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A Guide to Road Travel by Night in Nigeria
Last updated on The high demand by Nigerian commuters for night journey has left bus drivers no other option but to give in to their demands. Nigerians who travel at night say they have reasons for preferring night buses even though they know that the poor conditions of the luxury buses could endanger their lives. Time management is possibly the major reason why commuters prefer night travel by road. For businessmen and women, travelling at night makes it possible for them to get their destination on time, make their purchases and make a u-turn back to their homes. This way, they would be able to evade incurring extra costs for feeding and hotel accommodations. Inioluwa Efosa, a corp member serving in Nasarawa recently travelled to Ibadan via a luxury night bus. She said her experience would make her continue traveling at night. She felt it was faster because she faced no issues of traffic congestion, thereby making the journey less stressful. On the other hand, the FRSC keeps enlightening and advising people to avoid night travel as it is not safe. This is because when buses break down at night, help would not be readily available. Also, because robbers make very good use of this time of the day to prey on victims. While some would describe travelling at night as fun, others have very sad tales to tell. Oluwatobi Adesola still vividly remembers a night journey he undertook two years ago from Lagos to Adamawa. He boarded a bus from a park in Lagos to attend his uncle?s wedding. The journey was smooth until they got to a point in their journey when the vehicle conveying him and other passengers was attacked by Fulani herdsmen. A Section of Luxury Buses in Nigeria Road travel by night in Nigeria has its pros and cons. You would definitely not get the same sleep you would normally get at home, but you would not be wasting a day in transit either. These tips will make your road travel by night in Nigeria easier and safer: MAKE SURE THE ROUTE IS SAFE This should be the first thing to consider before boarding a night bus. Check local travel advisories and be sure that the routes the bus would be taking are not places where robberies and/ or accidents are common at night. If you see warnings about this, you might want to go for a day bus. TAKE A FIRST CLASS BUS Before embarking on a night journey, think carefully if you would rather opt for the cheapest bus than taking a first-class bus. A first-class bus would definitely put your mind at ease because there would be no fear of breakdowns during the journey. Nigerian transport companies that provide topnotch services to commuters include: God is Good Motors, Peace Mass Transit, ABC Transport, Young Shall Grow Motors, Agofure Motors, GUO Transport, etc. These companies place a high priority on the life and security of their passengers. You might want to read on how to survive the daily traffic congestion in Lagos. CHOOSE YOUR SEAT CAREFULLY There are several factors to consider when choosing your seat on a night bus. Some people feel they would sleep better near the window as this is the perfect angle to place your travel pillow to rest your head, others prefer to sit in front. This might help for better vision and can be reassuring. If you love roller coasters, you might want to take a seat in front. Others prefer to sit at the back, but know that the further you are, the bumpier the ride. Considering the state of the roads, the middle seat might be the safest place to sit. The Interior of a Luxurious Bus KEEP YOUR MONEY AND VALUABLES IN MORE THAN ONE PLACE As Nigerians, we know that it is very necessary to act smart at all times. This is why you should seriously consider this tip. It is not ideal to keep your money and valuables in one place. In the case of a robbery, the thief could get everything. Try to split your valuables. (Now do not get scared, robberies happen all the time, even during the day too). Personally, I?d advise that you make use of a slash proof bag and also hide money in very unlikely places. REMEMBER TO CARRY GOOD HEADPHONES The journey is usually long, sometimes stretching over several hours. During this time, you?d encounter noise from someone snoring or sounds from crickets and other night animals. Good headphones become very useful at this point as they help block out these sounds and help you drown in music. They can even help you sleep better. DO NOT FORGET YOUR POWER BANK This should be obvious but in haste, you might forget the ?almighty? power bank. Keeping your phone on as long as possible is very vital. You could also take your charger, just in case the bus you would be boarding is equipped with charging points. TAKE AN ENERGY DRINK TO AVOID HAVING TO USE THE BATHROOM Pack energy drinks that replenish electrolytes. This would keep your thirst quenched and your bladder empty, meaning you would not have to use the bathroom as often. This would be very helpful because there might not be a bathroom on the bus and the ones at the stops would probably be unpleasant. PACK ENOUGH FOOD WITH YOU If there is anything