The Nation Newspaper

Category: Online Special

  • How to build your business brand on social media

    Almost everyone wants to get their business online and rightly so. It is after all, a digital age we live in. However, many fail to understand that getting your business online does not automatic guarantee results. Only those who understand the intricacies of social media can succeed. Below are tips on how to build your business on social media.

    Have a plan

    It is appropriate to say that without a plan, failure is certain. The same applies for using social media for business growth. Set social media goals, create a social media calendar, research your online competition and plan accordingly.

    Choose the right platform

    Do not assume that all social media platforms are for you. You must know where your audience spend their time and focus on them. Depending on what the business is about, decide which is platform is appropriate for your audience- Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. However, bear in mind that you can use different social media channels to reach different audience or to meet business goals.

    Know your audience

    Understand and know who your audience is. You can do this by having a knowledge of social media analytics. From the analytics you, can know for sure who and who are interested in your business and eventually adjust your strategy to reach more similar people.

    Read Also: ‘Social media addicts susceptible to mental health challenges’

    Build relationships

    Do not just open a business account on social media and forget about it. There are a lot of businesses online and one of the ways to stand out is to actively interact with your customers. You can interact by replying to messages on time and building communities.

    Quality over quantity

    This means that all social post must be relevant and goal-oriented. It is better to have posts that offer value than to flood your account with valueless posts. It is also important that you post honest, accurate and truthful posts. Lying about your business could cost you dearly in the long run.

    Employ appropriate social media tools.

    Learn how to make use of social media tools to help boost your productivity and reduce stress on your part. Tools such as HootSuite, Hubspot, Google Analytics, Canva, Buffer, Pexel etct will help with Analytics, social media management, graphics, pictures etc.

    Be flexible

    Living in a digital age means technology changes quite quickly. Keep an eye out for new ways to reach more people and make adjustments where needed.

    Evaluate your performance

    It is imperative that you evaluate all you have done from time to time. It will help you know what you are doing right and what you need to adjust to achieve better results.

    Above all, remain focused and dedicated and your business  flourish.

     

  • Six benefits of family planning

    The recent population outburst has raised an alarm and called for the need of population control. One of the ways to do that is to indulge in family planning.

    However, many families shy away from family planning basing their decision solely on fear.  Nevertheless, family planning goes a long way in helping both the family and society at large.

    ·       It gives women variety of choices

    When a woman chooses if and when to get pregnant, it has a direct impact on her health and well-being. Family planning permits pregnancies to be spaced. It can also prevent health risks and problems of death from early childbearing.

    It prevents unintended pregnancies, including those of older women who are done with child bearing. Family planning enables women who wish to limit the size of their families to do so as studies show that women who have more than 4 children are at an increased risk of maternal mortality.

    Reduces infant mortality

    Family planning helps avoid closely spaced and ill-timed pregnancies and births. This helps reduce high infant mortality rate which is usually caused by poor spacing and bad timing.

    Helps to prevent HIV/AIDS

    By extension, family planning reduces the risk of unintended pregnancies among women living with HIV. This will lead to fewer infected babies and orphans. In addition, male and female condoms provide protection against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies.

    Read Also; Why is family planning a taboo for Nigeria youths?

    Empowers people and enhances education

    It also empowers people to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health. Women can in addition, pursue education, gain employment and be more active in the society.

    Allows for investment in children

    Having smaller families with appropriate spacing allows parents to invest more in each child. It will enable financial capabilities to take care of the children.

    Slows population growth

    Family planning is key to slowing the population outburst Nigeria is currently facing. As a result, it will reduce the negative impacts of overpopulation on the economy, environment, and national and regional development efforts.

  • 14 facts about Naira Marley’s trial

    By Praise Olowe

    Nigerian musician, Azeez Fashola, aka Naira Marley, was arrested on May 10, 2019 alongside rapper, Zlatan Ibile, Rahman Jago, Guccy Branch and one other.

    · He was arrested for alleged money laundering.

    · Marley, known for his single “Issa Goal”, was slammed with 11- count charges.

    · Marley stands risk of spending 7 years in jail if found guilty in accordance with Section 33 (2) of the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015.

    Read Also:Court grants Naira Marley N2m bail

    · Naira Marley who claimed to have been arrested 124 times in the UK appeared before a Lagos high court, May 20, 2019.

    · Some of the counts in the charges filed against Naira Marley includes, “That you, Azeez Adeshina Fashola, aka Naira Marley, and Raze (still at large), on or about the 11th day of December 2018, within the jurisdiction of this honorable court, conspired amongst yourselves to use Access card 42658840359191132 issued to persons other than you in a bid to obtain gain and you thereby committed an offense contrary to Section 27(1)(b) of the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act 2015 and punishable under Section 33(2) of the Same Act.

