History reminds us that the sanctions on the back of a coup are more punitive to the masses than to the leaders.
Even visas become a problem, I guess we can recall when embassies/high commissions were issuing visas to Nigerians from Ghana.
As an inport dependent nation, inflation would spike much more than what we see today. There are very very few examples where a coup eventually left the masses better. And even if better, typically for a short time.
BRATISLAVA: His own father has denied him, but never nairaland males.
He's now being called a disloyal father. The crime is negligence from his father. It's everyone except the killers fault. This forum is sickening.
What did you want the father of two daughters in University to say?
Very well put, representative of the Nigerian social media space, always blaming every other person except the culprit and stretching the narrative as far as possible to give a semblance of justification for actions - an armed robber's action is blamed on government failure, a corrupt officials action is justified by historical precedents. Eventually, all of this is a reflection of the larger entitlement mentality eating through the populace.
I have two daughters: one will be 3 years old later in the year and the other will be 1 next month. I noticed that my first daughter is too timid. She gets easily frightened by her peers. She is quiet. She will allow just anybody to carry her - even those whom she is older and bigger than - without any resistance.
I really don't like these attributes about her. I want her to have the boldness to resist some of these things. I want her to be aggressive. I want her to grow up having confidence in doing things her way. I also wish to instill that in the second child. Thank you!
Love her, be her friend, make her feel valued, don't project your thoughts of her timidity on her, it makes it worse.....and very importantly, respect and value her mother to set a standard for what she thinks is an acceptable base standard for a woman to be treated.
Hhmm.... Just curious, is this difference really reason enough to decide one's nationality?
In 2013, the B1 visa refusal rate in Cameroon was 37.3% and that of Nigeria was 35.1%. Though both have increased with Cameroon being almost 60% now and Nigeria chasing 70%, I think what Nigeria really has is higher number of applicants which makes this 10% difference to translate into a high number. This higher number of applicants stems from two facts: first, Nigeria is far more populated and second, Cameroonians apply for French visa more than they apply for the US visa (going by the available stats). I think the higher rejection rate in Nigeria is because of more people trying to game the system and getting caught while at it. The genuine ones who want to visit and go back home or those that want to study still get their Visa. The problem is when you want to use a visitor's Visa to migrate (which is mostly the case in Nigeria).
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying the difference rejection rate is insignificant but I believe it's just not enough to decide one's nationality. This is especially now that countries are moving towards the less subjective point based immigration system where nationality doesn't count (Nigerians are performing great here). Again, Cameroon's lack of recognition for dual citizenship is also a flag to consider. You'd likely find yourself denouncing the passport later and there's no telling how rosy that would be.
I could be wrong though.
Actually, you are spot on. On a trip there, an indigene was saying he wishes he was Nigerian, thinking Nigerians don't have issues with visas. For those that have visited here, they are "blown away" by Nigerian infrastructure. To lots of Cameroonians, choosing Nigeria would be a no-brainer with the size of the economy and attendant opportunities - eventually, it's a personal choice, hopefully driven by deeper factors than visa success rate.
Pinkybush: I am! I've done death certificate and approach the court for letter of administration, but it seems the guy I met in the bank want to stop me since ATM card has expired and needs to be renew.
Once you mentioned to any banker that he is dead, they have a responsibility to block the account until you take over administration. Once you take charge of his estate, you can discuss what exact post death benefits with the pension manager. It's not unusual for pension payments to terminate at death unless there is a specific arrangement in place.
The only issue is that its Naija and we think everything about us is wrong won't be surprised if the ticket or boarding pass had those details. If you buy an Emirates ticket to Abu Dhabi, you would be bussed from Dubai. I flew Air France to Brussels, took a closer look at the ticket to realise the Paris to Brussels leg was on a train, had AF flight number and all.
Iolo: Nothing strange about this if they disclose it upfront.
Experienced it on Ethiopian's first A350 flight into Lagos airport. In addition, bonus miles were given to all passengers, Ethiopian Lagos management were present at the sky bridge to welcome passengers and a card was presented to all passengers. It was a spanking new plane, flight also had Boeing staff and someone from the flight navigation system company.
