5 reasons why your internet subscription (MB/GB) does not last long, and how to improve the situation

The complaint of most smartphone users in this part of the world where the price of gaining access to the International Network (INTERNET) is relatively high is that the volume of data given for a particular data package doesn't take too long to "evaporate". The authenticity of this complaint was further validated when a popular social media comedian, Correctbro, opined that "It is ONLY in Nigeria you'll do monthly subscription four times in a month." As if that wasn't enough, another social media user, DADDY THE FATHER, claimed that "Buying of data is what's stopping" him "from becoming a millionaire." All these claims or assertions bring to limelight the fact that internet subscription is not just expensive in Nigeria but does not also last for the specified period of time as the internet access of subscribers are cut off by their service providers (MTN, glo, Airtel and etisalat) once their data volume is exhausted.

Not being oblivious of this and to ensure that their data volume does not vanish within a twinkle of an eye, most smartphone users have heeded the advice of some tech bloggers by freezing or "force stopping" apps that they don't use frequently. Others have resorted to switching off their data/internet connection when they feel they have very few things or nothing to do online and switching it on when the reverse is the case. The truth is that either of these "data-preventive measures" has its shortcoming(s). The former might cause some apps to malfunction while the latter may prevent you from getting important information on time. I'm sure you know what that means. It has even cost some persons their jobs.

To avoid further complaints as regards the untimely disappearance of your data volume, this article discusses five (5) reasons why your monthly subscription does not complete its life cycle or last for at least two weeks and ways through which you can improve the situation. From personal experience, if the preventive measures that are mentioned in this article are strictly adhered to, the complaint about the untimely disappearance of your data volume will be a thing of the past. Having said that, let's take a look at these reasons:

1. WhatsApp stories.
Most WhatsApp users are yet to realise that viewing of their friends' WhatsApp stories swallows their data faster and far better than the snake in JAMB's office. How did I know this? I had to carry out other tests when I discovered that my data volume was excessively depreciating despite freezing some of my apps and switching off/on my internet connection when necessary. After the test carried out on "WhatsApp story view and data reduction", I discovered that I lost about 60 megabytes of my data volume after viewing the stories of five of my WhatsApp friends. This can be summed up in a simple phrase, "The higher of the number of stories viewed, the higher the number of data volume deducted." This also applies to Instagram and Facebook stories. You can try it if you want.

I won't advise you to stop viewing WhatsApp, Instagram or Facebook stories because stories make these platforms more interesting, but make sure you view stories which add value to your life. You mustn't view the stories of all your friends except you don't care about your data volume. I barely view the stories of friends who have nothing to display but their pictures. This decision has kept my data volume in good condition.

Again, don't be carried away by the WhatsApp stories of your friends; be conscious of your data volume while you view their stories.

2. Spending too much time on Instagram
I'm sure you must have heard people say, "Instagram is for men and not for boys." This statement has a lot to do with the way Instagram squanders your data volume. Undoubtedly, it is an interesting platform to be on for some obvious reasons, but you must be man enough to enjoy all the activities therein. Apart from viewing Instagram stories, the automatic replay of videos on Instagram is one major thing that slashes your data volume. It is no news that Instagram videos play repeatedly without you playing them while on the platform. And when this happens, your data pays squarely for it. 

To avoid this, it is advisable you don't spend too much time on Instagram except you are equal to the task. Again, should you see any Instagram video you like, you can download it using InstaSave instead of watching it repeatedly on Instagram.

3. Hotspot and Tethering
Providing a wireless connection for other devices (either through mobile hotspot, Bluetooth tethering or USB tethering) is one of the major factors that prevent your data from reaching its expiry date.  Before you turn on your mobile hotspot for another device, always ensure that all auto download features/settings (through wireless connection) on the other device is turned off. And don't fail to provide a security code for your mobile hotspot in order to prevent others from stealthily using your data.

4. You fail to turn off the auto download or play feature of some of your apps.
Most apps such as Facebook, Play Store, WhatsApp etc. have an auto download or play feature, and if this feature is not turned off, many things that will drastically reduce your data volume are bound to happen. For example, if you fail to turn off the auto download feature of your Play Store, outdated apps will automatically update themselves at the detriment of data volume. However, if this feature is turned off,  you are always notified to update your apps whenever they are outdated. Therefore, you should always ensure that the auto download or play feature of any app on your phone is turned off.

5. You watch videos online
I'm very much aware that watching of videos online is quite interesting and has become part and parcel of most smartphone users. In fact, there are some videos you wouldn't want to download because of their very short durations. You may not notice the data reduction if you are disciplined enough not to watch more than two short videos online every day, but you will surely do if the reverse is the case. I advise you download any video you like and watch it offline except you have the cash to always top up your data volume.

