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10 Advantages of Buying Off-Plan Property in Nigeria by Dennis Isong

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10 Advantages of Buying Off-Plan Property in Nigeria by Dennis Isong 

10 Advantages of Buying Off-Plan Property in Nigeria by Dennis Isong

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have you ever thought about buying a house or apartment that hasn’t been built yet? This is called buying “off-plan” property. In Nigeria, more and more people are choosing this option when they want to own a home. Let’s explore 10 big advantages of buying off-plan property in Nigeria.

 

 

 

10 Advantages of Buying Off-Plan Property in Nigeria by Dennis Isong 

 

 

1. Lower Prices

 

One of the best things about buying off-plan is that it’s usually cheaper than buying a finished home. When you buy early in the building process, developers often offer lower prices to attract buyers. This is because they need money to start or continue building. By buying off-plan, you can get a great deal on a property that might cost much more once it’s finished.

 

For example, let’s say a developer is planning to build a block of apartments in Lagos. They might offer the first few buyers a 20% discount on the final price. This means you could save millions of Naira just by buying early!

 

2. More Time to Save Money

 

When you buy off-plan, you don’t have to pay for everything at once. Usually, you pay a deposit first, and then you make more payments as the building goes up. This gives you more time to save money or arrange a mortgage. It’s like having a savings plan that ends with you owning a home!

 

Let’s say the apartment you want costs 50 million Naira. You might pay a 10% deposit (5 million Naira) when you agree to buy it. Then, you could have 18 months or more to save up or arrange the rest of the money before the apartment is ready.

 

3. Customization Options

 

Another great thing about buying off-plan is that you often get to choose how your home looks inside. You might be able to pick the colors of the walls, the type of flooring, or even the layout of the rooms. This means your new home can be just the way you like it, without you having to do any extra work.

 

Imagine being able to choose between having a big kitchen or an extra bedroom. Or picking the perfect tiles for your bathroom. When you buy off-plan, you often get these choices!

 

4. Newer Designs and Technology

 

Off-plan properties are usually more modern than older homes. Developers use the latest building techniques and include new technologies. This could mean better insulation to keep your home cool, solar panels to save on electricity, or smart home features that make life easier.

 

For instance, your new off-plan apartment might come with high-speed internet already installed, or a modern security system to keep you safe.

 

5. Higher Potential for Increase in Value

 

Property values in Nigeria often go up over time, especially in big cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. When you buy off-plan, you’re locking in today’s price for a property that will be finished in the future. By the time your home is ready, it might already be worth more than what you paid for it!

 

Let’s say you buy an off-plan apartment in Abuja for 40 million Naira. Two years later, when it’s finished, similar apartments in the area might be selling for 50 million Naira. You’ve already gained 10 million Naira in value!

 

6. Better Locations

 

Developers often choose great locations for their new projects. They look for areas that are growing or improving, places close to important roads, schools, or shopping areas. By buying off-plan, you might get a chance to own property in an area that will become very popular in the future.

 

For example, a developer might start a project in an area of Lagos that’s getting a new train station. By the time your home is ready, you could be living in a well-connected, sought-after neighborhood.

7. Guaranteed New Home

 

When you buy off-plan, you know you’re getting a brand new home. Everything will be fresh and unused. This means you probably won’t have to spend money on repairs or renovations for a long time. New homes also often come with warranties, so if anything does go wrong, it can be fixed for free.

 

Imagine moving into a home where you’re the first person to use the kitchen, or sleep in the bedroom. Everything is clean, new, and working perfectly!

8. Easier Budgeting

 

Buying off-plan can make it easier to plan your finances. You know exactly how much you need to pay and when. This can help you avoid surprises and make sure you have enough money saved at the right times.

 

For instance, if you know you need to pay 20% when the foundation is laid, 30% when the walls are up, and the rest when it’s finished, you can plan your savings or loan payments to match these stages.

9. Potential for Better Deals

 

Developers want to sell their properties quickly, especially at the start of a project. This means they might offer special deals to early buyers. You could get extras included in the price, like air conditioning units, a parking space, or even furniture.

 

Some developers might even offer a guarantee to buy back the property at a higher price if you decide you don’t want it when it’s finished. This can give you peace of mind about your investment.

