₦airaland Forum

Keep your friends close and keep your enemies closer

ezeagu:
And how will Lekki Trade whatever failing be of benefit to Oka town? Nigerians need to learn how to leave others alone and focus on their own.

Foolish man who invited you to comment on this thread.

This Yorubas sef. GEJ was right- rascals and barbarians.

Lekki Free Zone: A dream gone awry
By FRANK AVAN
Thursday, October 20, 2011





It is so disheartening that the Lekki World Wide Investments Ltd (lwil) set up 8 years ago with so much high hopes and promises has failed woefully to live up to expectations. There is no need to look far for its failure, for simply put, the leadership of the company has fallen short of its promise.

Suffused with grandiose ideas and dreams of mega bucks, this leadership has remained just 'day-dreamers', lacking in reality and short of practical common sense, all too poorly conceptualized to result in any meaningful growth and members of staff, if clearly focused, are just stagnant. Its founding vision was that of a “catalyst for regional economic growth, sustainable development and diversification”.

Its mission “ … to develop a 21st Century model city as a global business have, attracting international investment, promoting exports and creating job opportunities…” so says a promotional brochure by Lekki Worldwide Investments Ltd., on the Lekki Free Zone, proclaiming a vision of Lekki as; “ … the market leader in Africa through our commitment to exceed the expectations of the global business community, offering world-class infrastructure, a conducive business environment and value added services.

Such lofty aspirations! And Such shoddy implementation! The company is so far away from public/private participation, and has not even applied to be listed at the Stock Exchange. Yet in 2006, when the Lekki Wlorldwide Investments Ltd (LWIL) was established, the concept was irresistibly attractive. It was visualized as a veritable special purpose vehicle, as it were, a public enterprise, attracting private placements, privately driven, devoid of strangling bureaucracy, maximally exploiting the special, the very special attributes of the peculiar Lekki-Lagos ambience, to establish a Free Zone of “ … unparalleled opportunities where business thrives and investors believe in their limitless potential to shape tomorrow”.

Sadly, eight years down the road, business is yet to start, not to talk of thriving. With all the opportunities offered by the special nature of Lagos as the heart of Africa, poised to connect the regional markets to the globe: - a first class airport, modern sea ports, a population of 13 million people, a 200 kilometer coastline, bounded by 2 peninsulas home to 60% of all Nigeria's industrial and commercial establishments, and accounting for a very high percentage of gross Nigerian foreign trade, it is such an unforgiveable shame, that the Lekki Worldwide Investments Ltd. has not risen to the challenges of Lekki Free Zone as the 'market leader' in Africa.

It hurts so much, when we consider the available resources, - human and material, geographical and ecological, all yearning to be tapped. 16,500 hectares of land, two peninsulas of infinite opportunities bounded by the Lekki lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, openings in oil and gas, in industrial manufacturing, finance, real estate, recreation, hospitality business and tourism, Lagos is rightly tagged “ … the fastest growing mega-city in the world…” indeed, there is no place like Lagos. It connects “ … an economic hub with more than 250 financial institutions to the West African Coast and the larger world. See these statistics: -

“ Expanding at 5% per annum, with a population density second only to Mumbai and projected to become the 3rd biggest conurbation on the planet by 2015, The city of Lagos is the leading non-oil sector contributor to the National GNP, Lagos represents the financial, commercial and industrial hub of Nigeria, In 2006, it contributed 30% of the National GNP, consumed more than 60% of its energy, paid 65% of its Value Added Tax (VAT) and accounted for 90% of Nigeria's foreign trade and 70% of all industrial investment, With three lighter terminals and two ports, Lagos generates 50% of Nigeria's Port revenue.” These statistics only tell one half of the story of Lagos, and the Lekki Free Zone was supposed to harness this potential, but ignobly, the story has remained pure supposition; no action, no intent, and no progress.

Instead ,the management of this proposed Free Zone has been hypnotized by day dreams, all talk of fabulous sums of money to be made, all the talk, calculated to siphon huge amounts for pleasure trips abroad, to Cairo, Dubai, China, Hong Kong, USA etc all purportedly in search of private partnership. So far, only the Chinese, that were brought in by the previous administration are on ground, but if care is not taken, all they will have to show is a “China town” of buying and selling, though there are visible signs of miniature developments. No factories yet, no industrial manufacturing on-going. Is this all that Lekki Free Zone promises? When leadership is shallow, there is no deep water for innovations and deep economic thinking, and that is what is happening to the concept of the Lekki Free Zone. Maybe it is time for Governor Fashola to step in with his magic wand, to put in that touch of sanity that he is well known for.

