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Politics / Re: More Pictures From Labor Party Presidential Rally In Kano State by abeyraj: 11:40am On Jan 23, 2023 |
I don't know the reason Labour Party puts canopies in the stadium of their campaigns. They should start using halls for their campaign instead of using football pitch and then put canopies to cover it. |
Politics / Re: Governor El-Rufai Responds To "Two Million Man March For Peter Obi In Kaduna" by abeyraj: 5:57pm On Aug 15, 2022 |
But seriously, I did not see anything wrong in the twit and why he was reported by Obidient members. Are your people not sitting @ home on Monday? |
Politics / Re: "Osinbajo's Declaration Sounds More Like a Threat" - Nigerians React by abeyraj: 10:05pm On Apr 11, 2022 |
Guy, no polling unit on Twitter, Facebook, or any social media. To start with, do you have PCV? Or are you willing to vote? SATANICALLY666: |
Politics / Re: Lekki Concession Company Limited Resumes Tolling At Ikoyi Link Bridge Today by abeyraj: 12:13pm On Apr 01, 2022 |
Kindly tell us your State in order to compare and contrast with Tinubu Lagos. At least, you don't have a Tinubu in your State to extort you. Your State must have beautiful as New York. We are waiting for your state. HitSong: |
Politics / Re: No Governorship Election In Yorubaland In 2022 - Banji Akintoye by abeyraj: 8:55pm On Jan 01, 2022 |
Totally surprise that so called Emeritus Professor can be as dumb as this. Well, everybody wanna be popular like Cownu. |
Politics / Re: Victor Umahi: I Believe In One Nigeria And I Love President Buhari by abeyraj: 11:17am On Dec 27, 2021 |
Umahi is the best President in today's Nigeria. An achiever, visionary, tested and trusted. I love Umahi with all my heart � . I served in Ebony I in 2018. If you ever visited Ebonyi during this Umahi reign, you will know what I am talking about. GOD Bless Dave Umahi; GOD Bless Ebonyi; GOD Bless PMB GOD Bless Nigeria �� GOD Bless all patriotic Nigerian �� Wisdomkosi: |
Politics / Re: Onnoghen Arrives CCT For Trial - Video/ Photos by abeyraj: 1:42pm On Feb 15, 2019 |
orion7: Understandably. In PDP dictionary, corruption is democracy hence, fighting corruption is dictatorship. Typical PDP brain |
Politics / Re: Who Can Point To One Single Beneficiary Of Jonathan's SURE-P Scheme - Osinbajo by abeyraj: 6:20pm On Jan 17, 2019 |
Kalapizim: Don't mind him, I also know someone that knows someone who is her colleague in office. who collected 10M but now looking for NPower job after every brouhaha. |
Politics / Re: Who Can Point To One Single Beneficiary Of Jonathan's SURE-P Scheme - Osinbajo by abeyraj: 6:14pm On Jan 17, 2019 |
post=74837037: This guy bad no be small. But nah truth ooo. in a case like this, people will always know someone who knows someone that knows someone. lol 1 Like |
Politics / Re: Photos From 240MW Afam Power Plant Constructed By Buhari In Rivers State by abeyraj: 8:03am On Jan 16, 2019 |
Atouke: https://punchng.com/240mw-afam-iii-plant-for-inauguration-next-month/ 1 Like |
Politics / Re: Saraki Reacts To Peter Obi's Performance At VP Debate. Ogundamisi Laughs by abeyraj: 9:10am On Dec 15, 2018 |
PrecisionFx: Bro I'm sure you are educated to some extent. Kindly go and checkand verified all the data/figures given and you will see there are many false data and wrong figures. And "if you allow criminals to steal all inventories in the shop. There will be no shop" Prof Yemi Osinbajo. |
Politics / Re: Saraki Reacts To Peter Obi's Performance At VP Debate. Ogundamisi Laughs by abeyraj: 9:07am On Dec 15, 2018 |
Racoon: And "if you allow criminals to steal all inventories in the shop. There will be no shop" Prof Yemi Osinbajo. I think we should think about this also. My submission though |
Politics / Re: Saraki Reacts To Peter Obi's Performance At VP Debate. Ogundamisi Laughs by abeyraj: 9:06am On Dec 15, 2018 |
Racoon: And if you allow criminals to steal all inventories in the shop. There will be no shop . I think we should think about this also. My submission though |
Politics / Re: You Must Come For Debate, PDP Tells Buhari by abeyraj: 9:00am On Nov 20, 2018 |
is that Hausa name for Lola Ologondiyan... Just asking uniqueboi: |
Politics / Re: Senator Hunkuyi Formally Defects From APC To PDP with over 200,000 supporters by abeyraj: 7:58pm On Aug 06, 2018 |
