₦airaland Forum

megxo: STEAL PHONE< DE'LL PUT TIRE AROUND UR NECK>>>>>>>>>>>STEAL BILLIONS, DE'LL "DURBALE" 4 U.................SMH4N

Totally disgusting indication of how much things need to change. I still think the key lies with evolution and human effort combining , ASAP, to make ordinary Nigerians understand they must hold their leaders accountable instead of worshipping them and giving them the freedom to totally dehumanize us.

Born 2be Rich: It is only in this country that the political criminals are treated with respect...See how Mopol self they greet dem and the give dem space make dem waka...It is only in this country that political criminals are celebrated and hailed and even given a title...These ones na the small boyz, the bigga boyz are still chillin out in their mansions..God is watching... >:

Correct. Until we get leadership dedicated entirely to changing that status quo, we will remain on "the road to perdition".

Demdem: Again Eziachi comes to mind.

Superb choice. I think the mods should go all out to get this guy involved. Since charlatans and attention seeker will be coming out to nominate themselves, I suggest the mods use a very simple rule of thumb. They should select judges who see Nigeria at all times to include when it is extremely unfashionable to do so. In fact Ogugua88 (hope I got it right) comes to mind. There should be no place in this process for attention-seeking bigots more centred on their ethnic group 99.9% of the time here only to then want to get involved, for publicity purposes, in an issue that strengthens the unity and effectiveness of the Nation they have never spoken as if they believe in or want to be a part of.

This is very important for Jarus, OAM4J and others. Only include , as Judges, Nigerians who talk like Nigerians all the time otherwise this laudable initiative will be tainted. We have an archived database. Everyone can use it to know those who should be involved in this.

afam4eva: You can't use people such as these as judges. They're as bias as they come and are involved in partisan politics in one way or the other. While Gbawe ia probably a card carrying member of ACN, ekt-Bear and Katsumoto are bias for anything Yoruba which includes ACN. Same goes for Onlytruth, who's bias for anything Igbo.

You make a good point here. The forum should seek out forumers who have shown, under all conditions, they are truly neutral, non-partisan and generally stand up for what is right and just.

Let us look for 'Judges' like Eziachi, Pukkah, eGeurrilla, Ajanlekoko, Paddy Lo, Northsharp, Ufeolorun, Kilode, Rossikk, Sagamite, Mikeansy, Akanbi Edu, Haka Nai, Nagoma, HNosegbe, Ballabriggs, Jason123, Ogugua88, Edo girl et al. I think those sort of posters , even when controversially 'passionate' now and then, can be trusted entirely to be fair to all.

In fact, to even gain more neutrality, we should consider non-Nigerian Nairalanders who know Nigeria well and tend to be fair like Bennyboy and Akwasi. Judges should be those who are civil and tend to be able to view things dispassionately.

Jarus: The success or otherwise of the exercise and the ability to achieve the bigger picture of intellectualizing discussions here depends on everyone of us.

A good number of Nigeria's policy makers and pundits actually come here to read these stuffs. I know Pat Utomi does, I know el-Rufai does, I know many politicians do, that is why some of them have planted their boys here to project their image.

So, we need to raise the level of discussion on this forum so that the potential can be achieved.

Totally correct. Jarus, I see you and OAM4J as decent guys. I am just surprised this has not happened earlier. I have been saddened that a powerful forum like this, which should naturally be used to put our leaders under pressure and make them understand we are their boss, is a congregation ground for rancour, e-fights and ethnic bigotry. Anyway, better late than never. As I said earlier, this may just set a precedence that will impact positively on how we discuss here. Good one guys.

The moderators of this section have decided to introduce a monthly debate session as a way of raising the intellectual value of the section.

Well done guys. Good to note you have listened to the suggestion of some of us that the politics sections should be a more useful 'tool' to Nigeria and Nigerians , as an Arena of ideas, instead of the 'Jerry Springer' Stadium it currently is. With this move, you set a precedence for civil discussion that will hopefully be entrenched and accepted generally by users of this forum.

ballabriggs: The more you look the less you see in Lagos. Lots of effort being put but at times it seems nothing is being done. Fact is the city has too many to cater for relative to its resources. Everyone seems to be moving to Lagos to 'try their luck', nothing seems to be happening in any other part of the country. Young people finish their NYSC and 'gbam' they head straight to Lagos in search of greener pastures. I heard some even struggle to influence their service location to Lagos.

Perhaps if other Governors can show as much commitment as Lagos, we would have gone a long way by now. Some say it is the result of placing a high tax burden on the people. Hold it, taxation is part of governance. Any government that does not know how to collect its tax is not a government. The fact that people throw lavish parties while roads are in a sorry state tells you there is some hidden income somewhere to collect. That is why we tell you the guy knows his job. He may not be perfect, he has a long way to go, but he is working most importantly.

Well said. The culture of paying taxes is one we must and will get used to.

Standing5: ACN is proving to be more than just any ordinary political party. From this interview it becomes clear that ACN is filled with educated minds . . . it is more than a Fashola, Tinubu, Ajimobi, Adams, Amosun, and Aregbe thing really.

We try to tell folks this but it is pointless, at times, seeking to show some thing they do not want to see. I keep telling people there is no Dubai to be built overnight anywhere but we are and will keep heading in the right direction if we continue deploying square pegs for square holes. This is largely what is responsible for the gains Ghana has made in the past decade or so.

Niaja we hail. They are all laughing, strutting, posing and 'swaggering' ala "nothing dey happen".


http://saharareporters.com/gallery/photonews-fuel-subsidy-scam-efcc-arraigns-additional-suspects

The suspects comprising eight individuals and five companies were arraigned before Justices Habeeb Abiru and Lateefa Okunnu of the Lagos High Court, Ikeja.

