XPRESS YOURSELF - would you trade a united states' visa (lottery) for N2.5M (16,500 USD)?

I won’t trade it if there is a good job waiting for me over there. 2.5 million naira is too small for me to start my own business in Nigeria. It’s barely enough to acquire a suitable location for my business. Perhaps, with 10 million naira, I can begin to consider staying in Nigeria.
- Tosin Fagade

Going to the United States does not necessarily signify success. I can still be successful in Nigeria. I want to be in my fatherland, Nigeria because I believe I have a purpose to fulfill; that’s why God created me here.
- Tosin Babarinde

I can’t because it’s too small. Business in Nigeria is not that easy; when you invest, you still need some money to cater for your personal needs before you start reaping the benefits. So 2.5 million naira can’t be enough for me. Maybe I will consider 5 million naira.
- James Uwelle

I will trade it because, I’m not bent on travelling to the U.S. if I invest the money, it can yield more than I can ever earn abroad. There are opportunities in Nigeria which I have personally located. I want to go there already established.
- Sola Aremu

I will trade it and apply afresh for a new visa. By the time I spend 1 million naira, I would get a new one. After all, if I didn’t trade it, I’ll still have to spend money for the processing before finally travelling.
- Kolade Akinyede

I can’t leave Nigeria now; I know there is hope. So I’ll sell it. I can even sell it for a pittance. I want to go to the U.S already established. So that when I go to the embassy, they’ll gladly give me a visa. With 2.5million naira, I’m certain to succeed.
- Dipo Adelakun


 Culled from XPRESSIONZ magazine maiden edition (June 2006)

BASICS OF SHAREHOLDING ... to show that you value money ... invest ...

 Samuel Segbenu
“All the money in the world is no use to a man or his country if he spends it as fast as he makes it. All he has left is his bills and the reputation for being a fool”.

- Rudyard Kipling.

A man also said that, “when purpose of a thing is not known, abuse is inevitable”. If all you know is how to make money, then you are heading for financial bondage.

You need to realize that, money is a fruit that has a seed. The fruit is what you enjoy now, while the seed is what you save and invest for the future. One of the ways to show that you value money is to invest it. In this case, we are referring to investment in shares.

Buying shares in a company through the stock market means you are buying to become part owner of that company. You share in their profits and when they lose, you also share in it. You need not be a member of staff of a company to be a shareholder.

HOW DO I START?
1.
Be well informed about the company you want to invest in.

2.

Set a financial goal for yourself.

3.

Seek the advice of a consultant in this area; usually a stockbroker.

4.

When you have reached your goal, know when to sell (optional) to make your gains.

5.

Use the proceeds to buy into shares with a promising future.

BENEFITS

You enjoy annual dividends (a part of a company’s profit at the end of the year). I got my dividends from almost all my stocks this year and the returns were amazing.

Bonus issue (free shares); for instance, 4 out of the companies I invested in gave me bonus shares: 1 for 3, 1 for 4, 1 for 7, 1 for 5 and have thus increased my portfolio.
Capital appreciation is another benefit of investing in shares i.e. your shares increase in value and worth overtime. For example, I bought shares of Cadbury Nigeria Plc and when it appreciated by 63%, I sold them and used the proceeds to buy the shares of Guaranty Trust Bank Nigeria Plc. I also bought some shares of First Bank Nigeria Plc at N18.50 and now, (July 2006), it is N55.00; you see what I mean.

If you are smart enough to invest so much to have the highest number of shares in a company, you may be elected by the other shareholders as a director of the company. It is a way of transferring wealth from one generation to another generation.

I believe money making through shares is a product of personal adventure; the understanding of the techniques involved will make anybody a superstar in business. Investment in shares is a way of making money work for you instead of working for money and as a small investor; you can reach your financial goal.

Culled from XPRESSIONZ magazine maiden edition (June 2006)

ON THE XPRESS ... to achieve your dreams.

Muyiwa Arowosegbe
You have a purpose and a sure destiny. You are somebody and a rare gem. I know God couldn’t have wasted His time creating a nobody or a nonentity. And He has provided all the resources you will ever need. Nobody was born without a talent; if you cannot sing, you may know how to write, act or draw. If you love teaching, you could be the greatest professor your country would ever have. But it begins from now. Read books and acquire the necessary skills and knowledge you need to excel.
You must not let that gift die. It’s the gold in you. And thousands of people are dying to see your manifestation. Don't think or feel inadequate in yourself or capabilities. Just keep pressing and pushing forward. Challenges are to be overcome and problems are to be solved. You are a solution provider; an asset and not a liability. You’ve got what it takes to achieve your dreams.
Start by recognizing that treasure. Then appreciate the giver (God) of all things including your life. Be courageous and know that, “with God, all things are possible”. Fear not, because you’ve got the greatest supporter anyone can have – God. So dream big and take that step today. “The journey of a thousand mile starts with a step”.





Culled from XPRESSIONZ magazine maiden edition (June 2006)