Eye Of The Observer

6 Reasons You Should Not Think Of Staying In A Unilag Hostel

So someone told you, “It’s better you stay in the hostel!

They told you reasons like “Off campus is expensive“,”it’s close to classes“, “no landlord wahala“, “it’s intresting” blah blah blah.

They didn’t tell you the full truth.

Hostel is not as sweet as it sounds.

In fact there are one million good reasons why you should not step on foot, talkless of wanting to stay in a Unilag hostel.

But I’ll tell you just six.

These are six reasons why you shouldn’t think of staying in a Unilag Hostel.

Reason 1: Hostels are very hard to get

Have you balloted before? When you do, you will slowly learn to hate Unilag and it’s hostels.

If you don’t know what balloting is, let me educate you.

It’s when over 20,000 students gather online to fight, sorry, try to apply for less than 3000 bed spaces while dealing with the very slow site.

And the hostels they are fighting for are not even nice to begin with. It’s just like competing to be in prison.

Reason 2; Hostels have very poor sanitation.

Let’s face it, every hostel on campus has around a thousand plus students.

And hostels like King Jaja Hall are famed for being overcrowded. As a result, hostels have too many students managing little resources – the bathrooms, washing areas e.t.c. are thus overused and terrible looking.

Campus hostels like most things in Nigeria are very poorly managed. Damaged or faulty items are rarely ever replaced – look at most hostels from outside and you’ll see that they haven’t been repainted in a while, the nets are worn out, roof falling out.

The restrooms are in very poor conditions and some students worsen the already unsanitary conditions by treating it like a dump.

If you love your hygiene, just jejely stay away from school hostels.

Reason 3; Hostels are a jungle.

In recent times, Unilag hostels have become known for stealing.

In the male hostel Jaja Hall for example, an average of two phones get stolen every week.

If you leave your gadgets unattended for even a minute, or worse, you leave your room door unlocked at night, you will get robbed. Girls hostels are not even left out.

In the hostel you’ll also meet very lousy individuals who you would better just avoid.

Reason 4; Hostels can be restrictive.

In Unilag, it is very possible to spend an entire semester on campus without leaving the school gate.

One of the minor issues with staying in the hostel is that it can cut you from the outside.

Sure, your books are your number one focus, but many freshers fall into the trap of moving like a zombie from class to the hostels. That’s a dead life.

The point is that there are lots of opportunities and experiences to be gained around campus. Staying in the hostels can make you inexperienced with the outside world.

Reason 5; Hostels can be prisons

Face it, hostels are the closest things to prisons on campus. There are wardens, annoying rules and general lousiness.

While many hostel rules are for security and to regulate conduct; some rules are more suitable for boarding schools rather than a higher institution. No visitors especially.

Most times the hostel officials can be frustrating to deal with.

Reason 6; Lack of privacy or quiet.

If you’re a person that loves his/her personal space or you naturally love peace and quiet, then the hostel is not for you.

Unilag hostels are loud and noisy places, including both male and female hostels. And since bedspaces are scarce, a lot of squatters crowd up the hostels. Many freshers find it hard to adapt to the hostel environment at first.

For example, sleeping time. Most people sleep before 10:30 at home, but in the hostels most students are awake and active till way past midnight.

Also it is very difficult to keep some items personal as stuff like buckets, foodstuffs or even footwear can be used by your roommates without your permission.

If you don’t like sharing your things or you are naturally anti-social, then staying in the hostels can put you in conflict with roommates of different personalities.

So those are five reasons why you shouldn’t stay in any Unilag hostel.

Now it may seem that hostels are a terrible place to stay. So you feel an off-campus apartment is the best for you..

But of course, you know that hostels can’t be that bad. It has some good sides.

Check out five reasons why you should stay in the hostels here.

5 Interesting Reasons Why You Should Stay In School Hostel (As A Unilag Student) (And 5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Stay

King Jaja Hall, University of Lagos, Unilag

Welcome to Unilag, the school of First Choice.

Now your first main issue when you come on campus is quite simple yet tricky: accommodation.

Where are you going to stay while you’re studying?

For some, it isn’t a big deal; they just rent an apartment off-campus.

For some, they participate in what Unilag calls balloting, in which students fight—sorry—struggle with tens of thousands of other students to get cheap bedspaces in hostels on campus.

Now the question is, just how are the hostels on Unilag’s campus?

And why should any Unilag student even want to stay in any of them?

Here are five reasons you should stay in a Unilag hostel—and five reasons you shouldn’t.

Reason 1; Hostels are cheaper and more economical

Now you’ve just gotten admission to the university. You’re excited, and your parents or guardians are excited.

But you know what comes after admission?

Payment of fees. Lots and lots and lots of fees.

You have to pay school/tuition fees, faculty fees, departmental dues, get essential study materials, etc.

And these fees can be quite draining. The last thing anyone wants is to break the bank to get an off-campus accommodation. Because the rents of apartments off-campus are, in simple terms, – VERY EXPENSIVE.

Like from amounts of 300,000 to a whopping 1 million (for 2-bedroom flats) yearly.

Let’s not forget all the “wonderful” bills you get to pay, ranging from furnishing your apartment to annoying bills (Nepa, security, e.t.c.)

Hostels on campus are a more affordable option. After balloting and getting a bedspace, the amount for fees and total clearance is not more than N50,000 (due to the new increase).

Now that’s a really big gap from spending 10 times that amount to get somewhere comfortable outside Unilag.

