Faiththatworks:
Let me agree that HE Engr Dave Umahi exaggerated the story but there is no denying the fact that Nigeria will greatly benefit from the Coastal Road project especially cities,villages, towns and states located along the Coastal Road.I will speak directly on the villages and towns in Lagos,Ogun and Ondo State that will benefit from the Coastal Road project

...will come alive with the Coastal Road

My brother, I really applaud your kinda indepth analysis of how the road can help boost development, economic activities, tourism, etc along the SW corridor.

It shows you are sound.

However, the bone of contention was never about whether the coastal road will be beneficial or not.

Even Obi himself first acknowledged that it's a good idea. But one whose time is not now.

But the issues here are:

1) TIMING.

You know as they say, timing is everything.

Because a car is definitely good for any family, does not mean you must buy a car, and possibly neglect training of your children in good schools, which is much more important in order of scale of preference.

Or borrow beyond your means just to own that car.

Also, because marriage is good, does not mean that a 19 year old boy will now rush into it.

This will make the big struggle and struggle to keep meeting his new responsibilities which increase every year as children are born, and as the grow.

Whereas, he could have sent his younger years ideally preparing for a better future, before taking on marriage.


There's always best time for anything.

Either for financial reasons, or maturity reasons or preparedness.

2) COST.
The cost is obviously too much.
In your heart of hearts, you know this.

It's because our politicians know that Nigerians are too dull, that's why you dare tell us that a 10-lane 47 KM road will cost around 1.1 trillion naira.

3) COMPLETION TIME

The FG has said that this 47km will take them 3 years to complete.

This means that, that small "phase one" will be completed around the twilight of BATs administration in 2027, all things being equal.

Now, assuming they keep to that timing, it means that the administration will most likely not construct beyond ONDO state side, even if they get a second term in office.

Now, when they leave office, say in 2031 (assuming without conceding), then this road would have been just less than 100km done.

Therefore, at least 600km, representing roughly 86% will still remain.

Then (in all honesty) tell me how they will have achieved their aim of this connecting Calabar, or even truly opening up that corridor.

It would just be a kinda "South West" coastal road at best....
connecting just some Ondo and Ogun people to Lagos.

Then the Niger-Delta people who some are already claiming that Obi and his people do not want them to benefit from this project, will ultimately not benefit, at least in any near or medium term.

Again, the total cost of this road is put at around16 trillion Naira.

At that cost, even if Nigeria budgets "ONE trillion naira" annually on that road (which you and I know is not gonna happen), it will take at least 16 years to complete that road.

But in reality, mark my words, the way Nigeria works, plus based on our current wealth level and budgeting patterns, it will take minimum of 20 years to do that road (that's minimum, bcus it could easily go near 30 years)

Again, tell me whether Nigeria currently has the patience to wait 20+ to begin to enjoy the benefits of such humongous investments)

Don't forget, the money for the road is being borrowed, I believe.

So, would you say it will be good to borrow 16 trillion, and spend upwards of 20 years on this road, when we need the money in electricity generation and transmission projects, which will in turn immediately improve our fortunes?

Or, in Agriculture, and even further investments In our oil and gas fields, and pipelines?


4) OPPORTUNITY COSTS

A road that will not immediately contribute much to Nigeria's financial well being at least till in the next 3 years, should it then all to create massive job losses and business losses?

That's why the landmark story is important.

Yes, his main buildings were not touched, but that business thrives chiefly bcus of the beach front. Now, that's gone.

It's also part of an ecosystem involving several other businesses, who most had their own structures pulled down.

Even if you truly compensate them well. They may not successfully create another big businesses in the short term to help replace the thousands of job being lost right now.

For me, I don't think it's because landmark owner is an Igbo man though.

But I believe there's a bigger plan. I won't want to dabble into it now.

FINALLY,
I think that BAT and most of his close people know this truth.

It's their minions who don't know the game being played.

It will seem that BAT wants to at the minimum do the Lagos part unfailingly.

This is because it has enormous benefit to lagos' new industrial zone, Ibeju-Lekki.

It will make it easier to access, the new sea port, proposed new airport, Dangote refinery, a whole lot of new real estate developments along that Ibeju-Lekki axis.

So, for BAT, it's most likely a deft political and economic win to his personal interest, and to some extent that of Lagos state

Lagos government had at some point planned to do the road by themselves, but I think the cost has been putting them off.

Now, it's an opportunity to use federal might to do the road.

Please, save these words, and refer to them in the near and mid future.

Also, there's the talk of being a biz partner to the owner of that company handling the project.

I won't say more on that one here right now.

Ordinarily, if we use the money budgeted for this road to quickly fix/complete many of the abandoned road projects in Nigeria, I tell you this, it will impact much more on our economy in the next 2 to 3 years than the coastal road.

Remember, we can't even easily do more than 120km during BAT tenure, even if he had 8 years to rule.

On top of that, investments don't immediately rush in, it comes little by little.

So, any big talk of this bringing in any significant investments (in near future), is just talk by politicians to sway public views and acceptance to their own side.

So, this project is more of politics of interests rather than the 'beautiful' reasons they are telling you.

Faiththatworks:
Although this news is from Bloomberg, I will thread with caution in believing this report.
Although I don't hide the fact that I'm a Supporter of Asiwaju and Nigeria, I'm also a believer of Facts over emotions.
There's a coordinated attempt to disparage the gains made recently by the Naira,and I believe the narrative is being slanted to meet the desires of very few greedy Nigerians.
First,is the ...

One of our major problems on Nigeria is that we tend to fall deeply in love with the politicians we supported during an election.

We are willing to surrender our better reasoning just to make them look good, even perfect.

I owe no politician love. I love myself so much. And so when I support a politician, it's because I truly genuinely believed that they'll bring the best dividends to me.

If they begin to waver, I immediately start calling them out.

Why? Because it's about me, my family and other innocent citizens of the state or country.

Personally, I'm interested in responsible governance and being open to the people you lead, without propagandas.

Once you've done this as a leader, you'll earn my respect.

The problem is that in Nigeria we desperately want the politicians we support to look perfect.
So no matter what they do, there's always some people singing their praises and defending them blindly.