[quote author=IllegalMoney post=70039587]APC zombies another heart attack for una today The tsunami Defection that will bury APC is coming by middle of August APC ZOMBIES just seat back relax and enjoy the Horror movie called Defection Cc NgeneUkwenu Cc Sarrki CC Madrid guy [/quot Don't you know he's trolling. Because nothing like this happens in Kano today. you can check it online |
Politics / Re: Femi Fani-Kayode: 'Godswill Akpabio Is A Coward And A Slave' by abeyraj: 7:40pm On Aug 06, 2018 |
Baawaa: bro you wicked ooo. Dont mind Bubu, I'm sure he go finish Pdp before 2019 |
Business / Re: How Nigeria Will Benefit From Currency Swap Deal With China by abeyraj: 8:15am On May 05, 2018 |
Very simple question. Can u propose another way out? ideology: 1 Like |
Politics / Hameed Ali Explains Why Customs Will Implement Anti Senate Import Duty by abeyraj: 9:26am On Apr 02, 2017 |
Nigeria Customs Comptroller-General Colonel Hameed Ali (rtd) has announced that the agency will implement the recently suspended vehicle import duties payment. According to him, the Customs has consulted widely with relevant stakeholders in the industry about the issue. Speaking in an interview in Abuja on Friday, he said the policy is not all about the revenue it will generate for government, but also for security reasons ”We want to ensure that we capture virtually all vehicles and tie vehicles to ownership because of the criminal nature of things happening in this country. “Somebody can pick your car and go and commit armed robbery or another offence because we do not have the data, we cannot trace the car to the owner. But if every car is tied to the owner, it would make crime detection easier. “I can tell you today that there are cars on our streets that have not been registered and there are people with different number plates in their houses. They just attach the number plate on any car they decide to drive and zoom off. This is simply not right. “For those of us who have lived in the United States of America, your plate number is your identity. Once they compute your plate number, everything about you will be reflected there. That is the position we want to be in this country. “We are consulting and we want to get to that level. We just create the level that capturing the data will be easier for us. The issue of verification is necessary because of the security situation in the country. “Also, there is the revenue aspect. You will not deny that we need all the legal money that we need in this country today. It is going to be tasking on us all, but the payment of dues in some country is necessary. “We need to understand that some countries survive on tax. It is only in Nigeria that we shy away from paying our dues and people question why they should pay.” https://www.nigerianbulletin.com/threads/hameed-ali-explains-why-customs-will-implement-anti-senate-import-duty.236232/
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Politics / Mixed Reactions Trails France Rejection Of Biafra by abeyraj: 11:32am On Mar 14, 2017 |
Mixed reactions have trailed a statement credited to the France ambassador to Nigeria, Denys Gauer who said that there is no future for the achievement of Biafra. Gauer told the Guardian, that his home country would not in anyway work with any group agitating for the division of the nation. He said France was working with Nigeria and supporting it as a country. “We are working with Nigeria and we are supporting it as the only country. “This is absolutely clear and I don’t think there is any kind of future for Biafra. They are part of Nigeria and Nigeria has to remain as the only country.” Mixed reactions have trailed a statement credited to the France ambassador to Nigeria, Denys Gauer who said that there is no future for the achievement of Biafra. Gauer told the Guardian, that his home country would not in anyway work with any group agitating for the division of the nation. He said France was working with Nigeria and supporting it as a country. “We are working with Nigeria and we are supporting it as the only country. “This is absolutely clear and I don’t think there is any kind of future for Biafra. They are part of Nigeria and Nigeria has to remain as the only country.” Ths statement is coming as a big blow to Biafra agitators especially members of the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the Actualisation of a Sovereign State Of Biafra (MASSOB) considering that France supported Biafra during the civil. Nigerians took to social media to express their opinion concerning the new development. While some declared this as the end of the Biafra agitation, staunch Biafra supporters insisted that I will not deter them from their goal.
