₦airaland Forum

kazey: Why do I invest in stocks?
Answer: Mainly for longterm/retirement. I have a couple of mutual funds I invest in personally through my financial advisor. Secondly through my 401k- all 401Ks invest a certain % into stocks.

I have ventured into individual stocks a little bit...it is just that it requires a lot of time and knowledge. I have some friends really do it well..."shorting the market" so to say. It is a really complex issue and merely posting on forum is just a scratch on the surface. That is why I do not what to make any generalized or categorical statements. I will encourage anyone to do their research and make an informed decision and is also why I suggested an investment club, and a mentor.

Seun: there is no business in this world that would not require some brain- work. Investing in solid stocks has its benefits, it is a source of passive income, and that is the beauty...and not every one has what it takes to be an entrepreneur. You are among the very few that have it in them.

Investment in general is best done having a diversified portfolio (mix of stock T-notes, mutual funds etc), whether you are a running a business or salaried, that way you will minimize your risk.

A good stock to buy will be that Transnational Corporation Plc when it becomes available.

What has happened to long term investment, people? Everybody wants to be millionaire overnight! Wow!! Mind you, I have nothing against it. I'm worried that the impression one gets from Kazey is that stock investment is solely for quick bucks. Yes you can make it that kind of money if you have the capital, no doubt. I do disagree with your opinion, Kazey, but I leave it at that...the internet is a good source for information, so whoever is in doubt should use it to research more on the topic. There is room for savings accountstocks, treasury bills, etc. A sound knowledge is the key to getting the best return out of any them.

Investing in stocks is a very viable business if one takes time to really learn how to do it. It is really a complex venture, and the returns surpass putting your money in a savings account! What does the bank do with your money anyways? They trade with it, and they give you peanuts as returns! Be aware that if a bank fails, the government/banks are only liable up to a certain amount...so if you have huge dough in the bank you might not get it all bank if the banks caputs.

Not any company can be listed and traded on the stock exchange...there are conditionalities to be fulfilled etc, so the chances of having a rogue company listed is slim. Occasionally there are cases when a company goes under, eg ENRON, WORLDCOM in the US. with a sound knowledge of the market, one can tell and act accordingly before it is too late.

Nigerian stock market has a very good record, do the research! There is really nothing to worry about when working through a reputable agent, who usually earn their wage through commissions, so they better look after the interest of their clients!

Like any serious venture, one must be willing to learn the rope, and trust me there is money to be made in any market- ie when stocks are up or down. You just need to know what you are doing...of course there are some risk involved in stocks. Losses are not uncommon, just as it is in any venture.

They are many books out there on stock and mutual funds...read Rich dad Poor Dad and other similar books if you haven't...these books are eye opener. No school teaches about money and all this things. We just have to learn as much as possible on our own. The most dangerous thing, however, is to have half knowledge...one's better off without any then.

I encourage your readers to learn about business in general and stocks in particular...it is a game of timing and big numbers. So form an investment club, find a mentor and invest...the gains outweights having all your money in a savings account.

Show me the money first!
In fairness to OBJ, he is doing all he knows how...and if this comes through it is good for us. What are the conditionalities attached to the deal, do anyone know yet? What plans do they have for the excess money now?

And most importantly, what are we doing to those that stole us blind?? Go to some colleges in the UK, you will find many Nigerians paying cash for the school fees/tuition...has the government ever thought of investigating where the money comes from? If it comes from parents and guardians, what business are they involved in? How many are civil servants and bureaucrats, and how many are legit. business owners? How can they afford to pay thousands of Pound Sterling in cash? This might seem really vindictive, but that will be one of my approach to tackle corruption as a president.

The antics of the national assembly is a classical example of voodoo politics. Shame on them! Corruption is the major problem in Nigeria, and it demands a strategy that will reach far and wide. Banning some bureaucrats out of vendetta is even worse that any offenses these guys might have committed. Beer parlor mentality only breeds mediocrity.

Fellas, the aim of my questions is NOT to ridicule anyone! Seun has asked a very truthful question and there is nothing wrong with that, in fact that is what this forum is all about, right?

I do not totally agree with ANUGIRL, the world has turned to a global village,and no one can afford to live in isolation anymore. That style is pre-historic and should not be encouraged in my opinion. Besides, there are some African musicians at the Live8, yes, there ain't many of them.

