by Samuel Oluwatobi Olatunji/April 18 05:19 PMLast updated on Port Harcourt is said to be the second largest southern city in?Nigeria, after Lagos. It is the capital of Rivers State and was named after Lewis Viscount Harcourt, the Secretary of State for the Colonies. Port Harcourt was originally called ??Igwe Ocha? and was founded in 1912. It was founded for the purpose of coal exportation. It is currently the chief oil-refining city in Nigeria and has an estimated population of 1,865,000 (as at the year 2016). Port Harcourt is a city that is home to a number of multinationals, mainly?within the petroleum industry. A daily average of 210,000 barrels of crude oil is produced by Port Harcourt's two major refineries. If you have business transactions to conduct in Port Harcourt or a business meeting, this business traveler?s guide to Port Harcourt will give you all the tips you will need. Getting into Port Harcourt It is advisable that you travel to Port Harcourt by air or by road, depending on where you are traveling from. Traveling by air is usually the best option. International airlines operating flights to Port Harcourt include British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Turkish Airlines, KLM and Air France. If you are in Nigeria, you can travel by plane from Abuja, Kaduna, Lagos and other airline terminals available in the country. In Nigeria, local airlines operating flights to Port Harcourt include Air Peace, Dana Air, Medview Airlines, Arik Air, and Aero Contractors. Flights generally take?less than an hour to arrive?Port Harcourt from both the Abuja and Lagos Airports. Book a flight to Port Harcourt If you want to travel by bus, several bus transport service providers are available for you from different parts of Nigeria. They include Cross Country Transport, ABC Transport, God is Good Motors, and The Young Shall Grow. Below are some of the costs to travel from Lagos to Port Harcourt by bus. Cross Country Transport - Less than ?6,000 Good is Good Motors - Less than??5,000 ABC Transport - Less than??5,000 Young Shall Grow - Less than??4,500 What to Take Along Packing versatile clothes which can be worn to various types of events is one way to keep your bags light. For men, you may take two suits, while for women, two blazers with a matching pair?of pants and a skirt. You can wear one of them over a?casual shirt, while the other is packed. Clothes like T-shirts and sweaters which can be worn alone or combined to suit weather changes are always a great idea. One great tip for preventing wrinkles with packed clothes is to pack them in dry cleaning plastic. It is recommended that you travel with clothes that have dark colors as they hide stains better than clothes with bright colors. For travelers taking flights who wish to minimize delays, it is advisable to travel with only hand luggage. It usually takes a while before checked in bags can be collected after landing. ?Also, ensure that you include necessary toiletries while preparing for your trip.?Electronics should be fully charged prior to the journey to prevent batteries running low in the event of unforeseen delays. Don?t forget to hold enough cash (by the way, things are expensive in Port Harcourt) and your ATM?card too. A Visa or Mastercard can be a great help. Moving Around Port Harcourt You may move around using public buses, private cars or motorcycles. You may also use airport taxis car rental services and special cabs. Where to Stay There are several comfortable hotels in Port Harcourt to spend the night in such as ?Hotel presidential, Le Meridien Ogeyi place and several others. Book a hotel in Port Harcourt on hotels.ng for the best deals. Most of the hotels in Port Harcourt have conference rooms for meetings. Some popular conference centres can be found at Ruby Centre, Rabboni Hall and?Obi Wali International Conference Centre. These conference centres have halls that sit up to 200 people and are suitable for seminars complete with the necessary equipment. Exploring Port Harcourt While exploring?Port Harcourt, you could check out?Port Harcourt Zoo or Port Harcourt Tourist Beach. You may also visit the Isaac Boro Garden Park or the Port Harcourt Cultural Centre. The?Borikiri Market?is a good location to engage in some shopping activities. You may?choose to eat in one of the many well-established restaurants or ?bukkas? along the streets of Port Harcourt. Or you could visit cool food spots like?Portofino foods, Bouvati Fast Foods,?Chicken Calypso Fast food, and restaurant. Traveling to Port Harcourt for a business transaction or meeting can be more fun than you think. Follow this business traveler's guide to Port Harcourt, and you will return home with a memorable travel experience. You might also be interested in... 10 Things To Notice In Port Harcourt Port Harcourt, PH as the city is fondly called is also called the Garden City, It is regarded as the 3rd most developed city in Nigeria, after Lagos and Abuja. It is also the oil hub of Nigeria. Once you get to Port Harcourt, there are a few things that will stand out to you. Just in case you are worried you about visiting this new city and feeling lost, fret not, here?s a helpful list to help you with all the unexpected surprises. Top 20 Hotels for Meetings and Conferences in Port Harcourt Finding the perfect venue for your business meeting and conference in Port Harcourt can be daunting. It is often hard to find?places with the type of meeting or banquet hall that suits your needs. ?In this article, we have selected the top hotels for conferences and meetings in?Port Harcourt. Whether you are need of a space for a business meeting, seminar or social gathering, look no further.
