₦airaland Forum

[b]Effrakata[/b]This guy must have been in a Zimbabwean prison for so long a time.

This is no topic!

Mtcheeeeeeew!


@ moniker(Effrakata) Kofi Olomide don spoil your head o

@Op

You are very free to build anything(house) in Nigeria but you must keep in mind our special circumstance/geography) and culture et al.
Function and practicality/use must be paramount in your deliberation/thought. Foreign inspired architectural aesthetics do not always translate very well in our environment. You'll certainly find such monstrosities everywhere in Naija. We tend to mimic/consume foolishly or uncritically especially amongst the "new" monied class residing in so called high brow areas of our cities/towns. It is no wonder that Nigeria have some of the worst/ugliest physical structures in Africa despite our relative affluence. Please, take a look around in Africa, you may find something more inspiring than American style homes that are not exactly attractive nor functionally conducive to our environment. Our local architects might be able to inspire and fire your imagination if you can find a properly trained one not mere draughtsmen/women.

yorke

Sure. . . Igbo for President come 2015 or else Nigeria Ceased to exist. . .period!
(R

@^^ President na beans or yams? I dey laff . A people who have no cohesive agenda nor serious organisation or serious political persons other than self absorbed individuals lacking vision.

Kilode?!

When we talk of integration, what are you talking about? The sub-structure. The sub-structure in the integration is that we are all Yoruba people, we speak the same language. Because of common history and heritage, our worldview and value system are the same. The aspirations of an Ekiti, an Ondo and an Ogun man are the same. They are ready to give everything they have to educate their children, so they can be greater than them.

Then we have geography. Because of these common features that integrate us, we can create an economy of scale in some of our economic endeavours that would improve our fortunes. But it’s not the same thing as political integration. And this must be made clear. Even if there is going to be any political aspect of this integration, it must be a recognition of the fact that the people must be given the right to determine who leads them at any point in time.

Once we agree on all of these, then we can collaborate. But when people say, willy-nilly, they are going to capture a state, I think that belongs in the realm of the past. We should develop the democratic mindset and let the will of the people prevail.

@^^ Waoo ! This man(Mimiko) must be one of the brightest new generation politicians in Nigeria especially in the South-West where every political jobber seem to shamelessly invoke the name and "spirit" of Awoism without the modicum of humility let alone having the inherent discipline of the Great Man(Awo).
Thank you Kilode?! for posting "an insight into Mimiko's political/economic thoughts. If only we had more of such Characters in political office/ places.

Ileke-Idi

Get real. The only change breaking up Nigeria will make is a "political" one.

@^^ Gbam+1000. Very insightful.

i wonder why some persons think dissolution of Nigeria is the end of Economic/business links. Much of the businesses in China are owned by Taiwanese businessmen/women, so too in other divided places of the world, Money and good intelligent business people do not discriminate. it does not make good economic sense to divest or destroy business assets even in so called "enemy" territory. The so called "enemy" cannot be so dumb and foolish to "cut off the nose to spite the face".

@OP
Well, dispassionately, if one is a member of the lootocracy and so called "happening" clique, there'll be a great incentive to keep "the "goose" that lays the golden egg" going. There is no need to do the fighting but delegate the fighting to dumb foolish majority citizenry of the so called country(Nigeria) of which there are many eager volunteers(idiots/fools) to carry out your desires albeit grotesque/immoral as it is.

@Op
Wretched persons and looters will always be what they are . Poverty and wretchedness have eaten deep into their being. They cannot empathise with the citizenry because they lack faith/belief in Nigeria and a modicum of honour/ discipline in their private life, let alone in the public sphere(country). They obviously must be having a ball and "orgies" on a daily grand scale .
It is a great shame for a relatively poor country like ours(Nigeria) indeed. I wonder what the budget for the RSA is, let alone the rest of the developed world .

Lexusgs430

One nigger can stand firm in a day and scam you of all your savings, capital, profit and all!

