23 suspected cases identified in 5 states

/0 Comments/in /by

23 suspected cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) have been identified by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says in Edo, Lagos, Ogun, FCT and Kano states, out of which one was confirmed positive “index case” with no death. NCDC Director-General, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, disclosed this while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja, adding that as of March 7, there was no new confirmed case of COVID-19 in the country.

NAN reports that this was the eighth national situation report, following the confirmation of the first case of COVID-19 disease in the country on Feb. 27, 2020.

Ihekweazu said that a total of 219 contacts were identified, including contacts from hotels, workplaces, and healthcare workers.

“No new contacts have been reported in Lagos and Ogun states,” he stressed.

He said the confirmed case was clinically stable at the designated treatment facility for COVID-19 at the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) Yaba, Lagos. He reiterated that a multi-sectoral national Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) activated at level three, had continued to coordinate the national response activities, led by NCDC.

Credit Direct Limited offers zero-collateral and low-interest loans. Click here to find out more about low-interest loans from Credit Direct. Don’t forget to share this with someone.

Nigeria records eight new COVID-19 cases

/0 Comments/in /by

Nigeria Records 8 New COVID-19 Cases has recorded eight new Coronavirus cases, bringing the country’s total confirmed cases to 89. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) made this known via a press release.

The statement said: “Eight new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Nigeria, seven in Lagos State and one in Benue. As of 4pm on March 28, there are 89 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in Nigeria with one dead.

“For a breakdown of cases by states, Lagos currently has 59 cases, FCT– three, Ekiti –one, Oyo – three, Edo – two, Bauchi – two, Osun – one, Rivers – one, Enugu – two, and Benue – one.”

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Office for Africa in Brazzaville, Congo, said coronavirus has hit 46 African countries.The agency said there are over 3,778 confirmed COVID-19 cases across 46 countries on the African continent, with a total of 109 deaths reported. South Africa currently has 1,170 cases, making it the country most affected by the virus on the continent.

Lagos, considered the epicentre of the disease in Nigeria, is driving towards shutdown, as the country tries to prevent the spread.  Many states in the country have asked people to stay at home, restricted gatherings and shut schools, bars, non-food markets and shops.

Tips on how employees can stay productive working from home

/0 Comments/in /by

The COVID-19 outbreak has taken the world by storm. Some offices have shut down and employees have been directed to start working from home in some cases.

Here are some tips to ensure employees stay productive and maintain balance while working from home:

– *Set a schedule and stick to it*: Setting a schedule and sticking to it enables employees to know when to work and call it a day. This helps them to maintain work-life balance.

– *Set break reminders*: Set regular breaks to keep you energized and focused. This helps to improve your health and physical wellbeing.

– *Keep a dedicated office space*: Dedicate a desk and some peripherals only for work use while working from home.

– *Learn new skills*: This period is the best time to learn a new skill as you’re working right from the comfort of your home.

– *Take advantage of your perks*: Working from home has its unique perks as you have the time to make your favorite meals or a food you’ve been craving. Take advantage of them because you deserve it.

– *Stay focused and switch off distractions*: This might be difficult for most employees to do as working remotely comes with lots of distractions and this affects their productivity. So, try your best possible to stay focused and get rid of any form of distractions.

– *Have some social interaction*: Some of the problems of working remotely are isolation, loneliness, and disconnect especially in this COVID-19 pandemic period. But take out to FaceTime your colleagues, call your loved ones etc. Don’t let working remotely ruin your social life.

COVID-19: All you need to know (Meaning, Symptoms, Prevention, and Myths)

/0 Comments/in /by

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 was discovered in 2019 and has not been previously identified in humans. It is spread from one person to another by small droplets from the nose or mouth.

Symptoms: Common symptoms include respiratory symptoms, fever, and cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

Prevention:

  • Regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds
  • Maintain at least 1-meter (3 feet) distance between anyone who is coughing or sneezing
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth & cover them your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose tissue immediately after use
  • Stay home if you feel unwell

Debunking COVID-19 Myths

Myth #1: Cold weather kills novel coronavirus

Truth: The WHO says there is “no reason to believe cold weather can kill the new coronavirus,” or other diseases

Myth #2: COVID-19 cannot be transmitted in hotter, more humid climates

Truth: COVID-19 can be transmitted anywhere, regardless of how hot or humid the air is.

