₦airaland Forum

^ So true! Nigerian society and mindset needs to change. Until this change happens, Nigeria will continue to rot at the expense of so called leaders and poor government. If the average person doesn't care for their fellow man, then why should one expect those in high places to care.

Nigeria is already one giant ghetto, so why not! What happens when you give mad people guns? There is no law of the land in Nigeria, so one can only imagine what the average person would do with a gun. Police are useless, so what can one do. Imagine all the tribalists on NL threatening each other, and that time it will be with guns. Goodness, will there be enough graves for everyone? Everyone would be their own boko haram!

I have deep respect for Prof Achebe. His life work chronicles the changes and ills of Nigerian society and culture. If anyone could see and understand the problems that Nigeria faces, it would be him. Read his book, The Trouble with Nigeria. All those so called politicians and leaders should read it. The general population should read it. It is a true eye opener and very enlightening in showing why Nigeria as a nation continues to spiral toward destruction. It's not a surprise that he would reject such an award.

It's a good sign that Nigerians have see the good in what he has done, but unfortunately the general consensus seems to be that nothing can change and people don't even care to bring it forth. Complacency and apathy is what has destroyed Nigeria. Seeing evil and looking the other way, and even most times partaking in evil unabashedly. When Nigerians as individuals, and as a group, start rejecting evil great and small, then the society will start changing. When we decide money isn't everything, then Nigeria will change. When we decide that tribal heritage is meant to enrich and not to divide, then Nigeria will change. When we as a people decide to do right, especially when no one is looking, then Nigeria will change. We need to renew our minds as a people and within the cultures. As for now, this change remains only a prayer and a dream shared by few.

Preview his book here: http://books.google.com/books?id=AA8ut32-If8C&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false

4Runner:
Who are the students that attend these universities? Did they take JAMB? Where will they work after graduation? As for NYSC, I know we also have FAKE. Since NYSC officials operate the fake NYSC, some of these fake Unis might have received fake registration documents from the officials responsible for University registration.

The question now is How many FAKE Primary and Secondary Schools do we have in Nigeria?

And who are the teachers and professors at such institutions? How did they get such positions and what are their qualifications. Does Nigeria have an accreditation system for primary, secondary, and tertiary education systems? Wonders shall never end.

@grafikii- It's so interesting that you presented this question, as I have been wanting to ask the same thing. It's actually appalling to see the level of complacency among Nigerians. Grafikii, I'm with you. I am a Nigerian and I say we need to change!

So most of you believe it's not worth it to speak out against such bad government, corruption, poor education, and poor infrastructure because that's the way it is in Nigeria. You take out bad people, and more bad people will replace them, right? Most of you are saying that Nigerians are hardcore tribalists and corruption is in our blood, right? That is why we cannot come together as one and change things and there are no people worthy to be good leaders, right? I disagree! I want to love Nigeria, I really do, but I cannot. I would be a fool. There is too much potential in Nigeria, too much! There is nothing that cannot be achieved in that country, yet it continues to function in the dark ages. This is why the Nigerian government will continue to be the sinkhole it is. Some say things are improving, but where is the standard? By what standards? Nigerians are hard working and resilient, but their efforts are not rewarded. You almost have to be corrupt to survive in Nigeria. We need to change as a people. As one people.

I think it is the youth that have to bring forth the change. The passion will have to come from the youth, as it almost always does. There needs to be a collective change in thinking and reasoning in Nigeria. One can read the stories of how other countries have changed, and you wonder what it will take to spark change in Nigeria. Stay a third world country, then. Common electricity is lacking, in 2011. If not now, then when?

@ThiefofHearts: Fine. I misunderstood what you were asking. True, more Christians should go this route. But unfortunately, this is not the case for many. The article you posted was very insightful .

ThiefOfHearts:
TayoD, thanks for your own interpretation

My thing is would YOU ever use such Psalms as a "prayer" especially against "enemies"?

How come people use the hatred of 109 as opposed to following these words?

"Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head"



Like I already said I understand why it was done during David's time, however these days I find it highly unnecessary and contrary to the teachings of Jesus that Christians are supposed to follow. Only a psychotic wiitch would feel normal reading that. Seriously.

