Career Success: A Guide To Finding Your Own Unique Answers

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Career success is a pursuit that transcends mere employment. It represents the realization of ones professional aspirations and goals. It is a journey marked by dedication, continuous learning and the ability to adapt to change. In this era of evolving industries and dynamic work places, achieving career success demands a combination of skills, resilience and strategic planning. Career success is when you experience financial health and work you enjoy, while feeling fulfilled in your peer community and life choices. What is Career Success? Career Success can be defined as experiencing financial health and work you enjoy, while feeling fulfilled in your peer community and life choices. Building a career is like building a house. You can plan and draw up blueprints. But you will most likely run into unforeseen hiccups. If your career is your house, then your success makes your house a home. There are stages to building your dream career, they are: Set Your Foundation: The most important part of any house is its foundation. Even an uneven ground, a strong foundation can help a house stand tall through storms and floods. Community forms the foundation of your career success. A sense of community has been proven to ease you through career transitions, at any point in your career. Your career support network will help you not just stand, but grow and thrive. These are your peers, mentors, and coaches. They are your sounding board throughout your careers. They are there to help you in the difficult moments in your life and career. These people go beyond your education, they dont ditch you at graduation, these are people you trust. They invest in your development. Whether you are looking to change your career or you are just launching one, you will need to rely on others. Consulting many trusted people with differing opinions will help you make well-rounded decisions. Having a community will offer more opportunities for personal growth and propel you forward through honest and trusted feedback. If you trust them to have your best interest in mind, the power of a community cannot be overstated. That is why community forms the foundation of career success. Building Four Walls: It has been established that, true career success begins with a strong community foundation. But, what about the rest of your house? That is where your 4 walls come in. it is safe to say that to feel valued in any industry, finding kinship in peer and mentor relationship is key. Once that is securely in place, it is time to push yourself and delve into expanding your skillset. While many forms of training offer knowledge, it is up to you to invest in lifelong career development. Learn Improve Launch Succeed As a basic framework, you can achieve career success in a few ways. Find your passion, build on key skills, invest in your future and stay curious. Apply these principles throughout your entire career: from hired to retired. Learn: Courses, on-demand The first wall needed for a successful career, a safe space to continually learn new skills and knowledge. The important word here is the word continual, not the word learn. Learning is about longevity, online learning helps offer opportunities for remote learning and self-paced learning. Improve: Workshops This is all about finding a safe place to improve your skill set. And how do you get better at something? Practice and refinement. Skill development takes time, also building your dream career takes time. But, through constant practice, you will see growth. To be good at something, you have to receive feedback and practice through repetition. In this repetition, the goal is not perfection, but growth. Use your community, find the right environment to improve the areas where you need to improve, and continue to strengthen the areas where you are already strong. Launch: Job Board Career Resources The launch pillar, is about more than getting a job, it is about getting the job you want, with confidence. The job search is no small feat. It is emotionally draining. Riddled with rejection and can be desired as a full-time job in itself. Launching into an industry or profession or relaunching after time away can be daunting. Especially, if you dont know anyone. If you have your community behind you, you can carve a path forward using those connections. Any industry feels warmer when you know people. Succeed: This is day-to-day victories that keep you growing in the right direction. Support, guidance and coaching can all contribute to your success. Things like mental health and work-life balance are all key players in your succeed wall as well. A career coach can help guide you toward healthy and sustainable career decisions. These, along with your wider community, will help you every step of the way. Make your House a Home You have built up your foundation, you have set your concrete, you have built all 4 walls. The little piece of magic in your career is YOU. Your dreams, aspirations, wants, needs and lifestyle. Everything that makes you unique contributes to your career success. Success is personal, and so are your goals.                                      Reflect on the questions below, if you answer yes to at least 2, it is usually a good sign that you are headed in the right direction. This is where real career success can happen. i. Does it contribute to your financial health? ii. Are you surrounded by a community that uplifts you? iii. Do you find enjoyment in your work? Another way of looking at it. Your career should safeguard your home. It is your roof. Stability Support Satisfaction If your next move will make you feel stable, supported and bring you satisfaction then TAKE IT. That is the right move for you. Conclusion Career success is a proof of one’s hard work and resilience overtime, it shows the mark of dedication and grit. Building a good career involves … Read more