    · “That you, Azeez Adeshina Fashola, aka Naira Marley, and Raze (still at large), on or about the 10th day of May 2019, within the jurisdiction of this honorable court, with intent to defraud possessed, counterfeit card 4921819410257431 issued to Timea Fedorne Tatar and you thereby committed an offense contrary to and punishable under Section 33(9) of Cyber Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act 2015.”

    · Naira Marley pleaded not guilty before Justice Nicolas Oweibo.

    · The judge adjourned until May 30 for hearing of his bail application.

    · Justice Oweibo ordered that the musician be remanded in prison custody until his bail application is determined.

    .  Naira Marley appeared before High Court in Lagos on Thursday, May 30

    . He was granted bail for N2millon with two sureties in like sum.

    . Justice Nicholas Oweibo ruled that one of the sureties must be on Grade Level 10 in the Federal or state employment.

    . The other surety must have a landed property within the court’s jurisdiction.

    . The judge adjourned until October 22 for trial.

  • Unconventional ways to get rid of pimples

    Let’s face the reality. Pimples can be so annoying and frustrating. They get all up in your face, ruin it and then refuse to leave your face and make your face look absurd.

    As if that is not enough, they are very hard to get rid of and some recommended products still won’t do anything but cost you a lot of money. Here are some tips that would help you reduce it drastically:

    1. Apply green tea your face: Green tea serves as a treatment to pimples when applied to the skin. It is high in antioxidants that helps reduce pimples to a minimal level

    Procedures:

    1: Boil water (two cups of water to be precise)

    2: Steep green tea into the boiling water for 3-4 minutes.

    1. Allow the tea to cool down steadily
    2. Then apply it to your face with a cotton ball or add a little to a spray bottle and spritz it on your face
    3. Leave it on your face for 10 minutes or preferably overnight, then wash your face

    If you are faithful with it for two weeks, the pimples on your face would reduce.

    2. Use Aloe Vera and toothpaste 

    This is another homemade method to get rid of pimples. You can use Aloe Vera with other treatment not necessarily toothpaste,

    When you apply Aloe Vera with toothpaste allow it to stay for like 5 minutes then wash off your face this does not need a lot of stress and it works also. Use it three times a week.

    1. Go for a facial scrub: This method is for those that their pimples is very hard to get rid of, Most of them might be expensive but then it is better to eradicate it away from your face in other to look fresh like today’s tomato. There they would give you some necessary details that would help you with your pimples.
    2. Wash your face at nights and apply cleanser: The main reason you should wash your face is because, for some ladies who wear makeup it is always advisable to wash your face before you sleep and apply cleanser to your face.

    Generally because of the sweats during the long run of the day some might have used their hands to wipe off the sweats away from their face and who knows that hand they used might have germs. That is why it is very essential to wash your face at nights and apply cleanser

    5: Don’t apply every cream you come across on your face. Just because it is working for somebody does not mean it would definitely work for you. We are human beings and we sure have differences in our body system and growth. Be very careful of the cream you apply to your face in order not to add to the ones on your face.

  • Six mistakes newly wedded couples make

    The months leading to a wedding can be really exciting. Couples enjoy the bliss of falling in love and agree to get married to each other for a moment it can make them see each other as being perfect.

     Nevertheless, being a newly wedded bride or groom can be very unraveling. You discover a lot of things that you didn’t even know were in existence. Couples make a lot of silly mistakes and the boss of them all is that they forget to plan life after wedding.

    As newly wedded couples there are certain criteria you need to take if you want a successful and peaceful marriage and true getting there it can be tough.

      No marriage is perfect, there would be good times and bad times but they are all part of the marriage process.

    Here are some newly wedded couples should avoid:

    ·       Irrecoverable debts. Most couples spend in excess during preparations of their wedding that managing bills and debts put a strain to their new marriage.

    To avoid this, couples during preparations of their wedding should cut their cloth according to their size, prepare a budget, stay on the budget and get your finances proper and you will probably fight less.

    ·       Operation spouse changer. One of the greatest mistakes spouse make is trying to change their partners. Often, one spouse thinks a marriage certificate will prompt a sudden change. Then why did you get married to him/her hoping they will change?

     Frankly, most adults don’t drastically change. Therefore your best bet is that you should willingly accept your spouse the way they are, basically him/her is unique and different in their ways.

    Not bonding with each other.  Most marriages have failed because they lack the basic necessities for a relationship to grow such as quality time, attention, adequate care and concern. Not spending a lot of time with your spouse. All these can cause a great damage to the marriage.

    Acting like you are still single. Some couples are yet to adapt to the marriage due to the fact that they just got married.