Of the 24 Free Zones all over Nigeria, the Lekki Free Zone stands to reap 50% of the overall national activity, but it will never get there unless there is a change of pilot, an injection of focused blooded people. At present, the orientation is to project for grandiose plans for overnight mega-wealth, so much so that one wonders; would the M/D and the Board of LWIL have been so un-assiduos, were the company their own personal enterprise and not Government owned as it is now? Where are all the foreign participating partners promised by the countless trips abroad, or did it all disappear into private pockets?

The M/D and the Board (LWIL) should tell the taxpayers what mileage they have achieved with the billions squandered so far. What type of Board anyway? What type of Board is in place! A Board with her treasure locked within to multiply or just satisfied with entitlements at government's expense? In this age of a new beginning, we cannot afford to patronize mediocrity. We need pro-active mentality, we demand open and accountable management, the Lekki Free Zone deserves its place as “Primus interpares” in the forefront of commercial activity in Nigeria, West Africa and the sub-Saharan Africa . Why the slumber of all stakeholders and shareholders; they should wake up and lead a concerted effort to galvanize all ideas for optimum productivity of the Lekki Free Zone as set out by the founding fathers.

Instead of all these high - faulting dreams, the Lekki Worldwide Investments Ltd (LWIL) should come down to practical bases. A series of small practicable activity should precede the more ambitious long-term investments. More expert use of the internet will save the money presently expended on air tickets and hotels. The international highway of information is there at the laptop, palmtop, desktop, for that matter. The Lekki Free Zone is so vast, for God's sake, where are the manufacturers.

Six years of go slow and the vehicle is stalled; the driver is expired, and the motor boy is hoarse from shouting in vain; and as for the passengers, they have succumbed to restlessness! In this day as Lagos, the centre of excellence, government must not be seen promoting failure. If the top exhibits only fat dreams, shows no frugality, exhibits no forward movement, then it is time that government shows them the door.

Governor Tinubu brought the Chinese in his time, and now it is Governor Fashola's time to bring in other investors for healthy rivalry and competitive edge for improved economy.

Avan writes from Gelegele, Edo State.

The above posted pictures of towns of SW are typical of slum and unhealthy development. It lacks proper planning.

Awka

Awka

Travel Warning: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Nigeria, October 13, 2011-
The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Nigeria, and continues to recommend U.S. citizens avoid all but essential travel to the Niger Delta states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers; the Southeastern states of Abia, Edo, Imo; the city of Jos in Plateau State, Bauchi and
Borno States in the northeast; and the Gulf of Guinea because of the risks of kidnapping, robbery, and other armed attacks in these areas. Violent crime committed by individuals and gangs, as well as by persons wearing police and military uniforms, remains a problem throughout the country. This notice replaces the Travel Warning for Nigeria dated October 19, 2010, to update information on recent violent activity and crime in Nigeria.

On August 26, 2011, a suicide bombing at the UN Headquarters in Abuja killed 23 people and wounded more than 80 other individuals. This attack was the first against an international organization and the fourth bombing in Abuja during the past year. It followed a similar bombing against the Nigerian Police Force Headquarters ten weeks earlier that killed five individuals on June 16. These bombings were in addition to bombings elsewhere in Maiduguri, Suleja, and Jos throughout the last year.

The risk of additional attacks against Western targets in Nigeria remains high. In December 2010, a bomb exploded near an Abuja “fish bar,” killing several people and injuring many others. Also in December 2010, several explosive devices detonated in Jos, Plateau State, and alleged members of an extremist group attacked police and others in Maiduguri, Borno State, leading to significant casualties. In October 2010, two car bombs detonated in downtown Abuja during Independence Day celebrations, killing ten and wounding many others. Since March 2010, five improvised explosive devices (IEDs) have detonated in the Niger Delta region, causing one to three reported casualties in each case.

In September 2010, over 150 members of the Boko Haram extremist religious sect escaped from prison in Northeast Bauchi, some of whom may be participating in Boko Haram attacks in other parts of the country. A loose alliance of militant groups in the Niger Delta region has conducted a number of attacks against oil installations and posts of the Nigerian military's Joint Task Force (JTF), which had attempted to close the militant camps. In June 2009, the Federal Government of Nigeria offered unconditional amnesty to any militants willing to surrender their arms and accept the government's amnesty program. While almost all major militant leaders accepted the offer and the amnesty remains in effect, the potential for violence and the risk of kidnapping remains, with violent incidents involving "ex-militants" continuing.

Kidnappings continue to be another security concern. In 2011, there were three reported kidnappings of U.S. citizens in Nigeria. The most recent occurred in September in Ikeja, Lagos State. Others have occurred in the Niger Delta and in Imo State. Also, a British national and an Italian national were kidnapped in Kebbi state in May 2011. Since January 2009, over 140 foreign nationals have been kidnapped in Nigeria, including five U.S. citizens since November 2010. Six foreign nationals were killed during these abductions, while two U.S. citizens were also killed in separate kidnapping attempts in Port Harcourt in April 2010. Local authorities and expatriate businesses operating in Nigeria assert that the number of kidnapping incidents throughout Nigeria remains underreported.

