TRV alert
Approved more than a month after the intended date of visit (conference)
Date of application: 1st August, 2022
Biometrics: 2019 (applied and got approved for the first time in 2019 to attend a conference)
Gost update: 22nd November, 2022
Eligibility review started: 22nd November, 2022 (still ongoing after approval)
Long wait!
Correspondence Letter: 20th December, 2022
Original passport request: 20th December, 2022
Documents
1. Conference invitation letter
2. Copy of abstract
3. Previous passports and visas (including expired US visas, expired Canadian visa and others)
4. Flight booking
5. Updated CV and certificates
6. Letter of introduction from employer
7. Statement of purpose
8. Last child's birth certificate (this was actually a mistake but I later let it be and explained it in my statement of purpose as the child came after my last visit to Canada and the document was not in my profile)
9. No hotel booking (explained that would be done after the visa is granted)
10. No statement of account (not required for CAN+)

Has anyone noticed that the current temperature in Vietnam averages about 22 degrees Celsius while that of China, Italy and Iran is 10 degrees plus or minus. Hopefully, the current weather conditions in Nigeria would limit the rate of spread of the virus.

kprake9:


Congratulations once again.
How many days did you stated you will be staying for the conference? pls respond.
Thanks for your attention.

The conference lasts for 5 days and my itinerary indicates three extra days, pre- and postconference

Farrang:

I applied to attend a conference.
Submitted the following;
1. statement of salary account (downloaded online copy, not stamped by bank
2. letter of introduction from my employer, who is sponsoring my conf. attendance
3. bank statement of my employer
4. my savings account statement (both online and stamped copy)
5. first letter of appointment
6. last promotion letter
7. another letter of employment for part-time in another organization
8. copy of old passports with previous visas, including a valid US visa
9. copy of one certificate obtained abroad as proof of returning to Nija previously after staying abroad
10. marriage certificate
11. kids' birth certificates
12. CV, to help stress some aspect of my job and education
13. ID cards
14. one-page cover lettet

Sorry I also included
15. flight booking (not ticket)
16. invitation letter from conference organizers
17. Conference registration invoice

Princess2019:
Was it tourism you applied for?i will appreciate if you can share the documents you submitted. Thank you

I applied to attend a conference.
Submitted the following;
1. statement of salary account (downloaded online copy, not stamped by bank
2. letter of introduction from my employer, who is sponsoring my conf. attendance
3. bank statement of my employer
4. my savings account statement (both online and stamped copy)
5. first letter of appointment
6. last promotion letter
7. another letter of employment for part-time in another organization
8. copy of old passports with previous visas, including a valid US visa
9. copy of one certificate obtained abroad as proof of returning to Nija previously after staying abroad
10. marriage certificate
11. kids' birth certificates
12. CV, to help stress some aspect of my job and education
13. ID cards
14. one-page cover lettet

This forum has been very helpful and I wish to appreciate everyone who has contributed.
Online application for TRV
submitted 10th April
biometrics 15th April
original passport request 21st May

pic of the engine please

Nwadiuto247:


They ve stopped benefitting. Unilorin was not paid the money given to ASUU this time around. They are now wailing but no one is listening to them.

And who told you that?

1. grade 1 2008 Toyota Camry xle with full options with original custom papers 2. grade 1 2007 Toyota Camry xle with full options with original custom papers thanks in advance

Farrang:


Hello abujaniv,
Thank you for the clarification. I did report the loss by email to the Abuja embassy at consularAbuja@state.gov. However, I did not get an acknowledgem

ent. Can I assume the report was taken? Moreover, I noticed the "provide feedback" menu on the CGI site. Shouldn't that be used to request an update to the passport information as applicable is this case?

