Top 4 content tools for Nigerian Bloggers

With millions of blog posts published every day, there is the need for bloggers to be conscientious in planning and developing engaging content for their unique audiences and business needs. Every blogger in Nigeria understands how difficult it can be to create original, interesting content as unlike it is with ordinary information, content is specifically targeted and the emphasis is usually placed on quality over quantity. Luckily, there are certain tools available for bloggers to sweep their content before publishing it, helping to maintain the quality of their posts and reduce chances of plagiarism. Jovago.com, Africa’s largest hotel booking portal lists 5 of these tools below:

Grammarly:

Perfect for beginner bloggers, Grammarly is a browser and application extension tool that helps check content for grammar and spelling to a far further extent than the default program on your computer or word processor. It can also check your content against 8 billion websites for plagiarism. All you need to do is Copy and paste your article into Grammarly’s online grammar checker to how it performs against checks for spelling, sentence structure, punctuation, style, and more. While the full version of this tool is not free at $11.66/month for a yearly contract and go up to $29.95 for just one month, it is very handy as it can be used in Chrome, Outlook or Word.

Hemingway

Although a grammar checker continuously compared to the Grammarly tool, Hemingway is slightly different as it creates a way to check content for readability : it checks your content structure, analyzes your text for readability, highlighting sentences that are a bit too complex or dense. The Hemingway tool is easy to use, all you need to do is simply copy and paste your content into its window. It is normally free and can be used on its website, however, you can also download the desktop application for Windows or Mac, at a cost of $9.99.

Headline Analyzer

Most bloggers focus a lot on the body of the blog post, failing to pay attention to the headline. However, the headline is actually what attracts readers to your post and while you spend time on article content checking and correcting grammar, spelling, and overall structure, you need to optimize that headline as well. The CoSchedule’s Headline Analyzer tool, a free handy online tool helps you analyze your tentative headline, giving you a detailed, graded report on it withing seconds. It scores your headline quality and rates its ability to drive social shares, traffic, and SEO value.  The report, gives you many practical tips on how you can make your headline the best possible.

Portent’s Content Idea Generator

One of the difficult stages of writing a blog post is the idea generation stage. For most bloggers, coming up with fresh ideas can be an arduous task, especially when they do not have access to external sources. The Portent’s Content Idea Generator tool comes in very handy as it helps the user to generate ideas for blog posts. It is easy-to-use and require no training whatsoever, all the user has to do is enter the keyword of choice, then hit the “arrow” sign. The tool then come up with as many titles or topics to blog about as possible.

Ndem Nkem

Travel/Tech Writer Jovago Nigeria

ASUP: Polytechnic Lecturers Threaten Strike

Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic (ASUP) has lamented the low budgetary allocation to the polytechnic sector.


President of ASUP, Comrade Usman Yusuf Dutse, who addressed newsmen on in Abuja ahead of the 2016 World Workers’ Day, declared that the situation leaves the union with no choice but to embark on an industrial action.


He said the union was disturbed that since the suspension of the protracted strike in 2014, none of the core issues of demand has been addressed by the Federal Government.
According to him, the lecturers have been reluctant to take appropriate actions to address the situation because it believes in dialogue and have always practiced responsible unionism


He said: “However, we are now being pushed to resort to extreme measures in resolving industrial dispute and we shall act accordingly. We have decided to place this position before government and the Nigerian public for the benefit of the sector and to challenge government to act now in order to avert another industrial disharmony in our polytechnics.

We are aware that the issues between government and ASUP have lingered for years. We are also cognisant of the fact that this government came to power about one year ago but then government is a continuum.

