₦airaland Forum

ibmusa: I am just amazed by the amount of ignorance that Africans display. It is apparent from the economic and social state of the majority of African countries. It's almost like black people just do not have the capacity to think productively. The reason America is so progressive is because they are united. If a black man is the fastest runner, they will select him to run. If a gay man is the most capable scientist, they will support him in his research and perhaps he will find the cure for cancer, if a women is the best engineer she will be given grants and her research will be supported. In Africa, instead of tapping into the resources that we have, we are busy fighting. Fighting muslims, fighting christians, fighting gay people. I work in an ISP and have been looking for a VoIP engineer for several months. No one qualifies. Most of the so called experienced engineers do not even know what voip is. If I finally find someone who is experienced and knowledgeable, do you think I will care about his sexual orientation? Whether he is gay or not is none of my business. I will hire him so he can help me provide a service to Nigerians and help me grow my business. It is just common sense. What is the benefit of throwing him in prison? Please help me understand why Africans cannot put our differences aside and work in unity towards building our countries and the continent as a whole.

Many graduates don’t have business skills — Accenture boss

JUNE 30, 2013 BY ADEMOLA ALAWIYE 24 COMMENTS


https://media.punchng.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Niyi-Yusuf-360x394.jpg
Chief Executive Officer, Accenture Nigeria, Mr. Niyi Yusuf

Chief Executive Officer, Accenture Nigeria, Mr. Niyi Yusuf, talks about the Nigerian business environment and the economy. He spoke with ADEMOLA ALAWIYE

How will you describe doing business in Nigeria?

Doing business in Nigeria has been tough. Nigeria is a developing economy; we don’t have the infrastructure in place. I mean you look at the World Bank report on doing business, you will see where we are; the number of steps it takes to open a business and get access to credit. But because we are a developing nation, we know there are challenges to face. The greatest challenge we face is that of talent. There is a small pool of talents in Nigeria. We graduate people every year from the universities but those guys do not have the skills that are required in the business world.

Osun State: Transforming agric sector for economic growth
TUESDAY, 08 MAY 2012 15:17 REMI FEYISIPO, IBADAN

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Banana and plantain market at Ikire, Osun State of Nigeria

The over dependence on oil over the years relegated the most vibrant agricultural sector to the background in Nigeria. Before the discovery of oil in the 60s, the agric sector of the economy remained the main source of revenue for the country.

As a major branch of the economy, it was the main employer of many in the country, especially in the rural areas as well as providing employment for over 70 percent of the population.

The four regions then - North, East, West and Mid-West, before the creation of states, used to produce crops in large quantities for consumption locally and for exportation.

The nation was involved in major crops like beans, sesame, cashew nuts, cassava, cocoa beans, groundnuts, gum Arabic, kolanut, maize (corn), melon, millet, palm kernels, palm oil, plantains, rice, rubber, sorghum, soybeans and yams, while the most important food crops are yams and cassava in the South and sorghum and millet in the North.

The South West used to be major producer of cocoa and was the leading non-oil foreign exchange earner. This made the country to be self-sufficient in food production prior to the civil war, but increased steeply after 1973.

This has since dropped drastically, as the country started importing food from abroad and neighbouring countries.

But on assumption of office November 2010, the present administration in Osun State led by Rauf Aregbesola, frowned at the state of agriculture that used to be the mainstay of the state’s economy, engaging 70 percent of its total population then, had been relegated to the background for years.

While promising to transform the sector of the economy that has been neglected for years, the governor assured the people that priority attention would be given to agriculture and food security, promising that his administration would not relent in its effort to invest massively in the sector.

Aregbesola explained that a survey was carried out on the sources of food in the state, and indicated that most of the food items consumed in the state were being brought from outside the state.

Declaring that the situation was unacceptable, the governor asserted that mere description of Osun State as an agrarian state was not desirable and must be changed.

According to him, “we discovered that rice imported from Asia flooded the market, meat from Niger Republic and Burkina Faso dominates the market, while most of the fish displayed for sale are imported frozen fish of dubious hygiene and health status. This is what informed our agriculture policy of giving priority to food production so that we can feed ourselves and even sell excess to other state.”

This also informed the earmarking of N5.6 billion in the 2012 budget to cater for the various programmes that will transform the agric sector in the state.

To achieve the agricultural revolution that is encapsulated in his six-point integral action plan, which seeks to banish hunger and unemployment, and restore healthy living. The first step taken by the present administration was to embark on land validation exercise in the nine farm settlements owned by the state to determine the status of settlers.

After this was done, to facilitate the transportation of agricultural produce from the farms, 49 kilometres access and 25 kilometres feeder roads were constructed during the year to link the Mokore, Esa-Oke/ Esa-Odo, Iwo/Patara and Orile- Owu/Ago-Owu farm settlements with the urban centres.

More so, 30,000 hectares of land that had been acquired for food production in the state as part of the agriculture policy would soon be transferred to the farmers involved in the scheme, while the administration set up Osun Rural Enterprise and Agriculture Programme (O- REAP) to assist rural farmers.

Through the Osun State Agricultural Corporation, 2,683 hectares of farmland were tractorised for farmers across the state at subsidised rates, while it also prepared 8,000 hectares of farmland and opened up 5,000 hectares of virgin land for farming across the state in 2012.

For proper disbursement of N340 million out of the N1 billion loan obtained under the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme, a tripartite scheme between the state government, Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) and a scheme manager for the disbursement was set up by the government.

Aregbesola, while promising that a large number of poultry farmers in the state who benefitted from the scheme last year would also be able to expand their poultry farms under a well-guaranteed market for their broiler production in the coming year, noted that 66 out of 3,776 registered farmers’ co-operative groups benefitted from the N153 million loan disbursed by his administration under the Quick Impact intervention Programme (QIIP).

To further boost farming, the state has also disbursed N60 million as grants to Fadama Community Associations and users’ groups. Wale Adedoyin, the state commissioner for agriculture and food security, at the public disbursement, noted that payment of state’s counterpart fund had been made a priority every year.

While lauding the achievements of the Osun Fadama III project as the best performing state in the South West zone and second best in the country in the just concluded mid-term review mission, the commissioner said “the payment of counterpart fund is the key that opens the door for accessing the World Bank fund.”[b][/b]

Adedoyin also commended the 20 local government councils participating in the Fadama III project for their timely payment of N2 million yearly counterpart funds.