LagosNIV's comment on this is also welcome.
Thanks

The electoral commission, INEC, has dismissed two of its officials for their alleged roles in the electoral scandal involving the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
Mr. Bello is accused of double voter registration, ‎an allegation he denies.
INEC in a statement on Thursday said, “Following reports of the alleged double registration by the Governor of Kogi State in the on-going Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, the commission set up a panel of investigation into the involvement of staff in the matter.”
The electoral commission also indicated that it could not prosecuted Mr. Bello only because he enjoys constitutional immunity from prosecution.
“The initial report submitted by the panel was referred to the Appointment, Promotion and Disciplinary Committee, which made recommendations to the Commission.
“While the Governor of Kogi State currently enjoys immunity from prosecution, the Commission took the following decisions in respect of its own staff: summary dismissal of two staff for acts of gross misconduct, immediate and compulsory retirement of an Electoral Officer for act of gross misconduct.”
http://kogireports.com/inec-to-prosecute-gov-bello-for-double-registration-sacks-two-staff/

abujaniv:
Hello Farrang. It shouldn't be an issue. If you haven't already, you should report to the Embassy/Consulate that your passport with the valid visa has been stolen. You are not eligible for the interview waiver program (dropbox), and will need to appear at the Embassy/Consulate if you wish to apply for a new visa.

Hello abujaniv,
Thank you for the clarification. I did report the loss by email to the Abuja embassy at consularAbuja@state.gov. However, I did not get an acknowledgement. Can I assume the report was taken? Moreover, I noticed the "provide feedback" menu on the CGI site. Shouldn't that be used to request an update to the passport information as applicable is this case?

Good day VO,
I am applying for a B1/B2 visa with a new passport (renewed passport with the previous passport number on it). The old passport expired this year but had a valid visa on it. However, since my old passport was stolen with my bag in the US the last time I travelled, I filled the DS-160 with the new passport number and stated all the facts regarding my old passport and visa under the appropriate sections. Now my problem is that my profile on the visa application page has my expired and stolen passport number, which is different from the new passport number on the DS-160 confirmation. Is this an issue?
Thank you

ezugegere:
Stephen Ocheni is a nice guy. Surprisingly, he is not a politician.

Kindly tell us more about the candidates

peacesamuel94:


Alright, thanks alot sir.

Welcome

peacesamuel94:

That's nice,
You talked about working in areas not related to Anatomy how possible is that?

Well, many job adverts require a good first degree in any discipline hence, you can apply with a degree in Anatomy like anyone else.

Today in Kaduna: 'World Press Conference

Statement by Evangelical Church Winning All, (ECWA) 19 DCC Fellowship, Kaduna State On The Persecution Of The Church in Kaduna State. 

16 November 2016
 
At ECWA Kaduna Central DCC Secretariat, No 6, Ali Akilu Road, Challenge Bookshop Compound, Kaduna.

  Gentlemen of the press,
We welcome you  to this important briefing by ECWA 19 DCC Fellowship.
Gentlemen, ECWA 19 DCC is the fellowship of all the ECWA Districts in Kaduna state, with about 2000 pastors in 950 churches and over 2 million worshippers in the State. ECWA is about the biggest Christian denomination in the state.
 
Having made this clarification, gentlemen of the press, deeply concerning events that  have been occurring in our beloved state, and particularly in Southern Kaduna, during the past few months seem to be taking a turn for the worse. As servants of the God of peace and justice, who has charged us to care for all humanity, we cannot keep silent as unprecedented violence is visited on communities and on the Church by malign forces whose motivation is now becoming clearer.
 
Since the  violent aftermath of the 2011 Presidential Election, there  have been increasing  indications of the existence of a desperate, well-funded, organised and executed campaign  not only to make life unbearable for the entire Southern Kaduna territory through threats, intimidation and psychological warfare, but also to occupy the land through what can only be described  as ethno-religious cleansing by Fulani herdsmen militia.

 This campaign has been devastating.  The Attakad Community Development Association, has confirmed that at least 180 people have been killed in Attakad Chiefdom, Kaura LGA,  since 2013 and 10,000 persons displaced.

