Author: JinPatrick Leo Maduneme

Bitcoin in Nigeria: After the Ban

Recently, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) banned Nigerian banks from dealing in all forms of cryptocurrencies; including bitcoin.

Why was Bitcoin banned?

The Central Bank of Nigeria cited ‘use of digital currency for laundering and terrorism‘ as the chief reason for banning cryptocurrencies. This comes shortly after several bulls run in the price of bitcoin, gaining over 300% price increase from 2020.

Starting earlier on the month of February 2021, Nigerian banks and other financial institutions were authorized by CBN to cease crypto transactions or face a penalty.

Away from the financial powerhouses, experts have analyzed how bitcoin ban in Nigeria would impact local traders.

The Nigerian cryptocurrency market

Looking back at statistics, Quartz Nigeria placed Nigeria as the second-largest bitcoin market in the world after the United States. Stears Business reported in February 2021 that over $200 million worth of crypto is traded from Nigeria monthly. That’s a huge market to consider!

The bitcoin ban in Nigeria simply means that it would be difficult to directly convert the Naira to bitcoin, or trade bitcoin for items.

However, it does not stop at that.

The CBN regulation immediately affected many fintech establishments in Nigeria dealing with virtual accounts. Providus bank took a special hit, having to halt all virtual accounts following the order. VTpass had to temporarily deactivate all virtual accounts and recently reactivated all accounts with new virtual account numbers.

Conversations following the ban continue to float all over the internet. But what is the solution? What is the way forward for Nigerians looking to continue crypto trading amidst the ban?

Here’s our researched take:

  1. Consider Peer-to-Peer Trading: Pending when the ban would be lifted, the most viable solution to buy crypto at the moment would be P2P trading. This is buying privately from a trusted source (a friend, a local agency, etc.) as trading involving bank transfers would be impossible.
  2. Create a Domiciliary account: Well, since there are no restrictions on domiciliary accounts, you can open one, convert Naira and Dollars, and trade cryptos through that account.

Cryptocurrencies trading may have been banned in Nigeria, that doesn’t mean the digital currencies are done for. The future of cryptos for the African market remains bright against all odds.

7 Unique Valentine Activities for Couples: 2021

Our team put together a brilliant video just for you!

Another valentine is just around the corner and as usual, couples feel that knowing pressure of making it extra-special. Something about trying to out-do the previous year’s valentine keeps couples from truly doing what really matters.

But valentine doesn’t have to be a Big-Bang, dazzling event that drains the bank account. While spoiling each other with expensive gifts and treats are still fanciful, spending quality time is all that counts.

And no, we are not talking about the cliché restaurant outings alone; here are 7 unique valentine activities you can try this year:

unique valentine activities

1. Give each other a massage

You know that feeling of lying in bed and having some strong or soft fingers work out the knots in your shoulders and feet? Yeah! Why not relinquish that this valentine?

You can give your partner a sweet massage for 30 minutes or so, with oils and soft background music. Then lay back, close your eyes and let them do the same to you.

2. Take a long bath together in a tub

When you and your partner at that level of your relationship, bathing together might not sound unique. But here is something to spice things up.

Place candles or spotlights at attractive places around the bathtub, get a bowl of strawberries, a tray of chocolate, and a chilled bottle of champaign; all at arms’ length. Have a long, hot, tub bath together, while munching on sweets and champaign.

unique valentine activities

3. Have a romantic movie marathon

We gave an example of a movie marathon in a previous post. Since this year’s valentine falls on a Sunday, it makes for a great escape from reality and into the entertainment of tons of movies.

Be sure to have popcorn, drinks, and each other during this marathon; and make time for desserts and in-house lunch or dinner between movies.

4. Play a game together

When was the last time you two played a game just for two? It might be something classic as a Ludo or Whot, or something deeper like a Truth or Dare game.

If both of you are outdoor champs, this might be the perfect day to race each other to a stadium, play snooker, table tennis, or go swimming.

unique valentine activities

5. Try a new kitchen special

Cooking together is always perfect for Valentine. However, instead of making what you already know, why not try something new and special for both of you?

The internet is overflowing with exciting dishes for valentine from every part of the world. Set today to try that special Thai cuisine or French salad; as far as the ingredients are within reach.

6. Drive around town

You don’t have to have a destination in mind. Just gas up the car, hop in and drive! If you are in Lagos, check out places to visit.

There is that fun of plying roads you both have never plied before, getting lost in a city and finding your way back. Yeah!

Good thing is, you can always crash into a new restaurant or park to eat or catch fun, then zoom off again. Luckily, Google Map now makes drive-around safe and superfun.

