ICT as Transformation Tool

Computer Science / ICT Knowledge

 ICT AS A TRANSFORMATION TOOL AND ICT GADGETS

WHAT IS INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT)?

ICT: ICT stand for Information and Communication Technology.  “ICT can be defined as a wide range of technological tools and resources used for transmitting, analyzing, retrieving, storing, processing and gathering information. Furthermore, ICT helps us to communicate, create, disseminate, store, and manage information.” These involves the use of digital devices like digital television, computers, fax machine, mobile phones, satellite communication, GPS, the Internet, broadcasting technologies (radio and television), and telephony and so on.

AS A TRANSFORMATIONAL TOOL:  Information communication technology has being able to transform the world from several billions of Villages into one single global village. It is so important in the world today that it makes it necessary for every person to be competent in the use Information communication technology for the task they have to accomplish. Organization of all sizes, even the smallest schools and businesses, rely on computer to help them operate more efficiently and effectively.

ADVANTAGES OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

1. Information Availability: ICT has made it possible for information to be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through access on the internet. This means access to information is timely, better and cheaper.

2. Communication: Communication has become cheaper, quicker and more efficient. We can now communicate with anyone around the globe by the simply text messaging them or sending them an e-mail for an almost instantaneous part of the world and people can aslo be seen with the help of video conferencing.

3. Cost Effectiveness: Information communication technology helps to computerize the business process. Thus streaming business to make them extremely cost effective, money making machine. This in turn, will increase productivity, which will also increase profit and that means better pay and less strenuous working condition.

4. Bridging the cultural gap: Information communication technology has helped to bridge the cultural gap helping people from different cultures to communicate with one another and allowing for the exchange of views and ideas, thus increasing awareness and reducing prejudice.

5. More business operation time: ICT has made it possible for business to be open 24×7, all over the globe. This means that a business can be open anytime, anywhere, making purchase from different countries easier and more convenient. It also means that you can have goods delivered right to your door step without having to move an inch.

6. Creation of Job Opportunities: The best advantage of information communication technology is the creation of new and interesting job. Computer programmers, system analyzers, hardware and software developed and web designers are just some of the new job opportunity created with the help of it.

7. Versatility:  Computer can perform vast activities effectively. Where the human imagination fails, computer comes into the picture, for instance, observing the motion of very fast moving particles. They can also work with different types of data and information like graphics and audio visual character.

8. E-Commerce: With ICT evolution, people do not need to leave home to shop. One can shop online on different range of products (that is, buying and selling online). It speeds up transactions and processes.

9. E-Learning: The use of ICT in schools has made it possible for the processing of student’s data using spreadsheet packages or database system.

10. Global Economy: ICT which brought about global economy has become the vital engine for national growth.

11. Provision of Research material in the Health Sector: In the health sector ICT helps in diagnosing diseases and damages to the body with body scanning machines. Also helps in innovative ways of discovery new things in science, technology etc.

12. Closes gap and distance barrier in communication: Distance becomes irrelevant in business transaction dealings and movement of people.

13. Instant Chatting: ICT helps human being to interact with each other in new ways via social networks like face book, twitter, etc.

 DISADVANTAGES OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

1. UNEMPLOYMENT: While information communication technology may have streamlined the business process, it still has created job redundancies, downsizing and outsourcing. This means that a lot of lower and middle level jobs have been done away with, causing more people to become unemployed.

2. PRIVACY: Though information communication technology may have made communication so easy, quicker and more convenient, it has also given rise to privacy issues, from cell phone signal interceptions to e-mail hacking, people are now worried about their private information becoming public knowledge.

3. LACK OF JOB SECURITY: Industry experts believe that the internet has made job security a big issue since technology keeps advancing each day. This means that one has to be in a constant learning mode, in order for job to be secure.

4. ADDICTION: People tend to get addicted to the internet, especially the youth. When they are supposed to view, read or download something beneficial to them, they will be on the computer playing games, watching movies, etc

5. PORNOGRAPHY: The internet serves as a storehouse for several information resources including good and bad. Youths are exposed to malicious websites on the internet where they watch pornographic movies. This affect them psychologically and emotionally.