@^^ Hence I wrote-

Nigeria is not happening because of [b]our special peculiarities [/b]of "Get rich" quick mentality and attitude of our lazy, uncreative and un-responsive institutions(banks)/legal system.

Lexusgs430

Money lending aka loan sharks
It will never work in a country like Nigeria,
Reasons -:
Lack of companies that would credit check your customers
Lack of Proper electoral databases, to verify customers existence
Nigerian present framework does not allow for such
Etc etc etc

@ ^^ You may be right about the above but keep in mind that Money lending is as old as human-kind How do they manage in other Countries in Africa including(Nigeria) and elsewhere? Please do your research about our business/market place. Ask our Mamas and other business persons especially in the North, South-West, South-East and Delta areas as someone already pointed out. To succeed in Nigeria, you'll need to think differently, be very creative, intuitively gifted or have loads of "emotional intelligence" or empathy. Know your backyard very well(research)/local knowledge is the key. The so called global banks or big money lenders did not exactly start their business enterprise in a perfect atmosphere like you enumerated above. History of companies in those so called perfect business environments does not wholly bear/confirm your logic. Africa and the rest of the so called developing world need a different "Mind-set" and attitude and are definitely doing so in most successful places like the Gambia, Bangladesh, China, Phillipines, Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana.Money lending and Micro-lending is booming and successful in those countries. Maybe Nigeria is not happening because of our special peculiarities of "Get rich" quick mentality and attitude of our lazy, uncreative and un-responsive institutions(banks)/legal system.

nahinbdis

With the coming on stream of the various Credit Bureaus, the issue of unknowingly advancing loans to companies and individuals with bad credit has been larger taken care of. In Nigeria, I am not aware of any intentional lending to bad debtors except it is a loan restructuring.

@^^ I admire your optimism . If I may ask- Why was Mrs. Ibru prosecuted/jailed and the rest of them?

vizion

Britain is a not an ideal tourist destination for the Americans

@^^ How do you know- it is not an "idea"l tourist destination for the Americans? Are you "white" American who probably is of European(British) heritage? Please forget about your hang-ups as a non pleasure traveller/tourist. It is obvious that you do not travel for pleasure let alone "shop" without care or counting your pennies. Some people do travel and "out shop" everybody else because they have the money to spend without bother/care of price . Fortunately or unfortunately Nigerians are amongst the leading "tourists"/visitors "out shopping" most nationalities including the Americans(tourists). Britain is very much an ideal tourist destination for the Yanks even to the African Americans too .

PrinceK12

What do you mean that tourists don't act rationally when shopping? And for your info genuine products are not cheaper in China; it is the fake products that are cheaper in China. You are the one who should think about it logically. And for your info, clothes are not cheap in Arab malls; I have been to Dubai, and clothes are very expensive in their malls.
(Re

@^^ Please the topic is about relatively affluent tourists/visitors who do not care about price of goods and services. It is about pleasure seekers and shoppers(tourists). They do not count their pennies nor care about where they shop either. Not many Nigerians(Africans) indulge in leisure travel that much hence you are hung up about the "costs" or "price". Please free your mind from inherent poverty . There are many who travel to wherever without fear of the "price" or cost of the "shopping" anywhere they may visit. So called "fake" or "Genuine" products and "expensive" clothes in Dubai malls are manufactured in (Asia) probably China, Vietnam, India and Bangladesh. Even your beloved American products- Apple et al are manufactured in China etc. . Relax and do not be hung up about the "price". Genuine tourists do not bother about such mundane issues . They want to shop in England and Scotland to identify/make a statement or affirm their longings for everything British expensive or not . Perhaps you do not understand how deep the "colonial" impact holds on "WASP" Americans and the rest of the world. Tourism in UK is one of the most profitable branch of the British economy despite the[b] extortionate [/b] costs of everything- hotels to food etc . Tourists love England and her quasi history . Why do Nigerians still send their wards/children to Britain? It's cheaper everywhere else but old habits and "colo-mentality" are difficult to expunge especially if you have the money to purchase anything.