by Samuel Oluwatobi Olatunji/April 18 09:25 AMLast updated on Do you have a friend or family member in Kano, and you wonder how you will be able to travel from Abuja to Kano by road? And if you don?t have anyone close to you in Kaduna, you may be wondering why you should travel from Abuja to Kano, right? Well, there are several reasons which range beyond historical and cultural reasons for you to visit Kano. A Brief Overview Of Kano... The history of the Hausa people can be traced to Kano, precisely the Kano kingdom, which was founded by Bagauda (grandson of Bayajida, the legendary progenitor of the Hausa people) as one of the Seven True Hausa States (Hausa Bakwai). Kano state was created on May 27, 1967, from part of the Northern Region.?Kano City is said to be the second largest city in Nigeria after Lagos. Kano is the commercial center of Northern Nigeria. Some of the tourist attractions in Kano State are the Minjibir weaving Centre, Dawakin Tofa Pottery, Audu Bako Zoological Garden, Kusalla Dam and Fishing center, Roxy Amusement Park, Park Dawakin Kudu, Murtala Muhammed Library, and Challawa Gorge Dam among others. The Distance? Abuja is situated in Nigeria at coordinates 9.0579, 7.4951 ?while Kano is situated in Nigeria at coordinates 12.0001, 8.5167. The driving distance from Abuja to Kano is 427 kilometers (265 miles). If your car moves with an average speed of 112 kilometers/hour (70miles/hour), it will take you about 3 hours, 48 minutes to get to Kano from Abuja. However, traffic on the way may make you spend about 5 hours on the road. When to Travel To Kano? It is usually advisable to travel during the day to places you haven?t been to before because night journeys can be very risky. Weekends too are good for travelling on the road may be less busy and more free for travellers. How to Get a Bus and What it Will Cost... Quite a number of coaches and buses are available for you if you want to travel from Abuja to Kano. You may find reliable bus services providers such as God is Good Motors, ABC Transport, Young Shall Grow Motors and Chisco Transport. You may also choose to find a regular, random bus at any of the motor parks in Abuja closest to your environment. The major motor parks are Jabi Motor Park, Utako Motor Park and Karu Motor Park. There are motor parks in places like Gwagwalada and Kubwa too. The Jabi Motor Park, which is quite popular, is located on Obafemi Awolowo Way, past Berger junction. On average, the Bus price is between N2500 ? N3000 per person for most of these regular, random buses. If you stay around Gwagwalada, you will be able to find commercial cars going towards Zaria and Kano just after the bridge. If you dislike taking buses and prefer other alternatives, you may find a car hiring service provider, who can provide you a car for hire. You can also go to tour and excursion agencies, which can take you on an excursion to Kano. Exploring Kano? Welcome to Kano. There are so many things you can do here. You may begin by seeing the Kano City Gates & Walls, which was first built in 1112 AD. You may choose to visit the Kofar Matar Dyeing Pits, which is one of the fascinating things to see in Kano as the local natives in Kano State dyed clothes. Then you may proceed to the Kano State History Museum or Gidan Makama Museum. You could visit the Emir of Kano?s Palace, Gidan Dan Hausa, or both. Afterwards, you can visit the Falgore Game Reserve or Buturiya Wetland Game Reserve. You may then go to Dala & Goron Dutse Hills (said to be where the first settlers in Kano dwelt when they arrived the city thousands of years ago) or Mallam Kato Square. If you love traditional wares such as carvings, brassworks, leather products, ancient jewelry and pottery among other things, then you must visit Kurmi market. You may choose to do all these in a day, or more. If you wish to spend the night in Kano, you deserve to stay in one of the finest and most comfortable hotels. You can find and Book hotels in Kano on hotels.ng for the best deals. Also, Check out this post on Top 10 things to do in Kano. You might also like to read... A Guide From Lagos to Kano By Road Kano is the state capital of Kano State in Northern West, Nigeria. It is also the name of the capital city of Kano state. The city of Kano is the commercial nerve center of Northern Nigeria and is the second largest city in Nigeria, after Lagos. As such, travel from?Lagos?to Kano is a rather common phenomenon.?The driving distance between Lagos and Kano is 998.2 km, it takes an average travel time of ?13 hours 13 minutes to arrive at Kano from Lagos. How To Spend 48 Hours in Kano Kano is a state located in the North-Western part of Nigeria. The state is known for its peculiar cuisine and distinct cultural identities.?If you are in Kano for?a short stay and would still love?enjoy what the city has to offer, we?ve got a quick and easy guide to help you make the most out of?48 hours in Kano.