6. CYBER-CRIME: Some people disguise themselves as businessmen and women on the internet. They defraud people by obtaining money and other valuables from them using trick

7. PLAGIARISM: The invention of ICT has made plagiarism rampant. Plagiarism is the act of copying other peoples’ work and presenting them as ones’ own.

Other problem caused by ICT includes 

1. High cost of purchasing and maintaining ICT infrastructures and the cost of training personnel.

2. There is more frequent of accidents as a result of some ICT means of transportation.

3. Air pollution and environmental pollution

4. Bad network services are still prevalent in developing countries which is a problem in ICT.

5. ICT threatens other areas/fields of human Endeavour.

8. It promotes laziness due to over dependant on machines.

9. Virus threat is another factor affecting ICT.

10. ICT causes unemployment or job losses to some individual.

INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY GADGETS

An information communication technology gadget involves the technology and the applications which are used in creating communication, transmission and storage devices. There are many ICT gadgets which are used in communication technology. Some of them are:

1. GLOBAL SYSTEM FOR MOBILE (GSM): Global system for mobile communication is an ICT gadget and second generation digital technology. GSM is top-class standard gadget relied on by millions of people worldwide. Today’s GSM is a huge success wireless technology and an unprecedented story of global achievement. It is approximated that 80 percent of the world used GSM technology while making wireless calls.

2. FAX MACHINE: The fax machine is a device that can send or receive picture and text over telephone line. The idea of fax machine has been around since 1842, when Alexander Bain invented a machine capable of receiving signals from telegraph wire and translating them into images on paper. However, fax machine did not become popular until mid 1980s. A fax machine consist of an optical scanner for digitizing image on paper, a printer for printing incoming fax message and a telephone for making the connection.

3. TELEPHONE: Telephone is an electronic telecommunication device used for transmitting and receiving sounds. The most basic function of a telephone is to allow communication between two points, whether they are near or far from each other.

4. COMPUTER SYSTEM: The computer system will include the computers along with software and peripherals devices that are necessary to make the computer function. Every computer system requires an operating system.

5. PAGER: A Pager is a small telecommunication device that receives and sends alert signals or short messages. It is the size of a pocket calculator and has built in miniature keyboard and LCD screen that can display several lines of text.

6. TELEX: Telex is a communication system consisting of small typewriters connected to a telephonic network to send and receive signals or message.

GENERAL BENEFITS OF ICT

• Greater efficiency throughout the school.
• Communication channels are increased through email, discussion groups and chat rooms.
• Regular use of ICT across different curriculum subjects can have a beneficial motivational influence on students’ learning.
• It provides faster, cheaper, timely and wider access to information
• It removes distance barriers in the communication, since any part of the world can be connected.
• It speeds up transmission and processing of information.
• It aids learning by providing access to a wide range of information.
• It makes business transaction easy since distance, time and space are not relevant

Can this be true, Do we still have ghost appearing to people after their death, please read this tale.

Ghost story: 

I saw a friend who I never knew he is Dead.

On 17th February 2020 I met someone who I knew in Vietnam (tho we are not too close friends but we are friends), he held me from behind oga Buchi...., then I turned and shouted "Willy" what are you doing here were are you coming from, he said he is coming from Portharcourt that he is going to Awka. This is happening in Upper Iweka Onitsha in front of Ifeanyichukwu Motors.

He brought out gold from his pocket, and told me to buy or help him to sell it. he told me he saved money with it to complete his mother's house before raining season and they have other expenses in the village to do soon, he told me he bought it 4000 Dollars. I told him that am heading to main market, let's go together but he insist I should collect the gold that he trust me. So my friend who is with me said I should collect it. 

I told him to collect my number so he will call me by then I will tell him how much they are pricing it. He said he will get his phone if he gets to Awaka. He do not know his number off-head..... I went to a nearby shop and get pen and wrote my number for him. He left in hurry. 

Later in the day he did not call me, (even till now)... I was so worried my friends told me may be he stole it or someone wants to set me up with it, I was so scared I contacted another friend who is in Vietnam and I knew that he is a little bit closer to him, we chat he then told me Willy died on 11th January (our chat is below). I can not believe it, he helped me to get his people's phone number. until on 18th I spoke with his mom (tho she was only shouting saying... Uchechi who do you leave me for). 