@OP, I don't do facebook. for me NL, is better and more informative

PrinceK12

Clothes and fashion accessories are dead cheap in America, and any sane American resident would not leave New York to go and shop in London. You obviously don't understand economics and business. I am sure you flunked out of school. Prices of clothes in America can go as low as 90% off. So why will I leave America to go to U.K. and pay top dollar? Go back to school, my brother. Nigerians do not have the variety in Nigeria as they do in the U.K. Americans have one million times the variety in America. Go and hate all you want. The truth is the truth.

@^^ I think you do not understand the essence of the report hence you are still flogging the issue of how cheap it is to shop in the USA. Everyone knows that it's cheaper(USA) but it's about tourists/temporary visitors to the UK and their "Out-shopping" habits. Please learn to read and understand the true essence of the topic and its import.

PapaBrowne, made some very important observations/points as to the reasons why it's what it is and for good measure even offered some insight and projections about business opportunities in such "profligate" tendencies of our people visiting the UK. It is not about how long you've lived and shopped in the malls of the USA or how cheaper it is relative to the UK. Tourists don't usually act rationally when shopping otherwise why would a Chinese or Arab travel at all, let alone shop anywhere else but in their own backyard that is infinitely diverse and cheaper. Please think about it logically bro

Mr. Globe

So how many Americans are in the Uk and tally it with the Nigerian population there. The writer is clearly on Crack. I'd have expected Nigerians in the Uk shop more than Uk citizens in the uk Rubbish

Mr. Globe please learn to read and understand the context of the "story". It's about visiting Nigerians, Americans and Arabs(short-term visitors) not about residents(Nigerians) in UK.

Kilode?!

This is the [b]time for us to work hard [/b]and bring foreign retailers and their goods to Nigeria

I am tired of working too hard bro, especially after looking around us with little results etc. I am not korean, so how hard do I have to work in order to achieve the minimum result in Naija? Our patience is running out- very "thin" indeed .

Kilode?!

This is the time for us to work hard and bring foreign retailers and their goods to Nigeria

You may be right but I don't envisage such rush any time soon. The savvy South Africans are most likely to "invade" and take over our retail market.

shymmex

Basically, things are cheaper in US than the UK - and it's obvious Americans would rather shop in their country, than spend twice the amount on the same products in the UK..

Tourists(Americans) don't exactly think in terms of costs/price when visiting their "ancestral" homeland(Europe). That logic does not sway their decision/judgement most of the times. Nigerians could easily shop for better value else where if "reason" or "logic" was employed by "out- shopping" persons.

ekt_bear

I don't even know if this is a persistent trend or a recent one, which Nigerians they counted when they did the study, etc.

It is a recent one and a persistent trend. Besides, it's a tiny minority of spend thrift and profligate Nigerians that are earning us such "notoriety". The previous large pool of "shopping" Nigerians have shrunk since Lucky Joe but the lucky few amongst his shopping gang, have upped the ante in their crass consumerism. Don't forget he ordered four presidential jets in one fell swoop as his first goal in office. The minister- (Dieziani) owns/maintains a Rolls Royce in he UK . They make the military look like amateurs.

Bloomberg[/b]the Business TV channel, today(o8/o5/12, reports - "Nigerians Out-shop the Americans" in the UK. The report also stated that the shopping spree is oil fuelled revenue. Nigerians achieved such feat by 32% over the Americans.