Dear Diary: House Men

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Dear diary

Dear Diary, Today marks the 15th year of suffering with a man I thought I loved. I’ve seen you haven’t gotten wary of my complaints. That’s the reason I take solace in you. I have no happy memories to record now, and I don’t think I would ever have to record one in you. I have made you become a compendium of my tales of marital woes. I thought my husband would be loving like he was when we courted, but it turned out to be a deception. I have wondered why I couldn’t detect these obscene characters when we were in courtship, but it turned out that I had the blindfold of love on my eyes, and couldn’t see well. Would I say I didn’t notice? I did, but I thought my love for him would make him change. Well, who became a liar in the long run? Me. If not for the resounding words of Pastor Sam ” …till death do you part”, and for my piousness, Kunle would be wifeless by now. Ah, Kunle..what have you done to me? If not for the two children God has blessed me with, and for the new life in me, what would I be grateful for after 15 years of horrible marriage? Anyways, Diary, as usual, I have ranted, and my secrets remain with you. Be good till I come your way again with more woes. Hopefully, they’re not as many as I have imagined”. Adaku dropped her pen. It was obvious that the diary had absorbed a copious amount of her tears. It was wet with both serous and mucous secretions from her lacrimal and salivary glands. She closed the diary. It had a pink-coloured cover with a bold inscription of “To you, my only love”. Those inscriptions sent her travelling down memory lane. Who knows maybe she could find the person that wrote that, because this person lying beside her, and snoring like a knocked engine with reckless abandon doesn’t look like the person that inscribed those words. It was on the 15th of June (what a coincidence, she thought) when Kunle came to her apartment to pay her a surprise visit. He came along with some friends, according to the standards of the church.Pastor Timothy always ensured he emphasized group visitation during relationship seminars. He said he wouldn’t tolerate stories of “it was a mistake” any longer because his ears were filled. “I don’t want to know whether you are a strong brother, who is mighty in the scriptures and a firebrand, anytime you’re going to visit a Sister, you must go with your fellow brothers. Same applies to the ladies too.” She remembered his words vividly. He wore a red suit that day. It was a valentine service, and he stated he had come for war. It was obvious as he spoke with all the seriousness he could muster. There was graveyard silence in the church that day during his sermon, which was unlike his previous sermons. “Many of you have blindfolded yourself deliberately because of the so-called love you proclaimed to have. Do you even know what love is? ” That time, he had walked away from the pulpit. He walked on the narrow aisle that separated the two rows in the church and looked everyone in the eyes as he preached. The guilty ones evaded his gaze stylishly, the innocent ones( which happened to be a mixed multitude)held his gaze and even jotted every single word he said diligently. She didn’t forget the spot where she sat that day. It was close to the aisle, and the pastor looked at her like she was the only guilty person in the congregation. It took all the courage in her to maintain a calm disposition. Why would he look at her that way? Probably God was trying to pass a message of danger to her, but she waved it off. Her Spirit also troubled her within. However, she counted everything to be a coincidence. She was pretty after all, and that could be a reason for the gaze. How foolish she was to have thought that. Her eyes were blindfolded to see that Pastor Timothy’s face was very stern. It had all the wrinkled lines his frown could produce. He was damn serious with every word he spoke. Who would look at a pretty lady that way? Only if she knew the danger that lurked ahead in her ” smooth ride” affair with Kunle, she would have backed out. But, despite the warning the pastor passed to everyone (especially her, because why would he look at her the way he did?)She was blindfolded ( the pastor was right). Kunle was just the perfect guy she had dreamt of, and nothing, not even the pastor’s gaze nor the message of warning could dissuade her. She loved Kunle, and he loved her too (perhaps). After that soul-captivating sermon preached by Pastor Timothy, there was a change. Every brother, both strong and weak, would go in a group of 3 or 4 to visit any sister. Some very strong brothers would make their group number to be 5 or more. Unfortunately for her, Kunle was in this league. When he came with his friends, one would think they were going for a men’s hangout, if only they knew it was a Sister that they were going to visit. No one wants to commit any “mistake” and earn the terror and discipline of Pastor Timothy. It was that serious then. The last one that happened, Pastor Timothy made sure he called out the defaulters and solicited the church to pray for God to have mercy on them. The duo involved were so embarrassed that they left the church afterwards, and no one could tell their whereabouts. It was a few weeks later the pastor announced that the lady involved had been impregnated, but the guy had vanished into thin air. “Whatever I do and preach here is for your … Read more