I was able to speak with his aunty who is a Revrend Sister. She told me my Son God will bless you..... What is the Value of what he gave me.... I said 1.440.000 Naira.... She cried as she said again My son you will never lack. She started telling me that Uchechi (they call him) is the only son, he came back on November, he will be getting married on 15th January. They killed him because he came back with Lexus. Her mother is a primary school teach who manage to build  the house to linter level, and train her 2 daughters. 

She told me that his car tumbled over 5 times (as they were told) and he died at the spot on his way from there Village to Porthercout. She told me that he has gone to dream to tell his mother's cousin to tell his mom that they should not bury him in their father's family house that, there  is where they planned for his death. He also mentioned one of his uncle and said he is the person that keeps him in this condition he is. 

But her poor mom do not have money to roof and do some finishing work in that building. It kept making them sleepless night untill I called them to tell them about this. Which they did not believe till yesterday 20/2/20 I met with 5 Members of his mothers family, I tried to look for buyers who will make it bigger in value. 

On 19th Someone connected me to one Mrs Uju Turkey...... She is traveling to Turkey for business soon she bought the gold at the cost of 1.450.000, we went to bank in Head Bridge yesterday afternoon and she send the money to his mothers account number not any other person as I directed base on what Willy said to me at Upper Iweka. Tho they showed me some of his pictures both the ones he took during his secondary and his OND days. I was fully convinced that she is his mother.

They told he he will be buried on March been next month. 

My people this world is full of Mistry...... Uwa di imirimious...

‘Stop Giving Your D**k To Women For Free; Charge Us For It, We’ll Pay’ — Lady Tells Men

Published on February 20, 2020

By Oriental Times 

A lady has taken to micro-blogging site, Twitter to advise men not to have S3x with women for free.

According to the Twitter user @IssaB0ss, it is stupidity for men to continue to have S3x with women for free because “d**k is so good.”

She wrote:

“Men are so f**king dumb! D**k is so good and y’all give that shit away for FREE. Charge a bitch, we got money we gon pay 🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️.”

Priest Feeds Congregation Rat Poison To Prove They’re Above Death… They All Died.

Priest Feeds Congregation Rat Poison To Prove They’re Above Death… They All Died

Facebook/Grace Living Hope Ministries

This priest tried to prove his congregation were above death by feeding them rat poison and the results were disastrous…

Priest Light Monyeki from Soshanguve, South Africa, took it upon himself to prove his follower’s were superhuman and immortal, with a seriously dangerous stunt.

The priest declared to his congregation they should not fear death, as they will not die, before proceeding to pour bottles of water contaminated with rat poison into their mouths…

He said:

We do not need to proclaim faith because we are believers. Death has no power over us.

Horrifyingly, many of his followers ran forward to take a fatal drink from the treacherous bottle.

The priest took a swig from the poison fluid before pouring it down the throats of his loyal congregation.

Facebook/ Grace Living Hope Ministries

Disastrously, yet predictably, the members of his church started to complain of stomach pains and by the evening, five of them were tragically dead.

A further 13 more were taken to hospital for the ingestion of the lethal drink, but despite all of this Monyeki allegedly denied responsibility.

Instead he announced:

Too much of any good thing could be bad.Surely he’s not referring to his poison drink as a ‘good thing,’ as I do not see how this could be possible in any way considering it killed five of his members…

The horrendous incident has sparked a police investigation, but no arrests have been made at present.

This is extremely dangerous and beyond stupid.

It’s sad to think his followers put so much faith and trust in him, which ultimately cost them their lives…

Disabled man makes water heater to sell at affordable prices

Disabled man makes water heater to sell at affordable prices

Author: Merve Sevinc

it’s a well known fact that ‘disability is not inability’.

However, most disabled people instead of trying to do something worthwhile rather take to the street to beg for alms.

However, this physically challenged man whose name is yet to be know instead of begging on the streets, has decided to make water heaters which he sells at affordable prices.

His story has since gone viral on social media.

He’s said to be a Nigerian. You can contact him on +23408067686839.

