₦airaland Forum

I will never be ashamed of nothing; his name is OBJ and Mr.Superman's name is RIBADU.

My Name is Big B1, I can only control what I do.

No need to sweat this issue, the better days are ahead. OBJ is leaving soon, let's just me smart and elect the right leader to lead us effectively and efficiently.

If it wasn't because of the OIL SUPPLY, believe me, CNN wouldn't have been there.

Sorry, but I think stable water supply should be the top priority.


You remember? WATER NO GET ENEMY

Very beautiful woman, but Nigeria is not ready for her and she is not ready for Nigeria as well.

Therefore I think she should take some time out and take care of her husband. The man needs it, trust me.

Yes, they may be fighting for selves or for their people, the fact remains the same. This is not how to fight effectively. Things could be done differently and much more constructively.
It is not about just folks from DELTA area, it's about every citizen of Nigeria.

Every single member of this group must be prosecuted and brutally dealt with. It is not the way and not acceptable for any group to disrespect or disobey the constitution of our lovely nation.

The fight could be fought together as one and more effectively; but shutting down the oil factories and kidnapping expatriates is not just the way.

No doubt about it, I believe the Nigerian Minister of Information, Frank Nweke Jr and I'm very proud of him to come out like that swinging.

Nigeria may be currently down, but we will never never be used for media rating.

May God bless sweet Nigeria.

Forget OBJ for a minute.
I'm very proud to read this on CNN website. It shows that our pride and dignity remain incompressible.

Regardless of what may be going on in Nigerian, Nigerians remain untouchable and cocky as ever.

Don't hesitate to attack the oyinbos because they would do the same.

I love it and I'm still pretty much proud to be a Nigeria; eventhough the horrible cut was shown all over the world, but Nigeria will never be duplicated and that is why we are the GIANT of AFRICA.
Hey, we have oil and we supply 10% of oil going to America; believe me, it is a big deal. They want us and they can't afford to lose us.

When was the last time Ghana, Togo, Kenya, Liberia etc were mentioned on CNN? I can't remember.
Our problems are temporary and things will be back to normal very very soon.

May God bless Sweet Nigeria.

ABUJA, Nigeria (CNN) -- A Nigerian government spokesman on Monday accused CNN of paying for and staging a report that showed 24 Filipino hostages being held by masked gunmen in the remote mangrove swamps of southern Nigeria.

"We have evidence that some of these people were actually paid to put up a show," Nigerian Minister of Information Frank Nweke Jr. told CNN International about last week's report by Jeff Koinange, CNN's Africa correspondent.

"It was a paid job, and that's exactly why we are very upset about it," he said, without offering evidence.

"He had actually approached other people before then to do the same thing and his offer was declined. And he shopped around for more people and found those criminals who were willing to play ball with him and they put on the kind of show that they put up and which was shown around the world."

CNN and Koinange flatly denied the charge. In a written statement, CNN said it did not pay for any part of the report, nor does the network pay for interviews.

The report showed the hostages, held captive since their cargo ship was seized January 20, seated on white plastic chairs, lined up in a row.

As dozens of militants, dressed in black and wearing black ski masks, danced and fired automatic weapons into the air, the hostages appeared immobilized by fear. (Watch Koinange's report, and a talk with CNN's Anderson Cooper about criticism of it))

"The government is trying to get them released," Nweke said. "But to make a show out of it in the way that your reporter did is unacceptable and, to our minds, undermines global efforts in the war on terror."

Nweke said he and his entourage had recently traveled through the Niger Delta and had seen projects intended to help the area's residents, such as health clinics and the construction of bridges, but witnessed none of the scenes shown in the report. (Watch as Nweke tells CNN's Jim Clancy why Nigeria believes the report was staged))

"You can imagine my surprise when I saw the kind of pictures that were put out on CNN portraying the situation of war and crisis in the Niger Delta," he said. "There was absolutely no correlation whatsoever with what we had on the ground and what CNN International put out there."

In denying the information minister's allegations, the network said that the only money that changed hands was the standard rental for a motorboat and captain -- about $700 -- and the standard fee to an area freelance journalist for his help in reporting and translation, about $150 per day for three days.

CNN said it will send a letter to Nweke asking him to provide any evidence to support his claims. If any credible evidence is forthcoming, CNN said it would report on that.