Travel by foreigners to areas considered by the Nigerian government to be conflict areas without prior consultation and coordination with local security authorities is not recommended. The Nigerian government may view such travel as inappropriate and potentially illegal, and it may detain violators. Nigerian authorities detained six U.S. citizens, including journalists, on six occasions, in areas where militant groups had operated in 2008. The Nigerian government interrogated these U.S. citizens for lengthy periods of time without bringing any formal charges before ultimately deporting them. Journalists are required to obtain a special accreditation from the Ministry of Information prior to traveling to conflict areas in the Niger Delta region states. This special accreditation is in addition to the general press accreditation and a valid Nigerian visa which are required to conduct such activities elsewhere in Nigeria.

Many foreign oil companies operating in the Niger Delta states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers have implemented “essential travel only” policies for their personnel. The U.S. Mission currently requires advance permission for U.S. government travel to these states, as well as the states of Abia, Edo, and Imo, the city of Jos in Plateau State, and Bauchi and Borno States, given the safety and security risk assessments and the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate General's limited ability to provide assistance to individuals detained by Nigerian authorities in these states. U.S. citizens who are resident in these states are advised to review their personal security in light of the information contained in this Travel Warning.

Nigeria is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious society in which different ethnic and religious groups often coexist in the same geographic area. Travelers throughout the country should be aware that, in areas where such circumstances prevail, there is the potential for ethnic or religious-based disturbances. The States of Bauchi, Borno, and Plateau have experienced violence by fringe sects or inter-ethnic groups in the past year.

Violent crime committed by individuals and gangs, as well as by some persons wearing police and military uniforms, is an ongoing problem throughout the country, especially at night. U.S. citizen visitors and residents have experienced armed muggings, assaults, burglary, carjacking, violation, kidnappings, and extortion - often involving violence. Home invasions remain a serious threat, with armed robbers accessing even guarded compounds by scaling perimeter walls; following, or tailgating, residents or visitors arriving by car into the compound; and subduing guards and gaining entry into homes or apartments. Armed robbers in Lagos also access waterfront compounds by boat. U.S. citizens, as well as Nigerians and other expatriates, have been victims of armed robbery at banks and grocery stores and on airport roads during both daylight and evening hours. Law enforcement authorities usually respond slowly or not at all, and provide little or no investigative support to victims. U.S. citizens, Nigerians, and other expatriates have experienced harassment and shakedowns at checkpoints and during encounters with Nigerian law enforcement officials. Traveling outside of major cities after dark is not recommended due to both crime and road safety concerns. There are regular reports of piracy off the coast of Nigeria in the Gulf of Guinea. Armed gangs have boarded both commercial and private vessels to rob travelers. The Nigerian Navy has limited capacity to respond to criminal acts at sea.

U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in Nigeria are strongly advised to enroll through the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program(STEP). U.S. citizens without Internet access may enroll directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By enrolling, you make it easier for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to contact you in case of emergency.

U.S. citizens should contact the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos for up-to-date information on any restrictions. The U.S. Embassy in Abuja is open Monday - Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos is open Monday-Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The U.S. Embassy in Abuja can be reached by telephone, including after-hours emergencies, at 234(9) 461-4000. The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos can be reached by telephone, including after-hours emergencies at 234(1) 460-3600 or 234 (1) 460-3400.

Current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States or a regular toll line at-1-202-501-4444 for callers from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). You can also stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.


http://www.elombah.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8499:nigeria-us-warns-citizens-against-travelling-to-akwa-ibom-bayelsa-delta-rivers-abia-edo-imo-bauchi-borno-others&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=67

Onlytruth, I don't want to know that we are both Anambrans. You have shown immaturity here despite the fact that I respect everybody because each and everyone one of us are entitle to our own opinions here on NL. You have really spoken like an Bottom fool and persona non grata. You have exhibited madness and impatience and intolerance. You have shown us here that you are a mere animal parading the rooms of NL without considering other people's opinion. The best description that can denote your person is incompetence and frustrated humanbeing. I feel displeased trading words with you because you are not worth my attention and response. Idiotic animal

Two clear years to the next gubernatorial elections in Anambra State, the political wheels are already turning. Nwanosike Onu reports on the foot soldiers, forerunners and personalities being touted as potential successors to the incumbent, Governor Peter Obi

When Anambra State was created twenty years ago, there were high hopes and expectations. Many dreamt of rapid development but two decades after, the vision has become blurred. Successive governments have failed to tackle the challenges facing the state.