My fellow NLs, please make me understand and bear the confusion such "sarcastic" report on our much maligned and beloved country is about.
(1) Is it a report to be very [b]proud of as a citizen of a relatively very poor (Nigeria) is now "out-shopping" the Americans in UK?
(2) Is it that the Nigerians are back in their usual old ways of Profligacy of the military era or the bad habits of old never really disappeared?
(3) is it that corruption has become more democratic or diffused that every tom and mary can now afford to spend approximately £450 each conservatively against the Arabs who on average spent about £1000 according to the report.
(4) Is it the kind of headlines and pathetic "consumerism" we should be aspiring to as Africans bearing in mind the pathetic state of the country in relation to those countries we are "out-shopping. Please help me understand .
It is said - "old habits die hard" but have we not learnt anything or are we not aware of our parlous condition as a people? Please keep in mind that the "out shopping" was not for capital goods.
I will appreciate disparate views/opinions from knowledgeable NLs on such financial and economic matters. I am truly at a loss my good people. Oya cap28. Ekt_Bear, Gbawe, Katsumoto, Kilode?!, Kobojunkie, Onlytruth, Reference, Sagacious Sagamite -et al please help me understand some of our idiosyncrasy

Ufeolorun

I don't agree about our being generally lazy or it being cultural.Change all over the world has been championed not by the majority but few influential minority,we do have them but they are no where near the real influence they need or they are totally out of touch .
We all love pleasure,its human but[b] the real worry is the shocking total embrace of it by those who should know better.[/b]

@^^ Bro, I know that my choice of word(lazy) might offend some folks but we can't run away from the fact that a cursory look around our general productivity and work ethics is radically different from our counterparts in/from other continents especially Asia(India, China, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia)et al. We may try to emulate them but generally our spirit is weak or we don't have the natural resilience/discipline necessary for "industrialism". I am not saying that we cannot acquire such skills, techniques, and train ourselves to be disciplined like in those places including Euro-America. "Revolutions" or Champions of change are usually a minority everywhere but they don't just happen in an atmosphere of general/complete ignorance at times deliberate as it is in our society hence we always make bad choices at the ballot box.

^^ Well, as for pleasure being a human trait and desire, why then would the real worry be "the shocking total embrace of it by those who should know better" in our society?. They are products of the society and they have to live up to the "desired" expectations of the "people"/ society hence rarely do properties of corrupt politicians or looters ever confiscated by the authorities. It is like a gentleman's agreement that whatever happens properties or loots must be left untouched/never tampered with. Ibori will go back after his sojourn in England and still be "flexing" as if nothing ever happened or changed in his life. Bro, our problems are unique and quite different from those of other peoples of the world hence serious thought and radical action is required beyond mere hope that a small band of "enlightened" persons will lead/effect the change we desire. I am not exactly hopeful on the national(central)level but perhaps hopeful on the "micro"/state level if the people so desire to effect changes for the better. Somehow, that too is problematic because I sincerely believe that Nigerians are masochists who love pain, badness and ugliness around us. I wonder why?

@OP Pls can someone confirm if what I heard about Genny and "Half of A Yellow Sun" film is correct? I don't trust my source .

Ufeolorun

When you all stop tacitly blaming others for our problems [/b]maybe,you can quickly check China,India and Brazil. In fact China is enough-You only need to learn what makes your enemy better,copy it and he loses is edge then sink him further by adding your own local know-how to the way you fight back.
We have been saddled with shockingly hedonistic middle-aged men whose life revolves around instant gratification and we still think century old issues are still the cause of our problem please go back to your Lagos will die infatuation.

@^^ You may be right that we should stop blaming others for our problems. I am a little puzzled about your suggestion that we should learn what makes the enemy [b]better and copy it and perhaps with a little addition of our local know-how we may reach the proverbial promised land . Well, that's very doubtful because in my opinion the fundamentals are almost non existent such as "Discipline", Discipline, Discipline and some dose of positive self consciousness. You have correctly identified the "shockingly hedonistic" proclivity of our people not just the so called leadership or in your parlance- "middle-aged men whose life revolves around instant gratification". Bro, it's our "culture". We are inherently lazy! lacking in serious intellectual and physical rigour like the peoples of the countries you mentioned above. Please think about it. It is beyond simply copying/mimicry and grafting something we do not quite have as a "nation"/people presently. Our salvation is far off as we do not have a functioning viable Educational system like the countries you mentioned above especially China.