Reason 2; Hostels are close to classes.

All things considered, lectures are the most important part of campus life because that’s why you’re on campus in the first place.

Now the best place to stay to attend lectures is in the hostels. All hostels are positioned close to a learning faculty for easy reach.

Let’s say for example you’re a science student who is staying at King Jaja hostel. Luckily for you, the Faculty of Science is just a 3-minute walk from King Jaja Hall.

Have an 8 a.m. class? No need to wake up at 5 in the morning to prepare, pack a heavy bag, and look for a bus to school.

Just wake up before 7 a.m., prepare for class, and take only what you need for that class.

You forgot something? 2 minutes walk to the hostel to pick it up.

Overslept on a cold morning, and you’re late for class? 3 minutes walk to the faculty.

Heard of an emergency test and you’re not in class? 2-minute run to the faculty.

The closeness to campus is also pocket-friendly, as you don’t have to spend too much or even anything at all on transportation as opposed to an off-campus resident.

Reason 3; Hostels are lively and fun

Apart from just being inexpensive and closer to faculties, hostels are actually fun to be in.

You get to be in a hostel of a thousand plus students and be surrounded by your peers.

As a result, you get to be aware and updated on all the latest trends and ongoings on campus.

Plus, hostels are a good place for building friendships. Many really good friendships begin in the hostel, where everyone has something in common.

Reason 4; Hostels have near-constant electricity.

Well, you’re obviously a student on campus with at least one device.

Or maybe you have a tablet and a laptop. But one thing is clear – as a student you need access to constant electricity.

This is actually one of the main advantages of staying in the hostel because we all know that off-campus, you can stay a week without “seeing light”.

Meaning you have to go around looking for how to charge your devices.

Plus staying in hostels means no crazy electricity bills (except for the new utility bill).

Reason 5; Hostels are somewhat secure.

You know the times we live in, and of course, security is a big issue.

You’re a young student, alone and outside the protective banner of your family, guardian, and/or community.

Plus there are a lot of security issues outside and around the campus: robbery, home invasion, street violence, e.t.c. All these factors can make staying off-campus unsafe.

Staying in a campus hostel is a safer bet on security. Unilag takes security very seriously, and thus security personnel can be seen on virtually every part of the campus.

Every hostel has its own security that screens students going in and out of the hostels.

Non-students or even ex-students are forbidden from entering or staying in the hostels. Also, you get to stay in a hostel in the midst of thousands of fellow students who are most likely more experienced in campus life and thus security conscious.

I have to admit though that theft cases are very common in the hostels, this is perpetrated mostly by a few students and outsiders.

You have a lower chance of being harmed in the hostels than being outside.

Now it may seem that hostels are a wonderful place to stay—it’s economical, it makes classes easier to attend, it is fun, it has constant electricity, and it is safer than an outside residence.

But of course, you know that hostels can’t be that wonderful.

Check out five reasons why you may not want to stay in Unilag hostels here

So you just graduated from Uni? Here’s How to Get a Good Job in 2023

So you just graduated from the university? Lol.

Well, congratulations to you. I’m sure now you are well on your way to getting a good, well-paying job of your choice.

Why?

Because you went to a good school, studied a good course, and got good grades, right?

Right?

Lol.

You know who else went to a good school, studied a good course, and got good grades?

Well, half the country, my dear.

Your degree is as special as wet toilet paper. If I throw a stone outside, I’ll hit 10,000 graduates of good courses from good schools with good results who are looking for good jobs.

Those exact same good jobs you’re looking for.

So apart from prayers and connections, how can you get that good, comfy, well-paying job now that you’re done with Uni?

Easy: SKILL UP.

It’s 2023, and companies are now very selfish; They care more about what you can do for them rather than what you read for 4 or 6 years in that your “good school.”

Jonathan, who knows Cloud Computing with a degree in Geography Education, will get employed and get paid $1000 a month instead of Michael, who studied Computer Science and thinks Python is a very big snake.

Samantha, who is very good with Data Analytics and graduated with a 2.2 in Finance, will get that very good Financial Analyst job before her course rep, Joanna, who finished with a 4.49 CGPA and spent the last 4 years reading ACC 101 to FIN 419.

Heck, I know a 200-level dude in Business Administration who works in a big medical company – simply because he’s a genius at Data Cleaning and Excel. And he’s not even a graduate yet!

Philip, who has interned & volunteered in 13 educational outreach programs and has a very dangerous-looking portfolio, will be rushed by different educational bodies now that he is done with school because he is experienced as f**k.

My point??

My point is that in today’s day and age, skills and experience beat degrees every time any day. If it were a boxing match, it would be Israel Adesanya vs Jaysure who started lifting weights just last month.

So if you are still a student, lucky you. If you want that good, comfy, well-paying job when you’re done with Uni, you better start learning skills now.

Ask yourself, “What types of jobs do I want?”

Don’t say banker or lawyer, lol. This isn’t 1983. Be very goddamn specific. Say, ”Corporate Risk Manager” or “Real Estate Investment Attorney”.

Next, look up those jobs and check for the skills needed for the job. Not just the QUALIFICATIONS but the SKILLS.

Sure, the qualifications are important, but once again, it is 2023, and companies are now very selfish; they care more about what your skills can do for them than a piece of paper that has your government name, a grade, and the “good” school you attended on it.

In today’s world, a degree is looking more and more like the side-chick, rather than the legally married wife.

