The Top 7 Social Media Trends That Dominated 2016

How big did your social media audience become in 2016? How many new platforms did you incorporate into your campaign, and how did you change your content syndication or advertising strategies to reflect the latest trends?

If you don’t know the answers to these questions, it means you probably haven’t been paying close attention—but don’t worry. The social media world changes so fast, it’s hard for even the dedicated experts to stay on top of things. Plus, it’s hard to tell which trends are temporary fads versus which ones are going to stick.

That being said, it’s helpful to look back and see which trends—including ones I predicted last year—actually stuck around to shape the social media realm for the future.

Without further ado, I give you the top seven social media trends that changed (and continue to change) how we use and appreciate social media:

1. Live video.

First up, there’s live video. Live video started to become popularized with the development and acquisition of dedicated streaming app Periscope back in 2015, but only this year did the medium truly start to take off. Facebook introduced its own streaming platform, Facebook Live, and both individual users and organizations started using it to share live streaming content with friends and followers. Live video is an easy and effective way to interact with people, especially if you use a question and answer style format or another medium that encourages participation. Since it’s still relatively new, you can expect it to continue growing into 2017 and beyond.

2. Stories.

Snapchat stories have been around since the app’s launch (which is now called Snap), but it was the debut of Instagram’s equivalent “story” function that made headlines earlier this year. Instagram has long been a tricky platform for brands to use, in part because it doesn’t allow you to post links (and driving traffic is usually a main goal of social media marketing) and in part because its photography-centric audience makes it less approachable for mainstream brands. Stories is another leap forward for storytelling in social media marketing, and brands that leverage it have been seeing killer results.

3. Mobile optimization.

Social media apps have also been making strides toward becoming exclusively focused on mobile experiences. Some apps, like Snap and Instagram, only exist as mobile apps with no desktop equivalent, and long standbys like Facebook and Twitter continue making layout and functionality changes that are custom-made for mobile audiences. It’s unlikely that this momentum is going to stop, especially as mobile traffic continues to increase and brands like Google keep pushing for further mobile optimization with features like accelerated mobile pages.

4. Social commerce and advertising.

Admittedly, when I made my predictions for what trends we’d see in social media this year, I was convinced that the hybridization of social media and eCommerce was going to take even more steps forward this year than it did, but it was an eventful year for the development and refinement of social purchasing and advertising. We saw new advertising options from brands like Instagram and Pinterest, and new features like slideshow ads from top players like Facebook. It’s no secret that these apps depend on advertisers in order to stick around, so it stands to reason that a good chunk of their development is spent on improving advertising options and features.

5. Echo chambers and influence.

This trend wasn’t a new tool, a new feature, or a new way to use social media so much as it was the widespread realization of one of social media’s less pleasant effects. Because social media news feeds use a system of user engagement to rank news stories, it’s only natural that users become more exposed to stories they already like, believe in, or have engaged with in the past. Eventually, this creates a kind of echo chamber that limits individuals’ exposures to opposing views or new information—which, during an already contentious election year that included a deluge of fake news that was perpetuated as long as it fit with users’ beliefs, resulted in significant controversy. We may see Facebook and other social media major players respond to this effect with newer, more diversified versions of news feed algorithms as a result. Facebook and Google have already taken first steps toward discouraging the proliferation of fake news by refusing to pay advertisers who publish it.

6. Fun and games.

Taking a step back from the weight of echo chambers, social media apps have also taken measures to make their apps more “fun” for users. Snap filters, capable of morphing your face and the scenery around you, continue to be added (and continue to be popular), and at the beginning of the year, Facebook released new emoji reactions to augment the “like” function. Instagram stories, too, offered users new, fun ways to alter their images, including the addition of text—previously unheard of in the Instagram world.

7. The rise of chatting.

2016 also saw the rise of more chatting features; Snap continues to grow in popularity as a means of exchanging quick bits of information, and rival app WhatsApp has also surged. Chatting is fast and in-the-moment, and therefore is seen as a more sincere, more unique experience that draws more people in.