8 seats post security at MMIA?? I don't know if these means 8 long multi people seats (i never counted) or to seat 8 people. If it's to seat 8 people, definitely not MMIA. That airport needs a makeover but the problem is not number of seats.
And some the idiots are even bragging about being "well-travelled". Only online will Nigerian idiots be coming and making stupid claims about lives they don't live.
There are about 8 seats in the check-in area at MMA.
Another 8 seats just after passing through security scanners.
That is it!
Now in a 2 hour period, there might be passengers of 4 planes/flight destinations checking in.
Each plane can carry on average 150 passengers.
Lets say there are 100 first class passengers who would have a dedicated lounge, that is 500 other passengers (including old people and mothers with young children) having to fight for 8 seats, and some idiots are saying that is okay and that is how it is in every airport in the world.
You have used silly, foolish, suffehead idiots to converse/describe someone you don't know, haven't met or have a clue about. Being online or on social media doesn't jutsify throwing civility out of the words. You can raise your points without those words. I have achieved gold status on one of the major airline alliances, flown through at least 30 airports in the past three years and if we had a face to face doubt if you would use dumb or sufferhead idiot to describe me. I have never had to sit on the floor in MMIA, the lack of seats is prior to security/immigration which happens in most airports.
Another silly opinion to justify backwardness and substandard developments.
At off peak times, are there enough seats in MMA?
Was there a drone attack at MMA?
Why are you foolishly comparing rockets to apples?
Many of you are so dumb you wilfully defend the nonsense your leaders give you.
There are not enough seats at MMA because some idiot did not think of putting enough or they stole the money for it.
People don't sit on the floor in civilised airports because people with brains build these and the populace are not sufferhead idiots that are happy and accepting of rubbish like you.
Happens at any airport during peak times. An airport that seemingly has enough seats at noon might have people sitting on the floor at night. Gatwick had people sleeping on the floor during the drone incidents. In between a long haul flight, sitting on the floor actually feels better.
They don't have any slot, anyone going into the job market should not have that mindset. Tons of jobs are still based on merit. Negative mindset before an interview plays against the applicant.
Reality: lots of countries with more expensive petrol have lower wages than Nigeria. I have done some travel recently, even within Africa and every time I convert the pump price, it's always shocking.
Petrol subsidy as well as non economic prices for electricity, gas etc would continue to be a major impediment to the economy. When Dangote's refinery is completed, he might need to export almost all his production because we would not pay the economic value....except government subsidises it. No refinery (planning to be sustainable and deliver value to shareholders) would deliver petrol at 145 per liter. Even if you converted very drop of a barrel of crude into petrol; at current market prices, you can't deliver it at 145.
Unfortunately, until we have a government we can trust, no point removing the subsidies because the gains end up in private pockets. Even the oil rich Arab nations that historically boasted about cheap petrol have dropped off the list.
An easy way to tell; Venezuela is best on the list with the about worst economy in the world right now.
[Qquote author=LuciferKristi post=71049232]It's not about the cost. It's whether the citizens can afford it.
Most Nigerians survive on less than $1 daily, how many can afford fuel at its current cost?[/quote]
Bro, simply put, any one that uses the 2 legs to drive an automatic has not perfected the art of driving an automatic vehicle! Actually hearing this for the first time!
Not sure you can pass a driving test in any country if you are noted driving an automatic with two legs.
Kolping: I'm thinking of a lump sum deposit. I would say that if I have $200,000 it wouldn't be sitting in a Nigerian bank.
Most firms would allow you access to Dollars at the interbank rates for purchase of Eurobonds. Typically $200k but some would allow you buy into a pool alongside other investors.
Illiquid if you do not have a full $200k investment because of complexities trying to pull out your share of the pool.
Good to hedge against FX movement if you have future foreign outlay planned for education etc.etc.
Patrinus: Circa 100k in Port Harcourt. Good guy, knows what he's doing but for the first time the pain might be excruciating even with all the drugs and injection given to deaden the gum, the pain na die!
Root canals are painless or come with very minimal pain. If there is pain, would be due to an existing infection not the root canal itself. I guess that's why dentists typically want to address the infection before the root canal. The name is associated with pain but it's actually not painful.
Had one some years back....felt nothing during the process, got pain killers handed over just in case I needed them later on. Took one dose pre-empting lots of pain but didn't need it.