7. Work together on a new craft or art

Creative couples with busy-hands may want to create something together this day; whatever it is. From making a photo-scrapbook to splash painting, sketching each other, or even making a toy.

Anything at all.

Poetry is yet another art. Have you ever wondered what you’d write your partner if given a pen and 24 hours of thinking? Why not game each other with this one and have each person submit their poem to the other, at the end of the day.

Valentine is always a great day for couples to embrace the company of each other, especially with uninterrupted services.

That is where VTpass comes into play. No need running helter-skelter trying to pay bills to light-up the special day. Simply log on to www.vtpass.com to buy airtime/data, subscribe GOtv, DStv, or Startimes, or pay electricity bills . . . it’s as easy as Login, Select, and Pay!

Happy Valentine. Enjoy!

All-Movies Saturday: DStv M-Net movies to keep you in-doors

Ever had an all-movies Saturday experience? Well, try it this Saturday with DStv M-Net movies!

A lot of movies going down this Saturday on DStv M Movies channels, and making choices on what to watch can be a little overwhelming.

Luckily for you, we’ve selected a mix of our favorites movies to look out for on DStv Channels 104, 106, 107, and 108. Check out our exciting list below!

Movies when the morning is still chill

movies Saturday

The Meg

You can’t enjoy an all-movies Saturday if you don’t start in the morning. And by that, we mean 12 AM in the morning! Not even joking . . .

Get started with a deep-sea horror movie in The Meg where star-actor Jason Statham battles a sea monster. Showing 12:50 AM on M2 Channel 106.

First Kill

If you are not comfortable watching Shark kills early on Saturday morning, no problems, DStv got you with First Kill at 1 AM on M4 Channel 108.

Bruce Willis stars in this action-packed thriller, breaking all odds to find his son kidnapped by bank robbers.

The Perfect Match

We understand ladies might not be into waking up early just to see some action stunts. So we filed in The Perfect Match just for you.

Discover what it takes to make a playboy love again on M3 CHANNEL 107 at 1:50 AM.

Interrogation

If crime movies are your thing, you gonna love Interrogation showing 3:30 AM on M3 channel 107.

WWE stars, Adam Copeland and C.J. Perry take on a terrorist mastermind in this thriller; raising against time to save a city.

The Other Guy

A good laugh around 2:45 AM wouldn’t wake the neighbors. We promise you that! So get ready to laugh out loud when The Other Guys comes on. Showing on M4 channel 108 by 2:45 AM.

What do you expect of two clowns turned mismatched police officers trying to investigate a funny case?

Movies when the sun comes up

Return to Chrismas Creek

When you’re done dozing and snugging a cup of coffee in hand, settle in for Return to Chrismas Creek.

In this romantic-comedy, a young woman with no holiday spirit finds excitement again – after facing an old family dispute. Showing at 6:50 AM on M1 channel 104.

Megamind

Mix the fun with a bit of superhero animation in Megamind around 10:07 AM on M2 channel 106.

Find out what keeps a villain busy after doing all the evil he can think of. Not all supervillains stay ‘vile’ after all.

Movies when lunch is served

Godzilla

By 12:50 PM on M2 channel 106, raise adrenaline to 1000% with the visually spectacular update of the Godzilla classic.

A fascinating tale of romance, bravery, action, and giant monsters? Yeeeaah! Bring in the popcorn!

Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted

Hmmm, that feeling you get when the award-winning animation; Madagascar is about to come on. Madagascar 3 this time around!

Follow the crazy adventure of our famous lion, hippotamus, zebra, giraffe, and four hilarious penguins in this exciting show of comical genius. Showing at 1:30 PM on M1 channel 104.

Mortal Engines

Post-apocalyptic adventure of Peter Jackson in a world where mobile cities consume each other to survive. A trio of outcasts gets entangled in a deadly conspiracy.

Mortal Engines is pulse-rasing perfect for 3:00 PM on M1 channel 106; just when we know you would be ready to give up on the all-movies Saturday. Not yet!

Movies for winding down into the night

movies Saturday

Playing with Fire

What better way to relax in the evening than with a comedy?

Want to see John Cena and some firefighters babysitting a kid? Playing with Fire would knock you out with laughter; don’t say we didn’t warn you! Showing 6:23 PM on M1 channel 104.

The Beautician and the Beast

No, it’s not Beauty and the princely Beast. It’s a brilliant cosmetologist digging it out with a hard dictator in a movie that promises to make you cry and laugh.

