5 Snapchat tricks every Nigerian should know

Nigerians have proven that Snapchat is indeed addictive! The moment you find anyone with their nose in their phone these days, he or she is most probably checking their feeds and uploading snaps. A user can send any of the “snaps” or images created on the app to friends, including their own personal touch, which delete themselves after a couple of hours.

While the app can create a lot fun, it however has a complex user interface which makes it very hard to use, and as such, so many users are unaware of more than half of the things they could do with it.

For users looking to graduate from the basic level of just sending photos & videos to friends, Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking site has made a list of 5 cool tricks that will ensure users make the most out of the app and even impress their friends.

Add music to your snaps

Unknown to a lot of users, the Snapchat app allows the inclusion of music to videos taken with the app and it is a very easy process. You do not need to play the music in the background while making the video as you may not get the sound quality you desire. All you need to do is play the song you want in your video through a music player app on your smartphone, and while the song is playing, record a video on Snapchat. Magical!

Resize Emoji characters

Sometimes, you want to enlarge an Emoji on your screen or make it smaller. To achieve that, all you need to do is select the one you want to use; next, hit the "T" symbol in the upper right corner; then, using two fingers preferably your index finger and your thumb, zoom in and out of the Emojis. The process of zooming in or out determined how much bigger or smaller you make it eventually.

Switch between cameras while filming

This is a trick that you certainly cannot achieve on other social media apps. Rather than capture your film all from one point of view, you can actually create videos of your face and your POV by swapping between front-facing and rear cameras during your snaps. This does not only make the filming process super fun, it makes the snap very engaging for viewers

See the views your story

The whole point of recording snaps is so people can view it and maybe make their comment, so, naturally, every user will want to know how many views they have per snap, as well discover the identity of the people who made the views. While it seems like there is no option to achieve the latter, it pretty simple. All you need to do is go to the “Stories” tab, available one swipe away from the home page.  A tap on “My Story” reveals an eyeball with a number next to it. Tap on that eyeball and you'll get a drop-down list with the names of all your followers who have viewed it.

Combine two filters in one snap

Every single person on the social media will attest to the fact that filters are the best! Filters can literally transform a look or view and make it much more appealing. Generally, filters make the Snapchat experience  much more exciting, so imagine how much more fun you can have using two filters at once? It is possible!  You can actually use an image filter along with one of the data label filters that are available. All you need to is apply the first filter on a snap, then hold one finger on the display while using another finger to choose between the other filters. It is not tedious at all.

4 signs you are a true Lagosian

Lagos is, without a doubt, the most popular city in Nigeria and possibly Africa. Not only is it cosmopolitan and all-encompassing, it offers countless opportunities to its inhabitants as well as visitors. The city literally adopts thousands of new residents each year and so it has become a daunting task identifying who the real Lagosians are.

Let’s face it, while you may need to have spent a reasonable time living in Lagos, you do not have to be an indigene of the state to be considered a proper Lagosian. There are certain signs that generally suggests that you have shed your “newbie” status and you are officially a true “son of the soil”. Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking portal lists five of these signs.



You do not refer to the state as “Lagos”

Real Lagosians do not refer to the city as ‘Lagos’, a majority use the term “Eko” while the young and trendy use the term “Lasgidi”. If you hear any real Lagosian make reference to “Lagos”, they are most likely talking about the Victoria Island part of the State.

You are always vigilant and in a hurry

Real Lagosians understand the need to always stay sharp and move fast, and it has become second nature to them. You will never catch a true Lagosian keeping his or her things carelessly in public places or walking sluggishly on the streets, especially crowded streets.



The term “owambe” brings you joy

Lagosians love to party and so they find opportunities to make merry. Weekends are basically set aside for owambes…even if Friday nights are spent in one of the many nightclubs and lounges around the city.

You can walk, eat, talk on the phone and hop on a bus, all at the same time

This happens all the time in Lagos. Every true Lagosian operates with the mantra ‘time waits for no man’, so they have learnt tricks and ways to juggle different activities at the same time.

Ndem NkemTravel/Tech Writer
Jovago Nigeria

How to add Geotags to your Instagram pictures

We all love Instagram, especially since the messages – pictures and videos - are uniquely instant. There are however moments where we are unable to remember the location of some pictures or videos but would like share that information on our walls anyways.


For instance, you may have returned to Nigeria from a trip to Ghana and want to post a picture you took of Kwame Nkrume’s statue at the park but find you are unable to indicate that it was taken while you were in Ghana. In such situations you realize that you may succeed in posting these throwback pictures but you may not be able to use the geotag feature as Instagram cannot find locations after you have left the spot.


Geotagging adds a level of originality to posts and for picture taking purpose, it is important to make sure that Location Service is turned on for every Camera App you use, including Instagram. However if you took the photo somewhere else, not the place where you are uploading the photo from, and the image file does not contain that specific info, and you determined to geotag it on Instagram, Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking has some steps that could be of immense help.

Step 1:

Login to your Instagram app and using the file picker, select the photo or Video to which you want to add location.