by Grace Stephen/March 30 07:19 AMLast updated on Are you are a fitness conscious newbie or oldie in Lagos whose life consists of doing things that maintain your body's flexibility, mobility, health and well-being? A search for gym centres with just the right kind of facilities that strike your fancy should not be a drawback factor for you. With the right assistance, you should be able to find good gyms in Lagos that are not so far from where you reside. Some of the best gyms located in the major parts of Lagos: Surulere, Ikeja, Yaba, Ikoyi, Lagos mainland and Lagos Island are listed below. Gyms in Maryland Banex Hotel and Suites The Banex fitness centre is located in Banex Hotel and Suites, Anthony. The hotel hosts 2 separate fitness rooms within each of the hotel blocks (Vina and Vom facilities). The gyms are well fitted with equipment for weight lifting, cardio and endurance building. Experienced fitness trainers are available to guide and assist in your daily exercises. Becoming a member of the Banex fitness clubs not only gives you access to the gyms and fitness trainers, you may also decide to take a leisurely dip in one of the pools at the hotel. Banex Fitness Club Membership Prices Adult: N15,000 (Vina Facilities)? N20,000 (Vom Facilities) Child: N10,000 ?(Vina Facilities) N15,000?(Vom Facilities) You may also choose to pay for one-off use at the following rates; Gym: N2000 Swimming pool: N2000 (Adults) / Children (N1000) Gyms in Surulere Some of the best gyms in Lagos with satisfactory fitness machines that you will find in Surulere are Constant Fitness Ventures, Teslim Balogun Stadium and the one and only Fitness Options. Constant Fitness Ventures Constant Fitness Ventures is at 104, Western Avenue, Ojuelegba, Surulere. Although it is equipped with the usual machines, your fitness needs will still be met in this gym. Teslim Balogun Stadium You will find Teslim Balogun stadium along Alhaji Masha Road, Surulere?a stadium with varying functions. The spaciousness makes it one of the most sought-after locations where "Lagosians" go for exercising. Fitness options This is a?gym where you can have a personal coach that will guide you through your weight loss journey and give you tips on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They also monitor your daily progress while providing you with the perfect facility suitable for you. Find your way to 18 Ahmed Jimoh close, off Ekolou street, Surulere, Lagos for an awesome experience at Fitness Options. Gyms in Yaba if you are in Surulere and you don't find any of the above-listed gyms in Surulere to your liking(not likely); then you could check out Fairford gym or Purple Reign Fitness centre. These gyms are located in your neighbouring district Yaba. Both gyms offer the necessary tools and assistance that helps you keep fit and remain healthy. Fairford gym Fairford gym is along Conal road, off Herbert Macaulay Way, Yaba while Purple Reign Purple Reign Fitness Centre is situated at 41A, Iwaya Road, Sabo Yaba. Gyms in Ikeja If you're in Ikeja then you're in luck. Everyone knows that it takes passion and strength to get the best results when it comes to working out. some good gyms in Ikeja that help in motivation are: Paslim Gym Paslim gym deserves the first mention among gyms located in Ikeja. The gym is noted for two major things: street passion and strength. ?The gym boasts of trainers that are passionate about instilling a determined spirit in their clients as they engage them in aerobic, yoga and various other classes beneficial to their fitness lifestyle. Paslim is at No. 2 Joel OguStreet, GRA, Ikeja Lagos. Bnatural Medspa Bnatural med spa is located at 11, Oduduwa Way GRA, Ikeja. ?Their attentive staff will help actualize your dream body shape and fitness. BoldStucture Fitness BoldStructure Fitness is at 20, Akinbowale street, off Jonathan Coker Road, Fagba. ?They both offer awesome aerobic and gym services. Gyms in Ikoyi some of the best gyms in Ikoyi include: Admiralty towers gym and pool Admiralty towers gym and pool is located at Gerrard Road(Thomson) Ikoyi and is well equipped with facilities to help you stay fit and achieve your body goals. Lifequest gym Lifequest gym is at Eti Osa, Ikoyi and has amazing trainers who are ever ready to guide you on your fitness journey. Bodyline fitness & gym Bodyline fitness & gym is located at Bank Road, Ikoyi and also has a branch in Abuja listed under the best gyms in Abuja which you can check out Here. Health Gardens and Fitness Spa Health Gardens and Fitness Spa is situated at ?Corporation Drive, Ikoyi, are the respective locations of these gyms in Lagos. Gyms in Lagos mainland you will find a good number of impressive gyms in different parts of Lagos mainland. There is Strong Tower gym at Palmgrove Estate, Lagos Mainland; Salvere Lifestyle enterprise at Ebute Metta, Lagos Mainland; Fitness Feel Good at Iju, Lagos Mainland; ?Danzefx studios at Alagomeji, Yaba, Lagos mainland and Physiomedicare Limited also in Yaba, Lagos mainland among many others. Gyms in Lagos Island If you happen to be close to the Island; you could go the gym in Proflex fitness centre?a notable gym in Lagos. The massive space, advanced facilities and high ranking instructors in this gym have endeared it in the hearts of Lagosians. 20-24 Ozumba Mbadiwe Victoria Island, Lagos is where you will find Proflex fitness centre. These gyms offer only the best services, that's what makes them the best gyms in Lagos.? Visiting Lagos? Don't forget Book hotels in Lagos on hotels.ng for the best deals on all your favourite hotels. People that viewed this also liked... 10 Top Gyms in Port Harcourt that Would be Great for You Portharcourt is an awesome place to visit or reside in. There's a lot to do, to relax and have a swell time. One way to do this is by visiting the exquisite gyms in the state. To help you sort through the plethora of gyms in Port Harcourt, here?s a list of gyms that would be great for you. 10 Top Gyms in Ibadan that Would be Great for You Ibadan, the ancient city and capital of O.yo State, is an amazing place to visit or stay.?In Ibadan, there?s never a dull moment. You just need a little help getting around and finding the fun places. The Best Gyms In Abuja Are you a fitness enthusiast looking at visiting a gym in the Nation's capital? Look no further. Find a list of amazing gyms and their location in Abuja.