Hopefully, a review of these trends gives you some more ideas about what you can do to increase, improve, and better engage with and grow your social media following. Social media certainly isn’t going away, and there’s a whole host of new developments in store for us in 2017 and beyond.

Understanding the course of social media’s past can help you project its future, so make what changes you can to your social media strategy now, and prepare for things to get even weirder in the coming years.

How To Make Money In A Recession

The global financial crisis caused by the crash in the value of crude oil has caused an economic recession in many countries around the world. This unfortunate economic crisis has triggered the inflation rate in these countries to rise to abnormal heights. The situation hasn’t just caused a currency crisis in countries like Nigeria for instance, but has caused a financial meltdown for many small, medium, and large businesses.

Large companies like PZ, Woolworth, and the likes are grumbling exorbitantly about the policies placed by various federal governments (especially Nigeria’s) during this economic recession, and have no other options than to find ways to either acquire foreign exchange at ridiculous prices from the parallel market, or halt operations altogether.

How then can businesses make money in a recession? What measures have to be taken to ensure your small business doesn’t fail during an economic recession any where in the world? How can you make money in a recession?

Here Are 7 Ways To Make Money In A Recession Anywhere In The World:

1). Buy Shares That Profit In An Economic Crisis:

During an economic recession, many people tend to start selling all their stocks, properties, and more to get a hold of the little they can, just incase the economy takes forever to recover. The unfortunate nature of this practise is that people are doing the exact opposite of what they ought to be doing.

Like many world billionaires would say, “when people are selling, start buying”. A recession provides a great opportunity for entrepreneurs and visionaries to get a hold of as many low cost properties, businesses, and even stocks from the stock market.

The stock quotes of businesses that are majorly focused on medical services for instance usually appreciate during an economic crisis. Spotting these businesses by daily following the stock market news, can help you take advantage of these stock opportunities.

While the stock market today may seem scary to venture into because of the global financial crisis been experienced in most parts of the world, constantly studying the stock market and taking advantage of unpopular stock opportunities as they arise is one way to make money in a recession.

2). Take Advantage Of Deals Offered By Struggling Retailers:

In any economic recession, retailers try to do everything possible to maximise their sales. They try to achieve this benchmark by improving their customer service, offering great incentives, and even offering extremely low discounts.

Taking advantage of the extremely low discounts offered by most retailers in a bid to sell their merchandise fast, is a smart move to make; especially if you have clients or customers that may need those items, and would naturally pay a higher fee for them because they already trust your brand.

In an economic recession, you need to be on the lookout for businesses offering mouth-watery deals. What’s better than an amazing discount is a business closing up and trying to get rid of their items at any cost. If what they sell are in line with your own product offerings, then acquiring a bulk of their merchandise at the cost of nothing is a good bet to make.

3). Start A Money Lending Service:

In an economic meltdown, banks give out lesser loans and increase their interest rates. This poses problems for many small businesses and individuals seeking loans to carry out some transactions and make some capital ends meet.

Employees for instance seek out payday loans because the value of their expenditure rises during an economic recession, and as such, have to make ends meet much earlier than anticipated. This need for payday loans drives them to approach professional money lenders for a cash advance. These short term loans are usually expected to either be repaid as soon as they get their salaries, or after a few months.

The need for quick cash loans by individuals and small businesses during an economic crisis creates a unique opportunity for individuals with excess cash to take advantage of. Giving a payday advance loan or small business loan to people who need them, to be repaid in a short time with a reasonable interest is a good bet. You could provide your credit service as installment loans, so you can directly ensure the cash loans gotten are adequately used at the right time, and for the right purposes.

4). Store Away Your Hard Currency:

If you’ve got hard currency in cash, or in a dollar debit card, an economic recession is the time to spend it extremely carefully. Paying a close attention to the inflation rate should help you determine when to convert some of your foreign currency into your local currency for capital expenditures.

As the inflation rates show a pointer indicating that the devalued state of the local currency may start regaining its value, converting some of the hard currency to the local currency for your business investments and basic needs would give you a much higher valued deal.