By most assessments the administrations of Senator Chris Ngige and the incumbent, Peter Obi, have given some rays of hope. Both have provided what people believe to be a foundation for those who will come after to build upon.

Although the next election in the state is not due until 2014, the race to succeed the incumbent is well and truly on. Already, some names have started emerging as contenders for the governorship seat two years before Obi hands over. Political groups have started emerging across senatorial zones and even in the Diaspora in relation to the coming contest.

Some of those being touted include former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo; Senator Chris Ngige, Senator Andy Uba, the Chief Executive of Capital Oil and Gas, Ifeanyi Ubah; and Uche Ekwunife, House of Representatives member representing Njikoka, Anaocha, Dunukofia Federal Constituency.

Groups like Anambra Revival Movement (ARM) led by Rev. Chris Orajekwe from Ogbunka in Orumba South Local Government Area and Igboadagbe People’s Forum spearheaded by Chief Chikodi Anarah are positioning themselves for the gubernatorial race.

Of the political parties in the country, only Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) are firmly rooted in Anambra State. Any of these could provide a solid platform for a candidate to challenge the ruling APGA.

Though none of the touted candidates have openly declared their intention to run in 2014, independent checks from some of their close allies shows that they are already oiling their machinery and initiating groundwork in preparation for the race.
Senator Andy Uba

It is obvious that Senator Andy Uba from the South Senatorial zone is likely to have another shot at the governorship seat in 2014. He won the dispute race in 2007. But 17 days after, the Supreme Court pronounced Peter Obi governor.
Since then, he has not rested. In 2010, he contested again without much seriousness. The belief was that he went into the race for the sole purpose of scuttling a Soludo victory. He believes he was unjustifiably denied ticket of the PDP.

Senator Chris Ngige
It was gathered that the strongman of Anambra politics is being wooed by the youth and women groups to take another shot at the seat. His party, ACN, is reportedly positioning him as sole candidate for the race. He was governor until sacked by the Supreme Court. He contested again in 2010 but lost out.

Prof. Chukwuma Soludo
Soludo, it was gathered, has been putting machinery in motion to give it the fight of his life in 2014. Some notable politicians in the state are reportedly already watering the ground for him. He contested in 2010 but lost to the incumbent. Back then he was a political neophyte. However, the experiences from that contest could improve invaluable as he makes another bid. If he is able to reach common ground with the godfathers controlling the Anambra PDP, he could prove a formidable challenger in 2014.
Uche Ekwunife
One of the closest allies of Ekwunife, popularly called Iyom by her admirers, said the legislator was gearing up for another run for the seat. But he failed to mention under what platform. He said: “This is a woman that has given back to the society through her well articulated programmes right from her days in the bank and at the National Assembly and we believe, it is the right time for her to come back to this state and offer service to the people”.
But Governor Obi is not sleeping either. Reports said he is already positioning a good candidate from APGA to continue from where he is going to stop. Sources say Obi has lined up 40-year-old oil and gas wheeler-dealer, Ifeanyi Uba, to take over from him.
In the last one year, Obi and Uba have consolidated their relationship. His alleged endorsement by Obi is, however, is already causing ripples in the party. Many consider him just a financial member who knows next to nothing in politics.

Besides the issue of candidates, many groups in the state are also gearing up for the contest. One of them, Igboadagbe Peoples Forum from the North Senatorial zone believes one of its own should be the next governor. The forum, which calls itself a child of necessity, nurtured by the desires to incorporate a sense of fairness and equity in the race for the governorship of Anambra State, is pioneered by Chief Chikodi Anarah from Amanuke community in the area.

Anarah believes someone from the zone should be the next governor. The zone, he said, has never produced a governor in the history of the state. He said: “For how long shall the people continue to appeal to governors to remember them? How long shall they continue to thank governors for remembering them? If Saint Paul had been a citizen of Macedonia, would any voice have called him to come over to Macedonia and help? Is it not yet time for Igboadagbe people to wake up and look for Saint Paul from within? The answer is that time is ripe”.

On its part, the Anambra Revival Movement (ARM) says it is not attached to any political party. It describes itself as a forum trying to reshape the political system of the state. Its leader, Rev. Chris Orajekwe said: “I have operated with the godfathers and I can tell you that I know their tactics and it is left for me to educate the masses on how not to fall prey of their antics. Their rice must be rejected this time around and after the next elections, it continues”.

As the years turn to months and months reduce to days, the race will become hotter and hotter and only the truly resilient would get to seat on Obi’s chair


http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/index.php/politics/22959-battle-for-obi%E2%80%99s-seat-begins-in-anambra.html

Two clear years to the next gubernatorial elections in Anambra State, the political wheels are already turning. Nwanosike Onu reports on the foot soldiers, forerunners and personalities being touted as potential successors to the incumbent, Governor Peter Obi

When Enugu State was created twenty years ago, there were high hopes and expectations. Many dreamt of rapid development but two decades after, the vision has become blurred. Successive governments have failed to tackle the challenges facing the state.