It almost makes us look like a country of uneducated people.
****

Again, it's clear that the subsidy has gone. But some people don't even want to think about it, let alone believe it.
Because they are so afraid it will make them love their favourite politicians less.

It's easy to know that subsidy is fully back, and more expensive on top.

1) USD price directly affects price of petrol.

If when 1 usd was about #700, BAT removed Petro subsidy, and Petro price came to #650 per litter.


Is it not easy to know that when 1 USD had climbed to #1600 and above, that means that petrol would be around #1100 per litre or more?

But then, somehow petrol was still being sold at #650 till now.

2) Diesel has been totally off subsidy for almost 20 years now.
Normally, diesel is a bit cheaper than petrol at the international oil market.

Now, you'll remember that diesel recently sold for upto #1200/ litre, and at some point even more.

While the petrol which should be slightly more expensive than diesel, still sell for about half the price of diesel at #650/litre.

Is that not a magic ?

So, basically the government was too embarrassed to admit that after suffering the people in the name of subsidy removal, now they are paying even more Petro subsidy because crude prices and USD prices all went up.

So, they keep quiet hoping that even if some opposition people found out and scream, then their willing docile supporters will defend them with their every breadth (after all, they don't really know the truth too)

But TRUTH is one and has no other version.
****

Now, while it's a 'great news' that the USD is falling and Naira is rising.


And I hope it will soon start forcing the prices of commodities, especially food stuff down.


But let me also say that it's clear that someone is using a non sustainable method to defend the naira.
Something eerily similar to what emefiele did, which brought us to this level of trouble in the economy presently.

For instance, the CBN started selling USD to BDCs at between #100 to #150 loss per dollar.

For example, when the USD was trading at official market at 1500, CBN sold USD to BDCs at about #1350.

And they keep selling to them at a massive discount.

And they of course expect the BDCs to sell at just about N10 profit.

So, basically, CBN is doing a kind of price fixing for the USD.

So, what do you think?

That's why we started seeing USD much cheaper at BDCs at that time, and even now.

Something that is impossible anywhere in the world.

Also, when the black market is forced down artificially, then people rush to BDCs, and then the the official market loses some price too.
Brilliant?
It looks that way!

Many people don't ask themselves simple questions.

I mean, I don't exactly blame CBN. They feel stuck, and must do something, otherwise dollars might have been over #2000 now.

But, it's Important to always let the people know the truth. Because they need it.

WHY?
Because what CBN is doing today is almost like postponing judgement day, so that the present government "will look good".

Eventually, the bad effects will start coming, and if people knew the truth, they'll be better prepared .

Let me give you an example:

Did you know that when Bihari and emefiele and Co were messing up our economy, a lot of people cried out.

But they were termed bitter weepers.

Some other Nigerians who know next to nothing about economy, but because they voted and loved the Bihari administration, were massively defending the jesters in government.

Now, almost everyone is unanimous in concluding that Bihari admin was a terrible one economically.

Even some of those who were defending Bihari then, but are now supporting BAT, are the ones using their mouth to confess that the last administration finished Nigeria.


MY POINT:

Opposition is so important.
They are the likeliest to see the bad things/policies that a government is implementing, and have the clear eyes and guts to speak out.

Because, they are not emotionally attached to the particular leaders involved. So tgeier head is clearer.

Remember,
politicians come and go, but the people (including those who are poorer) will be here forever, and suffer any bad consequences even after the administration is long gone.

A wise person listens to the voice of the opposition and sieve out what they are saying right, and work with it.

Peace!

immortalcrown:
But they have quickly sanctioned Adamma.

Did they say "no one should ever work with her from now onwards" ?

So, it's a suspension for now I believe.

That's why I believe that after investigation things will take a more definitive shape.


It's similar to govt shutting down a school because a student died in the hostel.

It's a first step.

After investigations , as we have always seen, the school is reopened.

Will you now say that, because the school was once closed, they have been sanctioned?

Of course, if the school is unnecessarily closed for long time, it can affect their revenue as well as the students. So in that case it can look like a punishment.

So, that's why we all hope they start the investigation soonest, and also make their investigations swift and quick. So that blames (if any) will be apportioned accordingly.

But for now, "suspension " is NOT a punishment at this time.

It's more of a necessity to a good investigation.

I know that the tone of AGN leadership at some point may seem vindictive to the producer.

But then someone /people died.

So, you may understand that emotions are currently high.

immortalcrown:
Many questions:

1.
Mr./Mrs. Blogger and AGN, what exactly is Adamma's offense in this case? Be specific.

2.
AGN, how does suspension of shooting along riverines mean the prevention of further boat mishaps? How does your suspension help those whose daily survival depends on boat transportation? Or, are you saying you don't care about Nigerians who do not belong to your production crews? Making life jackets compulsory for boat journeys is more effective than your suspension.

If you look at it again carefully, you'll understand that the actors guild did exactly what they should do in the interim (i.e. "suspending"

They didn't say "banned"

It's after careful review of everything, including the remote and immediate causes of the incident, they can now fully apportion blames, sanctions and others.

Ideally, by then they'll lift the "suspensions".

I just hope they do it fast and good enough.

As for the producer, she may or may not have done her part well.

Investigation should reveal this.

Afterwards, I hope, if she's blameless
in all of this, her "suspension " be lifted and other rights & privileges restored.


Finally (again, hopefully) the AGN leadership can learn from this and create a stronger safety regulations for actors across all filming locations.

Also raise a strong taskforce to monitored strict adherence, and have adequate punishment met out to defaulters as appropriate.

It's simple.

This will most likely serve to lower Investors confidence.

I see that you are quite a student of economics.

That's some good analysis up there.

However, you got a few things wrong too.

1) Currently NG no longer operate "crude exchange for refined products" (otherwise called swap deal).

It had been abolished for several months now.

Marketers import Petro products after sourcing their own FOREX...

...while producers now sell their oil as they see fit.

2) When I said that there will be NET FOREX gain, but it will be small, I had it in mind that transport cost component of pressure on crude will be eliminated.

But do you know what percentage represents the crude transport costs?

It's generally around 2.5 % to Europe or from Europe

It's a number of course, and that represent a potential saving...
But again it's somewhat a negligible figure in the grander scheme of things.

Therefore you can't bank on that to move your FOREX niddle that much.