6 Reasons why you should prioritize Dependability as your Personal Value

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Dependability as a Personal Value

In the ever-evolving landscape of personal values, dependability is a unique value that stands out as a true pillar of strength and integrity. Zig Ziglar once said, “Ability is important for our quest for success, but dependability is more critical.” Visualize a world where everyone you know do what they say, show up when they promise, and you can always count on them. How would it feel? Pretty reassuring, right? This is what dependability entails and why it should be prioritized as a personal value. Choosing this value as a core personal one is not just a matter of preference; it is a resolute decision that will set you on a path to personal growth and great impact in the society. It can be a challenging path to take, but it will be worth it every step of the way. Dependability, in essence, is the unswerving commitment to keep deadlines, and be reliable. It embodies trust, reliability and consistency. Below are six compelling reasons why you should prioritize it as your personal value: It makes you a trustworthy person: Dependability is synonymous with trustworthiness. When you are dependable, people trust that you will follow through on your commitments and promises. This trust forms the foundation of strong relationships, both personally and professionally.  It makes you consistent and reliable which breeds respect from others: When you are a dependable person, you are consistent and reliable in your action. This makes you a valuable person in your workplace and at home. People can rely on you to deliver results and be there when needed. This will automatically breed respect from other people as you have become priceless to them. This respect can lead to stronger bonds with friends, family and colleagues. It positively impacts your relationships: When trust, understanding and harmony are fostered in your connections with others, you become a source of stability and support in the lives of your friends, family and colleagues. You would also positively contribute a culture of trust and reliability in your society. You would also be able to connect with valuable people that are willing to learn from you and emulate your own lifestyle. It fosters productivity: Dependable people tend to be efficient and organized in whatever they do. They manage their time effectively to meet their commitments. This productivity is beneficial to their own goals and the success of teams and projects they are involved in. When you choose to prioritize the value of dependability, you are more likely to have enhanced productivity in your workplace and at home. It challenges you to pursue personal and professional growth: Prioritizing dependability as a core value challenges you to seek to grow personally and professionally. This value encourages you to set goals, work diligently towards them, and consistently improve your skills. It pushes you to reach new heights and accomplish your aspirations. Subsequently, it will open doors to better opportunities for you in your personal and professional life. Employers seek dependable employees because they know they can rely on them to get the job done. Friends and loved ones are drawn to dependable individuals because they make life more stable and enjoyable. 6. It lessens stress: Dependability possesses the ability to reduce your stress level. It also lessens the stress of other people around you. When you consistently meet your obligations, you don’t have to deal with the anxiety and guilt of letting others down. Furthermore, it boosts your confidence as you know you can handle your commitments. This will lead you to have a more serene and harmonious life. Conclusion Having dependability as a fundamental value in your personal life will make you have a more purposeful, successful and fulfilling life. The benefits that accompany dependability which includes trustworthiness, consistency, sound relationships, productivity, personal and professional growth, along with stress reduction are significant in a person’s life. The choice to be dependable is a challenge worth embracing, for it is in this challenge that we find the strength to make the world a better place. I challenge you today to prioritize dependability as your personal value and see how it transforms your life and the lives of those around you.