The individuals involved are Aro Samuel Bamidele, Abiodun Kayode Bankole, Ifeanyi Anosike, Emeka Chukwu, Ngozi Ekeoma Alhaji Adamu Aliyu Maula, George Ogbonna and Emmanuel Morah. The five companies involved are A.S.B. Investment Company Limited, Anosyke Group of Companies Limited, Dell Energy Limited, Downstream Energy Sources Limited and Rocky Energy Limited.





https://saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/page_images/galleries/2012/NGOZI%20EKEOMA%20028_1.JPG?1349472899


https://saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/page_images/galleries/2012/BANKOLE%20BIODUN%C2%AD%C2%AD%C2%AD__MD%20%28ABS%29%20INVESTMENT%20LTD%20014.JPG?1349472898

https://saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/page_images/galleries/2012/GEORGE%20OGBONNA%20OF%20DOWNSTREAM%20ENERGY%20SOURCES%20LTD%20005.JPG?1349472899

https://saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/page_images/galleries/2012/HON.%20SAMUEL%20ARO%20BAMIDELE%20CHAIRMAN%20%28ABS%29%20INVESTMENT%20LTD%20MIDDLE%20006.JPG?1349472899

https://saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/page_images/galleries/2012/HON.SAMUEL%20ARO%20BAMIDELE%20015.JPG?1349472899

https://saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/page_images/galleries/2012/NGOZI%20EKEOMA%20ON%20ARRIVA%20L%20AT%20THE%20HIGH%20COURT%20OF%20LAGOS%2C%20IKEJA%20010.JPG?1349472900

Horus:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6g6LgyROVM

Light rail in Lagos

Good video presentation. I saw evidence , throughout the video, appearing to bear out a section of what is written, shown below, in the article . A great advertisement for focused, merit-based and inclusive leadership devoid of egocentricity.

For example, we know we have Nigerians who have constructed rails in other parts of the world. So, we bring them. We said ‘come home and do the job, instead of us getting experts from all over the world’.

Eko Ile: Ekobo ni baje o.

Iwaju Iwaju ni opa ebiti n'resi.

Indeed. One thing lagos is showing is that, with the 'peculiarity' of Nigerian politics, continuity is perhaps even more important than good leadership.

OAM4J: nice!

Indeed my brother. An effective inter-modal transport scheme is long overdue for Lagos given the population of the City. Relying on road transport alone means that , despite Fashola's robust efforts, roads will always be dilapidated because of sheer overuse. Overdue but very welcomed development.

Exciting for Lagosians. Robust and effective inter-modal transport will be one of the 'saviours' Lagos can use to turn around the fortunes of the State.

http://www.osundefender.org/?p=39914

Light Rail: ’Our plan to move Lagosians around with ease by 2014’ – Commissioner

https://www.osundefender.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/lagos-badagry.jpg
Lagos State