So look for the skills required for your dream job and start learning them now. I’m talking about skills like Programming and Coding, Data Analysis and Analytics, Project Management, Artificial Intelligence (AI), etc.

Learn those skills, practice them, and get some certificates from recognized platforms like Coursera to prove you are equipped with those skills. Add those certificates to your CV or your online profile on LinkedIn.

If you can, get experience through internships, volunteering, etc. Make money from them (freelancing, part-time job, etc) if you can. Then add your experience to your growing portfolio.

And by the time you start applying for jobs, you’ll be a literal hotcake.

I mean, if I were a Media Writing employer, I’d rather employ a Philosophy graduate who has an active blog, three years of University Press Club membership, and a full Content Writing portfolio than someone who only studied English for 4 years.

Or Mass Communication.

Yuck.

If you’ve graduated already, it’s not too late for you. Do the same. While you are dropping and sending your CV everywhere on earth, take time to;

Ask yourself, “What type of jobs am I looking for?” Be very specific.
Look up those jobs and check for the skills needed. Not only the qualifications but also the skills, eg, Want a big job in IT/Tech? Coding and Programming are very important. Have an English degree and want to work in Advertising? Content Marketing and Copywriting will get you a well-paying job.
Start learning the skills required for your dream job now. Dedicate enough time to learning!
Practice the skills you learn and get some certificates from recognized platforms like Coursera.
Get yourself a LinkedIn account and network with people in the field you hope to get into.
If you can, first get experience through internships, volunteering, low-paying jobs, etc. Sometimes in life, you have to eat sh*t before you eat chocolate. That experience is needed when you want to apply for that “good” job.
Add your skills to your CV and polish them as best you can.
Apply for your dream jobs with a portfolio full of your wonderful, new, and sought-after skills.

The truth is that you don’t need to be a master at that particular skill or skills; you just have to be able to do the work the company needs you to do. Plus, the fact that you have that sought-after skill puts you 20 steps ahead of other applicants who only have a degree and no skill at all.

And lastly, know that good jobs are available, but they are as scarce as raincoats on a sunny day. But following this advice makes it much easier to get one of those sweet jobs; so that all the time you wasted sorry spent in Uni will not be in vain.

Cheers to you, job seeker! I wish you good fortune in your future daily 9 – 5 grind.

From Unilag Campus to Fame: Meet The Hottest Celebs You Didn’t Know Were UniLag Graduates

Unilag. The University of Lagos and the School of First Choice.

Unilag sure has a lot of things to boast about – it sits right in the heart of Lagos which is the commercial, social, and multicultural capital of Nigeria. This makes it the most popular, most trendy, and most socially active university.

Unilag Students at an event in Unilag Main Auditorium

Sights of Unilag

Founded in 1962, It is one of the first five universities in Nigeria which makes it one of the great schools in the nation. It is the school of first choice – every year tens of thousands of candidates from all over the country try to gain admission to Unilag.

Unilag is also the former host of the nationwide NUGA games – aweing the entire country with its high-standard sporting facilities and wonderful school environment.

Unilag sports center during the 2022 NUGA Games

But that’s not all – Unilag also produced many stars and famous people we know in Nigeria today.

Here are some of the stars and other famous people that graduated from Unilag and their courses.

Let’s roll.

Music

Chidinma

Chidinma Ekile (born 2 May 1991)

Career: Singer & songwriter

Course at Unilag: Sociology

Known for: Project Fame, Kedike

Darey

Career: Afro R&B singer, songwriter, and record producer

Course at Unilag: Music

Known for: Multi-platinum singer

Others: Philanthropist, humanitarian, and entrepreneur

Laycon

Career: Singer and songwriter, and record producer

Course at Unilag: Philosophy (2012-2016)

Known for: Winner of Big Brother Naija season 5 and Youth ambassador of Ogun State.

Others: Media personality

Lil Kesh

Career: Singer, rapper, and songwriter.

Course at Unilag: Linguistics as first degree

Known for: His hit single “Shoki”

Magixx

Alexander Adelabu (b. 27 September 1999)

Career: Musician

Course at Unilag: Mass Communication

Others: Songwriter

Mayorkun

Adewale Mayowa Emmanuel (b. 23 March 1994)

Career: Musician

Course at Unilag: Accounting

Others: Songwriter and pianist

May D

Akinmayokun Awodumila (b. 28 December 1984)

Career: Musician

Course at Unilag: Mass Communication

Nathaniel Bassey

Career: Gospel singer

Course at Unilag: International Relations And Politics

Known for: His songs “Imela”, “Onise Iyanu” and “Olowogbogboro.

Others: Pastor, trumpeter, and gospel songwriter.

ODUMODUBLVCK

Tochukwu Gbubemi Ojogwu (born 18 October 1993)

Career: Rapper and songwriter

Course at Unilag: Mass Communication

Known for: “PICANTO” (2022), DECLAN RICE (2023)

Orezi

Esegine Allen (b. 28 March 1986)

Career: Musician

Course at Unilag:

Known for: His hit song, “Rihanna” (2013)

Reekado Banks

Ayoleyi Hanniel Solomon (b. 6 December 1993)

Career: Singer and songwriter

Course at Unilag: History and Strategic Studies (g. 2014)

Smada

Adams Olabode Michael (b. 25th July)

Career: Singer and songwriter

Course at Unilag: English (g. 2021)

Wande Coal

Oluwatobi Wande Ojosipe (b. 18 October 1985)

Career: Musician

Course at Unilag: Human Kinetics

Known for: MoHits

Others: Singer, Songwriter

Vector

Olanrewaju Ogunmefun

Career: Rapper & Songwriter

Course at Unilag: Philosophy (g. 2006)

Yemi Alade

Yemi Eberechi Alade (b. 13 March 1989)

Career: Afropop singer & songwriter

Course at Unilag:

Known for: Afropop music

Others: Actress and activist.