by Anjola/March 28 10:22 AMLast updated on Weddings are a huge deal in Nigeria. Many Nigerians will rather go big or go home when it comes to weddings. As such, there is a rising need for great hotels which guarantee a blissful celebration for couples. Fortunately, there are classy, luxurious hotels in Nigeria which offer top-notch wedding packages at great deals to guests and should, therefore, be patronized?by Nigerians and even foreigners. Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja Lagos The renowned Sheraton group which was founded in 1937 consists of a chain of hotels owned by Marriot Group and are located strategically in various parts of the world. Sheraton Hotel in Ikeja is located at the popular Mobolaji Bank Anthony way. It is a very suitable location for weddings and also a fair distance especially for those living in Lagos mainland as it is not news that the journey to Lagos island is dreaded by many ?mainlanders?. They have an eye-catching Wedding Package specifically created for lovers who intend to host in style. The Wedding Package is priced at just NGN13,500 per guest. There is a banquet hall that can accommodate 300 guests. Other offers include food menu of sumptuous intercontinental dishes, ?the decoration of the hall, international and Nigerian buffet with soft drinks, complimentary multi-tier wedding cake with impressive decoration, one nuptial suite, specially designed for the occasion and a Special personalized wedding gift from the hotel management amongst others. What else can a couple ask for? Grand Towers Hotel This dazzling?hotel is located at Maitama, Abuja. They have a phenomenal banquet hall which can be used for your wedding receptions engagements and more. The halls go out at quite affordable rates for a place like Abuja. Their wedding package which includes the supply of tables, chairs, staff, porters, red carpet, sounds, and equipment?among other things, cost about ?350,000 to ?500,000. Live band services at the reception are also provided but at an extra cost. This is a great deal considering the serene and picturesque environment. Eko Hotels and suites One of Nigeria?s most renowned hotels is located at Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. It?s distinguished events centre, the Eko Convention centre is the largest multi-purpose events centre in Nigeria, with a floor space of 5,151 square metres. It offers sufficient space to fit 270 exhibitions stands and can accommodate up 8,000 people. Renting out the hall would usually cost millions depending on how many guests the host expects. It boasts of deplorable catering services, adequate parking space, 24-7 electricity, chairs as well as equipment supply and exclusive catering with a buffet. There is also a grand ballroom which seats 350 people and this is usually a great option for simple but tasteful weddings. This venue catered to one of Nollywood hit movies, "The wedding party". Its halls are also used to host corporate events, exhibitions and prominent musical shows/concerts. Chida International Hotels, Abuja Chida Hotels is located in Utako district of Abuja and was commissioned in 2003. Their halls can be rented at a range of ?200,000 to ?300,000. The hotel boasts of exceptional catering and permits outdoor catering for clients. Chida Hotels promises adequate parking space and a scenic environment for couples and their guests to even take pictures. This location is preferable for small weddings and is guaranteed of world-class services. Excel Oriental Hotel & Suites This hotel is located at Murtala Mohammed International Airport Rd, Ikeja, Lagos. It is an astonishing option for small weddings in Lagos. You can rent their banquet hall, which can hold 200 people per sitting, for around ?200,000- ?300,000. However, there are extra payments to be made, these include a ?5,000 ?insurance fee which is mandatory and another ?30,000 for waste removal. If you happen to need the venue for a longer period of time than previously agreed upon (provided that venue is available), then you will be charged an extra ?10,000 per hour. At these five hotels, you can be sure to strike amazing deals on your wedding events.?Plus, their top-notch services are guaranteed to make your day special and memorable. Be sure to check them out?as they are the best of the rest! People are also interested in... Wedding Venues in Lagos and Hotels Nearby Finding a good venue for events can sometimes be a daunting task, especially for weddings. If the wedding would be a two-day affair then, the issue of where to lodge guests comfortably would arise. This article is here to help you choose from different wedding venues located in different parts of Lagos and hotels that are close to them in proximity. Some of these venues are conveniently located within the hotels. 12 Affordable Wedding Venues in Nigeria The vows, the small chops, the Jollof rice, the open bar? these are a few things that make a Nigerian wedding go superbly. As powerful as these things might be, they do not come close to the importance of having a good venue.?However, beautiful wedding venues can be, quite pricey and for someone who is looking to celebrate their special day while maintaining an affordable budget, those pricey places would most likely not cut it. So, here are 12 affordable wedding venues in Nigeria so that you have the best at your wedding.
by Grace Stephen/March 21 08:14 AMLast updated on Ear pain is the number one turn-off attached to traveling via the fastest mode?of transportation. Almost everyone who has flown in an airplane has experienced ear pain during?flights and some have even complained of having blocked ears after a flight; it is a very common issue?that comes with traveling by air transport and often disappears once the plane lands. Nevertheless,?precautions should be taken to alleviate this because it could result in a greater problem like hearing?loss if ignored. This airplane ear pain is not the same for everyone; it is excruciating for some and quite indolent for some?others. Ear pain in flights arises as a result of the expansion and contraction of an air pocket which is located within?the middle ear, during the plane's takeoff and descent. This happens because the rapid ascent or descent?of the plane destabilizes the equal air pressure that the inner ear has with the environment and this air?pressure is normally equal because of the Eustachian tube that connects the inner ear with the back of?the nose. Therefore, a blocked or narrow Eustachian tube will make ear pain in flights very severe. Hence, it is not advisable to travel when you are suffering from ailments like cold, congestion, hay fever,?allergy attacks etc. Although ear pain in flights is a common occurrence, there are certain things you can do to ease the?pain, one of which is making use of air pressure regulating earplugs. With these earplugs on, the?pressure of the air is filtered and regulated, relieving you of whatever pain or discomfort your ears are?giving you. You should only insert this earplug in your ear an hour before and after landing-when, the?maximum altitude of the plane has been reached, the earplug can be removed. Using air pressure?regulating ear plugs is one of the simplest ways to relieve yourself of ear pain in flights. Other remedies... 1. Using decongestants decongestant nasal sprays or oral decongestant pills should be taken based on?doctor's prescriptions and it should be taken 30 minutes to an hour before the ascend and descend the airplane. These decongestants should be taken with caution as an overdose can result in high level of?congestion; also feeling of drowsiness and thirst are some of the side effects this medicine can cause?you to have. 2. Enough intake of fluids It is advisable that you do?not allow your system to become dehydrated.?Therefore you?need to take as many fluids as you can during flights. 3. Yawning and swallowing The Eustachian tube that allows air to pass from the back of your nose into?your inner ear needs to remain open. The muscles that open this tube are activated when you yawn or?swallow. You could opt to use chewing gum or candy to aid your swallowing. 4. Using a special balloon You could buy special balloons like Otovent at a pharmacy. Blowing?this balloon during flights eases the ear pain and also helps unblock your ear after the plane lands. The?balloon is blown through the nostrils and not the mouth?one nostril at a time. Unlike decongestants which are?not suitable for children, both children and adults can make use of the balloon. 5. Doing the Valsalva manoeuvre This entails pressing your nose down with your fingers while your mouth?is closed and filled with air. This is so that you can pop your ears by gently but forcefully letting the air out. Certainly, you will have a better flying experience when you practice the above-listed remedies. You might also like to read... Planning Your Flights With Abuja Airport Closed The announcement by the Federal Government of Nigeria, concerning the closure of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, has been met with clamor and anxiety so far. The announcement was made by Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Information, during a world press conference held in Abuja on Monday, 6th March 2017.