5). Sell Your Old And Unwanted Items:

One way to make money during an economic recession is to sell your old and unwanted items; especially items lying around the house. These items could range from household appliances to old clothing, utilities, and more.

A good incentive to place your used items for sale is because, people would be more inclined to buy old items during an economic crisis than in a period where the economy is stable.

You can sell online on various market places like OLX, Konga, Ebay, and the likes. Selling online would not only help you make money in a recession, but would also help you get rid of unwanted items faster than if you only tried offline channels.

6). Rent Out Parts Of Your House:

Owning a home during an economic recession could be one of your most valued assets. If you own a building with apartments, you could rent out some of the apartments to people seeking accommodation. If where you live isn’t an apartment but a detached house, you could rent out a room or two in your house to squatters.

Putting up apartments for rent, rooms for rent, or houses for rent is a great way to make money in an economic recession. You can place ads for your rental properties on an apartment guide. These real estate magazines will help people know more about your home rental business faster.

7). Invest In Government Bonds:

The best place to protect and increase your assets during an inflation is to invest in government bonds. While all other investments have high-risk profiles because of an economic crisis, government bonds are the safest place to protect your investments for long-term growth.

Where ever you are in the world, investing in bond markets is your safest bet to not just secure your investments, but to also grow them.

Bride-to-be cries after Groom spends £14k to surprise her with Roman Empire themed-wedding filled with battle scenes (photos)

Zoe, 23, dreamed of having an indoor wedding with a classic, girly theme but her groom Matthew, 25, had other ideas, and decided to stage an outdoor, Roman Empire themed affair featuring a battle at an old, crumbling amphitheatre in a muddy field on TV show 'Don't tell the bride'.

Despite the pair being together since they were 12, Matthew had no plans to spend the £14,000 budget on the wedding of his fiancée’s dreams.

Zoe said “My standards are quite high, I do like everything to look nice and clean and pretty, only the best will do.”

Speaking about her wedding, she stresses:

 “If I was to walk into my dream venue I’d want orange and pink, and glitter and gems everywhere. Anything vintage, cute and fluffy. I wouldn’t be happy if it was outside and it was raining, I wouldn’t want to be cold.”

Speaking about his wedding plans, Matthew says: “Because I love history I want to give Zoe a Roman-themed wedding where all the men are dressed as Roman legionnaires and Zoe’s gonna be brought in on a horse-drawn, Roman-style chariot.

“All our family and friends are going to be around us, as the spectators would have been.”

As an extra “surprise”, the wedding will then transform into a battle, with guests – like Zoe’s dad – dressed in full suits of Roman armour holding real weapons.

Matthew admits: “It’s a bit dangerous, but you need a bit of danger I think.”

Matthew then chose an Indian restaurant as a reception venue and told his bride to pack casual, comfy clothes and “maybe make-up” for her hen.

When Zoe saw the wedding was Roman themed, she couldn't believe her eyes and started crying, even the bridesmaids were shocked at such 'poor' planning with £14,000 by Matthew.

Houston Celebrates Living Legend King Sunny Ade’s 70th Birthday in a Grand way, made him Honorary Citizen & Goodwill Ambassador

We gave you a first look at living legend King Sunny Ade‘s 70th birthday celebration in Houston, Texas (click here if you missed it). Now we’re bringing you all the juicy details on what happened.

The celebration was a part of the memorable performance by KSA and his 20 member African beats band, with Kunle Afolayan, Dayo Adeneye and MD/CEO of Saheeto Small Chops, Saheed Kekere-Ekun in attendance. The show started with a performance by the Yoruba School of Language & Culture led by Gabriel Babalola reciting the Nigerian National Anthem in Yoruba “Dide Eyin Ara” (Arise O’ Compatriots).

Followed by the opening act, a cultural batta dance performance which was followed by a musical performance dedicated to KSA by Omo-Oba Eledua. MC Ajele from Nigeria played host as he entertained the audience in rib cracking, uncommon and never heard before jokes which took the audience to a totally different level of comedy session.

The official opening for KSA was done by Femi Fadipe aka Melloh Rhythms. A top leading popular Juju musician who gave an outstanding performance which ushered King Sunny Ade and his Afro Beats Band on stage with a rousing applause and ovation from the crowd which set the tone for the night.

