Hey! It’s about your wedding day; seriously, it will be your biggest day yet. We know how you’ve dreamed of this day since you were younger and planned to make it the most memorable one.

But while you’re planning all these, have you considered the cost implications and rollercoaster of emotions that they entail?

The vibrant colours, energetic dances, and abundance of food can sometimes become overwhelming, especially for your emotions and wallet. But don’t worry—we have you covered.

Here’s a guide that can help you navigate the day with joy, and a wallet that’s not depleted.

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1. Embrace the Cultural Extravaganza

Nigerian weddings are renowned for their lavishness and large guest lists. Due to the communal nature of the celebrations, it’s common for the number of attendees to swell beyond initial estimates. It’s natural to feel concerned when you think about how it can affect your budget. But the best way to beat this is to accept the possibility of unexpected guests and focus on enjoying the festivities rather than stressing over the crowd.

2. Set a Realistic Budget

The costs of Nigerian weddings can be substantial, often running into millions of naira. But there’s no law anywhere forcing all weddings to be the same. Determining what you can comfortably afford to spend on attire, gifts, and other expenses makes sense. And once you’ve decided what you can spend, stick to it to avoid post-wedding financial strain.

3. Opt for Cost-Effective Attire

While traditional outfits like aso-ebi are beautiful, some can be expensive. You’re already spending so much on one or two clothes changes here. We typically recommend renting or purchasing affordable versions of traditional attire. Some vendors offer discounts for group orders, so coordinate with friends when possible.

4. Participate with Joy

Engage in the dances, enjoy the music, and savor the food. Your enthusiastic participation contributes to the celebratory atmosphere. Don’t worry about perfecting every dance move; your genuine enjoyment matters most.

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5. Manage Your Expectations

Despite meticulous planning, some aspects may not go as expected. Knowing this helps you handle disappointments better. One tip that always works is maintaining a flexible attitude and focusing on the joyous occasion rather than minor hiccups.

6. Be Mindful of Additional Expenses

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Beyond attire and gifts, consider other potential costs like transportation and accommodation. If traveling for the wedding, book accommodations early to secure better rates and consider carpooling to reduce transportation expenses.

Nigerian weddings are delightful experiences filled with culture and celebration. Planning ahead and setting clear boundaries allows you to enjoy the festivities without emotional or financial stress.

Have you ever wondered if there are certain things you are doing that your neighbours might not like? A lot of people think they are good and friendly neighbours or at least, mind-their-business kind of neighbours.

But the truth is, sometimes, we might be the reason our neighbours are rolling their eyes, whispering complaints, or even plotting revenge in silence.  

Here are some ways you might be annoying your neighbours without knowing.

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1. Playing loud music at odd hours

While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying your favourite Afrobeats or gospel jams, your neighbours might not appreciate being part of your personal concert, especially when you are doing it at odd hours like 6 AM on a Sunday or 11 PM on a work night.

Just because you’re in a party mood doesn’t mean everyone else is.  

2. Running your generator non-stop

We all know the power in Nigeria is bad and generators are a must. But then, if your “I better pass my neighbour” or big industrial gen is constantly humming (or worse, roaring) through the night, you’re definitely disrupting someone’s peace.

If it’s belching smoke into their windows too? Even worse.  

3. Parking like you own the whole street

Limited parking is a struggle in many Nigerian neighbourhoods. But if you’re that person who takes up two spots, blocks someone’s gate, or expects everyone to adjust just because you came home late, your neighbours are probably not happy with you. 

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4. Keeping a ‘security’ dog that barks all night 

A dog that protects the house is great, but if it’s barking at everything such as passing cars, shadows, the wind, your neighbours might be losing sleep.

If your dog is aggressive and always trying to attack people on the street, that’s another level of neighbourhood stress.  

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5. Burning refuse and choking everyone

Burning refuse is common in some neighbourhoods, especially if there is no organised system of waste disposal. But then, burning in your compound can be quite a hazard as not everyone appreciates having smoke blowing into their house.

Worse, if you’re burning plastic, you’re not only annoying your neighbours but also polluting the air.  

6. Borrowing things and ‘forgetting’ to return them

In some neighbourhoods, community living where you can easily borrow stuff from your neighbours is common. But there’s a thin line between borrowing and outright collecting.

If your neighbour has to remind you five times about returning their bucket, extension cord, or even cooking gas, you might need to re-evaluate your borrowing habits.  

7. Having prayer sessions that go on forever

Praying is great, but if your early morning or all-night prayer sessions are waking up the whole compound, your neighbours might be praying too, but for peace and quiet. Not everyone is up for unsolicited deliverance sessions at 2 AM.  

Which of these habits are you guilty of? 

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If you’ve searched for a job in Nigeria, then you’ve probably heard the above statement repeated more times than you can remember.

The truth is that jobs in Nigeria are becoming more like a lottery these days, with more and more people looking for different kinds of jobs simultaneously.

This means that you must be at your best in terms of personality and qualifications to land your dream job. But how can you set yourself apart in an overcrowded job market where many people believe their connections can grant them express access to any job they want?

Here are smart tips that you can leverage to put yourself in a good position, even when you don’t know anyone.

ALSO READ: Job Hunting 101 – How to set yourself apart in the Nigerian employment market

1. Build In-Demand Skills

While it’s good to graduate with the best possible grades, you must realise that employers prioritize practical skills over formal education. Thus, we’ve often advised young graduates to acquire competencies in areas like digital marketing, software development, data analysis, and project management.

Thankfully, platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn exist these days for learning useful and in-demand skills. Some of these platforms even offer certificates from recognised institutions.

2. Craft an Outstanding CV and Cover Letter

Your CV and cover letter say a lot about you before the recruitment team officially meets you. So, you’d want to impress them from the get-go. This is why you should craft an outstanding CV that highlights achievements rather than just job duties.

For instance, instead of stating “Managed sales activities,” say “Delivered 30% sales growth within six months.” Tailor your cover letter to the specific role, demonstrating how your skills align with the job requirements.

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3. Leverage Online Job Portals and Social Media

Regularly check reputable job portals such as Jobberman, MyJobMag, and Hot Nigerian Jobs for the latest job updates. Maintain an active LinkedIn profile, join industry-related groups, and engage with content to increase visibility.

You can also add the following companies and industry leaders on platforms like Twitter and Facebook. These individuals often provide updates about available jobs and tips to succeed in interviews.

4. Engage in Internships, Volunteering, and Freelancing

Gaining practical experience through internships, volunteering, or freelancing can enhance your employability. These opportunities not only provide hands-on experience but also help build a professional network. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr can be avenues to showcase your skills and earn income while job hunting.

5. Network Strategically

Attend networking events, career fairs, and seminars to meet professionals in your field. Prepare a concise introduction about yourself and follow up with connections made. Joining professional associations related to your industry can also provide access to exclusive job listings and mentorship opportunities.

ALSO READ: 5 Nigerians share their crazy experiences job-hunting after school

6. Be Cautious of Job Scams

While it’s good to work hard for your employment, you must also stay vigilant against fraudulent job offers. Be wary of job postings without specific titles or those requiring upfront payments for training. Always verify the legitimacy of companies and avoid sharing personal information unless you are certain of the employer’s credibility.