Lagos State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, is the son of one of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, chieftains, Oba Mufutau Olatunji Hamzat, a former member Lagos State House of Assembly and also a former Commissioner for Transportation in the state (1979 – 1983) during the Alhaji Lateef Jakande administration. The Commissioner speaks on the Lagos light rail project and infrastructural development in the state. Excerpts:
Lagos State government has embarked on the construction of light rail project as an alternative means to road transportation.
What is your progress report?
When you carry predominantly people, it is a light rail, but when it is heavy duty goods like diesel, cars, etc, it is heavy rail. But, in most part of the world, it is light rail. It is the ecology or engine behind the rail system. Now, what we are doing in Lagos is the light rail, which is the one you are talking about. We have identified seven corridors in Lagos State where there can be rail.
So to identify them differently, that is why we have the blue line and the red line. Those are the two that we are promoting. But there is also the green-yellow and others that we have identified just like in London where you have the northern line, jubilee line among others, so that people going from one location to another can know which route to take.
The same thing also applies in the United States where you have the 1st, the 2nd, the 3rd, the 4th, the 5th, the 6th lines so that you know which one to take. The blue line is from Okokomaiko to Marina. That is the one that we have started. At Orile, we are already building the stations.
What is the duration of the project?
Technically, duration is always difficult to say, because duration is also a function of many things. For example, when you get to signal, you know roads depend on signalization. Road is getting to a stage where people don’t drive it anymore, so it is signal. To get the signal, how long do I know it will stay at the port? Lagos State government does not control the port.
So, there are so many varieties but, basically, the essence is for us to do it in segments. We are starting from Okokomaiko end, so, we are doing National Theatre, Mile 2 and so on. The idea is that let’s link up those, because to get to Marina , it goes over water, that means that you are building a bridge, heavy-duty bridge. That is the most expensive part of the rail. So, let’s start from the land, and let it start to run. Again, it is a function of resources, so it is a big job.
For example, we know we have Nigerians who have constructed rails in other parts of the world. So, we bring them. We said ‘come home and do the job, instead of us getting experts from all over the world’. The challenge is that in our generation, nobody has built any rail. The last one was built by the whites in 1903. So, it looks like it is difficult. My ultimate goal is to get the engineering right, do it well and, like I said earlier, much depends on funding.
Talking of the Lagos- Badagry Expressway, you have this corridor for light rail, and work has already commenced. We want to know the stage the project is now and what challenges are you facing and how many people have you been able to identify for compensation?
We are doing two-city changing projects, the rail and the 10-lane road project from Eric Moore to Badagry. The major challenge we are facing is funding because it is a project that will span many years. Even though, we have medium frame term of budgeting framework, you plan resources a year, but you plan projects for many years.
So, the first lane is from Eric Moore to Mazamaza, which is already completed. That is Lot 1. The second stage is Lot 2 which is, from Mazamaza to Okokomaiko. In doing that, the challenge is, we are through with the rail. Now we are building stations at Mile 2, Orile and in two other places.
There are two set of contractors working there. What we decide to do is we are doing relocation of services. We decided to slow down to see the total alignment for the two. So, the first challenge we are having is project interface. The second problem we are having is that these are different contractors, with different plan organization, hierarchy and so on.
There will be interface problems in some cases. So, as they are building those stations, we deliberately slowed down the road at that place. In fact, those stations are now above90 percent, so that the road contractor can now go in and do full work, instead of 20 or 25 percent.
So, the challenge is funding and the fact that we are doing two heavy projects. Ordinarily, when you are doing a road, you have to secure the right of way and so many other challenges, but when you are now doing a 10-lane it is a serious work. In the middle of that there is also going to be a BRT. There will be a rail, there will be BRT, now you must also know the challenges of securing the safety of the interfaces between the rail.
Still on the Lagos- Badagry Expressway, the government once said the road will be completed and delivered in 2015. Are you still sticking to that year or it has been reviewed upward of downward?
I told you the challenges that we are also having. Let me give you the statistics of this road. In order for us to do Lot 2, that is Mazamaza in front of the first gate to Okokomaiko, you need 1.7 million cubic metre of sand. Now, let us put that into perspective. If you lay two metre of sand, you will go to Sokoto and come back. That is the implication of having 1.7 million cubic metre of sand. Now, getting that sand in itself is a challenge and you must get it from somewhere. Now, you go into the deep sea and pump. It is possible that you don’t get sharp sand.
There are instances where you get sludge. We will not allow you as a contractor to put sludge on our road. Really, there are various factors. The resources are also important to us because we won’t shut down other projects. But given every other thing that were know now, we should be able to finish around 2014- 2015.
Talking about resources, we thought that the state government is in partnership with the World Bank. The governor once said the cost of completing the project will be about N250 billion.
Are you still working with the budget or it has increased or decreased?
On funding, the state government is not in partnership with the World Bank, the project is directly funded from the state Internally Generated Revenue, IGR. On the current cost of the project, let me say it depends. We just awarded Lot 2, which is Mazamaza to Okokomaiko, at the cost of N141.7 billion. By the time we awarded Lot 3, we will see.
The last time the governor spoke with you was about three years ago. We all know that prices of things have changed since then. So, like I said, we awarded up to Okokomaiko, by the time we do Okokomaiko up to Badagry, we will have to find out. At that time, we will know the current prices of products. So my thinking is that it will be higher than the amount the government gave three years ago.
Compensation is a long process, even now, people are still submitting. First of all, when people submit, it is important for us to know the real owners. We are trying to avoid a situation whereby we pay Mr. A this week and Mr. B shows up next week and says, ‘ I am the owner’. But the big challenge we have is the issue of people not having documents. For people that have genuine proof, it is always easy to treat their cases. Like I said, some people still submitted yesterday, but we can’t take the decision alone, it is a process. When the processes are completed and verified, then they are paid.
We want to know the role your father played in your appointment as a Commissioner in Lagos State, because when you were nominated as Commissioner, some people protested in Mushin Local Government. What really happened then?
Everybody must have a father. It just happened that my own father was also a Commissioner in Lagos in 1979. I am not aware that some people protested my nomination as a Commissioner. I have been a Commissioner since 2005. I was brought home. I was an Executive Director at Morgan Stanley in the United States . I was doing very well to be honest with you.
So, I wasn’t aware that anybody protested against my nomination. Like I said, I have been a Commissioner since 2005. I served under Asiwaju Bola Tinubu administration. I served in the first term of the incumbent governor of Lagos State, and I am still here today.
Comments are moderated. Please keep them clean and brief.
Culled from Vanguard

redsun: Forget about xenophobic BS,who could be more inhumane to a nigerian than his fellow nigerian..Nigerians are savages and some of them carry on,even outside that hellpit,called country.

Guy, chill for once and gain a sense of perspective and fairness. You talk as if you hate your people and Nation to the extent you are no longer even interested in being fair towards them. Your rant is distasteful and inappropriate abeg. What have Nigerians done wrong here? A South African supplies a highly distasteful joke and involves Nigeria in something terrible they , South Africa, are now infamous for. Why don't you just deal with that issue on its own merit instead of ranting against Nigerians?

You should try to be fair to Nigerians even if your palpable disdain for them means you now totally lack objectivity towards them. Everything should not be turned into an opportunity to attack Nigeria and Nigerians to the extent you don't even realise that fair is fair.

This is a sick and twisted joke. We Nigerians should not be included in it. Simple.

Save your "Nigerians are the most inhumane people on earth" pontifications for another occasion. If Nigeria is a "hellpit" then I suggest you leave her alone, stop talking about her and focus fully on serving other Nations that tick all the boxes for you.

Not funny at all. This is just a sad attempt , from a people now officially famous for xenophobia, to include others in the attempt to 'soften' the horror of what they did. South Africans should 'wake me up' when Nigerians begin to insecurely and murderously attack non-Nigerians in Nigeria because "they are taking our jobs, businesses and women". Pathetic !!! South Africans should own their awful reputation for xenophobia and leave Nigerians out of their perverted joke regarding a disgusting topic centred around the unreasonable and unthinking hatred of others.

[quote author=Akanbi_edu]Nigerians abroad give the impression that they are bitter. This is the impression I got the few times I have been abroad at least, apart from obvious bitterness shown on online forums. What percentage of Nigerians fall into this category I don't know but I have a feeling its on the high side. If not bitterness, how do we explain the kind of various demeaning words such Nigerians use to describe their supposed country.

Country is not good, you ran away from the problem - as if that would solve the problem, would it not be expected that at least you allow us, remaining behind, to manage our problem without adding insult to our injury?[/quote]My brother, we have to understand who the diasporan is before we can make conclusions. Diaspora is:

A dispersion of a people from their original homeland.

A diasporan would therefore be someone who has moved away from his homeland. A diasporan is not someone who has illegally overstayed abroad ,or breached his visa condition, thus condemning himself to being unable to work or gain the best out of society. Naturally, people in this category may be very bitter and may even blame the Nation they left for their woes. They may be the most vocal and most scathingly negative. This might be why you notice them the most.