One would imaging that the number 70 and body movement when it comes to dance doesn’t go together but the legend thrilled the audience to some nostalgic dance performances just like he was know to dance in his “hay days” when he started in a 2 hrs straight performance which led us to the reason why we were celebrating the king himself in the first place.

Ademola Adejayan popularly known as Demola Violinist was also there to serenade KSA with an outstanding performance, starting with a “Happy Birthday” song which thrilled the audience, then went into “Aiye Nreti Eleya Mi o”  then “The Merciful God” which thrilled KSA himself as he danced on his seat, clapped his hands and enjoyed the relaxing time with his VIP guests rounding it up with “Eleko,” which gave him a rousing applause as he exited the stage.

The Highlight of the birthday celebration was the tastefully designed cake by cake guru herself Ehi of Ehi’s Cakes who trilled KSA with a 4 tier birthday cake in white & gold, with a life size edible guitar and a musical turntable cake which played some old classic KSA tunes that he hadn’t listened to in a long while.

Watching the turntable cake play his tunes with amazement was one of the highlights of the night. Comedian Seyi Law who coordinated the cutting of the cake with his signature throw back birthday count from zero -70yrs describing the every decade of KSA’s life journey taking the crowd way back in KSA’s success as a true legend.

Rounding up the birthday celebration for KSA was a proclamation from the Mayor’s Office declaring King Sunny Ade as an Honorary Citizen “Goodwill Ambassador” of the City of Houston which was presented by Ayomide Shittu of YAP (Young African Professionals) and Abby Kotun of NAMC (Nigerian-American Multicultural Council)

The musical concert continued with an all night long performance by KSA as the Crowd danced and showered him with love, it was a night to remember.

Dangote Unveils Nigeria’s first Fintech Bank

It was celebration galore on Monday, August 15th, 2016 when President of the Dangote Group and Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote led other dignitaries to flag off Nigeria’s first full-fledged technology bank, SunTrust Bank.

SunTrust Bank is the first regional bank to receive a new license by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) since 2001 and the first full-fledged financial technology bank in Nigeria.

 The Bank is the first commercial bank that runs minimal branches and focuses on electronic channels by offering telephone, mobile and internet banking services.

According to Dangote who chaired the opening ceremony at the Bank’s headquarter in Lagos, Fintech Bank is a welcome development in this era of cashless economy. He emphasized that SunTrust Bank will help the country harness its potential in the digital world.

He explained further that technology-driven platform will distinguish the bank and make her the most cost-effective bank in the country with fewer personnel and attendant lower overhead cost. In his words:

 “SunTrust bank has elements that appeal to me in its Fintech strategy driven by its focus on technology. SunTrust has recognized that the old model of business expansion via a network of expensive branch premises is obsolete. What you need now is to sit down at home and do your banking transactions thereby saving money and time.”

Dangote commended the board, management and staff of the bank for their courage in taking the bold step at a time when “banks all over the world are facing multiple challenges and headwinds” and noted that the Bank’s focus will drive it to success.

Former governor of Gombe State, Senator Danjuma Goje, in his remarks at the unveiling ceremony, noted that the emergence of the bank during the implementation of the change agenda would contribute immensely to the rebirth of the Nigerian economy.
He urged the Bank to ensure that it is committed to the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises in the country, and to also support the big companies as part of its contribution to the growth of the Nigerian economy.

The Obi of Onitsha, HRM Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe applauded the Bank, stating that the present cost of running banks in the country is high and ifthe Bank can bring it down; they will succeed.

“It is uncommon courage to go into business now that everyone is going out and it takes triple courage to go into banking business. However, the situation in the country is full of opportunities for those that can see beyond the present.”

On his own part, the Oba of Lagos, His Highness Oba Rilwan Akiolu, urged the management of the bank to put the interest of the country and the masses first in all its dealings, and to distance itself from the fraud and insider abuse that is prevalent in the Nigerian financial industry.