you should never underestimate when going on a trip is packing food. Now, it is not just about packing food but packing the right food. You should not count on the fact that you would get food from a restaurant along the way because you might end up having a stomach upset or you might not like the food. Do not pack food that can spoil on time. You might also want to avoid very heavy meals. Even if you do not feel hungry, there would be a time when you would feel the urge to eat, even out of boredom. Take snacks like puff puff, chin-chin, meat pie, doughnut, popcorn, protein bar and chips (plantain, yam or potato). You could also take fruits like apples, cucumbers, berries, and bananas along. Meat pie- a snack suitable for night travel DRESS IN LAYERS You can never be sure what temperature awaits you during an overnight road trip. This is why it is best to dress in layers or keep a warm jacket handy so that you can adjust to whatever temperature would be comfortable on the journey. Consider taking a scarf or shawl even though you are feeling warm already. DO NOT FORGET YOUR TRAVEL ESSENTIALS The idea of staying overnight without brushing your teeth does not sound appealing. So remember to pack your brush and toothpaste along with you. Other night travel essentials include wet napkins, hand sanitizers, earplugs and a sleep mask -- this is to have a sleep undisturbed by light. One last thing is a travel pillow -- this is the best way to avoid waking with a sore neck. A Travel Pillow You might also want to read: top ten places to avoid in Lagos at night ENGAGE IN CONVERSATIONS WITH OTHER PASSENGERS Boredom is one of the most tiring parts of night travel. Engaging in conversations with other passengers is an avenue to kill time and learn new things. You do not need a special skill to do this, just look around you for someone that looks bored. Voila!, you are good to go. CARRY ESSENTIAL MEDICINE If you get motion sickness easily, it is necessary to carry a motion sickness pill to avoid puking during the ride. You would also need a sleeping pill if you are the type that does not sleep easily around people. You should, however, note that these pills should have been prescribed by a doctor. If you are still not convinced about travelling at night by road in Nigeria, you could take a day bus and spend a night in a hotel so you can leave the next day. To get the best hotel rates anywhere, check hotels.ng.
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Student Life In Canada - A Nigerian Girl's Experience
Last updated on I checked myself over in the mirror one last time (that was the sixth ?one last time?). I?d always find something to adjust. But this one last time was really the one last time! I couldn?t have been more proud of myself. I took in a long deep breath. It was my graduation day. I looked at the photos hanging on my wall. They told the story. From the day I was christened to my first prize in primary school to the numerous awards I won in secondary school. What a beautiful and smart lady I had grown into. And here I was, on my way to adding yet another one. Adrenaline rushed through my veins as I ran down the stairs to join my amazing family. Jack also shared in the excitement as he kept barking and wagging its tail as we drove out of the compound. It is no longer news that I was one of the best graduating students from my secondary school. The prestigious, high standard Queen?s College, Yaba, Lagos. A school where knowledge is imparted indeed and in truth. I had rehearsed how gracefully I?d walk to meet those estimable scholarly juggernauts whose secret prot?g? I have been as I strived hard in my quest to also stand like them someday; patting young brains that have diligently eaten up their books and were now receiving the fruits of their many nights of sowing. My hard work paid off more than I expected as I was awarded a scholarship to study my chosen course at the prestigious University of Toronto ( the Lester B. Pearson International Canadian Scholarships Program). The organization was looking to give scholarship opportunities to exceptional Nigerian Students. My joy knew no bounds not just because I was awarded a scholarship, but because of the smile my parents had on their faces all through the ceremony. I was obviously ?the daughter in whom they were well pleased?. I was to join the league of Nigerian students in Canada alongside my best friend, Fechi who also wanted to study in Canada. We had to apply to the school and go through a number of procedures. We also had to take our English Proficiency Test. The English Proficiency Test is very necessary when travelling to countries that adopt the use of English as their primary language of instruction in schools and institutions. We were lucky enough to get our acceptance letter from the school 6 months before resumption which gave us ample time to apply for our Canadian student visa/permit. The whole application process stressed us out. We were not aware of a lot of requirements especially the fact that we had to write a statement of purpose, explaining the purpose of the trip and why we had chosen the University