5 Steps On How To Convert Your PDF to Word Effortlessly Using Microsoft Word

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How To Convert Your PDF to Word Effortlessly Using Microsoft Word

PDF has been a popular way of sharing documents for compatibility.  Meanwhile, there are times when converting PDF to Word is needed to edit a PDF document. To do that, it must be converted to Word to make the required adjustments to the document.  The good news is that Microsoft Word has an in-built PDF converter that can assist in converting PDF to Word documents for editing and modifying purposes without using an online converter. To convert PDF to Word using Microsoft Word, open Microsoft Word on your computer, go to File, select the open option, select the File you want to convert, click the open button, choose the PDF option from the dialogue box, and select OK button, and the conversion is complete. Steps on How To Convert PDF to Word Using Microsoft Word Step 1 – Open Microsoft Word To start the process, install Microsoft Word on your computer. Then open Microsoft Word on your computer. Step 2 – Open the PDF File When you have Microsoft Word open on your computer, click on the File at the top left corner of your computer screen. Choose open from the drop-down menu and navigate to the folder or location where you saved your PDF document. Choose the File you want to convert, and Word will process the conversion.  Step 3 – Choose the Conversion Format Choosing the PDF file will bring up a dialogue box, followed by a prompt indicating that Word will convert the PDF into Word so you can edit it. Select the OK button. Step 4 – Edit the Converted File Once Microsoft Word finishes the conversion process, it will open on your computer screen as a Word document. Ensure you make all necessary corrections as desired. You have effortlessly converted your PDF file into a Word document using Microsoft Word. Step 5 – Save the Converted Document Once the conversion, editing, and modification are complete. Choose the file option and select Save from the drop-down menu. Choose the desired location on your computer where you want to save the File, name the File, select the desired format, and then click Save. Another Way To Convert PDF to Word If you are finding it difficult to use Microsoft or trying to convert a complex PDF, there are many ways to do that using another online converter platform. Most online conversions are free, and paid options are available depending on your goal. Such platforms are as follows: Smallpdf Ilovepdf   PDFfiller LightPDF Acrobat To convert a PDF document to a Word with the help of an online converter, open the site, upload your File, and choose Word as an option. The site will convert it based on your chosen preference and download it to your PC. Conclusion Microsoft Word has an excellent feature for converting PDF to Word. It is a simple and effective way of modifying and editing your PDF document and saving it to your desired format. With the above steps, you can quickly convert your PDF to a Word document without stress. .  