By most assessments the administrations of Senator Chris Ngige and the incumbent, Peter Obi, have given some rays of hope. Both have provided what people believe to be a foundation for those who will come after to build upon.

Although the next election in the state is not due until 2014, the race to succeed the incumbent is well and truly on. Already, some names have started emerging as contenders for the governorship seat two years before Obi hands over. Political groups have started emerging across senatorial zones and even in the Diaspora in relation to the coming contest.

Some of those being touted include former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo; Senator Chris Ngige, Senator Andy Uba, the Chief Executive of Capital Oil and Gas, Ifeanyi Ubah; and Uche Ekwunife, House of Representatives member representing Njikoka, Anaocha, Dunukofia Federal Constituency.

Groups like Anambra Revival Movement (ARM) led by Rev. Chris Orajekwe from Ogbunka in Orumba South Local Government Area and Igboadagbe People’s Forum spearheaded by Chief Chikodi Anarah are positioning themselves for the gubernatorial race.

Of the political parties in the country, only Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) are firmly rooted in Anambra State. Any of these could provide a solid platform for a candidate to challenge the ruling APGA.

Though none of the touted candidates have openly declared their intention to run in 2014, independent checks from some of their close allies shows that they are already oiling their machinery and initiating groundwork in preparation for the race.
Senator Andy Uba

It is obvious that Senator Andy Uba from the South Senatorial zone is likely to have another shot at the governorship seat in 2014. He won the dispute race in 2007. But 17 days after, the Supreme Court pronounced Peter Obi governor.
Since then, he has not rested. In 2010, he contested again without much seriousness. The belief was that he went into the race for the sole purpose of scuttling a Soludo victory. He believes he was unjustifiably denied ticket of the PDP.

Senator Chris Ngige
It was gathered that the strongman of Anambra politics is being wooed by the youth and women groups to take another shot at the seat. His party, ACN, is reportedly positioning him as sole candidate for the race. He was governor until sacked by the Supreme Court. He contested again in 2010 but lost out.

Prof. Chukwuma Soludo
Soludo, it was gathered, has been putting machinery in motion to give it the fight of his life in 2014. Some notable politicians in the state are reportedly already watering the ground for him. He contested in 2010 but lost to the incumbent. Back then he was a political neophyte. However, the experiences from that contest could improve invaluable as he makes another bid. If he is able to reach common ground with the godfathers controlling the Anambra PDP, he could prove a formidable challenger in 2014.
Uche Ekwunife
One of the closest allies of Ekwunife, popularly called Iyom by her admirers, said the legislator was gearing up for another run for the seat. But he failed to mention under what platform. He said: “This is a woman that has given back to the society through her well articulated programmes right from her days in the bank and at the National Assembly and we believe, it is the right time for her to come back to this state and offer service to the people”.
But Governor Obi is not sleeping either. Reports said he is already positioning a good candidate from APGA to continue from where he is going to stop. Sources say Obi has lined up 40-year-old oil and gas wheeler-dealer, Ifeanyi Uba, to take over from him.
In the last one year, Obi and Uba have consolidated their relationship. His alleged endorsement by Obi is, however, is already causing ripples in the party. Many consider him just a financial member who knows next to nothing in politics.

Besides the issue of candidates, many groups in the state are also gearing up for the contest. One of them, Igboadagbe Peoples Forum from the North Senatorial zone believes one of its own should be the next governor. The forum, which calls itself a child of necessity, nurtured by the desires to incorporate a sense of fairness and equity in the race for the governorship of Anambra State, is pioneered by Chief Chikodi Anarah from Amanuke community in the area.

Anarah believes someone from the zone should be the next governor. The zone, he said, has never produced a governor in the history of the state. He said: “For how long shall the people continue to appeal to governors to remember them? How long shall they continue to thank governors for remembering them? If Saint Paul had been a citizen of Macedonia, would any voice have called him to come over to Macedonia and help? Is it not yet time for Igboadagbe people to wake up and look for Saint Paul from within? The answer is that time is ripe”.

On its part, the Anambra Revival Movement (ARM) says it is not attached to any political party. It describes itself as a forum trying to reshape the political system of the state. Its leader, Rev. Chris Orajekwe said: “I have operated with the godfathers and I can tell you that I know their tactics and it is left for me to educate the masses on how not to fall prey of their antics. Their rice must be rejected this time around and after the next elections, it continues”.