The national project coordinator of the project, Tayo Adewumi in his address, commended Governor Aregbesola for the payment of the annual counterpart fund for the state, adding that it was on record that the state government had paid over N200 million so far from project inception to 2011. To ensure that the distribution of fertilizers get to farmers, the Osun State Fertilizers Distribution and Monitoring Committee developed a comprehensive data of all farmers in the ‘Living Spring’ state.

The committee directed the Osun State Agricultural Development Programme (OSSADEP) to design a one- page application form to facilitate fertilizer request by medium- and large-scale farmers, and the form simply designed is made to capture necessary detailed information about prospective farmers who are requesting for fertilizer supply.

This is aimed at preventing middlemen from hijacking the sale of the product, which had led to the diversion of the critical farming input to various markets where they are sold at cut-throat prices.

The committee considered various options including the use of standardised application forms, procurement of certificates and use fertilizer vouchers by those applying for the supply through government stores.

Having noted that the major challenges of fertilizer distribution in the state was that of differentiating fertilizers necessitated by genuine needs and those aimed at reaping profit from the highly traded commodity, the committee then considered 154 outstanding requests totalling 22,533 bags or 1,126.65 metric tons but resolved to expedite action on supply so as not to jeopardise the interest of genuine farmers and consequently gave 37 approvals of 954 bags of fertilizers. Apart from this, beyond cultivation and harvest, the present administration in Osun State is partnering the Osun farmers to tap into the daily N3.6 billion food market in Lagos State.

The move is aimed at assisting the farmers move their goods to Lagos by rail into designated markets that have been secured for them.

To make this possible, the state government has acquired four locomotives of 40 coaches and 40 wagons to assist farmers and boost the economy of the state by transporting agricultural produce to Lagos through rail line free-of- charge, while it has the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) as the key driver in the project.

According to Aregbesola, we are developing agriculture in Osun State with the aim of making food available and cheap to the people; we also target 10 percent of the daily food supply value to Lagos State in a bid to generate money for our state.

“Lagos has a daily food exchange value of about N3.5 billion. That is the daily value of food commodity that exchanges hands in Lagos on a daily basis. If the South-West states take 10 percent each; that is 50 percent altogether. The remaining can be left for other states to suppl,” the governor noted.

Under the plan, farm produce will be better preserved, thus almost virtually eliminating scarcity. This will stabilise food prices and make it easier for low income earners to feed themselves and their families.

Under the project code-named: Osun-Hub, the state government will provide warehousing facilities for manufactured goods and fresh farm produce, modern marketing facilities, vehicle terminals, including trailer parks, among others, in Osogbo, the state capital.

These facilities are intended to receive manufactured goods brought into the state capital by rail, which buyers from surrounding states and cities could easily buy. Also, farm produce from the state’s various agriculture programmes would be transported to the Lagos market, from Osogbo, using the rail transport system.

As Osun State keys into the Federal Government’s efforts at reviving the agricultural sector, the giant stride taken is expected to liberate the state from the league of states that over-depend on federal subvention to run their economy.

Agriculture revolution: The Ogun example


But we have passed the era of lamentation. What we need now is action.
February 13, 2013 was the day the loud silence of 33 years in the agriculture sector was broken in Ogun State. In one iconic gesture, eighty-six (86) pieces of multi-million naira land clearing and preparation equipment were launched by the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

It was the first time since the creation of the state in 1976 that such quantum purchase would take place at one fell swoop. The farm machinery include 4 CAT bulldozers, 30 MF 275 Xtra tractors, 33 Baldan Disc Ploughs,15 Baldan Disc Harrows, 2 Baldan Rotary Slashers and 2 Baldan 4 Row–Planters.

In effect, the inauguration of these implements marked the setting-out of Ogun State on the road to mechanized agriculture. With these machines, about 80 per cent of the burden of farming has been lifted off the shoulders of farmers. Indeed, the third cardinal programme of the Senator Ibikunle Amosun-led administration is Increased Agricultural Production leading to Industrialization.

This can only be achieved by supplanting subsistence farming with mechanized agriculture. The era of using cutlasses and hoes should gradually give way to the use of ploughs and harrows.
At any rate, the farming population is already aged and farm labourersare difficult to come by these days, hence the rising cost of food in the country.

On the inaugurated equipment, Amosun had this to say: “We appreciate the need to make these implements easily accessible to our farmers. Towards this end, I wish to announce that the rate for hiring them has been subsidized so as to create a relief to our farmers. Operation and maintenance arrangements have also been made with the equipment suppliers to make the scheme sustainable.”
Some of the steps taken so far by the administration to revive agriculture and renew the interest of our youths in the sector include the following.

eGuerrilla: May your days be long Guv.

Whoever dreamt up the idea of putting that Man-U cake up for public display needs to be dangled at the end of fishing rod!

Disclosure: my antipathy towards the cultural locus of one of Africa's rising stars has nothing to do with my unwavering support for a rival football team - Arsenal! - but everything to do with the subliminal message sent out to impressionable minds

...storms off the thread in a whiff of anger.

THE APC AS A MUSLIM PARTY? – By Femi Fani-Kayode

Those that say that APC is a muslim party and that are citing and passing around a long list of newly-appointed muslim interim officers as evidence of this are either being mischevous or are just plain ignorant. The APC has 37 interim national officers on its interim National Executive Comittee. 18 of those officers are muslims and 17 are christian.
Those that are publishing and spreading the all muslim list in the media and the social websites and networks should be advised to go and publish the full list of ALL the national officers of the APC and not just the list of muslim ones. This is merely a PDP ploy to sell a lie to the public and attempt to clothe it as truth and it shall not stand. The truth is that there are many more religious and ethnic bigots in the PDP and much more ignorance than there is in any other party in Nigeria.

It is the National Chairman of the PDP by the name of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and not that of the APC that recently described the islamist terrorist organisation called Boko Haram as ”freedom fighters”. It is the leader of the PDP by the name of President Goodluck Jonathan and not any APC leader that recently described Boko Haram as his ”siblings” whom he ”could not move against”. It is a leader of the PDP in the person of Governor Isa Yuguda who recently said that he knew the various factions in Boko Haram very well and that he knew what they could do and not do.