Below are his photos:

Feel free to Share this story till it gets to his customers

Don’t Date a Girl who cannot Pay her Transport fare to come to see you – Nigerian Lady Advises Men

Don’t Date a Girl who cannot Pay her Transport fare to come to see you – Nigerian Lady Advises Men

By Odince Goodwill

A Nigerian Lady has advised men to stop dating mentally Broke Girls.

READ BELOW:

STOP DATING MENTALLY BROKE GIRLS

“A girl who doesn’t have transport fare to see someone who she claims she loves

“A lady who can’t get you a birthday or a Valentine’s day gift, but expects you to bring down the world for her.

“Someone who can’t comfortably call you on phone for 5mins. Always flashing and complaining she doesn’t have airtime even when you know you just sent her airtime.

“Someone who thinks relationship is an occupation where she is supposed to be paid and taken care of Someone who’s only contribution to the relationship is sex (which is enjoyed by both parties.) She can’t add value to ur life emotionally, financially, spiritually. No matter how beautiful a lady is,never settle for less, some ladies have money& bliv it’s a guy’s duty to spend.

“I know some ladies will frown at this but i am not saying this because i have heaven n earth, no. Little things like this count in a relationship. No man can forget a lady who does this no matter how things ended between them.if u read to this point, follow me n j will fb.

NEWS /CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK

Egypt confirms coronavirus case, the first in Africa

The country's health ministry says the affected person is a 'foreigner' who is hospitalised and in isolation.

14 Feb 2020 GMT

Egypt has confirmed its first case of a deadly coronavirus that emerged in central China at the end of last year and has since spread to more than two dozen countries around the world.

Health Ministry spokesman Khaled Mugahed said in a statement on Friday that the affected person was a "foreigner" who did not show any serious symptoms.

Officials were able to confirm the case through a follow-up programme implemented by the government for travellers arriving from countries where the virus has spread.

The ministry statement said the person was hospitalised and in isolation. It did not specify the person's nationality or their point of entry.

The development made Egypt the first country in the African continent to report a confirmed case, and the second in the Middle East region, after the United Arab Emirates late last month diagnosed its first cases.

'Grave threat'

Officially known as COVID-19, the virus was first detected in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei Province in central China, in December last year. 

It has so far killed almost 1,400 people and infected nearly 65,000 others globally. 

Three deaths have been recorded outside mainland China - one in Hong Kong, one in the Philippines and the most recent in Japan.

More than two dozen countries have confirmed cases and several nations have evacuated their citizens from Hubei. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned the virus poses a "grave threat" to the world.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

Chinese Doctors Confirmed African Blood Genetic Composition Resist Coronavirus After Student Cured

Feb 14, 2020 1:16 PM

World Health Organization – Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.  

Senou is a young Cameroonian student in China recently infected with Coronavirus he was released from hospital this morning cured of the virus.

Doctors seeking for a cure to treat the dreadful virus were amazed to see Senou still alive and fit even after contracting the virus which has claimed 1,112 lives since it broke out in Wuhan couple of weeks ago.

The Chinese doctors confirmed that Senou stayed alive because of his blood genetic composition which is mainly found in the genetic composition of subsaharan Africans.

Chinese doctors also said that he remained alive because he has black skin, the antibodies of a black are 3 times stronger, powerful and resistant compare to that of white.

Zanomoya Mditshwa an African shared his opinion saying black man is indestructible.

“Caucasians is always at war with our black skin because they know our melanin is our defense against all that they throw at us. This proves yet again that the black man is indestructible, our bodies are made of the same substances that make up this Earth because we are owners of this universe  they will never wipe us off, history has already proved that.” he said

FCMB Set To Sponsor Young Girl That Was Found Using ATM Gallery Light To Do Her Homework

FCMB Set To Sponsor Young Girl That Was Found Using ATM Gallery Light To Do Her Homework

Dele, a young school girl was found using First City Monument bank (FCMB) ATM Gallery’s light to do her homework in Ondo Town, Ondo state

As the young girl was sorting her homework with the uninterrupted electricity supply at the ATM stand, a Twitter user who was about using the ATM noticed her and tweeted about her condition.