of Toronto. To avoid being a victim of the stress the writer talks about, click here to meet with a consultant to ensure a seamless visa application and the requirements for a Canadian Student Visa. If you?d like to know more about other visa types for Canada, click here. After a long list of goodbyes and hugs (my mother cried her eyes out) we eventually boarded our flight to Canada. It was not my first time boarding a plane but it was my first time leaving the country. However, it was Fechi?s first time for both. It has been 2 years now since I left Nigeria for Canada and my stay in this country has been a rollercoaster of events. However, the good sides outweigh the bad sides by far. My first month in Canada as a student was hectic. I had to get my SIN (Social Insurance Number) -- you cannot work legally in Canada without one because when you start a job, you?d be required to provide your SIN. The SIN is also needed to pay taxes and also access government benefits. I also had to get a local cell phone plan, set up a bank account and build a strong network of friends (this was a bit huge for me as I am normally an introvert but it went a long way in making me feel at home in Canada) . I got a job two months after resuming my study at the University. I was fortunate to live on campus. Fechi, however, was not that lucky and she had to look for an off-campus accommodation which was a bit of a challenge because she was a foreigner but it was rewarding as it gave her the chance to explore a new neighborhood, meet new people and also find a place to settle in that truly felt like home (unlike mine, I had to share living spaces with a number of other students). On-campus accommodations are actually way cheaper than off-campus accommodations. I got a job two months after at a bookstore just two blocks away from the University. Working in Canada as a student is one of the advantages of choosing Canada as your study destination. Most Nigerian students, as well as other international students, can work for up to 20 hours per time and full time during scheduled breaks, without a work permit. However, you should note that you cannot start working in Canada without a work permit until you start your study program. Working while studying enabled me support myself and not totally rely on my parents on funds as well as to meet new people which could help me build connections and gain experiences that could make me stand out in my job hunt later on after my study. While most international students in Canada do not need a work permit to work while studying, some study programs require students to complete a Co-op or Internship Work Placement before they would be able to graduate. In cases like this, such students would be required to possess a Co-op Work Permit in addition to their study permit. To obtain a Co-op Work Permit, you?ll need a valid study permit and a letter from your college or university stating that all students in your program need to complete work placements to get their degree. This can be likened to the 6 months/1-year compulsory SIWES program for certain courses in Nigerian Universities. Sitting right now under a tree priding itself in the center of the University of Toronto and enjoying the sun of summer while observing the colorful human traffic of students as they go in and out of classes, couples' display of affection and the numerous activities on campus, I wonder if these students actually have a daily routine. Do you think it is easy to have a routine while in university? I do not live my life haphazardly but I barely have a routine because of various obligations and deadlines throughout an academic term and it has continued to evolve over the years. Unlike when I was in a secondary school in Nigeria, I even had every day completely planned out (I had my alarm set for every activity I had to engage in after school hours). I mean, I had it all put together then. Now, I truly believe that more responsibilities get accrued to you as you age and advance in life. Currently, as I plan to enter my 3rd year, my day starts by 6 am with a visit to the University gym for a workout before class. This has been the only constant thing in my ?daily routine?. My classes follow after. I?m usually free on Thursdays -- this is when I spend extra hours at work and volunteer at a children's center. Lunch is usually the best time of the day. I try to save money by bringing leftovers from dinner or, on days when I feel like eating something different or want to be sociable at lunch, I go with Fechi to grab a Sushi roll (I really love Sushi and there are Sushi restaurants everywhere that are pocket-friendly). I sometimes go for a strawberry and chicken salad on days when I remember that I?m working towards being a member of the fit fam. Kimchi, Cucumber and Avocado Sushi Rolls Immediately after my classes in the afternoon, I go to the bookstore where I work. I sometimes make time to study there because my job is flexible and balancing the time commitment for my studies is not difficult. My evening schedule greatly varies, depending on the time on the academic calendar and if I have