by Ifeoma/March 16 08:28 AMLast updated on There are many fun, new things about being a Nigerian who lives ?in the abroad?. Netflix, Sephora, Trader Joe?s, Free Wi-Fi, American football, Rihanna concerts, you name it... but the one factor that never gets old is how much you miss home food, Nigerian food. Right? No matter how much Nigerians disagree on different issues, the issue where there is unanimous agreement is that some meals must be spicy in order for them to even be edible. Nigerian meals are known to be very spicy. Therefore, a Nigerian who only recently migrated might have a hard time enjoying the staple meals popular in the country where they are. This is because, very few countries have meals that are similar to Nigerian meals in taste and appearance.
1. Jollof rice
Many fights have broken out because of the ?phenomenon? that is Jollof rice. In fact, some Nigerians believe that your party is a sham if there is no Jollof rice. Some may even go so far as to say that, ?Nigerian party that they did not share Jollof, is that one even a party?? This traditionally West African potluck dish mainly contains rice, tomatoes, pepper and a few other secret ingredients. Some families even have their own recipes but the best kind of Jollof rice is the one served at Yoruba parties. Just saying. 2. Nigerian cooked Noodles
Almost every Nigerian and their mother, brother, sister and best friend like their noodles a certain way. It is very rare to find a Nigerian cooking their noodles with only the ingredients in the pack. No no no! There must be either sardine, ugwu, (yes, ugwu) fresh peppers, suya or something extra spicy to kick up the flavour of the dish. Most of the noodles served in Asian restaurants are different from Nigerian style noodles in taste, look and consistency, so for a Nigerian living abroad, this can make you crave noodles even more. 3. Garri and sugar with ice cold water
This is one of the best things to come home to after a hot day, especially if it is Ijebu Garri. Garri is acceptedly, one of Nigeria?s greatest food inventions because it is a winner on almost all counts. It is cheap, easy to find (except if you are not in Nigeria) and takes little to no effort to prepare. Also, if you are feeling fancy, you can pair it with dried fish that has been fried (Panla), Suya or Kilishi. 4. Kilishi
This is one of those things in Nigeria that people always ask for when someone is coming from Abuja, Kano or the north generally. The hard texture and feel of the meat are complementary to so many other Nigerian dishes like Jollof rice, noodles, spaghetti and so on. 5. Kuli kuli
This is the younger sibling of Kilishi and Suya. It is fairly easy to find anywhere in Nigeria but the best and crispiest kuli kuli comes from the north. It is made from ground peanuts, dried peppers and a few other spices. It can also be paired with garri and sugar or Hollandia Yoghurt. 6. Amala and Ewedu
This is another meal that can make Nigerians say that a Nigerian party (especially if the host is Yoruba) is incomplete regardless of where in the world it is. It is made from grinding dried yam and potato barks to fine powder. This powder is mixed in hot water and stirred to achieve the right consistency. Although there is Amala flour sold in grocery stores abroad, the quality never comes close to the ones locally made in Nigeria. Ewedu is also made from a variety of vegetables and spices that cannot easily sourced outside Nigeria. 7. Ewa Agoyin
This dish is made from mashing already cooked olo oyin beans. It is one a staple breakfast choice for many Nigerians and it is usually paired with Agege bread and a soft drink of tea. The stew for this meal is very hard to replicate as it is a recipe that is known by the sellers and passed unto them by their mothers. Some of the ingredients used though are red palm oil, onions, Cameroon pepper and a few other dried peppers. 8. Yellow Eba and Oha soup
This delicacy is more common to South Eastern Nigerians and tastes absolutely delicious when the stock from cooked goat meat or hide is used in preparing the Oha soup. It is also delicious when sliced snails and periwinkle are sprinkled to give more variety and flavour to the meal. 9. Banga Soup
This soup is made from palm fruit oil that has been extracted at a very low temperature. It is best served with Fufu. It is most common to Igbo and Calabar households. 10. Roasted Corn
Corns come at a particular season in the year so even Nigerians in Nigeria crave it when it is out of season and cannot wait to eat it. There is something very satisfying about eating corn that has been roasted outside over a charcoal fire with equally roasted pear. It can also be eaten with Coconut. 11. Moin-moin
This is made from beans that have been ground with tomatoes, pepper and some other spices. It can be eaten on its own or with pap, Jollof rice, Ijebu garri and some other staple Nigerian meals. Some people add eggs and chicken franks to their recipe while preparing it to be extra fancy and it gives the dish a whole new twist. 12. Akara and Pap
This is another meal variety of beans. It is best when it is cooked from Olo 1 beans as it gives the akara the perfect consistency. It can be easily found to buy and if the vendor prepares it well, it is one of the best meals to have for breakfast. It can be combined with pap as seen above and Agege bread. 13. Pounded Yam and Egusi Soup
Egusi soup is one of the most nutritious meals in Nigeria and it is a soup that can be eaten with a variety of staples. One of the best ways to have it is with Pounded Yam. 14. Asun