As long as it's done in a good place, you are fine. Good dentists don't even want you feeling pain during an extraction.
LegitBoy: I'm sorry to say this but you took the most stupid decision there, his salary is haunting you? Is it the 6months that will kill you? People should stop bothering themselves with frivolities if you have a career to build.
But what do I know? You're probably a rich kid who can get a job at will so no point thinking about unemployment.
Thank you; someone expects ground services to be able to service every plane in every remote airport in Nigeria. Suddenly, dismount stairs is signs of a failed state.
I've read comment after comment, and the ignorance levels in our youth is really getting scary.
From the comments, one would actually think the plane flew in with the stairs.
Nothing wrong with not knowing, but if you don't know, keep quiet, read, research before blowing hot.
franciskaine: thought the wailing has stopped? nawao!
At this rate, quality contributions to any discuss would soon be totally absent in the Nigerian space. Can't understand how an article on a drop in oil price (not sustained plunging or falling) has led to plenty comments on bad Nigerian leadership.
joseph6071: ''You All Are Murderers And Yahoo Boys/Fraudsters In Suits'' - Angry Francophone Man Confronts All The Francophone African Leaders Who Came to The US see video
Uchboggy: Banking is a trap that most young graduates fall into...I advise you not to fall for it, don't even give it a try.
Those who have ears should hear
1. You probably need to change the circle of bankers you are acquainted to. I was a banker and still trace the beginning of my career climb to banking. I still have banker friends that have excelled well enuf and built decent careers in banking - with some having cross border experience under their belt.
2. Sanusi, Emmanuel Udom, Emefiele etc etc. Cut their teeth as commercial bankers.
3. Unless you have reached the very pinnacle of your career (either self employed or paid), when you post such things, don't put your picture. No recruiter, even outside the banking industry would take kindly to such perspectives.
4. Some people would make a success out of their banking careers, don't discourage them.
Reading the comments....trying to figure out how the government gets blamed for a privately run airline being run aground. Arik is (was) a private entity that lots of people swore never to use again because of dissapointments.
The government is trying to salvage what is left of it, Virgin Nigeria was ignored, Aero was ignored....should Arik also be ignored so it "dissapears"?
Asky (the francophone carrier) was handed over to Ethiopian aeons ago, there is a direct and lucrative lome to new York flight to show for it. Ethiopian is better run than SA, Egypt or any African airline - I actually pick them ahead of some European airlines. In seeking management options, shouldn't priority be the best capabilities?
Or we sacrifice the airline because of nationalistic sentiments Etihad invested (in fact bailed out) in Alitalia and Air Berlin! Let the airline run, create jobs....then we discuss nationalistic sentiments.
As anyone that has flown Ethiopian and flown through Addis would admit, whether we like it or not, they are light years ahead of us in the aviation industry. Our airlines fly to Addis (at least I have seen a Medview plane in their hanger) for maintenance so it's not strange that they are getting involved.....its a business relationship, not colonialism.
Cultism, religion or their compatibilites is a different question.
If your concern (as it seems) is having a boss that is occultic, you have no business with his personal affiliations. If you work for a multinational; loads of times, you don't even have a clue of the religious leanings of your boss - much less discuss it.
Work is work. Unless you genuinely feel threatened or he is imposing his beliefs on you, it truly is none of your business.
Amoto94: Oga the thing tire me most NLs are ignorant of simple facts yet ran amok thinking they know it all. I pity the future of this country
It's actually scary because most of the posters are young (under 30) with ready access to internet. Our youth can't be sooooo ignorant, the fear from our leadership failures is a joke compared to the fear from an ignorant youth.
SirJeffry: I recently secured a Nigerian visa and I was led to apply through one INNOVATE 1 SERVICES who ended up taking $20 as a processing fee after paying $160 visa fees. At the end of the day, I still paid another $30 processing fee to Nigeria embassy Washington. I'm not much worried about the fees but why establish and fund Nigeria immigration services when they can't take care of their business such as this? I've never heard or seen this practice done in other countries. I don't even want to talk about the shabby Nigeria visa with no passport photograph included, no visa interview, unlike other countries who grill intending travelers at interviews.