Myth #3: Coronavirus can be transmitted through mosquito bites

Truth: From the World Health Organization, “there has been no information nor evidence to suggest that the new coronavirus could be transmitted by mosquitoes.”

Myth #4: Thermal scanners can detect everyone who is infected with coronavirus

Truth: Thermal scanners, like thermometers, can detect people who have above normal body temperature due to infection from COVID-19. But not everyone who is infected with the coronavirus has a fever yet. According to the WHO, “it takes between 2 and 10 days before people who are infected become sick and develop a fever.”

Myth #5: Spraying alcohol and chlorine all over yourself kills the coronavirus

Truth: This will not cure you of COVID-19 if it has already entered your body. Spraying alcohol and chlorine all over your body can be harmful if it gets into your eyes or mouth. The World Health Organization says they both can be used to disinfect surfaces, however.

Myth #6: Getting a pneumonia vaccine protects against COVID-19

Truth: According to the WHO, “Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B vaccine, do not provide protection against the new coronavirus.” COVID-19 is a respiratory infection, yes, but it requires its own vaccine, which is in the testing phase right now.

Myth #7: Rinsing your nose and gargling with saline solution helps prevent COVID-19 infection

Truth: The World Health Organization says there is some evidence that regularly rinsing your nose with saline can help you get over the common cold more quickly. But this does not apply to COVID-19 and other respiratory infections. The same applies to gargling with a saline solution.

Myth #8: Eating garlic helps prevent COVID-19 infection

Truth: There is no scientific evidence that eating garlic prevents you from being infected with the novel coronavirus. However, according to the National Institutes of Health, it does have some antimicrobial properties.

Myth #9: The coronavirus only affects older people, not younger ones

Truth: The World Health Organization says people of all ages need to take steps to protect themselves from COVID-19. The best ways are frequent hand washing, the use of hand sanitizer, and social distancing. However, people who are older are more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the new coronavirus. People with preexisting conditions are also at an increased risk for more severe complications, such as people with heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease.

Myth #10: Antibiotics prevent and treat COVID-19

Truth: Antibiotics are used to fight bacteria, not viruses, which is what COVID-19 is.

During this COVID-19 pandemic, we urge everyone to remain calm and make sure to practice hand hygiene every day, use hand sanitizers, maintain social distancing, and avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth.

Credit Direct Cares!

Need collateral free loans instantly? Call us now 01 4482225 or 0700CREDITDIRECT. You can also get emergency loans on www.creditdirect.ng

Time Management Tips for Every Employee

/0 Comments/in /by

One of the most rewarding soft skills every employee should have is; Time Management. Missing deadlines, not meeting your KPIs, can be attributed to poor time management skills. Time management skills will take every employee far in life; both personal and professional.

It is crucial that every employee masters the art of time management in order to get more work done in less time.

Below are some techniques that could help every employee to effectively manage their time in order to boost their productivity at their workplace;

  1. Prioritize your tasks: There should be an effective communication between supervisors and their teams to help them attend to and complete tasks with the highest priority first. Priorities should align properly with the unit/department/division and company goals.
  • Delegate tasks: Delegating tasks is not only about assigning tasks, supervisors should always make sure to explain in details the job duties and responsibilities to their teams, provide every necessary resources, and monitor their progress. This process would help each employees reach their assigned goals.
  • Set goals: Employees should set daily, weekly, and monthly goals for themselves and timeline for the completion of each goals should be set. Your goals must be S.M.A.R.T, i.e., specific, measureable, attainable, relevant, time-bound.
  • Streamline: Supervisors should have a good rapport with their employees. Let there be regular discussions on how each employees can be more efficient in handling and carrying out their job descriptions/duties/responsibilities.
  • Take Rest Breaks: Every employee has his or her limits. Employees should take regular rest breaks whenever they feel tired or stressed.

