Nigeria: Post Covid19 Travel Agency Strategies

I have heard so much about tourism within Nigeria as the next "post covid19 travel" money spinner but I will like to lend my voice to prompt new entrants into this field to look critically before implementing their strategies:
i, Security - no tourist embarks on a trip without an assurance that their lives and property are guaranteed.
ii, Good roads - some journeys may be hellish but the destination is paradise. Do not loose your customers before arriving at your el dorado. Plan that trip very well.
iii, Contingencies - these range from back up car for logistics, hotel cancellations / background check on if the hotel has a back up generator, or basically any foreseeable / un foreseen circumstance.
iv, Smooth travel visa / visa on arrival process.

Whatever you do, have these in mind.
The Federal Government has a hand in the profitability of this sector. Try as we may but until The Government understands the potentials in tourism and invests in it, the private sector will only reap peanuts.

The real gainers of post covid19 travel will be Dubai. Why do I say so?
a. Their "non discriminatory" 14 day visa to visitors
b. Excellent airports
c. Organized tour operations
d. Hotel
e. Infrastructure - road network, power generation, et all.

While Europe, USA and Asia will struggle with their visa vetting processes that range from 20 - 60 working days, the UAE will give you a 14 day travel visa within 24hrs - 72hrs then off you go.

So what is my point?
Tourism is a holistic sector - The Government & The Private sector.

More people will visit your country if the mix is right - travel visa, security & infrastructure.
Some tour locations need financial interventions to beautify and preserve artifacts. Trust me, if you have been to some locations you would understand.

So in the interim, yes - local tourism will put food on your table.

This is my contribution to the post covid19 travel season. If you must embrace tourism in Nigeria, then plan for it and plan very well.

Cheers

Dave Chiaka

Ease of Transaction Settlement

Imagine a Nigeria where you could settle bills as easy as moving money from your wallet to mine.
Now imagine a world where I can use my phone QR code to scan yours and funds are moved for bill settlement without the internet - just scan and go.

A few days ago, my wife and I decided to take a stroll to the bakery. Alas, their POS was non functional due to network.
So I had to walk a distance to get cash from the ATM to settle my bill.

On our way back, we saw a brightly litt bookshop and we both decided to get the children some books to read up for the holidays. It was a very good idea. However, the young fellow did not have a POS but was smart enough to request for a bank transfer.

I did not have my security device with me and the USSD was not my thing.
Then it dropped on me - OPay.

I recall a travel visa transaction I had to personally handle and I had to move with an OPay motocycle for speed.
My staff had ordered a ride and I watched as the bike rider requested for part cash payment from my staff as he needed to settle a bill. Since she ordered the ride, she had to pay from her opay app.

What amazed me in all of this was that the bike rider moved money from his wallet to hers and she gave him the cash equivalent.

This was amazing. An E-WALLET.

Now, back to the book shop.
I advised the book seller to download the opay app so he could consummate business with this same ease.
He loved it.

As business people, we must develop ways of not missing out on transactions.
The ease of doing business must be paramount. Why do I say so?

I did not buy those books that evening, and it is two days now and I still have not bought those books. Reason is because I have been terribly busy at work.

If transaction had been smooth, the book seller would have been richer two days ago and my children would have been busier reading new books for the holidays.

This is the effect when we loose out on business deals - a lot happens outside of our control.

I do hope this write up brings ideas to some Banks, Fintech companies or code writers.
This loop hole needs to be fixed. And like Interswitch, whoever fills this gap and dominates the market with an interbank settlement e-wallet or QR code platform (devoid of the internet) will change the financial narrative and be the dominant force in Nigeria.

Till we meet again, keep winning.

Follow me on Twitter & Instagram @MrChiaka

Opium of the mind

I have seen sons torn from their mothers.
I have seen daughters separated from families.
I have seen family bound in love separate through fear.
I have seen bloopers
I have seen anarchy
I have seen wars.

It was meant for good but men in its infinity dementia turned it for evil.

Its name is religion.
In its crux is love but in its use is a weapon.

Christianity, Islam, Hindu, paganism call it whatever.

If it is used to install fear and to divide, it is evil.

Be careful who you listen to.
Even them whom you revere use it.
Know where the line is drawn and stand firm in your belief.

The mother who nurtured you in your infancy cannot be a witch in her old age.
Your father who bared his back to the sun to protect you cannot now be the source of your misfortune in your old age.

Your spouse is yours to protect.
Do not let side talks and false prophets seven you poisonous dishes.

Your destiny is yours.

Caper Diem

May the Odds be Ever in Your Favor

"

May the Odds be Ever in Your Favor" Hunger Games

So on Thursday the 7 of November, a multinational contacted me for a mission impossible. They wanted a walk-in for a Schenghen visa submission and the actual travel date was less than 1 week.

Well, nothing gets me going than a challenge. The odds were by far against me but what had I to loose?

I billed them and a cheque was issued.

