Bauchi State Governor encourages Nigerians to visit Yankari Games

Governor Abubakar his administration will take advantage of the slump in international tourism to grow the local economy, and Yankari Games reserve remains pivotal to the growth of tourism.

As the value of the Naira reached an all-time low, and with states struggling to generate enough revenue to pay their workers, the Bauchi state government has come up with a solution to generate more revenue - tourism.

Governor M. A. Abubakar who took to his official twitter handle (@GovMAA) called on Nigerians to holiday in Yankari, Bauchi state, as it is now too expensive to do so in Dubai and London at the prevailing exchange rates.

The governor who posted scintillating pictures of the games reserve, caused a twitter storm.  Most Nigerians seemed to like the idea including former vice-president Atiku Abubakar, and Senator Ben Murray Bruce who retweeted the governor’s tweet. Others however, raised security concerns about visiting the North Eastern state.

The governor in subsequent tweets allayed any security fears, saying that Bauchi is not only safe and secure, the people are also peace loving and accommodating. He further stated that his administration will take advantage of the slump in international tourism to grow the local economy, and Yankari Games reserve remains pivotal to the growth of tourism.

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Nigeria: Country Loses Over U.S.$28 Billion to Birth Tourism Annually

By Tordue Salem and Suzan Ironsi

Nigeria loses over 28 billion United States dollars annually to medical tourism, and risks losing more this year, as over 23 percent of pregnant Nigerian women insist on having their children abroad, in spite of the stern warning by the Ministry of Health that babies of pregnant travellers to the United States and Latin America, risk contracting the deadly Zika fever.

The Medical Tourism Association research statistics, disclose that "23 percent of Nigeria's population has access to a combined buying power in excess of US28 billion dollars, mostly made up of professional and middle-class Nigerians whose desire to seek privileges such as better health care services or simply dual citizenship options for their child/children is on the rise", despite the warning.

As it implies, Birth tourists are women who travel out for the singular purpose of giving birth. Some circles crudely refer to some of these kids as 'anchor babies' because of their access to citizenship of other 'greener' countries under the jus soli.

Indications by the centre for immigration studies in Washington estimates that as many as 36,000 birth tourists go to the United States every year and further identifies that Nigerians represent a strong number of guests from Sub-Saharan Africa.

The figures are not unlikely to increase as statistics disclose that 23 percent of Nigeria's population has access to a combined buying power in excess of US28 billion dollars, mostly made up of professional and middle-class Nigerians whose desire to seek privileges such as better health care services or simply dual citizenship options for their child/children is on the rise.

Though not a new phenomenon among Nigerians, the trend has given rise to better planning and even consultancies which guide women on costs and procedures.

 

For Wunmi Ewebiyi, hers is a testimonial on one-child-birth service website where she narrates her delight with the support received and reveals expenditures of up to US 8,000 dollars for Caesarean Section birth. While, Naomi Anyanwu tells to LEADERSHIP Weekend that, "I've had two children in America. I spent roughly about US15,000 thousand dollars for my son and less than US10,000 when I had my daughter two years later."

For recently wed Mrs Chinonyerem Chimundiya, she expresses to LEADERSHIP Weekend that having struggled with the Nigerian system, she and her husband hope to offer a better opportunity for their children. "It seems Nigeria has always been on rocky ground. Being able to have steady employment means that we can afford to have our baby in America. It is unfortunate that now I have to contend with this Zika virus, but I have planned and saved for this. When I got married, my husband and I discussed this option of having our child overseas and we both agreed to guaranteeing our kids the option of a stable educational system, plus exposing them to unique climes, and even snow!"

At this time in the United states, though citing the risk of transmitting the virus through blood donations remained "extremely" low, groups like the American Red Cross have requested that blood donors who have travelled to Zika viral outbreak areas at least 28 days before donating in the United States. Similarly, the Pan American Health Organisation whilst investigating a case of the virus being transmitted sexually, has said more evidence was needed to confirm sexual contact as a means of Zika transmission after a report in Texas.

However, despite the ongoing International effort to investigate and understand how the virus evolves, to protect vulnerable groups like pregnant women, there are those who remain steadfast.