AWIN SARZ_STAY WITH ME FT BHIG WYE || @awin_sarz_official

Awe Michael Ifeoluwa born April 29 1998, a recording artiste and a postgraduate student of the University of Lagos, popularly known by his stage name Awin Sarz, has come to stay in the industry by dropping a monster hit "Stay By Me" ft Bhig Wye on this.
You can also catch him on Social media as @Awin_sarz_official.
For bookings and enquires, call 08111114380


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Top 4 Social media scams to avoid

Social media rules the world. It is the new tech addiction that many young people cannot do without as they spend hours viewing, reading and posting content via the internet. This underscores the importance of social media in today's world. As the use of social media rises, there are others out there who are using it to swindle and scam unsuspecting users. In order not to fall for these scams, Jovago.com, Africa's No.1 hotel booking portal reveals some of these scams.  

Fake customer service account

Brands and corporate organizations are now on social media as such, it has become possible to resolve complaints and get a quick response to questions on social media. Some of these accounts representing corporate institutions are verified while others are not. Hence, the possibility of chatting with a parody customer service handle is high. If you are getting an unsatisfactory response, you should  contact their official helpline.

Comments on popular posts or articles

A particular post or article may generate sizeable comments. And among the comments, you will notice some links directing you to other websites. These links lure you to websites that are either unsafe or offering scandalous services so it is better to ignore such links.




False online discounts

The false discounts are too fantastic to be true. It is not surprising because it is coming from a parody customer service account. They are not legitimate and you can lose your personal information if you fall for it because you will be asked to fill out forms that require your personal information.

Online surveys and polls

The rule of thumb is ‘if you do not trust the website, do not visit it’. One of the easiest ways to have your  personal information stolen is via online survey and polls. Most fraudulent hackers often tweet or post a dangerous link urging users to complete forms for a survey. You can fill the forms but do not give out information like credit card details.

Avoid live streaming videos

This is another way of scamming people on social media as more media companies start streaming their shows and movies online. But these links they share on social media lead to fake websites which only ask for data of visitors.



Ogunfowoke Adeniyi

Travel/Technology Writer

PHOTO: UNILAG Leaves Students To Sleep Outside Over Failed ‘Reabsorption’ Policies

Students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) are being shut out of the university and left to sleep in the open. The university stated that it is due to the students’ inability to complete the submission of the reabsorption forms imposed on them by the authorities.

Among the forms imposed by university management on the students for reabsorption is the “Hall of Residence Clearance Form” for students who reside on the campus.


Several students who could not get their forms completed upon resumption of academic activities today were denied access into the halls of residence.


Some students who said they came from their respective distant homes and could not return home and were left with no options other than to sleep outside in the open.


The university management in a recent memo has also banned squatting or visiting at any residence hall. No students are also allowed to gather for any reason in the residence halls according to the new rules.

EFCC Arraigns Alleged Internet Fraudster For $9,200 Scam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, today, May 3, 2016, arraigned one Ighofose Oyoma before Justice E. A. Obile of the Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State on a 7 count charge bordering on Conspiracy, Forgery and Obtaining Money by False Pretence to the tune of Nine Thousand Two Hundred Dollars ($9,200).

Ighofose was arrested sometime in May, 2015 in Calabar, Cross River state following intelligence report on his involvement in internet scams.
During investigation different scam mails which he used in defrauding his victims , mostly foreign women by presenting himself as Mike Anderson, an American businessman, were recovered.
One of the charges read, “that you Ighofose Oyoma (a. k. a) Mike Anderson, on or about the month of May, 2014, at Warri, Delta State, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court did conspire with one Bright Achi and Desmond (now at large) to commit felony to wit: obtaining money by false pretence, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8 (b) and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.


The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.
In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, M.T. Iko, urged the court to fix a date for the commencement of trial and to remand the defendant in prison custody. However, the defence counsel O. W. Ewenode, informed the court that he had filed a summons for bail and served same on the prosecution.
Justice Obille adjourned the matter to 23rd May, 2016 for hearing of the bail application and ordered that the defendant be remanded in prison custody.


Wilson Uwujaren
Head, Media & Publicity
3rd May, 2016

Nigerians In London Protest Fulani Herdsmen Killings In Enugu State

Nigerians living in the United Kingdom staged a protest at the Westminster Parliament building in London to condemn the recent wave of killings carried out by Fulani herdsmen and to bring global attention to the conflict.