So if you are looking for those that know Boko Haram well, that secretly sympathise with them and that are inclined to treat them with kid gloves look to the PDP. If you are looking for those that are ready to dine with that terrorist organisation and that have slaughtered over 7000 Nigerians in the last two years look to the PDP and not the APC. Our PDP Federal Government has been soft on terriorism from day one and this has led to the burning down and bombing of hundreds of churches all over the north.

You tell me who has asssisted the Boko Haram terrorists more in their evil quest- the weakness and cowardice of the Jonathan administration and their inability to provide the Nigerian people with security and protection when faced with terror or the rhetoric of the leadership of the APC. The latter have spoken out against terror on many occassions whilst the former tremble before it and appease it as if they were bedmates, soul-mates and political associates.

Those that accuse the APC of being a party of islamic fundamentalists, islamists and terrorist sympathisers or a party for only muslims are completely wrong. This is nothing but PDP propaganda. I despise and abhor Boko Haram yet I am in APC. I am not a muslim but a practising and devout Pentecostal christian yet I am there and there are millions of other christians there too. We are all there. The APC belongs to all of us and not just the muslims. And neither can the PDP be described as the christian party because there is nothing that is wholesome, good or christian about it’s behaviour and performance in the last 5 years.
All this PDP propaganda has to stop and they should stop attempting to label others or to bring religion into politics.

njazra: Op, it has now got to posting lies and old story that did not even happen in Nigeria but Togo. Fear God!

magnetik: this can never be true.

Aderostock: Am a yoruba. I wish every locality to be industrialised but truth must be told. most multinationals conglomerate are now moving to Ogun. you don't have to call the Governor a fool. thank you!

Ogun State: Nigeria’s New Industrial Hub
27/11/2012 13:44:00 // News | Top Stories | Ogun State: Nigeria’s New Industrial Hub

He has spent less than two years as Ogun State’s Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, But Hon. Bimbola Ashiru’s remarkable achievements within such a period are definite statement of what true service and dividends of democracy are all about. ”. From the time when he assumed office, Ashiru, a former banking executive, earned the appellation, “Mr Integrity” for his transparency and high ethical standards.

Within a short time in office, the commissioner has made a difference in governance, immediately he came into office, he created two industrial parks for the State and also provided vital infrastructure for the existing parks.

Under him, Ogun State has a record increase of seven industrial estates, with plans to have more.

Ogun State Ministry of Commerce and Industry under him, has experienced visible development never witnessed before in the state, it has formulated and implemented friendly trade policies and took additional responsibilities relating to multilateral and bilateral commercial relations, state trading, export promotion measures, development and regulation of certain export oriented industries and commodities.

After hosting an investment forum earlier this year, the state has received requests from over a thousand investors wishing to invest in the state; in addition to that, the State also received about 54 letters of intent from foreign investors aiming to set up business ventures in the state.

Over 5 new industries were opened in the state this year alone, reducing the unemployment rate in the state and boosting its economy.

Hon. Ashiru is a devout Christian and a member of the Greater Chapter and the Bishop’s nominee, at the Archbishop Vinning Memorial Anglican Church in Lagos. He has been hapilly married for 21 years and blesed with two lovely children.

Since assuming office, he came in with a clear vision of what he intends to do. According to him, “My vision for Commerce & Industry in Ogun State is aligned with the current administration's 5 point agenda, one of which is Industrialization. I see the state becoming another economic hub for the country, with manufacturing giants in the continent established here. I also see a developed and vibrant MSME sector, which will inadvertently grow the economy of Ogun State.”

If morning is a good indicator of the evening, it is easy to predict that within the next three years, Ogun State will witness tremendous industrial revolution, economic

prosperity and social progress under Mr. Bimbo Ashiru as its Commissioner of Commerce and Industry.

ilugunboy: He is a Chartered Accountant...and we are not known for empty boasting...

Aderostock: I just love what's going across all southwest especially ogun state.
Unilever Nigeria plc had to close down her factory in ABA, Abia State and moved to AGBARA, Ogun state over security reason and other factors which the Abia Governor failed to address.

As proof of this effort, residents of Sagamu trooped out in their hundreds recently when the State government commissioned some state-of-the-art armoured personnel carriers, APCs, during the second anniversary celebration of the administration. According to a resident in the area where the commissioning took place, that was the third in the series of APCs delivered to the area.
Said he: “We’re really grateful to the Governor for the effort he has put in to ensure our safety here. In fact, this is the third attempt of bringing this APC here. The first two were damaged before they were used because someone poured diesel where he’s supposed to put oil. I believe it was sabotage.” Continuing he said, prior to the provision of the APC, robbers were always on the rampage, terrorising banks and residents.
Securing lives and property
“So bad was the situation that the banks shut their doors to the public. Imagine the loss of revenue, both to the banks and State. So, we’re very glad that the Governor had gone to great length to secure lives and properties in this area,” explained this resident who simply described himself Ayodeji. All together, a total of 13 APCs, 200 security patrol vans fitted with security and communication gadgets and other security implements have been provided.

emiye: IGR from N730million in May 2011 to N3.8 billion in may 2013.

That is commendable, ultimately people now wants to see the dividends of increased IGR to the state.

Amosun said the state government is about completing the implementation of the Geographic Information System, GIS, with full automation land administration. This, he said, would pave way for the mapping of the entire State, facilitating easier access to land for local and foreign investors

Ogun targets 10,000 industries


Monday, 12 September 2011
The current administration of Governor Ibikunle Amosun is determined to increase the number of industries in Ogun State to about 10,000 in the next four years.

The number of companies, which currently is about 1,500, is expected to increase, owing to the creation of a one-stop shop in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, which will reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks for prospective investors.

The state Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Chief Bimbo Ashiru, disclosed this during a tour of industries at the Ado Odo-Ota axis of the state.

Chief Ashiru maintained that adequate infrastructure had been put in place to assure investors of optimum returns on their investments, urging them to always reciprocate government’s goodwill through prompt payment of their taxes.

“The state already has a bad representation of being one of the worst locations to site a business, but the present administration is poised to change that perception through the creation of this one-stop shop for prospective investors in the state,” he stated.