Have you ever heard the saying "killing someone with kindness"? Imagine someone who really didn't like you, and did things to try to make you fall and all you did was smile at them and do nice things for them. The person that's angry with you would be so annoyed. The Bible says to bless those that curse, and in doing so, you are right with God and the person who sinned against you and curse you is in the wrong. This gives a way for God to deal with the person's evil heart, hence the "coals of fire on his head." It doesn't mean actual coals of fire, but they will get the punishment they have earned for hurting God's child.

claremont:
The thing about this issue is that Nigerian men are also exposed to the same "strong cultural affiliations" the Nigerian women have been exposed to, yet the Nigerian men are still able to integrate easily with white ladies unlike Nigerian women. Culture may play a role, but I don't think it's the chief culprit IMHO.

I think it's black women in general. Many black women, including Africans (Nigerians too), have not been open to exploring outside of their ethnic/racial boundaries. Black men have done it for generations because they can get away with it, but women are not able to do so so easily. Relationships between white men, as the example you use being white women, and black women haven't been nurtured given the negative interaction between the two groups in the past. Yet this is changing, and black women and hopefully Nigerian women will see that there are more options, not limited to Nigerian/ Black men, but others. And not even white men, but other races included.

But of course this topic is centered mostly for those living abroad. Those in Nigeria are mostly focused on worries concerning tribal/cultural group.

I think there are so many interesting types of men in the world. I don't see the need of Nigerian women limiting themselves to just black or Nigerian men, or even vice versa. I certainty won't. I am open to love and friendship, regardless of the color of the external.

mydreamz:
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Eph 6:12)

This response explains it all! We are not fighting with the flesh, but rather our fight is spiritual! If someone uses the Bible to tear down someone, even someone who is wrong, rather than address the underlying spiritual conflict, then this is a misuse of God's Word. The Bible says: Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord (Rom. 12:9). It's God's place to handle the evil one and difficult people in our life. As Christians we are to love our enemies and hate the evil one. He is the one we do battle with, not our fellow man. This is where many people get it wrong, especially Nigerians. So quick to call down Holy ghost fire, without knowing the real significance. People can get so much insight by reading the Word and asking the Holy Spirit to give them understanding and wisdom in the context of the Word. Context is so important!!!!!

The world is not limited to black and white. There are billions of people and in such a population, two people destined to be together from various backgrounds can meet, find love, and get married. It's hard to think outside of the box when one comes from the rigid confines of a cultural or tribal group. But if two people want to, they can. We live in a global world, I don't see why not.

She is beautiful! I like that she is who she is. Real! No weave, no fake nails, no fake breasts, no skin bleaching. She is who she is and I love her for it. She didn't enter modeling and loose her self identity, and for this, she is a great role-model! Many Nigerians won't like her because she doesn't fit their superficial standard of beauty and I am a Nigerian saying this. I admire Alek! She's one of a kind!

Try raw black soap, not the dudu osun type, but the real raw stuff. Wash your face with it in the morning and night. You should exfoliate at least twice a week also with a face scrub. If you have oily skin, moisturize with a water-based moisturizer, not an oil-based one. If you have dry skin, you can try an oil-based one. Just use the right one based on your skin type. Also wash you pillow cases and set aside a separate towel just for your face. Drink lots of water too! And cut out jun food from your diet! Best of luck!

[center]There are many beautiful people that are ugly inside, and many unattractive people that are gems. Beauty fades, but what the person is made of is the true thing of importance. There are gorgeous people in every tribe in Nigeria- north, south, east, or west. If not for the suffering, corruption, and tribalism, we would be the most beautiful people in the world.[/center]

Toshiba is the best after Mac! I've had mine over 3 years and it's been great!

The same reason there is lack of general harmony.

I think she is innocent but may have known what happened. They found Guede's DNA everywhere, even on the victims body. So who knows what really happened, regardless of the media. People have a dislike for Americans, especially in such high profile cases abroad. The investigations at the beginning may not have been fair.

@ poster: Desperation is never a good look. When someone says no more than once, one should gather their dignity and simply walk away. Sadly, some people get joy from making fools of themselves.

She's really gorgeous! I was rooting for her. What a beautiful representation for Africa.

Even for those of us born in diaspora, things are not promising. I have two degrees (BA and Masters) and I am feverishly looking for employment here in the US. I'm even thinking of coming to Naija or (some other country) to look at job prospects there or to help develop Nigeria. A lot of people are unemployed. Those menial jobs you could get on a student visa are now what people are turning to because the big jobs are unavailable. Experience and connections are really what will get you a good job currently in the US, and as a foreigner these may be hard to get. Talk less of someone from Nigeria coming to the US, and with a wife and kids. You already have a decent job.