As the years turn to months and months reduce to days, the race will become hotter and hotter and only the truly resilient would get to seat on Obi’s chair


http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/index.php/politics/22959-battle-for-obi%E2%80%99s-seat-begins-in-anambra.html

Onlytruth, So I should leave my job and start taking pictures around the city of Awka just to convince you on the workability of Anambra state. No picture whatsoever can clearly describe the good works of Peter Obi in Anambra. The gov is silently revolutioning Anambra, you may not see it now, but this man Peter Obi has gone far in creating enabling environment that recently made major multinationals to queue in line seeking attention to invest in Anambra.

I respect you with passion even though I have never met you before, but I can't believe you have to say all these things about me? Its shocking and rankles the mind the degree you have to go in other to cast reflection on my person. This is unacceptable, well I will not join issues with all these, because one day, I mean someday you will get to understand the course we are fighting for. lets God Judge

[quote author=pres-elect link=topic=778165.msg9331708#msg9331708 date=1318517580]you need a good road 1st before you start looking for traffick lights

I can't believe a sane dude is comparing owerri to that chaos called onitsha. Onitsha may have more money but it's a noisy chaotic hood which reflects on almost all it's youth [/quote]Street light are all over the place in Onitsha, from the popular Awka road to Cemetry road to New market/Old market road, Ziks Round about, GRA, Omagba phase 1 &2 and up to the Express with all the roads tarred. Those noise makers find in Onitsha are your people that came to Onitsha to find their daily bread having been failed and frustrated by your govt back home. About 2/3 of the people doing business at the Onitsha Drug market @ Head Bridge and also @ Relief markets are imo citizens mostly from Orlu/Ideato areas you can confirm from your people.

[quote author=pres-elect link=topic=778165.msg9331511#msg9331511 date=1318516135]Chy101
IMO doesn't start and end with owerri. I was in Nigeria recently and the road from my dad's house in owerri up to my grandmother's house in interior mbano was completely tarred. No pot hole. Not even one. IMO airport improved. IMO has lots of great rural roads. What I'll advocate is building stuff in okigwe and orlu. Udenwa built a teaching hospital in orlu. I've not been to orlu so I can't comment on it.
But correct me if I'm wrong. This thread is about owerri. Right?[/quote]Good, that is a human being talking constructively. Good works they tarred your village. Okigwe and Orlu which are supposed to be 2nd and 3rd towns in imo state, as I write this piece are in shambles with no assess roads, no healthcare, infact the govt has limited their oversight with govt house. Mr Chamber should not come here force his claims on us and tell us something we all know exists only on bill boards as if we are coming from the moon. Your govt should look beyond their nose. simple

chamber2:
Bros, this is like comparing butter and groundnut oil. Haba! I passed through Awka to Enugu last year and i nearly had stroke. I am not saying this to win argument but there is no way you can compare awka with owerri. Owerri is far ahead.In fact,  it will take N20B consistent 10 yr investment to bring Awka to the level owerri is now.

Onitsha is a no go area. Any time i passed through onitsha i regret going back home. Orlu, Okigwe, Mbaise etc are all progressive regions and will soon overtake onitsha and Nnewi in terms of commerce.

Yeah, you are right. Rochas needs to diversify. Concentrating all developments in owerri is not a good policy initiative. other areas need to be looked into and harnessed. I only hope he does so.

Your argument is baseless and lacks facts. The last I passed thru Imo to PH I nearly fainted because  for the first time I saw a gov building a refinery on a bill board, painting trees and roads without proper infrastructure, that is the level of decadence in your so called state. Awka was made capital just yesterday but what it has accomplished with take owerri 40-50 years to reach with good management of resources. As I said earlier Orlu and Okigwe cannot even match common Ekwulobia nor Uga not to talk of Nnewi. I have traveled around SE, Imo state is a big jungle in terms of balanceed infrastructural development and job creation. DOES IMO STATE STARTS AND ENDS WITH OWERRI For Goodness sake the only thing Owerri has pass mark is prostitution and otokoto and ritual killings. So stop deceiving yourself. For nearly 30yrs oweeri can only boast of douglas and weatheral roads. Comparing Onitsha to Owerri is like comparing New York to Nairobi the later being owerri.

[quote author=pres-elect link=topic=778165.msg9331266#msg9331266 date=1318514536]Who compared nnewi to owerri? last time I went to nnewi I didn't see one good road. Sorry I meant one tarred road.

The size of a city is not the point. It's how the infrastructure of a city works in relation to the population. And of course a little aesthetics won't be bad. So forget onitsha and aba. PH is ok, may be, but the population is too large in comparison to the infrastructure on ground. Enugu is okay but a little bit dusty like the western cities. Owerri is the best city east of the Niger. Uhm calabar is cool too. But owerri is the only Nigerian city i've been to( apart from Lagos Abuja and PH) that has running water in every home. Most other cities have bore holes here and there.