Any immigration officer here to clarify these?
Visa interview How many countries still do visa interviews. Even in Nigeria, generally regarded as a high risk nation, very few embassies require interviews for visa applications.
SirJeffry: I recently secured a Nigerian visa and I was led to apply through one INNOVATE 1 SERVICES who ended up taking $20 as a processing fee after paying $160 visa fees. At the end of the day, I still paid another $30 processing fee to Nigeria embassy Washington. I'm not much worried about the fees but why establish and fund Nigeria immigration services when they can't take care of their business such as this? I've never heard or seen this practice done in other countries. I don't even want to talk about the shabby Nigeria visa with no passport photograph included, no visa interview, unlike other countries who grill intending travelers at interviews.
Any immigration officer here to clarify these?
Tons of countries started contracting their visa services over a decade ago (guess UK started with VFS in india). In Nigeria - UK, all EU countries, Canada, Australia, South Africa etc etc all use visa agencies.
Reading through the posts and seeing the number of comments berating Nigeria for doing this as an isolated evil finally convince me that online commenters in Nigeria are generally ignorant and criticise because "we should always criticise Nigeria" not because the chain of thot is logical.
Same elements required to succeed in an academic environment are required to make a phenomenal mark anywhere. The calibre of schools Gates and co dropped out from shows they had phenomenal academic records. If Gates did not drop out, I dare say he would have ended up with a first class.
Mode of delivery might be different, but the same base expectations (good GPA) exist between western and Nigerian universities.
GPA does not define you, but as I always say, why not just get a good GPA even if its just to prove your mettle at one more thing.
AmbodOfLASU: THE EUPHORIA OF CGPA AND THE ILLUSION OF SUCCESS
By Pelumi Olugbenga(Ambode of LASU).
An hour ago, I read through some comments posted on a social media platform. The comments revealed how some students were saddened by the potential mass failure in a departmental course and how their 'CGPAs' are on the verge of a possible decline. The feelings that came with this was very much nostalgic. It inspired me to review my four semesters in LASU; with a view to dissect the values that have been added to my life, and if a University Degree is really even worth the strive. The reflections of my sober moment are not far fetched. I will try to make this not too lengthy.
THE EUPHORIA OF CGPA AND THE ILLUSION OF SUCCESS
The Nigerian educational system has passed through some facets. With the Tertiary level, being the zenith of this Britannic model of education. Over the past decades, what has proved to be a subject of passion, zeal, desperation and extremism in Nigerian Universities is the CGPA. Upon admission into the University, the goal of every student is to graduate with a FIRST CLASS. Majority of such dreams, more often than not, dies in the second year into the University.
Obviously, the CGPA(Cumulative Gradient Point Average) massages ego, it inspires smile and induces tears. Why does a decimal point carries so much weight to an extent; people commit suicide for not making a targeted Gradient Point? The society has made us to believe albeit erroneously; that, not making a good CGPA means not making it in life. More worrisome is the fact that; there is this delusion among many undergraduates that a '5.0' CGPA will automatically earn you a wealthy life in the outside world. This is false and quite delusional! Although, it gives you a cushion, but there is far much more needed to navigate through the storm of the outside world.
Fundamentally, the Nigerian Educational System can be likened to a Zoo, where the Zookeeper in a quest to test which animal is the strongest, gathers the Antelope, Giraffe, Monkey,Lion and Tiger and declares thus : "whoever climbs the tree first is the strongest animal in the Zoo". Surely, the monkey will win under such circumstances but the monkey is no match for the Lion or even the Tiger. Given this analogy, it therefore appears that in every society; where there is no equal level playing ground, any result produced from any contest is bound to be distorted as it lacks the fundamentals of a true competition. In this light, not everybody is made for the Nigerian University System. Some are better off as fashion models, musicians, technicians, photographers, craftsmen et all. These people and their ilk are meant to be in special skill acquisition and development centers and not in a place their talents doesn't belong to and thus, may never be maximized in such an environment. Admittedly, the basic knowledge and usage of English is a prerequisite to make headway in a British colonized country like ours. This can however be achieved outside the four walls of the University. English studies, etiquette and soft skills(which are not even taught in the University) should be incorporated into the syllabus of such centers. This is how it is done in the Western world.