I will conclude by reiterating that if these reasons are taken seriously and the solutions are strictly adhered to, the incessant complaint about the untimely disappearance of your data volume will be a thing of the past in spite of the fact that service providers still have a way of making our data volume epileptic. I am extremely sure because the solutions provided in this article have been tested by me. They will definitely put your data volume in good condition.

Rivers State Ministry of Education: 2018 Junior WAEC (BECE) timetable

Below is the 2018 Junior WAEC (also known as the Basic Education Certificate Examination) timetable for Junior secondary schools in Rivers State, Nigeria.

THURSDAY (28/6/2018)

i. Basic Science

Time: 9AM - 11AM

ii. Civic Education

Time: 12noon - 2PM

FRIDAY (29/6/2018)

Business Studies

Time: 9AM - 11AM

MONDAY (2/7/2018)

i. Mathematics

Time: 9AM - 11AM

ii. Computer

Time: 12noon - 2PM

TUESDAY (3/7/2018)

i. Agricultural Science

Time: 9AM - 11AM

ii. Home Economics

Time: 12noon - 2PM

WEDNESDAY (4/7/2018)

i. English Language

Time: 9AM - 11AM

ii. Physical and Health Education (PHE)

Time: 12noon - 2PM

FRIDAY (6/7/2018)

i. C.R.K

Time: 9AM - 11AM

ii. French

Time: 12noon - 2PM

MONDAY (9/7/2018)

i. Social Studies

Time: 9AM - 11AM

ii. Basic Technology

Time: 12noon - 2PM

FIFA WORLD CUP: How to pronounce the country's name, "Croatia"

Since the 2018 FIFA World Cup kicked off, the country's name, Croatia, has been wrongly pronounced by a good number of persons in this part of the world. Such mispronunciation became very common among Nigerians due to the Super Eagles' 0 – 2 loss to Croatia in their opening match of Russia 2018. While some (in course of explaining the outcome of the match to their friends) pronounced the country's name as "Cru-shia", others confidently (or perhaps ignorantly) pronounced it as "Co-ro-shia". That really amused and amazed me so I decided to write this article.

Croatia is a country in Europe, with the official name, Republic of Croatia. As a word, it consists of three syllables and is transcribed /krəʊˈeɪʃə/. From its transcription, Croatia is pronounced "kro-a-sia". It is just like pronouncing "kro" and "asia" together. Please, note that the "o" in "kro" is pronounced "o" (just like the "o" sound in "go"). It is not pronounced "or".

Having read this, you should be confident to pronounce Croatia as "kro-a-sia" when they meet with Argentina to sort out of things.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all the football lovers and responsible daddies.

Ignatius Ajuru University releases senate's approved list of students for 2018 'B' NYSC programme

The following Graduates of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education have been successfully uploaded to the integrated database of the National Youth Service Corps for 2018 Batch ‘B’ NYSC programme. At the confirmation of your name, you are to wait until the approved date for commencement of Online Registration. Candidates who have graduated for 2016/2017 graduation session and has not seen their name should ensure that they have made the approved payment, submit application to the Student Affairs Unit.

If you have applied for NYSC and have submitted your form to the Information Management System (MIS) Office of the Students Affairs and did not see your name in Batch ‘A’ and Batch B respectively, visit the student’s affairs Unit and confirm the status of your application.

Those concerned are also advised to direct all questions regarding ‘date of birth’ ‘name correction’ to the Students Affairs Unit of the University. Timely technical attention will be given appropriately from the University’s ICT support unit for NYSC mobilization. Be aware of fraudsters who will ask you for money to fix date of birth issues for you.

CHECK THE LIST HERE

   

The Bayelsa State Civil Service Commission begins recruitment of 1000 Bayelsans on Tuesday, 19th June, 2018

Following the express approval by the Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon Seriake Dickson, the Bayelsa State Civil Service Commission has commenced the process for the fresh appointment of 1000 Bayelsans into the state's Civil Service.

According to the Commission, the exercise will cover three categories of eligible Bayelsans: applicants in category one, category two and category three. Applicants in category one who are for immediate engagement comprises engineers, surveyors, architects, town planners (who have been serving diligently in different ministries, departments and agencies as temporary or casual staff). Category two consists of all other temporary and casual staff in various disciplines. And category three includes all other unemployed graduates and technicians with specialized skills.

Therefore, the Commission has called on interested applicants who fall under category three to report at the Appointment Department of the Civil Service Commission on Tuesday, 19th June, 2018 to obtain a copy of the printed application for appointment form and other relevant information on the requirements.