Yes, we need a revolution, not a bloody one though, a revolution that start from our hearts and brains, collectively, and one way to start is to ask questions, to we must find answers. Lets challenge the status-quo, lets free ourselves  of our lethargic persona. If you wish to learn more about what all this euphoria is all about, just do a google search, or better still, read my blog (not this is not self promoting) here:

http://grandioseparlor..com/2005/06/live-8-where-are-my-african-brethrens.html

What do you think of the Live8 concerts? Are we Africans doing enough to help ourselves?

The future belongs to us, so how can we creatively complement this global endeavor?

Thanks Seun. I'm aware of Critical Response, it is privately owned.

This EMS stuff is supposedly for Lagos State Govt, with assistance from some professionals from the UK. I think there is also an inquiry on Nigeriaonline about this issue. I have been to Lagos state website - nadah!

IF this actually exist, I'll wonder why it is not been given adequate publicity...

Is anyone have aware of the EMS experiment by Lagos state govt. This is supposed to be collaboration between the state and some foreign medical professionals. Is this true guys?

I can't help but wade in. The pictures posted on CU site are quite good, I hope their standard is equally good too. There is no equality in life, and life is not fair. So CU is not for everyone, in fact university education is not for everyone. It is only in Nigeria that we assume the next educational level after high school is the university. What will happen to the economy if everyone is a university graduate?

In any developed economy, there is room for skilled labor, and that is where the polytechs and technical schools come. These are the "drivers"of the advanced economies. They earn good wages, in fact, many in the U.S (auto techies or mechanics) earn way more than many graduates with Master degrees! If Nigeria can learn to do things right, there won't be a lot of stress over education- because there will be many options, and parents won't have to 'steal' to send their kids to places like CU. The deregulation of education must include the polytechs and tech schools, then we will have a balanced system. In fact If I have the resources that is where I will put my money.

Errata!
Point of correction, the oil producing area is not really part of IBO and the delta people are different. The IBOs do not have oil; it is the minorities in the region broadly defined as the "IBO region" that have oil, the oil that has caused them so much pain and anguish. The oil has made Nigeria Billions, yet they do nothave anything on ground to show for it. God knows what he was doing when he gave them, because they have one of the most difficult and hostile terrain in Nigeria, and this makes it really expensive to build roads and other infrastructures compared to other regions.

Federalism, I repeat, if practiced right will not necessarily lead to WAR. With or without federalism, war can not be ruled out in present day Nigeria. So those people using war as an excuse to interpret the constitution upside should be tried for TREASON (you are not one of them by the way). Any Constitution lawyers in the house?

Seun:

A true federalism would help bring about a reversal of this trend; and only that will bring about genuine politics in Nigeria.

A 'true federalism' will also make it easy for one section of the country to break away and start a civil war. This is the true aim of many of the people who are campaigning for 'true federalism'.

Well, you are entitled to you opinion. I'm sure majority of Nigerians that understand the real meaning will of FEDERALISM will yell at you.

My opinion:

The seccession of a region in a federation becomes a possibility only if they feel that they stand a better chance being on their own. Secondly, seccession of a region will not necessarily lead to war, in fact that is what happened in the former Czechoslovakia in 1993, the regions PEACEFULLY became the Czech Republic and Slovakia.  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Czechoslovakia).

The benefits of a true federalism far outweight the potential problems. For example, the Sharia Law is no longer be an issue; the Ogonis and many in the oil producing area will be able to call their own shot; the southwest will thrive educationally because we will no longer be subjected to the conditions and standard in other in other region. The states have their autonomy and very well control their resources  and their fate. If there is fairness and justice, federalism is the way to go. What we have right now is a bastardized concept, it  has no meaning; it promotes corruption, unjustice and oppression

So if a region wants to succession, they may well do so. After all the nation existed just fine without crude oil many years ago. In fact, we had a better standard of living then compared to present day Nigeria. I think we should not be afraid of the implications of doing things right in Nigeria. For the regular guys on the street, that is the right thing to do. The situation in Nigeria warrants a paradigm-shift, and this will start by doing the right things,...if we have the guts.