Owerre wu oke mba[/quote]As much as we know the poor state of owerri and imo state at large, that most of the projects are on the bill boards for political reasons as confirmed by posters who have been to owerri as for me I have nothing that will warrant me going to owerri for anything. Answer this question does Imo state starts and ends with owerri

What has his tribe got to do with the thread? Please comment like a good Nigeria and leave the rest. One Nigeria Negeria.

FACE:
You can keep compiling your "Diary of a mad man" all you want. I hope for the sake of good people of Anambra that you do not come across the "Nolongtin" of other states.

I know about a third of Nigeria like the back of my hand so put up pictures or shut up. You live there so that can not be very difficult to do or maybe you are going to start posting pictures of exercise books again.

You go about engaging in fights even when it's obvious that defeat is guaranteed.

They mention Asaba and you come out swinging. They talk of Ibadan and you can't keep your silly opinion to yourself. No place is good bar Anambra.

What is your worth as an individual ? If they have to sort the wheat from dirt in Anambra, you will be among those that will end up in River Niger silly boy. If you live in a glass house don't throw stones. Goodluck to you and this is my last engagement with you.

The truth is bitter. Face reality for the good of Imo state. I hope Rochas can move into places like Orlu and Okigwe to improve on the infrastructure it will be good for Imo state, SE and Nigeria at large. Goodluck as you meditate on the way forward.

Man, 70 arrested for defiling girl, 8
By CHRISTOPHER OJI
Thursday, October 13, 2011
•
Photo: THE SUN PUBLISHING

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A 70-year-old man, simply identified as Baba Sunday has been arrested by the police for allegedly defiling an eight-year-old girl in Lagos. The old man, who is currently facing interrogation at the Ilaje Police Station, was said to have taken the girl to a popular hotel (name withheld) in Bariga where he defiled the girl.
The suspect was said to have booked the hotel room for N10,000 before luring the girl to the place.

The hotel managers did not suspect foul play when they initially saw the little girl going inside the room with the man, who is old enough to be her great grand parent. The receptionist in the hotel was said to have become worried when she checked the time and later discovered that the time was far spent and there was no mature girl that came with the man.

A staffer of the hotel decided to eaves-drop and allegedly heard the little girl pleading with the old man to let her go as her aunty would be waiting for her.
The hotel manager was said to have contacted the Police, who stormed the place and compelled the man to open the door. The policemen were said to have been shocked when they met the girl, who told them she was eight years old.
A police source at Ilaje Police Station told Daily Sun that the little girl confessed that the old man had been having carnal knowledge of her for a long time .

The police officer said the girl told them the old man had taken her twice to a primary school where he slept with her.
The source said on the day the old man was arrested, he had lied to the girl that he was going to buy some provision, which he wanted the girl to deliver to his family as they live on the same area. The policeman said the girl followed the suspect to the hotel room where he allegedly defiled her.

He said the girl had been taken to the general hospital where doctors conducted some medical test on her and that the police were still waiting for the medical report before proper action would be taken on the man. The little girl’s aunty, who simply identified herself as Ifeoma wants the police to bring the old man to justice. “The girl in question is my late elder sister’s child. The girl is too young and fragile to face the kind of psychological trauma she has been subjected by Baba Sunday.”

She said the only thing that would appease the family is when Baba Sunday would be made to face the law.
When contacted for comment, the state Police spokesperson, Mr Samuel Jinadu said he had not been briefed on the matter by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the station.


http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2011/oct/13/national-13-10-2011-008.html

[quote author=onye_ngbu* link=topic=779812.msg9328587#msg9328587 date=1318493633]Building ports on the banks of Niger is good and indeed laudable but calling those ports 'sea port' is also childish.[/quote]You are only talking out of envy and bitterness.

The others are neutral and less volatile

FACE:
Put up pictures of Awka or shut up. Your Awka is a suburban area and the longest distance across town is less than 3 KM. Awka is the least developed state capital in the east and is on the same level as Orlu and Okigwe. Nnewi is more industrial than Orlu and Okigwe but is more rural than both Areas.

This is exactly how you made Nolongthing drag you all over the floor with your empty boasts and you still haven't learn your lesson. I suggest that someone from Anambra reigns you in before you meet your match from other areas of Igboland.

Comparing Orlu and Okigwe to Nnewi is an insult to the psyche of people and it rankle the mind on the mad and ignorance you have consistently exhibited on this forum. Nnewi is far developed and can even compete with your state capital Owerri that is if you have visited Nnewi in the recent time. Orlu and Okigwe cannot even compete with mere Ekwulobia and Uga not to talk of Nnewi. I have consistently asked you guys does Imo state starts and ends with Owerri?? Owerri and Imo state in general is among the most under-developed states in Nigeria despite the huge allocation that is received by imo state. In the whole of the east Imo state is the worst hit in terms of infrastructural development. Awka that was made capital recently has far developed more than your prostitution ridden owerri. Oweeri after years of creation has not developed beyond douglas and wetheral roads. Imo state is a shame to the SE and Nigeria at large. Where is your gov ohakim today, if he did not steal imo blind why is he running?? Your govt should start creating jobs rather than painting of roads. So stop making noise for your dead rural and primitive state of imo.