Since 24 March 2013,  16  Attakad villages have been lost to the Fulani militia, and Fulani men are now fully settled with their cattle and families, in Mayit, Agwom, Zakai Gira, Tunga Magwot, Telak, Zakum and Kirim. Several ECWA churches have been destroyed, along with those belonging to other denominations, and many of our members have become IDPs.
 
In 2014, several communities in Sanga LGA, were invaded and hundreds of people killed by these armed herdsmen, with no apparent provocation. In an indication of their underlying religious hostility and motivation,  churches are usually prime targets.
 Today, Fulani occupy Unguwan Dauda, where they have cultivated large farmlands and have erected permanent structures roofed with corrugated zinc. Antor Maisamari in Aboro District, Numana Chiefdom  is now occupied by Fulani,  and  indigenes who survived the attacks have  fled the area.
 To further buttress the assertion that there is an orchestrated plan to drive  our members and other indigenes out of these parts of Southern Kaduna, it appears that the next stage will involve the full take over, Godogodo Chiefdom, in Jema’a LGA. Part of Godogodo town, Ninte, Akwa, Ungwar Anjo, Gada Biyu have been overrun and occupied by the Fulani. Churches in these villages are laid to waste after being burnt.

 It is  deeply shocking that in the 21 Century, not only are Fulani militia carrying out a campaign of forced displacement and occupation reminiscent of previous centuries ,  but also that this is occurring so blatantly under the full gaze of a succession of modern, democratically  elected governments.
 
Even more worrying is the assertion by both the Kaduna State Government and many Fulani groups that  20,000 hectares of land is earmarked for the exclusive use of Fulani as  grazing reserves in Sanga LGA. Note that this is in addition to the lands that have already been seized by violence. 
 
While we have always suspected a quest for territorial acquisition motivated the Fulani attacks , the press conference organised  by Jema’a Foundation, Miyetti Allah and Mobgal  Fulbe Development Association on  7 November 2016  confirmed that  Fulani and Hausa Muslims  have been behind the ethnic cleansing and  destruction of villages and houses of worship. They claimed they had to do this to entrench their rights to practice Islam,  alleging they were being marginalized in Southern Kaduna.
 In a statement signed by Abdullahi Hassan Mohammed, Ahmad M. Yandeh and Abdulhamid Musa, the groups also claimed that they were “irked into responding appropriately” in launching the Godogodo violence.
 The consequences of  “responding appropriately” can be summarized as followed:

1. Ninte Village
Ninte has two ECWA churches and a Baptist Church. On  31 May 2016, and as confirmed by the  aforementioned  groups, Fulani burnt down the entire  village. The two ECWA churches , a pastoruim  and two auditoriums were razed. Also,  three vehicles, and foodstuffs in barns were set ablaze. The attackers were not done ; the nearby villages of Unguwan Kafinta, Dangwa were attacked and the residents chased out. The Fulani then herded their cattle to graze on their crops.
Five persons were killed. 298 properties were destroyed

 2. Unguwar Anjo
This village has an estimated population of 3,500, and also falls under Godogodo Chiefdom. Between 1 and 2 August, 2016,  Fulani carried out an unrestrained attack, leading to the death of Mr Danjuma Tanko and Pastor Luka Adamu of the Redeemed Church. The entire village was burnt. The ECWA and Redeemed churches were burnt. Destroyed inside the church buildings were 450 chairs worth N67,500; two generators worth N60,000,  and musical instruments valued at N3 million.

 3. Akwa’
In an attack that took place on 2 August 2016, two persons were killed, 20 houses, including churches,  were burnt and the village was emptied of its owners.
 
4. Golgofa
Nine people were killed and the entire town razed during an attack on  2 August 2016.

 5. Godogodo town
On  24 September 2016, Fulani militia mounted an attack on Godogodo town,  where thousands of people who  had already been forcibly displaced from surrounding communities were taking refuge. Seven people were killed.
 The next day, an attempt by the militia to re-enter the town was repelled by a combination of local vigilantes, police and the military.
 