Obama: We Don’t Need Energy from Africa

30 Jun 2013

Urges strong institutions as bulwark against terrorism
Festus Akanbi
United States President Barack Obama Saturday confirmed the fears in some quarters that the days of crude oil importation from African oil producing countries, including Nigeria, were numbered, as oil export from Nigeria is on a downward trend.

Speaking at a press conference with South African President Jacob Zuma during his visit to that country as part of his three-nation African visit, Obama said his country does not need energy from Africa.

“Well, the truth is, the United States, at this point, on issues of energy, for example, frankly, we don't need energy from Africa. Because of advances that have been made, we're seeing oil production and natural gas production, as well as clean energy production all growing at a rapid rate in the United States,” he said.

“So our primary interest when it comes to working with Africa on energy issues has to do with how do we power Africa so that it can be an effective market creating jobs and opportunity in Africa, but then we also then have somebody to trade with and sell iPods to, and airplanes, and all kinds of good stuff,” he added.

He challenged Africans to insist on equitable deals from the various foreign investors who are swarming the continent.

Over the years, the US, Nigeria’s biggest oil customer, has been slashing down its oil imports from the country amid surging output and refinery closures in North America, prompting Nigeria’s oil marketers to find alternative markets in Asia, twice the distance of America.

And according to Managing Director Petromix and a Switzerland-based consultant, Oliver Jacob, “It’s a very plausible scenario that one day the U.S. won’t need to import crude oil from Nigeria.”

Following the Organisation of Petroleum Producing Countries, (OPEC), Nigeria’s dwindling oil exports to the United States (U.S.) has crashed further to the lowest in 15 years, noting that it was up to Nigeria to seek out new markets on its own.

Also speaking when he fielded questions from a crop of young leaders from the African continent, the US President said his administration wanted a more equitable partnership, which would help African economies to grow into consumer powerhouses.

He spoke of the readiness of the US to encourage the adoption of the use of clean energy technology and strategies by African nations in an effort to reduce carbon emission.

The US President urged Africans to ask more questions about lopsided deals with some foreign investors, while dismissing talk of a Chinese and US scramble for influence on the continent. Obama said he welcomed renewed interest from larger emerging markets.
According to him, "I actually welcome the attention that Africa is receiving from countries like China and Brazil and India and Turkey." But he urged African nations to make sure trade was not a one-way street.

"When we look at what other countries are doing in Africa, I think our only advice is, make sure it's a good deal for Africa.

"Somebody says they want to come build something here: Are they hiring African workers? Somebody says that we want to help you develop your natural resources: How much of the money is staying in Africa?''

He regretted that too often foreign investment did not benefit locals and actually encouraged the type of corruption and resource-stripping that guts economies.
"I do think that it's important for Africans to make sure that these interactions are good for Africa.

"There has been a long history of extracting resources from Africa, you take raw materials, you send them to someplace else where they get used processed, sometimes sold back to Africa.
"The profits stay there, the jobs stay there and not much stays in Africa," he said.

Chinese investment in Africa was estimated at $218 billion last year, fuelling uncertainty among US businesses, which have expressed concern that Africa is a diplomatic blind spot for their government.

In March, China's new President Xi Jinping visited Africa, as well as Russia, on his first foreign trip, signing a raft of business and energy deals signalling Beijing's intent to deepen ties further.
Responding to a question on the war against terror from a youth leader from Nigeria, Obama said his administration was making a considerable effort in tackling insecurity and curbing terror with the death of Osama Bin Laden but he was quick to recognise existence of Boko Haram in Nigeria.

“There is no doubt in the progress we have made in dealing with some extremist groups, for example core Al Qaida and Bin Laden” he said stressing that “they have been greatly diminished”.

He, however, noted, “What is also true is that in some ways the problem has also metamorphised, we have more regional terrorist organisations like Boko Haram in Nigeria espousing an extremist ideology, showing no regard for human life.”

He admitted that despite not having a transnational capacity like the other organisations “they are doing great harm in Africa and in the Middle East and in South Asia.”

Obama blamed the upsurge of terrorist groups on the fact that “countries are not delivering for their people and where there are sources of conflict and underlining frustrations that have not been adequately dealt with.”

To curb such uprisings, Obama said, “we have to build institutions, a lot of what we talked about in terms of responsiveness, governance and democracy. Those things become defence mechanisms against terrorism, they are the most important defence against terrorism,” he said.
He ruled out military solutions in tackling terrorism but said the more governments “give people opportunity, education and resolve conflicts through regular democratic processes, the less likely they are to take root.”

The US president, whose itinerary did not include seeing the hospitalised South African anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela, however paid glowing tributes to the man he eulogised as a hero to the world. He also later met with the Mandela family.

Eko Ile: This is still a bogus comparison simply because Tinubu is not a government official, this association is not a government organization and Tinubu's daughter is not on government's payroll.



Can't you people find a better and relevant points...?

jmaine: Bros, No need to go any further lest the discussion or exchange gets hotter . .

Grandstanding on what is glaringly faulty is a sad one. No point needlessly arguing back and forth

Cheers . . .

Jonathan is totally correct here. Nations cannot take an arbitrary approach to ICJ rulings. They should abide by the rulings of the ICJ because doing such is expected as an implication of disputing Nations subjecting themselves, in the first place, to the arbitration of the ICJ.

You Yoruba guys should know better !!! Are some of you even genuine Lagosians or just talking vacuously for the sake of taunting others ? Do you even want a more humane future where everyone coexist in peace and harmony? Has NL now ruined some of you to the extent you don't do reality any more? I went to school (Primary and secondary) with many Igbos, Hausas, Fulanis, Edos et al. Many were born and bred in Lagos. They are my friends and fellow Lagosians. You guys cannot just wake up and disenfranchise them like that. Nations are progressing mentally and physically yet Nigeria is regressing. So-called educated men are talking like savages.

