Uncategorized
Stef therefore the City⢠aids active Professionals in Chicago Find like With Hands-On Matchmaking & Dating training
The Quick Version: a huge city like Chicago may seem like it’s teeming with singles, many discover the abundance of selections intimidating. For those who are brand new in the city or also active as of yet themselves, matchmakers supply a shortcut to love. Situated in Chicago, Stef as well as the City is a matchmaking firm with a database of screened times ready to go. The creator, Stef Safran, is a dating advisor and matchmaker who emboldens singles to expand their unique social schedule and make the most of chances to fulfill new people. She knows time is a precious product for singles, so she’s thrilled to aim her customers toward vetted dates, prominent occasions, as well as take a trip packages to expedite romance.
Show
Jennifer, an individual lady in her mid-20s, cannot help but release to her buddies over meal 1 day. She’d already been living in Chicago her whole life and felt she’d tired the woman online dating solutions. Frustration obvious inside her voice, she talked about exactly how tough it had been in order to satisfy an excellent guy inside the area.
Lucky for Jennifer, a matchmaker and internet dating mentor was sitting close by and listening intently. Stef Safran, Founder of Stef together with City, overheard the dilemma and understood she could help, very she got action. She gave the students unmarried her credit right there in the center of the cafe. With elevated eyebrows, Jennifer took it.
90 days afterwards, Jennifer was actually ready to give matchmaking a try and planned a private assessment with Stef. “I was concerned that any person she will dsicover would be many avove the age of me,” Jennifer recalled, “but Stef said she’d get my personal conditions severely.”
Stef arranged a romantic date for Jennifer (they were exactly the same age), therefore the few struck it off, speaking for eight hours. They ended up in a lasting relationship, and Stef ended up being thrilled to experience their unique blossoming love.
She told us, “Jennifer had that life-changing experience all for the reason that a flippant remark she made to a buddy.” And, definitely, because of Stef’s skill at combining people upwards.
As a matchmaker and matchmaking mentor, Stef often saves Chicagoans enough time and energy of finding a date independently. From assembling a customized social calendar to promoting completely vetted first times, the group at Stef and also the City will get singles out of their routine and into an excellent connection in no time.
“I like cooperating with people,” Stef mentioned. “With matchmaking, this really is great when you understand you connect two different people who would have never came across without you.”
Stef Safran Got Her Start Recruiting Singles for “The Dating Game”
When Stef started assisting singles, pagers were still a major as a type of personal interaction. She worked as a contest coordinator for “The Dating Game,” a-game program in which bachelors and bachelorettes searched for a possible big date.
As an element of her task, Stef was actually marketing with many different good-looking singles in la to recruit individuals to appear on the program. A leading Chicago matchmaker subsequently tapped Stef to recruit singles for a private matchmaking firm. Eventually, Stef chose to branch out and begin her own company, Stef and the City, to focus matchmaking and matchmaking mentoring solutions across the client’s personal existence.
These days, as a matchmaker, she can be applied her networking skills to her task by collaborating with other matchmakers around the globe. Through partnerships and good relations, she views to it that singles discover assistance no matter where they stay.
“we fell into matchmaking,” she informed all of us. “I utilized the abilities I discovered in business college to cultivate the firm, and as I increased, I began getting in touch with folks, getting co-workers, and sharpening my brand.”
Matchmaking for males & Females Vets Dates Before You fulfill Them
Stef while the City consumers range in get older from 24 to 50 (sometimes more mature) and are also usually white-collar specialists. This type of person college-educated and often too busy to look around Chicago for the someone special.
Romance takes some time to get, and a matchmaker can put in the several hours to narrow down anyone’s look for love. From private consultation services to providing comments after a date, Stef will there be to support and help the lady clients each step for the way.
“i will be totally practical,” she mentioned. “I do most of the matchmaking. Every customer, man or lady, fulfills beside me and works together with us.”
As an initial step, Stef gauges the personality of the woman customers by sitting down and talking together with them regarding their matchmaking background and existence goals. She listens closely to get a genuine sense of exactly who that individual is actually and exactly what their own priorities are in existence. She assumes only 20 clients at any given time so she will be able to offer individualized attention to every person.
“I imagined I might be a difficult kind to complement up,” mentioned Rebecca, a former customer, in a testimonial, “but Stef assured myself that she’d keep her eyes down for me. 90 days afterwards, she launched me to Tom, and it also had been an immediate connection!”
Action-Oriented training: Set Online dating targets for the Next Six Months
Stef’s motto is “rejuvenate your own social existence” because she requires an extensive method to increase the opportunity for matchmaking in her consumers’ every day lives. She coaches singles to interact at occasions, join groups, and generally be more personal and effective as a way to fulfill new-people.
