₦airaland Forum

Text Editor - Notepad++ (Textpad is not bad either).
IDE - Eclipse. It really depends on the Job. Some clients require us to use RAD, but most Java IT shops have moved to the much lighter Eclipse.

I'd suggest you take the teaching job for now. Then use that extra time to learn something like computer programming. Automation is the wave of the future. And Nigeria is ripe for it. One of the highest paying jobs there in Naija (even here in the US) is software development/programming. You can do all the learning on your own for free via the internet. The teaching job will allow you to put the time required into it. Yes, programming is not easy, however, it pays very well. Part of my own job is to automate a lot of tasks that all those bank tellers are doing. Pretty soon, there will be no need for those folks in the bank (just like it is here). You will rarely see more than 1 or 2 tellers in the banks here int he USA. And you will rarely see a customer in any bank. Everything they do has been automated. I expect Nigeria to get there soon. And programmers will continue to be in high demand there.

Good luck with whatever choice you make.

Changing the shocks is not a common occurrence here at all. May be on a car that has been driven hard a lot and has lots of miles. Let me give you a scenario. A friend of mine bought a brand new 2010 Acura MDX and shipped it straight to Nigeria with only 47 miles on it. In early 2013 his shocks were gone! He was in town and went to the Acura dealership to inquire about the shocks. The service guy said it's absolutely impossible for the car to need shocks. He said unless may be the car was dropped from a 4 story building and landing on its tires. Of coruse, he was not aware that the car was being used in Nigeria until my friend explained to him. The sales guy just could not believe it. Of course, they do not carry such items in stock, so they had to order it. The roads are just so bad in Nigeria. I can't even imagine enjoying a luxury car there.

Toppytek:
@franknetter how often do you change the shock absorber of your car over there compared to the frequent changing of shock absorber cos of the road irregularities here in Nigeria. Cos I learnt the main problem car suspension system is Nigeria is our poor road network. i guess there is no availability of "Tokunbo" spare parts over there. Lol

That 3rd picture looks like Lakeshore drive. I used to work in that second building from the right (the 3rd picture). Working our of the Northwest suburbs now. I see you are really enjoying Chi-Town.

FrankNetter:
O boy, yankee fine!

They both have weight. You need a degree first to give you a solid understanding of the underlying principles. Then you can do certain certifications depending on area of specialization. At least that's the way I see if here in the USA. For example, my area of specialization is Java. So I have a number of certifications in Java. However, I also have a degree in software development. You can't go wrong with both.

I concur. The prices will come down with time. Since the purchaseing power of those changing $ has been reduced, they will not purchase at teh currently inflated prices. hence, the demand will fall, causing sellers to adjust their prices downwards. It will take some time, but it will come down. It's basic supply/demand.

spyder880:
Good morning bro, I think the problem is just as it is in every other Nigerian sector. Things are not working the way it is supposed to.

My knowledge of economics taught me that the price mechanism is a process controlled by the market forces of demand and supply. Where demand outstrips supply, price should rise, and vice versa.

But due to the wide swings and suddenness of the rise of all materials in this country, everything cannot return to normal immediately. Take for instance the man who imported his materials the time dollars was selling at N520, and is just bringing his goods in now dollars are seriously going down in value, he cannot afford to bring down his prices or he will take a big loss. It will take time for the prices to return to normal.

I am encouraged by the rapid drop in iron bars. That one continued to crash all through last week.

The prices will all come down with time, as newer dealers try to get more customers, and we pray for some stability in the economy so we can get a steady price for many of our materials.

Obviously this is someone else's story and the OP posted the source. So why are people asking him questions, rather than clicking on the source and actually ask the person whose story it is?

Can you remove the sim and put it in another phone that you may not be using. Leave the phone on of course. Then any call that comes in, you can call the number back and see if it's the owner or at least someone that knows how to get in touch with the owner.

Yeah. But it's still a good start. At least for banks/financial instutions. The problem with Nigeria is that there is no way to UNIQELY identify an entity. So, the banks have initiated that, so that an entity is uniqely identified accross all banks. Of course, a lot of folks do not even have bank accounts, so their own biometric information is not even captured. A friend of mine (used to be a software developer here with Microsoft) has got a good start on the credit reporting thing there in Naija. http://www.creditregistry.com/ He did say there are other credit companies as well. Before the BVN even came into the picture, We've discussed the possibility of such a thing in Nigeria. Little by little, naija will get there.