Present day politics in Nigeria is a caricature of what is the norm. It is a extremely violent and money-drive endeavor. It lacks genuine grass-root participation, and requires active involvement of 3rd party politicians. Nigerian being a developing nation warrants competent hands managing the Local Government Areas (LGA). However, due to the wealth of resources locked up at the center (federal and state), many promising candidates ignore the LGAs and vie for positions at the federal level. A true federalism would help bring about a reversal of this trend; and only that will bring about genuine politics in Nigeria.

The assumption is that when people have fever they have malaria, right? Many ended being treated for malaria, when in actual sense it was something else. Do not get me wrong, malaria is endemic in Nigeria, and preventive steps should be taken to CONTROL it. People will always suffer from the illness.

A national health insurance plan is highly desireable in Nigeria, and much needed also. I hope that brains behind it did a thorough job of putting the pieces together.

Unfortunately, there isn't much info on the scheme yet. I wonder how the government can embark on a project as far reaching as this and yet very little is known about how it's going to be implemented. uhh ..

seun:
One of the reasons why most companies don't go about promoting their wares with forums is the kind of damaging criticism you can get if your product has flaws that have not been rectified. A forum is not a traditional marketing channel, and it should not be treated as such.

Not so fast! Just google: "blogs, business" when you have the time and read some of the results. You will be surprised how effective web logs- Blogs are. Please do not confuse blog with forum. It is not uncommon for consumers to offer solutions or valuable suggestions... It can work anywhere as long as they are open to criticism, have good customer service and are sure of their service.  Bt the way, In business, no criticism should be considered "damaging". There will always be problems, and  it could be your  customers that will suggest solutions or inform you of ways of serving them better. Blogs can be a priceless tool is used right.

Imnakoya:
What protection to have in place for consumers and business owners against charge backs? In the US card owners can dispute unauthorized purchase as you are well aware.
How would you handle return of merchandise?
Lastly, is there a merchant fee for business that accept your service? For example VISA, PAYPAL charge the merchant a fee, ususally monthly fee. How about you?


I'm yet to read the lingo on your website, maybe you have these covered there. You can sure use some PR...set up a blog site and make sure it is really interactive so your clientele can drop comments. You can also use that to educate your customer base. If you are really serious and have great customer service, you will go definitely far.

NairaEx do you have answer to these  questions please.

What protection to have in place for consumers and business owners against charge backs? In the US card owners can dispute unauthorized purchase as you are well aware.
How would you handle return of merchandise?
Lastly, is there a merchant fee for business that accept your service? For example VISA, PAYPAL charge the merchant a fee, ususally monthly fee. How about you?


I'm yet to read the lingo on your website, maybe you have these covered there. You can sure use some PR...set up a blog site and make sure it is really interactive so your clientele can drop comments. You can also use that to educate your customer base. If you are really serious and have great customer service, you will go definitely far.

There is no technologically-relevant country in the world that relies solely on universities as a form of tertiary education, and the its proliferation is absurd. Agreed, there is need for more input in the education sector, but the approach our government has taken has make mockery of the idea. We can not achieve long lasting success by executing policies "upside-down', and that is what has been going on. Technical colleges and universities are the sole of any nation and they both complement each other. What is likely to happen (or has happened) is the creation of an unbalanced system; then everything crumples and as usually we'll start again without set the foundation right.

I will give an example, how many car mechanics in Nigeria have gone through any form of serious formal training within the last 10 years? Yet we have more cars, many with advanced technology, and many more will enter our country, Nigeria lack a significant pool of skilled technicians that only well funded and managed technical schools can supply. The primary purpose of universities is not to provide employment of any sort; it is education and research. It is the product of research that generate other businesses and therefore more employment. Right now many of these universities are not interested in research, that is not even on their priority list...the owners just want to make a quick buck and move on.

Enough of my verbiage, I think my point is clear my fellow and dear Nigerians. Holla!
www.grandioseparlor..com

Nice forum you have here Seun. Thanks for the comment on Grandiose Parlor, despite our differences on the verbage accompaning this topic, we both agree that to maintain the unity of this nation all hands need to be on deck, and it is important to alter the mind set of the people that call the shot in Nigeria.

We should all be able to see beyond the obvious. And by the way, the CIA is no God! They do not know everything (Iraq is a good example), however we all know the ailments that have inflicted our nation ... a cure is urgently needed. My fear is that when would we discover the cure? And who will be capable as a leader to initiate the therapy?