For the 29-year-old consultant, who alongside her husband, earn a combined monthly income of a little over 900,000 thousand naira and being six months pregnant, she is set with her plans to travel to the United States, irrespective of ongoing events. "I watch the news, and it's a risk that I will take because I want the best opportunity for my child, and if we can provide that by going overseas, then why not?" she queries.

It is a question that an increasing number of middle-income families seem to ponder, and possibly accounts for the growing number of Nigerian women who travel to countries like the United States of America to give birth.

Dr Chris Agboghoroma, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at the National Hospital Abuja insists that Although, the WHO recently declared Zika a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, it stated that there was no justification for restrictions on travel or trade to prevent the spread of Zika, encouraging instead personal measures to avoid mosquito bites as essential. "Information on ZiKa virus is still evolving.

For now, the main mode of transmission is mosquito bites and the main concern is infected pregnant women resulting in congenital malformation - microcephaly and neurological complications in the babies. Though the world is a global village because of ease of transportation, the vector for this infection- mosquito is not common in USA. While the risk of infection of the most vulnerable group - pregnant women is low in places were mosquito bites are unlikely including USA, same cannot be said of places including South America and Caribbean with mosquitoes."

Reinforcing this, Dr Ihekweazu urges that every woman that is planning to travel, that is of child bearing age must consider fully whether she needs to go to regions like South America at the Moment. "Women must take the normal precautions against getting bitten buy mosquitoes, but over and above what you would normally do; if you were using mosquitoes repellent sporadically, you would have to then use it all the time. They must inform themselves and educate themselves on the risks so that they can take informed decisions."

Recall however, that the Health Minister. Professor Isaac Oluwole, had earlier warned pregnant Nigerian women of the health risks of travelling abroad to have their babies, especially in places like Southern America, that is worst hit by the Zika fever.

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Annoying habits every Nigerian traveler should drop

A majority of Nigerians love to travel whether within the country or around the world. While a number of them have good travel habits which keep them alert and prepared for possible setbacks including losing their luggage, getting sick or having something stolen, there are some who often exhibit behaviours that not only put them at risk and set them up for dire challenges while travelling, but also upsets other passengers unlucky to be on the same path as they are.

The thing is, most of the travelers who exhibit these habits do not even know that they do and so have no clue that they need to tackle them. Nigerian travelers need to drop to ensure they enjoy a continuously smooth experience.

Arriving late

Arriving late to the airport or terminal is a common habit for most people. They fail to consider the possibility of traffic or car failure when estimating time needed to get to the airport. Some do not pack at least a day before the trip but leave it for the morning of the journey and as a result, arrive late and miss their flight or bus, creating difficulties for not just themselves, but also the officers who help them cancel or re-book their flight. In some cases, people who have to stop over at multiple locations while traveling to a country abroad, arrive late to the plane, causing delays for others or in dire cases, facing the horrible challenge or re-routing or re-booking their flight. While travelling, it pays to keep to time.

Over packing

Many women are known for extra luggage. They like to travel with a lot of bags even if it just a short trip, and this habit can be very annoying as they end up taking most of the cabin luggage space, forcing other passengers to squeeze their luggage in tiny corners. Hotel staff get discouraged, escorting them to their rooms as they worry about carrying a lot of luggage.To save yourself the stress, stick to taking the essentials and do not pack anything you can get at your travel destination.

Asking for favours

Some people make a habit of asking for favours while travelling. Some of the popular favours they ask include: ‘Please, do you mind if we switch seats, I really do not like seating next to the window, I find it super scary’, ‘Do you mind if I put my things under your seat? I can’t fit these extra bags that I smuggled onto the plane under my own seat’, Or “Can I please use your phone to call my friend so she can know that I am close to the airport, I have run out of minutes.” Most passengers who give in to these request hold a level or resentment inside or get irritated. To keep the a cordial atmosphere with people they meet, they should ensure they make proper arrangements and do not bother others by asking for favours on the road.

Ignoring Seat Etiquette

Some air passengers are the worst when it comes to observing seat etiquette. They find it hard to keep to their own space while on their seat. They fail to understand the need for the armrest between two seats and they ignore the tray tables when eating, sometimes spilling food on other passengers as a result. The worst is when they sleep on the shoulder of the neighbor sitting next to them, possibly drooling on them. When travelling, ensure you keep to your seat and observe all etiquette, that way you are not a burden to your neighbor.