Of course I don't agree that Lagos should be swamped with refugees but it has been disgusting to read, throughout the forum, nauseating talk about "first class, second class, third class Lagosians" et al. It is sad to note the vainglorious sense of entitlement and "first class" superiority some of you feel. Many of you, in the diaspora, would be the same posters to vehemently blast white supremacists as "evil racist" , fit only for the gas chamber, because those caucasians consider themselves first class citizens and refuse to accept that they have no greater entitlement than others born and bred , or have lived for a long time, in the same area as them. Just because you are white does not make you more of a "Londoner" than Mo Farah who came there , from Somalia, at the age of 8.

jmaine: Bros, We are talking about a man who is hero worshipped in Lagos and is often hailed for his propensity to dole out good gifts especially cash effortlessly. We are talking about a man whose vice like hold and grip on the political sphere of Lagos is exceptional .

It's even infantile not to believe those 57 stakeholders were simply beholden to Lord Tinubu here for gains and favours the press won't even know about.

The PDP predicted this move, even though it was stoutly denounced by the ACN despite the treachery that was about to be legalized.

The market stakeholders in millions are behind the Iyaloja simply because 57 Market leaders took a decision on their behalf

More like saying Nigerians were happy about how the fuel subsidy removal protest ended simply because the NLC and the TUC representing their cause accepted the terms and condition of the presidency . .
. Or

How Nigerians are happy on the Alams amnesty saga since all Govs (including the opposition)representing each state and its inhabitant acceded to it.

Bros, No matter how hard you try, this is plain wrong

That's all

Bros, No matter how hard you try, this is plain wrong

jmaine: Gbawe ,you of all shouldn't pander to the caprices of undue sentiment . Her stealth ascension to the board in 2011 was a calculated ploy to give flesh and validity to this scam folks are sadly defending.

What kinda of human right are you talking abt, in what sophisticated society? I know this can only be possible in Nigeria where everthing goes, for all we do is sitdon dey look.

If i understand your point of view quite well then some day Osama bin laden's son might happen to be an American citizen and can boldly contest and win governorship election in America or some day the world will nominate Adolph Hitler's son for UN Secretary general coz their fundermental human rights need to be protected.

The kind that ensures a thief is taken to court and not burnt to death in the street by a mob who ,on actual reflection , are no better than those they wish to eradicate !!! Such arbitrariness soon becomes the norm and then it is only a question of time before it affects all of us and those we love. I pray no one you love ever suffers instant 'burning rubber' justice naija style especially if there is a chance they are innocent . How can some of you not understand that we Nigerians , as some of the most maligned people on earth due to the behaviour of a few of us , must especially try to build an egalitarian nation? Next time other Africans are begging for Nigerians to be excluded from positions of trust I hope you will support their utterances since , according to your logic , we must all pay the price for what some of our Nigerian fathers, brothers, sisters have done !!!

Even the most brutal of men can have children who are saints. Would it not be a blood-thirsty and jungle-justice nation that would insist those children , when they are not guilty of any crimes themselves, must not have the rights and aspirations of other citizens ?

If Mohammed Abacha , because he is not convicted of any crime , is not banned from seeking electoral office let him do so if that is his wish !! the people of Kano should decide his fate not me ,you or lynch mob justice.

Many folks will argue , equally fervently , that Nigerians must not be employed in Banks and financial institutions because we are all scammers and fraudsters. How would you feel if , as a hardworking and honest Nigerian , you are denied your dream job by a South African recruiter who is convinced you are only interested in abusing your position?

Mohammed Abacha , apart from his questionable wealth, is the son of a bloodthirsty tyrant . Personally, I don't think he has anything to offer politically . I think he is another mediocre individual promoted far above his station because of IGG (ill-gotten wealth) and I don't have time for such folks. I also have serious misgivings about his character and ethics but in a democracy my opinions , however strong, should not be used to deny others what our constitution permits them to do as Citizens of Nigeria. If Mohammed Abacha qualifies to take part in any election then it should be the political maturity of the Kano voting class that must stop his ambition and not the baser instincts of man which , unchecked , always invariably leads to the injustice we all complain about and are victims of.

jmaine: Gbawe,you of all shouldn't pander to the caprices of undue sentiment . Her stealth ascension to the board in 2011 was a calculated ploy to give flesh and validity to this scam folks are sadly defending.

So your ernestly telling us a young lad with just 2 years experience will be preferred over other aspires with multitudes years of active service and,experience

Why We, NOT Tinubu chose Tinubu’s daughter as Iyaloja – Lagos markets Secretary General reveals it all
THE Secretary-General of Lagos Markets, Deacon Lanre Ajayi, has put to rest the controversy that trailed the emergence of Mrs Folashde Tinubu-Ojo as the new Iyaloja of Lagos, saying she fulfilled what was stated in the constitution.

Aderostock: I don't want to go tribalism. why are u raining abuses and insults on a fellow member? I don't know your concerns about iyaloja chieftaincy title. you are not a yoruba, neither you are a market man in Lagos. do you think we are talking about hawking Gala and lacasera inside traffic jam. if you have nothing to say, get lost

jmaine: All those yapping about how this is a non issue citing no rules were broken should also know that the distasteful decisions of GEJ to make his wife a Perm Sec and granting of amnesty to Alams were all within the ambits of the law

This action despite all seeming colouration of legality is morally very wrong, incorrect and a sad development.

Moves: What a show of shame; until we start telling ourself plain simple truth; we would never get the nigeria we desire. Lets call a spade a spade; Tinubu being smart positioned his daughter to take over as Iyaloja; control the market women & men +nurtw in lagos and you will always win the election. Its a shame that someone like Gbawe would try to spin this or explain,you should have done what you usually do.. stay away...common guys someone went to do her study in the UK upto masters level all to become market leader ba?

Sensible viewpoint. The most sophisticated societies , willing to respect and secure the fundamental human rights of every citizen , must attempt to refrain - as much as possible- from visiting the sins of a father upon his son. I would prefer for Nigerians to be politically mature enough to assess Abacha's son on his merits, achievements and leadership views. If he falls short politically don't vote for him. Personally I don't think Mohammed Abacha has anything to offer as a Politician . I would prefer for the citizens of Kano to work this out for themselves. That type of maturity will ensure we reject mediocrity consistently as is done in the most politically advanced nations of the World.

What kinda of human right are you talking abt, in what sophisticated society? I know this can only be possible in Nigeria where everthing goes, for all we do is sitdon dey look.