 

10. Excitement and Anticipation

 

Last but not least, buying off-plan can be really exciting! You get to watch your future home being built from the ground up. Each visit to the site shows more progress. It’s like watching a dream come true in front of your eyes.

 

This excitement can make the waiting time feel special, rather than frustrating. You have time to plan how you’ll decorate, or to save up for furniture. By the time you move in, you’ll already feel a strong connection to your new home.

 

 

Dennis Isong is a TOP REALTOR IN LAGOS.He Helps Nigerians in Diaspora to Own Property In Lagos Nigeria STRESS-FREE. For Questions WhatsApp/Call 2348164741041

 

 

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BURATAI, COAS, GOVERNOR, ZAMFARA EMIR ATTEND 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF EMIR OF KAURA NAMODA, ORGANIZE FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH

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*Buratai, COAS, Gov, Zamfara Emir Attend 5th Anniversary of Emir Of Kaura Namoda, Organize Free Medical Outreach* @The Status Online https://thestatusonline.com/buratai-coas-gov-zamfara-emir-attend-5th-anniversary-of-emir-of-kaura-namoda-organize-free-medical-outreach

BURATAI, COAS, GOVERNOR, ZAMFARA EMIR ATTEND 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF EMIR OF KAURA NAMODA, ORGANIZE FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH

 

Prominent figures, including former Chief of Army Staff, His Excellency Ambassador Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR (Rtd), gathered on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, to celebrate the 5th Anniversary of HRH Major (Dr) Sanusi Muhammad Ahmad Asha (Rtd), Sarkin Kiyawa and Emir of Kaura Namoda. The event took place at the Emir’s Palace and attracted a host of dignitaries, including the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, His Excellency Dauda Lawal Dare, who was represented by the Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Hon. Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, was represented by Brigadier General A Babatunde Chief of Staff Operation Fansan Yamma Theatre Command in Zamfara State, while the Emir of Anka and Chairman of the Zamfara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Attahiru Muhammad Ahmad, led a delegation of emirs from the state.

A distinguished delegation representing General Buratai was led by Colonel Haruna Idris Zaria (Rtd), Chairman of the Tukur and Tukur Foundation, alongside Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, Chairman of the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation. The two foundations collaborated to organize a free medical outreach in honor of the Emir’s anniversary.

The medical outreach provided essential health services to over 500 individuals from the local community, addressing a variety of medical conditions. Services included diagnosis and treatment for malaria and typhoid fever, general body pain and weakness, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and various minor eye problems such as conjunctivitis and eye pain. The outreach also tackled skin rashes, cough and catarrh, fungal infections, treatment of worms, diarrhea, cholera, and ulcers.

This initiative underscores the commitment of the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation and the Tukur and Tukur Foundation to enhance healthcare access and promote wellness in underserved communities. The event not only celebrated the Emir’s leadership but also emphasized the critical role of community health initiatives in improving the quality of life for residents of Kaura Namoda.

As the Grand Patron of both foundations, His Excellency Ambassador Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR (Rtd) continues to play a pivotal role in philanthropic efforts aimed at uplifting the lives of Nigerians through healthcare and social support. The successful organization of this outreach serves as a testament to his enduring dedication to the welfare of the community.

*Buratai, COAS, Gov, Zamfara Emir Attend 5th Anniversary of Emir Of Kaura Namoda, Organize Free Medical Outreach*

@The Status Online
https://thestatusonline.com/buratai-coas-gov-zamfara-emir-attend-5th-anniversary-of-emir-of-kaura-namoda-organize-free-medical-outreach

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PERSUASION, Not Manipulation: The Noble Art of Moving People with Integrity

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PERSUASION, Not Manipulation: The Noble Art of Moving People with Integrity

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

 

In an age defined by information overload, attention scarcity and growing skepticism, the ability to “PERSUADE not MANIPULATE” has never been more vital. Whether in leadership, business, politics, education or personal relationships, persuasion is the ethical superpower that separates the great from the mediocre. Unlike manipulation, which is rooted in deceit and coercion, persuasion is built on empathy, respect, trust and a deep understanding of human nature. It is the art of connection, not control.

