₦airaland Forum

The experience is actually life shaping, it is the best opportunity to learn how to live with and withstand people with varying personalities and attitudes.


The first few weeks in such rooms guys go through forming and storming, later you all become best of pals as we all learn to live with the differences, i must confess i noticed it is harder with the female folks.

trillville:
I don't want to argue for the sake of arguing. Your solutions put the cost/burden equally on rich and poor nigerians. This is not fair. Oil wealth belongs to all nigerians, well educated and poorly educated alike. The fact that we went to school shouldn't mean we should benefit more from oil resources when we add absolutely nothing to the betterment of society. Moreover, the poor voted Buhari in and his focus should solidly be on reducing the inequality in nigerians standards of living.

As oduahstates said, we are living in a false economy. Most nigerians shouldn't be driving the cars they drive or living in the houses they live in. Most of us make our living one way or another from oil. The fact that we are smarter than the less educated does not make it right that we benefit more from oil than them.

The western world takes care of its poorest by taxing the well to do. In nigeria, we have oil wealth separate from taxes as a source of income, yet we find it laughable to improve the standard of living of our poor.

I sound socialist and maybe I am socialist. I have seen enough in this short life to know working to meet the overall needs of majority of people is not only morally right, but also economically savvy.

Yes oil wealth belongs to all Nigerians, but your ideas are vague i must confess. Building houses for the less privilege? how do you define less privilege sef? if govt dey build house to dash people, you sef no go claim less priviledge. Ordinary to dash 5,000 naira to 'less priviledge' is already causing ruckus, because you can bet many employed people are ready to collect 5,000 as long as it is a part of the national pie.

Nigerias oil wealth is actually overrated, the moment you consider we are close to 200 million in population. 2 million barrels /day for 200 million population is not my idea of oil wealth. Bring out a list of the so called oil rich nations, and a comparison will make you laugh at the wrong assumption we are oil rich.

Reducing the bloated civil service at the moment without fixing basics that would spur SMEs growth is also wickedness on the so called 'poor' you claim to love. I opine that more than 80% of the civil service are level 10 officers and below. A level 10 officer earns less than 50,000 /month. If you sack these sort of people, lets say they are paid off handsomely, can the business climate guarantee that some can start SMEs to the point of survival and growth? I believe there are three top most reasons why most SMEs fail 1. poor power supply that shoots up cost of doing business 2. Very difficult access to credit facilities 3. Weak knowledge of the business . Govt should put extra focus on the first two at least. The SMEs can create jobs better than the civil service can ever do.

The best way to reduce inequality is massive job creation. If you are nice , you will most likely have like 1 or 2 adults who are old enough to be working but currently have no job as such partly or fully dependent on you. When those ones have a job, you have a burden lifted off you, and you can get better value for your income.

Govt should strive to increase its tax net, there are lots of people who are well to do, under paying or not even paying. Nigeria's VAT is also one of the least at 5%, there are some countries with over 20% VAT, Ghana is a good example.

[quote author=subterfuge post=45291952][/quote]Why are you showing the pictures of the bad road ? to blame fashola right? Fashola is a sensible man, and i knew he would prioritise that road, before i checked his budget breakdown, i have shown you that he has it covered in the 2016 budget. The 2016 budget is yet to be passed, stalling a whole lot of projects. A former govt left that road in that bad state, common sense should tell you that.

trillville:
Enough of this storm talk. This post may be long, please bear with me.

I see this current crisis as a big opportunity for nigeria to right it wrongs and develop into a great nation.

All across Africa, countries have better electricity supply than nigeria. Why is this?

Nigeria has a huge income disparity between its rich and it's extremely poor. Why is this?

Nigeria is rich in multiple resources yet our people continue to suffer in abject poverty. Why is this?


People tend to say we have bad leaders or that our leaders are just too corrupt. I completely disagree with this notion.

Our leaders are a product of we the citizens. Does this mean all nigerian citizens lack leadership skills and corrupt? I think not.

What we are experiencing in nigeria are classical effects of the Dutch disease. We earn revenue from natural resources, hence our government doesn't collect suitable taxes. This makes people in the government act in their own self interest. This also prevents the general public from holding their leaders accountable for their actions. Hence the country losea it's ability to develop.