3) REFINERY PROCESSING GAINS

What we call refinery processing gain ( or as you put it: "because Dangote will be bringing in more fx per ton of products sold than mere crude" will also play a part.

However, again these are not a huge difference.

4) "Dangote and others will still sell a significant portion on the international market."

In this case, let us first bear in mind that whatever quantity they sell in the international market, will mean that they had first denied NG ab initio some Forex gains on that quantity.

Therefore, we are still looking at recovery and a NET Forex gains in terms of what they had denied Nigeria.

ALL-IN-ALL

There should be a NET FX gain as I said already in the last piece.

But it will still not ve sufficient in making our beloved Nairs move up against the USD that much.

Ask yourself, why is everyone (experts) in the international financial market and advisory groups not doing drum roll celebration about the refinery?

VERDICT:

The Dangote refinery (and others) are great additions, but they will together represent not up to 5% of what we need to see significant gain by Naira.

However, it's great that are there. Therefore if FG can ramp up other areas like FDI, Diaspora remittances, more non-oil exports, then together they should make a good difference.

Otherwise, it's next to impossible fir USD to come to N700 in 2024.

REMEMBER;
Our external reserves are already very low.

No body is talking about that.

But it's a significant issue, because it means that the pressure of foreign debt servicing will be much more on our ongoing earnings too (instead of mostly on the reserves)

AGAIN,
As you mentioned somewhere up there, More favourable interest rates, inflation, etc may not necessarily automatically spur the volume of FDI we need in the economy.

Of course some will come definitely. But then many more Foreigners are still skeptical because of the still prevailing volatility and downward swing of the Naira.

Hence, many investors will like to have FG address that first through other home grown means, then their confidence will grow and more investors could now come.

After all, nobody wants to invest $10 million , and when it's time to harvest, the value is now wort $8 million due to devaluation.

Even worse, getting the money out of Nigeria to their home country could be a challenge.

So, you can say that when it comes to FDI and FPi, Nigeria is in a kind of catch-22 situation.

That is:
On one hand, We need investors to help us raise the Naira.

On the other hand, majority of the investors are afraid, and want us to raise and stabilize the naira somewhat before they can have confidence and come.

Pen drops (for now)

SmartyPants:


Thank you for attempting to explain things clearly to me, however, you've gotten several things significantly wrong.

1. Nigeria currently loses a huge chunk of potential fx income from our crude already since what we have been doing is exchanging crude for refined product. So in terms of fx income from crude sales, allocating the quantity that was previously exchanged for refined product to Dangote and other local refineries means a maintenance of the status quo. Nothing much changes.

But that also means we're not losing fx on transport costs either. So there is a net fx savings simply because we're eliminating transport costs.

2. As you rightly mentioned, Dangote and others will still sell a significant portion on the international market. In fact, because Dangote will be selling refined products, he will be bringing in more fx per ton of products sold than mere crude. There will be significant fx income here to add to the previous fx savings - which are adding up to a reduction in pressure on the naira.

3. There are other factors at play besides oil. While foreign portfolio investment should drop as a result of a negative real interest rate, due to inflation - which is what the Bloomberg article addresses, inflation is beneficial to foreign direct investors who know that their dollar will buy them much more in naira than before. Additionally, with the liberalisation of the fx regime, foreign investors have fewer concerns about their ability to repatriate their domestic income - a significant challenge that affected previous investors, particularly the airline industry. The summary is that losses in FPI will almost certainly be replaced or surpassed by gains in FDI.

At worst, the naira should stay stable but I would bet on it strengthening to 600 - 750 or thereabouts and holding there, with all things remaining equal. Other variables are power, security and political factors.

Yes you are right.

I think most people don't understand how this Dangote refinery will work.

They tend to think of it as a silver bullet that will cure Nigeria's FOREX malady (or something like that)


But it's like digging a massive pit somewhere to borrow sand to fill up another pit somewhere.

Ultimately there's a pit still lying open somewhere.

It's just like people forget that they can't eat their cakes and still have it.

For example, if OIL PRODUCERS agree to sell to Dangote in NAIRA, they and FG will loose the FX that would have accrued to NG if that volume of crude where to be sold internationally in USD.

So, Dangote will in turn hope to reciprocate by saving NG the corresponding pressure of finding USD for Nigeria's petroleum products imports.

And maybe a few million USD monthly from Dangote refinery exports.

So, for Dangote to save us pressure on USD, they too will first of all have to deny Nigeria some massive FOREX gains, due to buying the crude in Nigerian Naira.


Ultimately, the NET forex gain will be very small.

NOT big enough to move the niddle up.

AGAIN,
If OIL PRODUCERS insists on selling to Dangote is USD, then your guess is as good as mine.

pipnator00:


Hope you are aware crude oil sellers insists they will only sell in USD to Dangote refinery? This increases the pressure on Naira unless Dangote refinery produces excess for export. Nigeria still has backlog of oil futures to fulfill plus, the backlog of USD belonging to foreign companies like Emirate airways and the rest which Nigeria is yet to clear because Nigeria have borrowed heavily against the external reserve and the reserve can't cover the backlog.

***Not an advise but I read somewhere here that AFRI-EXIM bank is gonna lend Nigeria some FX to clear those backlogs. (They will lend us more FX which in turn increases our FX denominated debt (pressure to the naira) and also our overall debt. This is like taking Panadol to suppress a headache that is destined that we MUST suffer) If that happen, it means Naira will gain. Just wait for naira to hit resistance and start loading up Naira sell. Naira will hit NGN2500 before then end of 2024.

So, there's a reason most international organisations tend to avoid stating or overstating the impact of Dangote refinery coming onstream in 2024.

Bear with me and let me try to explain a little.

FIRST OF ALL:
I'm not a pessimist in any way. I'm just looking at the facts.

TRUE FACT:
Dangote refinery will almost certainly eliminate petrol scarcity. That's about it's confirmed and massive benefit.


BOOSTING FOREX?

However, when it comes to boosting Forex or the naira, it's unlikely to contribute any much.

SEE THE REASON:
Remember that as OPEC member, Nigeria has a fixed production quota (we can't exceed that)

Let's just say it's currently 2 million barrels per day.

And let's also assume the current price of a barrel of oil is $100.