The tweet went viral and finally got to FCMB Management who asked people through the Bank’s official Twitter account to help find Dele so that she could be sponsored.

The tweet:

“I saw this little Dele at FCMB Bank along Yaba Road in Ondo City. She is using the ATM Gallery light to do her homework. My respect goes to her determination to make it in life. Let it go viral.”

And then FCMB management replied:

“We are inspired by Dele’s determination to study. It’s great our ATM Gallery could light her books for the evening, but we would love to do more to support. Can you please help us find Dele? Please RT until it gets to someone who knows her.”

More reports have it that Dele and her grandmother have been found and she attends a private school name Hope of Glory Academy.

Lagos bans Okadas, tricyles, including Opay, Gokada

UPDATED: Lagos bans Okadas, tricyles, including Opay, Gokada

Sodiq Oyeleke

The Lagos State Government has banned the activities of commercial motorcycles, popularly called Okada, and tricycles, known as Keke Napep, in some Local Government Areas, bridges, and highways in the state.

The State Government directed security operatives to embark on total enforcement of the State’s Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018 on the affected six Local Government Areas, nine Local Council Development Areas and 10 major highways across the State with effect from February 1.

The ban also affects Opay and Gokada operators.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, who made the announcement at the State House in Alausa on Monday, said the measures were taken by the Government in response to “scary figures” of fatal accidents recorded from operations of Okada and tricycles in the State between 2016 and 2019.

According to the Commissioner, operations of Okada and Keke NAPEP have been banned in the following LGAs and LCDAs: Apapa LGA, Apapa Iganmu LCDA, Lagos Mainland LGA, Yaba LCDA, Surulere LGA, Itire-Ikate LCDA, and Coker-Aguda LCDA.

Others are Ikeja LGA, Onigbongbo, LCDA, Ojodu LCDA, Eti-Osa LGA, Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, and Iru-Victoria Island LCDA, Lagos Island LGA and Lagos Island East LCDA.

Among the 15 Local Governments and Local Council Development Centres affected are Apapa, Apapa Iganmu, Lagos Mainland, Yaba, Surulere, Itire Ikate, Coker Aguda, Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Ikeja, Onigbongo, Ojodu, Ikoyi-Obalende, Iru Ikoyi-Obalande, and Lagos Island East.

He said, “After a robust assessment of the debate on what has been widely referred to as the motorcycle (Okada) and tricycle (Keke) menace, the Lagos State Government and the State Security Council have decided that the security and safety of lives of Lagosians are paramount.

“The figures are scary. From 2016 to 2019, there were over 10,000 accidents recorded at the General Hospitals alone. This number excludes unreported cases and those recorded by other hospitals. The total number of deaths from reported cases is over 600 as of date.

“Also, the rate of crimes aided by Okada and Keke keeps rising. They are also used as getaway means by criminals. Therefore, after consultations with stakeholders, the State Security Council, in compliance with the extant Transport Sector Reform Law 2018, has decided to commence enforcement of the law which bans the operation of Okada and Keke in six Local Government Areas and nine Local Council Development Areas.”

The Okadas and Keke NAPEP are restricted on the following highways and bridges:

Major Highways

10. Eti-Osa Lekki Coastal Road

Bridges

1. Iyana- Ipaja Bridge Agege

2. Dopemu Bridge Agege

4. Agege Motor road/oshodi Loop, Oshodi

5. Mushin/Isolo Link Bridge

12. Mile 2 Bridge-Loop, Amuwo-Odofin

13. Okota (cele)/Ijesha Link Bridge

14. Apakun/Apapa-Oshodi Bridge Network

15. Ikorodu Road/Anthony Clover leaf Bridge

16. Trade Fair Flyover Bridge

17. Festac/Amuwo-Odofin Link Bridge

18. 2 Flyover Bridges along Alhaji Masha Road

19. Ojota Clover leaf Bridge

20. Ogudu Bridge

21. 3rd Mainland Bridge

23. Ikeja General Hospital Flyover Bridge

24. Kodesoh Bridge, Oba Akran, Ikeja

25. Opebi Link Bridge

37. Cowry Bridge (Officers Mess)

38. Mcwen Bridge (Bonny Camp)

39. Marina/Ikoyi Bridge

40. Ikoyi/Obalende Bridge

Here is what you need to know: What is coronavirus?