This is mostly served at parties and it is one f those extra things that can make a Nigerian decide to show up at your party. It is a goat meat kebab that has been roasted over a charcoal fire and then some! At some parties, it is served with small chops. 15. Edikaikong Soup
This meal is traditional to people from Calabar and Akwa Ibom in Nigeria. It is made from a variety of vegetables like ugwu(fluted pumpkin leaves), waterleaf, basil leaves. But edikan-ikong is incomplete without ?protein additions? from cow and goat hide, periwinkle and sometimes snails. 16. Nigerian style Spaghetti
Nigerian style spaghetti does not mean that there is one common recipe that all Nigerians follow in cooking spaghetti. Some Nigerians prefer to cook their pasta with a lot of pepper, some prefer to use sardines, others, chicken franks, traditionally fried rice ingredients and if you are fancy, chicken slices. 17. Meat pie
One of the things that Mr Biggs will always be remembered for in Nigeria is their meat pie! They would make a lot of revenue if they ever decide to sell that recipe because it is one of the best meat pie recipes ever. Nigerian meat pie is made from Irish potatoes, minced meat, ginger, pepper and a few other ingredients. 18. Fried Plantain
This is a savoury dish that is sweet. It can be eaten on its own, with peppered sauce or ketchup. Most times, it is eaten as a side dish with Jollof rice, spaghetti or beans. Plantain is one of those things that you would hardly ever hear any Nigerian (or really, anyone that has had it before) say no to. 19. Semo and Ogbono Soup
This is one of the most underrated food combinations ever, but people that know, know. In order to enjoy this, the consistency of the Ogbono has to be a little waterier than Ogbono would normally be and the Semo has to be a little closer to the consistency of Fufu than to Eba. Semo is eaten as a staple in most Nigerian households. 20. Yam and Fried Eggs
Yam and Egg is the perfect Saturday breakfast food. The fried egg recipe best suited to this meal is the one made with tomatoes and fresh red peppers. This adds variety in taste and colour to the meal. 21. Abacha
Abacha is mostly eaten as an appetiser and no, it is not after the late Nigerian Military Head of State, Sani Abacha. It is a meal that is particular to Igbo and Calabar households and it originated from South Eastern Nigeria. It is made from Cassava shavings and is spiced with Cameroon pepper, ponmo and palm oil. 22. Ugba
Ugba is very similar to Abacha and it also originates from South Eastern Nigeria. It tastes best when it is spiced with Cameroon pepper, peppered snails and ponmo. It is made from Oil bean shavings. However, it is served as a main dish and is usually very hot and spicy. It is usually served with garden eggs as its side dish. 23. Pepper soup
This is also a party special that can either be served as an appetiser, main dish or after the main course. It is served and sold mostly at beer parlours. Most women also like to eat this after they just have children. 24. Fried rice
This is made with mostly greens like spring onion, carrots, green pepper, green peas and curry mix. It can also be paired with plantain and chicken. 25. Tuwo Shinkafa
Tuwo Shinkafa is a northern Nigerian delicacy that is made from rice flour. The best rice variety to use in making this flour is the soft kind. It has a pudding-like consistency and is usually eaten with soups like Miyan Kuka and Miyan Tausha. 26. Suya
Suya is one of the best food items that have come from the north. It is the Nigerian version of roasted steak. It is made from cow meat and is roasted kebab style. The spice used for seasoning suya is made from a variety of peppers and turmeric. It also contains secret ingredients that afford it its unique taste. 27. Ofada rice
This is one of the healthiest carbohydrate meals ever. Most people only make the stew and eat it with normal white rice because Ofada rice is more expensive, harder to find and more tasking to prepare. Also, most people do not like the taste or smell of the rice, so they would rather eat the stew with something else. 28. Roasted Yam and Pepper sauce with Ponmo
This one is usually sold by the same vendors who sell Boli and roasted corn. It is one of those meals that are best eaten inside your house because it is made with red palm oil and can, therefore, get messy. It also tends to be very spicy so it is advisable to have water at hand. 29. Chin chin
Although this one is not a meal, some people are willing to swap their full lunches for a plate?s worth of crispy tasty chin chin. This is perfect to serve as an appetiser at a dinner party and it goes best with fruit drinks or yoghurt. 30. Agege bread and fried eggs
No, it is not made only at Agege. Why it is called that is still unknown to many. This bread is favoured by many Nigerians because it is cheap, easy to find and satisfying. It comes as unsliced loaves and is usually paired with Ewa Agoyin, fried egg as listed above (maishayi style) or with a bottle of Coca-Cola, bricklayer style. Other fun things to try include...
5 Amazing Nigerian Drinks
It?s always fun to try out new foods and drinks when traveling; Nigerians are known to be heavy drinkers, party-lovers which makes the locally made drinks very much appreciated. A good number of these Nigerian drinks are found to be refreshing as well as nutritious and also whether caused by the method of production or immoderate consumption comes burdened with adverse effects. You have not truly visited Nigeria if you fail to try out these Nigerian drinks!