SCENARIO 1:
That means at full quota production capacity, Nigeria would earn 2 000 000 x $100 (not all will accrue to FG, but let's ignore that part a bit)

This equates to some $200 million daily.

SCENARIO 2:

Know that local refineries are to purchase crude in NAIRA.

Therefore, if Dangote takes 600,000 barrels daily from nigerias 2,000,000 barely daily production, NG is left with just 1,400,000 barrels to export and earn USD.

Therefore, it's 1,400,000 x $100

Which is about $140,000,000 daily.

From this, you realize that NG has lost $60,000,000 daily FOREX it would have earned if it didn't sell to Dangote refinery.

BUT IT'S NOT AN ISSUE:

So, because of the $60 million forex NG lost to Dangote, Dangote is going to help NG recoup that by NOT spending any extra FOREX to import petrol and other oil, since we now have "full local sufficiency"

Of course, locally Nigeria don't use up to $60 million worth of petroleum products.

So, Dangote will earn extra few million USD from their own export to try and balance everything.

In the end, Nigeria will not be gaining any much extra FOREX.

This is simply because, in helping Dangote to help us reduce demand on FOREX for petroleum products imports, we have to loose some FX that normally accrued from sales of our crude oil in the international market (instead of a mix of international and heavy local market crude sales)

Even if Dangote should buy the crude in USD instead of NAIRA, it will be ultimately the same thing and balances itself out.

IN SUMMARY:

I'm not saying there won't be any FOREX gain.

In fact, there's likely going to be a NET Forex gain.

However, this will be too small to move the niddle any much.

There's a reason most sound economists and foreign financial bodies do not celebrate Dangote refinery as a huge win in Nigeria's perennial FOREX war.

It can only gave a marginal effect.

And to turn around Nigeria's FOREX issues, you don't need just marginal effect. You need to open up a new foreign revenue opportunities that can comfortably give NG at least extra $10 to $20 billion annually.

I hope I've been able to explain this things clearly to you.

SmartyPants:
I hope we will also accept positive reports from Bloomberg too?

However, this does not take into account the projected boost in oil exports and elimination of oil imports with the revival of local refining.

I will align myself with JP Morgan's, Moody's, and Bismark Rewane's projection of a strengthened naira in 2024.

ugoegbuna:
Avoid essenza

Guy, how did you know this?

Please explain more.

Me I bought an expensive perfume there.
Well packaged, with all the bells and whistles and all the trappings and marks of an "original" bottle.

But alas, this perfume does not last that much.

I mean, it's smells nice enough, however the silage is poor...

...and so barely lasts 3 hours strong, before fading into very low mode.

Yet, this perfume's "original" is supposed to last strong for up to 7 hours or more.

I don't know, maybe it's just me that doesn't notice the fragrance much after 3 hours.
...
Maybe it's an actual original...

Or maybe their own "original" isn't the realest original

What's your own experience with them?

I just wanna know for sure if their perfumes are confirmed direct-from-manufacfurer, or not.

I just don't want to accuse them wrongly.

Yes, I agree that the nddc has to be rethinkered with.

In fact, it should be renamed to something like: "Oil producing States commission"

You can't have nddc and still have the one I suggested above.

The reason is that, nddc was created to reward oil producing states more and directly by the Federal govt, and thereby steming the then rampant issues if militancy.

It will therefore be an unnecessary duplication of function, if NDDC still stands while they have a new umbrella agency for all oil producing states.

They can still retain amnesty office to carter to the needs and demands of ex agitators from that region.

Afterwards, if govt wants to have "Development Commissions" for SS, then maybe they can have fir NE (after BH destructions), SE (for obvious reasons) and NC & NW (after the whole banditry issues witnessed there)

So, these development commissions can be named after zones rather than something like Niger Delta, or Middle Belt.

BluntCrazeMan:

Yess...
The current NDDC is not accurate in its composition..

In one of my other comments and responses, I suggested that the NDDC needs to be reformed and re-composed.

Okay.
But I hope you've looked carefully at the Nigerian map.

In fact, Abia state is much more of a Niger Delta than the Edo state.

Furthermore, Imo state (although not quite in ND area) will easily be more likely to be called Niger Delta than Edo too.

Therefore, even the idea that Niger Delta should = South-South is simply not entirely correct.

BluntCrazeMan:
Na waa oo.

NDDC is Totally different from “Oil-Producing States” in meaning and in description naa..

NIGER-DELTA STATES are the States that fall within the DELTA-regions of the River-Niger,, and they have their peculiar Natural and Environmental characteristics, gains and problems..

So tell me..
If Oil is being produced in Kebbi State, does that qualify Kebbi State to be a part of NDDC.??


We must stop accepting NONSENSE in this our Country.

..
.

It's time we start asking the right QUESTIONS..

Let the NDDC be the “Development Commission” for the South-South Zone, just the way we have “Development Commissions” for the other Zones..
If there is any zone that doesn't have their own “Development Commission” yet, then their Senators and Reps-Members should push for it..

And then,, let ALL the Oil Producing States Have A new Umbrella Body.. Since it is now very clear that “Oil” is not found ONLY in the Niger-Delta Area.

fullclub:


even at that i came with a dependent.. even dependant no work

Please op, you need to connect with people on ground. I mean our people you can meet on campus or church or other places you can see them locally.

They'll guide you better.

What you don't know is bigger than you.

So, relying on an official job site, as huge as indeed, etc is just not most effective fur the kind of job you can easily do in the UK at this point.

Someone already mentioned craiglist, and I think it seems more likely to be helpful, as you can see local jobs closer to you advertised in there.

Besides, people who advertise on craiglist are likelier to be smaller local places. But then they're the ones likelier to offer jobs to new commers without much questions and all that.

I have a friend who travelled just about 2 weeks ago.

But he has now started work this week I believe.

He's not schooling though. He's also not a skilled worker either.

I have another friend who's been there for 4 weeks but is still struggling to find something. That one is schooling too.

But he'll soon find, because he has a connection with some Nigerians already there, and they are all working to see that he gets something soonest.

So, I think it's about who you network or connect with.

Carefully join a network of good and supportive Nigerians/Africans around you, and they'll be capable of advising you better and showing you how to do it, considering their own mistakes and lessons.

This are just my honest thoughts.

Unfortunately bro, it's what it is.