Meanwhile, the story of the generality must be told. I.e those who are legally allowed to live and work abroad who avail themselves of existing opportunities to build successful, fulfilled and happy lives.It is not about being a 'Professionals' alone either. My Cousin drives a Bus in London earns around £20 an hour and has good second income renting out two of the three homes he has bought over the past 10 years. His path is more or less average and one of hard-work getting him there in the end.

I can concede diasporans definitely criticise Nigeria but it is mainly out of disappointment and not bitterness IMO. The complaint of many of my friends is about the situation they have been put into by the poverty, unemployment and lack of opportunities and lack of progress in Nigeria. I.e many moan they have been turned into 'community bank' for "grown" friends and family back home.

You are definitely right about the toxic bitterness displayed online but we all must remember that the net, even if it not the case for us, attracts the biggest and worst losers existing. They just want somewhere to go and rant and vent frustration. These people are not 'winning' in life so they need to 'win' online by insulting others and their Nation. They are not typical in my opinion even if they may be the loudest. There are many balanced Nigerian who criticise Nigeria (poor leadership etc) but don't insult her or allow others to insult her. We even see it here on NL.

[quote author=ndu_chucks]Oga sir, you completely missed the mark this time arround. Your epistle does nothing to nullify the fact that the diasporans I referenced in my post, majority of who are working very hard abroad to make ends meet in a very difficult economy, find it very frustrating to be stuck abroad as economic refugees, while many of their mates are making millions back home.[/quote]Ndu Chucks, the issue is very simple. The OP conclude Nigerians in the diaspora are "bitter". You then simply, in a blanket manner, suggest they are frustrated their "mates" in Nigeria are making millions. This is untrue and entirely simplistic IMO.

Your talk of "mates" is wrong. Perhaps the mistake you make is thinking a Nigerian Senators and AGIP parasites , like Otedola, constitute the "mates" of Nigerians in the diaspora. It is the same way Richard Branson, for the sake of this argument, is not the "mate" of average Britons.

You fail to understand that a better comparison is to simply use the working class and the middle class. If you did that, you will note that most Nigerians in the diaspora don't have mates in Nigeria making millions, as you claim, to even justify any "frustration" or "bitterness" you think they feel.

Here, you continue with more misconceptions talking above about " very difficult economy". Is the economy of the UK, Germany and the USA more "difficult" or failing majority of its people than that of Nigeria? You want to tell me that the diaspora, with it so called "difficult economy", does not present far more opportunity and chance for a decent living , on average, than Nigeria? Once an argument is wrong, in its basic element, it will continue to be wrong.

You make the mistake of taking the views of a few to categorise the majority. What you don't realise is that the legitimate Nigerian in the diaspora is still very happy and secure in himself/herself. Whatever you are saying, you don't speak for legitimate and gainfully employed Nigerians in the diaspora.

Many Nigerians in the diaspora have done the right thing at every stage of the way to eventually secure comfort. In fact many of them single-handedly support many back home !!! If they are 'frustrated' at all, it will be because so many, directly associated with them , are in poverty and unemployed back in Nigeria.

eGuerrilla: I suppose we simply have differing views on the import of @OP's post.

I actually did not read that post from OP you quoted. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. I.e :

Like I indicated in my post, not all diasporans are bad. But most of them are. I repeat, they contribute nothing. There are over 1 million Nigerians in the UK. If a tenth of them contribute meaningfully to Nigeria, believe me, you will feel the impact. These Nigerians even collect monies from many foreign donors in the name of coming to Nigeria to develope the place but end up spending the money on expensive cars. I have first hand experience so I know what I am saying. Most NGOs in Nigeria were started by Nigerians in diaspora and 90% of these NGOs are fraud! They are a nuisance here on NL.

I responded to his first post. The one above is just a collation of hideous misconceptions. To say Nigerians in the diaspora contribute "nothing" is just the sort of fallacy not worth entertaining.

Also, why, for example, would any fair person place the burden of NGO set-up and developmental efficacy entirely the feet of diasporans who are thousands of miles away while many stupendously rich folks swagger around Nigeria idly without a single charitable bone in them? Reject local responsibility only to begin hounding patriotic Nigerians, living thousands of miles away, mainly motivated by the notion of "doing their bit" ?

My brother, I travel fairly regularly throughout West Africa. It is disgraceful how the elites are unmoved by the plight of the poor immediately in their vicinity to the extent it is the American, from thousands of miles away, supervising a bore-hole project in a rural African Village while the local billionaire is more consumed with the lavish Party he will throw at the weekend to celebrate his new customized and 'one of a kind' Hummer delivered from the USA.

To be honest, we can all gain knowledge if we seek it. Many diasporans are a huge asset to Nigeria and the point is not one to belabor. I think folks would do well to refrain from coming to conclusions about diasporan Nigerians from the utterances of some diasporans on Nairaland.

Godogwu: You made great points, but wouldn't Nigeria be regarded as a first world nation if all these things were in place? That is generally what the country is aiming at....increasing the middle class, providing the basic amenities like power, education, healthcare, better roads, and putting the youths to work but all these cant be achieved in 5 years, Nigeria is growing at a pace and will eventually get there.

Indeed. I fervently believe in the pursuit of Nigeria's development but there is no scope to address that here within the remit of the thread topic i.e "Why Are Nigerians In Diaspora So Bitter?". It is my opinion that most Nigerians in the diaspora are not bitter. Some are but most are just very critical of the state of affairs in their homeland.

eGuerrilla: Gbawe, I am not entirely sure I understand why you are conceding ground here, despite @OP's blanket characterization of Nigerians abroad.
What bitterness do you speak off when most Nigerians based abroad go to great lengths to satisfy the whims of kindred (back home) who only see them as 'cash cows'?

Is it not the case that some of our "happier compatriots" make it abundantly clear on these boards that becoming "self-made" requires no more than the sale of one's principles? They sometimes travel in an e-convoy as our politicians are wont to do too.