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Politics / Re: Jonathan Meets With Sheriff, Says Party Not Factionalised by abeyraj: 9:54pm On Feb 20, 2017 |
“We only have one PDP and only one Chairman. Modi Sheriff my guy |
Politics / Re: Jonathan Meets With Sheriff, Says Party Not Factionalised by abeyraj: 9:43pm On Feb 20, 2017 |
SAS is genuine chairman either Fayose like it or not |
Politics / Jonathan Meets With Sheriff, Says Party Not Factionalised by abeyraj: 9:42pm On Feb 20, 2017 |
Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, Monday met with former President, Goodluck Jonathan, who declared that despite the problems in the party, it was not factionalised as being touted. Speaking with newsmen shortly after a closed door meeting with Sheriff, President Jonathan said the former Borno state governor is a leader of the party. “We are solving our problems. There are bound to be differences in politics. It is the way we resolve these differences that make us human beings and that is what makes us leaders. We are not factionalised. We are one. I have met with Sheriff. And I have met with others. I will meet with others, so that we will be able to do what is expected of us as a political party,” he said. Also speaking, Sheriff said he will not join issues with anybody, adding “if I go down to their level, it means we are the same.” The former Borno state governor added that he is consulting with leaders of the party, and would address the nation after his consultation. He said: “We only have one PDP and only one Chairman. We are putting things together to ensure that the party is united. We don’t want to have a divided house. We only have one PDP, we don’t have anything like caretaker committee.
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Politics / Re: '$1Billion Was Stolen Every Month Under Goodluck Jonathan' - Emir Sanusi by abeyraj: 6:57am On Feb 13, 2017 |
Omenkata: sorry bro, I understand your pain |
Politics / Re: CAN Confers Wike With "Apostle Of Peace' Title by abeyraj: 7:11pm On Feb 12, 2017 |
very interesting.... can't believe this |
Politics / FIRS Seals Peter Obi's Company, Other Companies In Lagos, Kano by abeyraj: 6:12pm On Aug 17, 2016 |
The Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) on Tuesday stepped up its tax enforcement duties, shutting companies in Kano, Lagos and Onitsha for outstanding tax liabilities. http://www.premiumtimesng.com/business/208700-tax-debt-firs-seals-peter-obis-company-companies-lagos-kano.html 4 Likes 1 Share
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Politics / PDP Will Never Know Peace, I Placed Curse On Party – Aggrieved Politician by abeyraj: 4:35pm On Aug 17, 2016 |
ENUGU – AN Enugu based politician, Mr. Charles Chukwunonso Odo has attributed the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to a curse he placed on the party. Odo, who had vowed that the PDP would know no peace, told journalists in Enugu yesterday that he was defrauded by the party in Enugu State. He declared that consequently, he placed a curse on the party after a 7-day fasting, during which he poured out his heart to God in tears. According to him, “I want to declare boldly today that the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is not ordinary. I placed a curse on the party five years ago owing to a grave injustice meted out on me. “In the 2011, I had joined the race for the councillorship position in Ogbodu-Aba ward, Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State. “The then chairman of the PDP in Udenu Local Government, Mr. Fabian Ugwu, had encouraged us to buy forms, promising that we would be treated fairly. I was the first person in Enugu State to purchase the form.” Odo, a Catechist of the Roman Catholic Church in Nsukka, added that “it later turned out that there was no election at all. They collected my money, put it in their pocket but never held any election. “I made several efforts by appealing to the conscience of the powers that be in the party to right the wrongs done to me but they refused. So, having exhausted all avenues, I decided to take the matter to God’s court. “I went into fasting for seven days where I poured out my heart to God. I placed a curse on the PDP and prayed God to sweep the party away with crisis. I prayed God to destroy the PDP. I am very happy today that the hour has come. Now, it is happening. “After the prayer, I resigned from active party politics because I saw PDP as a gathering of unjust people. Now, my prayer has been answered. I want to make it clear that I will not lift the curse until they come to me and apologize.” Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/08/pdp-will-never-know-peace-placed-curse-party-aggrieved-politician/ |
Politics / Re: Deregulation: Why We Should Support The President By Umana Okon Umana by abeyraj: 12:26pm On May 19, 2016 |
very gud analysis |