Flashing money

When traveling, it is important that you hide your valuables and only use them when necessary. This is to avoid attracting the wrong set of people, and is instrumental to ensuring you do not become an easy target for thieves and marauders.  Nigerians however, like to flash their money and even dress up in their expensive clothes and jewelry when travelling, especially abroad. They do this mostly to create the impression of affluence as most believe that affluence commands recognition and respect. However, unless you have body guards or some kind of immunity, it is important to drop the habit.

By Jovago team

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9 mistakes tourists make when visiting Calabar

Calabar, popularly referred to as Canaan City, has a complicated yet fascinating history. One of the Nigeria’s famous travel destinations, numerous attractions abound for tourists paying a visit to this beautiful city.
However, although it is common to make mistakes when exploring the unknown, certain flubs can turn your trip into a disappointing experience, especially if you are a first time visitor.

Here are the ten common mistakes that travelers make when visiting Calabar. Hopefully, by looking at these mistakes, you will avoid replicating them, and thus get more enjoyment from a vacation to this land rich in culture.

Arriving in high season
A significant percentage of visitors arrive Calabar from November through January for the famous Calabar Carnival. If you are in for a wild time, then this is the best period to take a holiday there but if some peace and quiet is what you want, this may not be the best time to visit for a unique and enjoyable experience.
Work towards arriving during off-peak season as you will escape long lines at the leading museums and tourist attractions plus getting tables in restaurants or rooms at hotels will be easier.

Being easy prey for pickpockets
The odds of being mugged in Calabar are low however, with pick-pocketing and purse-snatching…it’s a different story. Many tourists invite theft by carrying wallets and passports in their hip pockets or wearing bags with gaping zips slung over their shoulders. It is important to hide the wallet in a safe place such as a zippered security pocket, or wear the small purse under a jacket or sweater. It is also important to carry a backup credit card, cash, and passport in a neck wallet inside your clothing.

Straying from researched sites
When visiting for the first time, you may want to stick to the tourist sites that you have read about and researched on, as you assume it is safer and is the best way to get the full Calabar experience, however, restricting yourself to the common tourist trails will deny you the opportunity to create your own unique experiences. Do not just follow what others have done, dare to explore outside the commonly done and seen, as often times the best experiences and the biggest opportunities are found off the beaten path.

Acquiring souvenirs
While visiting the town, you may be tempted to buy many  souvenirs either for personal use or to give to loved ones. However, you need to watch out for overpriced souvenirs, especially the one’s which you are likely not to use after that it makes the trip home. If you must, buy souvenirs that you can easily carry, and has a lasting appeal.

Littering
A relatively clean city, most tourist visit this place because of its spartan landscape. Littering is not acceptable around the metropolis. So, do not to throw food wrappers, empty plastic cans or cigarette butts onto the streets as you can get  fined for it. Wait till you can find a trash can and discard it properly.

Expecting to be waited on very attentively in a restaurants
Calabar has a variety of restaurants to meet the taste of any visitor, from low budget to high-end, however, most of the restaurants do not offer quick service as the ones in some cities like Lagos or Abuja. It can be as a result of the general laid back vibe in the area, however, you may just want to sit back, be patient, and flag down your waiter when you need something, and be patient in knowing they are probably working very hard. The good news is, you will rarely be presented with the check until you ask for it.

Blindly trusting road directions
Locals in calabar are generally friendly and willing to help visitors. If you are confused with your directions and need to get help from a local, rather than sticking to information given by one person, you might want to cast a broad net of directions.  Ask more than one person for directions to the same place. If the person hesitates or appears to not be certain of their answer, seek additional elsewhere.

Overindulging
The native meals here are relatively affordable and super-tasty. This is why even a normally health-conscious visitor will ditch their strict food rules as soon as they land in the city. While it is a manageable lapse if you are on holiday for a fortnight, it becomes rather more problematic if you are planning to stay for a longer period.