In order to further optimize the performances of employees at their workplace, here are some time management tools employees can use;

  • Use Asana or Trello to manage and automate certain tasks
  • Set timers to remind you to take a break
  • Use a daily planner to create a schedule or a to-do list

Tips To Maximize Your Work Productivity

/0 Comments/in /by

We all want to close at work feeling so satisfied and fulfilled simply because of what we have accomplished at the end of the day. Here are some hacks to help maximize your work productivity:

  1. Write Down Your Most Important Tasks: It is important to start your day with tasks that are important to you. You can either choose to do the hardest task first, so other tasks feel easier or do the easiest task first to build up some momentum. Each morning always take your time to prioritize your most important tasks for the day.
  2. Check Your Email: Always set specific times to check your email. Many people are guilty of this habit of not checking their mailbox. Cultivate the habit of checking your email anytime you get a notification.
  3. Learn to Say “NO”: Many people do say this; “I always find it hard to say a NO! Well, only except for your boss. But if you really want to raise your productivity levels, you can’t allow people to order you around all the time. Therefore, always learn to say NO.
  4. Listen to Music: Everybody is different. Our taste or choice of music is different. Listen to music as it helps maintain focus and stay productive.
  5. Batch Similar Tasks: When planning your day, do make sure to always batch similar tasks. This helps you to maintain the same frame of mind for all the tasks involved and in turn makes your work process flow more smoothly.
  6. Plan Your Day Ahead of Time: Before your day starts, write down your tasks that are already scheduled for specific time, then see how you can creatively and effectively fill in other tasks.
  7. Get Rid of Distractions: When you lose focus, regaining it might be hard. Distraction is something that you usually affect the productivity of a worker. If you can get rid of distraction is several ways. It can be by shutting the door of your office, putting on a headset or earpiece, putting your phone on silent etc

At Credit Direct, we have ensure each staff productivity is tracked and monitored to ensure they perform optimally. While you are developing yourself, remember we offer loans without collaterals and guarantors to salaried employees. Its easy to locate us online. Loan in Lagos, Loans in Nigeria. We are your sure contact.

Ten Steps to Starting a Business

/0 Comments/in /by

You have had the business idea, so what’s next? It’s time to set up and start your business, it’s time to build that empire. Starting a business involves thorough planning, making financial decisions, and many more.

Note, every business is unique and you may need to refine this list as you go. Here are the steps that you will find helpful when you are ready to start your business:

  1. Conduct a market research: When starting your business, it is crucial you to carry out a market research as it helps you to find customers for your business. It’s very key to understand your customer base from the starting point. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of your potential customers.

To have a good sense of your business, answer some of these questions:

What is the income range and employment rate?

How many people would be interested in your offering?

Is there a desire for your product or service?

Where do your customers live and where can your business reach?

How many similar options are already available to consumers?

What do potential customers pay for these alternatives?

  • Have a business plan: This is a written document describing the nature of your business, the sales and marketing strategy, and the financial background, and containing a projected profit and loss statement. Creating and having a business plan is a key part of starting any business and it is also foundation of your business.

A business plan may have these sections;

  • Executive summary: This section tells your reader what your business is, your mission statement, your product or service, and basic information about your company’s leadership team, employees, and location.
  • Company description: In this section, give a detailed information about your business and the problems it solves.
  • Market analysis: In this market analysis section, carry out a competitive research which shows you the strengths of other businesses and what they are doing.
  • Organization and management: This section shows your reader the structure of your business, and the relationships and relative ranks of its parts and positions/jobs.
  • Service: Talk about the services you offer and the benefits to your customers.
  • Marketing and sales: This basically is your marketing strategy. The goal is to tell your reader how you plan to capture the attention of potential customers and retain them.
  • Appendix: This section includes any additional documents that you want to use to give your reader a feel for your product, marketing, services.
  • Fund your business: You need money (capital) to start any business venture. Take out time to carefully calculate the costs. You can raise a capital by self-funding, investors or taking a loan.
  • Pick your business location: This is a crucial part of starting a business. Consider your customers’ proximity to your location. When your business is located must be easily accessible and motorable. You might also need to consider the costs.
  • Choose a business structure: This defines how activities such as task allocation, coordination, and supervision are directed toward the achievement of organizational aims. The different types of business structures are; Sole proprietorship, Partnership, Corporation, Limited Liability Company, and many more. When selecting a business structure, choose the one that provides the most benefits and legal protections.
  • Choose and register your business name: Choose a name that you are sure best describes your business and protect it by registering it with the right agencies.
  • Get federal and state tax IDs: This is an essential document. You will need to file income taxes for your business. The Internal Revenue Service uses Tax Identification Numbers to distinguish between individuals, business, and nonprofit organization. Make sure you apply.
  • Apply for business permits and licenses: Get necessary permits and licenses for your business from federal and state agencies in order to be able to operate.
  • Open a business bank account: Open a business bank account as soon as you start accepting or spending money.
  • Business insurance: Starting a business is a smart risk, hence, get a business insurance to protect your business from losses due to events that may occur during normal course of business.