If we are not being reminded about the miraculous feats of a god of Man (gOM) who just happened to have discovered the cure for AIDs, we are being scammed by land owners - who see us for the mugs we often are.
How can anyone talk about a nuisance value and not mention the forex traders who spend all day on NL making millions per the minute, while trying to win more converts to virtual pyramid scheme?

As someone who has been offered very good money to organise pro-government protests (rent-a-crowd) by thieving bast>ards based in Nigeria, I know well enough that corrupting influence travels in both directions.
At the very least, what @OP needs to do is tender an unreserved apology for making claims that fly in the face on empirical "facts" tendered by @Dede1

My brother, it is not so much that I concede ground. I agree with a few things he said. He did acknowledge that many "patriotic" diasporans contributes possibly to Nigeria. Also, there are diasporan Nigerians who are over the top in their condemnation of Nigeria and Nigerians. My point to him is that I personally don't think most diasporans are in that category. Most diasporan Nigerians just resent what Nigeria is.

Godogwu: And I'm pretty sure you guys have it all...heavenly roads, no corruption, no terrorist group, no racist crime, no burglary, robbery, nothing like someone coming into the cinema and shooting people randomly......I'm sure it's all Rosy for you guys.

Look, nowhere is paradise. We then have to deal with the concept of what obtains for the majority. Doing that will quickly make you see that ,whatever you say, many diasporans are averagely better off than their counterparts in Nigeria.

It is not about pointing to the Senator, Otedola-type oligarch or political jobber, with their ten ten policement per big man "baller lifestyle", as proof Nigerians in Nigeria are better off that those abroad are simply envious. We should always look at the majority and how they live. That is how it is done worldwide.

[quote author=ndu_chucks]There is always something frustrating about being stuck abroad while your mates are making millions back home. They blame Nigerian leaders for their failure while ignoring the fact that they themselves have personally contributed zilch towards the betterment of Nigeria. These people are in effect worse than the leaders they are quick to attack

Let me also add that a few of them return to run for various offices and start businesses, but these are exceptions.[/quote]My brother, It is amusing to read talk about diasporan Nigerians envying their fellow Nigerians, based in Nigeria, "making millions". How many Nigerians are making millions? Besides, how are those millions spent if not to turn Private houses into fortresses and 'Islands' where citizens must provide their own electricity, water and security?

The misconception promoted about diasporans envying "better-off" home-based Nigerians is regrettable in my opinion. It stems from how Nigerians are materialistic and eager to quantify everything in relation to money. While some diasporan Nigerians may feel as you conclude , because of the "grass is greener" ethos, most are ultimately happy and pragmatically grateful they are not in Nigeria where it is "survival of the fittest" and a Paradise for the elites where ordinary folks are non-entities and virtually nothing works and you may still die of easily treatable ailments if you have no money.

A comparatively small number of folks may make millions in Nigeria but , for example, they will spend millions also attempting to educate their children privately , to the highest standard, only for that child to be no better than children of diasporans who have gone to State Schools in the West. Many things balance out.

Diasporans may work hard and face heavier tax/expenses obligations but a "cash and carry" society , dehumanising of as much as 60% of it's people, is not an envious model either.

I don't think anyone who truly puts issues in perspective would be comfortable with the model of nationhood Nigeria displays to the world. I.e hideous opulence for a few and terrible poverty for the majority. A better model would be a Nation where people, even if they feel they work too hard and pay too much taxes, still have all their basic needs guaranteed to the extent majority of citizens can enjoy a dignified existence.

@OP

I don't know if it is entirely "bitterness". I think Nigerians in the diaspora have a patronising attitude towards Nigeria. Not good I concede, but I don't think you can entirely blame them for that. We cannot always reduce everything to money and frustration either. Some diasporans are just extremely upset at the slow pace of things back home. Always negative news of extreme corruption, terrorism, lawlessness and general lack of progress.

They see things that would be done ,in days, in their diasporan Nation take several decades to achieve in Nigeria. Many diasporans are just disappointed and this can lead to their negative outlook , towards Nigeria, you term "bitterness".

In the end, I like what you are saying. You make some great points. You are totally correct that we cannot achieve anything "hating ourselves". Good or bad, we are all Nigerians and you are indeed correct to note the patriotic diasporans Nigerians contributing to Nigeria because they are far more in number than other categories in the diaspora.

Weigher: @Gbawe, U wil be d last person i wil argue with simply because i knw u as d most useless person on nairaland with all sort of lies and deceit..... it's actually tru dat d project firstly award at d rate of 1.3b but later increase to 4.5b because of ur boss so call pedestrain bridge, flyover, but ur useless pay master forgot to tell u this or u are told but turn ur deaf hear to him since i knw u have no eyes to see( mekafo). Pls let ur propaganda stop in osun and never in ur lyf dere my own state. I want u to note this, anytime u interupt in any matter concern ogun state, i wil consult d 'AGES' (awon abelekun sukun ki eru o ba elekun) to pls keep u busy. Aimo ise ko omorogun lo mu tori bomi gbona...... Am sure dat won't cost me a dime, all i have to do is just to consult them and u wil be busy /\/

Well, at least you have admitted you lied. You can make all sorts of wild claims but you must understand that, in the adult world, opinions and decisions should not be based on outlandish conjectures you cannot prove and that is not supported by anything documented anywhere.

The road cost 1.3 billion. End of story. If you want to engage in fantasy to claim outlandishly that it cost 4.5 billion, then prove it !!! "Mr. Ogun State", you will serve your State better if, in the first place, you note planned Government projects such as those below, with specific details, and challenge leaders to deliver on those projects within the allotted time frame.


http://odili.net/news/source/2012/jun/11/819.html

Urban renewal: Ogun in multi-billion naira road development

by Akinpelu Dada

The dream of Governor Ibikunle Amosun to transform Ogun State through provision of basic social infrastructure, especially in major cities and towns is gradually coming to fruition following the delivery of some key projects and appreciable progress being made on others.