Seun posted a link to a financial times article about how Norway (I believe) escaped the trap of the Dutch disease.

How do we get out of this mess? Institute a policy whereby all oil revenues are used on infrastructural projects, savings and not on paying salaries of public and civil servants. This cannot be achieved in a few years. It would probably take over 10 years to achieve this.

What this government can do is replace civil servants with manual labourers. Rather than have people who do nothing, employ people to build mass housing units for the less privileged. This will spur employment for both skilled and unskilled labour.

It would be extremely morally wrong for today's government to ask nigerian citizens to pay any additional taxes to enable government to pay civil/public servants who do little or nothing to benefit the general public.

If government were to shift it'd focus to providing infrastructure be it electricity as opposed stomach infrastructure, nigerians may be more willing to pay taxes since they will be seeing the benefits government is providing. This will also make citizens hold government to its task of further providing infrastructure thereby creating a functioning system.

PS
I am a government worker and I travelled 4 hours to get to work this morning bring the first woring day this week. I got to work around 10:30 and still came before half the members of my office. How motivated do you think I am feeling right now. I have been writing this post on office time (using my private network though), yet i will demand to get paid and complain if payments are delayed through no fault of the government. I am indeed a nigerian civil servant.

Oh yeah, how practicable are your solutions?

My past posts will tell of my irritation with bulk of civil servants, i believe more than half of Nigerians civil servants are doing next to nothing, and if i have a magic button to fix that problem, i would press it without hesitation. Apart from education and health sectors that might need more workers, the other sectors need a net drop in size of workers. But can a govt yet to make appreciable impact at this very tough time start sacking workers now and not face a stiff revolt? How practicable is replacing civil servants with manual labourers? replacing doctors, lawyers , engineers, teachers, diplomats with manual labourers ? Do you know about NLC? Do you know this is a democratic govt and not a military govt.? Build houses for the less priviledge? like building and dashing houses to the less priviledge ? You see why i wrote talk is cheap?

Tough decisions govt should take. 1. removal of fuel subsidy 2. privatise the transmission arm of the power sector 3. Increase VAT from 5% to 8-10% 4. downsize the bloated civil service.

But before govt does the above, it must sequence it. Govt. should not get 1. done, until Nigeria is self sufficient in refining locally its daily oil needs. Number 2. can be done ASAP. Number 3. can be done when Nigerians can feel the impact of this current govt positively, possibly at the beginning of its second term tenure if it gets it. Number 4 can also be done at the start of the second term tenure if it gets it. The private sectors should be the one creating the jobs, govt should be more focused on ensuring the business climate is friendly in stead of creating unproductive jobs. SMEs are the drivers of the economy.

When i hear so much noise made about diversification of economy, i have argued the biggest diversification starts from 1. putting an end to importation of refined oil products which consume 38- 40% of our forex 2. Getting more megawatts to homes and industries to power the SMEs , and bring down cost of doing businesses.

moronic leaders

All covered in 2016 budget, i guess work should start soon.

Some of the major projects to be executed in the South-west are rehabilitation of Lagos- Ibadan road N50 billion; Apapa - Oshodi- Oworoshoki road N5billion ; pavement strengthening and asphalt overlay of Ajebandele- Benin-Shagamu road in Ogun State N6.5 billion; construction of Apakun-Murtala Muhammed International Airport road in Lagos State N5 billion.
Read more at http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/general/budget-s-west-gets-lion-s-share-of-projects/133692.html?fb_comment_id=978637905554615_979377238814015#MVBIZG8M75Gf007T.99

trillville:
So because there's a storm, government shouldn't build a shelter but should fold it's arms and wait for the storm to get over?

I am pro-buhari and will always be anti-jonathan but this administration needs to make tough choices, some not politically palatable, that would lead to a more progressive country.

And so what happens when you are building shelter in a storm ? your guess should be good as mine. There would be lots of exposed people, because shelters are best built before the storm, but in the event they are built in the midst of the storm, there are people that would be exposed to the storm. Weathering the storm is not the same as folding your hands and waiting for the storm to be over.

If i may ask what though choices are you recommending that the current govt is not doing. I think discussing about those ones are more important. The opening post wrote so much as to the problems, but left out suggestions as to how to improve. Talk is cheap.