Then on 15 October, as affirmed by Jema’a Foundation, Miyetti Allah and Mobgal  Fulbe Development Association, a combination of armed  Fulani and local Hausa Muslim residents of Godogodo numbering over 300 laid siege to the town. The killings and arson continued into  16  October  unchallenged. By the time it ended :
 
A total of 30 people had been killed;

27,819 had been displaced;

326 were injured,  and

326 homes were burnt.

Six ECWA churches and a Baptist Church were burnt

The value of  property destroyed and looted runs into billions of Naira.
 
 
 Attacks on Kaninkon Chiefdom
On 25 October 2016, armed Fulani descended  on Misisi village, just as soldiers had called the youth and some of the elders for a meeting. The village head and seven others were killed, and 26 houses were burnt. During an attack on Pasakori, situated around 3km away from Misisi, two people were killed and 16 houses burnt.
Chawai Chiefdom
 
On 13 November around 3pm, Fulani herdsmen laid siege to  Kigam, Kitakum, Unguwan Magaji , Unguwan Rimi and Kizipi, all in Chawai Chiefdom, of Kauru LGA, about 300km east of Kaduna metropolis. Leaving 35 people dead. 120 houses were looted before being destroyed. In Kigam, not a single home is spared, apart from the primary school. All 8 churches in these communities were razed.

As the lurid and gory picture showed, kids less than two years, pregnant women and the aged form most of the casualty. This cannot be “self-defence” or “retaliatory” in nature. This is a premeditated evil and we have no explanation for it, except that people are forced out of their villages for herdsmen to take over
 Violence Centres on Three LGAs
 
The murder and displacement of communities is occurring across Southern Kaduna. However, it is intensified in Jema’a, Sanga and  Kaura LGAs,  which are  adjoining landmasses.

 The worst affected areas are  Attakad chiefdom and Bondong district in Moroa chiefdom  of Kaura LGA; Numana Chiefdom in Sanga LGA,  and Godogodo district, Kaninkon and Kagoma Chiefdoms in Jema’a LGA.
 In Summary, since the  latest onslaught on Southern Kaduna began, according to our documented evidence and other reports, at least 138 persons have been killed, most of them women and children, and about 1,300 homes and churches have been razed.
 
Abduction, Forced conversion and Marriage of Minors

 On 15 November 2016, Mr. Jonathan Usman, a member of ECWA Church Abadawa in Saminaka town, Lere LGA was scheduled to appear before a Sharia Court.
He is being forced to appear before this court by the abductors of his 15 year old daughter, Sarah Jonathan. She was abducted and taken to the Emir of Saminaka's palace on 16 August 2016. Her abductors stated that they have married her off to an unknown person, on the pretext that she had converted to Islam. Yet, according to the laws of the land she is a minor who is subject to parental religion until reaching the age of majority,  and who cannot marry without parental consent.
Unfortunately there are more such illegal actions occurring  in Kaduna State; which are rarely made known to the public.

In Conclusion
 Gentlemen of the press 
As preachers of the Word of the Living God, we follow the practical teachings of Christ, who abhors violence in any form. We are forever for peace,  brotherliness and everything that will advance reconciliation and the wellbeing of humanity.
 While we stand in unity with every Fulani, Hausa and Muslim groups that seeks peace, unity, justice and development, we can no longer maintain silence in the face of unabated illegality, violence and the wasting of innocent lives.
The attacks by Fulani are not self-defence. No group that invades a community,  kills women and children, burns homes,  foodstuffs and houses of worship can legitimately claim to be acting in self-defence. Even in ancient times, non-combatants were spared from slaughter.

 We have come to the unfortunate conclusion that the announced intention of the Kaduna State Government to “re-create existing cattle grazing reserves” in Southern Kaduna serves as a major motivation for the renewed ethno-religious violence and cleansing currently being visited on Southern Kaduna communities.
 