Here is what you need to know: 

What is coronavirus?

According to the World Health Organization, coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

These viruses are transmitted between animals and people. SARS, for instance, was believed to have been transmitted from civet cats to humans while MERS travelled from a type of camel to humans.

Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.

The name coronavirus comes from the Latin word corona, meaning crown or halo. Under an electron microscope, the image of the virus is reminiscent of a solar corona.

A novel coronavirus, identified by Chinese authorities on January 7 and currently named 2019-nCoV, is a new strain that had not been previously identified in humans.

Little is known about it, although human-to-human transmission has been confirmed.

What are the symptoms?

According to the WHO, signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

In more severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

The incubation period of the coronavirus remains unknown. Some sources say it could be between 10 to 14 days.

How deadly is it?

Some experts say it may not be as deadly as other types of coronavirus such as SARS, which killed nearly 800 people worldwide during a 2002-2003 outbreak that also originated from China.

MERS, which did not spread as widely, was more deadly, killing a third of those it infected.

Where have cases been reported?

Most cases have been reported in China.

As of January 24, Chinese officials said at least 26 people have died, all in Hubei Province, of which Wuhan is the capital. That is also where most of the 830 reported cases are.

Other countries have reported far fewer cases, in the examples below less than 10.

These include: Thailand; Singapore; Vietnam; Japan; the United States; South Korea; France and Nepal.

All the cases involve people who had either come from Wuhan or been there recently.

What is being done to stop it spreading?

There is no vaccine for the new virus.

Chinese authorities effectively sealed off Wuhan on Thursday, suspending flights and trains out of the city and telling residents they could not leave without a special reason, state media said.

The move was meant to "resolutely contain the momentum of the epidemic spreading" and protect lives, the central city's special command centre against the virus said, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

At least 12 other Chinese cities were added to the transport ban on Friday, affecting more than 20 million people.

Chinese authorities have also stepped up monitoring and disinfection efforts in advance of the Lunar New Year break.

Airport authorities from Asia and the Middle East to Europe and the US are also screening passengers.

Where did the virus originate?

Chinese health authorities are still trying to determine the origin of the virus, which they say came from a seafood market in Wuhan where wildlife was also traded illegally.

The WHO also says an animal source appears most likely to be the primary source of the outbreak.

Snakes - including the Chinese krait and the cobra - may be the source of the newly discovered virus, according to Chinese scientists.

There is evidence of respiratory transmission of the virus from patient to patient and Chinese authorities have said 15 medical staff in the country have been infected.

Experts worry when health workers get sick during new outbreaks because this can suggest the disease is becoming more transmissible and because spread in hospitals can often amplify the epidemic.

Is this a global emergency?

The outbreak does not yet constitute a global emergency, the WHO has said, urging China to keep its lockdown "short".

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters that the decision to hold off on issuing the declaration used for the gravest epidemics should not be taken as a sign that the body does not think the situation is serious.

"This is an emergency in China, but it has not yet become a global health emergency," he told reporters.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

Six ways to cut wedding costs without looking cheap

Arguably, wedding has always been one of the ceremonies that people cherish most, and it’s one of those that probably won’t go away for the rest of time.

   Its significance is not just because it formally heralds the beginning of a matrimony, although that is significant, it is also because it is an important event that the people taking part in it are fully aware of.

    In christening, though the baby is alive, he or she may not be totally aware of the hapenings around them, while the dead are assumed to be unaware of their burial ceremonies.

Interestingly, being a ceremony that marks the beginning of a lasting togetherness, the way and manner people go about it depends largely on the culture and tradition of the area they, especially the woman, hail from.

On a cursory look at the way wedding ceremonies are held in some other climes, while it is capital intensive in some, it is purely ceremonial and cultural in some places and yet in some other places, it is held briefly. Also, in some places, it is a one-day event but in some other places, it is multi-day event, each with its attendant cost.

For example, in Japan, the bride is painted pure white from head to toe and she and the husband become husband and wife once they drink sake (Japanese rice wine) together. In Jamaica, wedding is a community affair as everyone comes together to help in the planning and they all gather to see the bride and they assess her outfit.