Politics / Deregulation: Why We Should Support The President By Umana Okon Umana by abeyraj: 12:25pm On May 19, 2016 |
Many boisterous and healthy debates have broken out on social media platforms and, indeed, other forums on the recently adjusted price of petrol. But quite expectedly, some of the arguments are grounded in myths. Here are a few and my attempt to burst them. The first myth is that subsidy does not exist. There is a subsidy when the pump price of petrol is below the effective cost. The effective cost is the landing cost plus the distribution cost plus margin. Subsidy is the difference between effective cost and the pump price of fuel. Landing cost for a litre of refined petroleum depends on the price per litre of crude oil. When government fixes the pump price of fuel below the effective cost, distortions are created. In elementary Economics, when a price is fixed below the equilibrium price, there will be a shortage and a black market will be created. The government in Nigeria was paying for the difference between the effective cost and the pump price. Government was therefore subsidizing the cost of fuel. Nigeria spent over $35 billion between 2010 and 2014 to subsidise petroleum products. The second myth is that subsidy favours mostly the poor.This is not true. By paying fuel subsidies, we were subsidizing the consumption of imported petroleum products. We were therefore supporting production abroad and creating jobs abroad at the expense of Nigerians. Besides, outside Lagos and Abuja and other major cities where the controlled price of N86 was enforced, fuel was sold at between N150 and N180 in the rural communities. The government guaranteed price of N86 was therefore a myth as the poor people outside Lagos and Abuja had always paid N150 or more for a litre of fuel. The reality is that it is the rich and not the poor who benefit the most from Nigeria’s fuel subsidy. Findings by the IMF show that globally the bottom 20% of households take only 7% of fuel subsidy while the richest 20% take 43%. Nigeria’s fuel subsidy at some point accounted for 30% of total expenditure of the Federal Government and 118% of the capital budget. It also accounted for over 90% of annual oil revenues. Payment of oil subsidies was not only not sustainable, it crowded out spending on core infrastructure projects such as roads, railways and power with grave consequences for the standard of living of Nigerians. Besides, the artificially low and government guaranteed and subsidized price of fuel was a disincentive to private investment in the oil sector. It is not surprising that although the Federal Government approved over 20 refinery licences to private investors many years ago, not one refinery has been built. I must however commend Aliko Dangote for his entrepreneurial acumen in this regard. His new refinery being built in Lagos and scheduled to be completed late 2018 will enhance local refining capacity. Rather than subsidizing the consumption of imported petroleum products we should support the private sector to build new refineries. Fuel subsidy also took a disproportionate share of dwindling foreign exchange allocated based on official rate. There was therefore an imperative need to free the resources deployed for the payment of fuel subsidies. Thankfully, government has made meaningful appropriations in the 2016 capital budget to upgrade infrastructure in the areas of roads, railways, agriculture, education, and provide support for small businesses. The third myth is that at N86 per litre, Nigerians were already paying too much for fuel. The facts do not support this position. The Table below shows that at N145 per litre, the petrol price in Nigeria is about the lowest in West Africa. It is now clear why at the old price of N86 the opportunities existed for arbitrage and corruption as fuel for which Nigeria already paid subsidy was smuggled to Niger, Cameroon, Ghana, etc, where there is no subsidy regime. Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Senegal and Mauritania have petrol pump prices of N185, N218.9, N228.85, N234.82 and N256.71, respectively. FUEL PRICES ACROSS WEST AFRICAN COUNTRIES No Country $ cost per litre N cost per litre ($1=N199) 1 Nigeria 0.72 145 2 Togo 0.8 159.2 3 Ghana 0.93 185 4 Cameroon 1.1 218.9 5 Niger 0.9 179.1 6 Mali 1.15 228.85 7 Guinea 1.17 232.83 8 Gabon 0.85 169.15 9 Sierra Leone 0.94 187.06 10 Ivory Coast 0.97 193.03 11 Gambia 1.25 248.75 12 Burkina Faso 1.25 248.75 13 Mauritania 1.29 256.71 14 Senegal 1.18 234.82 Source: GlobalPetroleumPrices.com Removing fuel subsidy will fuel inflation is the fourth and the commonest of the myths.While it is true that the upward adjustment in the price of fuel will affect some components of the Consumer Price Index, the overall impact on prices will be cushioned by activities in other sectors of the economy, upgrade in public