Acting

Chika Ike

(b. 8 November 1985)

Career: Actress

Course at Unilag: Human Kinetics and Health Education (2004 – 2006)

Others: Television personality, producer, businesswoman, philanthropist, and former model.

Funke Akindele (Jenifa)

Career: Film actress and producer.

Course at Unilag: Law

Known for: Jenifa, Omo Ghetto

Genevieve Nnaji

(b. on 3 May 1979)

Career: Film actress, producer, and director.

Course at Unilag: Creative Arts.

Joke Silva, MFR

(b. 29 September 1961)

Career: Film actress and director.

Course at Unilag: English

Others: Businesswoman

Kate Henshaw

Kate Henshaw-Nuttall (b. 19 July 1971)

Career: Nollywood actress

Course at Unilag: Majored in Medical Microbiology at the School of Medical Lab Science (MLS), Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Idi-araba

Kemi Adetiba

(b. 8 January 1980)

Career: Filmmaker, television director, and music video director…

Course at Unilag: Law

Known for: King of Boys

Mercy Aigbe

(b. 1 January 1978)

Career: Film actress, director, and fashionista.

Course at Unilag: Theater Arts

Others: Businesswoman

Nancy Isime

(b. 17 December 1991)

Career: Actress, model, and media personality.

Course at Unilag: Diploma in Social Work

Others: Businesswoman

Ramsey Nouah

(b. Ramsey Tokunbo Nouah Jr.; December 19, 1970)

Career: Nollywood actor and director.

Course at Unilag: Mass Communication

RMD

Richard Eyimofe Evans Mofe-Damijo (b. 6th July 1961)

Course at Unilag: Law as second degree (1997-2004)

Career: Actor, writer, and producer

Others: Lawyer, former journalist.

Stella Damasus

(b. April 24, 1978)

Course at Unilag: Theatre Arts

Career: Actor, actress and singer

Media

Denrele

Adenrele Oluwafemi Edun

Career: Nigerian television host

Annie Macaulay–Idibia

Career: Model, presenter, and actress.

Known for: Wife of 2face Idibia

Course at Unilag: Theater Arts

Bobrisky

Career: Social media personality

Known for: Nigerian transgender influencer and LGBT personality.

Course at Unilag: Accounting

Brain Jotter

Career: Comedian/Skit maker

Known for: Comedy skits

Course at Unilag: Business Administration

Broda Shaggi

Career: Comedian

Others: Actor, songwriter, and musician.

Known for: Comedy skits

Course at Unilag: Creative Arts

Helen Paul

Career: Stand-up Comedian

Course at Unilag: Ph.D. in Theater Arts

Known for: Tatafo (characterized by a voice range that makes her sound like a child).

Others: Comedian, singer, and actress

Linda Ikeji

Linda Ifeoma Ikeji (b. 19 September 1980)

Career: Blogger

Course at Unilag: English (1998 – 2004)

Known for: Controversial blog posts

Others: Blogger, Writer, Entrepreneur, former Model

Toke Makinwa

(b. 3 November 1981)

Career: Radio personality, television host, vlogger, lifestyle entrepreneur, and author

Course at Unilag: English & Literature

Known for: Vlogger

Teju Babyface

Gbadewonuola Olateju Oyelakin

Career: Talk Show Host

Course at Unilag: Insurance

Known for: Teju Babyface Show

Others: Stand-up comedian, producer, actor, and writer

Tunde Ednut

Career: Blogger, comedian, entertainer and musician

Known for: Social media blog

Course at Unilag: Graphic Design

Wale Adenuga (b. 24 September 1950)

Career: Media Magnate

Course at Unilag: Business Administration (1971-75)

Known for: Cartoonist/publisher, currently series producer, best known for the publications Ikebe Super, Binta, and Super Story, and their televised versions through his production industry – Wale Adenuga Production.

Politics

Professor Yemi Osinbajo

Oluyemi Oluleke Osinbajo GCON

Career: Politician

Course at Unilag: Law (1975 – 1978)

Known as: Current Vice President of Nigeria

Others: Lawyer, professor, and RCCG pastor

Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu

Career: Politician, current Governor of Lagos State

Course at Unilag: BSc in Surveying and an MBA

Akinwunmi Ambode

(b. 14 June 1963)

Known as: former Governor of Lagos State (2015 – 2019)

Course at Unilag: Accounting (1981 – 1984)

Career: Politician

Femi Gbajabiamila

(born 25 June 1962)

Known as: incumbent Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria

Course at Unilag: Bachelor of Law (LL.B.)

Career: Politician

Olukayode Fayemi

(b. 9 February 1965)

Known as: current Governor of Ekiti State

Course at Unilag: History

Career: Politician

Layiwola “Lai” Mohammed

Known as: current Minister of Information, and Culture

Course at Unilag: Law as second degree

Career: Politician

Seyi Makinde

Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde (b. 25 December 1967)

Known as: current Governor of Oyo State

Course at Unilag: Electrical Engineering

Career: Businessman, politician, and philanthropist

Willie Obiano

Known for: Former governor of Anambra State

Course at Unilag: Accountancy & MBA

Career: Politician, banker, and technocrat.

