Travel
Part 1: How to spot fake visa agents
![](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/516F5D84-C418-4CF0-89A0-2AECFEDCCA72.jpeg)
![](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/516F5D84-C418-4CF0-89A0-2AECFEDCCA72.jpeg)
There is a whole lot of advertisement on social media concerning how to immigrate to abroad. No doubt, most Nigerians are desperate to leave the country while the industry is also filled up with those who exploit and take undue advantage of them.
If you are considering to hire a visa agent for your visa application, do not be a haste. Be careful and take time to look out for the following factors below. Let me also remind you that visa application process is something you could do on your own without any agent. But in the mean time, let’s focus on the red flags dealing with a visa agent as outlined by Naijagoingabroad
1- Fake visa agents do not tell you how exactly they would help you with visa application
Fake visa agents have problems with explaining their methods of operations to you. The reason is because they either have none or because such methods are not beneficial to you. So many agents pose as visa agents but many of them do not know much about visa application process. Hence, they do not have any information to share.
2- Fake visa agents make unrealistic promises
If there is anything to help keep fake visa agents at bay, it is avoiding those who make unreasonable promises. Many fake visa agents think that the best way to win your heart over is by lying. They tell you that you need not meet embassy requirements for visa. And would not even tell you what they can help with. They only ask for money and tell you that visa is 100% guaranteed.
Truth be told; it is getting more and more difficult to get any visa in Nigeria today. In fact, now may not be the best time for you to apply for a visa. So if anyone tells you otherwise, be very careful. If you think it sounds too amazing or you think it sounds too easy, investigate before committing your money and time.
3- Fake visa agents do not have specific timeline for your application
This is another common thing about fake visa agents. Especially the ‘registered’ or ‘traceable’ ones. It may surprise you that some fake agents are registered but these are those who take advantage of a naturally time consuming visa application process to defraud unsuspecting people.
How they do this is simple. They tell you that your application has been submitted on your behalf and the embassy is working it. You neither get any proof of application submission nor do you get any feedback from the embassy. It is easy to play this gimmick if they are helping to apply for a work permit or permanent residence.
They pass on the blame to the embassy and claim to have no idea when the embassy will reach a conclusion on your application.
4- Fake visa agents cannot account for what they charge for
Usually, a fake visa agent would not know how much their services cost. They would call you from time to time for additional fees without concrete explanation of what the money is meant for.
This article will continue next week.
Travel
BSG and FRSC Announce the 2024 Edition of the “Don’t Drink & Drive” Campaign
![Don’t Drink & Drive Campaign by FRSC](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Dont-Drink-Drive-Campaign-by-FRSC.jpg)
![Don’t Drink & Drive Campaign by FRSC](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Dont-Drink-Drive-Campaign-by-FRSC.jpg)
The Beer Sectoral Group (BSG) of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), is set to launch the 2024 edition of its “Don’t Drink & Drive” campaign.
The two-day event will take place on December 10th and 11th, 2024, targeted at raising awareness on the dangers of drink-driving and ensuring safer roads for all Nigerians.
The campaign will kick off with a media launch at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, on December 10th, where key stakeholders will address the media, highlighting the campaign’s goals, achievements, and the importance of continued collaboration in promoting road safety across Nigeria. The event will feature prominent executives from the BSG, FRSC, and other stakeholders in road safety advocacy.
On 11th December, the campaign will shift to three major motor parks—Ojodu, Ojota, and Oshodi—where drivers and road users will be engaged through an educational rally. During the rally, drivers will be sensitized on the dangers of drinking and driving, with a strong emphasis on responsible driving behavior. In addition, the FRSC will conduct voluntary breathalyzer tests at these locations, underscoring their commitment to fostering safer motoring environments across the country.
The 2024 edition of the “Don’t Drink & Drive” campaign promises to continue its tradition of educating the public on the risks of drinking and driving while providing the necessary tools for the FRSC to execute its duties effectively.
The BSG and the FRSC remain steadfast in their mission to reduce road accidents and make Nigerian roads safer for everyone.
Travel
Defence Minister in S’Arabia to Discuss Counter-Terrorism
![H.E. Dr. Bello Matawalle](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Honourable-Minister-of-State-for-Defence-H.E.-Dr.-Bello-Matawalle.jpg)
![H.E. Dr. Bello Matawalle](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Honourable-Minister-of-State-for-Defence-H.E.-Dr.-Bello-Matawalle.jpg)
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Matawalle is in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to begin talk with the Secretary General of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), Major Gen. Mohammed Bin Saeed Al-Moghedi.
The talks which began at the IMCTC Headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Monday November 18, 2024 is expected to yield positive results and ideas on how best to approach counter-terrorism in Nigeria.
During the meeting, Dr. Matawalle is expected to talk with other high ranking experts in counter-terrorism fight and logistics management.
GRLife
15 most common Etiquettes that can help you live a better lifestyle
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![](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Screenshot_20220721-142213.png)
When we talk about etiquettes, you would understand that we are talking about the rules that are governing socially acceptable behavior. It is simply one having a decorum towards things and people. Because the truth is, As long as you co-exist with or Amongst other people and things, there will be times you would likely make mistakes with how you relate to them, But there’s also a bigger room for you to learn the most common rules so as to avoid some silly behaviors.
![](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Screenshot_20220721-142213.png)
![](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Screenshot_20220721-142213.png)
So here, I’ll be sharing some etiquettes that is most common amongst us which we often fall short of. This etiquettes will help you live better or do things better especially when it involves other people.
Here we go,
- Don’t call someone more than twice continuously. If they don’t pick up your call, presume they have something important to attend to.
- Return money that you have borrowed even before the other person remembers asking for it from you. It shows your integrity and character. Same goes with umbrellas, pens and lunch boxes.
- Never order the expensive dish on the menu when someone is giving you a lunch/dinner. If possible ask them to order their choice of food for you.
- Don’t ask awkward questions like ‘Oh so you aren’t married yet?’ Or ‘Don’t you have kids’ or ‘Why didn’t you buy a house?’ Or why don’t you buy a car? For God’s sake it isn’t your problem.
- Always open the door for the person coming behind you. It doesn’t matter if it is a guy or a girl, senior or junior. You don’t grow small by treating someone well in public.
- If you take a taxi with a friend and he/she pays now, try paying next time.
- Respect different shades of opinions. Remember what’s 6 to you will appear 9 to someone else. Besides, second opinion is good for an alternative.
- Never interrupt people talking. Allow them to pour it out. As they say, hear them all and filter them all.
- If you tease someone, and they don’t seem to enjoy it, stop it and never do it again. It encourages one to do more and it shows how appreciative you’re.
- Say “thank you” when someone is helping you.
- Praise publicly. Criticize privately.
- There’s almost never a reason to comment on someone’s weight. Just say, “You look fantastic.” If they want to talk about losing weight, they will.
- When someone shows you a photo on their phone, don’t swipe left or right. You never know what’s next.
- If a colleague or anyone tells you they have a doctors’ appointment, don’t ask what it’s for, just say “I hope you’re okay”. Don’t put them in the uncomfortable position of having to tell you their personal illness. If they want you to know, they’ll do so without your inquisitiveness.
- Always put “please” before asking someone to help you do something. Remember, you are asking fot a favor, not giving an order.
I hope these etiquettes helps us correct some errors and make us behave more appropriately.
Picture credit: Qed.ng