CNN crew goes to hideout in Niger Delta swamp

Members of the militant group, who said they were part of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, or MEND, led CNN's crew to their hideout in a swamp in the Niger Delta. MEND has recently ratcheted up its battle to redress what it says is the unequal distribution of the nation's oil wealth.

Nigeria is Africa's largest oil producer. In 2005, it was the world's sixth-largest exporter of oil, but the conflict there has cut distribution by an estimated 500,000 barrels per day, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

The militants are threatening to hurt the oil sector even more.

"We are going to descend on all foreign interests in the Nigerian economy, either in the river or in the land," Maj. Gen. Tamuno God's Will, the group's self-described leader, told CNN.

He said his group -- which claims 200,000 fighters -- will soon launch "Operation Black Locust," aimed at key installations across the country.

"We are telling all expatriates to leave Nigeria, not only the Niger Delta, but to leave Nigeria. We will take lives, we will destroy lives, we will crumble the economy," he said.

Since late 2005, MEND militants have carried out attacks on Nigeria's oil sector and abducted dozens of foreign workers, releasing nearly all of them unharmed.

But in recent months, the attacks have become more brazen and more frequent. Two car bombings were carried out at oil company compounds in southern Nigeria's largest port town of Port Harcourt on December 18, and in January alone, militants abducted more than 30 people.

"The security situation in the Niger Delta region has deteriorated significantly over the past year," the U.S. State Department said last month in a travel warning. "Travel to the region remains dangerous and should be avoided."

Militants want share of oil profits to go to locals

Gen. God's Will said his group is fighting because few of the billions of dollars being made off the oil-rich deposits of the Niger Delta make it back to the Nigerian people, especially those in the Delta, home to some of the world's poorest people.

More than 2 million barrels of crude oil is pumped out of Nigeria every day, according to the U.S. Energy Department. International oil giants including Shell, ExxonMobil, ChevronTexaco, and oil service companies such as Schlumberger and Brazil's Petrobas have taken up residence in the Niger Delta.

The militant leader said his forces are in the middle of a "struggle for the liberation of the Niger Delta, the most devastated and the most threatened region in the world."

"Our fight is against everybody," he said.

Nigerian forces have struggled in the battle. The navy doesn't travel to the regions where CNN went because the waters are so dangerous, patrolled by armed militants in speed boats that quickly navigate through the shallow swamps, Koinange said.

But Nweke said the government of President Olusegun Obasanjo has made progress in the delta over the past seven years, building hundreds of classrooms and health centers and undertaking myriad road projects.

"We still have a long way to go," Nweke acknowledged. "But the point I'm making this afternoon is that we've come a long way from where we were in 1999 under the military."

I feel you on that.

Military regime is not the same as our current regime.

It's democracy era, my friend.

No need to point finger and no need to continue to look back; together let us focus on electing the right individual to lead this great nation.

Eventhough situation in Nigeria is currently very unpleasant, but it's not too late, there is definitely bright light at the end of the tunnel. It is up to the next president to rejuvenate the standard of our great nation by uplifting our archetype and removal of all barriers that are  descending the developmental level of our great country.

Hence, it is imperative to be smart and vote for the right candidate.

In few years Nigeria will be one of the hottest countries around as long as people are willing to work together as one.

Sorry, the real topic has been deleted and replaced with "Let's pray for a better leader to lead us effectively and efficiently"

May God bless sweet Nigeria

Continuation:
Personally, I have never in my life seen someone as industrious (hard working) as Mike Adenuga.

His sojourn in the United States of America in search of the proverbial golden fleece has also added another exciting chapter to his impressive resume. Even though the young Adenuga came from a relatively comfortable background, he was said to have paid his way through school with money got from driving taxi cabs and working as security guard, at several times.

Adenuga is certainly no new kid on the block as far as entrepreneurial acumen is concerned. He had attracted national attention as far back as 1991 when his Consolidated Oil Limited struck oil in commercial quantity. He is reputed to have distinguished himself in the business of importation at the young age of 22! And ever since, Otunba Adenuga has bestrode the world of modern business like a colossus.

The man Adenuga means different things to different people. A husband, father, team leader, role model, benefactor and an entrepreneur par excellence while some would argue that he is one of the champions of Nigeria’s economic development!

A man of abundant positive energy and immense personal drive, Adenuga still drives himself around town in his choice automobiles even though there are drivers at his beck and call. Adenuga has thus also become a metaphor in modesty.