Omoyele “Yele” Sowore

(b. 16 February 1971)

Career: Founder of online news agency Sahara Reporters.

Course at Unilag: Geography and Planning (1989 – 1995)

Known for: Politics/Human Rights Activist

Others: Human rights activist, pro-democracy campaigner, and former presidential candidate.

Business & Academics

Tony Elumelu

Tony Onyemaechi Elumelu CON MFR

Career: Business Magnate

Course at Unilag: BSc and Masters degree in Economics

Known for: Philanthropy

Others: Economist, philanthropist, owner of Heirs Holdings, Transcorp, and founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation

Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe

Oluwatoyin Temitayo Ogundipe former Unilag VC

Oluwatoyin Temitayo Ogundipe (b. 31 May 1960)

Career: former Unilag VC (2017 – 2022), Academic

Course at Unilag: Master’s degree in Business Administration.

Known for: 12th Vice-Chancellor of Unilag.

Others: Academic, author, and a Professor of botany

Professor Folasade Ogunsola

Career: Unilag VC (2022- present), Academic

Course at Unilag: Master’s degree in College of Medicine, University of Lagos.

Known for: 13th and current Vice-Chancellor of Unilag.

Others: Academic, author, and professor Medical Microbiology

Professor Babatunde Adetokunbo Sofoluwe

15 April 1950 – 12 May 2012

Career: former Unilag VC, Academic

Course at Unilag: Bachelor of science (BSc) degree in Mathematics from the University of Lagos

Known for: 10th Vice-Chancellor of Unilag.

Others: Academic, author, and a professor of Computer science.

Sophie Oluwole

Sophie Bosede Oluwole (12 May 1935 – 23 December 2018)

Career: Nigerian Philosopher, Professor

Course at Unilag: History, Geography, and Philosophy.

Known for: First female doctorate holder in philosophy in Nigeria.

Thanks for reading!!

What University are you attending, or did you attend?? Let me know in the comments two famous people that graduated from your school!!!

Don’t forget to share!!

Letter from King Martin to the Akokites (and other Federal League Of Strikers)

The Abode of The One Who

Is Technically King.

You The Akokite.

Letter from King Martin to the Akokites (and other strikers).

Dear Akokite,

This letter is from King Martin, the one who is technically king.

But I’m not here to debate my kinghood (cos it’s undebatable). I’m here to check up on you, dear Akokite.

All of a sudden, the “indefinite” strike came to an end. And just like that, you are going back to school. Back to books, and lectures and lecturers, and assignments, and tests, and library, and overnights, and rushed exams, and other sad, terrible things.

All of a sudden you have to go back to your crowded and unsanitary hostel or deal with your annoying landlord and neighbors that never pay NEPA bill.

Yes, you have to go back to budgeting, rationing, and balancing school with other activities you picked up during the strike.

But all these things are not what is bothering you. Instead, you’re worried about “oppression”.

Lol. (shey you dey whine me ni?)

Now, most of you (freshers, morons, ballers, rich kids, you know your category) are excited about resumption.

While some of you are not so excited. All of a sudden you’re confronted with the fact you spent 8 months at home. And you’re coming back more or less the same way you came.

While your friends, roommates, and coursemates, are coming back by flight, you’re coming by bus.

While they’ll cruise to class in cars, you’ll walk under the sun. While they take selfies every five mins, your phone is still hanging.

Once again, you’re going to see your babe in the front seat of another student’s Lexus. The wigs, some of your roomies now buy, can get you provisions for 3 school sessions.

While they are gisting about their experiences, travels, and wins during the strike, you have nothing to say.

Their businesses, brands, careers, and social media fame have become so loud, that yours are just like…ordinary smoke.

Normally, you’ll say “I can’t be oppressed“. But I know you are a liar, dear Akokite. That’s why I’m writing this letter. To remind you to stay true to yourself.

The main theme is that you survived 8 whole months and you came back. That’s good enough.

8 whole months fam! Literally, anything can happen in 8 months.

Trust me, I’ve witnessed 3 strikes and 2 COVID-induced get-out-campus orders, and every time, someone didn’t make it back.

But you did. Congrats.

And you actually didn’t come back the same, you are different. You’re not the same person that left campus in February. You’re wiser and more experienced. So don’t beat yourself up.

Never compare yourself with another human being. You are different from everyone you know. And during the strike, everyone spent it at different locations, in different situations, and came across different opportunities.

Garri + cold water & Garri + hot water will never have the same result.

And remember, your goal on campus is to study. As much as I hate to say it, your books are your priority and everything else is secondary. As long as your grades are reasonable, you are on the right track.

And remember, do not judge yesterday’s foolishness with today’s wisdom. Don’t start with the “I wish I had done this” or “I wish I had known that.” It’s all in the past, and you have to focus on the now.

And remember, life is not a competition. And life is much much bigger than now. You’re still a dumb student with years ahead of you to make it. Some hit big early, and some later. All that matters is that if you put in the effort, you’ll hit big in your own time.

And lastly, if you really want to get there (wherever there is), you still have 62 days until the end of the year. Seriously, 24 hours is actually a lot of time.