The protest came two weeks after herdsmen attacked an Enugu State community, killing at least 48 people.
According to Chidi Ughonu, the coordinator of the London Protest Against Fulani Herdsmen, the group had planned protests in the United States, Canada, and cities across Europe.
The protesters numbering in the hundreds carried Nigerian flags and placards with slogans reading “Buhari – Stop the Massacre” and “Stop Bloodthirsty Fulani Herdsmen Now.”
It was gathered that several of the protesters were members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a Biafran separatist group. However, several members of IB lined up behind the Nigerian flag to protest the Fulani herdsmen killing apparently to forge a common front with other Nigerians who might be suspicious of their agenda.
The increase in violence committed by the herdsmen has sparked outrage among Nigerians across the world, with protesters calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to take action against the attackers. In response to the public outcry, the president has announced that he ordered all Nigerian security agencies to “deal decisively” with the attackers.

Learning how to cook -Oha Soup

Hey guys or should I say ladies, because this is strictly for my ladies in the house. Oh well, let’s not be stingy, we do not mind sharing with our bachelors too.
So I know some of my ladies out there look all hot, dressed up in wonderful colors and clothing and have all that sugar and spice in the bedroom but know nothing about kitchen spices. You know all the 5star Chinese restaurants in town and can locate them faster than Google map but cannot turn meals from your 1star kitchen to a 10star one. I know I sound really mean but the old saying “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” still stands and I know it sounds so cliché but it stays valid.


Thankfully, we have social media to the rescue, to help us in various ways even in the kitchen too without having to air our dirty laundries in public.



Today’s first cooking lesson will be on the Igbo delicacy OHA SOUP, eaten by most people in the east and south east and loved by many from diverse cultures.


What you need

Meats (whatever kind)
Stock fish
Dried fish
Ogiri (Igbo iru)
Egusi
Achi(optional)
soup cocoyam
Black pepper
Oha leaves
Crayfish
Palm oil(3 cooking spoons)
Seasoning
Salt




How to prepare

Wash and boil your meat till it’s a bit tender, then add your stock fish and dried fish. Cook till a bit soft.


For those using the cooking cocoyam for thickening, when buying make sure it is cocoyam used specifically for soup cooking. Wash and boil the cocoyam till soft, while it Is still hot, drag out the back using your hands and pound immediately into a smooth consistency.


Take out the meat, stock fish and dried fish and place the stock (water of the meat) on the fire.


When it starts boiling, pour your palm oil into the stock and allow to cook for 5 minutes.


Pour your crayfish and black pepper and stir.
If you are using achi, take a little of the stock on the fire and add to the achi in a bowl; then stir till it is smooth and pour back into the pot and stir again.


Add your seasoning and please taste first before adding salt.

Wash your oha leaves clean (the oha leaves should be shreddedwith your fingers not sliced with a knife).

Add the oha leaves to the stock, and then add your stock fish, dried fish and meat.
Cover and leave to boil for about 5 minutes.
Your oha soup is ready to be served. Tastes better with fufu but can also go with eba, pounded yam, semovita and wheat.


So ladies, no more excuses on my man eats out a lot or he doesn’t eat my food at all or he complains about too much salt in my cooking and you sticking to one type of food always. Stop being his Google map to the restaurants; let eat outs be totally his idea, he’d be fine with his GPS.


Be diverse in your choice of cooking; go put this to test and work your way to his heart NOW!!

It’s Official! Mo’Cheddah signs as the new Ambassador for Miskay Boutique

Miskay Boutique signs the ever stylish Mo’cheddah as their new brand ambassador and announced this new deal with the rapper sharing this image on Instagram with the caption, “ MiskayBoutique x Mocheddah #brandambassador #donedeal
@mocheddah . “
Mo’cheddar also shared the news with her fans with this picture on her Instagram page with the caption “ New deal! Signed sealed and delivered!!! Miskay X mocheddah @miskayboutique“

We know Mo’cheddah will definitely make a great brand ambassador and we can’t wait to see the outcome of this stylish union!