Definitely ;DYvonne Jegede with those eyes, lips,dimples, natural complexion and natural authentic corn-row . She's also a good actress.

Nnenna1

Questions.

I'm expanding my options for a second degree, so while I'm considering schools in the US, I'm looking into the UK as well (actually studying in the UK cannot be more appealing at the mo). Can a non-immigrant--an international student, to be precise--residing in the US apply for a student visa for the UK via the British embassy in America? Or, Does one have to return to his home country for this? What are my chances of getting a visa to the UK if I HAD to return to Nigeria? Responses appreciated .

@Nnenna1 ^^ You can apply for visa from anywhere you reside in the world. The idea of returning to one's home country is only peculiar to Naija because of obvious notoriety etc. If you're legitimately residing in the U.S.A there should be no problem. Information is free so why don't you ask the British embassy directly. They'll gladly give you the correct info that you need free.

As for being an international student, you'll definitely need (proof) enough financial resources to finance your upkeep/studies etc before they can consider issuing you with the appropriate visa for your studies. it is standard procedure I believe for every foreign/international student. Are you carrying Nigerian or American passport? That also will determine your visa status and perhaps fees too. I guess that won't make much difference pertaining to fees and upkeep in the U.K. if you are classified as a foreign student. The course and institution may also determine the potential cost to you which also may affect your visa application positively. On the whole, money determines your visa application for study in the U.K. than anything else these days. If you are carrying an EU passport then you don't really have any problem even pertaining to tuition cost except the usual upkeep cost that's inevitable for everyone student or not. I hope that I've been of a small help. Take care and have a nice day.

[b][/b]Kilode?!

@ Cheikh, bro, I must confess that I'm kind of surprised that Chinweizu is not very well known in Nigeria though..he's a legend in the Pan African afrocentric movement. Maybe I should not be surprised.
Generally, nigerians are not too interested in big political or philosophical ideas, even pan african ideas. Big ideas like marxism, socialism and all did not grow beyond university classrooms in Nigeria. We are too preoccupied with daily survival and we've never had a political movement based on a specific ideology. Come to think of it, that is kinda amazing for a country this large.

@^^ Bro Kilode?!, I guess he's not exactly a "showman". Nigerians are not noted for being "ntellectually"/positively predisposed towards writers let alone "challenging Ideas"(isms) Pan-African or not. We are inherently intellectually lazy. Only text books matter to our air head students interested only in money, BB, latest gear and silly cults. The so called opinion formers in Nigeria are not exactly known for any high minded political/philosophical thoughts nor inspiring oratory. Sincerely, none come to mind . Chinweizu will be invisible in a place like Nigeria because of our general predisposition for everything foreign(ideas) hence very few Nigerians are exposed to him, thoughts/writings of Amilcar Cabral, Nyerere and Mondlane et al. How many have bothered to read the full text of the Biafran (Ahiara Declaration). How many so called "Awoists" have actually read/understand the Great man's book? The size of Nigeria is an embarrassment when talking of "Ideas" of such nature. I believe that there are some individuals around with great minds/thoughts but the nature of our environment is not conducive for intellectual pursuits. Yes material poverty may have something to do with it but I very much doubt it. We are so neck deep/absorbed in crass consumption/materialism that it has negatively impacted on our so called Educational system too. We are sick as a country and the so called"Leadership" Lucky Joe et al are equally lost and confused too. It's a mess and very sad indeed. I heard a man Mr. Biodun Aremu speak on a TV program(Agatha), he sounded very grounded and inspiring. Take care Bro and keep on putting out the correct ideas for our survival.