If you can dedicate just one or two hours every day to focusing on doing something unrelated to your studies that’ll help your future & finances, then you can still get there.

And remember, school is not the final bus stop. In fact, school is just a bus taking you to a better future. And 8 months of ASUU strike should have taught you that you should have plan B down to X because schooling in your country is basically shit.

And remember, I, King Martin, actually do care about you.

Stay true to yourself dear Akokite.

Don’t come back as an animal. Don’t come back fake. Don’t come back worried. Don’t come back oppressed.

Come back, as a better you.

Yours Sincerely

King Martin

How To Get More Contacts & Customers For Your Business On WhatsApp: 6 Ways.

Congratulations again, you started a business. Now is the time to market your products!!!

You come online and post your hair, perfumes, gadgets, graphics, whatever. And you put “come and buy” as usual.

And nobody comes to buy. And you ask “Why?”

Take this gbana, smoke it, yess, your head is clear abi?

Now look at your contacts, what names do you see? Mum, Dad, Uncle Tegbolo, your brother, relatives, cousins, side chick, that guy that just wants to smash, your committee of exes, your coursemates, workmates, haters, street gees e.t.c.

In total, you have 415 contacts – even my 7-year-old brother knows more people than that.

Long story short, you have an audience, but those people aren’t “potential customers”. The best they can do is to refer you, which isn’t… good enough.

You need to market to more people, people that actually need what you’re selling.

Plus marketing to 4000 contacts beats marketing to 400 – the more people you can reach, the more customers you can get!!

So here are 6 simple ways you can get more WhatsApp contacts to market your business to.

1. Create Awareness Offline

You can’t sell physical products, or do any business at all and not be social… You can’t be a fisherman if you are scared of water, and as a small business owner, you have to be friendly and know how to relate well with complete strangers

Without people, you can’t make sales, and no sales = no money.

So, when you have an online business, you have to tell everyone about it. You must be your number one marketer, and you must wear your business like a banner. Everyone; friends, family, neighbors, and even your dog should be able to identify you with your brand.

Be sociable, learn how to meet people, make new friends and turn those new friends into customers!

2. Create Awareness On WhatsApp Groups

Now WhatsApp groups are a great place to market your business and get new contacts you can turn into customers.

But you have to do it with sense. Don’t just tap on just any group link just because you want to post your adverts there. Be sure that advertisements are allowed in a group before you post your ads there.

Look for WhatsApp groups that fit into your niche. If you sell clothing items, you can look for WhatsApp groups that fall into that category. Doing this will really help you get turn-up.

You can also message group members personally. When doing this, you need to be formal and friendly. Introduce yourself in a proper manner and your business too. Ask them to save your contact and do the same too.

3. Run Paid Adverts

To get more customers, you need to reach more people. But it’s easier said than done. Most times, to create more awareness for your brand, you need to pay for adverts on WhatsApp.

Some WhatsApp platforms like WhatsApp TVs, entertainment hubs, marketing groups, e.t.c. have large audiences. Whatever is advertised there is regarded as legit and trustworthy.

Paying to place your adverts on platforms like these are great ways to reach more contacts and get more customers.

4. Generate Leads From Social Media

You may have a strong presence on social media; maybe Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.

That’s great, but WhatsApp is one of the best places to do business because it feels more private than other social media settings. Not everyone can get your WhatsApp number, so chats on WhatsApp feel personal.

So, advertise your business on all Social media platforms, then lead them to your WhatsApp. There you can build a one-on-one connection with your potential customers.

5. Referral Contest & Affiliate Programs

Well, in business, you have to spend money to make money. And referral contests are a great way to get more contacts and customers.

As the name implies, you ask people to refer your business to as many numbers and you pay the person(s) with the highest referrals.

With the affiliate setting, you can give anyone who brings in a customer a commission (maybe 15% of the sale). These are great ways to attract more contacts and customers IF you have the money to do such.

6. Buy Contacts/Contact Gain

Buy .vcf contact file from contact gains

Getting new contacts outright is a new option altogether. This way you can get contacts to market directly.

The method is quite simple; look for and join “contact gain” groups that give you new contacts in bulk. The goal is to get these new contacts to view your status so that you can market your business to them.

You can also add them to a broadcast list (like mentioned earlier) and send them direct messages.

But be careful; buy/get contacts from your target audience. 10,000 new contacts can be annoying if only 100 of them fall into your potential customer base.

To get more, you need more. If you can turn 15% of 8000 contacts (1,200) into loyal customers, think about what that would do for your business.

You can’t be a baller if your business is shaky. Knowing how to turn strangers into customers is a very important part of business and it will bring in massive sales for you.

If you want to learn how to do just that, click the link below to join the waitlist for my upcoming FREE Class.

JOIN FREE MARKETING CLASS WAIT-LIST

How To Escape Breakfast in Your Relationship – The 4 Easiest Ways.

Lol, so you really believe that you can escape breakfast (heartbreak)?

Lol. Breakfast is inevitable. A wise man once said, “Last last… na everyone go chop breakfast.”

But what if there’s a way to stop breakfast from happening???

Actually, there’s none. Breakfast must reach everybody.

But fine… there are a few things you can do to reduce your chances of “chopping breakfast”. Let’s see them.

1. Do Your Best

Yup, I said it. Do your best.

You see, one of the main reasons why your relationship will fail (apart from the fact that the relationship was born to fail) is because one or both of you are intentionally or unintentionally not putting your effort into it.