Being culturally insensitive
Calabar has a very rich culture as well as a unique language that influences their English pronunciations. A lot of Nigerian comedians tell jokes with the local accent however, it is important to understand the culture and the surrounding when visiting.  Having an unbiased mind will help you blend better, absorb the culture in a more interactive way and avoid insulting them unintentionally.

By Jovago team

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3 exotic visa-free countries to visit

The stress of securing a visa to a foreign country is sometimes an uphill task. However, as a Nigerian and holiday maker, you do not need to go through these hassles if you are desiring of a splendid vacation. There are countries you can frequent without requiring a visa and they are affordable too.

Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal rounds of some of these countries Nigerians can visa without necessarily requiring a visa.

Nigeria

Of course, you do not need a visa to travel within Nigeria. For holiday makers, the most economical option is to stay in your country to spend the holiday. Four and five star accommodations are available tourist destinations at Obudu Cattle Ranch in Calabar, Kano city walls in Kano, the warm and charming city of Jos, the irrepressible Olumo rock in Abeokuta, and Nigeria’s cultural capital, Osun state are  open to be explored by Nigerians!

Cape Verde

Adorable and a beauty to behold for Nigerians that appreciate nature. The country made up of nine islands is awash with serene beaches, and inviting landscapes. It is a perfect getaway for the romantics. Some of the destinations peopled by tourists include Boa Vista beach, Praia-the country’s capital, and Santa Mari.

Tanzania

Sitting in the peaceable and pleasurable region of East Africa, Tanzania is one country that is endowed with variety of tourism assets. From beautiful beaches, to mind-blowing landscapes, and thriving wildlife, a one-off visit to this country is not enough.

Among its priced tourism possessions are Mount Kilimanjaro-the tallest mountain in Africa and the Serengeti National park where you find the “big five”-lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhinoceros. It is made up of a mouth-watering 16 national parks, 29 Game reserves and 40 controlled conservation.

Ghana   

Ghana may not necessarily be number 1 when a list of destinations to visit in Africa is drawn, however, the mere opportunity of travelling to Nigeria’s West African neighbors without a visa makes it a place to visit.

Some of Ghana’s tourism offers include, relics of the country’s slave trade era, tree-top walkway at the Kakum National park.

source: www.jovago.com

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Osun Osogbo Festival 2015

The Osun-Osogbo Festival is celebrated yearly in the month of August and attracts thou­sands of Osun worshippers and spectators from far and near. The 2015 Osun Osogbo Festival will kick off from the 9th of August while the grand finale holds Friday, Au­gust 21. This was disclosed by the Chief Festival Consultant, and the Managing Director of INFOGEM, Mr Ayo Olumoko at the Festival Programme Unveiling which held at the Institute of Directors Nigeria (IoD) office situated at 53, Glover Road Ikoyi, Lagos.

Osun Osogbo Festival is a period of stocktaking and assemblage of all sons and daughters of Osogbo land, and most especially, Yoruba speaking people, both in Nigeria and in the Diaspora. Olumoko, while briefing the media, expressed that various sponsors who have been co-opted in the celebration of the Festival are gearing up to make the occasion an eventful and memorable one. He said the cultural festival, which is 600 years old, has a two-week programme, which commences with the traditional cleansing of the town called ‘IWOPOPO’ which is followed by the lightening of the 642-year-old points lamp three days after called ‘OLOJUMERINDINLOGUN’. 

According to him, this will be followed by ‘IBORIADE’ four days after, which is the assemblage of all the crowns of the past rulers for the blessings, adding that the Festival’s grand finale will showcase the cultural procession of the people to the Osun Groove. Olumoko disclosed that the Osun Groove was enlisted officially as a World Heritage Site by United Nations Educa­tional Scientific and Cultural Organiza­tion (UNESCO) in Durban, South Africa on July 15, 2005. He said to get the UNESCO attention, the National Museum, Federal Govern­ment and many others had to be drafted and co-opted into the Festival, as the en­dorsement of IoD has also been secured. He added that to gain the internation­al prominence, the INFOGEM came in as the official consultant of the Festival in 2002, and since the recognition by the UNESCO, the Festival has gained inter­national prominence the world over, as the Festival Programme Unveiling keeps being moved from one venue to the other. Olumoko said further that in a couple of months to come, OsunOsogbo Festival will be listed on the Nigerian Stock Ex­change (NSE).