That was bill clinton's catchphrase at the run up to the 1992 presidential election.

To the post, there are lots of armchair critics who have not identified practical solutions to our current challenges.

In a storm , you can only weather it, you cant stop it. We can only hope the storm doesnt last longer than usual. Wanting the current day govt to stop the storm is asking for magic , magic is purely impractical.

MrFairplay4ume:
Church today mosque tommorow! Little wonder a Yoruba Muslim will find it very very difficult to rule Nigeria.

religious tolerance in SW.

there is fallacy in the op's assertion. beauty /quality infrastructure of a country does not have a linear relationship with the size of an economy. Nigeria is 200 million vs South africa's less than 60 million.

All things being equal, China is set to overtake USA as the largest economy in the world in less than a decade.

chiteny:
Kai, this man can lie o. There is a sitting house of rep member who is spearheading the sponsorship of this bill. He had an interview with Channels two days back. Is Ekweremadu trying to say he does not know about this. This is how they deny till the bill enters its 3rd hearing.

dont mind the ekweremadu fellow, the HOR member even stated there are 3 of such bills , each with varying clauses by the sponsors.

the money must be dusty by now, but hey, it has not lost its worth.

With your degree in nursing, you are better suited outside in UK. Leave !

Change the 'round up' in your post to 'round off'

asha80:
what I know is that I had read a report that says to build a standard km of rd in the country on the average is 250m per km..now if we are to build this rd strictly according to this template we have to relate to the fact that this rd is a dual carriage way ( two times 250 for every km),the length of the road(. I dont have the lenght here) and in some parts of the ( the Lagos end ) is supposed to have eight lanes( 8 times 250 for the lenght agreed in the construction).

The contract cost for the road is in the neighborhood of 130 billion naira, i am nt aware how much has been disbursed so far , since the GEJ admin. However, the minister of works has chosen not to disrupt contractual terms of projects from previous admin to avoid long drawn legal battles and dip in investors confidence. 50 billion naira seems to be less than 40% of total project cost, and not really outrageous.

Pranxta:
I'm AS and funny enough I fall sick once in 3years, plus my illness may not last up to 2 days cos I'm always all about getting well asap.

Ironically, AS sickle shaped blood cells are better suited to resist malaria than AA. That explains your rarity in falling sick, when you consider close to 50% of the time when people fall sick in Nigeria, it is caused by malaria parasites.

ireneony:
white are racist just look at what they did to balotelli

how about what balloteli did to himself?

ventura:
Pls don't be offended OP, my intention is not to disrespect you because we all learn new things everyday. Pls note:
Corporation not cooperation
Portable not potable
Temporary not Temporal.

potable is the correct word not portable. Take note also.

He doesn't want to upset herdsmen na.

If those herdsmen dont supply cows anylonger, how he go see ponmo to cut?

Kk4:
Hello, i'm still having troubles paying WES with my debit card.
Should the billing address be thesame with the address on the account or where i collected master card?

are you certain you have activated your card for online transactions ? If not , contact ur bank.
Is it a MasterCard or a visa card? I presume both works, I used a MasterCard though. I don't think the billing address has got anything to do with it.

i have a feeling he has good plans, but he might expose the state to financial stress, he seems to be spending money he doesnt have, but time will tell.

It depends who hit the biggest gold reserves first. Their time starts now, Good luck.

double post

lalasticlala , dont you think this thread deserves to grace front page. If not, what do i know?

tobimillar:
When are we going to start seeing reprisal attacks against fulani's and their cows across the southern region and middle belt?

There are cases of such, when they are faced with resistance, they begin to appeal like below

At least eleven herdsmen have been killed in the last six weeks in some parts of Oke Ogun area of Oyo State.



According to the Fulani community in the state, the killings allegedly took place at Otu, Ikomu, Igbo-Ora, Iwere-Ile, Iganna, Ilaju and Ado-Awaye.

In a petition by the leaders of Jamu Nati Fulbe Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter, Alhaji Salihu Kadiri and Mallam Muhammed Salihu Kisi, National Chairman and General Secretary, respectively, the Fulani community lamented the brutal killings of their kinsmen.