Somebody must be reading post from Nairaland Mansion

Some of the questions posted about a week or two ago have been answered. For people with doubt, please be open minded, take your time and read this article.


Definitely, a story of vision, courage, hope, passion and power.

An incredible Nigerian to look up to.

Otunba Michael Adeniyi Ishola Adenuga Jr. has been in the news lately on account of several patriotic initiatives.

The Chairman of Globacom made headlines when the company secured the sponsorship title rights of the Nigerian Premier League at an annual fee of N639 million for four consecutive soccer seasons.


In addition to the sponsorship, Adenuga has also hired a foreign technical adviser, Mr. Berti Vogt, for the National Teams, the Super Eagles in particular. The largesse includes a bumper pay for the technical adviser, accommodation in Lagos and Abuja and a befitting chauffer-driven car. The Super Eagles are presently preparing for the 2008 Nations Cup in Ghana and the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.


Globacom’s life-line has raised the sponsorship of the Nigerian premier League to the highest in the African continent and has won President Obasanjo’s commendation and a special recognition from the Confederation of African Football, CAF. Little wonder that Adenuga’s image has continued to loom large in the Nigeria and Africa continent.


CAF has awarded Adenuga, the Pillar of Sports in Africa for his strong support for African Football at both national and continental levels. Adenuga will be presented the trophy at the opening of the 29th CAF General Assembly scheduled to hold in Khartoum on 10th and 11th February 2007.


Only recently, Globacom launched a new brand identity with the pay-off Rule Your World - a rallying slogan for catalyzing commitment to the company’s corporate vision by staff and a clarion call on Nigerians to take their destiny in their hands as they have the potentials to become the best in the world.


Globacom has also recently signed a series of network expansion contract worth over 600 million US Dollars with Alcatel-Lucent for the deployment of nationwide fixed and mobile networks as well as next generation IP/MPLS and optical network solutions. It would expand Globacom’s national mobile network capacity from its current 12 million subscribers to 35 million by the end of 2007.

This covers the Alcatel-Lucent multi-standard Evolium radio access and core network solutions as well as transmission solutions.


The Minister of Information and Communication, Mr. Frank Nweke Jr., on a recent visit to the Globacom’s corporate headquarters in Lagos, eulogized the company and its visioner for the company’s innovative products and services and very insightful brand positioning.


According to Nweke Jr., “Glo is an authentic Nigerian company. What it has achieved in the past three years demonstrates great potentials, great opportunities, drive for excellence and commitment to Nigeria”.

“Globacom embodies the Nigerian spirit and tells the Nigerian story – a story of vision, courage, hope, passion and power. The growth you’ve recorded is an evidence of the capacity of Nigerians to compete with the best in the world. I’m excited about the innovations you’ve brought to bear on the business”.


The 53 year-old Adenuga Jr. was born in 1953, seven years before Nigeria’s independence, in the ancient city of Ibadan, into the family of Chief Mike Adenuga Snr., a school teacher and Madam Oyindamola Adenuga, a successful trader and Yeyeoba of Ijebuland. Adenuga is a native of Ijebu Igbo in Ogun State of Nigeria.


He attended the famous Ibadan Grammar School, in Oyo State for his secondary education and studied Business Administration at Northwestern State University, Alva, Oklahoma in the United States. He also earned a Masters degree at Pace University, New York, majoring in Business Administration with emphasis on Marketing.


An encounter with Otunba Adenuga would reveal a man of uncommon intellect; a man with a deep passion for his calling; a man who has achieved as a personal mantra and a life that thrives on hardwork. From his modest office in the heart of Victoria Island, he oversees a vast business empire with investment in oil, banking, real estate, international trade and lately telecommunications.


His sojourn in the United States of America in search of the proverbial golden fleece has also added another exciting chapter to his impressive resume. Even though the young Adenuga came from a relatively comfortable background, he was said to have paid his way through school with money got from driving taxi cabs and working as security guard, at several times.


Adenuga is certainly no new kid on the block as far as entrepreneurial acumen is concerned. He had attracted national attention as far back as 1991 when his Consolidated Oil Limited struck oil in commercial quantity. He is reputed to have distinguished himself in the business of importation at the young age of 22! And ever since, Otunba Adenuga has bestrode the world of modern business like a colossus.


The man Adenuga means different things to different people. A husband, father, team leader, role model, benefactor and an entrepreneur par excellence while some would argue that he is one of the champions of Nigeria’s economic development!