If i understand your point of view quite well then some day Osama bin laden's son might happen to be an American citizen and can boldly contest and win governorship election in America or some day the world will nominate Adolph Hitler's son for UN Secretary general coz their fundermental human rights need to be protected.

What human right does the children of criminals,tyrants, terrorist,and loothers deserve.The human right their father denied others?
Listen Other western country have their ways of silencing such families for life.For instance let your surname be Osama binladen and see if any western embassy will grant you visa, becoz the sins of the father should not visit the children as you claim.

Leadership Tussle Rocks Oyingbo Market

Wednesday, February 11, 2009 - By Damola Ogundimu
Trouble is currently brewing at the Oyingbo Market in Lagos Mainland, following the emergence of two woman leaders in the market.

One of the contenders, Alhaja Sikirat Sule, told P.M.News that she is the Iyaloja of Oyingbo Market and Lagos Mainland and that one Alhaja Basiratu Abeni Balogun is only a market leader and not Iyaloja, as she claims.

She said she was appointed by Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, the Iyaloja of Lagos and President-General, Association of Nigerian Market Women and Men.

She added that she was elected by the Oyingbo Market Women and Men in 1997 as the Iyaloja.

But another trader, Alhaja Basiratu Abeni, described herself as the authentic Iyaloja of the market.

“I am the Iyaloja and market leader. Iyaloja and market leader means the same thing,” she stated.

She disclosed that she was elected as the Iyaloja of Lagos Mainland Local Government Market Women and Men Association on 29 May, 1992 and was officially installed by the then chairman of the council, Dr. Babatunde Larinde, in the presence of some traditional rulers in the area.

“The market leaders of all the 57 local governments were there. The Babaloja of Lagos, Alhaji Wasiu (Balogun), was there. Everybody supported her,” Basirat Balogun, Iyaloja of Oyingbo Market, told PREMIUM TIMES.
Mrs. Balogun

Prof Corruption: I think we should not explain away what is fast becoming Tinubu and Sons unlimited.

Katsumoto: How did they arrive at 2/3 supporting her without an election? If they are confident that due orocess wad followed, then they should provide the details. Even when an outgoing leader is nominating a successor in the western world, elections are still held. To use a few nodding their heads in agreement is not due process.

I am particularly shocked you will use OBJ's selection of yaradua as an exampke given how that turned out for nigeria and also given the selfish motive behind that decision.

You often use the UK for many examples. Can you provide a few examples from the UK that are similar to this?

Katsumoto, where in the world is a popular leader, especially one who has served well and mentored many under them, disqualified from offering a candidate they feel should replace them considering they have worked closely with most of the qualified candidates and perhaps best appreciate the qualities required in a successor?

Katsumoto: Given that anointed successors to presidents, governors, prime ministers, etc still have to go through the rigors of elections, why can't the market women organize an election to determine the new leader?

Was Abibat Mogagi appointed by God? Did she inherit the title? What right does she have to appoint her successor? If the NURTW can organize elections to elect leaders, why can't market leaders organize elections as well? Are they not similar trades?

If Nigeria must progress, then it should move away from all kinds of nepotism, cronyism, and brown nosing; and it doesn't only apply when the PDP is being discussed. Tinubu's mother appointing her own 'grand-daughter' smacks of the highest level

eGuerrilla: I decided to educate myself on this issue when it first hit the headlines.
As far I can tell, the dual role can be subject to an election or appointment depending on prevailing wind.




Source: http://newsnigeria.onlinenigeria.com/templates/default.aspx?a=295&template=print-article.htm

Why we chose Tinubu’s daughter as Iyaloja -Lagos markets Secretary General
Written by Chukwuma Okparaocha- Lagos Saturday, 29 June 2013 00:00 font size Print Email 8 comments
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THE Secretary-General of Lagos Markets, Deacon Lanre Ajayi, has put to rest the controversy that trailed the emergence of Mrs Folashde Tinubu-Ojo as the new Iyaloja of Lagos, saying she fulfilled what was stated in the constitution.
Speaking with Saturday Tribune in a telephone interview, on Friday, Deacon Ajayi admitted that though it came as a shock to many people when it was announced by the constituted authorities that Folashade, the daughter of the former Lagos State governor, Bola Tinubu, would be the next Iyaloja, she was qualified to be.

[size=14pt]He insisted that what many people didn’t know was that Folashade fulfilled “to a large extent” what is stated in the constitution guiding markets operations and how a new Iyaloja should be chosen in Lagos State.
“Our constitution states that a would-be Iyaloja must be a high ranking-officer in the leadership echelon of all markets in Lagos State. The new Iyaloja, Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, was until her appointment, the Chairman of the Marketing Development Board in Lagos State. By this position alone, she has met the basic requirements of the office,” he said.
Deacon Ajayi further revealed that apart from being the Chairman of the Marketing Development Board (a position she still occupies, it was gathered), Folashade also won the support of over two-thirds of the markets’ high-ranking officers who were “constitutionally empowered to select who the next Iyaloja would be.”[/size]