@subterfuge

as Bro Kilode?!: suggested earlier, if you have the time/surplus income, you may consider crossing the border- head for Porto-Novo(R.P.Benin). There is a very inspiring place called Project Songhai(Porto-Novo) which incidentally is created and run by a very creative (Nigerian) catholic reverend father. Believe me such a place will go a long way in alleviating your pain/naija exhaustion. I believe that you'll come away with some inspiring thoughts and definitely reinvigorated/energised for the challenges of Naija after your short sojourn at the Project Songhai. Trust me you'll forget about Naija or be positively inspired while holidaying at the place. If you are single, Porto-Novo babes are positively disposed towards Nigerians and they speak/understand Yoruba too. It is technically the Yoruba speaking part of R.P. Benin. They accept Naira too . I sincerely wish you well and do not give up Bro .

@OP
Just heard today that Genevieve will also act in the forthcoming film whenever it's made . It appears that your campaign or post impacted positively on everyone involved in the production.

Nnenna1

^^^ that is actually the most frightening portion of the article for me.

@^^Nnenna1 why would you be frightened? Does it mean that you have never really contemplated about our existence as a so called country even economically(singularly) let alone holistically.
Tribalism is a lazy man's excuse for our general ineptitude . I am very glad that you discovered an enlightened thinker like Chinweizu to help expand on some of my own line of thoughts about us as a people/country. Thank you so much for bringing forth this interview/topic. I agree with him 100% on everything he said especially about the state of our so called "Education"

subterfuge

But on a second thought, can the Government of Goodluck jonathan mass purchase different categories of solar panels, for onward distribution to the general public, so as to divert attention away from generator usage and its attendant hazards as noise and carbon monoxide air poisoning and eventual ozone layer dplation over nigeria or Genegeria. Our many political sycophants should be educated about the ultimate efect of ozone layer depletion. Let them know that even the president will die too when he has to go out to public functions.

@^^ Bros it's rather too high minded/optimistic of you to contemplate such ^^ or expect the so called political sycophants and lucky Joe to think creatively. He is very much aware of environmental pollution. He's from Bayelsa and must have seen the effects of such environmental damage around him. They use generators at Aso rock too but perhaps theirs might be a little "noiseless"/high end. That's the naija way . It's also a status symbol so you have to re-orientate yourself. I sympathise with you and perhaps share your pain too . It is a national shame and tragedy.

Kilode?!:

I feel your pain.

Bros. BTW, seeing that you posted this four days ago then came back again to scream about it. I'll recommend vacation.

I'll recommend places far from Lagos, places where electricity won't even matter.

There is a village/town close to Ikogosi warm springs in Ekiti State, it's a small town with one or two manageable motels. You can rent a room and spend your day listening to stories from old folks or hanging out with local people in the evening after their farm work. Very friendly people, Very relaxing experience.

There are several other quaint towns close to the SW that will offer similar peace and tranquility with little to no generator noise and fumes. Many in the North, East and SS too.

I can list them if you are interested. It's all about your desire for peace and quiet. Most locals understand or just tell them you came to write.

If that is too far from Ikoyi, I have a few other ones closer to Lagos:

1. Visit the nearest catholic church/retreat or convent and ask to stay with them for a few days, very relaxing, very rewarding quiet time. Making a charitable contribution will help.

2. Take a drive to Eleko or one of those beaches Far from the city, rent one of the Beach houses or tents and pay those local boys to guard at night for a few days, just enjoy quiet walks during the day and relax at night. No need for electricity.

3. If your income permits, drive across the border to Cotonou, rent a small motel, visit the markets and walk the streets during the day, rest at night, There's light!

There are several quiet and small towns close to Lagos, Hanging out on the front porches with old folks at Ilesa was a good experience too.

Bros, I wish you well, don't let these people run you mad.

BTW, did you vote during the last election?

@^^ RFLMAO

Bro Kilode?!: you're definitely a danger to society and with the killer question it's something else
The Cotonou advice is actually very refreshing and an eye opener for the average Naija trying to make sense of our idiosyncrasy. I love the Ilesa advice too.