CHECK OUT: The list of cleared candidates for the screening exercise of the Bayelsa State Civil Service Commission Job

All applicants must ensure that they have the following documents before applying for any position.

New song:"Mindful of Me" by Patience Agadah. Download, get the lyric and artiste's profile

This is the bomb! "Mindful of Me" by Patience Agadah is a song that will keep you emotional all through and (at the same time) overwhelm you with endless gratitude to your Maker who has chosen to amicably preside over your case in spite of your imperfections. No wonder the singer describes it as a song "born by the spirit of God and the expression of an inner nudging from 'the secret place' to show forth a heart of gratitude for God's love, awesomeness, grace and mercy [,] especially because it is undeserved." It is a song that is indeed pleasing to the ears and soul.

DOWNLOAD SONG

PATIENCE AGADAH'S PROFILE

The Bayelsan-born music minister, Patience Agadah, is a neo soul singer, song writer, vocal coach and music director who perceives music as a better way of expression, being heard and a means of keeping memories. This, she has encapsulated with her favourite quote, "Without music, life is unbearable." Known for her unparalleled, captivating and life-transforming vocal, Patience Agadah has, on several occasions, been invited to minister in different life-changing concerts held within and outside Bayelsa State, Nigeria. In course of carrying out such task, she has ministered alongside seasoned ministers such as Preye Odede, Kaydee, Timitimi Kelly, Afy Douglas, Dempster etc.

Patience Agadah is a graduate of Accountancy at the Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State, where she served as the music director of Greater Evangelism Campus Crusaders (GECC), a student fellowship of the ministry of Greater Evangelism World Crusade (G.E.W.C). Until 2015 when she started music professionally, her musical tentacles were still confined to the walls of Greater Evangelism Campus Crusaders' choir, NDU chapter. With an in-depth understanding of the fact that music is not just an action to fill a space in time but also an essential tool in eulogising God by all and sundry irrespective of age, she set up "The Bayelsa State Teens Choir" also known as "Greater Evangelism World Crusade Teens Choir" in 2018. The choir which is second to none in Bayelsa State and comprises seventy teenagers has undoubtedly ushered many into the presence of God.

Her debut single, "I can't live without you", was recorded and mixed in Bayelsa State in 2017 and has since attracted more than a thousand downloads by music lovers (from around the world) who have also described it as a spiritual and artistic masterpiece.

DOWNLOAD "I can't live without you" by Patience Agadah.

Patience Agadah is happily married to her friend, a medical practitioner, Mr Amatari G. Agadah, and currently resides in Yenagoa with her husband.

Below is the lyric of "Mindful of Me".

Lyric of Patience Agadah's "Mindful of Me"

Different ways you can pronounce the "ed" sound in regular verbs

The “ed” is the ending used for regular verbs in the past tense and for their past participles. A regular verb is a verb that forms its past tense and past participle by the addition of -d, -ed, -ied and -t to its base form.

Examples:

Jump           Jumped        Jumped

Marry           Married         Married

Sleep            Slept             Slept           

Love             Loved            Loved

The “ed” sound is one of the most difficult in the English language, and that’s because there are three different ways to pronounce it:

1. The "ed" sound is pronounced /id/ 

When a regular verb ends with the sound or letter /d/ or /t/, its past tense and past participle are usually formed by the addition of "ed", e.g., want – wanted, need – needed, collect – collected, divide – divided etc. Please, note that the "ed" in these words is pronounced /id/ and not /ed/. In other words, whenever a regular verb that ends with the letter /d/ or /t/ forms its past tense or past participle by the addition of "ed", the ending “ed” should be pronounced /id/. Therefore, wanted, needed, collected and divided should always be pronounced “wantid”, “needid”, “collectid” and “dividid” respectively. Don't pronounce them the other way. 

2. The "ed" can be pronounced /t/

The /t/ sound is a voiceless sound, that is, it is produced without any vibration in the vocal tract. The "ed" is pronounced /t/ whenever it is added to a regular verb that ends with either of the following sounds or letters:

/p/               stopped                 "stoppt"

/f/                laughed                 "laught"

/s/               missed                   "misst"

/tʃ/ or "ch"  watched                 "watcht"

/ʃ/ or "sh"   pushed                   "pusht"

/k/               cooked                  "cookt"

3. The "ed" is also pronounced /d/

Unlike the /t/ sound, the /d/ sound is a voiced sound, that is, it is pronounced with vibration in the vocal tract. For other regular verbs, the "ed" is pronunced /d/. Therefore, you should apply the /d/ sound for all other regular verbs.