The Interview

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The Interview

She walked into the reception’s office and greeted the receptionist who welcomed her with a friendly smile, “Good afternoon, I’m here for the interview.” She spoke slowly. “Okay, write your name here seat over there. You’ll be attended to shortly.” “Alright, thank you.” As she moved towards the seats provided, she noticed a man who had arrived earlier sitting at the far end of the phone. He had not looked up since the time she arrived as he kept scrolling through his phone.  She made an attempt to exchange pleasantries with him, but she soon discovered that he wasn’t in the mood for such. She sat down and began to brood over her life’s problems. From the moment she left her house, fear had overpowered her. This was the first she would be going for a job interview since she graduated. She had no idea on what to expect, and she wasn’t sure her internship experience would be enough to grant her a job. She only hoped that she would get the job. Her friend had messaged her about the job opening, and she seized the opportunity and applied for it. A month after her service, she was beginning to get tired of her parent’s continuous ranting about her lazing around at home while her mates were getting jobs in reputable companies. Although they seemed to be saying the truth, she had hoped they would be more careful with their words when addressing her. Before she finished her service year, she had already begun to apply for various jobs. She wished she got one in the state she served so she wouldn’t need to travel home. She received no positive response from them, and in frustration, she returned. At home, she decided she was going to take some time to recuperate before launching out again. Before she knew what was happening, her parent had started to ask questions and demanded some changes. She was frustrated and tired of life all together, and their bickering wasn’t helping her in anyway. Just then, another interviewee walked in, but her thoughts were only on her personal problems. He greeted her, and all she could do was respond with a smile. At this point, she was able to understand why the man sitting behind wasn’t responsive to her own greeting. To her greatest surprise, when the new man hollered at him, he responded with a loud voice. This action made her to intentionally turn around to look at him, just to be certain his mouth was actually moving. Before their eyes could meet, the man was back on his phone again. She chose not to react to his bizarre actions as her thoughts quickly snapped back at her. She had always fantasized about how she was going to act once she got a job. There will be no more sitting around at home, and thinking of ways to get busy all day long. She would have to wake up early; dress formally while she’s leaving the house, in her work shoes and a good bag to fit. She also thought of the stress that would follow after her work each day, and if it wasn’t a job that she had a passion for, “Oh, how depressing that would be!” There was also one thing her parent was repeatedly talking about that had just skipped her mind. In a flash, her mind made the connection, “Of course, marriage. What is it about marriage talk all the time?” she thought, frowning deeply. “Did I say something wrong?” the new interviewee who sat next to her asked, bringing her out of her thoughts. Apparently, he had been speaking to her. “Sorry, you said?” she asked a little confused. “I asked for your name,” “Oh! My name….. my name….” she searched her brain for what her next response ought to be, “That would be Hannah,” she said unsure. “Yes, Hannah.” She affirmed confidently. “Are you alright?” he asked, observing her closely. “Of course, I am alright,” she faked a smile at him. “Is this your first time doing an interview?” “Yes, it is,” she stated nervously. “Alright, I’ll just get you a bottle of water. It will help calm your nerves.” He brought the bottle of water and handed it over to her. She collected it, thanked him and was about to down the whole bottle when he cleared his throat. She stopped herself in time as he spoke, “Erm! I think you should take just a little. Like take it in small sips. It will help better, and you won’t have to be so pressed during your interview.” He smiled genuinely. She nodded and tried to heed his advice. After taking a sip, she asked, “What’s your own name?” “I’m Mercy,” he said with a smile, “and this isn’t my first time doing an interview. So, how long have you been here?” “It’s just a few minutes before you walked in. I think he came here first,” she said referring to the man sitting behind them. “Does he even look like an interviewee? I think he just came to observe us?” “Do you think so? I was just wondering why he chose to be such a snub,” she responded disgustedly. “Why do you say that?” “Before you came in, I greeted this man and he didn’t even bother to look up, let alone respond to me. See the way he responded to you like he already knew you somewhere, yet we’re all seeing one another for the first time. I don’t know if he just has a problem with ladies or it’s just me. He’s definitely a snub.” “Well, you don’t really want him to hear that,” he said whispering. She smiled looking down at the bottle. “Well, thank you for the water. It’s really calming. Where did you learn such trick?” “Oh! I saw it in a movie. Actually the person was given tea to drink. I just thought water should be helpful too.” She … Read more

Happiness – Discover 5 Secrets To A Joyful and Fulfilling Life

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Happiness - The Secrets To A Joyful and Fulfilling Life