Some of those allegedly killed are Sanni Musa, Saidu Abdulahi, Ibraheem Haruna, Umar Babuga, Saliu Rebo and Muhammad Usman.

“Natives, particularly farmers and youths, kill our people at any slight provocation. The common excuses for such brutal killings are that our cattle are fond of destroying their farmlands or disturbing free flow of vehicular traffic on some major roads.

“In the last few weeks, these persons have invaded many Fulani clans and settlements to commit their crime of serial murder with impunity. This has resulted in the cold-blood murder of at least eleven of our brothers whose families have been left in eternal grief,” the association said.

The herdsmen therefore called on Governor Abiola Ajimobi to do something urgently to prevent further loss of lives in the areas.

MirabelArode:
We yorubas can not fight the fulani, we must continue to taunt the Igbos. Even if the fulanis chase our fathers into Benin republic, it is the will of Allah! We need grazing reserve in yorubaland for peace to reign.

Only the yorubas have truly fought the fulani murderers to standstill.

I believe natives of lands should form vigilante groups, the fulanis have met their waterloo several times in oyo state.

Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi yesterday criticised the proposed creation of grazing zones across the country as ill-advised.

He warned that the proposal is against the spirit of the land use act and the overriding public interest.

The governor spoke on the raging controversy trailing the alleged sponsorship of a bill at the National Assembly for the creation of grazing zones for cattle across the country as a panacea to the perennial clash between trespassing herdsmen and farm owners.

It was at the launch of the ‘Agric Oyo,’ the Oyo State agriculture initiative, at Paago, via Iseyin, in Oke Ogun zone.

At the event were investors, outgrowers, beneficiaries, institutional partners, outtakers, traditional rulers and top officials of the state.



The governor said: “This is the time to call a spade a spade. Those clamouring for creation of grazing zones across the country should have a rethink. It is against the Land Use Act; it is against the law of natural justice to seize people’s land to cater for someone’s cattles.

“ Grazing zones could be created for those who are traditional cattle rearers in their areas. I’m not against that. But, you cannot come here and tell me you want to occupy our land for grazing zones. The land exists in our respective states and as such the right owners should decide what to do with them.

“Anybody outside this zone willing to rear cattle here will need to approach the state to buy the land and we offer what is available with rules. There is no free land for grazing zones. We need to take this firm position. It won’t happen .”

On the new agriculture initiative, the governor was upbeat that it would create one million direct jobs across the agric value chain thereby taking many unemployed youths off the streets.

Ajimobi was confident that the state would become the food basket of the South in the short run when the programme began in full swing, with the ultimate ambition of feeding the country.

The governor, who said that the initiative was aimed at diversifying the state’s economy, assured the people that the programme would add value to the lives of citizens across different sectors.

He said: “I am elated that the agricultural initiative has attracted these important dignitaries in the Agric business world and as well as a vast majority of our youths as beneficiaries of the scheme.

“This project will reduce over-dependence on oil, create wealth, alleviate poverty, encourage productivity, create jobs and bring about the overall socio-economic uplift of Oyo State.”

“Farming is very profitable and we will do everything possible to make it attractive in Oyo State to diversify our economy.”

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi and the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Abdul-Ganiyu Adekunle Salawudeen, in their separate remarks, praisded Ajimobi for the initiative, which they said was unprecedented since the days of the late sage Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
http://thenationonlineng.net/ajimobi-no-free-land-grazing-2/

Scanfrost:
We need young minds all this ministers r sooo clueless no vision whatsoever!!! Imagine pencils

Some of you have reasoning deficiencies and only flow with sensationalism.

Had it been it was one 59 year old zombie man that designed toy helicopter, you would be fast to be praising me, and say we should start from somewhere. Nigerians import millions of pencils everyday, and there is no inhouse production, the minister has identified a low hanging fruit, what is more important is he seeing it through.

Destined2win:
Can you imagine? And he was proud to tweet it

if a 5 year old started walking for the first time on his 5th birthday, i am certain the mother would be so proud .

Coldfeet:
That's what we get cos you lots chose to elect a dullard as president imagine pencils?

but we have been importing pencil all these years, how come someones govt. who wants to change the status quo is now the dullard?

This same man was canvassing for more states creation some months ago. All these two faced representatives sef, they have no ideology, but swim with the tide only.