Understanding the Foundation of Persuasion

Mastering persuasion begins with understanding people, their fears, desires, values and unspoken needs. The legendary psychologist Abraham Maslow, in his hierarchy of needs, emphasized that human behavior is largely motivated by the pursuit of safety, belonging, esteem and self-actualization. Any message or idea that aligns with these core human motivations gains immediate traction.

In Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, Dr. Robert Cialdini outlines six universal principles of ethical persuasion: RECIPROCITY, COMMITMENT and CONSISTENCY, SOCIAL PROOF, AUTHORITY, LIKING and SCARCITY. These principles are not manipulative when applied with honesty and respect. They simply reflect how people naturally make decisions.

Persuasion Begins With Listening, Not Speaking

Contrary to popular belief, persuasion isn’t about who speaks the loudest or uses the fanciest words. It begins with active listening. Stephen R. Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, famously wrote: “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” But persuasive leaders do the opposite. They seek first to understand, then to be understood.

Empathy is the cornerstone of ethical influence. When you genuinely understand your audience’s fears and hopes, your message becomes a mirror of their inner world, not a foreign concept to be resisted. According to a study by Harvard Business Review (2016), leaders who demonstrate empathy drive greater employee engagement, loyalty and performance. The same applies to clients, voters and partners.

Stories Over Statistics, Questions Over Commands

One of the gravest mistakes in communication is relying too heavily on data. While facts are essential, they rarely change minds or hearts on their own. People are not calculators, they are storytellers. Dr. Brené Brown, a research professor and storyteller herself, explains that “stories are just data with a soul.” In other words, stories give life to facts.

Research from Stanford University found that people are 22 times more likely to remember a fact when it’s presented in a story than when it’s shared alone. This is why persuasive communicators use narrative to evoke emotion, visualize transformation and connect with the audience on a human level. Whether it’s Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream,” or Steve Jobs unveiling the iPhone, the most influential figures in history have understood the power of storytelling.

Similarly, great persuaders ask questions more than they give commands. Socrates built an entire philosophy of influence through inquiry. By asking questions, you invite collaboration instead of confrontation. Questions show humility and curiosity, both of which invite trust.

Confidence Over Pressure, Trust Over Fear

Manipulators pressure people. Persuaders project confidence. These are not the same. Confidence comes from clarity, competence and conviction. It is grounded in truth, not theatrics.

Fear may yield short-term compliance, but it breeds long-term resistance. In contrast, trust opens the door to lasting influence. According to the Edelman Trust Barometer (2024), 71% of people say they are more likely to follow a leader they trust, even when they disagree with them. That’s the power of credibility.

Dr. Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Persuasion, done right, leaves people feeling respected not exploited.

In Business and Leadership: Persuasion is Currency

In the corporate world, persuasion is more valuable than any resume or technical skill. Harvard Business School professors John P. Kotter and Dan S. Cohen found in their seminal study that 70% of organizational change efforts fail because leaders rely on logic rather than emotional persuasion. The most successful leaders are those who paint a compelling vision and rally people behind it, not those who issue mandates from a corner office.

Consider the case of Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, who revitalized a stagnant tech giant not by issuing top-down directives, but by building trust, communicating empathy and persuading employees to embrace a new culture of collaboration and innovation. The results speak for themselves, microsoft’s market value has more than tripled under his leadership.

In marketing, companies like Apple and Nike have mastered the art of persuasive branding by aligning with their customers’ identities and aspirations. They don’t just sell products; they sell belonging, empowerment and transformation.

Persuasion in Everyday Life

You don’t have to be a CEO or politician to harness the power of persuasion. Every parent trying to guide a child, every teacher inspiring students, every activist seeking justice and every partner seeking understanding relies on this skill.

A study by Dr. Robert Feldman at the University of Massachusetts found that most people lie in one out of every five interactions to avoid conflict or gain approval. This shows a dangerous tendency toward manipulation, which corrodes relationships over time. In contrast, persuasive individuals build bridges by being authentic, transparent and emotionally intelligent.

How to Cultivate Persuasive Power With Integrity

Know Your Audience: Do your homework. What are their values, fears, goals? What language do they use?

Earn Trust First: Show up consistently. Be credible. Follow through on promises.

Use Clear and Emotionally Resonant Language: Avoid jargon. Speak like a human, not a robot.