Apart from the completion of the expansion of the N1.3bn Ita-Eko/Sokori/Totoro road into dual lanes, the state government has just completed the 600-metre Ibara GRA/Onikolobo road to serve as a detour to the Panseke/Onikolobo road, which has become heavily congested due to vehicular and human activities.

The bypass is meant to relieve motorists going to the Government Reservation Area, the seat of government in Oke Mosan and nearby areas, as they will not need to wade through the perennial traffic snarl, especially around the Panseke area of the state capital.

The Commissioner for Works and infrastructure, Mr. Olamilekan Adegbite, explained that the thrust of the infrastructure development agenda of the Amosun-led administration was to upgrade existing roads through constant maintenance and reconstruction, open up new roads where necessary and ensure good road network throughout the state.

This, according to him, informed the decision of the government to expand the Ita-Eko/Sokori/Totoro road from a single lane to a dual carriageway so as to relieve the Abeokuta city centre of traffic gridlock and enhance the value of properties along the path of the 2.4-kilometre road.

Though the first phase of the project has been completed and inaugurated, the government has immediately embarked on the second phase, which involves the construction of a flyover for the use of motorists going to the Ibara area, while those going to Omida, Panseke, Onikolobo and Quarry Road can use the regular road.

In expanding the road, some residential and commercial structures had to give way, but the government ensured that commensurate compensations were paid to those who desired monetary compensation, while new structures are being built for those who opted for that.

Adegbite said six new houses had been built for those who preferred that arrangement, while those who wanted money had been paid.

Apart from featuring wide lanes, the newly completed road has pedestrian sidewalks on either side, opened and covered drains. In addition to bold markings, the installation of street lights will be incorporated into the second phase.

At the point where the Ita-Eko and Sokori roads met, a green park is currently being developed to beautify the area and serve as a recreation garden. A petrol filling station located in the middle of the park, according to the commissioner, will be relocated.

Amosun said during the inauguration of the road last week that the urban renewal programme of his administration was hinged on road construction and rehabilitation.

"Road construction and rehabilitation will open up not only the Abeokuta metropolis to commercial and industrial development, but also to provide easy access to the other parts of the state and engender total development," he said.

The governor promised that 10 standard roads like the Ita-Eko/Sokori/Totoro road would be constructed in different parts of the state within the next one year.

In order to extend the development of road infrastructure to other areas of the state, the government has awarded the contract for the construction of the 32km Sango/Ijoko-Agbado/Oke-Aro/Akute/Ojodu Abiodun road to Messrs Prado E. Mercedos, a Brazilian construction firm.

Adegbite said the government had also concluded plans to award contracts for the construction of the 5.6km Somorin/Ajebo road in Abeokuta; 20km Obalende/Lagos Garage/ Oke Owa/Ilese road in Ijebu-Ode; 60km Ilara/Ijoun/Eggua/Oja-Odan road and the seven-kilometre Sagamu- Benin Expressway junction/Remo Secondary School roundabout/Isale Oko/Akarigbo Road in Sagamu.

The commissioner said, "Apart from the state capital, other places where the ministry is working are in all divisions of the state, especially in the maintenance of roads and flood control projects where drains, culverts and bridges were constructed.

"Some of these projects include drainage channelisation along Olisa/Ondo Road and Lewu de-flooding project in Ijebu Ode; reconstruction of a destroyed culvert along Imeko Afon Road and reconstruction of the Gbangba Bridge in Ijaye area of Abeokuta."

[quote author=diva_tosin]You are certainly mad,what do u know about violence in the south west during 2007 elections we all know how many thugs that where arrested in Osun state who confirmed upon interrogation that they were hired by 'Agberosola'.Is it not that round rimmed ethnic Demi god that legitimised area boys in boys in Lagos state,my friend if u don't have anything to say apart from betraying ur bias,I advice like Aribasala suggested u n Gbawe should get a hotel room to sort ur selves out.

I am non partisan and I believe with deep conviction that PDP is a better political party compared to the ACN and that the problems with this country are not cos of politcal parties.We would have been worse off having Tinubu as a national leader,I stand to be challenged.[/quote]You don't need these insults to get your point across. Why say someone is mad merely because you disagree with them? If you say the PDP is a better Party in comparison with the ACN, then we can inspect this and put the notion to the political/economic/development test.

Some simple statistics, indices, 'markers' and delivered policies can soon reveal a lot instead of insults. We can look at the relation between budgeted recurrent and capital spending under the PDP and the ACN. We can compare internally generated revenue. We can look at employment figures.

We can inspect efforts at mass transportation. We can look at social security. We can look at Infrastructure , education and even healthcare. Agriculture provides a good basis for comparison also. We should compare the calibre of leaders both Parties promote. We should look at many things. A good place to start would be to refrain from insults and engage others courteously.

aribisala0: Quite how did you conclude how I came to my conclusions ?? Did I tell you or are you just so intent on making your points you will even lie. Did you not say on this same thread it is no concern on non members what happens in ACN did you not defend the imposition of Tinubu's wife? Did I not mention election rigging, lack of internal party democracy stealing ,bribery of Judges allegations deductions from Lagos state money to prosecute elections in Ekiti.
Did we not mention corruption,election rigging,dictatorial tendencies of Tinubu,how he removed the Lagos Deputy governor all on this thread and you come to say I concluded because of the local government situation. Does that not look emetic to you?

If you will argue argue honestly and based on facts. You and Gbawe can jerk each other off but please find a hotel or shed!It is nauseating.