THE BENEFITS OF DRINKING COCONUT WATER

Coconut water might be a taste quencher but this nutritious drink is packed full of necessary vitamins that are good for the body. Over the years the coconut water has become increasingly popular not because it’s an alternative to water itself but because it serves so many benefits. Second to water, this pure liquid does wonders in your quest to maintain a younger physique because it’s a power house full of anti-aging properties.


Aside from being a very essential liquid because it contains anti-aging properties, the coconut water also makes an excellent sports drink for the simple fact that it contains a similar plasma that can be found in our body which helps in oral hydration.


The interesting works of the coconut water don’t just stop there, over time doctors have been known to use it as a substitute for intravenous fluid because of its compatibility with the human body.
Drinking fluid such as coconut water and pure water already means you on a weaning streak in the race of aging slowly.


Here are some of the other benefits of this powerful liquid aside from its anti-aging tendencies;


1. Drinking pure unadulterated coconut water on a regular basis would help to reduce sagging and wrinkles on the skin thereby making the skin more elastic.


2. It helps to boost your immune system thereby getting rid of toxins and promoting weight loss.


3. Medically confirmed, because it boost your immune system it helps to heel sores and injury faster.


4. Its helps if you have indigestion problem and it also helps to carry oxygen and nutrients to the cell.


5. Its gets rid of swollen feet and hands and hey it helps with hangovers too.

Denim like a rock star

We all agree that denim is like the rock star of every girl’s wardrobe.
If that is true, it could also take you to rock star status once you don it.
The versatility you get from denim can only be matched by the LBD.
Bring out your inner sass with a pair of ripped jeans and studded t~shirt.
A pencil heel would also do wonders to this look.
If you need to go to work, darher shades of jeans free from distress and rips are appropriate.
Throw on a classic white shirt and court shoes, even Mary Janes would be fabulous with a structured bag.
For a more laid back vibe, denim rompers are the new cool kid on the block.
They work well with this bedeviled hot weather to keep you looking cool like a cat.
This romper look can be accessorised with converse or sneaks in white or pop the look with red hightops.
Dungarees are another denim option for the hippies, boho styles and errands.
A trendy blouse or shirt in plaid, a peasant top or thin strap crop top under the dungrees will upgrade your 70s vibe.
Bring the entire look to the present era with a unique pair of brogues.
As there is a style out there for every girl in denim, it is perfect to explore your inner rock star.

Alibaba says no to grazing grounds

Nigerian comedian Atunyota Alleluya Akporobome popularly known as Alibaba has added his voice to the controversy over granting grazing grounds in different parts of the country to Fulani herdsmen for their cattle.
Alibaba posted a fingerprint on Instagram citing that humans are different but problems stem from people forcing others to be like them. He related the analogy to the herdsmen who have been rampaging in several communities in the country over grazing rights.
‘I either let you to graze all over my livelihood or you go craze and destroy my livelihood and even kill all those I am working to keep alive,’ he wrote in his post.
‘Then I am beginning to hear that I should find a way to tolerate your excesses because you, in the process of looking for your livelihood, have run out of grazing land where you came from. I should now vacate my own territory where I am also trying to earn a living to allow you earn a living. And this matter is so serious that NASS of the land wants to tolerate the excesses by giving them a FED approval that will mark out some areas for grazing. Let me ask one stupid question, when there was oil spillage and the people in the Niger Delta did not have a place to fish for a living, did NASS move a motion to creating fishing waters for the fishermen? Or are Herdsmen better than Fishermen?
‘Oh let me ask another question, when these same fishermen could not fish or farm, did NASS move to secure their lives? Or are some people just more important than others? Much as we all have been brought up to tolerate one another, let us keep it that way. In my community, #agbarhaotor , in Ughelli North, Delta State, there are over 40 flow stations scattered… In short, NO to grazing grounds. And that is that!’