impending academic work. On some evenings, I go for yoga which helps in decluttering my head while on others I hang out with Fechi and my other friends. Most evenings involve dinner, which includes my 2 other roommates eating, laughing and talking loudly with each other. We share the highs and lows of the day. My bedtime varies but over time I?ve been able to peg it to 11 pm since sleeping is pivotal to my overall well-being and impacts my daily life greatly. Not to forget, I found love right here at the university. Kelechi, (I?m sure you were expecting me to mention Craig or Jill) is one of the people that make my university life an exciting one. If you intend to work in Canada after school, click here to know more about Canadian Work PermitTravel itinerary for visa application
Last updated on Traveling is not as easy as choosing a destination and booking your plane ticket and accommodations. So why are there people who make traveling look like a piece of cake? Travelers who can fly in and out without any major hitches tend to have a travel itinerary. The itinerary is a detailed plan for a journey, including a list of places to be visited, and often other information such as the dates, place of residence, and transportation to be used during the journey. A travel itinerary is a schedule of events relating to planned travel, generally including destinations to be visited at specified times and means of transportation to move between those destinations. This aids your visa application as it enables the embassy to know that you have a structure for your stay in their country and it gives a mini assurance that once you have all the things done on your travel itinerary, you will be on your way back to your home country. Most times, when your visa application includes visits to other states, you would be required to show proof of a reserved flight or any other means of transportation you intend to take. In the case where the country only provides non-refundable tickets for their means of transportation, you can just include the specific details of your trips and the available flights or trains set to move on such days. This is to ensure that in the case where you change plans or there is an emergency during your trip, or worst still the visa application gets denied, you do not lose out on money. The construction of a travel itinerary may be assisted by the use of travel literature, including travel journals and diaries, a guide book containing information for visitors or tourists about the destination, or a trip planner website dedicated to helping users plan their trips. Remember to include the following in your travel itinerary; A hotel reservations to your trip plans.A flight to your travel itinerary.Restaurants to your mobile-friendly itinerary.Activities, places, and landmarks to your detailed travel itinerary. Here are five reasons why a travel itinerary is as important as choosing where to go and where to stay. It can actually make or break your trip! Maximize your time. Manage your expenditures. Easier and faster travel from one point to another. It helps in prioritizing your wants. Trip essentials are not forgotten. Although travel itineraries can be done by using the information that can be found on the internet, it is best that you consult a travel agent who can provide you with pertinent information, book your travel needs with ease, make sure that everything is in order, and ensure a hassle-free vacation. Hello reader, if you need help with any visa process, kindly click here to be connected to a visa agent.A PURCHASED FLIGHT TICKET LATER, MY BUSINESS VISA IS DENIED
Last updated on This is Nigeria where everyone is expected to keep a positive mind about everything and pray against ?evil forces? standing in the way of your progress. After praying for the good things to come your way and it happens in the negative, we find solace in saying it is ?the will of the lord.? We fail to expect negative results from the start and put in all the extra effort, especially if we have someone helping out with the whole process who is giving us ?the vibe? and telling us not to worry. This can be the only reasonable explanation for someone who is asked to book a flight ticket during the visa application process, but goes ahead to purchase a flight ticket because the person ?is taking a leap of faith.? Imagine having to buy a ticket while applying for a business visa and your visa application gets rejected? You are then left with an expensive flight ticket that you have already paid for, but cannot even use! The fee paid for the visa application is a non-refundable application processing fee as well, making it a two-way loss. We all know how losing out on money without actually getting the services required can be very painful. So you know I'm not making this up, I will share a real scenario with you. I heard of a fabric seller who decided to expand her business. She heard Dubai is an awesome place to get wonderful fabrics and decided to give it a try. She applied for a business visa to Dubai and, believing strongly that the visa will be granted, purchased her flight ticket and even paid