Need a loan to start up your business while still employed? Call us now on 01 4482225. Credit Direct offers collateral free loans to salaried employees within hours. We enable Peace of Mind.

Tips To Maximize Your Work Productivity

/0 Comments/in /by

We all want to close at work feeling so satisfied and fulfilled simply because of what we have accomplished at the end of the day. Here are some hacks to help maximize your work productivity:

  1. Write Down Your Most Important Tasks: It is important to start your day with tasks that are important to you. You can either choose to do the hardest task first, so other tasks feel easier or do the easiest task first to build up some momentum. Each morning always take your time to prioritize your most important tasks for the day.
  2. Check Your Email: Always set specific times to check your email. Many people are guilty of this habit of not checking their mailbox. Cultivate the habit of checking your email anytime you get a notification.
  3. Learn to Say “NO”: Many people do say this; “I always find it hard to say a NO! Well, only except for your boss. But if you really want to raise your productivity levels, you can’t allow people to order you around all the time. Therefore, always learn to say NO.
  4. Listen to Music: Everybody is different. Our taste or choice of music is different. Listen to music as it helps maintain focus and stay productive.
  5. Batch Similar Tasks: When planning your day, do make sure to always batch similar tasks. This helps you to maintain the same frame of mind for all the tasks involved and in turn makes your work process flow more smoothly.
  6. Plan Your Day Ahead of Time: Before your day starts, write down your tasks that are already scheduled for specific time, then see how you can creatively and effectively fill in other tasks.
  7. Get Rid of Distractions: When you lose focus, regaining it might be hard. Distraction is something that you usually affect the productivity of a worker. If you can get rid of distraction is several ways. It can be by shutting the door of your office, putting on a headset or earpiece, putting your phone on silent etc .

Achieving your Financial Goals

/0 Comments/in /by

Financial Goals are the priorities and targets you set for how you want to spend and save your money.

Some financial goals you might set as an individual include saving to buy a home or pay for rent, go on vacation, start a business, pay off debt, etc. When setting a financial goal, you must determine the length of time it’s going to take to reach your goal.

It can also be said that it is not a person’s ability to save that encourages him/her to save money, but the willingness to save forces him/her to do so.

For you to achieve your financial goals, you need to take proactive measures. Here are some steps to follow in achieving your financial goals:

  1. Write out your goals: Writing out your financial goals is the first step to take in achieving them. Because if you don’t write them, you won’t do or see them with your eyes.
  2. Track Expenses: Monitoring your expenses is key to achieving your financial goals. Do well to track your expenses daily, weekly or monthly. You can use expense mobile apps to do this and be determined to doing this diligently. Tracking your expenses is very helpful as it helps you to cut down on some unwanted expenses and in turn boost your saving rate.
  3. Follow a solid plan: Sometimes, you might be overwhelmed barely looking at a list of your financial goals. This is where creating a solid plan comes in. This helps you to know where you need to start from, decide the next thing to do. Know your money weaknesses and set out a plan to avoid or overcome them. Also, know your money strengths and build on them.
  4. Create accountability: Setting and reaching financial is not an easy task, hence the need to have somebody you can always trust to talk through your goals. Because along the way, you will need words of encouragement and some reality checks. He or She will check in on your progress and applaud you. What having accountability does is that, it allows you not to leave your dreams on your shoulders but also allows you pick someone to help you carry the load.
  5. Re-evaluate your goals: Change as they say is constant. It’s okay to have a change in your goals but don’t abandon them. Reevaluate your financial goals monthly, quarterly or every six months so they fit where you are and where you are going.

Getting Quick Loans are a sure way of achieving your financial goals. At Credit Direct Limited, we offer low interest emergency loans without collaterals or guarantors. You can apply on www.creditdirect.ng