“The thing everyone should realize is that the key to happiness is being happy for yourself and yourself.” ―Ellen DeGeneres Happiness is very essential in human life. Happy people tend to live healthy and longer. The impact of joy in human life has recently been a self-value that builds human life to live longer. You will agree that, in recent years, people have begun to be happy. Happiness is one of the most excellent medicines that help boost the human immune system, helping them stay healthy. Happiness can not just happen; some factors trigger happiness in one’s life, such as staying positive, building solid relationships, knowing your purpose in life, building oneself, and believing in oneself, among others. All these factors are what fuel happiness. This post will look into all these factors and how they will help humans cultivate happiness for a positive, healthy, and fulfilling life. What is Happiness? Happiness generally consists of positive emotions, contentment, joy, and fulfillment. Even though we can’t control everything happening around us, we can control our emotions, anger, feelings, and how to react to them. Happy people tend to live longer. We have the right to engage in activities that will promote happiness in our lives, and the power to create our happiness is in our hands.  The Importance of Happiness  Being happy is not about being satisfied; it is a force that flows from the inside and manifests physically. Happiness triggers joy, fulfillment, and contentment. It is known to be contagious; that is to say, when you are happy, it reflects on your personality, spreads to people around you, and builds a strong connection with others.  Everyone desires to live a happy and fulfilling life, as it is vital for every human being. Delving into the lifestyle of happiness and practicing all its principles in our daily routine will help us live fulfilled lives, which in return helps us achieve both physical and mental health. Factors That Help Us Achieve Happiness and Well-being Knowing Your Purpose in Life It is true that when you know your purpose, you exist in life and have a significant role that will enable you to practice happiness for your overall well-being. Your life goal gives you a reason to exist and will propel you to live happier because satisfaction is vital. Meanwhile, Knowing your purpose in life gives you motivation and a sense of direction and existence. Finding purpose helps you cope with stress, both physical and mental health, and a fulfilled life. Purpose and meaning in life enhance human well-being. When you have a sense of purpose, you will experience a positive mindset and have a healthier mental and physical lifestyle, thereby living longer. Positive Emotions for Healthy Living  Happiness is a positive emotion. These emotions have the power to trigger joy. When you have positive emotions, it will reflect in your total well-being. Having a positive mindset will not only make you feel good and happy, but it will help to improve both your physical and mental well-being.  Positive emotions help reduce stress and increase how we solve problems, strengthening our relationships. Positive emotions are essential for a happy and fulfilling life. They not only make you feel good, but they also have several other benefits. They build positive emotions and help you focus on the good things around you.  Furthermore, Having a positive mindset towards others is paramount to happiness. Once you practice all these things, ensure you are on your way to staying happy and living a life full of satisfaction and contentment. Physical and Mental Health Taking care of health is an overall healthy living. To do that, ensure you eat healthy. Eating healthy with a good diet is very necessary. Regular exercise is also an essential aspect of maintaining mental and physical well-being.  There are exercises to practice that are suitable to assist your health. Please choose the one that best suits your body, then stick to it. Having enough sleep is another factor that helps our mental health. Ensuring you have enough time to sleep will help boost your mental health. Building Relationships for Happiness Another way to live a happy life and connect with people who will bring happiness into your life is crucial. Doing that will enable you to live a healthy and fulfilling life.  Living a life full of happiness is essential, which you can trace to building relationships with people around you. You must nurture your relationship with people with love and commitment, not minding who is involved. The fact that there’s commitment, openness, love, and care will boost your physical and mental well-being. Work on Your Self-Care for a Happy Life Caring for one’s physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health is self-care. It is a choice one makes to promote well-being in life based on individual preferences. When you have self-care, you will be sure you live a healthy and happy life.  Taking care of yourself helps you overcome life-threatening challenges to live a better and fulfilled life. To have self-care in your life, ensure you make time for yourself, identify your needs, and be flexible in your life dealings. Cultivating self-care is vital for a healthy and happy lifestyle. Caring for yourself will help you manage stress and be yourself all the days of your life. Having enough sleep and connecting with loved ones are some of the activities that can help nourish your physical and mental health.  Conclusion  With the present happening around the globe, you may find yourself in a funny situation; it may be your past, present condition, and many more. Ensure you try to cultivate a life of happiness, be grateful, know why you exist in life, build relationships with people, and have an open mind. Note: It is within your power to make yourself happy, cultivate a life of happiness, and promote happiness with the above factors. By so doing, you will live a fulfilling and healthy life.  

How To Grow A Vegetable Garden

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garden 300x169

Over the past decade, there has been a need to grow a vegetable garden. One of the major causes is the presence of pesticide residue in commercially grown vegetables has risen due to pesticide toxicity. The implication of consuming vegetables that have been exposed to high concentrations of pesticides is that over time, there will be an accumulation of pesticide residues, which leads to pesticide toxicity. To combat this problem, it is best advised to grow your vegetables. Apart from growing vegetables for personal use, it is a very lucrative venture for commercial purposes. If you are a vegetable lover, student, or retiree, this article is for you. Let’s highlight the steps needed to start a vegetable garden without further ado. 1. Currently, we have over 30 vegetables that thrive well on our soil. Examples are tomato, spinach, fluted pumpkin, carrots, water leaf, quail grass, bitterness, etc. Carefully consider the type of vegetables you want to grow. One of the factors in deciding is dependent on the season and demand. 2. Prepare your garden by first clearing your garden in readiness for seeding. 3. A good harvest is dependent on the types of seeds purchased. Therefore, it is essential to source excellent and quality seeds from credible and trustworthy sources. 4. Check the soil texture, porosity, and aeration using a 12-inch spade. 5. Apply organic manure and fertilizers at least two weeks before planting to enrich the soil. 6. To further enrich, bone, blood, or cottonseed meals can be added to the soil. 7. Plant your vegetables according to the vegetables in season for maximum harvest and results. For example, pumpkin leaves are best planted between May and April, the peak of the rainy season. 8. Water your plants regularly to ensure they don’t dry out or have stunted growth, especially if you are planting in the dry season. 9. Protect your garden by doing the following: (I) Weed your garden every 2 weeks to prevent weeds from overgrowing your vegetables. (II) Protect your garden from predators such as goats, cows, sheep and other animals. To do so, concrete walls or net fences should be erected around the garden to prevent predation.   Conclusion Starting a vegetable garden is a lucrative venture that doesn’t require capital or funds. This article has provided a step-by-step guide to establishing a vegetable garden. By following this guide, you can rest assured that your garden will blossom.  