He explained that the rea­son the festival will be listing on the NSE is because it (the Festival) is consistent, a Nigerian product which generates rev­enue, and which other festivals look up to as a yardstick to develop. “If our cultures are well developed, our IGR will grow, tourists will be attracted and by this we will have more players,” says he. Present at the Festival Programme Unveiling.The selected sponsors for this year are the Nigeria premiere brewery, Nigerian Brewery Plc (Golberg brand) for the third year running, Grand Oak Ltd (Seaman’s Schnapps, Royale), KASAPREKO (Alomo Bitters), IoD and UNESCO among others. 

Some of these sponsors while respond­ing at the forum expressed that they will all be available to add glamour to the oc­casion with the presence of their brands. In the words of the Senior Brand Man­ager, Seaman, Amuwo, “Seaman will be at the groove to be part and parcel of the blessing that the people of Osun will par­take of”, while the Marketing Manager, KASAPREKO, Adekho, said his organi­zation will bring “Alomo Bitters” to the event, as the Corporate Communication Manager, Nigerian Brewery Plc Olo­wokemi, expressed that his organization will do a lot to uplift the town of Osogbo and will create a beer village in Osogbo, involve in entertainment and increase trade.

The origin of Osun Osogbo Festival can be traced to the legendary encoun­ter between the early settlers/founders of Osogbo with OsunOsogbo deity. In about 1370 AD, the founder of Osogbo, Oba Gbadewolu Larooye and the great hunter Olutimehin settled in the sacred Osun forest to establish the kingdom and actualize a pact of association and togetherness with the River Osun deity. The festival is to retain the African and traditional heritage of the Osogbo people.The festival is one that brings to bear the cultural pride and traditional legacy of the Osogbo people. In the age of globalization, so many peo­ple have lost their communal identities due to lack of preservation of cultures and traditions that will always appeal to our uniqueness as Nigerians from differ­ent traditional societies. It has become essential to keep the momentum of this kind of traditional festival in order to preserve our unique identities and still maintain our affinity to the values and traditions of our ancestors.The festival is a big legacy and inheritance to Africans Most Oriental countries for example China, etc are great today because they refused to dispose their cultural uniqueness. There are other issues that have made them great but the preserva­tion of their culture is one of the out­standing reasons. The festival is one of celebration, tra­ditional cleansing of the city and cultur­al reunion of the people with their ancestors and the founding fathers of trhe osogbo kingdom

The organisers of the 2015 Osun Osogbo also added that  participants from 11 countries would attend the 2015 edition of the festival slated to begin on Aug 9th.The listed countries include Trinidad & Tobago, Austria, Philippines, Brazil, France, Cuba, Germany, South- Africa, Ghana, Kenya and Uganda.Mr  said that the reason for the incrementhi was due to the mass publicity given to the festival this year. More participants indicated their interests to attend this year’s events because we do not have any cases of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) challenge the countryfaced in 2014.The participation by these countries would strengthen their cultural relations with Nigeria and enable citizens of those countries to know and understand the Nigerian culture.The festival will attract more tourists into Osun in particular and Nigeria in general thereby increasing commercial activities and foreign exchange earnings.Mr.Olumoko speaking on securityarrangement said that the state government and the organising committee have a working relationship to ensure maximum security in the state before, during and after the festival.

"Osun is a peaceful state. The state government is at the fore-front of security matters. The safety of indigenes, visitors and tourists is paramount to the government and the oga nicers," he said

Below are pictures from the previous festivals and the Osogbo Sacred Groove

 

credit: loretravels.blogspot.com

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EnuguState: The Coal City

Labelled ‘The Coal City’, Enugu derives its name from the Igbo phrase Enu Ugwu meaning “the top of the hill”. One of the most popular cities in the eastern part of Nigeria, it owes its geographical significance to the discovery of coal in 1909 by a team of British geologists.

The capital of Enugu state and home to a majority of the Igbo of southeastern Nigeria, Enugu blends old charm with the buzz of a modern city, giving it the deserved reputation of being one of the most beautiful and peaceful cities in the country.