A man of abundant positive energy and immense personal drive, Adenuga still drives himself around town in his choice automobiles even though there are drivers at his beck and call. Adenuga has thus also become a metaphor in modesty.


Although he has made giant strides in several business categories, Nigerians would probably remember him more for his timely intervention in the telecommunications arena, where he seems to hold the aces that determine the pace of play. Globacom’s historic introduction of Per Second Billing and subsequent crashing of SIM price did not only skew the GSM equation in its favour but has continued to hold a lot of implications for the fledgling Nigerian telecommunications sector.


Beneath Adenuga’s imposing physical stature lies a soft heart for his motherland, Nigeria. His patriotic adoption of the nation’s green and white colours for Globacom speaks volumes of his intent and deep yearning to see Nigeria attain its rightful place in the comity of nations. He firmly believes that only Nigerians can champion the development of this country as no foreigner would do it for us.


Adenuga can easily be described as the man with the Midas touch. The man has grown a modest saw mill business he inherited from his father in his Ijebu homestead into a modern day wood processing factory. And when the Central Bank of Nigeria’s policy on banks consolidation unsettled a lot of banking businesses, Adenuga had no trouble merging his Devcom Bank and Equitorial Trust Bank into a mega entity with the stipulated solid capital base. The man’s imposing edifice and corporate headquarters of Globacom on Mike Adenuga Close, Victoria Island, Lagos could easily pass for a tourist attraction.


Globacom has been adjudged the fastest-growing telecoms operations in Africa and the third fastest in the world, with an active subscriber base currently in excess of 11 million within just 3 years of operation.

A popular Igbo adage says that when a child washes his hands clean, he will dine with kings and elders. Otunba Adenuga has washed his hands really clean and is indeed dinning with kings, elders and world leader. Back home, he has been honoured with the National Award of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) by President Obasanjo.


Though a few may disagree with his enterprising nature and business acumen, one thing appears certain, and that is the fact that, when the history of the Nigerian nation is written, Adenuga would earn a chapter as a man that stood up to be counted when it mattered most.

According to a reliable source, Obanikoro was in DC area yesterday and he was very impressive with the way he comported himself. He seems to be focused and has the right material to restructure Lagos State back to the real capital of Nigeria.

He has a better chance to become the next Lagos State Governor.

Yaradua looks like a lead Beggar, while Jonathan looks like OBJ lost son.

But their scary appearance doesn't mean they can't lead effectively.

@GNature:

Unfocused Governor: Odili

CEO Governor: Kalu

People's Governor: Duke

Bravo Donzman, you got it right.

OBJ is sloppy and definitely not focused, hence he should be held responsible.

I'm hoping to be there before the end of this month. I will let you know.

See, people refuse to understand that our main problem in Nigeria is encircled with Corrupt culture and corrupt system. Even within MEND organization, pretty soon the group will realize that some of their members are also heavily corrupt just like Nigerian leaders, who have deprived them of their wealth for many years.
Therefore the problem must be solved from the root.

Yes, they are getting a lot of attention, especially United States attention, which I consider to be an excellent strategy.  But as much as one wants to support this group, one should also think profoundly about the whole situation. Yes, these people are not being treated properly; yes, the wealth is not being distributed equally and many locals are suffering just like another citizen of Nigeria in Nigeria; but is kidnapping the expatriates and obstructing oil factories is an answer?  I don't think so.
We should think about the long term effect and the future of our lovely country.
Believe me, their goal could be attained differently and more effectively.

Furthermore, if this group is successful in accomplishing their objective, I think it will send a wrong message to other part of Nigeria and there will never be an ending to this type of strategy in Nigeria.

Moreover, I do not think this group will ever be satisfied even if the Federal Government choses to work things out with them. Hence, regardless of the circumstances, I do not think it is appropriate for any government to embrace or acknowledge this type of strategy from any group.

We should never never bargain with terrorists or kidnappers; once we bargain with them, it gives them sense of purpose and they will never never go away. It will always be something after another and it will also send a wrong message to other potential terrorist groups all around the country.

The Federal Government should be firm and do the right thing by developing this area, but at the same time must also develop an effective strategy to disable this type of group once and for all.
Nigeria is a great nation with laws, hence it is time to reinforce and empower our constitution. Each and every single member of this group must be prosecuted.

Just because things are not going your way doesn't permit you to disobey or disrespect the law of the nation; they should be brutally dealt with.
Together as one, we should never never condone such behavior from any group. We are one and we can fight this war together the right way; we must respect ourselves and we must respect the law of our nation.