for a hotel reservation ahead. She applied for a business visa because it is a non-immigrant visa that allows the holder a short duration stay for business-related reasons, which was exactly what she needed. She was told that before the visa application would be granted, she was to present a flight reservation, among other things, for the visa application. She went ahead to do just that, but as she didn't see the need to just reserve a flight now only to pay for it later, she went ahead to purchase the ticket (note that some people would have made the same mistake because they do not know it is possible to book a flight without paying a single thing.) Unfortunately for her, the business visa was denied. For those who have had a similar experience in the past, they know that reason(s) why a visa is denied is never communicated, you are left to figure that out on your own. When your visa application gets denied, you do not have to blame your ?village people? in a hurry, there are different reasons why visa gets denied. Among other things, it can either be that she failed to fill the application form in a clear manner, or she owns an invalid Passport. Typographical errors of names, date of birth, address, etc. can also be another reason why her visa was denied. Her business visa application might have been denied because the consular officer did not have all of the information required to determine if she is eligible to receive a visa, because the lady does not qualify for the visa category for which she applied, or because the information reviewed indicates that she falls within the scope of one of the inadmissibility or ineligibility grounds of the law. The only thing is we do not know exactly what she did wrong, you can just try to avoid these things when you apply. Embassies will ask you to show proof of return flight tickets to and from your destination country. This is to ensure that you are actually going to come back to your base and not make an illegal attempt to stay back in their country. But paying for flight tickets is an expensive commitment to make when you are not even sure whether your visa application will get accepted and how long it may take. A flight reservation for visa refers to a reserved itinerary or a flight plan to and from the destination country you want to apply the visa for. These itineraries are not actual flight tickets, and thus, need not be paid for. A flight reservation document looks almost like a flight ticket, except that it does not have a price tag attached to it. Hence it is also sometimes referred to as a dummy ticket. It comes with a unique reservation ID or code that can be verified from the airlines? website if the embassy wants. Apart from that, the flight reservation for visa contains all other information that you would normally have on a flight ticket Since some visa takes longer than expected to get processed, what do you do with the confirmed flight tickets? A full refund of the price is extremely rare, and you end up losing the money paid. There are various ways to reserve a flight during the visa application. One is to find out which airlines offer this service and book a reservation with them. The other way is through verified travel agents. Always remember that it is possible to reserve a flight without paying for it. For a denied visa as well, it is possible to reapply in the future. If you reapply for a visa after being found ineligible, you must submit a new visa application and pay the visa application fee again. If you were found ineligible for serious crime records of some sort, you should be able to present evidence of significant changes in circumstances since your last application If your application was denied because documentation or information is missing, you can provide the missing documents or information as soon as possible. After submitting the documentation, your business visa application can then be processed to a conclusion to determine whether you qualify for a visa. You have one year from the date you were refused a visa to submit additional information. Otherwise, if you do not provide the required information within one year, you must reapply for the visa and pay another application fee. If your application requires further administrative processing, this takes additional time after your interview. Processing times can vary based on individual circumstances. So have no worries if yours takes longer than your friends, good things take time. Avoid taking leaps of faith when you can simply be reasonable. When asked to reserve a flight for the sake of your business visa application, do just that and do not purchase the flight ticket as that might not end well. If you do not know how to reserve a flight without paying for it, then try to contact an agent or any of the other methods mentioned earlier. Be certain your visa application is successful before going ahead to make payment. Take your leap of faith after your visa application is successful. Hello reader, if you need help with any visa process, kindly click here to be connected to a visa agent
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