The city’s natural and cultural tourism resources and facilities are numerous. They include lakes, caves, hills, waterfalls, springs and cultural festivals like the Mmanwu and Iri-ji, new yam festivals. Like other southeastern states in the country, the people are responsive, inquisitive people with deep regard for their cultural heritage as well as a knack for good times Jovago, Africa’s No. 1 hotel booking portal reveals the city’s natural wonders.

TOP THREE SITES

Awhum Waterfall and cave

Surrounded by a breath-taking scenery, this 30 meter high waterfall nurtures an evergreen vegetation as well as varieties of biological species including wild animals and a wide variety of birds. Located close to a monastery, its water is believed to have therapeutic effects and curative powers.



The Ugwueme and Udi Hills

Udi hills is the site of the first coal mine in Enugu, opened in 1915 but later replaced with the Ica Valley Mine in 1917. Ugwueme and Udi hills are about one hundred metres above sea level and is the perfect site for mountain climbing and picnics.

The Ezeagu Tourist Complex

Ezeagu Tourist Complex certainly obeys the call of nature as it stands tall in the heart of south-central Eungu; with a 3-kilometer cave, cold and warm spring, waterfall, and a resplendent lake within 30 minutes’ drive of the city centre.



LODGING

Like the city’s restaurants, shops and inhabitants, places to stay in Enugu are far from predictable. Whether you are looking for charm and sophistication, a locally-run inn or a lively family resort, the city can deliver.

With attractions spread all over this city, it is worth considering how close out to the outskirts of town you want to be before making your decision, especially if you don’t have access to a car.

Favourite hotels include: Golden Royale, Nike lake resort, Golf Le meridian Hotels , Maybach hotel and resort and Fontana Hotel.

EATING

Igbo cuisines are generally intricate, nutritious and palatable as it is prepared with exquisite flavours. Some of the favourite meals in Enugu include Abacha (African Salad) and Nkwobi; a number of restaurants across town offer these delicacies. Some of the Best restaurants include: Aarons Signature Restaurant, Open Sharaton, Bubbles, Culture Arcade, Continental impressive, and Anu-ewu joint.



SHOPPING

Shopping is one of the best activities here. Whether it’s ravaging local markets, digging through retail vintage stores or window-shopping for pricey luxury goods, Enugu offers an exciting shopping experience. If you have deep pockets, Polo Park mall is a must-go, while bargain hunters will want to check out other outlets on Independence Layout.

FUN FACT

Enugu is the number one location for Nigerian celebrities as the city is the preferred filming location for directors of the Nigerian movie industry, dubbed “Nollywood”.

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Traditional Marriage Among The Hausa

The marriage ceremony among the Hausa tribe is not time consuming and expensive to
that of the Igbo and Yoruba traditional marriage.
When a man sees a girl he wants to marry, he will first seek permission from the girl’s parents. The family of the girl will then conduct on the man to ascertain his religious beliefs, moral, ethics and other related things with his background. He can see the girl only if he meet the girl’s parents expectation. The man is not allowed to stay for a long period of time with the girl or have physical contact with her according to the Hausa custom.

Once the girl accepts the marriage offer, the man sends his parents or relatives to seek permission of the girl’s parents in marriage. “Gwaisu” is a formal form of approval from the family of the bride to the groom. The groom will pay the bride price to the bride’s family starting from the minimum amount called “Rubu Dinar” in Hausa, an Arabic phrase translated as “quarter kilogram of gold” to the highest amount the man can pay, then the two families will set the wedding date. The setting of the date is called “Sarana”. The groom’s family will provide a house for the couple while the bride’s family will furnish the house. The wedding date is called Fatihah. It is the date of solemnization of the two families and the payment of the dowry is referred to as Sadaki. Women are not expected at the wedding, they stay indoor preparing the bride.

The wedding reception is called Walimah, it is usually held after Fatihi and is a whole day ceremony with foods and drinks. After the ceremony, the bride is taken to the groom’s house to begin her new married life.

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FESTIVALS IN NIGERIA CELEBRATED IN THE MONTH OF APRIL.