Step 2:

Once you are on the photo page, at the bottom-right corner, next to the ‘Like’ and ‘Comment’ buttons, you will find an icon with three-dots. Tap on this icon and select the ‘Edit’ option from the list of menu presented.

Step 3:

The option takes you to the edit page, where you can edit the picture, including the photo caption and the location. If per chance the photo does not include location info, look for an ‘Add Location’ link at the top left corner, just under your username and next to your avatar. Tap on the link to edit the location.


Step 4:

From the suggested list the pops up, pick a suitable location. If you do not see the location you want, search for it, and when you find the location, tap on it. This step is the key to adding the location to your photo.


Step 5:

On completing Step 4, you should see your newly added location shown on the photo. To ensure it the amendment is saved, confirm the change by tapping on the “Done” button.


Ndem Nkem
Travel/Tech Writer
Jovago Nigeria

Ikeja, the heartbeat of Eko

Lagos’ fascinating capital, and the administrative capital of Lagos state, Ikeja is historic yet modish, bureaucratic yet malleable, and multicultural to its roots. It has all the advantages of a big city: rich culture, lively nightlife, international restaurants and good transport- although quite rowdy with a lot of road traffic. Wherever else you go in Lagos, allow at least a little time for Ikeja, undoubtedly a thriving, cosmopolitan metropolis, with top-flight architecture, and is eternally a trendy spot for weekend getaways and holidays. It is a center of Lagosian culture that you cannot afford to neglect.



TOP 3 SITES

Kalakuta Republic Museum

This fascinating museum is the former house and revolutionary headquarters of music Legend, Fela Kuti. It still features most of his property in its original form, from Fela’s bedroom to his underwear.

Computer village

Also popularly known as Otigba, Computer village which was created in 1997 is a large market for computer sales and repair services, as well as various types of office equipment and electronic devices.

Ikeja City Mall

One of the largest malls in Lagos State and certainly the Largest in Ikeja, Ikeja City Mall attracts a lot of visitors, both locals and tourists. Aside from shops, hair salons and eateries, it also has a cinema.

LODGING

Lodging in Ikeja is cheap compared to Victoria Island and Ikoyi, with a touch of charm and elegance. Hotel accommodation includes luxury hotels, star-rated hotels, boutique hotels, motels/inns and apartments for rent. Hotels can be booked online before you arrive at very reasonable prices via Jovago.com.



DINNING

Ikeja can hold its own with any intercontinental city when it comes to eating out, and whatever your taste, price range or preferred type of cuisine there is almost always for you.  As for where to eat, the distinction between the city’s bukkas, fast food joints/eateries, café-bars and restaurants is quite clear, and there are number of great places around the city. For visitors who enjoy drinking, many of the more distinctive bars are handily located in the G.R.A area. Some of the favourites include Red lounge and Pool terrace Bar.



SHOPPING

Ikeja is a city of contrasts with enormous diversity when it comes to places of interest and where to shop. The city has a supreme selection of small, independent shops, a marvelous range of open-air markets as well as covered shopping “streets” and a number of charming galleries. Alade market located on Allen avenue Ikeja is known to be one of the most expensive markets in the city. Shops and stores are open from as early as 8am to 6pm or 7pm Monday through Saturday. Some tourist-oriented shops open on Sundays as well.

FUN FACTS

“IKEJA” is an abbreviation meaning Ikorodu and Epe Joint Administration. It was coined by colonial administrators for ease of administration. It is also said to be fromIkehdia a Benin word meaning Watch Station (military).

Ndem Nkem
Travel/Tech Writer
Jovago Nigeria

4 Reasons why Nigerians Prefer Online Dating

With the proven statistics that there are more women than men in Nigeria, it is ironic that some men visit online dating site in search of love despite the sheer number of beautiful women on the streets of Lagos and other states. Today, there are hundreds of Nigerian dating sites. You just need to Google Nigerian dating sites and the rest is left to you. The question is why do some Nigerians visit these sites? Jovago.com, Africa's No 1 hotel booking portal shares 4 reasons.  

Easily intimidated by women

Some men freak out when it comes to interacting with women, let alone a woman they are interested in. For them to woo her is wahala. She is expecting and anxious to hear what you have to say because she is willing to give you a chance but you shy away with your tails in between your legs. For this type of men, dating sites is an easy way out of this anomaly. You will find men and women on these sites to select from.

Indulge  

Some Nigerians do not believe in online dating but they are tempted to join the bandwagon because they can give a false impression of themselves. They source pictures of others and use it as their display picture, cut their ages, and say they are single while dating. Even if they meet someone charming online, they are never serious because they are just there for fun!  



You are single

A dating site is a hub for meeting supposed singles. If you are single, you can check these sites out and if you are lucky, you will meet another single. Before you know it, you are already dating!

To heal Heartbreak

If you just broke up with your long-term partner and want to get over the heartbreak as quickly as possible, some people venture into the world of online dating. Often times than not, they are not interested in any online interactions or relationship because they want to purge themselves of the heartbreak.