Most times, it’s bcos of the fear of putting so much effort into a relationship only for it to crash later. Or doing your best for someone who doesn’t match your energy. Or maybe bcos you’re lazy or you don’t actually have any real feelings for the other person.

Whatever the reason, if you don’t do your best, your relationship WILL FAIL. If you are scared or unwilling to fully commit, you will never have the relationship of your dreams.

Do your best, and if it was meant to work, it will work.

2. Increase Your Value

Yeah, I know you have nice skin and your a$$ is bigger & softer than today’s bread – but you know who else has nice skin and soft yansh? Jacinta, Chioma, Bukky, Ada, Pelumi, Sandra, Toyosi, Jane, Dami, and half of Lagos State.

Oh, they can also cook, and their “head-giving” skills are top-notch.

You see where I’m going, don’t you? You’re a guy and money is the only thing you have to off…

… actually, money answereth all things… but, don’t let money be the only card you can play. Cos 90% of guys will become single the moment they stop doing transfer.

Develop yourself in all areas; a guy that’s fit, fresh, fashionable, rich, great in bed, fun & sociable beats a guy that’s just rich. A girl that is hot and has sense, great personality, her own money beats big ass and “I can cook” every day.

If your partner knows how valuable you are, he/she will think twice before being stupid; cos big ass and credit alerts are everywhere, but a valuable person will be hard to replace.

3. Be Willing To Walk Away

Now let’s be honest, you may do your best or be as perfect as Kim Kardashian or Chris Brown and you’ll still get cheated on or used. One of the reasons is simple; you’re not willing to walk away.

The problem is that a lot of you eat too much shit in the name of “trying to make it work”. The other person keeps cheating or giving attitude cos he/she knows you don’t have the mind to quit. You will cry or rant, but in the end, you won’t leave.

Maybe the money or the D is too good. Or maybe you feel you’ve invested too much in it or you won’t find someone better. Or maybe you don’t want to chop another breakfast.

Whatever your reason, to avoid all this, make it clear to your partner that “I love you, but I won’t settle for less, and I won’t take this shit from you. I know my worth and if you don’t treat me right, I’ll walk away.”

If you are valuable enough and you REALLY MEAN WHAT YOU SAY, any normal person will start behaving his/herself.

4. Watch Out for Red Flags

This is obvious, but it turns out that most people are dumb. The time you ought to spend getting to know each other, you spend on dumb dates, silly chatting, and unnecessary knacks. And when the dates and knacks get old & stale, problems start popping up like pimples.

See, the talking stage isn’t for just talking and catching feelings, it’s also for looking out for red flags and turn-offs. Now, some bad habits can be hidden or secret, but some are very visible.

You met a rich baller, and you expect him to be loyal to only you? Lol.

She can’t say no to free dates and parties, and you don’t tolerate cheating? Lol.

He’s always busy and you want someone that will always be there? Lol.

Money is her only love language, and you expect her to stay during hard times? Lol.

You will see red flags only when you want to see them. If you don’t look at the body label, you can mistake Sniper for eye drop.

The Dark Path [Yet Effective Path] To Commitment – A Simple Trick To Make A Woman Value You and Your Relationship With Her More

Hey, no relationship is perfect. You just have to do your best to create the best one with the best person possible; a person that you know will always come through.

And if the relationship you are in doesn’t work out, know that the time wasn’t right, or the person wasn’t worth your effort.

9 Things You Can Do As A Student During ASUU Strike

You know, being a student during the ASUU strike can be kind of tough. 7 months into the strike. you’re still confused and one thing is clear – time is passing by every day.

How to best spend that time is the cause of your worry.

Most people will say the best thing to do during the strike is to start your own business. Some will scream SKILLS! Learn skills. Some will say… no, to be honest, it’s pretty much “business, skills, and make money before resumption” that everyone says.

But what should you do?

That’s totally up to you – but one thing should be clear;

Don’t be idle. Don’t do NOTHING.

Don’t spend all day googling the latest “ASUU strike latest news” or “ASUU strike update today 2022.”

Don’t spend all day sleeping and eating at home, or running errands.

Instead, look at this strike as a “blessing in disguise”. Use this free time you spend away from the daily stress of campus to focus on things that will actually benefit you in the future.

Instead of spending months being confused about what to do and how to make good use of the strike, let me give you a list of wise things you can do during the strike.

1. Take online courses on digital skills; The world is rapidly becoming digital, and those with technical skills have the guarantee of a stable financial future.

Learning digital skills like programming, web development, graphic design, digital marketing, photography, e.t.c will secure your future after school and can even bring you massive income as a student.

Soft skills like copywriting, marketing, public speaking, team management e.t.c. are also great skills to learn because they will also help you in both the online world and in the corporate world.

2. Learn a “handwork”; With the way the country is looking now, a “handwork” can be the surest way a young person make legit money.

Learning catering, tailoring, hairdressing, makeup, woodwork, e.t.c. are great ways to devote your time and passion to making money – which will lead you to financial independence.

3. Start a business; Now can be the best time to start that business you’ve dreamed of starting. With the right capital, skill, and the advantage of the online space, you can easily sell products/services to people who need them.

Guide to starting a business

4. Content Creation; Content creation is one of the well-paying and highly demanded skills in our social media crazy world. So start that blog, grow that IG, build your Twitter, create wonderful content on your TikTok, e.t.c.

