skima:

Any one that know languages other than php should start something.. but i suggest we make php the primary.
.....

I'm detecting a PHP bias here Why PHP ? Is it because its free. Cold Fusion is a lot better, development turn around is definitely faster than any other language out there.

On the ideological divisions issue, IBB did attempt to introduce this concept into Nigerian politics by creating 2 parties - SDP which was a bit to the left and NRC which was a bit to the right.

It probably would have worked to a certain extent except he had his own hidden agenda.

nferyn:

I was just thinking along which lines gras-roots political organisations could be formed?
All attempt by benevolent dictators (or even true democratically inclined rulers) seem to fail in most African countries. You cannot have a functional political system with true representation and voicing of the interests of the population if the population is not organised in one way or another. Politics needs to be a theatre where the different intrests of the different strata of the population are mediated and resolved. Without a genuine form of involvement, democracy is empty of substance.

Does anyone have ideas as to how to accomplish this? Even if it would be a long term project.

Easier said than done

Only a true social and cultural revolution will lead to any meaningful change in Africa. But will western powers allow Africa its true independence? There is so much at stake.

Will they allow a socio political revolution that will change Africa
- from a cheap producer of raw materials (where prices are determined by the buyer rather than the producer)
- change it from been a dumping ground for obsolete products
- release it from unfair trade tariffs
- from a ready made market for arm exports
- a test laboratory for all types of voodoo economics
- a playground for western multinationals where they can pollute and flout any laws they don't like
-

A few African countries like Ghana, Bukina Faso and Congo all had a brief opportunity for social and political change. Their charismatic leaders were either killed or removed by coups sponsored by outside forces.

great thread

otitoloju:

Gowon introduced the unitary system at the height of the crisis which followed the overthrow of Ironsi.

It was Aguiyi Ironsi who abolished the regions and introduced the unitary system. The crises was because of the abolition of the regional system and the aftermath of the January coup. Gowon created the 12 state structure.

nferyn:

Was it a [b]functional [/b]federalism prior to the military takeover?

The regional system in place prior to the 66 coup was actually good for the country. It allowed each region to develop at its own pace. The real power resided in the regions and not the center this was illustrated by the fact that Ahmadu Bello preferred to be the premier of the Northern region and sent his deputy, Balewa to be the prime minister of Nigeria.

nferyn:

Formal or informal constitutional monarchies are not that bad. I know the Oba of Benin commands much more respect from his people than the governor of Edo state and as such would have far more legitimacy. A system that is an adaptation of the pre-colonialism systems of governance would be more fitting. Does this also apply to other regions in Nigeria?

I actually agree with this, the Brits felt the traditional system was good enough and used indirect rule to administer Nigeria. Elements of this still exist today as the government of the day always seeks the support of the traditional rulers.
Unfortunately as abuguy64 pointed out the traditional institution has being corrupted by the politicians, the traditional rulers are paid by the government so their loyalties will always be with the government.

ono:

you'd agree with me that it's going to be an onerous task trying to convince one ethnic group to align with others in a country such as Nigeria.

People do align at the 'top of the food chain' (i.e. the elites). If you look at the history of Nigeria, for any ethnic group to rule the country it had to align itself with another. In the 60s it was the east and the north, during the civil war and Gowon/Muritala's era it was the west and north.

ono:

The[b] only [/b] reason I'll blame the Brits for our current woes is in their Amalgamation of the Northern & Southern Protectorates. This was the genesis of the problem.

well we can blame the Brits for that but i doubt it would have made any difference. The Yorubas and Ibos hardly trust each other, the North has always capitalised on this. The mistake the Yorubas and Ibos have always made is to think they could be the dominant partner in any relationship with the north. They made a grave political miscalculation underestimating the north due to its economic and educational backwardness.

What i blame the Brits for (and this applies to nearly all their colonies) was introducing an imported system of government when they were about to leave. If they had introduced this system many years before they left it would have developed to a point where it could sustain itself when they granted us independence rather than falling apart immediately they left.
Yoweri Museveni, the Ugandan president, during a row over democracy in Uganda, pointed out to Britain that it had been the colonial power in Uganda for more than 70 years yet introduced democracy only as it was about to leave.

If its for practice purposes then its a cool idea.
Whats the point of a made in Nigeria CMS, you can practically build one out of the box with various packages out there. Macromedia used to have a great product called Spectra built with Cold fusion which allowed you to build a CMS in less than a day.

Anywhere in the Carribean will be just fine 

I think Paris is totally overrated as a honeymoon destination who wants to queue for hours to get to the top of the Eiffel Tower

My sister lives in Ibadan, price depends on the area, but basically you're looking at starting prices of around N270,000 upwards.