    Well, while you want to cling to your old single lifestyle and habits such as hanging out with friends, going to club and staying late outside, you have to realise that you are no longer alone.

     Now you “ll need to plan how much time you will spend with friends and how to maintain your friendship while balancing it up with your marriage.

    ·       Ignoring important discussions. Many couples have been trying to avoid confrontation, hence avoiding important discussions.

    Now that you are married, however you really need to discuss the key issues in the marriage together. Be an adult and talk about the issue in harmony and settle up the differences.

    Getting jealous. Jealousy is a poisonous instrument that should be avoided in marriages to make the relationship grow. Trust your spouse no matter the situation and let the marriage grow peaceful.

  • Four things you should know about Eagle square Abuja

    The Eagle Square, Abuja was constructed in 1999 to serve as the platform for the official take-off of the Fourth Republic of the Federation of Nigeria. It will again host dignitaries Wednesday, May 29th. But there are many things you should know about the Eagle Square Abuja.

    Here are four of them:

    1. It provides an arena for the symbolic transfer of power and inauguration of the new Government, notably the Swearing-in Ceremony of the Executive President of the Federal Republic.

    2. The Eagle Square is used for hosting the National Day parade and the Presidential Swearing-in ceremony, as well as, in staging a number of political rallies/programmes, religious crusades/rallies, musical concerts/shows, launchings and award ceremonies.

    Read Also: 25 things Nigerians should expect after May 29 inauguration

    3. The Eagle Square is conveniently set within the precincts of the major landmarks of the FCT; it is flanked on both sides by the Federal Secretariat, while it faces the national Cenotaph, the National Assembly, and the Supreme Court.

    4. It has fabulous view of the Aso Rock Hills that serve as a backdrop to the Presidential Villa while to its rear is a car parking lot capable of holding at least 500 vehicles.

  • How to survive a fire outbreak

    No one looks forward to a fire outbreak. However, fires do not need anybody”s permission to gut through houses or shops or offices. This is why it is necessary to learn all about what to do should you ever find yourself trapped during a fire outbreak.

    GET PREPARED
    It is important that you make adequate preparations for such occurrences. Knowing what to do if a fire does break out can help minimize damage and maximize your chances of survival.
    Make sure your family members and workers know and memorize at least two potential exits from every room in the building. Normally, the primary escape route is the front door. The back door and windows are also alternative routes. Study these routes and ensure there are measures in place to help with escaping.

    STAY LOW
    The heat of fire causes the flames to rise, which makes the air closer to the floor, breathable. So staying low is a very good way not to get knocked unconscious as a result of lack of oxygen.
    You can then crawl your way out through your set out escape routes.

    BE CAREFUL
    Be careful not to open doors abruptly. First, check if smoke is coming fiercely from under the door or check with the back of your hand if the doorknob is hot. If this is the case, change to your alternative escape route. However, if fortunately, the doorknob is cool, brace your shoulder against the door before you twist the handle to prevent the door from blowing open due to air pressure differences on either side.

    PROTECT YOURSELF
    If the route to reach safety is filled with smoke, protect yourself from inhaling damaging gasses by wrapping a piece of cloth around your mouth and nose. If you have access to water, wet the cloth before wrapping your nose and mouth. This will help filter larger smoke and soot particulates.

    Read Also: Road crash claims 7, injures 6 in Plateau

    IMPROVISE
    In cases where all escape routes are cut off, look for a window. If you have to break the glass to get through, smash out the lower corners with a blunt, heavy object. Cover the exposed edges with thick clothing, bedding or cushions before going through. You can toss a few cushions to help with your landing.

    STAY SAFE
    Once you make it outside, do not go back inside for anything. Seek medical attention immediately to treat wounds or burn as well as rule out any internal damage.

    While it is relieving to escape a fire outbreak, it is better to prevent it entirely. Make sure your gas cylinders are locked after each use, make sure you do not light candles beside curtains or papers, and ensure all electrical wirings are properly done.

  • 25 things Nigerians should expect after May 29 inauguration

    By Praise Olowe

    With less than 24 hours to May 29th- the big day, the nation is upbeat, Eagle square, venue of the ceremony is already wearing a new look as President Muhammadu Buhari prepares to be sworn into office for the second term.

    So much is expected from the president in another four years, as according to him, “this is the fifth and the last time of standing for an election”

    However, as we prepare for the day, Nigerians expect beyond flamboyant and flowery speeches as it symbolizes the beginning of next level promises.

    Here are some of his campaign promises to look up to…

    Promise to take Nigeria to the next level

    To engage 1 million N-Power graduates.

    To train 10 million Nigerians in various skills.

    Give 1 million farmers inputs and jobs via Anchor borrowers scheme.

    Create 1.5 million jobs through livestock, beef, crop programmes.