[quote author=onye_ngbu* link=topic=778165.msg9323113#msg9323113 date=1318424124]It is not everybody that is here on paid campaign like you. You have been campaigning all over nairaland for Peter Obi with your old monicker chino11 and have to drop it for this new one but yet you didnt fail to dissapoint.

The poster here is not campaigning for Rochas or Ohakim he is just proud of his capital city. As for you, you live in Awka, capital of anambra. The same anambra where your Godfather Peter Reigns; can you proudly take pictures of this our awka and upload it. Try that and I will expose you and your propaganda guvnor with a counter-picture if you dare try to post any false image.

Ewu![/quote]You must be a bloody fool. We are not here to compare states, but if you insist on comparing Anambra to your small owerri which is not even up to one single estate (Udoka Estates Awka or Omagba Phase 1 & 2). Anambra has three big major cities (Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi) either of them can pass for a state capital. What does Imo state have except painting of roads and street walls and trees without providing the real infrastructure. There is one question I kept asking about Imo state, does Imo state starts and ends with Owerri?? Why does the successive govts in imo failed to expand owerri to befit a growing state capital?? Why does the govt not developing Orlu and Okigwe to become useful to the state. Why has the rural areas in imo state been neglected to waste away with no assess roads. Today Anambra has the best road networks not only in Awka and Onitsha but to all the rural areas of the state. All the rural areas in Anambra are opened up with development due to good roads unlike in Imo state where the rural areas are no-go areas.

POTUT:
@chambers2,

Le anya, a wum nwa owerri o.

Where is the end of douglas road that runs in front of Emmanuel College and leads to Aba?

Where is Orji road?

Where is MCC road/behind stadium?

Were you paid to do this? Mind you, that last picture is a model of Okigwe Road overpass (passing in front of Iwuanyanwu's 6-storey Oriental Plaza), it is not a real life picture.

I have consistently implored chamber1 give up this campaign. He has not showed us any meaningful investment in imo state that can absorb the army of the unemployed youths in the state, he has not showed us any rural roads reconstruction which am sure they are in a pitiable conditions. As a matter of fact Imo state does not start and end with Owerre, the same owerri is quite small that a drop of paint or block will be so noticeable that everybody can see it. In my candid opinion I think imo state govt should look beyond owerri if they can't expand the town further to befit state capital, they should look in areas like Orlu and Okigwe those areas has been left to decay as a no-man's land.

My brother Ezeagu, leave this sadistic yarobas. My greatest happiness is that they have been threatened by the fact that Onitsha Port will very soon come stream hopefully before the end of the year. The progress of the work is quite impressive

@chamber2, you may have to give up this campaign, because it has turned out that its all still on bill boards as people have consistently commented here, its not yet on the ground and from all indications it was never planned to be on the ground.

The good news here is that am a living witness of this laudable project, the Onitsha Port has been delivered since last August, what is remaining now is commissioning by Mr President. You yarobas are sadistic in nature no wonder you guys are unprogressive and still live in the mud houses even in the 21st century. I had to get my cousin out from one nonsense town they call akure where she was posted for her nysc. She has not finished telling her story of how mud houses are lined up in heart of state capital. It will take the yarobas two million year to get to the level where the Igbos are. Onitsha Port will soon take off to the envy you sad people and ships will be berthing their, with Igbo containers no more lagos nonsense

I think this poster has been in coma since he heard that Onitsha Port was awarded, now that he has been brought back to consciousness on reading a propaganda story. Well its a shame to him and his generation that Onitsha Anambra state, SE and Nigeria at large has been give a brand new Port in Onitsha. I just confirmed from a friend in NIWA that the president is set to commission the Multi-billion naira project in Onitsha come November this year. I even passed the project just two weeks ago in Onitsha, I must say its a major capital investment to behold.

@ OP, please don't be angered, can you please show us any capital investment in Imo state, I think that is the real dividend of democracy; development does not start and end with constructing a few KM of roads in the urban area, what about the rural areas? Well that is by the way, I think Imo state should go beyond mere road painting (only in Owerri) to investing in areas that can improve the state economy and its IGR just like its neighbors are doing, attracting investors that can invest in meaningful ventures possibly (production/manufacturing) that will employ the youths gainfully and not building hotels here and there. What has come out of the job offer by the past government, where people were asked to pay 10k for application form

Ofcourse the five top popular states falls within the healthy states category