Our Demands
 We are aware that the  Kaduna State Government, through the Nigeria Police and Nigeria Army, is currently arresting our members, including Royal Fathers, on trumped up charges while the Fulani who have publicly taken responsibility for this carnage are walking free. We therefore request that Abdullahi Hassan Mohammed, Ahmad M. Yandeh and Abdulhamid Musa, be arrested and be made to produce those who are behind this grim sin against man and God. Failure to do so would be a clear indication that the Kaduna State Government has taken sides in this matter.

We also acknowledge the gesture of Kaduna state governor in offering N100 million for the rebuilding of churches and mosques in Southern Kaduna destroyed through violence, we wonder who would be worshiping in these churches, since most of the worshippers have fled for safety or do not even have homes anymore to live in.
 
We appeal to the Kaduna State Government,  in the interests of justice, peace and security,  to respect the wishes of the electorate of Southern Kaduna and their elected representatives and stop the creation of grazing reserves in the area,  especially since this is tantamount to rewarding perpetrators of murder, arson and destruction for their crimes.

 As perpetrators continue to evade consequences for their illegal and violent  actions,  impunity and lawless are becoming entrenched,  to the detriment of the entire state. We therefore call on the State and Federal governments to restore all occupied areas to their rightful owners.  Failure to do so will not only encourage further lawlessness; it may also eventually compel the owners of these villages to resort to forceful means to recover their ancestral and only God given lands.
We  appeal for compensation for affected persons, and for relief materials to be provided to the displaced.
 
We also appeal to the Federal Government to locate an Army Barracks near the affected areas in order to deter such killings in the future.
 
Finally,  we  urge state and federal authorities to uphold the rule of law and the primacy of the national constitution by securing the return of all abducted female minors who have been married illegally,  and to combat impunity by ensuring that anyone involved in this appalling violation of the rights of young girls is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
At this point, we hereby declare a three day fast beginning from Monday, 21st - Wednesday 23rd November 2016 and call on all ECWA members and other Christian faithful to join in this spiritual exercise for God’s intervention in the persecution of the Church in Kaduna state.
 
Thank you, and God Bless our State and our Nation.'

peacesamuel94:


This was indeed very helpful, if I may ask sir, Is this your field of study?

Yes

Congrats on your admission Peacesamuel. I am glad you were admitted for a course you actually like. Your interest in studying Anatomy is actually the key to your future success and what informed my decision to contribute to your post. The classical career path for an Anatomist in Nigeria is to become a Professor in institutions of higher learning. This normally requires having advance research degrees in addition to your first degree in Anatomy as well as dissemination of original scientific research as publications in reputable journals amongst other requirements. There are many other career options outside academics which may require a degree in Anatomy such as working with organizations like WHO, UNICEF and some NGOs that are in need of the skills you must have acquired as an Anatomist. Medical journalism, law enforcement and laboratory services are some other areas you could tap into. Research and development(R&D), as applicable to government-owned research institutes is another lucrative area. Hopefully private companies will also come in to R&D with time. Other areas include pharmaceutical companies, mostly as sales rep and setting up your own business to provide services in tissue prosection, embalmment and funeral management, karyotyping, molecular biology, assisted reproduction, organ/tissue transplant, specialize trainings and facilities for biomedical institutes e.t.c You may also choose to work in areas not related to Anatomy such as banking and finance, oil and gas, agriculture e.t.c. Hope this helps.

Farrang:
Hello VO,
I was interviewed and got approved for a B1 visa in Abuja on Monday 18th July. The VO asked me to pic up my passport in a few days time. Its been five days now and the message I get when tracking my passport online is "Your passport is still with the US embassy/consulate". I would like to know what this means as I stay outside Abuja and wouldn't want to waste my time going to DHL office if the passport is not yet there. Thank you.