The Beautician and the Beast, showing at 8:00 PM on M3 107.

Out of Sight

Jennifer Lopez and George Clooney led an all-star cast in this nerve-rattling thriller.

Watch as all-hell-let-loose when two super-skilled prisoners break out and kidnap a US Marshall. Geeeez! Can’t wait for this one at 10:30 AM on M2 channel 106.

Catwoman

Finally, here we are! End the all-movies Saturday night with the popular superhero movies: Catwoman. Showing on M3 107 at 11:30 AM.

Beautiful Hallie Berry shows off her skill of crime and deception in this comic book-based thriller.

multichoice step up campaign

Yet to subscribe your DStv?

Renew your DStv subscription on VTpass and enjoy Multichoice Max up promo. You can save up to N6000 on this promo while enjoying more views than you actually paid for!

Read this article to know more. Promo ends 31st March 2021.

Frank Lampard “SACKED” by Chelsea

BIG news making headlines on top English sports papers is; Frank Lampard sacked by Chelsea.

The Chelsea legend that took over managerial duties at the club in 2019 has been relieved of his duties just after 18 months.

In a statement following the sack, Chelsea said, “results and performances have not met the club’s expectations, leaving the club mid-table without any clear path to sustained improvement”.

frank lampard sack

After enjoying a successful spell in his first season as manager, Lampard’s Chelsea has underperformed this season. They sit 9th on the EPL table following 5 defeat out of their last 8 matches.

Lampard, who remains Chelsea’s all-time highest goalscorer led the London club to FA Cup glory in his first season as well as securing them a Champions League spot.

Expectation rose high this season after Chelsea spent over $292 million on signings the likes of Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Ben Chilwell, Hakim Ziyech, and Édouard Mendy; but the big names signings have been unable to link well on the pitch.

frank lampard sack

Who’s next in for the Hot Seat?

Chelsea is known to fire managers in split-seconds show of underperformance. The BIG question after Frank Lampard’s sack remains, “who’s next in line to take the hot seat at the Blues?”

Rumors have it that formal PSG and Borussia Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel is the only candidate on Chelsea’s list to take over from Lampard. While the German is yet to be contacted hours after the sack, papers report that his appointment is a strong possibility.

frank lampard sack
Source: Emirates FA Cup

Discussions are all over the internet regarding the sack. Some fans had called for Chelsea to be patient and give managers time to build teams. Others seem to agree with the sack and Chelsea’s underperformance under Lampard.

What do you think? Has Chelsea been unfair to a legend in his right, and an all-time goalscorer for this club? Has Lampard truly shown his lack of top football managerial experience?

MultiChoice Step-Up Campaign is Back!

Well, it’s exciting times for MultiChoice customers – starting January 14th to March 31st, 2021. That’s because MultiChoice is back with the hugely popular MultiChoice Step Up campaign!

The MultiChoice Step Up Campaign gives all active and disconnected DStv Compact, Confam, and Yanga customers the opportunity to pay for a package a step above their current package and get a boost to view the next higher package.

multichoice step up campaign

That means that if a ‘Yanya’ customer subscribes for ‘Confam’, the next package; the customer would automatically be boosted to view ‘Compact’, the bouquet one-step above ‘Confam’.

In the same vein, ‘Confam’ customers would view ‘Compact Plus’ if they pay for ‘Compact’. ‘Compact’ customers would view ‘Premium’ if they pay for ‘Compact Plus’.

Here’s a table explaining this promo better:

Your current subscription

Pay for

What you get

How much you SAVE

DStv Yanga

N4,615 for DStv Confam

DStv Compact worth N7,700

N3,285

DStv Confam

N7,900 for DStv Compact

Compact Plus worth N12,400

N4,500

DStv Compact

N12,400 for Compact Plus

DStv Premium worth N18,400

N6000

That’s right, you SAVE up to N6000 on this promo to view your favourite DStv channels on DStv Premium.

“Ok, so what of we that use GOtv?” You may ask. Not to worry, GOtv users are not left out. For just N2,999, GOtv Jolli and Jinga customers can step up to GOtv Max worth N3,600!

multichoice step up campaign

The best part of this? You get value immediately when you subscribe your DStv or GOtv with VTpass. Simply log on to www.vtpass.com/tv-subscription to subscribe!

For support or inquiry, simply chat VTpass customer support via our Live-Chat platform or send a mail to support@vtpass.com.

First Series WAEC Registration 2021 Now on

If you are preparing to write WAEC/GCE by March this year, or know someone who is; WAEC registration 2021 is now ongoing!