Top 24 Romantic-Weekend Destinations In Nigeria
Romantic weekends are not all about going for shopping at the Dubai Mall or taking pictures in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Nigeria has a lot of captivating and romantic destinations that could have you on cloud 9. So if you?re looking forward to escaping from the topsy-turvy of the City, in search of a romantic weekend with a difference, and you are not really sure of how you and your spouse can live that dream, then sit back and relax because we?re about to go on a trip.
by Samuel Oluwatobi Olatunji/March 10 10:47 AMLast updated on The announcement by the Federal Government of Nigeria, concerning the closure of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, has been met with clamor and anxiety so far. The announcement was made by Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Information, during a world press conference held in Abuja on Monday, 6th March 2017. The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport commonly known as the Abuja airport is often said to be the second busiest airport in Nigeria and is only 40 kilometers away from the center of Abuja City. When compared with other airports in Nigeria, the Abuja airport is generally considered safer because it has recorded only one minor plane crash with no fatalities involved. Some of the major domestic airlines that have operated in Abuja airport include Arik Air, Dana Airways, Virgin Nigeria, Aero Contractors and Afrijet Airlines; while the international airlines include British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa, Air France, Bell view, Egypt Air and China Southern Airlines. Reason for the closure? According to the federal government, the reason for this closure is to ensure the reconstruction of the runway. Since it's establishment in 1982, the runway has been in continuous use without any major rehabilitation. This does not conform to the industry standards of 20 years before total reconstruction. Therefore, this move is long overdue. How long is the Closure? The Abuja airport closure will last for 6 weeks and will begin on Wednesday, March 8, 2017, by 12 am. It is hoped that regular flight operation will commence at the Abuja airport on 19th April 2017. The Alternative? The recommended alternative is Kaduna airport, which is about 188 kilometers away. ?During the Abuja airport closure, Abuja-bound passengers will be required to fly to Kaduna. From Kaduna, they can head towards the capital by another means of transportation. The Kaduna airport, which was also opened in 1982, is around 22 kilometers Northwest of Kaduna city. Several people have found?the decision of the Federal Government to be quite worrisome. In fact, it appears that international airlines are not in support of this decision. According to figures from?the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), for December 2015, the Kaduna airport is said to have handled just 12 flights during that month; A striking difference when compared with Abuja airport which handled 812 flights during that period. For those of you who haven?t been to Kaduna or used Kaduna Airport, you may worry about the provision of Kaduna airport as an alternative for the Abuja airport but you don?t have to worry anymore. To cope with the Abuja airport closure and plan your flights properly, there are some things you need to know including how to get to Kaduna from Abuja and vice versa, cost of transportation and how long each means of transportation will take. You also need information on hotels close to the airport in case a delayed flight will require you to spend a night in Kaduna. How to get to Kaduna from Abuja and vice versa? There are 2 options for you if you are coming from Abuja, but 3 if you are coming from elsewhere. The two options are to travel by bus/car or by train. The third is by aeroplane if you are coming from Lagos, Port Harcourt or Calabar and so on. You can book flight tickets online. What will it cost? By train, it costs about N1, 050 (initially N600) for economy passengers and N1500 (initially N900) for VIP passengers to travel from Abuja to Kaduna. The increase is as a result of?the Federal government?s desire to maintain the facility. The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, claims that it costs N50 million per month to run the train, thereby justifying the increase. It is further said that there will be the importation of more coaches by September to lessen the overcrowding that occurs via this route. The other option is to travel by road. By bus, its costs N800 per person to travel from Kaduna to Abuja and vice versa. There are also cars available for private hire, or you may find a friend to drive you. You don?t have to bother much about the safety of the road; This is because the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has announced that there will be police officers on every 2.5 kilometres covered on the Abuja-Kaduna expressway. He added that there will be a specialized unit of the police; the counter-terrorism department, dog sniffers and helicopter patrol on all routes leading to the airport. In fact, there will be about 500 police trucks to secure the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway during the Abuja airport closure. Therefore, your safety is guaranteed. While leaving the airport, you are likely going to be given a form, which contains three options: ?I need a train, I need bus and I have a private arrangement.? There will be staff to direct you based on your choice. How long will it take?... By bus/car, the journey will take about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours while by train it will take about 45 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes. Hotels close to Kaduna airport? If there is any reason for you to spend a night or more in Kaduna (probably because of a delayed flight), Hotels Ng can help you to get hotels close to Kaduna Airport. Some of these hotels are: Hotel Seventeen De-Nevilla Hotels Asaa Pyramid Hotel Hamdala Hotel? Quarterhouse Hotels Airlines flying to Kaduna? Several domestic airlines have agreed to fly to Kaduna, amongst which are Dana Air, Med-view and Arik Air. Dana Air: This airline?s time schedule includes flights for ?7.02am, 10.53, 13.23pm to 18.25pm. There will be one flight each from Uyo and Port Harcourt to Kaduna strictly based on its scheduled departure time. Another is Med-View with five daily flights to Kaduna from Lagos. Med-view: All Med-View Airline flights to Maiduguri and Yola will be routed through Kaduna airport. Their departure and arrival time remain the same as well as flights originating from Lagos. Arik Air: Arik will also run flights to Kaduna. In fact, the airline has announced a special promotional fare that enables passengers to buy a one-way ticket to any destination in Nigeria from N16, 000 particularly for those on the Kaduna route. It will operate three daily flights between Kaduna and Lagos and one daily flight between Kaduna and Accra, Ghana during this period of Abuja airport closure. So far, the only international airline that has agreed to fly to Kaduna is Ethiopian Airlines. For updates? For those of you who need updates on the Abuja airport closure, there is currently a website for it: www.abujaairportclosure.info. The website was launched by the government to communicate necessary information about the Abuja airport closure to the public. You might also like to read... Top 10 Hotels Near Abuja Airport Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria, is one those destinations that you just can never get enough of. If you plan to visit Abuja for a business or leisure activity, there are several great hotels to stay in. If you are especially looking for a hotel that gives you easy access to Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, we?ve got a list 10?hotels near Abuja Airport, where you can spend the night. How To Stop Ear Pain In Flights Ear pain is the number one turn-off attached to traveling via flights. Almost everyone who has flown in an airplane has experienced ear pain during?flights and some have even complained of having blocked ears after a flight; it is a very common issue?that comes with traveling by air transport and often disappears once the plane lands. We've complied useful details on how to stop these pains in the ear.