VO please I need your attention here. The risk of posting my passport details on a public forum would not allow me to do so here. However, the surname starts with letter 'A' and the first name also starts with 'A'. Thanks

Hello VO,
I was interviewed and got approved for a B1 visa in Abuja on Monday 18th July. The VO asked me to pic up my passport in a few days time. Its been five days now and the message I get when tracking my passport online is "Your passport is still with the US embassy/consulate". I would like to know what this means as I stay outside Abuja and wouldn't want to waste my time going to DHL office if the passport is not yet there. Thank you.

Please I need information on how to get a Postdoc position in Canadian Universities. Sincere advice from people with experience would be appreciated.
Thanks.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Kogi State University chapter has embarked on a 'no pay, no work' action due to non-payment of salaries running to the fifth month since December, 2015. Arising from its Congress meeting this morning, 14th April, the union noted that the 21day ultimatum earlier given expired yesterday and resolved that it would pursue this action until all areas of salaries are paid. The union also expressed her disappointment over the University management's lack of payment of the 2014/2015 earned academic allowances (EAA).

The good thing is that no one would kill, destroy properties or even demonstrate because of the stupidity of this man. Also, God will surely forgive him if he truly repents. It is wonderful to be a Christian.

I see a lot of people dont understand that SA media is trying to ridicule Nigeria with this silly unconfirmed (according to the report) news.

In descending order:
1. Professor - PhD, 10-15 years university full-time teaching and research experience, adequate number of publications, ability to provide academic leadership in his/her field, administrative experience may be required.
2. Associate Professor/Reader - same as Professor except that only 8-12 years university full-time teaching and research experience is required.
3. Senior Lecturer - same as Associate Professor except that only 6-10 years university full-time teaching and research experience is required.
4. Lecturer 1 - PhD, 3-5 years teaching and research experience, adequate number of publications
5. Lecturer 2 - PhD.
6. Assistant Lecturer - MSc
7. Graduate Assistant - BSc(1st class/2:1)

Just want somebody to update me on what the University students body is up to
Thanks.

Nice and interesting thread
have to go now. later,

benedictac:

Keep thinking, the devil will never tell u the truth, he is very crafty, he makes pple to believe what is wrong. God is the only true and living God.

God is the only true and living God and we need not spread incorrect information and lies, thereby becoming the Devil's offsprings in order to promote God

We may agree or disagree on many issues including this Chinese aids/contract, as that in itself is not as crucial as how we are able to gain wisdom from one another in moving Nigeria forward. Hopefully, contributors here share a common goal-to see a better Nigeria.  In that wise, maybe we should just use this case as a template to understanding the wider problem of leadership crises in our country.

oyinda.:

of course nothing is free but the question should be does the advantages outweigh the negatives?
and i think it does until u prove to us otherwise.

why the hell do nigerians always have to bad mouth every good thing happening in the country if govt build bridge u will say no build school instead. if govt build school, same yeye ppl will say no built bridge instead. warrahell?? lol


i personally think it's good news.

It will take a close examination of international politics vis a vis economic interests to put certain issues in the right perspective. I maintain that those of us at the bottom of the food chain may not easily decipher what the power players are up to in some of these things. But to save my breath, if the majority opinion is that the advantages outweights the disadvatanges, then let it be. That afterall is the beuty of democracy.

nex:

Very good news. I've never heard anybody complain about re-colonization when the USA promise all their never-coming aid.

Have we now re-colonized Sierra Leone and Liberia. Some countries even Nigeria give sincere and unselfish aid.

I think many people complain about the US domination and 're-colonization' through their aids, including loans. But whether or not we hear depends on the 'channel' to which we are tuned. At least I have heared reputable academics and ASUU point it out to successive Nigerian goverments that allowing the IMF and World bank to direct some of our fiscal policy isn't the best for our country. I believe we all know that the US is the biggest contributor to some of these international institutions. But again, if we fail to put things in the right perspective we might want to think that when the US send us rice (unlabelled, and genetically modified), computer hardware, drugs and vaccines, testbooks for use in our libraries e.t.c, they are doing us good. Yes they are. Who will debate that? But the truth of the matter is that we can not run a country like this and expect development. That the US is properous was not due aids from Britian nor was India stupid not to have developed her manpower. Even the Chinese, despite their problems have a strategy for deveopment. Rather than creating discussions about China building us schools, why cant our leaders put the resources we have to good use without and make us proud among other nations?
In the strictest sence of the workings transnational political equations, we should not only have colonized Sierra Leone and Liberia, but most part of Africa, except for the 'Nigerian factor' that has plagued us over the years.