She typically recommends the girl customers regarding finest internet dating techniques, but she also provides a lot more nuanced services to improve the online dating experience for her customers. Her training looks are action-oriented, which means she creates a concrete arrange for the woman clients to adhere to during a six-month duration. Stef in addition to City has actually a two-pronged method, helping facilitate in-person socializing at activities in addition to web flirting on well-known relationship web pages.
“After Stef and that I set up a strategy, we ended up matchmaking four different guys and (ended up being) able to pick just who I wanted are with,” mentioned Amber, a 32-year-old client which finished her internet dating dry spell with Stef’s support.
1. Social Calendar: Proactively thinking techniques to Meet People
Stef and the City jolts singles from their same exact regimen and pushes them to be a little more personal. A team of internet dating experts can create a customized social diary for clients to jump-start their unique matchmaking existence. This specific service smartly plans how you take your time, recommending charity occasions, courses, gyms, sporting events leagues, network opportunities, also singles occasions in Chicago.
“Stef surely could help me to set up exactly what locations i will go to satisfy folks personal age in addition to approaches to set up me expertly,” stated Sam, who was simply new to the metropolis and therefore enlisted Stef’s help satisfy folks. “i might seriously recommend trying a social diary through the girl.”
2. Online dating sites Profile assist: promotion the skills Online
Some singles need to conduct their search for dates, but need just a little assistance ensuring they truly are getting their very best foot forward. Stef can mentor these singles on how to compose a profile or message whenever online dating sites.
“After Stef and that I create an agenda, I finished up online dating four different men and (had been) able to choose who i desired to be with.” â Amber, among Stef’s matchmaking mentoring consumers
Stef and also the City’s staff of article writers, stylists, photographers, and internet dating experts will allow you to market yourself on a dating internet site to increase the amount of responds you receive and save precious time.
The woman Site Promotes money saving deals on Singles Travel & Events
Stef while the City are open to all channels to love. That is why they provide a myriad of services and suggestions to customers. The group understands that conference individuals are a challenge, so they provide easy access to sources to begin with.
On Stef together with City’s internet site, you can find regional options for singles vacation and singles occasions detailed to help individuals get productive. From week-end getaways to night drink tastings, these personal tasks are loaded with enjoyable and relationship.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIi6I3aq4kk]
As an additional benefit, Stef lovers with companies that foster date opportunities for singles. Her sugar mama website offers important discounts on single vacation bundles and local events to produce interacting less expensive. “After get older 30, it could get very hard for those to manufacture new friends,” she mentioned. “So, there seemed to be truly a requirement to get more methods to fulfill folks in Chicago and move the chase.”
Recharge & Re-Energize: Stef Coaches Clients to obtain right back Out There
Stef motivates singles to be proactive and never lose hope. Whether you’re new to Chicago and seeking for personal associations or a lifelong Chicagoan, like Jennifer, who simply demands a shortcut to finding the proper individual, Stef features years of experience working together with singles.
Through social calendars, online profile administration, and matchmaking services, Stef therefore the City gives consumers the opportunity to socialize in many ways. Stef requires an active curiosity about assisting singles clean upwards their own online dating abilities and hooking up the woman clients to enduring connections.
“your whole process is definitely about self-discovery and recognizing your boundaries,” Stef said. “often for people, it’s just about acquiring right back nowadays and feeling recharged about matchmaking.”
news
Ramadan 2026: Let’s Be United, Shina Akanni Urges Muslims.
Ramadan 2026: Let’s Be United, Shina Akanni Urges Muslims.
As Muslims all over the world begins the 30 days compulsory fasting and prayer today,top Fuji Musician Aare Sir Shina Akanni Aroworeyin Scorpido has congratulates them for witnessing another month of Ramadan.
Akanni advised them to follow the teachings of the the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) which is peaceful co existence among themselves and their neighbor ‘because Islam is Religion of peace”.
He said the month of Ramadan is an holy month therefore Muslims should try as much as they can to maintain peaceful coexistence among themselves and others and that they should see themselves as ambassador of peace.
While praying for Nigeria,Aare Sir Shina Akanni Aroworeyin Scorpido said he believes that there will be an economic turnaround soon because what’s is happening now are signs of thought times that never last “if we can pecevere things will get better”.
The Scorpido crooner who recently released a hip hop single titled “Magbelo” said he is currently working on a complete album which will be released before the end of the year.