Content creators are curating creative content online and they are being paid on Youtube, Tiktok, Instagram and so many other platforms for showcasing their skills and entertaining others.

5. Get a temporary job; To pass time or get income for your expenses, you can get salaried jobs like teaching, salesperson, security, modeling, ushering gigs, e.t.c.

You have to be smart about it though because most salaried jobs are low-paying, stressful, and time-consuming along with toxic work environments. Learning a skill or starting a business is usually much better getting than a job.

But not everything has to be money-focused though. While aiming for your financial independence is an excellent goal, you can focus on personal activity or things that benefit you directly.

This is where many students go wrong – that you’re not making money yet is not an issue – you just have to do something, anything, to make yourself better.

You can spend your time on things like;

1. Fitness; Now’s the best time to build that body you’ve always wanted. Working out, dieting, meditation to clear your mind, skincare regimen, e.t.c. are great things you can do for your body during this strike.

2. Hobbies, passions, and talents; You can focus on things that you love doing, but can’t do while school is in full session, and may not have enough time for during the holidays.

It can be writing, reading, movies, researching (I spent most of the 2018/19 strike making WWII maps), cooking experiments, content creation, or anything at all. That thing you love to do but you’re shy about – now’s the time to try it. Maximize this period to develop your God-given talent and you can achieve a part of, if not all of that dream before school resumes.

Write that book and publish it. Go to the studio with that song and release at least a track, if not the complete album. Join that football club and make a name. Whatever your talent is, do something about it, before the strike is over.

thing you can spend time on during the strike

3. Intellect building; You can increase your intelligence by studying additional material related to your course. You can even study fields unrelated to your university course that can benefit you in life – personal finance, human psychology, books on wealth, health, e.t.c.

4. Take academic steps for your future; Your school is on strike but academics isn’t. You can enroll in an online university to get an additional degree, you can take professional courses and exams, sign up for internship programs, and you can attend seminars and workshops.

You can even prepare for a scholarship – not everyone who goes home for the strike returns – you can get a scholarship abroad.

Whatever you do, in all things, remember – you’re not just a student, you’re a person too, and while the grind of school life may make it hard for you to focus your attention on anything else, the strike is an excellent opportunity to develop yourself and your skillset

So, find something worth doing and focus on it. Remember the goal is to return to campus better than when you left.

Be productive!!

Comment on what you are doing or what you plan on doing during this strike to improve yourself. Remember to like and share.

The Dark Path [Yet Effective Path] To Commitment – A Simple Trick To Make A Woman Value You and Your Relationship With Her More

Martin's Press

Most guys believe that if they spend money on a lady, take her out on dates, and show her love, care, and affection, they will, according to common sense, receive the same amount of love and affection in return. The smart man, the attractive man, however, understands that his investment in a girl and a relationship is nowhere near as important as her investment in him and the relationship. There are various forms of investment in a relationship, but the main four are:

(1) emotional investment: investing your emotions and feelings into someone. This includes falling in love with someone, trusting someone with your heart and your emotions e.t.c

(2) time: spent thinking about someone, or time spent with them; any amount of time spent building or developing a relationship; the time and attention spent on someone in a relationship

(3) physical: sharing physical intimacy with another…

View original post 718 more words

5 Ways To Get More Customers This Month Without Reducing Your Prices

Congratulations, you have a business. But you know something? Half of WhatsApp and social media users also have businesses.

You have competition everywhere you go and it is becoming harder and harder to get constant sales.

I’m here to help you out with 5 things to do that will make you get more customers and make sales without lowering your prices.

If you do these five things this month, you will make three times the sales you made last month!!

Let’s go;

1. Market To A Specific Audience;

No. 1 reason why you don’t sell much is because you are marketing to EVERYBODY. And everybody is not interested in your products or even uses your product or service.

Focus your attention on those who actually need your product. Men don’t use make-up, single ladies don’t buy kiddie clothes e.t.c.

Find the types of people that you know use your products and market to them. You’ll make more sales than wasting your time and energy marketing to everybody.

2. Use Promos To Win Their Hearts;

People love free things, so the fastest way to get customers is to give them “free” things without losing.

You can do promos, limited-time offers, first-comers discounts, buy 3-get-one-free, free packaging and delivery or add a little gift.

The goal of all these is to convince your viewers to buy from you quickly so that they won’t miss out. Once they buy from you once, and you treat them well, they will buy again.

3. Post Customer Reviews;

Most times your contacts don’t know if your products work, so convince them with good reviews. Post videos or pictures of customers who have bought your products and how it is helping them.

If you haven’t sold that product before, then go online and look for other people that have used that product/service and post it on your contacts.

If your reviews show that your products or service will solve their needs, they will buy from you.

4. Write Better Adverts;

Your adverts determine whether you sell or not, so why do you write them anyhow? If you want to make more sales, people have to read your adverts/captions before they click your links or come into your DM.

If you write nonsense, everyone will just skip your posts and you won’t make any good sales. Write adverts/captions that are short, straightforward, and easy to understand. Adverts that are creative and helpful will get your contacts’ attention.

Don’t just write, also use pictures, graphics, and videos in your ads.

5. Be Consistent;

Business like all things must be consistent. If you want your viewers to become loyal customers, you have to post your business EVERY DAY.

If you post every day, your viewers will know you are serious about your business and that you are a real business that won’t block them once they make payment.

If you are fond of taking long breaks away from your customers, they will forget you when they need to buy what you’re selling.