Still on my point
I think I should first clearify that my use of the word 're-colonize' does not mean the old-fashioned practice where some immigrants establish themselves and take political control of the indigines (although that still happens today in some quarters). My assumption is that most people on this blog are knowledgeable enough to understand that neo-colonialism, to which I was referring in my earlier post, is the is the big stick they (foreign goverments) use to keep us in check.
Having understood the aforementioned, it may do us all some good to note that while goverments render to one another different forms of assistance to strengthen their relationships, there is also a critical balance of protecting individual political and economic interests, which unfortunately, is often bias against us. Curtesy of our Gana-must-go leaders. Consider China in her relationshp with the US for example.
@tensor777
If I take your points stated in (1) and (2) with all seriousness, then it would appear that both of us have reached the same conclusion (despite the misappropraition of 're-colonize') which is the fact that China is simply trying to gain market for her products (sometimes substandard though). Contrast this conclusion with 'but China’s assistance is sincere and unselfish' as carried by the report. If you factor-in some of the good points raised by @fayahsoul, you will have to agree that our nation's strategic interest is not at the heart of some of these aids. Or what stops our own leaders from being long-sighted and catapulting Nigeria into development by harnessing those human and material capital like China.
I will also like to put it to you that though Nigeria has been very active in other African countries on humanitarian grounds, some of these may not be unconnected with selfish gain and neo-colnialism. The slight difference would be that Nigeria has not optimised her production capabilities (shamefully still struggling with power supply), hence we can not capture those coutries for our economic advantage apart from those in goverment who will always get their cut from every deal. A very recent example is the $10 million loan saga to Sao Tome and Principe. You may need to do some research on what project the loan is to be spent on and the people in Nigeria who have some business connection to the execution of that project to get the right perspective here.
As per where I developed my cynical mindset, I will say respectfully without taking offence, that I have a woking knowledge of the economic dominance of China in a country in Asia, where most conglomerates are Chinese-owned, and as such they have almost killed small scale businesses and competition in the market. While I agree that this is a global phenomenon due to globalization, we may also need to understand that economic power, probably besides nuclear warheads is a key to political control. Hence, Nigerian leaders must wake up, shun corruption and develop our country rather than keep us perpectually at the mercy of other countries (not only limited to China)

Well, I guess the Chinese goverment is one of the very few on this planet that is so sincere and unselfish in their relationship with others. However, it will be good if our leaders and those who are being led would resist the subtle way in which we are being re-colonized. While most people will agree in principle that nothing goes for free, we still cant understand that most of these aids are linked to some business interests (sometimes only associated with the subsidiary ventures they generate). Another undeniable fact is that it becomes difficult for us on the diplomatic arena to raise our voice as a nation against these foreign goverments when we have ideological differences because they have 'bought us over' by their aids, which unfortunately actually tie us down on the ladder of development. It may be difficult as individuals to appreciate some of these points because we see schools being built with the assistance of a foreign goverment-which is a wonderful thing. But as a state, particularly with the market and resources as Nigeria, one must be critical of the Chinese. Their not-so-impressive record at homefront and in places like Tibet gives litle doubt to what power means to them.  Also, the current drive of China to dominate the world stage and capture Africa (with the additional benefits of its cheap and substandard products), even if it means doing business with corrupt Nigerian officials should make everyone weary and think of what this generation and the ones unborn will be loosing if we settle for everything without a critical appraisal of real value, motive and the overall benefits to our dear country.