In Germany, the ceremony is done in three parts and it is capital intensive, while in Cuba, it is an expensive ceremony and any male guest who dances with the bride is expected to pin money to her dress to help the couple pay for their honeymoon.

However, in Nigeria, wedding is largely seen as an expensive venture, as it is done in three stages, the first being traditional wedding (or engagement) the second being the formal aspect, whether in church, mosque or at the registry, and the third being the reception.

While the traditional is seen as sacrosanct, the third stage, which is hosting people at a reception, seems to be the most expensive. And because of the cost of the ceremony, some people delay or shy away from wedding.

But there is good news. Experts say it is possible to have a beautiful wedding that won’t be too costly and won’t appear cheap or pedestrian. An events planner, Miss Oluwatamilore Adeyemi shares some tips that could help people save cost:

Cut down the number of guests: It has been established that the number of guests or invited persons determines the size of the hall, the quantity of the food to be prepared, the quantity of drinks and the number of souvenirs, which would influence the amount spent eventually. This is the view of Adeyemi, as she adds that people who truly want to cut cost would limit the number of the persons they would invite and that leaving it open-ended would not do any good. She adds, “I realise that most people want to impress and make a statement during their wedding. If you truly want to cut cost, there is no reason why you should have a wedding that is over 500 guests, because more guests make you spend more. If you are making food for 400 people, it’s cheaper than making food for 1,000 people. And a hall that would take 1,000 persons could cost about N1.5m, whereas a hall that would accommodate 250 guests could go for about N120,000. Look at how much you have saved. So, the first thing to do is to reduce the number of your guests.” She stressed that it is better to have fewer guests that would enjoy the programme than having large number where majority would be dissatisfied or disgruntled. “So, the rule is, cut down on your guest list and invite only those that actually matter. “If the cost of food per person is N1,000 and you have 150 persons, you would only spend N150,000, but if you have 1,000 guests, you would spend N1.5m on food alone. Those whose presence you want to enjoy should be the ones at your wedding. And it also affects what you would spend to get a band, because the larger the hall, the more you would pay as they would have to bring more speakers and that tells on your fees too.”

Be flexible about the day: The director of Bridal Consultants in the US, Dena Davey, said people should consider fixing their wedding on other days apart from Saturday, the usual day, so as to save cost. She said events hall managers also tend to charge more on Saturday than other days. But Adeyemi disagreed. She said, “I don’t agree because at the end of the day, people that really matter to you may not be able to attend, and it would look as if you are cutting them off, except you are sure that those people would all be on leave. The ideal time for a party is weekend when everybody is free.” She said instead of holding it during the week, to save cost, people could explore the option of takeaway food, like serving them while coming from the registry as it removes the cost of hall, music band or hiring a disc jockey. She said, “You could have a small thanksgiving in a hall; dance, eat and enjoy yourselves. The truth is that people don’t really enjoy themselves at a wedding; they are so stressed and they are busy catering to people who have not eaten that they miss the fun at the end of the day.”

Do some things yourself: Notably, one of the things that gulp money while planning for a wedding is invitation cards; not just the distribution, but the cost of printing them. Adeyemi said that, generally, invites are overrated and that on the average, one could cost between N500 and N1,000. She, however, advised that people could use e-invite; write a letter and send by mail, or prepare an access card, which she said could cost as low as N100. She said, “Except you are really buoyant, then I think people should cut down on what they spend on cards. People assume that the beauty of the invitation card says a lot about their financial status, so at the end of the day, it’s all about showing off. You can save that money.”

Don’t seek to impress: From observation, one of people’s motivations when it comes to wedding planning is to impress and show people that they are well to do. But Adeyemi said that is not necessary. She said, “Invite the people you can cater to and let them have food to eat. You could have agreed with the caterer that it’s one plate of food and two proteins per person, to avoid shortage. If you are inviting 200, make food for 350. It’s better to have excess than shortage. It is not a must to buy alcohol, if you think it would shoot up your budget.” Also, she said instead of inviting an artiste, people could just call a DJ or a small band. “With either of the two, have a good time, dance with your parents and friends.”