Chairman of SunTrust Bank, Charles Onyema Ugboko, explained that the bank will use technology to drive the financial inclusion goal of the CBN, saying the Bank’s target is to bring financial services to 40 million unbanked Nigerians.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Muhammad Jibrin, noted that with over 90 per cent of financial services being executed electronically, banking had moved from physical branches to a technology-driven sector.

“Most customers of tomorrow will not be the ones that go to the banking hall, so we need to be able to respond positively to the needs and expectations of the customers of tomorrow, and that is at the heart of our vision and strategy as tomorrow’s bank today,” he said.

Dignitaries at the event were the president of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr Nike Akande; deputy national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Lawal Shu’aibu; former MD of AMCON, Mustapha Chike-Obi; former chairman of the EFCC, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; former MD of Ecobank, Jubril Aku, and the CEO of Nigeria Mortgage Refinancing Company, Professor Charles Iyangete.

Others on the long list of dignitaries included former MD of First Bank, Bisi Onosanya; APC national legal adviser, Dr Muiz Banire; the Lagos branch controller of the CBN, Mr James Iyari, who stood in for his boss, as well as former minister of housing, Ama Pepple, among other eminent personalities.

More photos from the occasion below

Wait, a man who earns 200k per month shouldn't start a family? Nigerian Twitter users share opinions

Twitter Users in Nigeria are arguing on whether a Man earning N200,000 salary per month should conveniently start a family. While some believe it's adequate, others claim its not. More interestingly, some Ladies are stating that since Nigerian men easily make demands such as 'My wife must be submissive or know how to cook", they should also be able set standards for themselves and demand for a better life in order to start a family. See more tweets after the cut and tell us what you think.

 

Top 30 Richest Nigerians and How Igbos Top The List

 

Here is the most recent list of top 30 richest Nigerians based on their total net worth. The ranking was compiled based on the following criteria:
By the value of their shares held in quoted companies. The size and market share and value of their companies and Brand. The number of companies they own and its assumed value. The impact of their companies on the Nigerian economy.
The list is given below and the ethnic group of each individual and unexpectedly, Igbos were the majority on the list.
1. Alhaji Aliko Dangote – Dangote Group, (Manufacturing, oil & gas,) (Hausa/Fulani)
2. Mike Adenuga – Conoil, Globacom (Oil & gas, Banking, Telecom) (Yoruba)
3. Femi Otedola – Forte Oil and Gas (Oil & gas) (Yoruba)
4. Orji Uzor Kalu – Slok Group (Aviation, Shipping, publishing, manufacturing) (Igbo)
5. Cosmos Maduka – Coscharis Group (Automobile, manufacturing) (Igbo)
6. Jimoh Ibrahim – Nicon Insurance, Global Fleet (Insurance, transportation, oil & gas) (Yoruba)
7. Jim Ovia – Zenith Bank, Visafone (Banking, Telecom) ( Igbo)
8. Pascal Dozie – MTN Nigeria, Diamond Bank (Banking, Telecom) (Igbo)
9. Oba Otudeko – Honeywell Group Nigeria, Pivotal Engineering, Airtel (Manufacturing, oil & gas, telecom) (Yoruba)
10. Alhaji Sayyu Dantata – MRS Group (Oil & gas, construction) (Hausa/Fulani)
11. Umaru Abdul Mutallab – former Chairman First Bank Plc, Mutallab Group (Hausa/Fulani)
12. Prince Samuel Adedoyin – Doyin Group (manufacturing, pharmaceuticals) (Yoruba).
13. Dele Fajemirokun – Chaiman Aiico Insurance, Xerox Nigeria, Chicken Republic, Kings Guards (Insurance, Security, Technology, Food retailing) (Yoruba)
14. Chief Cletus Ibeto – Ibeto Group (Trading, manufacturing, oil & gas) (Igbo).
15. Raymond Dokpesi – Daar Communication, AIT, (Entertainment) (Edo – Bini/Eshan)
16. Tony Ezenna – Orange Group (Pharmaceutical, oil & gas) (Igbo)
17. Chief Molade Okoya Thomas – Chairman CFAO Nig and other six french companies (Automobiles) (Yoruba)
18. Ifeanyi Ubah – Capital oil and gas (Oil & gas) (Igbo)
19. Leo Stan Ekeh – Zinox (Computer, technology) (Igbo)
20. Fola Adeola – GTBank (Banking) (Yoruba)
21. Chief Ade Ojo – Elizade Motors Nig LTD, Distributor of Toyota cars (Auto retailing) (Yoruba)
22. Abdulsamad Rabiu – Bua Group (Oil & gas, manufacturing) (Hausa/Fulani)
23. Folorunsho Alakija – Famfa Oil (Oil & gas) (Yoruba)
24. High Chief O.B. Lulu Briggs – Moni Pulo (Oil & gas) (Ijaw)
25. Hakeem Bello Osagie – Etisalat Nigeria (Telecom) (Edo – Bini/Eshan)
26. Sani Bello – Amni Petroleum (Oil & gas) (Hausa/Fulani).
27. Mohammed Indimi – Oriental Petroleum (Oil & gas) (Hausa/Fulani)
28. Sir Emeka Offor – Chrome Group (Oil & gas, marine) (Igbo)
29. Chief Arthur Eze – Atlas Oranto Petroleum (Oil & gas) (Igbo)
30. Vincent Amaechi Obianodo – Young Shall Grow Motors, RockView Hotels (Transportation, hotels) (Igbo).