I made all the calls I could, got everything ready and chilled for the new week. Alas Monday was a holiday. My odds had increased. I dusted out my cheque and contemplated returning it but what the heck? Why give up now.

Tuesday came and I had to bundle the kids into the car by 7:30 am... "Gosh where were my bloody car keys?"

This was not going fine at all?

As at Friday the week before, the house help ran away due a remuneration settlement issue with her recruiter. My house had been open since 8am on Friday. I came in and instantly knew I was in hot soup. I could not return to the office to tidy up with print work. I had been blind sighted by an unplanned eventuality.

Saturday came and I had to baby sit 3 angry birds in the middle of a group request. CRAZY... Requests were muddled up and I was at my witts end cos my best friend and business associate was upset with me due a mess up. I felt terrible.

Fast track to 7:35 am on Tuesday the car keys were in wifey's bag. She had gone to work much earlier.

DAVE deploy contingencies - NO TIME.

I ordered Uber and it took 45mins to get 1 ride.

Traffic...

I got to the office by 8:20 am and my Multinational clients needed to pick their recent statements at the bank so I coordinated office operations as I did final prints for the submission. Oga wanted madam to tag along on this trip. I didn't charge for her... Call it an investment in the future if this bid paid off.

I was done with prints by 9:20 am, rushed to the bank to arm myself with heavy entry fees. Uber was not an option. Time now was 9:45 am and traffic in Surulere area was on lock down. The villagers where at it this morning but I have killed bigger Goliaths in my time and I was stronger even now.

I got my staff to order an Oride.

That took an extra 20mins and I was going bunkers already. Time now was 9:55 am for a pre-arranged 10:00 am submission. Hmmmmm!

So off we blazed through tightly knit vehicles.

Eko bridge was at a standstill. The bike ride was a good idea till my client started calling. He was on his way to the Manor House. Gosh... !

In between my blue tooth calls, pre-packed documents and envelope loaded with goodies, there was a bump, a screech and my reflexes kicked in.

I arched back from flipping over. With all the pressure behind me I put my foot to the granite to help balance the bike... It worked but the friction had ruined my shoes. Phew... Today was the day indeed.

My Orider was furious at the bikeman that bumped into him. I tapped him - NO TIME. He understood and zoomed to Manor House.

I got there, received my entry password, made contact with my clients and we submitted. The Boss was shocked and pleased. He was treated as king and we parted ways after a 1hr 45 mins processing.

On Friday my 2:00 pm I got a text from the multinational Boss saying he was to go pick-up. Fear gripped me... This was not good I said to myself.

By 3:45 pm I got a whatsap picture

He got the visa and it took me 2 days to pull this off.

His wife insisted I come over and Oga would not hear otherwise. He requested I come with my company profile cos he needed people like me on speed dial.

I had bragging rights but my humble self assured him it is the least I could do for him and his fair lady.

I GOT THAT ACCOUNT - Yassssssssssss!

So whats the moral of the story?

Well, WHAT HAVE YOU GOT TO LOOSE IF YOU TRY.

Give it a shot.

Having said that, do something positively adventurous.

And please, share with me how this has inspired you.

Thank you,

- Dave

Millionaires Club

5“Afterward you will come to the hill of God where the Philistine garrison is; and it shall be as soon as you have come there to the city, that you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place with harp, tambourine, flute, and a lyre before them, and they will be prophesying. 6“Then the Spirit of the LORD will come upon you mightily, and you shall prophesy with them and be changed into another man. 1Samuel 10:5-6

I have come to understand that the relationships we keep determine the course of our destinies.

We are rich or poor by virtue of the company we keep. Lot was blessed not for being Lot but by virtue of his association with Abraham.

Their truly is such a thing as millionaires club. As I searched the scriptures and review certain life experiences,I have come to understand that it is expedient that one identifies those who GOD has graced and stick close to them.

"But Laban said to him (JACOB), "If I have found favor in your eyes, please stay. I have learned by divination that the LORD has blessed me because of you." Genesis 30:27

While I have decided to walk wisely this year, I have also chosen to share more life experiences as I march into 2018.

Have a blessed day and week.

Keep winning.

David Chiaka

Twitter: @MrChiaka

SME Funding & Scholarship Opportunities

Introduction:

2018 has been declared by our Man of GOD - Pastor Chris Oyakhilome as the year of The Supernatural. It is important we align ourselves with the vision so as to tap into God's plan and purpose for our lives this year.