If you need a mini flat around Ajah, the total package should be around that 1.2M

However, you should be able to put your eye for ground, and look well well (don't be too desperate)

You can get an older mini flat for #800 (annual rent ONLY)

But new ones are generally around 1 million (annual rent ONLY)

In summary, to keep your cost down, just cool down and look for a very good "not so new" houses (they call it "pack -out" at around #800

SECONDLY, to reduce you transportation cost (and some terrible traffic on some bad days), you may want to avoid badore/lamgbasa area.

You can look at finding a place (in the safe area) around Ilaje.

But, if you don't mind the extra transport cost and the occasional wicked traffic, just kukuma go badore.

Because, there are cheaper houses down at badore (for obvious reasons... i.e. farther distance to Ajah Bridge)

Saviourplease:


My dilemma is this, If i go for the house at Ajah, it will eat a bulk of my savings, thereby making it impossible for me to complete the building project or even start the process of settling down.

If I go for a cheaper but farer location, I will be spending more time in traffic.

Please, how do I manage this?

nedekid:
Hmm, I see wahala ahead. Police issues.
If you have to refund, you will only refund to the account that credited your own account, not some other one provided to you.
I think you should as a matter of urgency write a letter to your bank, take it to the bank and get it acknowledged, in the letter express your concerns and request for advice.
If naija were a correct place, I would have adviced you go to the nearest police station and incident the issue also. If bold enough make a police report.
The above is to try to cover your arse as much as possible when the incoming yawa gases.

This is perhaps the smartest response so far.

Also one of the first commenters also spoke of finding a way to get them to be present and secretly get their pictures and conversations to clear you of any assumption of connection, or any criminal conspiracy.

By the way, your culprit fit dey nairaland dey read this right now.

So, be smart and fast.

Ensure you are legally covered, and very fast too, b4 the scammed/robbed reports first(if that's what happened)

Biglittlelois:



Brilliant, absolutely brilliant 👏

I was patiently reading, expecting to see comments from sensible people, pointing out that the false nature mantra as simple basic instinct and societal acceptance, and here you are

Again absolutely 💯👌

Thanks very much for applauding my point.

I didn't see this topic early, so unfortunately, it's not anywhere near the first page.


But I really would have loved to have more people read this...

...because, it's unfortunate that many of us don't spend the time and effort to reason deeper on popular misconceptions.

Hence, we easily succumb to narratives that others either created to suit their agenda, or narratives that came out of "half truths" or even pure ignorance.

🙏

DaddyCoool:


Those are outliers. The vast majority of women, no matter how much money they have, want an exclusive monogamous relationship with ONE man they are attracted to. Men are wired differently

@Daddycool,
I think you totally missed the point he's making.

KEY POINTS TO NOTE:
1) Absolutely every bad/undesirable behavior is an outlier thing. Make no mistakes.

Hence, the line that "90% of men or whatever outrageous percentage of men are cheaters", is a humongous lie.
Because, bad behaviours are always huge screamers.

2) Culture is ultra powerful.
It literally determines if a seemingly outlier group expands or shrinks.

So, what culture/society ACCEPTS, SUPPORTS, PERMITS, or even TOLERATES, begins to grow and starts getting new followers.

3) There's a huge difference between INSTINCT and NATURE.
Yes, sometimes in people's mind, the line between the two gets blurred, and that's why you hear "natural instinct" as a term.

NOW LET'S GO...
Originally, and by nature, some humans are polygamous/promiscous.
It's not necessarily a man's thing or a woman's thing.
These people are generally outliers.

Now, immediately culture started eccepting and or tolerating men's promiscuity, it started looking more normal.
More people (men) who already have that tendency starts getting into it. After all, if caught, the society (culture) will be more lenient and understanding towards him.

Then also, those who do not have that tendency already, but are not strong-willed enough, gets dragged or encouraged into it by their friends (who already bought into the societal/cultural leniency or normalization of the act for men)

Some others who do not even have a single bone of promiscuity, may join in just because they have an axe to grind with their wife, and because the society is less severe or even tolerant to him in that matter, he jumps into the fray too.
These men who are obviously with this 'problem' of promiscuity, helps to fuel the "men are polygamous in nature" line.

Some women who are forced to accept that reality for their partners, or are already a victim, also spread the line.

So, the suggestion begins to take a life of its own, and the ranks of perpetrators and supporters keeps swelling, and interestingly, this keeps normalizing the bad act.
**
Let me share a very germain example;

If you look around in western countries, there a lot of gays/lesbians these days.
WHY?
Simply because the culture there permits it, and hence empowers the growth and acceptance even further.

As at 30 years ago, I'm very sure you would agree that gay/homosexuality is so negligible (a major kind of outlier)

WHAT HAPPENED NOW?
Although historically there have been few people who have homosexual tendencies, they were mostly hiding.
But immediately the culture starts tolerating and accepting them as normal, more came out.
Some of them started wooing and converting other people who are either not strong-willed enough to enforce the boundaries..
...Or others who are otherwise normal, but just have an axe to grind with the opposite sex
...or those who are tired of the heartbreaks from the opposite sex.
...or those who are willing to experiment and mess around with new things (the 'adventurous')
**
LET ME NOW COME TO INSTINCT.
Instinct is a product of human judgement towards self-preservation and comfort.

YES, you are so right when you asserted that a woman will generally prefer to instead settle with a single man she's attracted to, as against many.

But that's mostly driven by an instinct developed over time. And this is based on culture and means.
So, instinct is a pure example of reason and not 'emotion'

Because it does not generally favour a woman (especially a married woman) to be in multi relationships.
Because that instinct it time-tested and time-validated, even without thinking much a woman knows that she has to tow that line.
In fact, it starts looking like a second nature.
But there's no proof anywhere that it's a nature-controlled affair.

But you really can't swear to what's going on in the mind of a woman when she sees another desirable man, maybe a very handsome man.

Indeed, every human, man or woman, married or single, from time to time meet people they strongly fancy being with.

What you now do with that 'fancying' is a function of instinct and not nature.
Remember instinct is moderated and guided by culture/societal norms and tolerance (i.e. reality)

Because men have upper hand here, they are more likely to move forward and take the fancying to a next level.