May God bless Sweet Nigeria.

So how come Mr.Duke's latest ambition did not go far, if he's such a charming governor and a magician?

Yes, as a governor of Calabar, is doing alright, but don't come here to preach to us that he is squeaky clean.  Totally rubbish!

Do you know anything about state contract in Nigeria?
Who are these contractors?
How come their initial contract estimation is always wrong or incorrect.

I hate when folks talk about things they truly do not understand.

We have 3 types of Governors in Nigeria:

1. Unfocused Governor:
He doesn't care about his state and doesn't know much about his job description or any state social and economic development. His main purpose is to accumulate wealth for self, family and friends.
Governors like this do not have any connection what so ever with locals and usually get exposed sooner or later.
Rating: 97% corrupt

2. CEO Governor:
He was already a very rich man with several successful businesses before he became the governor. This position to him is a continuation of business as usual. He cares about the people and the state, but the business still comes first. Governors like this have loyal supporters and it is also very difficult to implicate them as corrupt individual because of their financial status prior to holding the position.
Rating: 75% corrupt

3. People's Governor:
He's very charismatic, good looking, not too rich but loves people. The interpersonal skill is untouchable, very articulate, sweet and respectful. He understands poverty and sincerely wants to help his people. Corruption is not his main focus.
Governors like this are not too rich, but have extremely loyal supporters behind them. They usually do a lot for their people and state. It is also a challenging task to implicate them as corrupt governors, because of their major accomplishments for their people and states.
Furthermore, people tend not to focus on negatives and only want their governor's positive accomplishment advertised.
Rating: 55% corrupt

At the end of the day, all 3 governors are guilty of the same crime.


Which one is your governor?

@LePhilippe:

My friend, enjoy the rest of the weekend.

@LePhilippe:

Hey my friend,
it takes some people many years to know who they are, while it takes others less. I guess I consider myself to be lucky

FYI: There is absolutely no reason for me to apple-polish myself; it's not my style.

@LePhilippe:

Big b1 is a fine Nigerian who craves for nothing but better Nigeria.

A simple individual who uses his mind and soul effectively

A sweet heart who is sometimes presumptuous, but at the same time very loving and very respectful.

A man who is determined and totally committed to fighting for the underdogs and underprivileged.

Finally, a spiritual body who understands that there is only one and only king.

I hope your question is answered, my friend.

@Mckren:

Amazing and unbelievable; what does big b1's family got to do with this discussion?

I've said this before and I will say it again; my views on things and love for Nigeria are totally sincere.

Let's stay focused, guys.

You tell me

Believe me, Yaradua as the next president doesn't guarantee any protection for OBJ.
And this will be his biggest mistake.

Yaradua and others see OBJ as co-worker and nothing more, while they see folks like IBB, Buhari and even Atiku as family; and in most cases family will never deceive family.

I think eventually OBJ will be fine after retirement, but many are ready for him. He will be humiliated, isolated and disgraced. After May 2007, many won't even answer phone calls from OBJ.

OBJ has used and betrayed many important people, especially the ones that were there for him when the tunnel was very dark.

Just look out, folks can't wait; and believe me, he's well aware, and this is also the main reason why he's paranoid and scared to leave and the main purpose of the implementation of 3rd term notion.

I've said it before and I will say it again; Mr.Duke is a fine man, an incredible representative of Nigerian boys scout, but not ready for this major step and he knew this fact from day one.

He has done well for himself by putting his name out there. Now he has to clean up his nose or keep his nose clean for the next election (2011), may be someone will pick him up to be a running mate. Anything else will be uncivilized, no disrespect.

Running things in Cross River State is not the same as ruling the nation; hence folks should stop crying and put end to this unfeasible dream.

FACT:
Do you guys know that it is extremely easier for any governor to steal government fund compare to any other government officials?
Do you guys know that every single governor in Nigeria has not one, not two, but many bones in his closet?
And this is one of the reasons why EFCC is gradually becoming the joke of the century, because people know, believe me, they know the truth.
There is no clean fish in the pond, they are all infested with the dirty water

See, this is one of our problems in Nigeria; we are so quick to judge one another and so quick to rush into an inconclusive conclusion.
Mariory, just few hours with me will totally change your atitude and perception toward me.

Are you saying OBJ was rigged into Aso Rock?