“I know that it is not everybody that will be happy about the development, as no one really knows what was running through some people’s minds the day she was announced as the new Iyaloja, even though there was jubilation on that day; but you can’t deny the fact that she fulfilled certain critical conditions,” he remarked.
When asked if Folashade’s emergence was not synonymous with imposition of the will of Tinubu, generally believed to be the strongest man in Lagos politics, on the majority of the people, Deacon Ajayi said, “I know the manner she was announced was bound to raise eyebrows in some quarters, but I believe she was not imposed.”
Saturday Tribune recalls that after the death of Chief Abibatu Mogaji, the famed Iyaloja-General of Lagos markets, rumours started doing the rounds as to who the next leader would be.
The situation took a dramatic twist when the Internet (especially various online magazines, social sites and blogs) was inundated with the news that Tinubu had used the occasion of the fidau prayers (Islamic prayers made in honour of the dead) held in honour of the late Iyaloja to pronounce his daughter, Folashade, as the new Iyaloja.
This was later declared as untrue, as more reports emerged that Tinubu did not even utter a word throughout the entire duration of the fidau, let alone declare his daughter as the successor to Alhaja Abibatu.
Many Lagos residents, including those who made diverse comments on the Internet, have, however, showed their displeasure about and contempt for the decision, but quite a number of others believe there was nothing wrong in what Tinubu allegedly did.
Adeola Oshokoya, a resident of Ketu area of Lagos State, said “What this tells us is that Lagos State and its affairs are, indeed, controlled, determined and monitored by this same man. First, it was the imposition of candidates for various electoral positions, now it is the Iyaloja. This goes on to emphasise the notion that he (Tinubu) has got the entire Lagos in his pockets.”
Similarly, Ayoola Usman, a cloth seller at Oshodi Market, insisted that imposition of an Iyaloja by just one individual was not different from tampering with tradition. According to her, traditionally, an Iyaloja should only be chosen and declared by a traditional ruler.
“First, I want to say that I am not against whoever the new Iyaloja is, or where she comes from; but the truth is that choosing an Iyaloja is supposed to be the job of tradition rulers, or chiefs. Tinubu is none of these, so how did he have the power to make his daughter the new Iyaloja?” She asked.
Some others, however, said they didn’t see anything wrong in Tinubu’s daughter being made the new Iyaloja, especially if she was considered competent enough to occupy such a position.
“The most important thing is for us to have peace and progress, irrespective of whoever is leading us as traders. Many of those calling Tinubu names because of the emergence of his daughter as the new Iyaloja are hypocrites; many of them would even do worse if they had such an opportunity,” said Anuolapo Akintunde, another trader at Oshodi.
Also commenting on the development, another Lagos resident, Yemi Adeoba, said, “Senator Tinubu always has a good reason for his actions; therefore, I can bet it that the lots of all market people in Lagos State will be better off with an educated Iyaloja fighting for their cause up there where decisions are made.”
Folashade Tinubu-Ojo is said to hold a degree in Business Administration combined with Management at the Middlesex University, England, and a Masters degree in Business Administration.

How Tinubu’s daughter was appointed Iyaloja of Lagos – Oyingbo Market Leader

The late President General of Lagos Market Men and Women, Abibat Mogaji, appointed her successor before she passed away, PREMIUM TIMES has learnt.
Mrs. Mogaji, mother of former Lagos Governor, Bola Tinubu, named the latter’s daughter, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, as the new Iyaloja of Lagos, a market leader have told PREMIUM TIMES.
There had been reports that Mr. Tinubu foisted his daughter as the Lagos market leader on the traders after the death of his mother, a claim the ex-governor’s party, the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, denied.
“The market leaders of all the 57 local governments were there. The Babaloja of Lagos, Alhaji Wasiu (Balogun), was there. Everybody supported her,” Basirat Balogun, Iyaloja of Oyingbo Market, told PREMIUM TIMES.
Mrs. Balogun, who is also the Market Leader, Lagos Mainland Local Government, said that the ceremonies that installed Mrs. Tinubu-Ojo as the new leader were held on Tuesday and Wednesday at her late grandmother’s home at Ikeja.
Olubiyi Agoro, the Ojon of Lagos; and Soji Bembe, the Obanikoro of Lagos; were among the traditional chiefs that performed the rites.
Earlier this week, the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, vehemently denied reports that its leader, Mr. Tinubu, appointed the new market leader.
The party dismissed the reports as “rantings” of the opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP.
Before her appointment, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo was the Deputy President General of the Market Men and Women.
Source: Premium Times

REHOZIBAH: U hardly wil see any Pro-GEJ on a thread lyk dis owing 2 dia sycophantic disposition to evri serious issues

Dey can't match serious socio-political discourse and d reality of such with d grandstanding n self adulation which av bcum d hallmark of d GEJ govt

If dis thread were about North n South,Religion n Minority sentiments,dey wud av flooded dis place

They are educated yet uninformed,have eyes yet can't 

Little wonder dey get sucked in by paper GDP growth in d real sense of d word,GEJ is seriously under immense pressure owing to d fast declining revenue frm Crude sales due to d criminal activities of people who are eating frm d same table of Mr President hence his resort to plunging us back 2d days of massive indebtedness

He is making Billionaires out of criminals n praise singers while driving d country to d precipice of destruction!

sambos994: Source? (Please let it be true...)

Fracking: Nigeria Economy On The Bed Of Shale By Ehi Oyabure
Posted: June 19, 2013 - 14:25
By Ehi Oyabure

The outcome of last OPEC meeting held in Vienna, Austria on the 31st of May 2013 was an unexpected departure from the past, openly admitting for the first time, the threat to its dominance in global oil supplies – hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling. Fracking is indisputably changing the geopolitical dynamics of global energy supplies and challenging the survival of oil export dependant nations like Nigeria. The grave consequences of this fracking revolution on our economy can never be underestimated by any right thinking government. So what is fracking?

Fracking is the process of forcing water, chemicals and sand at high pressure into shale rock deposits underground. This process causes the rock to fracture and allows recovery of shale gas and shale oil, otherwise known as "tight oil", that was trapped in the rock. It enables wells that would flow only at very low rates to produce oil and gas in commercially viable volumes ~ Financial Times Lexicon

Hydraulic fracturing accompanying by horizontal drilling has provided the US the opportunity of cleaner and less expensive source of energy. Despite being a contentious way of extracting energy by environmentalist, recent interest in development of local Shale gas by China, UK, Argentina, etc. and technological advancement, indicate a deviation from the convectional dependence on OPEC supplies. Few weeks ago, one of America’s corporate giants, GE announced it is investing billions of USD into fracking cutting edge technology in a plant in Oklahoma. Similarly, South African energy company, Sasol, gave a nod toward a multi-billion USD investment for the construction of two plants in Louisiana, which will produce transportation fuel and fuel additives. The fact also that China is planning a huge investment in fracking locally, to realise its ambitious energy targets and meet its ever increasing energy demand, should be of great concern to the Nigerian government, which its economy revolves on the pivot of crude oil export and global oil prices.

Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Diezani Alison-Madueke recently declared US Shale Oil “a grave concerned” while her Saudi counterpart Ali al-Naimi says he welcomes the Shale boom. The reason is that in 2012 from 2011, US oil production increased 21%, while African nations – Nigeria, Algeria, Angola and Libya exports fell by 41% mainly due to effect of shale oil fracking revolution and insecurity. Recent report of staged walkout by State Finance Commissioners on the Minister of State Finance, Yerima Ngama, at the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) – national cake sharing meeting, is a pointer to the fact that despite touting average 7% annual GDP increase as economic growth by President Jonathan Administration, Nigeria economy is in a gloomy situation. In my opinion, the combination of dwindling revenue, reckless spending and increasing youth unemployment/ underemployment rate is a greater national security threat than Boko Haram insurgency!