Tell Stories That Reflect Shared Values: Make your message feel personal, not transactional.

Ask, Don’t Tell: Use questions to involve, not exclude.

Project Calm Confidence: Panic repels. Poise attracts.

Be Ethical: Always aim for mutual benefit. Leave people better off, not deceived.

Final Thoughts: Lead, Don’t Push

Persuasion is not a dirty word; it is the heartbeat of progress. Great leaders throughout history have used it to rally nations, inspire movements and forge peace. From Nelson Mandela to Barack Obama, from Oprah Winfrey to Malala Yousafzai, the power of persuasion lies not in overpowering others but in uplifting them.

“The greatest ability in business is to get along with others and to influence their actions,” said John Hancock. But influence that lasts is influence that is earned and not demanded.

So in a world hungry for authenticity and meaning, choose to persuade with truth, empathy and conviction. Don’t manipulate, connect. Don’t command, lead. Don’t shout, listen.

When used with integrity, persuasion is not just a skill. It is a force for good. It is how we change minds, touch hearts and move people toward a better future.

PERSUASION, Not Manipulation: The Noble Art of Moving People with Integrity By George Omagbemi Sylvester

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Dissent in Chains: The VeryDarkMan Saga and Nigeria’s March Toward Totalitarianism

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Dissent in Chains: The VeryDarkMan Saga and Nigeria’s March Toward Totalitarianism

By George O Sylvester

The arrest and continued detention of Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is a stark manifestation of the Tinubu administration’s escalating authoritarianism. This incident not only infringes upon constitutional rights but also exemplifies a broader pattern of political repression and suppression of dissenting voices in Nigeria.

A Disturbing Pattern of Repression
VDM’s apprehension on May 2, 2025, shortly after visiting a GTBank branch in Abuja, has been met with widespread condemnation. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar labeled the arrest as a “blatant abuse of power” and a violation of fundamental human rights, urging Nigerians to resist oppression under the current administration . Despite the EFCC’s claim of multiple petitions against VDM, the lack of transparency and due process in his detention raises serious concerns about the agency’s motives.

This incident is not isolated. Across Africa, there is a troubling trend of governments employing state apparatus to silence critics. In Uganda, Eddie Mutwe, an opposition member, was allegedly tortured while in custody, with visible signs of abuse upon his court appearance . Similarly, in Kenya, young activists have faced abductions and torture for their online expressions against the government .

The Weaponization of Legal Institutions
The EFCC, established to combat financial crimes, appears to be increasingly utilized as a tool for political persecution. The lack of formal charges against VDM and the opacity surrounding his detention suggest a misuse of legal institutions to intimidate and suppress dissent. Such actions erode public trust in the justice system and undermine the rule of law.

This phenomenon is not unique to Nigeria. In Ethiopia, the government has been accused of using anti-terrorism and hate speech laws to detain journalists and suppress critical coverage, leading to a significant decline in press freedom.

The Erosion of Democratic Norms
The suppression of dissenting voices like VDM’s is indicative of a broader erosion of democratic norms in Nigeria. The Tinubu administration’s actions mirror those of other authoritarian regimes that prioritize political survival over democratic principles. This trend threatens the very fabric of Nigeria’s democracy and sets a dangerous precedent for the treatment of political opponents and critics.

As Nelson Mandela aptly stated, “To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity”. The continued detention of VDM without due process is a direct affront to these rights and undermines the democratic ideals that Nigeria purports to uphold.

A Call to Action
The international community, civil society organizations and Nigerian citizens must collectively condemn the arbitrary detention of VDM and demand his immediate release. There is an urgent need to hold the Tinubu administration accountable for its actions and to safeguard the fundamental rights of all Nigerians.

In the words of Oliver Tambo, “We are not fighting against people, we are fighting against a system” . It is imperative to challenge and dismantle systems of oppression that threaten the democratic integrity of Nigeria.

The arrest of VDM is not just an isolated incident; it is a symptom of a deeper malaise afflicting Nigeria’s democracy. Addressing this issue requires a concerted effort to uphold the rule of law, protect human rights, and ensure that democratic institutions serve the people rather than political interests.

Dissent in Chains: The VeryDarkMan Saga and Nigeria’s March Toward Totalitarianism
By George O Sylvester

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