transportation and improved fiscal discipline. Over time, the efficiency of the market will drive down prices. The fifth myth is also a fallacy. It states that if other oil-producing countries like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are paying fuel subsidies, why can’t Nigeria pay? Saudi Arabia pays out of a huge surplus after meeting the expenditure needs of the country. Nigeria’s revenue is not enough to cover basic expenditure requirements. We cannot continue to run a country that spends more on subsidies than on the total capital budget. Other countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Ghana and Angola already took the bold step to remove subsidies on fuel prices. We should commend President Muhammadu Buhari for taking a decisive action to deregulate the downstream petroleum sector in the face of dwindling oil revenues and the pressure on the Naira. Umana, an economist, is the APC governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom State in the 2015 elections source: www.thekillerpunch.com/deregulation-support-president-umana-okon-umana/
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Sports / Mahrez Wins Player Of The Year by abeyraj: 10:16am On Apr 25, 2016 |
Leicester forward Riyad Mahrez has been crowned PFA Player of the Year for 2015-16. The 25-year-old Algeria international has been instrumental in Leicester's astonishing surge towards the Premier League title, scoring 17 goals, with 11 assists, in 33 league appearances. Mahrez beat team-mates Jamie Vardy and N'Golo Kante, Tottenham's Harry Kane, West Ham's Dimitri Payet and Arsenal's Mesut Ozil to the award. Mahrez said: "All the credit is for my team-mates, seriously, and for my manager and the staff. "Without them I wouldn't receive this award and I wouldn't score. It's the team spirit, and I want to dedicate it to them. "I'm very grateful to receive this award - it's a pleasure. It's extra special because, if the players vote for me, it's because they've seen I've been great this year, so I'm happy." Mahrez, playing in his second season in the top-flight, was also named in the PFA Team of the Year. It was announced at the PFA awards dinner at Grosvenor House in London on Sunday, where Spurs pair Kane and Young Player of the Year Dele Alli were not able to attend because of their match against West Brom on Monday Night Football. Mahrez scored on Sunday as Leicester extended their lead over Tottenham, who have a game in hand, to eight points at the top with a home win over Swansea City. The player, who signed from French Ligue 2 side Le Havre when the Foxes were in the Championship in 2014, had an explosive start to the campaign with four goals in three games, including a brace in the opening day win over Sunderland. He scored a wonderful hat-trick in a 3-0 away win at Swansea in December - his first in the Premier League - and followed it up with three more goals in the next two games as Leicester clinched top spot and stayed there. Mahrez has continued to be an imperative part of Claudio Ranieri's side, playing off the right-hand side, and scored in Leicester's crucial away win at Manchester City in February. 1 Like
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Religion / Saraki's CCT: Guru Maharaj Ji Sends Powerful Message To The NASS by abeyraj: 2:50pm On Apr 23, 2016 |
THE founder of One Love Family, Sat Guru Maharaj Ji has said with shocking revelations emerging from the on-going trial of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct Bureau, any truly distinguished senator that is worth his name and accolade should avoid showing any form of solidarity with him. http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/04/saraki-senators-integrityll-not-support-maharaj-ji/ 20 Likes 4 Shares
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Education / List Of Approved Private Universities In Nigeria And Year Of Establishments by abeyraj: 4:39pm On Apr 12, 2016 |
This publication contains a comprehensive list of Private Universities in Nigeria approved by the National University Commission as at the year 2016/2017. The list is compiled in a serial order according to the year they were founded and establishment by different Private Individuals, Private Organizations, Private Business owners, Entrepreneurs, Churches, Mosques, etc. across Nigeria. This specific list is to support students, lecturers, researchers, parents and guardians any part of the Nigerian states that intends to apply for any of the Universities/Institutions to know the approved and accredited courses offered by these schools. PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN NIGERIA – APPROVED BY NUC S/N PRIVATE INSTITUTION YEAR OF ESTABLISHMENS. 1. Babcock University, Ilishan Remo 1999 2. Madonna University, Okija 1999 3. Igbinedion University, Okada 1999 4. Bowen University, Iwo 2001 5. Convenant University, Ota 2002 6. Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos 2002 7. Benson Idahosa University, Benin City 2002 8. American University of Nigeria, Yola 2003 9. Redeemers University, Ede, Osun State 2005 10. Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo 2005 11. Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin 2005 12. Caritas University, Amorji-Nke, Enugu 2005 13. CETEP City University, Lagos 2005 14. Bingham University, Auta-Balefi, Karu, Nasarawa state. 2005 15. Al-Qalam University, Katsina 2005 16. Renaisance University, Enugu 2005 17. Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State 2005 18. Leads City University, Ibadan, Oyo State 2005 19. Crawford University, Igbesa, Ogun State 2005 20. Kwararafa University, Wukari (formerly Wukari Jubilee University). 2005 21. Crescent University, Abeokuta 2005 22. Novena University, Ogume, Delta State 2005 23. Universiity of Mkar, Mkar 2005 24. Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeja-Arakeji, Osun State. 2006 25. Caleb University, Lagos 2007 26. Fountain University, Osogbo 2007 27. Obong University, Obong Ntak 2007 28. Salem University, Lokoja 2007 29. Tansian University, Umunya, Anambra State 2007 30. Veritas University, Abuja 2007 31. Wesley University of Science & Technology, Ondo 2007 32. Western Delta University, Oghara, Delta State 2007 33. The Achievers University, Owo 2007 34. African University of Science & Technology, Abuja 2007 35. Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State 2009 36. Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuoma-Nike, Enugu State. 2009 37. Nigerian Turkish Nile University, Abuja 2009 38. Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu, Osun State 2009 39. Paul University, Awka, Anambra State 2009 40. Rhema University, Obeama-Asa, River state 2009 41. Wellspring University, Evbuobanosa, Edo State 2009 42. Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State 2011 43. Baze University, Abuja 2011 44. Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State 2011 45. Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa, Edo State 2011 46. Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State 2012 47. Evangel University, Akaeze, Ebonyi State 2012 48. Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State 2012 49. McPherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ajebo, Ogun State. 2012 50. Southwestern University, Okun Owa, Ogun State 2012 51. Augustine University, Ilara, Lagos state 2015 52. Chrisland University, Owode, Ogun State 2015 53. Christopher University, Mowe, Ogun State 2015 54. Hallmark University, Ijebu, Itele, Ogun State 2015 55. Kings University, Ode Omu, Osun State 2015 56. Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, Owhrode, Delta State 2015 57. Mountain Top University, Ogun State 2015 58. Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State 2015 59. Summit University, Offa, Kwara State 2015 60. Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo, Delta state 2015 61. Hezekiah University, Umudi,, Imo State www.goodbooksafrica.com/2016/02/list-of-approved-private-universities.html?m=1 1 Like |
Education / Chief Awolowo's Letter To Chief Odutola Requesting For An Education Loan by abeyraj: 4:30pm On Apr 12, 2016 |
NEVER, EVER LOOK DOWN ON ANYONE , especially those one with vision and plans. Jeremiah Oyeniyi Obafemi Awolowo is unarguably the most renowned Yoruba man after Oduduwa; He was a man of many parts. Below is a story of his determination to acquire a Law degree. He went to study law after 3 children and a wife at the age of 38, yet he was able to achieve a lot despite the seemingly insurmountable odds against him. An interesting part Awo's life was a loan request of £1,400 from Chief Timothy Adeola Odutola on March 25, 1943 , (the richest Ijebu man in those days), Awolowo promised to pay back by 1955. Odutola did not respond to his letter; after six weeks, he decided to approach Odutola in person, his request was not granted. After writing such a long letter, only to be snobbed, It must have been embarrassing for Mr. Awolowo, but he never gave up his ambition for this set back. By the way, for Timothy Adeola Odutola, OBE, CFR, CON, the first president of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and one of the first leading entrepreneurs of modern Nigeria and a fellow Ijebu man, a loan of £1,400 wouldn't be too much for him but he choose not to repond to Awo's letter. By August 14, 1944 (one year later) Chief Obafemi Awolowo travelled to England, became a Barrister at law and was called to the Bar in November 1946. Amazingly, ten years later, by 1954 (A year to the time he promised to pay back Chief Odutola the Loan), Chief Awolowo was already a Premier in the old Western Region and already giving out Scholarship to over 200 undergraduates (First of its kind in Africa). Adedara Oduguwa commenting on