The mood appears upbeat among Nigerian soldiers preparing to cross the border into Mali in West Africa.

The troops are preparing to join an international effort to combat Islamic militants who have taken control of vast swathes of northern Mali.

The BBC's Will Ross reports from Nigeria.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21060927

This Post has been flown to Mali.

Sometimes when you think about what Nigeria does for Africa you cannot but thank our forces and their families.
However, these efforts are mis-managed by incompetent leaders at the top and our retinue of militaricians.
As such, at the end of the day the countries we help out come out speaking evil of Nigerians.
Sometimes they rejoice when bad things happen to us.
We need new leaders, truly patriotic leaders.
But most importantly leaders competent and knowledgeable.
Who appreciate the world as it is and the true leadership role Nigeria can play if we get our act together.
Still, I say Up Naija.