Someone asked me the same question but it took me much time to give an answer.
So i've decided to forward the same question to my fellow Nairalanders.
What are you intellectual influences?
Lets hear your opinions.

Hunger could be the best intellectual motivator, especially in Nigeria where many find it hard to get 2 meals a day. Any other suggestions?

@Larez
I think i agree with u. But there is more to intellectual influences. Hunger spurs some people to do things( negative or positive), for some others it could be the need to break IGNORANCE( some people like to know what is new, what is going on around them, what new innovations they can project and other stuff that separates them from the crowd). Nigeria is tough but people are breaking new grounds, hunger or no hunger.!!

For me, part is exposure. I think it’s difficult for people to think above their imagination. The more exposed we are, the more we are able to convert and modify our surroundings / resources based on our experience.

@ Larez,

I do agree with you. Hunger will take you places you never imagine.

Femex, It is indeed saddening that Nigeria has turned out as it is today. Considering that we started (Independence) about the same time Singapore did, we have to realize there is something fundamentally wrong with the general state of mind in Nigeria. The rich do not seem to care about the poor, and the poor are actually their own worst enemies. A poor guys steals food in the market, and he is lynched. But the same poor are happy to be associated or seen with the people stealing them dry. They hail them and will die for them in political campaigns.

We should all do everything we can to create jobs, so people can begin to get their dignity back. It is my goal by God's grace to create at least 1000 jobs in the next 3 years. We should all invest in redeeming a Nation that is currently on the verge of being a failed State in the world community.