this wrote thus: "Chief Odutola , am sure was ever disappointed for not granting that favour because Awo later installed him as the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu Ode when he was the serving Premier of Western Region. In addition, in 1956, however, a general election was called. Odutola contested on the platform of the Action Group and recorded an overwhelming victory. This was not surprising. He had fully become a man of the people. In 1955, he had been elected Chairman of the Ijebu Provisional Council. In 1956, a vote of confidence was passed on him, in recognition of his good management of the Council. He was also re-elected Chairman of the Council. In 1957, the same process was repeated. Odutola remained Chairman till 1959.” Surprisingly, the man who requested for education loan became a Premier (equivalent to some 7 states governor today) while the billionaire became one of his many Local Govt. Chairmen. They became so close that Chief Odutola was with Awo in the Action Group political party. What a life!" The major lesson from this story is never to look down on anybody. Treat people with respect, offer help when you can, if you cannot, make sure you let them know, and with respect. But for rugged determination of Awolowo, he might have been discouraged, perhaps Nigeria would have lost the privilege of benefiting from the contribution of a great mind as Awo. Please read the letter below, by Chief Awolowo requesting for an education loan from Chief Odutola. It is fascinating, long and interesting. Dear Mr. Odutola, I think it will be an exceeding saving of time and more business-like if I avoid all sweet preliminaries and go straight into the object of this letter and say that I am writing to ask you to be good enough to lend me a sum of £1,400 (One thousand and four hundred pounds) free of interest for twelve years. It is a staggering figure! More staggering indeed does it become, when it is realized that I, who am asking for this loan, have nothing in all the world to give as a security for this money, excepting my good faith and my brains which again are of value only so long as I continue to breathe the breath of life! Nevertheless, I here proceed to outline in brief why i want this big loan from you. And I hope you will be kind enough to sacrifice some time to go through what I have to say, even though, in the end you might find yourself unable to do me this grand favour. One great ambition of mine since my boyhood days is to be a lawyer, a politician and a journalist, rolled into one. I cherish politics and journalism as a career, and I desire advocacy as a means of livelihood. For you will agree with me that a politician or journalist who has no money with which to support himself and family comfortably, is like a blade which has no razor. Now, at one time, I was on the verge of making enough money with which I could proceed to England in order to pursue the object of my ambition; but I suffered a twist in my fortune, and I crashed. Ever since, I have tried without success to recover lost grounds, financially. But spiritually and intellectually, I have made appreciable advance in spite of towering difficulties, all of which have now been surmounted. As you are aware, I have just passed the intermediate Bachelor of Commerce Examination. Next year, I am taking the final B.Com. Having a degree is not my goal; I hate to be a government or mercantile employee. Otherwise, there are opportunities for me here and there to get a suitable and well paid job under government or one of the mercantile houses. As you know, however, once I become an employee of government or a mercantile establishment that is the end to my career as a politician and journalist. I have therefore resolved that under no circumstances will I take up such employment. That is just by the way. I am now thirty-four years of age. After careful thought, I have come to the conclusion that if I could raise a loan free of interest sufficient to cover expenses, I should go to England, this year and within three years, I should qualify as a Barrister –at –law, and also obtain with Honours the LL.B Degree of London University. In addition this degrees apart from giving me good backing as a solicitor and Advocate will help me immensely as a politician and journalist. But where on earth could i get the money? Who in Nigeria today could give £1,400 free of interest to help his fellow-man? J. Henry Doherty, Esq., of illustrious memory who did the like to many successful Nigerians is no more. But after meticulous, shifting and weighing, I hit upon you. I have no doubt whatsoever in my mind that out of the bounty with which providence blesses your grit and efforts as a businessman, you can well easily afford to advance such a sum of money. I have no doubt too that as a young and progressive man you will be quite happy to give