Japanese multi-millionaire flies to Brazil to donate $390k to Nigeria's Olympic team coach Samson Siasia & Mikel Obi

The Japanese plastic surgeon, Dr Katsuya Takasu, who reportedly fell in love with the Nigeria's Under 23 team at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and promised to give each player of the squad $30,000 if they win Gold, $20,000 if they win silver and $12,000 for bronze (Read here), is now on his way to Rio to watch their Bronze medal match and donate $390,000 to Coach Samson Siasia and the team's Captain, Mikel Obi.

“The country’s security challenges have continued to demand a great deal of human and material resources to surmount, which in the light of dwindling revenue would be sustainable only with generous innovations and incorporation of home grown solutions,” Dan-Ali said. He said that the thirty 8.2 metre boats, which were constructed for the navy by Epenal Boat Yard in Port Harcourt, would be deployed for rigorous patrols in the Niger Delta while additional 20 would be delivered subsequently. “I am hopeful that the boats being launched today would further boost the ongoing patrol efforts in the various rivers and creeks of the country to the immense benefit of the nation’s maritime security,” the minister said. He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his continued support and commitment to the Armed Forces. The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Ibok Ete-Ibas, in his welcome address, said that the Epenal boats were an improvement on 30 others unveiled in Port Harcourt in February. “These boats no doubt, have boosted navy maritime operations. However, as part of the efforts to continue to achieve unchallenged dominance of our maritime environment, the navy within a space of six months has launched another 39 specially built patrol boats into her fleet. “These efforts, both then and now, represent navy’s modest contribution to enhance national security and prosperity. “Of the 39 boats launched, nine were acquired from Sri Lanka and would be greatly helpful for patrol of territorial waters and the contiguous zone,” said the naval chief. Ete-Ibas said the decision of the navy to build 60 boats locally was part of her resolve to look inwards in the production of the nation’s naval hardware. “The mounting operational challenges in the face of progressively dwindling economy necessitated the navy to explore more cost saving options through local construction of these patrol boats. “The cost of production of a unit of the boat is less than half the cost of producing similar boats from overseas. “These boats retained all positive features of the previous set including being fitted with appropriate weapons for credible firepower,” Ete-Ibas said. He added that, “They are also expected to present a better sea-keeping ability with a wide margin for the many corrections applied to the design concept of Lot 1, through series of stage trials in the production cycle. “I can say we are gradually but steadily moving towards the saturation of the nation’s backwaters with patrol boats for improved security of our maritime domain, Ete-Ibas said, adding that the boats would be deployed optimally by relevant navy units. Present at the inauguration were the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin and other top brass in the military.

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/08/nigeria-builds-30-modern-navy-gunboats-fight-militants/