This first series examination for Private candidates would commence on March 2021 and end by April 2021.

Candidates are advised to start registering early as registration ends by January 29th, 2021.

To register, you can pay enrollment fees at a secondary school or Exam centers. However, some schools and exam centers have been known to charge up to N50,000 just for enrollment.

waec registration 2021

So why pay that high when you can cut enrollment costs by buying WAEC Registration 20201 PIN online?

Here’s how to buy WAEC Registration 2021 PIN online:

  • Simply log on to www.vtpass.com/waec-registration
  • Select “Exam Type”
  • Input your phone number and email address
  • Click on Continue to move on to the Confirmation page
  • Choose your payment method you can pay with Wallet or Bank Transfer
  • Confirm payment and pay
waec registration 2021

That easy! Your WAEC registration 2021 PIN is delivered to you via email and SMS and also displayed on VTpass website immediately after payment.

With your PIN, simply head over to www.waecnigeria.org to visit any center to complete your registration.

If you encountered any problems when buying PIN or didn’t get PIN after payment, simply contact VTpass Support. See why your PIN may not be delivered here.

VTpass got you covered.

VTpass GiveAway Week

Things are about to go ‘wooow!’ on VTpass this week with VTpass GiveAway Week in the offing!

You stand a chance to benefit from our two outstanding events:

TREASURE HUNT Wednesday

On Wednesday, 25th November 2020, you get to win up to N30,000 worth of airtime found on VTpass website. All networks are eligible to participate. Simply log on to www.vtpass.com and search all pages to find and win airtimes!

BLACK FRIDAY

On Friday, 27th November 2020, VTpass is giving away free convenience fees. You get to enjoy up to 3 hours of ZERO convenience fee on all payments made. Simply log in to www.vtpass.com on said date to participate in this giveaway.

Follow VTpass on Facebook (vtpass), Twitter (@vtpass), and Instagram (@vtpass) to see our winners. Use the hashtag #vtpassGiveAwayWeek to follow events across all social media platforms.

Enjoy VTpass GiveAway Week! Payment is truly at your convenience.

How to Buy Third Party Motor Insurance Online in Nigeria

It’s no longer unheard of to buy third-party motor insurance online in Nigeria. And yes, no be everything online be scam.

Agreed, there are many fake websites out there claiming to be motor insurers or insurance agents or brokers. One needs to be careful when buying third-party motor insurance online.

Learn more: Insurance: 5 Common Myth vs 5 Common Facts

The question is, why buy third-party motor insurance online in Nigeria? I mean, why not just go to a physical broker or insurance company and get the business done? Here, we give you three solid reasons why buying third-party motor insurance online is the better option:

  • Fast certificate delivery: Buying through a physical location, you would have to wait for days before the insurance papers are out. Buying online, however, your insurance papers are ready immediately after payment! No time for stress.
  • Less paper-work: The last time a friend of ours bought thrid party motor insurance through a broker, we filled and filled and filled proposal forms. Abeg! Buying online, proposal forms questions are significantly shorter yet underwriting quality remains the same. Less paper-work = lesser stress.
  • Faster renewal process: For some motorists, the biggest challenge of buying motor insurance is the renewal process. That awkward feeling of visiting your broker’s office multiple times during renewal. Buying online, you can simply automate your renewal process so that your wallet is automatically billed the next premium upon renewal.

You get to enjoy these and more right from the comfort of your home and office. All you need to buy third-party motor insurance online in Nigeria is your mobile phone or laptop, internet connection, your funds and a reliable online bill payment platform like VTpass.

VTpass third-party auto insurance

How to Buy Third Part Motor Insurance from VTpass

To buy third party motor insurance from the comfort of your home or office, simply:

  • Log on to www.vtpass.com/insurance
  • Click on Third-Party Motor Insurance
  • Fill in the required information: insurance type, insured name, engine number, chassis number, phone number, etc.
  • Click on Continue to move to the payment confirmation page
  • Select a payment method i.e pay with card, wallet, or bank transfer
  • Enter your payment details and confirm payment

Done!

Your third-party motor insurance certificate would be delivered to you immediately after payment. The main policy document would follow only a few days later. Fast and easy.

buy third-party motor insurance online in Nigeria

Driving is a risk on its own, getting a motor cover shouldn’t be risky. Buy yours from VTpass as our quality third-party motor insurance is provided for you by Universal Insurance, one of Nigeria’s most credible insurers.

Drive with complete peace of mind when you buy third-party motor insurance from VTpass!

Related article: 5 Benefits of Third-Party Auto Insurance