A woman on the other hand, based on instinct of self preservation, will calculate the risks, and can immediately dismiss the thoughts, or dismiss it later if it was too strong for her to dismiss at the time.
Some other factors I can't discuss here right now, can also permit her to move on and do something adventurous with the 'fancying'.

SUMMARY:.
If it's all just nature, then a woman can't easily fancy any other man if she has a good/strong relationship already, nor catch any new feelings for anybody to begin with.
Yet it happens, and quite a lot too.

Do you know why a woman could start flirting with you, or even start kissing then suddenly she catches herself and abruptly stops and mutters something like "I'm sorry I can't do this, I'm married"?
SELF PRESERVATION.

Yes, because she could loose that marriage when caught...
But a man will most likely not even be caught. And even if caught, he can easily still maintain his marriage.
You know WHY?
Yes, because many will advice the woman to remember that it's in nature of a man to cheat. And so, the man 'wins', and the woman continues with the marriage almost certainly.
But she will not likely leave a marriage, because the odds of getting another marriage easily is not in her favour.

I mean, immediately society starts permitting or tolerating anything, or find excuse for it (like, "please manage your husband like that, you know men are polygamous in nature" OR "you know women always have foul mouth" or the likes), then it strengthens the whole problem and becomes a fuel to it rather than a solution.

YES, It takes time, but keep supporting and empowering any lie or any bad behaviour, after many decades, It starts looking and sounding like a truth; a norm, 'a nature'.

sonature1:
I think they should be pushing for 100k per month minimum wage. 200k per month is too much. Do they want the government to spend 90% of federal earnings paying salaries?

First of all, the government won't even likely accept to pay up to that 100k.

From all indication, it seems the govt is negotiating in bad faith already.

If only you understand how inflation really works, you'll know that for most city dwellers, 100k will likely be worth next to nothing, when subsidy is really gone for at least 3 straight months.

The kind of suffering that will be felt by many, can never be placated by any kind of infrastructure the govt may use the money for.

Dubai is very beautiful with all the infrastructures.
However, if you live in Dubai, and are very poor, you'll then realize that those beautiful structures makes no sense to you, because all you really need is food for survival and shelter.

The correct thing that the govt would have done, is to:

1) This time around, correctly tighten the borders and avoid subsidy frauds. It's doable. It's just the political will.

They could save up to 30% or more of subsidy money from that alone (which is huge)


2) Then , negociate with labour (in good faith)
...and agree to move minimum wage to about 75k per month at this time for federal and richer states, then around 60k for other states.

(So both federal and most state and private companies can afford it)

In fact, minimum wage should be decentralized now, but still determined by federal govt.

For instance, states like Akwaibom, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, can pay same as federal, while others can pay 60k.

3) Then remove just 30 percent subsidy for now.

4) keep working on bringing food costs down, by truly helping farmers aggressively with funds and necessary subsidies, and if it works well, in the next two to three years, they may remove another 30% of the subsidy.

And people will not feel it as much.
Then there could be a slight increase in minimum wage.

So, indeed, there's really no need to rush oneself to destruction.

Subsidy removal can be done in a very civilized and staggered manner with no big rancours.

Indeed more than 80% of people supporting this 100% fuel subsidy removal do not know the kind of incredible hardship it can cause them and their loved ones.

They are just joining politicians and their paid trumpeters to design their own fate.

Remember most of this people are rich and typically have huge allowances they can turn to.

But as it is now, even if minimum wage is taken to 150k, that will just be federal and some richer states.

Most companies won't be able to afford to pay that.

Some of those companies will have to sack some staff.

And if a staff chose to still earn less than the minimum wage rather than getting sacked, life will be soooo difficult for the person most likely.

People must know that we are not yet seeing the true negative effects of subsidy removal.

Just go and check out most of these countries that do not run Petro subsidy, see what theur minimum wages are, and you'll get a sense of what will happen to Nigerians if our own minimum wage does not come to at least 25% of those people's own..

Just wait two to three months,
prices of most basic items will steadily climb from 20% to 50% to 100%... House rent, shop rent, food stuff and almost everything will be hugely affected.
...Some may even climb much more.

I really wish they won't, but wishes don't solve it.


The worst is that it's very most likely that you won't even see much positive effect on the economy.

Already, the federal govt borrows heavily, and it's no longer sustainable.

If they successfully enforced this subsidy removal, it will most likely only help them to reduce borrowing...and maybe some marginal increase in edu and health budget, if at all (but I sincerely hope edu and health gets more)


In summary.

Subsidy is not necessarily bad.
It's the way our leader have managed it poorly and allowed corruption to dominate it.

If they want, they can close out that corruption.

Then strive to make more money from other sectors like maritime and agric exports in medium term, and use it to Improve their revenue for budget spending.

I come in peace.

muykem:
We need to work on our ignorance especially in public space. Our discussion should be educative and knowledgeable. Someone posted something yesterday that FG use 1.2m dollar to hired 40 buses. The amount is for total evacuation which includes Buses fare, flights, accommodation and feeding.

Unfortunately, you are the one without the knowledge of events.

I had hoped and believed that the said $1.2 million was for total evacuation including housing/lodging, until I watched the Minister of Foreign affairs live saying the paid $1.2 million for bus hire alone.

However, knowing that it sounds somehow, he went on to mention that we know that since it's a desperate situation, that everyone including buses are taking advantage and hiking the cost.

Adeling:

Boinling point is 100 degrees.
But has she come boil am 3 times that one mean say na 3 x 100 = 300 degrees
Sorry 4 x 100 (water evaporates after boilin point) so it still remains 100 degrees.
But seriously, most women walking on this earth are demons clothed in flesh!

Please, be well guided,

Yes, water ONLY bIegins to boil at 100 degrees Centigrade, BUT it doesn't stop there if you keep boiling.
Therefore, if you continue boiling the water afterwards, some of the water will be evaporating, yes, but the temperature of the water will keep rising beyond 100 degrees.

If you wanna know for sure, get an appropriate thermometer and measure temperature of water you have boiled extra 15 minutes after it initially started boiling and see the difference.

If you remember your physics well, you'll know energy is neither created nor destroyed.
Each extra energy put into an already boiling water will keep elevating the Temperature, while some will be used to break the BONDS that allow the boiling water turn to vapor and evaporate.

