty noodles garnished with suya sauce and tiny chunks of spicy hot suya with egg is something to look forward to. The food stall is strategically located close to the Samsung Plaza. It caters to a number of customers from mid-day till dusk.

Nda Leti:

Nda Leti is a popular local restaurant in Owerri, here you are assured of tasty meals at very reasonable cost. Enjoy a plate of simple meals like rice with assorted stews and well marinated pieces of beef. You are assured of your money’s worth here.

Channel O:

It is one of oldest and well visited street cafés in Owerri. The best place to get affordable and unbelievably tasty shawarma which goes for as low as 600 NAIRA. Here you can enjoy a quick tasty snack fix with friends after taking a tour of the beautiful city.

10 Hotel requirements for business travellers

I had the opportunity to travel a great deal for both leisure and business purposes. So, I can confidently say that what a business traveller wants is different from what a tourist needs at a hotel. While both business and tourist hotels basically need to provide neat and quite rooms, a good business hotel should afford the traveller an option of packing lightly by equipping the rooms with basic items ranging from grooming products to a work desk and a good restaurant.

Here is a list of some hotel services and requirements for business travellers.

1.      Internet Access and enough electric outlets:

A hotel that offers free internet service is fit for business travellers. It makes it easier to access important documents and promptly respond to business mails. Hotels like the Chelsea Hotel offer free WiFi service.

2.      Tiny-in-Room Fridges/Onsite Restaurant:

An onsite restaurant should be available in an ideal hotel. Intercontinental Hotel features a restaurant that serves both local and continental meals while Radisson Blu Hotel offers the option of a buffet breakfast service daily. Rooms should be equipped with tiny refrigerators that contain free bottled water, soda, candies or snacks.

3.      Room Service:

Staying in an hotel that provides room service means you can be sure of getting your meals delivered straight to your room, if you are too busy to go to the restaurant, all your requests can be brought straight to your room and you do not need to clean up, as the room will be made tidy when you want it. Several hotels like Sheraton Hotel provide 24 hours room service.

4.      Sound proof Rooms:

Sound insulated rooms offer a quiet environment for rest and away from distractions.

5.      Work desk and Chairs:

Chairs and tables should be available for performing office tasks.

6.      Concierge service:

An ideal hotel for business travellers must have a concierge desk, with hotel employees who are ready to assist in making reservations and credible recommendations.

7.      Free Local Calls

8.      Beauty Salon:

A beauty parlour and Barbing Salon comes in handy for a quick style fix before attending meetings or seeing business associates.

9.      Efficient Laundry/Dry cleaning Service:

Last minutes laundry and dry cleaning services should be provided by hotel frequented by business travellers.

10. Relaxation facilities:

The availability of relaxation and recreational facilities makes it easy for business travellers to ease the work off.