Instinctively, there are three categories of students in Nigerian Universities. The first being the so called "book worms or scholars". The second being the "average or normal students" and the third category being a conglomeration of misled elements, who surely have no business in a sane University Environment. After taking a deeper observation, I pointed out other group within these categories. Time won't permit me to digress that much but these observations will be integrated into the analysis of the larger groups.
Using the overemphasized CGPA as a yardstick, the first category, to be frank, are predominantly students whose cgpa falls between 4.4 to 5.0(on a scale of 5.0). These are the revered 'geniuses' on our campuses. They are the 'living and moving books', as the society has taught us to believe. However, there is something paradoxical about this category of people. Many of them are aided by the way the system is structured and their academic success is not necessarily a product of invincibility. The system has made little room for innovations but it has rather strongly maintained a high level of conservatism. The system also encourages cramming. Hence, a student who crams a lecture note and gives it back to the Lecturer; verbatim in the exam is more likely to have a distinction than a student who made an indepth research or even have a better in depth knowledge of the course. There are empirical facts to back this up. The reason being that, most lecture notes images the sentiments of a Professor about a concept or topic. Once a student toes the same path in answering his examination question, he will be on the same wavelength with the lecturer who would then key into his answers. Most times, when students go 'too deep' into a course by unraveling so many things that were not taught in class and flaunts such 'new knowledge' in his answer booklet, such students are most likely to get a C. The 'verbatim givers' are much more likely to have an A. Little wonder why some students can read a singular course material 10times before exam - the system rewards such approach, the verbatim givers, I choose to call them. I do not hold any grudge against the 'genuises', what I find quite bewildering about most of them is the tradition of studying the same set of materials from the beginning of the semester till the end all under the auspices of getting As. Why should I study a course material(which was probably used by the ancestors of my department) all through the semester? This is very crazy. A high CGPA without the initiative to solve societal problems is a WASTE. I once met a First Class student from the University of Ibadan who can recite all the theories of Karl Marx, John Locke, Aristotle, Plato, Voltaire and others. I was stunned and mesmerized by such enormous knowledge. However, when I challenged this great friend of mine to apply all his knowledge towards proffering a solution to a national crisis I posed before him, he stuttered. His initial eloquence that poured out the theories suddenly went into oblivion. Apparently on paper, he is a genius. But in practice(the most important aspect), he evidently appears to be impotent. If the materials you study doesn't propel you to 'think out of the box', my brother, shelve them and go on a journey of self discovery. I've seen so many 'scholars' who starts a sentence with "Am", who doesn't even know when to use "Have and I've". Some can't even properly spell the basic things related to their course and you begin to wonder how they attained such Cumulative Gradient Point. Truly, no man is an island and everyday, to me, is a new day to learn new things. However, when you dedicate all your time on pursuing a singular goal, you are very much unlikely to learn anything new in life, other than the materials, you've confined your brain to. The University is not a place to pursue a singular goal. It shouldn't be a one-way traffic where all you pursue is "GP, GP, GP, GP! ". The outside world will demand far much more than that 'decimal point' you hold high like an oxygen. Self development they say is the key to greatness. The greatest and richest men in the world barely graduated with a high CGPA. In fact, they even dropped out of the University. I'm talking about the likes of Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg. What makes them great was their ability to identify a societal problem, think about a possible solution, expand great possibilities and here they are today. Problem solvers mostly ends up being the greatest acheivers. Are you investing in yourself? How well do you spend your time? Do you spend all your day clinging to your books? My brother, you are not an undergraduate if all you do is to romance those books - 24/7. Being an undergraduate is an opportunity to explore other possibilities apart from your academics, it is a time to learn new things, discover your ever changing world, meet new people, network and if possible, learn new skills. How often do you learn new things? By new things, I do not mean the next topic on your course outline. No. I'm very much far from that. Rather by new things, I mean : the needed soft skills, continuous improvement of your communication and public speaking skills, understanding your ever changing world and how you intend to navigate through the stormy way to your career.