Talk to a credible event planner: It would appear that one good way to have a beautiful, low-cost wedding would be to talk to an event planner, who would help to reconcile the couple’s expectations with what their budget could cover. Adeyemi said this should come after both families have agreed on what they want, adding that even though people run away from engaging the services of event planners, erroneously thinking they couldn’t afford it, taking that step is the way to go. She said, “The planner would tell you the best venue that would save you cost in terms of logistics. For example, you could get a venue in Magodo for a higher price, but the logistics and the decoration could be cheaper due to access, while a cheaper hall in Abule Egba could attract higher cost of logistics and decoration. So, talking to a planner helps to put things in perspective and save cost. She added that a caterer or professional event planner would also make use of professional security personnel to keep away miscreants and other unwanted persons. Just as Davey suggests that such persons should consider using open spaces, parks or beaches, to avoid paying for halls, Adeyemi said for any event in an open space, there should be provision for security.

Your planner doesn’t have to be a family member: Perhaps, one way people run into ‘trouble’ during their wedding is when they give certain duties to unqualified family members. Findings show that this does not only lead to avoidable quarrels, it constrains the couple to accept things as they are so as not to offend family members. She said, “Once family members are in charge, you could be looking at a flop, because they would take care of themselves and their own and there is a limit to how you could speak to them. But a professional would ensure that everybody gets a fair, equal treatment and not that someone would just come and ask for 10 pieces of meat.” She stressed that it is lack of planning and mismanagement that oftentimes brings about shortage. She added, “In Nigeria, we expect family members to do things for us, even when they are not competent. And that is why things flop because you don’t employ the professionals. A caterer is conscious of a next time, so him/ he or she would serve you well so you could recommend him/her to others.”

 

By Tunde Ajaja

Dads are Heroes

You asked for N10,000 and your dad told you he will give you in the morning before he leaves for work. This was after he has thoroughly scrutinised what you needed the money for, all the questions he asked were already making you angry,

Throughout the night your dad couldn't sleep because he was thinking of how to give you his last N10,000, 

When it was morning, he called you into his room and gave you N9,000 instead of N10,000, You were not happy and squeezed your face in discontent and reluctantly said thank you after complaining that it was not complete, 

Your mum after seeing this will not say anything but will meet you in your room where your dad isn't and give you N2,000 from her own money and say "don't mind him, use this one to complete it". 

You began to smile like fido dido, And you'll quickly run to Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp to write...

"I have the best mum in the world, i love my mum".

Now your dad had gone out with just 1,000 in his pocket with no fuel in his car, Because of you, he used public transport that day to work,

At work he worked over time,  After closing late, everyone keeps saying "daddy is never always around except mum".

Your good dad will never allow you see how much he suffers for the family because he is a MAN.

Pls

Always try to appreciate your dad because you can never tell what he is going through for your sake, That he is not always around like your mum does not mean he does not care about you deeply.

I appreciate all the Dad's in the house for their sacrifices. Credits - The Thinkers Quotes.

Be your brothers keeper no matter the colour of the skin

This was the circulated photo of a vulture waiting for a starving Sudanese girl to die so it can feast on her. It was taken by Kevin Carter, a prolific photojournalist, during the famine of 1993 in Sudan. This photo later won Kevin the Pulitzer  prize for an 'exceptional' caption.

However, Kevin later got depressed and took his own life four months after his world wide celebration as a skillful photographer. He fell to depression. His depression began when during an interview ( a phone-in programme), someone asked him what happened to the child. *"I did not wait to see what happened after this shot as I had a flight to catch.... ".* And the person replied, "I put it to you that there were two vultures that day; one had a camera". This statement sank Kevin and as he constantly thought of the statement, he got depressed and ended his own life.

In whatever we do, let's consider humanity first before what we can gain. Kevin Carter, may still have been alive today had it be he helped that little child.

We have not truly lived, until our lives have become the stars and sunshine of someone else.

Search within you and if there is that one person you feel you can help start now tomorrow might be too late. 

Please share . 

God bless you ☺ 

#RealStory 

#BeYourBrotherKeeper 

#HumanityFirst