As far as logic is concerned you let yourself down The fact that ACN and PDP are considered the same means that the speaker is neutral? Are those the only political parties. What exactly does neutral mean? That you do not belong to one party or re not prepared to abuse others who do not share your views. Your logic is : one MUST support ACN or PDP well I choose to do neither and if it displeases you well...
Ultimately all I will say to you is this remove PDP and ACN substitute with Boko Haram and Christian and apply your logic . Why the anger? That people disagree with you ? Have you run out of arguments they are now "baseje" vomiting. It is so easy to call you baseje and your offering vomit.Then? What next? bombs and shooting? You are not far off from being a terrorist and the mask is slipping already.
As fascinating as your gory imagery is, it is irrelevant and does not buttress what preceded it.
I may refer you to numerous Boko Haram killings and say "oh you cannot be neutral" and must join some imaginary holy war on some imaginary self legislated "side" and start killing "enemies". In 1993 Otedola of NRC was governor in Lagos and SDP controlled the House of Assembly. Were the voters "neutral" or are Americans neutral in handing the Senate to Republicans? Some voters are not fanatics and do not vote in a stereotyped way as you would prescribe

you are right "neutralists" are dangerous .......,. to fanatics but that is probably reciprocal!

Guy, why are you so angry? What is the matter with you? Chill and stop these extreme, over the top and unprovoked insults. What next? You wil start raining curses on folks and their lineage? As far as I can tell, no one , out of me and Akanbi Edu, has deployed the same level of out-of-proportion insults against you. Why the anger? Cool it dude. Stop this ugly show.

aribisala0: Your family might be insufferable but that is for you to sort out! I can choose what aspect of prior discussion
indeed

Aribisala, why do you not evolve at all over time? I have known you on this forum for a while and you are always the same. Always the first to insult others and, ultimately, always the first to lose his cool and get extreme. What concerns my family in this? Is it not 'man to man' any more?

You called people alata and that is extremism your sudden epiphany that I am not sticking to topic is a joke .

Here we go again. You have gone a full 360 degrees to show what I say about you above. Bringing this up shows what you want to turn the thread into i.e an Arena to invite other to join you and 'beef' others you have issues with. What does my argument with others have to do with you? Did you read to note what led to that or are you just keen to proclaim guilt because of your intrinsic bias against others? You are indeed not sticking to the topic because , with the direction you are taking, you might as well go ahead and focus on everyone I exchanged words with here. You could also nitpick every word I have used talking to others. Where would that leave the topic?

In any case, is it not amusing you don't see what is obvious? I am extremist for speaking directly to someone and limiting my talk to them alone? What are you, if not the real extremist, with how you go beyond talking to an individual to insult their family childishly? What has my family got to do with this conversation? Is it not an individual you have issues with ? Is it his family? You see you glaring hypocrisy laid bare?

I wish to talk about and have not anywhere talked about Your boyfriend Amosun

Nairaland and its emotional characters. Well, going by your emotional and childish outburst, everyone is a boyfriend or girlfriend of political leaders since we talk about them passionately here every single day. How distinctly childish. I think you confuse this with the romance section.

Have I argued with you about your Lord and Master Amosun anywhere on the thread.

More childishness. Your indirect pontifications simply show you don't know what you are talking about.

Bottomline many people do not agree with you as is their right. Stop bullying or pontificating as if somehow making a political choice is some major cerebral breakthrough.

Guy, I know you well enough here to understand why we are now at this stage. It is standard modus operandi for you. No one is bullying you. Stay on topic and don't deploy subliminal insults only to then resort to playing victim to garner pity/support.

My point is simple you have an opinion which is not superior to others here so stop calling people ignorant because they disagree with you.

Why did you then mask your so-called point in an attempt to discuss politics by talking of "clippers and bridges"? In any case, have I just called anyone ignorant for no reason like you found it expedient to label others extremist with your first contribution here? Why don't you show where I have insulted anyone without provocation?

You think you have knowledge and others wallow in ignorance who do you think you are other that a conceited clown. You are no more knowledgeable than anyone

Well, simply stay on topic and prove you are keen to discuss issues and not fellow Nairalanders. This your post, for example, just shows an unhealthy level of personal focus I am very uncomfortable with. You know you are taking this politics section too seriously when you talk this much, saying the same thing, about fellow posters. Whatever my faults, I don't do it. I never attack anyone here because, ultimately, I am always ready to discuss politics and not get personal with anyone unless provoked.

If saying you have a tendency to extremism is "throwing a blow" as you lament then you have a very fragile ego

Funny guy. Remember you virtually burst a blood vessel because I said "you are not illiterate" which is less innocuous than labelling anyone extremist? In any case, why are you so consumed with talking about others more than the topic? I don't get it it. That is the real sign of a fragile ego. I keep trying to move the topic in the right direction yet you keep attempting to personalise issues. That only happens when certain posters, with "fragile egos", are badly affected by other personalities here to the extent they lose focus. Discuss politics , as it pertains to the development of our Nation, and I will be happy to do same. Are you able to do that and refrain from insults?

Weigher: Gbawe! U are a liar, were u in Abeokuta? I live in ABEOKUTA capital city....... Stop all this ur media propaganda. Amosun is simply cluessless, no achievement expect some previous project by d ex governor which he re-touched. I beg d man na flop,all d traders don turn to beggars, workers don turn to walker, no reduction in tuition fees across d state institution as promised during his campaign, no free medical care for ages, no total free Education for both sec&primary school has acclaimed, d state secondary&primary school student are currently pay 600 for PTA, 200 for insurance and 200 for material. There is also no provision for chair& desk, all student bring their chair and dest frm there various home during resumption. His only achievement is d 2.3km rd(6lane) from ibara junction to totoro junction for a whooping 4.5billions. I beg if u come Abk come say this Gbawe u go stone to death instantly. All of us way vote 4 him don dey curse him........ He was was widely called IROKUNLE nw. Egba is not smilling at all

This is how people like you, whatever your motivation, tell lies because you probably accept that human beings love anything negative. What 4.5 billion are you talking about? where did you get that ridiculous figure from? Does such a wild lie not show you as someone with an agenda? You speak exactly as the Omisore's and Oni's of the world do i.e propose laughable and outlandish lies out of sheer frustration. It is understandable that some may not be aware of the achievements of the Government but your wild and desperate lie is not acceptable and discredits everything else you have said. In fact the Ita-Eko-Totoro Road , laudably, was delivered to budget and on time. Find other more 'believable' lies to tell.

https://www.nairaland.com/745652/ogun-awards-six-lane-road-contract

The Ogun State government yesterday signed a contract with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for the construction of a six-lane road in Abeokuta, the state capital, in line with its determination to build infrastructure across the state.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Yusuph Olaniyonu, made this known in a statement in Abeokuta Thursday, adding that the road, stretching between Ibara Roundabout and Ita-Eko-Totoro Road in the town, is expected to be completed within eight months.