Do not say my uncle will not help me or The Government will not help. You are complete in Christ. Everything needed for your self sustenance is in Christ Jesus. Read up more in The Rhapsody of Realities edition for Thursday 4 January, 2018. Click here for your copy https://t.co/SG6csjnX6m

Sequel to the live broadcast via Facebook, you can avail yourself to opportunities of business funding or academic career. Kindly share your thoughts with us

SME Funding & Academic Scholarship Organizations:

(1) The University of Alberta, Canada offers many scholarship opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students with outstanding academic potential. General Undergraduate Scholarships. Click here for more https://www.ualberta.ca/admissions/international/tuition-and-scholarships/scholarships-and-awards/general-undergraduate-scholarships 

(2) Workforce Group Academy 2018 Intensive Graduate Training Programme for young Nigerians

Deadline: Jan 12th academy18.workforcegroup.com

(3) Lumix Festival for Young Journalism Hannover 2018

Application Deadline: January 31, 2018. Click here for more https://fotofestival-hannover.de/en/application/freelens-award.html

(4) Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP) 2018 for young African Entrepreneurs ($USD 5,000 in Funding) application.tonyelumelufoundation.org

(5) 2018 Paid Summer Internship at The World Bank

DEADLINE: January 31, 2018 Eligible Regions: Open for All. Click here for more http://www.worldbank.org/en/about/careers/programs-and-internships/internship

(6) INSEAD MBA Scholarship Programme 2018 in France

Eligible Regions: Open for All. DEADLINE: January 29, 2018. Click here for more https://sites.insead.edu/mba/schlmgmt/index.cfm

(7) The Collective Global Accelerator 2018 in London (Fully-funded)

DEADLINE: January 10, 2018. Click here for more https://collectivefoundation.typeform.com/to/tIkWFN

(8) Felix Scholarships Master and PhD Program for Developing Countries to Study in England (Fully Funded)

Closing date: 30 January 2018 Degree: Masters and PhD Level. Click here for more http://www.reading.ac.uk/gs-felix.aspx

(9) University of Auckland International Business Masters Scholarships ( Full-tuition). Master of Management, Master of International Business, Master of Marketing, or Master of Professional Accounting. Click here for more https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/for/current-students/cs-scholarships-and-awards/cs-search-for-scholarships-and-awards/the-university-of-auckland-international-business-masters-scholarships-704-postgraduate.html

(10) Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Program in Canada.Degree: Master or Doctoral

$10,000 for 2 terms of study $15,000 for 3 terms of study Deadline: depends on the university in the province of Ontario.

Click here for more https://osap.gov.on.ca/OSAPPortal/en/A-ZListofAid/PRDR015090.html

Dave Chiaka

Emigrating To Canada. What You Need To Know

As you have stepped into 2018,  please don't allow anybody to take advantage of you because of your quest for knowledge (schooling outside Nigeria) or wanting to immigrate to Canada.

DON'T LET ANYBODY SCAM YOU.

If you need any information, please visit the Canadian website http://bit.ly/2DIvLWA

In order to study in Canada, you will need to meet necessary requirements along with the time-line. Canada is one of the best places in the world to live which suits your lifestyle and budget. The cost of living and tuition fees for international students in Canada is affordable.

Step 1: Research Your Options

To be realistic and flexible you should focus on your higher education goal. Decide what you want to study, where you want to live, overall cost, various opportunities and kind of educational, social, and cultural experience you want.

Step 2: Select Universities

There are numerous universities and various courses available to study in Canada. Select a number of universities (about 10 universities should do) & study programs that meet your requirement and wish to apply.

Step 3: Prepare for Entrance

Prepare for the standardized tests like TOEFL / GRE / GMAT / IELTS etc. based on the requirements of the universities & collages. Register for these tests in advance. While applying for the tests you should also plan for before time.

Step 4: Finance you study

Ensure that you have the money ready for your stay for study in Canada along with accommodation, local travel, food, clothes, & other miscellaneous expenses. Prepare on how you will finance your  personal saving, student scholarships or assistant ship.

Step 5: Apply to university

Contact each university directly for the admission requirements. each Canadian university has its own admission requirements. arranged all necessary documents for university application. Prepare the applications well before deadlines and send them.

Step 6: Confirm admission

Once you get your acceptance letters from the universities that you have applied to, make a decision on which university you would like to study at. Inform the universities that have sent you acceptance letters of your decision.

Step 7: Check Accommodation option

Check out accommodation options. Speak to your friends, relatives and acquaintances that live in the city you will be going to. Apply for and confirm your accommodation.

They would also be able to help you out with accommodation options.

Step 8: Get Student Visa

Once you get admission confirmation done, you can apply for your student visa. Get all your papers in order, before you go to the consulate. It would be a good idea to talk to students who have already got a visa, for their experiences & valuable tips.

Step 9: Prepare for departure

You are almost done for your study in Canada preparation. Decide and prepare for all your important things to carry like: documents, airline tickets, insurance, accommodation, university fees, finances, expenses, bag pack & other miscellaneous.

Step 10: Ongoing support

One of the most important pieces is to talk to the university & international student advisers at your university of choice throughout this process. Give them details of your travel schedule, so that they can send somebody to receive you at the airport

Start here http://bit.ly/2DIvLWA

Hope this piece has been helpful? 
Don't forget to share.


Dave Chiaka
Twitter: @MrChiaka
Website: www.cloudsurferstours.com