Aare Sir Shina Akanni Aroworeyin Scorpido whose last album ‘ABCD” is still in hot demand said that his next album will be a pot pouri of all kinds of music because his brand of Fuji music is a blend Fuji , Hip-hop,Apala ,Highlife and others.
Uncategorized
The Enemies Within: Jonahs Are Not Manageable — Dr. Chris Okafor
The Enemies Within:
Jonahs Are Not Manageable — Dr. Chris Okafor
…….“To remove Jonah, you must bring Jesus into the matter.”
When a “Jonah” enters a person’s life, confusion, gossip, blackmail, betrayal, and the pull-him-down syndrome often follow. But the moment Jesus Christ is invited into the situation, the storm subsides and stability is restored.
This was the central message delivered by the Generational Prophet of God and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Global, Dr. Chris Okafor, during the midweek non-denominational Prophetic Healing, Deliverance and Solutions Service (PHDS) held at the international headquarters of Grace Nation Worldwide in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, Nigeria.
The Clergyman also declared that Nothing Happens Without Spiritual Influence
In his sermon titled “The Enemies Within,” Dr. Okafor declared that nothing happens without spiritual involvement. According to him, every visible battle has an invisible root.
Referencing the biblical story of Jonah, the Man of God explained that Jonah’s presence on the ship gave access to a contrary spirit that tormented everyone onboard.
Despite the losses suffered by innocent traders and sailors, the storm persisted because of one man’s disobedience.
However, he noted that when Jesus speaks into a situation, every storm must obey. Just as Christ rebuked the storm and it ceased, so too will the storms in believers’ lives subside when He is invited into their “boat.”
*The Impact of a Jonah*
Dr. Okafor further emphasized that “Jonahs” are difficult to manage. When such individuals are present in one’s circle, progress becomes delayed.
What should ordinarily manifest quickly may be prolonged or frustrated because someone close—someone who understands you deeply—may be operating as a spiritual adversary.
He explained that negative narratives, unnecessary battles, and unexplained setbacks often begin when a “Jonah” gains access to a person’s inner circle.
*The Solution*
“To remove Jonah from the boat of your life,” the Generational Prophet declared, “you must invite Jesus Christ into the matter.”
According to him, when Jesus takes control of the boat, the plans of the enemy are overturned.
What was designed for downfall becomes a testimony. No storm or battle can succeed where Christ reigns, and the enemy is ultimately put to shame.
The midweek service witnessed a strong prophetic atmosphere, with the power of God evident through deliverance, restoration, and divine revelations.
The Generational Prophet ministered deeply in the prophetic, calling out names, villages, and addressing alleged spiritual strongholds, as many lives were reportedly restored—all to the glory of God.
By Sunday Adeyemi
Uncategorized
FROM BORDER TO MARKETS: HOW NIGERIA’S REFORMS ARE REWRITING AND MODERNISING TRADE FACILITATION By O’tega Ogra
FROM BORDER TO MARKETS: HOW NIGERIA’S REFORMS ARE REWRITING AND MODERNISING TRADE FACILITATION
By O’tega Ogra
On the surface, the 2026 World Customs Organization (WCO) Technology Conference in Abu Dhabi, held in the last week of January, followed a familiar script: flags, formal sessions, carefully worded speeches. But beneath the choreography, something more consequential was unfolding. As customs chiefs and trade officials compared notes on the future of borders, Nigeria arrived not with theory, but with a working proposition.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Modernisation Project, being implemented through Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) Limited, unveiled to a global audience of customs administrators and policy leaders a window into how Africa’s largest economy is confronting one of the most complex challenges in public administration: reforming the machinery of trade while it is still running.
For decades, customs reform was treated largely as a technical exercise—frequent patches here, shoddy fixes there; new software in one corner, revised procedures in another. Nigeria’s presence in Abu Dhabi signalled something different. TMP Limited, working in partnership with the NCS, advanced the argument that trade is a cornerstone of economic development and must be supported by organic, sustainable partner ecosystems. Such ecosystems deliver speed and trust, revenue and credibility, and secure borders without stifling commerce.
That argument resonated in a room increasingly aware that global trade is no longer defined solely by tariffs and treaties, but by data, interoperability, and the quiet efficiency of systems that simply work.
The annual WCO Technology Conference has, in recent years, become a barometer for the direction of global trade governance. This year’s discussions reflected a shared anxiety: supply chains are more fragile, compliance risks are rising, and governments face mounting pressure to collect revenue without discouraging investment. Customs administrations now sit at the intersection of all three.
Nigeria’s response has been to attempt a full reset.