He said the construction will cost the state government ₦1.3 billion and will consist of six lanes, median with street lights, drainage systems, sidewalk as well as a green belt on either side of the road.

The Ogun State Executive Council had earlier this month approved the construction and rehabilitation of several roads, cutting across the state in line with the governor Ibikunle Amosun's infrastructure development and urban renewal agenda. The governor had expressed his displeasure with the derelict state of road network in the state and promised to repair them.

Johnny: Reading comments by BOLA AHMED TINUBU pupportedly made at the “ACN Mega Rally“ in Akure for the up-coming governorship election,one wonders if Tinubu has become the sole owner of the entire Yoruba race!He proudly but foolishly told the hired crowd that [b]his grouse with Mimiko was that “the Iroko wants to stay in the forest alone“.That comment shows how selfish and dubious this man is.We can now see that the ACN Governors “are actually staying in the forest with Tinubu“ and sharing the state meagre resources with him.[/b]I pray and hope that the people of Ondo state will open their eyes and watch against this demagogue who desperately and satanically wants to take over the state too and add to his Empire.

Look, no Nigerian leader is perfect. They cannot be because of where we are currently. When men are too far ahead of their time, they ultimately fail. Just ask Lumumba, Nkrumah, Awolowo et al. Despite the malice-led rhetoric against Tinubu, promoted mainly by those outside the region, the SW appears on course.

We now have a situation where genuine 'omoluabis' are replacing thugs. This is setting a precedence me and you would have killed for under the OBJ days when unthinking thugs and killers held sway. The concept that the brightest, best educated and most talented lead a State is paramount for success. If we can enshrine this concept as 'sin qua non', throughout the SW, then everything else takes care of itself.

I just think you focus on what is not really important because Tinubu has now been made into a controversial figure by others who envy his achievement and worry where his thinking and scheming will take the SW. For example, if you are looking at the big picture, you will see you make a fuss over nothing. You make this about an utterance of Tinubu, essentially a spillover of his 'beef' with Mimiko, yet fails to see what matters most to Ondo folks. I.e is Tinubu , ultimately, attempting to replace Mimiko with an 'area boy' as OBJ would have done gleefully? No is the answer !!!!

Akeredolu is a distinguished Ondo son. The State , and the SW in general, is lucky we have now gotten to a stage where it may always routinely be the best in the land competing to lead. Others will envy this because they see a repeat of what Awo did that gave the SW an advantage in the past i.e the insistence on progress secured through developing intellect and giving it a chance to develop others.

We will make mistakes but letting the best lead is a veritable template for development. Tinubu has played his part to lead us to this point. He has not endured or promoted mediocrity, as others do, or shied away from social radicals and progressives erstwhile perceived "difficult to control" by Nigerian godfathers who simply want unthinking stooges to retain their proxy control of our wealth.

Looking at the big picture, we should be happy, throughout the SW, that it is becoming less about the Adedibus and more about the Ajimobis, Fashola, Akeredolus, Mimikos and Fayemis. Forget what Tinubu has said and focus on who he has supported to be Governor of Ondo. That is what should matter to you. It should not be about what one man has said to others he is engaged in a cold war with. Issues should be about what is best for the millions of Ondo people. With that in mind, what has Tinubu done wrong ?

aare07: Election promise which would not manifest. Oyo state Government Under ACN LED THE REGIME promised 20000 job, he failed to walk the talk an their Sister do not dance to their Word............
Insha Allah , Mimiko Will win the Election

Already being paid in Ekiti and Osun State. I think , in the end, it will probably standard policy that will be adopted by all ACN States.

Uyi Iredia: I'm not sure it's the best policy.

If it is optional, then perhaps no harm done. The choice can be made by parents on behalf of their children. In primary school, children simply have to learn subjects considered compulsory for their educational development. Perhaps it is not a bad idea to see if the idea is popular with parents.

The world is becoming more competitive because borders are shrinking. Things could be very different in the next 30-50 years. It is good therefore to give children as much advantages as possible. I certainly think the input of parents should be sought. We certainly don't want to lag behind because we failed to proactively embrace ideas others assimilated to stay competitive and dominant.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2012/jun/10/foreign-languages-compulsory-aged-7

Foreign languages to be taught at school from age seven
Planned national curriculum reforms also encourage science learning through study of nature
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https://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/About/General/2012/6/10/1339345459183/primary-school-pupils-008.jpg
The Guardian, Sunday 10 June 2012 17.25 BST

Learning a foreign language could soon become compulsory for primary school pupils from the age of seven under government reforms


All children are to be taught a foreign language – which could include Mandarin, Latin or Greek – from the age of seven under reforms to the national curriculum being unveiled by the education secretary, Michael Gove.

In other reforms, children will be encouraged to learn science by studying nature, and schools will be expected to place less emphasis on teaching scientific method.

The introduction of compulsory language teaching in primary schools is intended to reverse the dramatic decline in takeup at GCSE. Pupils will need to be able to speak in sentences, with the appropriate pronunciation, and express simple ideas clearly in another language.

They will be expected to develop an understanding of the basic grammar of the language, and be acquainted with songs and poetry. Ministers say that teaching should focus on making "substantial progress" in one language.