Opay Controversy: Safeguarding Trust in the Digital Finance Age

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IoT In Agriculture And Its Application

On the 2nd day of October 2023, a video circulated throughout social media showing Opay agents storming the financial institution’s office in Lagos. This was due to large sums being removed from Opay users’ accounts and transferred to unknown accounts. Other activities included purchasing airtime and receiving calls from loan companies, as the account holders’ phone numbers matched their account numbers. The trust level of customers of the Digital Finance company in Nigeria is depleted. The earlier controversy was used to make many fear the financial risk sensed through the enragement of the agents in the video. The customers’ confidence was shattered. This made them indict the Opay company as a scam. The incident was reported by TVC News, whose credibility raised suspicious concern among Opay users. Opay, as a Digital Finance company, had been a lifeline, especially during the strenuous cashless policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under the leadership of the then Governor, Godwin Emefiele. During this period, Nigerians began to trust Opay for transactions. This was because of their no transaction fees, swift, and fast services, as opposed to other commercial Banks which had network failure and were unable to meet customers’ expectations. The period of the cashless period controversy led to the discovery of this Fintech company by businesses, it was a renowned and vast payment method and with this Opay built customer confidence, security of funds due to their fast alerts, and safety from scams. It is in the nature of Nigeria to be paranoid,  that is, at any hurdle, they label a digital finance company as a scam. This is because of their experience with companies like MMM and others, which made many Nigerians go bankrupt. So, to win customers’ confidence in the country is hard. Many Nigerians had to withdraw their funds from Opay to prevent potential bankruptcy immediately the video surfaced, and they advised their friends to do so. Nigerians are not to be blamed; the nature of Nigerians’ present situation has made them a little bit skeptical of Digital Finance companies. Coupled with the fact that their offices cannot be located easily, which makes them a little skeptical of their funds. Opay is a one-stop mobile-based platform for payments, transfers, loans, savings, and other essential services. Opay Digital Service Limited is a company founded by Opera Norway AS Group with emerging markets across Asia, Africa, and Latin America in countries like Mexico, Nigeria, Egypt, and Pakistan. Opay is a digital finance company. A digital finance company, also known as a fintech (financial technology) company, is a business that leverages technology to provide financial services and solutions to individuals, businesses, or other organizations. As a company that operate primarily in the digital space, using online platforms, mobile apps, and advanced software to deliver a wide range of financial services. Opay offers services such as Digital Payments, Online Banking, Investment and Wealth Management, Lending (though through other services), and, Remittances. Other Digital Finance companies in Nigeria include: Interswitch, Paystack, Flutterwave, Carbon (formerly Paylater), Kuda Bank, Cowrywise, Renmoney, Paga, and Opay.  These companies must adhere to regulatory requirements and data security standards to ensure the safety and protection of customer information and transactions The company (Opay) is keen on the security of its customers, they do so by continuously analyzing risks that could affect customers and mitigating them before something wrong could happen. They use risk assessment methodology, which is consistent with PCI-DSS standards. The company went further to build the Continuous Awareness Training Programme, which helps the company’s personnel or staff to gain and test their knowledge against possible security threats like phishing or stealing passwords. The company also got PCI-DSS Compliance Level 1 Certification, which is proof that its product is built and maintained in alignment with all security standards. Notably, Opay is insured by NDIC, which means Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation. They are a system the government set up to protect depositors against the loss of their insured deposits placed with member institutions in the event that a member institution is unable to meet its obligations to depositors. NDIC protects the Insurance Fund and saves customers from scams by keeping it with the CBN and investing the Fund in safe but liquid financial instruments such as Treasury Bills, Federal Government Bonds, and instruments of similar nature. Opay is licensed by the central bank to operate as a microfinance and NDIC, which provides sound risk management in the Nigerian banking system. In defense of its integrity, Opay issued a disclaimer over the allegations, assuring customers that the video was old and the allegations were resolved in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. The failure of the Nigerian banking sector made Opay rise to prominence, and the resurfacing of the video might have resulted from rivalry aiming to bring down the company’s reputation. Your favorite Opay bank is secure, and customers’ accounts and funds remain safe.