At the heart of this effort is the NCS Modernisation Project, implemented through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement with TMP Limited as the concessionaire. The project seeks to replace fragmented technology deployments and manual processes within the Nigeria Customs Service with a single, integrated framework. This is anchored on B’Odogwu, a Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) that brings together cargo clearance, risk management, payments, and inter-agency collaboration. The ambition is sweeping—and so are the stakes.
Alhaji Saleh Ahmadu, OON, Chairman of TMP, framed the initiative as nothing less than an institutional reconstruction, designed to position the NCS at the forefront of global customs administration technology, aligned with international standards and assurance frameworks.
“Digital trade modernisation is not just about upgrading systems,” he told participants in Abu Dhabi. “It is about upgrading trust, predictability, and confidence in how trade flows through our borders.”
That choice of words matters. Nigeria’s economy has long struggled with the perception gap between its size and the ease of doing business. Investors cite delays. Traders complain of opacity. Government points to revenue leakages. In this context, customs reform becomes as much a credibility project as a technical one.
Saleh’s message was timely and direct: modern trade demands modern customs. Data-driven processes, automation, and risk-based controls are no longer luxuries; they are prerequisites for competitiveness in a world where capital moves faster than policy.
The institutional face of this digital transformation is the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who led Nigeria’s delegation to Abu Dhabi. His message reflected a subtle but important shift in how customs leadership now understands its role.
“Customs administrations today must evolve from gatekeepers to facilitators of legitimate trade,” Adeniyi said. “Nigeria’s customs modernisation project reflects our determination to place the Nigeria Customs Service at the centre of national economic transformation.”
It is a familiar refrain globally, but one that carries particular weight in Nigeria, where customs revenue remains a critical pillar of public finance. Automation, Adeniyi argued, is not about weakening control; it is about strengthening it through intelligence rather than discretion.
Risk management systems reduce unnecessary physical inspections. Integrated platforms limit human contact. Data analytics improve compliance targeting. When executed well, the result is faster clearance for compliant traders and tighter scrutiny for high-risk consignments.
In Abu Dhabi, peers from Asia, Europe, and Latin America listened closely to Nigeria’s presentation. Reforming customs in a small, open economy is one thing. Doing so in a market of over 200 million people, home to some of Africa’s busiest ports and its largest economy, is quite another.
Nigeria’s engagement emphasised that customs modernisation is embedded within a broader economic reform agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Simplifying trade procedures, strengthening revenue assurance, and aligning with international standards form part of a wider effort to reposition the economy for investment-led growth.
What makes the project particularly noteworthy is its insistence on end-to-end coherence. Rather than digitising isolated functions, the reform aims to connect agencies, harmonise data, and reduce duplication across government—an all-of-government approach that acknowledges an uncomfortable truth: trade friction is often created not at the border, but between institutions.
The WCO 2026 Technology Conference offered Nigeria more than a platform; it provided a stress test. Questions from peers were pointed. How will change be sustained across political cycles? How will capacity be built? How will entrenched institutional behaviours be unlearned?
The responses were pragmatic. Reform is being phased. Training programmes are ongoing. International benchmarks are being adopted not as slogans, but as operating standards. There were no claims of perfection—only a clear statement of intent.
“Our engagement here underscores Nigeria’s commitment to international cooperation,” Adeniyi noted. “We are learning, sharing, and contributing to global conversations on the future of customs administration.”
That contribution matters. As Africa moves to deepen regional trade under continental frameworks, customs efficiency will determine whether integration succeeds in practice or remains aspirational on paper. Nigeria’s experience, if successful, could offer a valuable template for other developing economies navigating similar constraints.
In Abu Dhabi, the mood was cautious but curious. Reform fatigue is real in many countries. Yet there was a growing sense that Nigeria’s effort—precisely because of its scale and difficulty—deserves attention.
Borders are rarely glamorous. But they are decisive. In choosing to modernise its borders in public, under global scrutiny, Nigeria is signalling something beyond technical competence. It is signalling seriousness.
And in global trade, seriousness still counts.
O’tega Ogra is Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, responsible for the Office of Digital Engagement, Communications and Strategy in the Presidency.
-
celebrity radar - gossips6 months agoWhy Babangida’s Hilltop Home Became Nigeria’s Political “Mecca”
-
society6 months agoPower is a Loan, Not a Possession: The Sacred Duty of Planting People
-
society5 months agoReligion: Africa’s Oldest Weapon of Enslavement and the Forgotten Truth
-
news6 months agoTHE APPOINTMENT OF WASIU AYINDE BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AS AN AMBASSADOR SOUNDS EMBARRASSING