Just like you should know that some ice are around - 20°C and more, despite 0°C being the standard freezing point.

I hope we have learnt something on this one.

Thank you.

Ok

okirewaju:
6 for #600 wholesale price

It's actually 5 pieces in a wholesale pack @ #600
...except you have a different wholesale arrangement in your area sha.

Chekwume16:
Shut up. What do you know about that road? People just sit in their villages and commend projects on video

Exactly my bro,

Indeed, most people rush to comment on a project they may know nothing about, just to glorify a government they are supporting.

I for one, believe this project is most likely a Rivers State Government project.

To the best of my knowledge, there was no Federal contract awarded for the reconstruction of Enugu-Umuahia-Aba-PH Expressway.

Rivers being a very rich state tend to do their section of Federal roads after waiting for FG long enough without answer.

They did it with the road leading to Owerri/IMO State, whereby travellers enjoy their trip till they get to Omerelu, then it's a case of nightmare down to Owerri, starting from the Imo State boundary.

stealmatic:
Bro its like u dnt read b4 u comment,it is a federal project not state own

It seems your advice will be good for yourself too.

Please, do pause and consider carefully before commenting on topics like this...
Especially if you don't live in PH/Rivers.

The fact that this is apparently being done only on the RIVERS STATE section of the express, will tell any discerning person that the road project was most likely initiated by the Rivers State Government (Of course, in hopes of getting refund from the FG in the future)
Of course, many State Government do this/or has done this in the past (just in case you are among those who believe that once a project is ongoing at a federal road, it must then be an FG project)

This is not to argue who is better between Rivers Gov & FG, or who should take the glory. It's just to set the records straight.

So, be well guided my friend.
Thank you.

vixpal:

Federal Government of Nigeria
That is part of East-West Road

Please, kindly check well before commenting.

This is Part of the PH - ENUGU Expressway instead.

East-West road only crossed the road at Eleme junction.

Again, the fact that this is apparently being done only on the RIVERS STATE section of the express, will tell any discerning person that the road project was most likely initiated by the Rivers State Government (Of course, in hopes of getting refund from the FG in the future) Many State Government do this/or has done this in the past (just in case you are among those who believe that once a project is ongoing at a federal road, it must then be an FG project)

This is not to argue who is better between Rivers Gov & FG, or who should take the glory. It's just to set the records straight.

Thank you.

Sanchez01, you are one very, very smart guy.
You made all the sense there needs to be made here, and quite eloquently too.

Origins of these names matter more than just thinking you are having some fun with them.

On a face-to-face level, I for one don't even call an Hausa man Aboki, because I'm not quite sure how derogatory or otherwise, he may find it, despite knowing the meaning as "my friend"

Again, some have argued it has a pre- Biafran war origin. Nonetheless, because of it's obvious use during the very gory war events of Nigerian/Biafran war, it would be a sign of wisdom to consider peoples feelings and sensitivities before using any word, most especially ones that are considered offensive.

Sanchez01:

Well, true. Branding as a result of what you eat isn't a crime.

I know for a fact that the Yorubas refer to Igbo folks as 'Aj'okuta ma m'omi' (One who eats stone without drinking water - Origin: The Igbo Akpu is stronger and stone-like compared to the typical Yoruba fufu' and then there is 'Ndi ofe mmanu' (Oil soup eater - Origin: The Yorubas obviously fancy palm oil to vegetable oil and they use it in abundance when cooking).

Where I'm from, we have a name for the Yorubas, Hausas and Igbos based on obvious habits. Regardless, the scenario is a bit different when 'Inyamuri' is compared with all other aforementioned names. There is a sad story to the name the earliest people who branded the names on the Igbo people did so out of spite and ridicule. While the average Northerner might not understand that it is derogatory, using the same in a body of work even though the song is non provocative is a huge miss. Research should be the foundation of every creative works.

Hello @OP

First, I want to say that it depends on the kind of person you are.
If you are an ambitious type (like myself) you would realize that ambitiousness does not look primal at money, but achievement, fulfilment, and steady growth.

Having said that, each option has its PROS & CONS.

For the Secondary School, the only PRO i Immediately see is the higher pay/other benefits (which I consider just a slight financial advantage)

However, I dont know how that Secondary School will afford to pay you as much as say 250k in the next 7 years.
Because, the truth is that yes they will increase you r salary, but they are not government owned, so it can't be guaranteed nor necessarily commensurate with the time you've spent in there.

And don't forget that sooner, 96k wont mean much to you as you marry and have a few kids to your family.

But when it cones to Lecturing work; initially, especially on financial grounds, it seemed quite the lesser offer. Then, there's this issue of being a private University...and we know that since it's not Government owned, it can be a bit dicey when it comes to steady promotions, and how much each promotions are worth in salary increments.

But the major advantages of a university (even a private one) are listed below:

1) You are more likely to grow with additional education, like getting your PHD.
Besides, when you have that PHD, you can more easily get a much higher placement in another university (even Federal) seeking to fill Lecturing openings/Positions in say, Lecture 1, Lecturer 2 or even A senior Lecture.
These positions i listed above are well paid in most Schools.

2) Again, you get to meet rich and influential people whom you teach their wards ( although I imagine that your current Secondary school job may be affording you this same privilege already and perhaps, even better at secondary school level, giving that the kids are still young, and so, parents tend to hitch them up with a good teacher at this leve l for better care)



3) As a lecture, you will have much time to pursue other endeavours (even if the chance is not there right now as a beginner, you'll figure it out sooner as you progress)

4) You could become an author easily and sell your books. If you are in the sciences, you could become a major researcher, and that could open you up to international repute, and could bring you research grants too.

5) Finally, being a lecturer places you higher in the society, regardless of the salary, and so it could build you up to a better equipped man. This could help you land better appointments or positions in the future.

Very Importantly;
Before choosing the Private University, be sure they are doing well as a School, I mean, already well established.

So, that you don't get in, and realize that they tend to owe salaries at the end of the month, or that most of their courses are not yet accredited.
All these may mean that the university could close up any time, and you will feel worse, having left a seemingly better paying job for it.

Just carry out some research about the school, and how reputable and suitable they are for your General life plans, and do your due diligence.