The Dearth of Stage Plays for School Children in Nigeria

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A cursory search on YouTube for stage performances for a literary text like The Lion and the Jewel by Wole Soyinka will reveal a not too encouraging result. The most complete production of the play, spanning one hour thirty-three minutes, was performed by The National Drama Company of Guyana. Other performances are basically excerpts of the play. The longest of these excerpts takes about forty-five minutes to watch. Technology has come to the rescue, hence this plays and others can be watched on viewing platform like YouTube. Yet the fact remains that the dearth of physical stage plays for school children has robbed them of the overall experience and exposure needed to enjoy and thrive in the performing arts.

Exams to Consider for Studying Abroad

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Studying abroad is now open to all students regardless of their background. However, students are required to meet some academic criteria before they are given admission. There are various criteria, but passing an international entrance examination is at the top of the list for most universities. In most cases, people who display an excellent performance in these examinations receive scholarships or financial aid. SAT, IELTS, GRE, LSAT, TOEFL, among others are the most popular tests. Universities or colleges make these tests a requirement for admission. Each university has a minimum score that they can accept from people who take any of these tests. You should find out and ace which of the tests are required if an international university is what you aim for.   IELTS (International English Language Testing Systems) This test is the most used English Language test in the world. IELTS can take you to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom and the United States. IELTS helps you work or study in a country with English as its native language. This test assesses your ability to listen, read, write and speak. Acing this test will prove to the university you intend to go to that you have a good command in English Language. IELTS is recognised by over 11,000 organisations including professional bodies. There are two types of IELTS: Academic and General IELTS. For studying in an English-speaking university, it is advisable to take the academic IELTS. However, for work or immigration, the general IELTS is recommended. The test is in four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking test. The total test time for IELTS is 2 hours and 45 minutes and it is graded on a scale of 1 – 9 in each area. You should find out the format and minimum score that your intended university requires.   GRE (Graduate Record Examination) This is a multiple-choice test. If you want to study in an ivy league school, taking a GRE should be on your list of considerations. The admissions assessment of GRE is in two types: GRE general test and GRE subject tests. The GRE general test assesses your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking and analytical writing skills. This test focuses on the skills you have developed overtime and are not related to any specified field of study. The GRE subject tests measure your knowledge and skill in a particular field of study. The disciplines in question are: chemistry, physics, mathematics and psychology. These test scores supplement your other qualifications for graduate-level study. The tests are done three rimes in a year in the month of September, October and April. The total testing time is 2 hours and 50 minutes.   TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) This test has four sections: Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking. It tests an individual’s ability to understand and use English. Universities trust TOEFL scores so if you ace the test, you will prove to them that you understand English and you can excel in your studies. TOEFL is held throughout the year. The test scores last up to 2 years. However, most universities prefer the latest scores. So, until you are ready to apply for admission, do not take the test unless you want to use it to practice.   SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) This test evaluates a student’s skills in mathematics, writing and verbal aptitude. SAT test is over 1600 and 400 is the minimum score a student can get. The sections are reading, writing, math and essay writing (which is optional). All questions are multiple choice apart from some math problems. The test scores are usually available after 2 weeks of taking the test. Each section is an hour long, making the test a h-hour test. The optional section (essay) is about 50 minutes long. To register for SAT; Go to the College Board website and create a profile by signing up. Fill out a SAT application form. Book a suitable exam date and centre. Pay the SAT registration fees.   Opeyemi Kareem