Ogunfowoke Adeniyi
Travel/Technology Writer

How to get Complaints Resolved via Social Media

Social media can be used to do a lot of things today including to complain and get the complaint resolved. Twitter is one of the best interactive networks to use to get a quick response especially as many organizations now have a strong Social Media presence.


With the versatility of social media, some users still have problems with making complaints and having them resolved. Sequel to this, Jovago.com, Africa's No 1 hotel booking portal gathers tips on how to get complaints resolved via Social Media.

Contact official channels

All serious organization own a website. On these websites, you can get the contact information of the company. Using the contact info, you can either call or send a mail. If you do not get a response or get an unsatisfactory response, you can take it to social media.

Check their reply speed on twitter

Despite the fact that some businesses have Twitter or Facebook accounts, they may not be active and may take them forever to reply to your complaints. Hence, before you send a tweet, you should check how quick they respond to complaints and if they actually resolved it.



Send them a direct message

If you are not happy with their response offline, it is time to take it online. You can send them a direct message whether their handle is active or not. If you do not get a favourable response, you should take it public.  



Tweet publicly and politely

Responsible businesses prevent crisis rather than fanning it. The direct message may be futile but the public tweet will not. So, you send a series of tweets featuring your complaints. Do not forget to tag some the service companies and influencers that can help you retweet the message to their followers. At this juncture, do not be surprised at how swift they will pacify you. Social media further cement the saying that that the customer is always right. Remember, do not use abusive words while tweeting.

Thank them when complaint is resolved

Most customers do not do this. When you are eventually satisfied with their reply, it will be nice to send a tweet appreciating their response and if their offer you an incentive to pacify you, you should also mention it in the tweet.  




Ogunfowoke Adeniyi

Travel/Technology Writer

Four Places Where you Should not Keep your Phone

Your phone is a valuable asset and losing it or getting it damaged can cost you a lot of money and emotional stress. If you do not want to experience any of this, Jovago.com, Africa's no 1 hotel booking portal points out places you should never leave your phone.

In the sun

Many people know that they should not just drop their phones in the sun but some others have inadvertently left it in the sun while washing or working outside their home. Extreme heat or cold are not good for electronical appliances. So keep it away from harmful weather to extend its lifespan.  

Your back pocket

Carrying your phone in your back pocket is not a good idea. Many people have damaged their phones, especially the screen, just by forgetting their phones in their pockets. Besides the physical damage, the phone may overheat and is susceptible to theft there.



Bottom of a bag

As a regular traveler, you may have had to live through the experience of having your phone go missing and as a result adopted the precautionary measure of hiding it at the bottom of a bag. While doing this has its perks, it can begin to malfunction due to the heat or pressure from moving the bag from place to place. Your best bet would be to use an inner side-pocket in the bag or under the first few layers of items within it.



In proximity to a cooker

In an attempt not to miss a call, it usual practice to keep your phone close to you even when cooking. This can be very risky as it could result in a fire outbreak. Make it a habit to place your phone far from the fire and increase the volume of your ringtone so that you can hear the call wherever you are.



Ogunfowoke Adeniyi

Travel/Technology Writer

4 Reasons to Drink Palm Wine From Igboland

Palm wine is a local beverage which is dear to many Nigerians. Some people even believe that it is better than factory brewed drinks due to its many health benefits and those who have gulped several gourds with plates of hot pepper soup or peppered goat meat, can testify to its delightful taste. However, if you are yet to savour the sap from southeast Nigeria which doubles as the birthplace of the local drink, you need to put ordering several kegs of the sweet liquid on your bucket list.

If you are in doubt about Igbo palm wine, Jovago.com, Africa’s No. 1 hotel booking portal points out several reasons that will bolster or embolden you to drink this beer a beverage.



It is undiluted

You cannot compare the palm wine sold or tapped in Anambra State to the one sold in Lagos or other parts of Nigeria. Many of these palm wine drinks are already fermented, diluted and adulterated, and this has serious side effects. To a large extent, you can trust that palm wine from this Igboland because it is undiluted and from a credible source.  



Tapped from the source  

The natural taste of palm wine can only be enjoyed if you get it directly from the source. Palm wine is produced by splicing horizontal strips at the top of a palm tree and drilling a hole into the trunk. Afterwards, you attach a container held by a raffia so that the palm wine can drop into the container. It has to be collected daily. Very few people are willing to go through the stress of climbing a tree as tall as 20 metres in a city. But visit the rural areas in the South-East, you will find cheap and quality palm wine direct from the trees.  

A gourd can intoxicate you   

For persons who boasts that they are experts in bingeing, a cup of undiluted palmy, as it is popularly called, will definitely overrule this belief. You can consume liters of alcoholic drinks but you should not attempt this with palm wine as a gourd can get you tipsy while several gourds will get you completely drunk. You have to be disciplined to consume such a natural intoxicant.



It is healthy  

It is quite risky to drink diluted palm wine because many are unaware of the condiments which have been added to pep up the taste. But for the ones directly tapped from the tree, it is very healthy. Some of the health benefits include control of  cardiovascular diseases, slows aging, good eyesight, increased in sperm count and aid milk production in lactating mothers.



Ogunfowoke AdeniyiTravel/Technology Writer