by Anjola/March 03 10:50 AMLast updated on Chicken, Omelette Lettuce, Cheddar cheese, Tomatoes, sausages, French fries and a desirable cup of cappuccino; Are you salivating just yet? ?So you love good food or at least are a sucker for classy meals and you?ve searched around in pain to satisfy your food cravings, all to no avail? Well, search no more because below is your best guide to some of the best buffets in Lagos. Southern Sun Hotel Located at the Eti Osa, Ikoyi, ?the Southern Sun offers a wide selection of the best local and international dishes serving 24 hours breakfast, lunch, dinner buffets as well as a la carte and light meals every day. The buffet service includes breakfast from 6.30 am ? 10.30 am, lunch and dinner from 11.30am ? 9.30 pm.They also have exclusive packages weekly and on special holidays. You will enjoy the restaurant?s all-embracing menu which is usually complemented by a fine selection of wines. The good news is you can enjoy all this at a whopping price of N8,000 per adult, although children get access to the buffet at reduced rates. The Southern Sun Hotel is highly commended for being one of the best dining spots in Lagos. Radisson Blu, Lagos Radisson Blu is a luxury, unique 5-star hotel located in Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island. It arguably has the best brunch offers in Lagos and does well to accompany delectable cuisines with live music. Their on-site voyage restaurant hosts their daily breakfast buffet. ?A special Sunday brunch is available from 11:30 am ? 4:30 pm at a price of N10,000 per head. You can also have buffet dinner served at the poolside. This is usually a fantastic choice for romantic candle-lit dinners. The Ekaabo restaurant at Radisson Blu Hotel is open daily from 6:00 am ? 10:00 pm. Ekaabo Restaurant, Intercontinental Hotel This is located in the famous Intercontinental hotel, on Kofo-Abayomi Street, Lagos. The restaurant combines pleasurable aesthetics with superior quality food. The ambience of the environment is particularly intriguing and their laudable customer service will keep you feeling like royalty all through your stay. ?Their Sunday Buffet begins at 12:30 pm and ends around 4 pm. On other days, the restaurant is open daily from 6:00 am ? 10:00 pm. You can have a 3-course buffet that costs N9,500 per head. Also, with attention-grabbing performances from their live bands, you can be sure to get great value for your money here. Crockpot Restaurant, Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja This modern restaurant located at the Lobby level of Sheraton Lagos Hotel is perfect for those who love the idea of an unending offer of scrumptious, delightful buffet meals. A Breakfast Buffet is served daily from 06:00 am to 10:30 am and it goes at an eye-catching price of N6,500. Lunch is available from 12:00 pm -3:30 pm and it goes at N7,500 ?while dinner from 7:00 pm- 10:30 pm is priced at N8,500. Golden Tulip Restaurant Located at Amuwo Odofin, Festac town with mouth-watering cuisines and an extensive menu, the restaurant is simply home away from home. With its beautifully decorated island bar, there is an undeniable synergy of style, sophistication and hospitality. It?s a top quality restaurant which boasts of breakfast, lunch and dinner services on a buffet basis. The meals consist of vast options from both local and intercontinental dishes, not forgetting dessert choices like cakes. Buffets go for an affordable price of N9,500. Monty Buffet A subsidiary of Monty Suites in Calabar and Uyo, Monty Buffet is located at Karimu Kotun, Victoria Island, Lagos. It is a strict buffet restaurant which promises both local and continental dishes at an amazing price of $20 per head. You can indulge your taste buds with a delightfully wide array of exciting delicacies to choose from. From their Monty Special Fried Rice?with?Julienne Veg to their Chicken In Chilli Sauce, you can be sure to have more than enough to devour. However, an e-mail reservation is necessary before you can have an ?all you can eat? buffet at this location. When it comes to buffets, these hotels will give you new and mouthwatering options you can?t resist; And of course, it?s not news that you will need to go to these hotels on an empty belly in order to get full value for your money?s worth. Visiting Lagos? ?Book hotels in Lagos on hotels.ng for all the best deals on amazing hotels. As a foodie, you might also be interested in... Best fast food restaurants in Lagos You may be?in Lagos for a brief work visit, or you may just want to spend some time exploring this huge mega city. While going about your business or having fun, you will certainly need to eat and this is a great opportunity to experience some nice fast food restaurants in Lagos. Here is a short guide to some of the very best fast food restaurants in Lagos. Affordable Lagos restaurants When it comes to giving that special someone a treat, there are certainly more than enough affordable Lagos restaurants. You just need to take time out to find out where they are and if you?re reading this article, congrats! You are on the right track. If you?re on a budget and still desire a decent spot to hang out with your partner, look no further.