Examples:

Played          "playd"             

Called           "calld"                

Enjoyed        "enjoyd"

Rivers State University's 30th convocation schedule

The Management of the Rivers State University (RSU) invites the public, parents, guardians and graduands to the 30th convocation ceremony of the institution for the conferment of Higher and Bachelors’ Degrees, Emeritus Professors and award of Postgraduate Diplomas and prizes to deserving graduands.

The 30th convocation ceremony of the university is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, 26th June, 2018 at 9:30 AM at the Convocation Arena. It will be a week-long ceremony. Below are other details of the event.

UNIPORT extends deadline for payment of fees and registration of courses

The authorities of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Choba, have announced the deadline for the payment of second installment of school charges and online course registration for the second semester, 2017/2018 academic session.

Payment of second installment of school charges and online course registration for the second semester (2017/2018 academic session) has been extended by two weeks. The deadline will be Friday, 29th June, 2018.

Students who paid the first installment but are yet to pay their second installment of school charges are by this memo advised to do so on or before Friday, 29th June, 2018 and register their courses online as there will be no further extension.

Punctuation marks: When and how to use the semicolon and colon in sentences

Punctuation marks are symbols that are used in a sentence to make it comprehensible. In other words, the comprehensibility of a sentence is wholly dependent on the correct use of punctuation marks. They are also signals which help to show how written words are intended to be spoken.

Punctuation marks are very powerful in all languages, especially the English language. If wrongly used, they are capable of altering the spoken pattern of a written discourse and the intended meaning of a speaker. Unfortunately, most language users seem not to be concerned about this sheer fact as they mostly present their writings without punctuation marks or with the wrong punctuation marks. In case you don't know, the absence of or wrong use of a punctuation mark in a sentence has some hilariously grave consequences:

1. It can cost a speaker his mom's life. For example, if a speaker fails to add a comma after "eat" in the sentence, "Let's eat mom", it simply means that he has killed his mom and prepared her for breakfast, lunch or dinner. This is what the absence of a punctuation mark in a sentence can cause. To avoid such interpretation, the sentence should be written as "Let's eat, mom." This sentence, unlike the former which is devoid of the comma, requests the speaker's mom to join him in the meal.

2. It can make you love a woman's monthly flow (menses). If you write or say "I love her period." instead of "I love her. Period!", you have only succeeded in telling your audience or listener that you love her menses. This may not be the actual meaning of your statement, but your inability to use the full stop in your statement projects such meaning.

3. It can cause the unexpected.
Examples
i. Give me my pen's cover.
ii. Give me my *pen!s cover.

Can you see what the wrong use of a punctuation mark, precisely the exclamation mark (!), almost caused in example two? I will let you ponder on that, but don't take too much time. Lol!

There are two basic types of punctuation marks:
a. The terminal punctuation marks
b. The internal punctuation marks

The terminal marks (the full stop, question mark and exclamation mark) are used at the end of sentences. These are the strongest punctuation marks and are used primarily to indicate the end of a sentence.

On the other hand, the internal punctuation marks are used within sentences. Internal punctuation marks comprise the comma (,), semicolon (;), colon (:), parenthesis (), apostrophe ('), dash (–), caret (ʌ), quotation mark/inverted comma (" ") or (' '), hyphen (-) and suspension point (...).

Each of these punctuation marks is used to achieve different communicative purposes when using the English language. But this article only discusses the uses of the semicolon and its cousin, the colon.

SEMICOLON
Semicolon is one of the trickiest signs to use for writers, which is why you will find its usage the least. However, if properly used, it can be one of the most useful and significant punctuation marks.

The semicolon ( ; ) is basically a punctuation mark that indicates a more pronounced pause than that indicated by a comma but less important than that of a full stop. In other words, it is a longer pause than the comma but a shorter pause than the full stop.

USES OF THE SEMICOLON (;)

1. To separate main clauses which are are closely related and not joined with conjunction.
Example:
Writing is an acquired skill; it has to be learned.

"Writing is an acquired skill" and "It has to be learned" are two main clauses. A main or an independent clause is a simple sentence that can stand independently and still make a complete sense. It does not need another clause to be meaningful.

2. It is used between two independent clauses that are connected by conjunctive adverbs or transitional phrases (however, so, consequently, namely, therefore, as a result etc.).
Example
i. I love the English Language; however, I hate its complexities.

ii. Traditional values still have a place in our society; therefore, they will never lose relevance. 

3. You can use a semicolon before a coordinating conjunction to separate items in a list where one or more of the items contain(s) commas or other punctuation(s).

Example:
This article discusses punctuation under three broad headings: the meaning of punctuation, which reviews the concept of punctuation (by different scholars); how it is used; its implications; and how it can be applied.