ODUM Celebrated by the Ijaws of Okrika in the Okrika Local Government area of Rivers state. It is celebrated once in 10years or at major occassions. The festival which displays a Boa constrictor masquerade on water, is very colorful, flamboyant and quite expensive to celebrate.The high point of the festival is the offer of gifts such as live goats or other animals which the odum swallows without blinking. PATEGI REGATTAThis festival, Which was initated in 1953 as a river sport competition, takes place in april every year in Kwara State. It features fishing Swimming and canoe paddling . OVIA OSESEThis festival takes place in Ogori/Mangongo town near Okene, Kogi state two weeks after Easter. It is celebrated to mark maiden initiation into womanhood. RIVERS STATE FESTIVAL WEEK The annual festival takes place in the first week of April . Celebrated to showcase the cultural and tourism potentials of Rivers State. It involues Cultural dances, Masquerade displays , fishing competition, musical Jamboree , boat regatta, street procession and illumination. OLO Olo festival is celebrated by the Ekoli people, Edda Afikpo in Abia State.It is a maiden dance where all women lead their wards to the water for rituals.

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TRAVEL TIPS: Top Travel Apps You Should Know.

Mobile technology has revolutionized traveling. Traveling through the
world has completely changed with today's technology, and we're here
to help you with insider tips on which apps are a must have!

There are more apps and websites than ever to help you plan and
organize your trips. I'd like to share with you some general thoughts
on apps, and my favorites.

Local Transportation:
Many major cities across Europe have their very own app with an
offline map, metro and bus routes and even live schedules. Wherever
you find yourself, it's very likely there's one available for free or
as little as a dollar, so check them out!
( Android)

TripIt:
is a free software that lets you organize your flight travel. Ever
show up at the airport, and they ask for some long-lost booking number
or confirmation code? This takes care of that and organizes all the
information you'll ever need about your travel plans in one convenient
app. As soon as you get the confirmation email from whatever airline
you book on, forward that email to plans@tripit.com, and it
automatically populates all the crucial information from terminal and
airline to departure/arrival times. It even keeps track of your
various airline rewards programs.
( Android/ Apple)

Currency:
lets you keep track of fluctuating conversion rates throughout your
semester so you know exactly how much that fancy dinner equated to in
US dollars.
( Android/ Apple)

Word Lens:
exhibits an incredible technology that recognizes and translates
letters visually in real time on screen into whatever language you
designate (that's the idea at least). They've added a load of
languages recently including Spanish, French, Italian, German,
Portugese and more.
( Android/ Apple)

Mint.com:
is a great way to budget while abroad, and it also lets you keep track
of your balances while on the fly. You can even set up alerts for when
your balance drops below a certain threshold to avoid overdraft fees.
( Android/ Apple)

Kayak:
is well-executed cheap flight search engine. I'm still a bit old
fashioned in that I don't purchase my flights directly on the phone,
but it does let me do a quick comparison of whatever flights available
within my search criteria. I'll then bust out my computer if I see a
price worth jumping on.
( Android/ Apple)

iRail:
lets you search the Eurail database for train timetables. Much like a
flight search engine, it lets you prioritize by number of stops and it
also routes you on a visual map so you can compare your most direct
options. Still a little buggy, I'm hoping that the app will come in to
its full potential with new updates.
( Android/ Apple)

HostelWorld.com:
This mobile app has come a long way in the last few years. It's easy
to research and book hostels directly on your phone, just as easy as
you would on a desktop.
( Android/ Apple)

Text+:
allows you to utilize wifi networks to send texts to your friends back
at home. Free for you and free for them.
( Android/ Apple)

Runtastic:
does a great job of helping you map out your runs in unfamiliar cities.
( Android/ Apple)

Weekend Student Adventures:
helps you find some of the best kept secrets in cities across Europe
by giving itinerary suggestions and recommendations for sights,
restaurants, hostels, nightlife and more.
( Apple)

Pin Drop - Map Places:
You can pin interesting locations you want to save, and add notes,
tags, share, collaborate with your friends. So if you go out, take
photos or scouting and end up forgetting locations, you have now an
app to mark the spots.
( Android/ Apple)

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