However, in all these, you should follow your own heart the most. Some people prefer teaching and mentoring younger children, as against teaching in the university.
So, if you are like that, and much more happy in the Secondary School, then stay on, and you will most probably be happy and fulfilled in the future.

But, avoid using current pay package as your major reason for reaching any conclusions, for tables can so easily turn.

Finally, your Fiancee is only doing what some women tend to do (preferring to be called a wife of someone seemingly more respected in the society)

But threatening to leave a relationship on that grounds is all shades of wrong, and I totally frown at such.
Hence, I have no reason to try and convince such a woman to stay, if she's no longer comfortable with me and whatever LEGITIMATE stuff I choose to do with my own life.

It's your life, it's your decision to take, although it's a good thing to consult people in your life about important life decisions like this one, so as to get their input, listen to their legitimate concerns, allay their fears and convince them where needed, or maybe amend where needed. By so doing, reassuring them of your respect for their opinion, and because good communication is the lifeblood of any relationship.

But to arm-twist you into choosing what they like, instead of what you like, is a no no for me.
So, be strong-hearted about what you love and choose, regardless of what others want to cajole or emotionally blackmail you into choosing.

So, think deeply with all these points I listed above, and if you are honest to yourself, you will easily come to a solution good for your heart and life too.

jaxxy:
Fine guys don't hussle for babes that much they go for the ones arround their orbit. Fine gals wait for guys to hussle them sadly fine boys are preoccupied with other ladies attention to notice them. Average gals don't mind hussling for the fine guy so they are mostly in his orbit and he falls for them for more than just beauty cos he's fine and the average gals showcase more than just beauty which shes average in bt he likes.

In other words he goes for the gals that are not proud and have more than just beauty. Beauty isn't his top priority.

Very good observation.

Indeed, of all the comments i have read, you are the only one who seemed to have figured it out.

I just need to add this: in most cases, this is not even premediated or preplanned by the guy.
At least in my own case, it took me time before i figured it out as the reason why I'm mostly seen with average/not-too-fine but sensible girls.

Quite frankly i don't mind, as in most cases, they tend to bring much more good value to the table.

Finally, I believe many fine girls think same of fine guys (although, in a little different way and areas).
Many fine girls think fine guys don't try so much harder like the other guys to over please or over indulge her, and so they too, tend to end up more with less attractive men.

As an example some fine girls do murmur to my friends, that i don't always try to hello and hi them / acknowledge their presence or praise their looks.
But me, I'm just mostly preoccupied with 'better' stuffs i believe.

pansophist:
1. Lions are called the king of the jungle because Tigers (and other stronger formidable predators) do not live in the jungle. In other words, the people who look down on you do so because you haven't assumed your throne and shine in your glory. Go be a king in your domain.

You wrote so wonderfully well. Kudos.

However, I just need to use this opportunity to point out this widely held misconception.

First, to begin with, the lion does not live in the jungle...never. It actually lives on the grassland.

The Tiger, on the other hand, lives fully in the Jungle. But is typically a lone hunter, who mostly ambushes his preys, instead of hunting openly.

The lion is called the king of the jungle for two reasons.
1. It's appearance with its royal-like mane.

2. The fact that Nothing preys on them in the their domain...while they seemingly lord over and prey on almost every other animal no matter how big, due to it cooperative hunting style.

You can fact-check this yourself.

Once more, a very good write-up you have there.
Thanks.

phkka1:
She doesn't have value for this girl that is helping her to raise her own children.

Exactly.

However, the problem is that many people (most especially, women) don't see House helps as those helping them out...they instead see house helps as those they are helping.
Perhaps, this is because they believe that they chose them, and so, could have chosen another house help instead of you.

They also believe that feeding the house help is already a great job, high and above all.

However, i like to see people look at a house help firstly, As someone who is unfortunate to not have the means, otherwise they would have preferred their parents house to yours. This, normally, should give you a sense of compassion in dealing with the person.

This means that, even if you are not living with the person, you could still do charity for such a person. So, how much more if the person is living with you, and contributing to the success of your home.

If you view your househelp as stated above, it would be hard to maltreat them...except they themselves are either very bad to your family, or very ungrateful, in which case you should quickly send them packing.

Although ABU seem to have their admission policy already spelt out b4 this young girl's unfortunate misadventure, This is still not right in the 21st century where merit reigns supreme in most counties of the world.

In fact what their admission policy entails is that: someone from Zamfara who only scored 230 or lower, could be admitted to study medicine in ABU if he's ranked 1st or 2nd in his state's Jamb result (for that particular course/department). He ends up being a Med Doctor. While someone from e.g. Ekiti who scored 320 is denied because he's 4th in his own state.
So, if this is what ABU calls merit, then that is indeed the poorest form of merit that i have ever seen.

This is even despite the fact that they have reserved another 20% for educationally less developed states (whom we all know that are almost all from the Northern region)


While ABU's intentions might not necessarily be bad (as they may truly be pursuing a truly altruistic agenda, like having a truly cosmopolitan school), it still makes no sense in this modern time.
_______ _______ _______ _______ _______

In fact, admission to higher institutions should be at least 90% based on pure merit, as it's done in most Developed world.

Except they want to tell us that this is to accommodate most Core Northern states, who might not be able to get such competitive scores to be in some top departments.
This is because, i believe that without this their admission policy, most southern states will still make it in, by their own individual merits.


--Shallom--

dawnomike:
1 - Tightly tie the upper region and lower region of the bite wit a rope to reduce the venom flow into the blood stream...

2 - Cut open the bite areawit a knife or blade and try to such out d venom

3 - place a cut of onions on d region.

NB: Do all d above while rushing the victim to the hospital

Hello Friend, I'm not really totally countering your points, but I see that most of the things you suggested here, are simply against the advice of medical Doctors at WebMD.

See below for details:
Do not:
1. Cut a bite wound

2. Attempt to suck out venom

3. Apply tourniquet, ice, or water

4. Give the person alcohol or caffeinated
drinks or any other medications.

Peace to you, my friend

PerkinDossier:
All these useless long story is to prove one useless point about your village called Owerre being expensive because of your inferiority complex. When we know that owerre is a village filled with poor people. How it became an expensive town is what I don't know.

OP has told us the true situation on ground, stop coming here to prove one non existent point.


[s][/s]