I believe MTN was even able to leverage the BVN info to register sim cards.

mavverick:
I see a missed opportunity with the BVN thing. I hope one day everyone gets a credit profile in Nigeria.

These are nice points for the most part. I especially like the ones about having a good design, not building on watter logged area, and no overbuilding. A duplex is not a must, especially for a small family, of say 4 or 5.

I have been using rebtel (a little expensive now though) for at least 8 years or more. I also use localphone.com. I also use callcentric (their rates are still ok) for forwarding my US number to my MTN when I am in Naija. So, I am quite familiar. The Naija numbers are all programmed on our phones, so that the US localphone/rebtel number is called. It's just that wifey saw a missed call from my mom, and insted of calling the rebtel number programmed for her, she mistakenly just clicked on the missed call, and that dialed direct of course. Rebtel is the most expensive right now. So, I have removed my auto-topup option. Will just use localphone/callcentric for now.

Empiree:
You can save yourself this type of mistake by using rebtel. I used to make same mistake

Yeah! I noticed our last AT&T bill was about $30 more than normal. So, I figured something was wrong, and decided to look at the bill closer. Well, wifey called my mom back in Naija derectly by mistake, when she saw the missed call. Thank God the call only lasted 7 minutes. Yes, it's $4/min to call Naija directly on AT&T...highway robbery!

EgunMogaji:
I just have to remember not to dial naija direct on ATT by mistake

Are you still experiencing this issue? No problem sending txt to Nigeria in my AT&T line. Also, I just sent a txt to my MTN line sitting right next to me in another phone, and it came through instantly. Sending international texts are free on all AT&T mobile share value plans btw.

EgunMogaji:
Questions for USA folks.

Are you using a service to send text messages to Nigeria? For some reason I'm not able to send text messages to Nigeria on AT&T.

Thanks.

Correct. A green card holder can not stay outside the US for more than 12 months at a time. So if you go back to Naija, you have to come back to the US every year.

aariwa:
if you stay outside u.s for particular number of months it will be revoked automatically meaning that you will have to start the whole process all over again.Contact an immigration lawyer there to confirm what I just said.

There is too much uncertainty in Nigeria. As you said, it's no telling when and if you will ever graduate due to all the unknown s in Nigeria. As mentioned already, you will still need to do your residency (4 years or more I think) in the US if you happen to get your medical degree outside the US. So, considered all these issues before making the decision to go back to Nigeria.

My guess is that the Abuja airport only has one runway.

hafizefizi:
This is a far cry from the standard of an International Airport. Many international airlines have declined to operate from Kaduna airport except from Ethiopia Airlines. I still don't get the complete closure of Abuja airport because of a runway upgrade.

As long as you log in with the same google account on the phone the contacts, calendar entries, etc. should automatically download/sync. You can enter contacts on any of your phones (IOS, android, windows), as long as they are all using the same google account, all those entries should sync between devices.

EagleScribes:
Thanks for the info. I have done this before but I didn't know how to retrieve the saved contacts back .
Please help a brother.
Thanks in advance

Congrats on the job! Good luck with your Drivers License test. With all three (Job, Bank Acct., Drivers license) in place, you'll start to build credit slowly. I am sure you are aware by now, that having very good credit is critical! The wealthiest countries in the world all have one thing in common. The all have a solid credit system. Credit is the key to empowering individuals, businesses, etc. Unfortunately, our country does not even have a system that uniqely identifies an individual/entity, so getting to the next level is challenging. Anyway, the BVN is s good start.

FrankNetter:
while waiting for my transcript, I applied for some jobs. I was invited for an interview on Monday the 12th (which I went for), I received a call this afternoon to congratulate me that the interview was successful. The pay is around $15/hr and they pay weekly via direct deposit. so i'll be looking to set up my bank own account pretty soon.

On Monday next week, I'll be going for my drivers' license test. Wish me luck

It's good that you found out that it was not the port. I was just about to post that you should make sure before taking it in for repairs. The probability of the HDMI port going bad is very slim. Only in the rare case of a direct lightening hit to the house/electronics (at least here in the US) have I heard of the HDMI port going bad.

I believe the medical degrees are the ONLY exception. And even those with medical degrees from Nigeria still have to do their residency here. Any other degree may get you admission (in most cases after taking additional courses here) to further your studies. Yes, it will NOT land you a job here.