The world is changing. The society now demands much more than CGPAs and similarly, academic brilliance is not just enough. We are in a century, Professor Lanre Fagbohun described as a "century that abhors excusiologists but instead promotes the deep thinkers - problem solvers. According to him, it is a century of CLASH OF IDEAS". The thing is, in the labour market, there are thousands of four-point(4point) graduates. In fact, majority of Covenant University graduates made either a First Class or a 2'1. What will distinguish you from the crowd won't be your result but rather your ability to understand, anayse and proffer intelligent solutions to problems. A good result surely gives you an edge, but it's not just enough. Personally, my best moments as an undergraduate have proven to be a product of self development and deep thinking, with little or no attachment to the decimal point on my DPU profile. The only attachment it appears to have is the fact that I've never allowed it to be on warning/withdrawn. Thus, maintaining my studentship in LASU. Surely, I do not celebrate mediocrity. In fact, as an undergraduate, who knows the reasons for being in the University, your CGPA - no matter how political, religious or busy you are, should NEVER fall below 3.4 or at worst, 3.0! Anything short of that is most likely a lack of seriousness and misplaced priorities. Although, I also do not particularly blame the people that are even below 2.0. The reason being that : many of the students in the University have no business in the University in the first place. Many would have been better productive as photographers, event planners, musicians, technicians etc after leaving various skill acquisition or training centers (as I mentioned earlier). Some are even born business men and women. Meanwhile, even majority of the ones that have the traits of a typical undergraduate are studying courses they never dreamt of studying. Hence, the whole system is distorted. There is no equal level playing ground. Apparently, there is a need for a rejig and review of the nation's curriculum.
Notably, high CGPAs boosts chances of gaining scholarships and Postgraduate admission into the likes of Harvard and Oxford University. It must however be also pointed out that self development, extra curricular activities, politics(student leadership) also plays pivotal roles in gaining admission into the ivory league Universities as well. Oxford University for instance, doesn't admit based on high CGPA alone. A check on their website shows. Likewise testimonies from their graduates. In fact, they highly rate potential post-graduate students who involved actively in extracurricular activities, student leadership and those who also participated in various competitions while they were undergraduates. It is never a one way traffic.
Consequent on the foregoing, I hold no intention to hurt the feelings of anybody. Rather, I intend to awaken the consciousness of my readers to their ever changing world. The world keeps transcending and it's really disturbing when I see many people pursue a singular goal as undergraduates. More stinging; is the reality that your stay in the University is also very short. Shockingly, some live it as if life ends in the University. The 4 - 5 years is nothing. Before you know it, you are already out of the system - facing the shock of the outside world. Most Importantly, I do not intend to portray myself as an invincible or immortal human. I make mistakes and fail virtually everyday. But, I learn from every moment of my life. The primary goal of this article is to bring to the fore : the little experience I've had and what I've also learnt from other people. Having a massive CGPA is good, it gives you an edge to some extent. However, it is never a free meal ticket in the outside world. Finally, graduating with a First Class is great, but going through the rigors of self development,deep thinking and networking makes you a quintessential graduate.
Best wishes.
Pelumi Olugbenga(popularly known as Ambode of LASU) is an undergraduate at the Lagos State University where he studies History and International Studies. He is a writer and a sapiosexual. Contact : 08160156636.
jukeblam: I used to think it was impossible but it's quite possible; I drive for weeks without honking.
It takes extra patience/tolerance though; plus person with right of way oo, plus the one wey no get right of way oo...you just give them space to prevent any fender bender- or worse. Like the op said, you just stay a lot more alert, cos these Lagos drivers are maniacs.
Its a mindset....I use the horn exceptionally. I can go months without using it. Key words are patience and tolerance.
nnokwa042: uk re suffering ? Pls spare me all this crap
Its not a generic yes/no.....To put it in perspective, if you have visited the UK in 2016, compare and contrast that trip to a trip you made 10 years ago.
UK is definitely out of recession, but jobs are scarce, rent has been rising in horrible dimensions....landlords may be smiling but tenants are sweating it out.
Foreign Affairs / Re: Military Coup Underway In Burkina Faso: President Kabore Detained By Mutineers by gantic: 10:58am On Jan 24, 2022 
?? I don't know if these means 8 long multi people seats (i never counted) or to seat 8 people. If it's to seat 8 people, definitely not MMIA. That airport needs a makeover but the problem is not number of seats.