In this new epoch, we cannot afford to take a pew and observe as we have done in the past. This is an urgent call for the economic management team to swing into action by developing and implementing clear policies to mitigate the effect of dwindling oil revenues as a result of surge in Shale gas production and oil theft in the Niger Delta. The following below are some measures, which the government need to consider:

Overhaul NNPC

There is no doubt that NNPC since its inception as the national oil company has failed to meet its objectives. The institutional, mental and moral infrastructures of NNPC are long due for overhauling. Government should reposition NNPC to function independently; insulated from government politics, corruption and manipulations. What benefit is NNPC as currently constituted to Nigerians since birthed 36 years ago? Absolutely nothing! NNPC should journeyed from a state owned domestic-based national oil company into a fully autonomous public and privately owned integrated multinational oil and gas corporation such as Petrobras of Brazil, Petronas of Malaysia, Aramco of Saudi, Qatar Petroleum of Qatar, etc. NNPC is expected to make profits and not source funds from the national treasury. The present structure of NNPC as a ‘rent-seeker’ is a drainpipe on the Nigerian economy. You cannot continue to fund a corporation that has failed to deliver its responsibilities.

Downstream Sector Investment

Nigeria produces what it does not consume, and consume what it does not produce. I wonder what business we still have with importation of refined petroleum products after so many years of exploration and production of crude oil. Research shows that for every barrel of crude oil exported, we equally export five jobs (direct and indirect). Nigeria ought to be the petrochemical hub of sub-sahara Africa; we ought to be the supplier of refined petroleum and petrochemical products to other African countries and the world at large. So why do our present and past leaders opt to toll this shameful, difficult, fraudulent, corrupt and inefficient path?

Most times, the government argued that the downstream unlike the upstream is capital intensive and not economically viable. Some are of the opinion that private investors are not interested because of fuel subsidy policy. We should start by paying subsidy on locally refined petroleum products if that would encourage investors! This will create lots of local jobs for our teaming unemployed youths roaming our streets. There is an urgent need to develop and strengthen the value chain of crude oil in Nigeria to mitigate effect of low demand as a result of surge in fracking activities.

Stop Oil Theft

There has been upsurge in the activities of crude oil theft and illegal refineries operation in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria since the last three years. Approximately 7% (150,000 bpd) of Nigerian crude oil production are stolen daily, with an estimated market value of $15 million USD per day. Politicians, military leaders and international traders with the collusion of militants, JTF and oil workers are the biggest forces behind this illicit trade in Nigeria. Stolen crude oil is either loaded in ships offshore or refined locally. These activities are causing great harm and disaster to the environment in the Niger Delta. If this trend is allowed to continue, it could derail the implementation of 2013 budget and beyond considering that the country is largely dependant on oil revenue for survival.

In my opinion, this economic sabotage should be treated as crime against the state - treason. These sophisticated criminal networks whose activities have expanded under President Jonathan’s watch are not ghosts, they should be brought to justice no matter how highly placed they are in the society. It is obvious that this present administration is either not sincere about fighting this criminality or they are benefiting from it. I wonder why we still have security agencies such as Navy, Air Force, JTF, NIMASA, etc. if we cannot fight this scourge. If Nigeria must succeed, we desperately need a government that is sincere and has the political will to bring an end to this criminality. No government should be rewarded with another term for its failures and inefficiencies.

Economy Diversification

With about 75% of our state revenue from crude oil sale, Nigeria is a prime example of single volatile commodity dependant country. The looming threat of the demand of Nigeria’s crude oil as a result of fracking, is an urgent call to diversify the economy by exploring other sources of revenue. I am a strong believer of a private sector driven economy especially SME’s with the government providing an enabling environment. Our problem is not the right policies, but lack of pragmatic approach in implementing these policies. Almost all sectors of Nigerian economy are begging for attention.

Revamping Nigeria decaying infrastructure is long overdue. It is a shame that Nigeria is still grappling with the problem of infrastructural deficit with several billions of dollars realised from sales of crude oil. Modern infrastructures in sectors such as power, education, transport, health, etc are pivot on which an economy spins. Funds are allocated yearly to various sectors of the economy for infrastructural development, but there is absolutely nothing on ground to show for it. These funds have rather developed wings, dashed out and domiciled in the private bank accounts of our politicians and contractors alike. Nigeria should set out measurable targets with timelines, not this vague and anti-people ‘you chop I chop’ documents rolled out and rubber stamped as annual budgets.

An economy driven by agro-allied industries with high utilisation of local raw materials can have a permeate effect on employment, services provision and a GDP with stream of national wealth to the citizens.

In conclusion, rather than concentrating on the job at hand and repositioning the mainly oil dependant economy, it is obvious that the present administration is more concerned about 2015 general elections or who becomes NGF chairman. No body certainly has the monopoly to power. Nigerians should be allowed to freely choose their leaders at various levels based on performance, integrity and leadership vision. I have not seen any football match where a coach is planning for a second game during the first half of an ongoing game. In the past few months, political office holders who have only spent less than half of their tenures and their supporters have heated the polity to an unprecedented level as a result of 2015 elections. It is only in countries like Nigeria you will find political office holders being rewarded with a second or even ‘third’ term for underperformance.

Nigerians should not be discouraged by the selfish interest of the ruling class. None of these so called ‘ELDERS’ and ethnic dogmatists who have failed their generation and future ones, have the moral or constitutional rights to dictate who occupies any political office in Nigeria. Revolution is imminent in our land! Not a violent one with dangerous weapons, but the one by our votes through the ballot boxes. 2015 presents a great opportunity to change any government (Councillor, LGA, State and National House of Assemblies, Governors and President) that performed abysmally through the ballots. It is time to say goodbye to injustice, ruse of law, corruption, impunity, mismanagement and unemployment. We need pragmatic and selfless leaders with clear-cut policies, who can translate these policies into reality to meet the yearnings of the ordinary Nigerians.