Getbizzzy:
Your naija certs re so useless over there.

A degree you can not use to get a work; is that one a degree?

The only good your naija degree will be is to help you get admission to earn something like a second degree or masters; where you will start afresh.

You can never be hired with your naija degree!

Yep. You have the international version. So, you should get LTE on GLO if you are in an LTE area.

sammieomoba:
2pQ9120 for north America
And mine is 2PQ9100 for international regions
I think it will work with glo

Tnks

I agree. It's very important to state the exact model that's compatible with LTE band 28.

martinlucas:
This thread is very useful but when listing models of phones that can support Glo band 28 for 4g, it is very crucial to specify which variation of the model is actually band 28 compatible.

There are 2 variants of that phone. She was probably looking at the Americas model. Which one do you have? Somewhere under the batter it should say the exact model.

http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_one_a9-7576.php

sammieomoba:
According to gsmarena HTC One a9 is compatible with glo 4g
But I called the glo 4g helpline I was surprised to hear that the one is not compatible with glo 4g

No. Think about it...they are borders between 2 countries. So they will all be protected! Otherwise, that will be the entry point for anyone trying to cross between both countries undetected.

CanadianNurse:
Please are there boarders between USA and Canada that are unstaffed(not protected by CPB) like u can just drive in from Canada into USA without being checked? These are boarders I know and they are all staffed

-Pacific Highway
-ambassador brige
-Detroit/Windsor tunnel

I have to agree. The Nigerian school system has failed its youths! Certainly not totally the students fault. Yes, the students could have done a little more learning out of school. As a Software developer consultant based in the US, I have chatted with and just profiled a number of IT/Programming graduates from Nigeria. Most of them have bot even written 1 line of code. How can a Computer Science graduate not even write a line of code in school using the computer! Everything is on paper. That's why such degrees from Nigeria are paper wight here in the US. You have to start from scratch!

Another issue is the lack of job opportunities. There just is not a lot of jobs being created, to sustain the so many graduates out there. Job creation is critical. And it's not happening in Naija.

Well said. Very important to build for one's needs. I'm not competing with anyone.

lastpage:
This is the greatest advice anyone can give, for first time builders!
being one's first house, there is always that tendency for the "heart" to rule, instead of the "brain" with the result that we OVERBUILD!

Even if you can afford it, such sprawling "mansionic bungalow" becomes so unattractive to you in a few years time.
Its even worse if you are a diasporean!

My first build in life was a "massive" 7-bed Bungalow with a decking (where l hope to relax and watch the stars at night! )
I so much hate that building that l have abandoned it and refused to complete it while l built more modern houses elsewhere.
I hated it because l built it to impress/show-off,..... not for my needs and functionality.

First time builder should build "small and functional", you can even build for rent and then when you got more experience and are fully aware of your needs and taste, build something else.
You wont regret that method.

Dont be like me, take that advice.
But it is still your decision. Nice layout though.



Lastpage!

Shawls:
@Haji Mufutau55
I am glad this has come to the open forum... after we have tried to settle this offline. Thank you for your patience, Fash78.
I am sorry this has turned out to be a disaster for Fash78 and I. I have recommended so many artisans both on NL and Non-NL
before and I was never in this kind of swindle or absconded business. This has left me sad... Money is not easy nowadays.
I have recommended this guy Sova to more than 10 people and has done satisfactory job. I did not see this one coming.
We have been trying to locate this guy for several months now... but all to no avail. But I am still working hard on this.
I have always stood behind those that I recommended but this is the first time my name has been dragged in mud.
All I have ever done is to help the Client and the Artisans... never demanded any form of payback from anyone.
With this disappointment, no recommendation will be forthcoming from me anymore.
I have supplied all his pictures I have and all the known address but he is yet to be found, but he still pay for his crime.
This has left me perplexed.... and lesson to never trust anyone.. I will keep working on this guy.

I have not posted much here. Just followed the thread diligently. I am sure that will change once I start to build. Question for Haji - I am sure we have tried to contact this person through several means. Have we been able to verify that he is still active, using his number, whatsapp, etc.? Could it be that the person is actually really incapacitated, something happened to him may be? Just saying...