4. A semicolon is used to separate the series of loosely related clauses.
Examples: 
i. Her court was pure; her life serene. 

ii. God gave her peace; her land reposed. 

COLON
Unlike the semicolon, the colon (:) is a punctuation mark that is used to precede a list of items, a quotation or an expansion or explanation. While a semicolon links two independent statements, this punctuation mark flows conveniently from the first statement to the second. Usually, it links a general or introductory statement to an example, or a cause to an effect or a premise with a conclusion. This shall come to fore as we illustrate some of its uses.

USES OF COLON (:)
1. The most common use of the colon is to indicate to the reader that a list of items follows. In this case, it is used before listing the items.

Example:
All corps members were told to bring the following items for the orientation course: a torch, a waist bag, two sets of night clothes, a pair of white snickers, underwear etc.

2. It is used sometimes to indicate more emphasis in indirect speech.
Example:
The little girl screamed: “Help! Help! I'm dying!" 

3. It is used to divide the title of a book from the subtitle.
Example:
Stylistics: Theory and Practice

4. It is used to make a difference between the hours and minutes when writing the time.
Example:
The time is: 04:00 PM

5. It is used in differentiating the chapter and verse in the Bible.
Example:
Genesis 1: 3

6. It is used to introduce a quotation.
Example
Tammy says: “The patient dog no longer eats the fattest bone." 

7. It is used between sentences that are grammatically independent but closely connected in sense.
Example:
Study to acquire the habit of thinking: No study is more important. 

In sum, since punctuation marks are capable of altering the actual meanings of sentences, it is very important for language users to use them correctly and when necessary. This will also make their writings sophisticated.

Get the correct pronunciation of these words: ewe, awe & aye

In terms of pronunciation, these are some of the numerous English words that can embarrass any second learner of the language maybe because there is no connection between their spellings and pronunciations. As a result, this article, with the use homophonic words, teaches second learners of English how to pronounce these words correctly.

1. Ewe

Ewe is the name of a female sheep, especially when fully mature. This word is pronounced as "you". In other words, "you" and "ewe" are homophones, that is, they are pronounced the same way but differ in meaning and spelling. It is phonetically transcribed as /ju:/, which is the exact transcription of the word, you.

2. Awe

This word can function as a noun and a verb. As a noun, awe means a strong feeling of fear, admiration, wonder, reverence etc., caused by that which is grand or very powerful. For example, “The vastness of the forest filled me with awe.”

As a verb, awe means to fill someone with awe. If you are awed by someone or something, they make you feel respectful, amazed or frightened. For example, “Some persons are still awed by Tammy's unusual performance.”

Having its phonetic transcription as /ᴐ:/, awe is pronounced as "or".

3. Aye

If you are in support of Tammy's online English tutorials, say aye! And if you are not, say nay! Lol!  At least this should give you an idea as regards the pronunciation of this word. Aye is an affirmative answer, especially in voting. Aye means yes whereas nay means no. This word is pronounced as “eye” and “I”. Like “eye” and “I”, aye is phonetically transcribed as /aɪ/. This means that these words (eye, I and aye) are homophones.

The difference between "Anyways" and "Anyway", and when to use them

"Anyways" and "Anyway" convey the same meaning, but the use of the former in certain context is most especially frowned at. In casual conversations, some people use anyways, and we often gloss over it. But in formal writings or conversations, no allowance is given for anyways; the acceptable form is anyway. 

Anyway is an adverb. It can be used to mean "in spite of", "in any case" "whatever else is happening, without considering other things" etc.

Examples

i. The test was very difficult, but I passed anyway.

ii. I didn't expect him to give me his book, but I asked for it anyway.

In conversation, anyway is also used to change the subject, return to an earlier subject, or get to the most interesting point. For example, "Anyway, as I said, I'll be away next week." 

Anyway is also used to give a more important reason for something that you are saying. For example, "I don't have time to go, and anyway, it is too expensive." In this example, although the speaker has two reasons why he does not want to go (or perhaps attend the event), his main reason is the cost (of the event). And he is able to project this point by using the word anyway.

In the examples given above, you can make use of anyways provided that you are not writing for a formal audience or engaged in a formal conversation. This is because anyways is the nonstandard form of anyway; it is a form that is peculiar to North American English speakers but has fast gained prominence in the mouths of many English users. Let's look at some sentence examples where anyways is used.

Examples

i. Who does that guy think he is anyways?

ii. You shouldn't have done that. Anyways, I have forgiven you.

Oxford Dictionary

In sum, although these words share sameness in meaning and word class, one must take notice of the environment before using either of them.