the money for the pursuit of the project for which I desire it. But then, could you take this risk? That is the question. As I have said before, I have no security for this loan. Moreover, I want it free of interest. So that you stand to gain absolutely NOTHING in the whole transaction, except the satisfaction that by helping me to achieve my ambition you are indirectly or even directly helping Nigeria or even Africa. This risk becomes greater when it is borne in mind that I might die in the course of my studies or immediately after, so that, since I have no security or surety, you stand the chance of losing not only the money but also the satisfaction which you may cherish that you are contributing to the uplift of Africa. It is indeed a great risk; the greatest any man ever embarks upon. But, this is a big BUT, if I live, as I have no doubt I will do, you will not only get your money back in full, but you will, to the end of your days, have cause to rejoice that you have done one of the most outstanding and most philanthropic acts any human being ever does. Among other things, I shall make excellent use of the money while in England by breaking records in my examination. On my return to Nigeria, I shall strive to be one of the foremost advocates, politicians and writers in West Africa, and while I do all these, I shall make it a point not only to pay your money back in full, but also to repay your kindness and generosity towards me in every way I can. All the same, it is a big risk! So, Sir, I like you to think seriously about it, and see if you can take it in the interest of a young man who has brain, industry and determination to back his ambition, but lacks the money. I know we have never been close friends, but I have a shrewd idea that you may take the risk and help me. On this assumption, therefore, I proceed to the next and last stage of this letter. I shall not require the whole £1,400 in a lump sum. To start with, you will help me pay a sum of £208-13s-3d to the Inner Temple. I have already received an application form from this Inn of Court; and from the details forwarded, I gather that the sum of £208-13s-3d will cover all the cost of training as a barrister, examination fees excluded. When I am ready to sail, you will advance me a sum of £100 to cover passage, provision for my family and any other incidental expenses (NOTE: If I got torpedoed on the way, you would certainly lose this £100 but you will recover the £208-13s-3d). At the same time you will remit to a London Bank the sum of £491-6s-9d. It is out of this amount that I shall pay the university fees for LL.B course and for special courses in political science and journalism, when I land in England. This is to say, the initial advance will total £800. At the end of the first year, provided I make satisfactory progress in my studies, you will give instruction to the bank to honour all cheques from me drawn on this account. There will be an arrangement to be signed by me on my return. On my return, I shall require TWO years within which to establish a solid practice and build a good reputation. After these two years, I should commence to pay at least £200 per annul either in monthly, quarterly or annual payments. So that in seven years after the first two years, I should pay back the whole sum of £1,400. That will be TWELVE YEARS from the time you help me to pay this in April or so this year, then I should be due to pay the whole of £1,400 by April 1955. Now, as you yourself will see, this is the farthest limit within which I can pay the money. It may be possible for me to pay the money within THREE to FIVE years of my return. As a matter of fact, the sooner I pay it off, the better. But it is much better to be on the safe side in a matter like this. It is no making promises now which will be difficult to fulfill in future. On the contrary it is better to mention a period of twelve years and pay within SIX or EIGHT years than to mention FIVE YEARS and fail to pay within TEN years. Personally, I prefer that I should fail to get the loan under theses unattractive but sure conditions, rather than succeed in getting it under attractive but precarious conditions. Now, this is all I have to say. You have my request before you, and the reason why i make the request. It is left for you to decide whether it is worthwhile to take the risk of helping me in the manner outlined above or not. If you do me the great favour, not only myself and all that are mine, but also God and Africa will be grateful, I shall have no cause whatsoever to grumble or to blame you, FOR THE RISK IS GREAT. Since this is a very selfish request, I enclosed herewith a self addressed stamped envelope to be sent under a registered post. Obafemi Awolowo. www.goodbooksafrica.com/2016/02/a-must-read-chief-awolowos-letter-to.html?m=1
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