Have you tried these steps? http://247networkz..com/2016/04/how-to-unsubscribe-or-deactivate-mtn-play-instantly.html

Step 1: Dial *700# from your mobile phone.
Once you dial that code it will take you to option listed below
1. GAMES CLUB
2. Entertainment
3. Sport
4.News and Info
5. mHealth
6. Inspirational
7. Love and Life
8. Myplay Services
Step 2: Press 8 from your mobile phone once you see the above options, it will take you to your MTN Play subscribe services. For example if you have subscribed to Sahara Reporter and CNN News before, they will be listed.
Step 3: Now it is time to deactivate your mtn play services, assuming that Sahara Reporter is in Number 1 you will need to press 1. If it is in Number 2, you press 2. Just exit after those steps you will get your confirmation message that you have successfully unsubscribe from the Mtn play service.
That is the simple and instant way to deactivate mtn play. If you have any question, feel free to use the comment box to ask or let me have your feedback if it work for you.

bolorunfem:
please, I beg you in the name of God, the Most High, to HELP stop my number (08036568091)from receiving MTNPLAY that MTN fraudulently subscribed me to. To say it is frustrating is an understatement. I have done all I could to stop it to no avail. Please do help. Thank you.

I agree. This should help you locate where the phone is being used. It may not be exact, but it should be close enough. Here in the USA it tells you up to the street/cross street level. If the phone is off, it will tell you the last time it was on and where it was last used. You also have the option to Ring, Lock, or Erase the phone from the link provided. However, as others said, it may not be worth all that wahala to go looking for the device. Just wipe/lock the thing if you can. Good luck!

LaEvilIMiss:
@OP.

You can actually catch the guy.,.. as long as he has your Gmail account and has not wiped the phone. Even if he wipes the phone you can still catch him. forget the IP Address. it changes everytime


Step 1: Use Google to locate the phone or where it was last seen
Find your device using Android Device Manager https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/6160491?hl=en

This feature will use google maps to track in real-time where the phone is and also show you street level maps that you can use to isolate the area within 1km range. you will be lucky if the user is located within or near a google tagged landmark like a filling station, church, restaurant or government building

STEP 2: get your friends into the area and send them whatsapp pictures of what googlemaps is showing you so you can come at the criminal (or unfortunate victim who bought the phone) from all angles

It has worked for a friend of mine in tech.

My guess is that that's what the Telecoms governing body (NCC I think it's called) in Naija made available to them. Or the othr carriers out bid them for the other spectrums. Yes, a very rare band indeed! That's why most device manufacturers do not include it. I'm thinking GLO will try to get some spectrum on one of the other common bands (1, 3, 7, 20).

Reediano:
I guess none of them really thought Glo will go for such rare band.

But seriously, Glo made a wrong decision with their choice of 4g band.

henrydadon:
yeah but it not pupular yet..

and it damn too expensive..an average smart tv should be over 100 thousand naira ..

not too many Nigerians will be able to shell out that amount of money for a tv

The issue is not having a smart TV. The real issue is having the means to enjoy the smart TV (real unlimited fast Data!). What's the point of having a smart TV without unlimited data. I know slowly the phone companies are starting to provide some resemblance of "unlimited data". But that will not cut it. Majority of the folks in Nigeria (and a lot of African countries) still get on the internet via the phone, so connecting the TV to the internet will have to be done via a WiFi hot spot on the phone. I am sure Nigeria will get there slowly - The key things that will bring us to the level of these other countries are - Uninterrupted power supply and the ability to connect to the internet seamlessly. Heck! The kids do all their homeworks online and submit it. The course outline everything is online. They have been carrying school-supplied tablets since the 4th grade. So having internet is a critical neccesity here! As an IT person, I sometimes have to work from home and VPN into the office. So without the internet better be working uninterrupted 24/7!

We all love Naija, but these lack of basic neccesities are making it difficult to get stuff done.

ferhyntorlah:
We have such hand dryers in Nigeria oooooooooooooooooo.

That's one na confirm!

Na the toilet I no know oh.

Yes. these things are in Nigeria. I know MM Airport does. I have also been to a couple of hotels out there that have these. The one that got me was last August when I came to Naija with family. I already told them about the power issues before we left. So that they are not surprised. We got off the plane and I had to use the bathroom right away. So, before we even got to the luggage area myself and my son saw the first men's room and went in. There was no working light in there at all...pitch dark! My son was just cracking up when I brought out my phone and turned on the flash light. LOL! The oyinbo man and other person that came in did the same thing. Crazy! I saw the maintenence guy on the way out, he said they are looking to replace the light bulbs. na wa o.