    Create 5 million jobs through mechanised agriculture.

    Provide $500m innovation fund for Tech and creative sector to create 500,000 jobs.

    Train 200,000 youths for outsourcing market in tech, services and entertainment.

    Create 6 regional industrial parks and economic zones.

    Increase children fed through the school feeding programme from 9.3 million to 15 million.

    Feeding programme to provide 300, 000 extra jobs for vendors and farmers.

    Complete coastal rail (Lagos-Calabar), 2nd Niger Bridge, East-West road, Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria to Kano road among others.

    Complete Ibadan-Kano rail, Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail, etc.

    Move broadband coverage to 120,000 km of fibre network across the country.

    Increase power generation by 1000MW every year.

    Raise power distribution to 7000MW; 9 universities, 300 markets and clusters to have interrupted power.

    Read Also: Corrupt Nigerians will come after me in 2023, says Buhari 

    Implement $550m rural electrification programme.

    Provide N1million soft loans to artisans.

    TraderMoni beneficiaries to be increased from 2.3 million to 10 million.

    Establish 109 One Stop Shops of all regulatory agencies (CAC,NAFDAC, SON, etc).

    To retrain all teachers in public primary and secondary schools.

    To remodel 10,000 schools every year.

    Use co-payments to share the cost of health insurance between individuals, the private sector and government.

    Poorest 40% of Nigerians to be exempted from co-payments.

    Increase population covered by primary health care from 12.6% to 45 % in 2023.

  • Five things parents can do to help a suicidal child

    As your children grow into teenagers and then, youths, it becomes more difficult to understand what they are thinking or feeling. Teenagers face a host of pressures, from the changes of puberty to questions about who they are and where they fit in. Most of the time, parents pass these emotions as mood swings. But this is a serious problem that has an impact on the health of your teen.

    1. Know the common warning signs of suicide : They include making suicidal statements, being preoccupied with death in conversation, writing, or drawing, withdrawing from friends and family, having aggressive or hostile behaviour and change in personality of your child.

    2. Take away any drug and weapon from their immediate surrounding: Check the environment for any knives, guns, narcotic medications, rat poison, or anything else that can be used as a weapon. Lock these items away so the child cannot use them to hurt themselves.

    Read Also: Five signs your email account has been hacked

    3. Get professional help: The most common cause of suicide among youth is depression and one of the ways to help battle the illness is to take them to either a therapist or professional depression counselor. The therapist will likely create a safety plan for the child, which includes contact numbers and resources they can access if they feel suicidal.

    4. Be an active listener: Do not be judgmental and critical in communicating with your child. Rather than criticizing them, be empathetic and compassionate. Let the child know that you understand whatever it is that they might be going through.

    5. Spend quality time with them: Suicidal children may be more likely to pull away from others and spend time alone. Stress the importance of social engagement and provide opportunities for them to spend time with friends and family. Also, pursuing their hobbies and passions can help the child feel better about life and remember things they are good at.

  • Full text of Buhari’s speech at signing of 2019 appropriation bill

    PROTOCOLS

    1. As you are all aware, some weeks ago, the National Assembly passed the 2019 Appropriation Bill which I will be signing into law today.

    2. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the leadership of the National Assembly and indeed all the Distinguished and Honourable Members for all the hard work they put in to get us here.

    3. You will all recall that in December 2018, I presented our 2019 budget proposal with the theme “Budget of Continuity”. Our goal was to use this budget to move the economy further on the path of inclusive, diversified and sustainable growth.

    4. Back then, I proposed a total expenditure of N8.83 trillion to the National Assembly for appropriation targeting strategic and impactful projects and initiatives.

    5. However, the 2019 Budget I will be signing into law today provides for aggregate expenditures of N8.92 trillion. This is an increase of N90.33 billion over our submission.

    6. This increase reflects changes introduced by the National Assembly. In some areas, expenses we proposed were reduced while in other areas they were increased. There were also certain areas where new additions were introduced into the budget. More details of the approved budget will be provided by the Honourable Minister of Budget and National Planning.

    7. Of course, some of these changes will adversely impact our programs making it difficult for us to achieve the objectives of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).

    8. Although I will be signing this bill, it is my intention to continue to engage the National Assembly to ensure we deliver on our promises. I will therefore be engaging with the leadership of the ninth National Assembly, as soon as they emerge, to address some of our concerns with this Budget.

    9. We will also look at how to improve the budget process so that, amongst other things, we can speed up budget consideration processes and return the country to the January to December fiscal year timetable.

    10. I wish to acknowledge the efforts of the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Minister of Finance, Budget Office of the Federation, and everyone who collaborated and worked painstakingly to produce the 2019 Appropriation Bill I am signing today.

    11. May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.