Bro, things are really tough right now because of the economy and things seem to be getting worse. Let's say you decide to come here and with much difficulty and personal investment, you complete your program. I'm not even sure anyone can say what america will look like by then. To start looking for job and to build a life here, it's tough. Immigration will soon be in the presidential debates, as is the economy, and I'm not sure what will be the outcome. Also you and your family will change. Your wife and children will be different, just like you will have to be different to adapt to the culture and survive. You just have to change in many ways or you won't make it together. If you change for the better, that will be great. But if you change for the worse, that will be a waste of hard work. Those old-school mentalities don't work in the US. What price are you willing to pay (and not just financially)?

Things are NOT like they used to be. The "american dream" has turned out to be the "american nightmare" for some. Just turn on BBC news or read the news and talk to people who have struggled in the US and returned, or even traveled out. The world is quickly changing, the US included. If you are looking for a glamorous life and all that, don't believe the hype. Those village-types will always say, "Oh you know so and so in the US or UK?" "He/she is now a millionaire! There is too much money abroad. And we're here suffering!" Na story! Half the story is never the whole story! Please choose reality over a fantasy/dream, unless you find a way to find realty in your dream. Money is not flowing here, oh! Shine your eyes! A student visa job will NOT take care of you and your family! Do proper research before you make your decision! Why not make a trip to the US first to help you make a better decision. I think it would be wise before moving yourself and family out there. Things are not as they seem.

Ultimately, the decision is yours to make. I pray God gives you wisdom and continues to bless you and your family. All the best!

Simply stated, knowledge is power. With knowledge and the wisdom in knowing how to efficiently apply information, any industry, policy, system, etc, can be improved. Apple Corp's grab at the top position means that consumers world wide are enjoying the jet world. Technology has made the world smaller and more accessible, and anyone can be apart of it. Apple's products speak to the needs of the current generation and the global importance to  be connected. Oil, on the other hand, is not in the hands of common people, but conglomerates, governments and certain leaders.  

This being said, it would be nice for Nigeria to move into the 21st century. Not just building universities, but improving the whole education system from primary school upwards, would enrich and improve the quality of learning and education. Also creating a solid infrastructure in which graduates of universities could fill in and improve the Nigerian society and economy is vital. Education on its own is important, but not the whole story. Many other aspects of Nigerian society need to be created, improved, maintained, and sustained.

Do you have good special effects and know how to properly film action scenes? It's not as easy as it looks. It's not just filming people shooting and fighting. What kind of action film are your talking about too? I agree with some of the others that say that the film must have a good story line and should not be a copy of some Hollywood stuff. Please if you are making such films, make original ones that Nigerians can relate to, since that is your target audience. Why not pull from history and tell a story that has yet to be told. Also for such a film, you need good actors who can perform the scenes well. That is also a key factor, because if you have poor actors, the film will look silly. Anyway, I'd be interested in seeing such film, granted it's good. Keep us updated on what you decide.

@ Rossikk-

Whether you like it or not, Nigeria has changed. The heart of Nigeria has changed. Big grand buildings of today and all the other stats you stated doesn't change the fact that Nigeria is not the same place as it used to be. One can get angry at the the British for what colonialism did, but then ask yourself, did our own people do us any better? Which is more damaging, a stranger stealing from you or one of your own? Even with all the so called advancements, the country has regressed. So don't fault people for their nostalgia and admiration for the past. Of course, there were hardships back then too, but things were better in a different way.

This was the Nigeria I was looking for when I first visited, but it was not the one I found upon arrival. Our parents and grandparents had such fond memories and stories to tell. For hours one could listen, but today you find the daily news conflicts with the good memories. It's so sad. So much promise and potential only to be squandered! A time when everything had meaning and substance and people were true to their word. You could find honest, hard-working people. Now to find such people is one in a million. How does one go back? Even those in diaspora want to return, but where is the room and welcome? None, just fear, corruption, and trouble. Just step off the plane, and your challenges begin! Everything from education, to business, to health care, politics, society-Nigeria is a complete disaster.

What positive thing can be said? Well, Nigeria can only move upwards from here. Any lower than its present state of affairs and it will cease to exist. God show us the way to be good stewards of what you has given us! It starts with the individual. Let us be better individuals to transform the country from inside out! Then we can make the right choices from the small things around us up to the leaders we choose to lead us.

Japan wins! That country has something to celebrate. It's been a trying year for them!