Its treason, he is an ex military guy he should know better than to make irresponsible statements, would he make such a statement if it was a military government.

This statement could be seen by other Northerners in the military as a sign of support for a coup. Regardless of my personal opinion of OBJ's government i still think the 'worst' civilian government is better than the 'best' military dictatorship.

Typewriter:

this one of the best set Nokia ever made

maybe 2 years ago, the N70 is a lot better

carlito:

2) why some black girls won't date black men, the reasons they gave me :
- black men have a tendancy to ask their woman to serve and obey (wash the floor, cooking etc....)
- black men behave rough for any kind of little problem
- they want to have sex with every women on earth and are not reliable
- white men are more romantic /caring and helpfull
That is what i have been told ,fortunately it doesn't mean thait is is true of course every person is different and no white person is like another white person, same thing for blacks.....

Well if you know its not true why repeat it here then...

@allonym
great response
If everyone asked for facts and evidence before repeating a story or reacting to it, Nigeria will not be in the mess it constantly finds itself in. The recent brouhaha over the killer GSM virus is a typical case of what happens when people lose sight of logic and just repeat rumours without checking the facts.

donnie:

I remember some years ago, a friend of mine came exitedly to church with his nephew who had his genotype changed form SS to AA. I talked with the little boy and even played with him. He testified in church to the glory of God. That boy is still alive and sound and his medical reportsa re avialable to show.

<wishful thinking on//>wow this i would love to see <off//>

Exploits of another 'miracle' pastor
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/3699356.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/3672838.stm

My sis is SS and has been attending christ embassy for a long time and she has never mentioned this 'miracle' before

nferyn:

You must be joking. This is surreal. Are you sure you weren't having a bad dream?

sounds more like a nightmare

Prejudice is the child of ignorance - Anon

cushman:

It's like this phone is no good. Why is nobody contributing?

I think thats because newer models are out. This phone came out 2 years ago. I've recently upgraded from the 6230 to the Nokia N70

bernieman:

For this simple reason,it is most ideal that one pay for his wife before he start having sex with her.So pre marital sex is wrong.

wow, a transaction before sex sounds like the world's oldest profession

Seun:

In particular let us first of all explore the concepts of democracy and separation of powers and see if we can apply it to this forum, because I know that if we can create a democratic forum then we would be unstoppable. What do you think? Dictatorship is lonely.

Like i said in a previous PM to you, Allow members of the site to become moderators, the site is gradually getting to a point where it needs more than one moderator.

Its also important to learn from the mistakes of other popular sites like Nigeriaworld. At the moment the user experience there is horrible. It has so many 'pop ups' and 'pop unders' its begining to look like a porn site.

The US is one of those countries that never ceases to amaze me. I think people have to accept the fact that most Americans know nothing about the rest of the world. Its not just about Africa, an Australian friend of mine was asked by an American while working in New York if they had 'roads in Australia'

My 'favourite' encounter with an American was while travelling by train from Chicago to LA, some guy asked me where i lived, i replied London, then he asked me if they spoke 'American' over there.

d_chosen1:

yeah the ikeja passport office at pwd (but u must no sum body there oooooo)i can give u a person's number if u so desire or better still try the one at F-E-S-T-A-C- T-O-W-N

Beware of the Festac Town office, I'm aware of a few people who got new passports there and had 'problems' while travelling. It seems some of the passports issued from that office are not genuine.

AguNwoke:

Was it not this same Pastor, that was "allegedly" being investigated for fraud and mis-appropriation of church funds last year

that was Matthew Ashimolowo of KICC
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4319856.stm

babagana:

Heard about "Eje ka jo" by "Xtasy"? This group was actually produced by Ben Bruce's Silver birds.

yeah i remember that song quite well , what about mandy ojugbana's version of the bobby benson classic 'taxi driver' anyone still remember that song ?

Enigma:

Hey I'm enjoying this thread. Ijebuman I used to listen to your Live365 station; in fact I got a few emails from you being on your mailing list. I might ask you some questions in PM about a few joints that I'm looking for or trying to work out artiste etc. I also used to dj a few house parties; now slowed down though.

Thanks mate, had to wind it down , although it still exists on live365.com you have to be a paid member of the site to tune in now.

Enigma:

Kashif -  Lover come turn me on
Stacy Lattisaw - Spotlight
Howard Johnson - So Fine
Starpoint - Bring your sweet loving back, Wanting you,

Excellent choice 

babagana:

Is it possible for me to listen to this radio station for the 80's while browsing especially on naira land? please can someone hook me up? Or tell me how to.

Not anymore as it only exists as a paid service, but visit www.live365.com there're still a few free ones (playing 80s soul) that you can listen to