₦airaland Forum

Here is Kajuru Castle in Kaduna with a modern touch

https://i54.tinypic.com/2dv7ghf.jpg

@Ezeuche visit the North and see some interesting architecture. Not as white as the Greek ones cos our dust have claws

Check out Kajuru castle in Kaduna, its peacful and beautiful

Also the FG experimented with brick houses in Abuja, beautiful but I think they cause so much heat

Haha, well maybe we don't support creativity. There is an emphasis on size rather than design plus we too like copy copy. And then we lack maintanance culture

More so insecurity is an issue. No matter how creative you are, we want our burglary windows. I think there are nice buildings, I love the National Theater and the Holy Cross cathedral Lagos. There are a few inspiring buildings all across the country but again our building codes need reform

occam:
ok, its good news. It only means we are growing but still have a long way to catch up


Canada GDP 2010, $1.6 trillion (pop. 33 million) only 1% growth

Nigeria GDP 2010, $374 billion (pop. 150 million) with 10% growth


It’s like a kindergarten delighted he/she can recite "ABC" while a university student disappointed with a C+ in Quantitative Economics

True. A lot of work needs to be done but the key is in your % numbers Nigeria is growing at an increasing rate while Canada is growing at a decreasing rate.

wait4me:
All my life I have been a christian but most of the girls that have loved me are not the type of christians i will like to date and marry.I have missed alot of girls just because I'm not willing to compromise my values.The irony of the whole thing is that while I was in naija I always fall in love with the wrong christian girl( they are either engage or have a serious relationship) therefore I left without any serious relationship.Alas! now I'm in yankee and I hardly meet a girl who does not drink goes to wild party and sex is just a normal way of life. I'm under pressure to compromise and lower my standard , I'm scared It may be impossible to find a wife if I keep on with this belief. what should I do? do you think its wise for me to adopt the yankee way of life?

On a second thought,  there are Christians with really bad attitudes out there. Not friendly, judgmental, weird and creepy. Hope you are not one of them? That said, being a virgin counts for nothing if your attitude is terrifying to others. There are tons of beautiful ladies, willing and ready. You just have to show up and be serious about your intents. I believe the first rule for a relationship is to check yourself and as questions.

There is nothing that says a lady with a bad quality or past can't change, love changes things.

The remedy is why I support Rochas Okorochas plan for free education and entrepreneurship program. At least someone understands it

[b]Education[/b]: The market trend is changing and more so illiteracy is affecting the outcomes of our businesses today. But this might change with the higher educational rates but then we need to still help folks go to school and become entreprenuers rather than join banks or civil service

Succession Plans: This is an African problem mostly due to polygamy and our culture. It affects Igbos since we are mostly in business. We lack adequate succession plans.

Technology: See education, how do we use technology to access and expand foreign markets?

Town Planning: Does Onitsha and Aba markets have a growth cap? When they are crowded how do we open up secondary channels? This is why the issue of refuse dumping and waste is a problem.

Leaders Am not a huge fan of Igbo leaders. As Peter Obi mentioned, we must stop negotiating for political offices and negotiate for what impacts us, Onitsha/Owerri road, railway, 2nd Niger bridge and Enugu Intl Airport to name a few

But on a more serious note, what do the civil servants do? And why can't they generate revenue for themselves?

NTA, Road Safety, Ministry of Agriculture, Immigration, Foreign affairs, Education etc can at least generate some part of income. What do this folks do and if they don't contribute then why are they paid?

More job for the boys. More states means more power to the center, hence more dependence on the center. Haha!

We don't control the media. Think of Al Jazeera and the reason why it was created. The one who controls the media has the power to share information. So maybe it is time for "African News Network" to help change the face of Africa but again there is real poverty in our land.

RICHIE BOI:
But come to think of it. corps members don die well well dis year alone. how sad.

Corp members die every year, we just didn't care about them that much until this year's riots. That said, May their souls rest in peace. It is a classic case of proximity and attention.

Road accidents, 3rd highest after Malaria and HIV/AIDS, very sad we don't value lives that much

jason123:
Good point but even with the huge investment, are we(Nigerians) not going to achieve greater rewards, revenue and mix up more?? The NYSC has and is still failing because the Government is[b] FORCING[/b] people to move to these cities. Without will power and the ability of these youths to voluntarily move to these cities, you will have a fail project such as the NYSC.
What I mean by this is, if an Igbo man wants to move to Kogi voluntarily, he knows he has to mix up with the locals and essentially become a Kogi man. Likewise a Yoruba man wants to start up a business in Imo, he has to learn the Igbo language, the culture and become an "Imo man" (at least, during his duration in that state).
All this will promote tolerance naturally, not the NYSC program to FORCES PEOPLE ON A COMMUNITY.


The trains do not have to run on electricity. Their are other types of technology that can be used. Even if its on electricity, what will it take the government to build a power station, with the sole aim of providing the necessary power to move this machine

About storage centres,
I reckon we can feed ourselves. What I mean by that is, the MB has the best soil in the country, yet, it also has large expanses of unused lands. Tapping into this will create employment for the unskilled labourers. Also, what will it take the state government or regional government (when we go to federalism not this quasi-trash we currently operate), to buy this goods and store them After all, the North had groundnut pyramids. Remember, that they did not have the technology to store food back then, yet they still stored. So what about now All these things can be done when we have a focused man at the center.

All in all, the advantages of economically integrating these cities (mention earlier) out weighs the disadvantages.  There will be no over congested city in Nigeria. Skilled labour can be shared within communities. Natural mixing of people will be encourage. Laziness will be discouraged because if you do not do something with your state such as promoting tourism and all, you will starve!!! Before you know it, tribal and religious tolerance will be in everyone's mind.

MO

Per NYSC program, it is a national service and No! the government is not forcing people to go where. It is a program that has being abused but it could help to boost the need for migration. People naturally don't like leaving their comfort zones. Ask any corper posted to Lagos or Abuja, do they go back to the states of origin of say Ebonyi after service? Most of them No! Young graduate gets an opportunity he stays.

That said, why do NYSC folks posted to Ebonyi or Imo move after service? Maybe the local civil service or business environment does not support immigrants. This is why Lagos is the king with or without a good government, the tolerance level in Lagos is higher compared to other states.

In 1960 at independence, Ibadan was the most populous city in Nigeria, what happened?

More so encouraging rural agriculture helps with keeping folks in their localities. Allowing more sea ports and airports to run fully will do wonders. And then the issue of business practices by Igbo apprentice programs has also affected and will continue to lead to more folks moving to Lagos, Kano, PH, Abuja etc in fact I feel this is why other states needs to harness their resources and encourage entrepreneurs to come in

The internet gives anonymity and in a busy world where there are fewer folks to talk to, folks are more inclined to get on web at least one support person is available in 6 billion people.

I was sad when I realized there are suicide chat rooms, where folks bounce ideas and encourage suicide.

I guess the key is to be a friend and encourage others always, don't wait for tomorrow if you can do it today

noblezone:
They have told us what they want. Forceful Islamisation without options.

That is not what they want? It is a facade, every man has its price I tell you.

jason123:
A very good question. I know lots of SWestern people in UK that are planning to settle in Port harcourt when they come to Nigeria.

Other states are not taking advantage of their "situation". For instance, Ogun state should be the next big thing because of the increase in working class people that want cheap accommodation. This can ONLY be achieved of there is a FAST TRAIN FROM LAGOS TO OGUN!

Port harcourt will sooner, rather than later, become the next "Lagos". States such as Abia and Awka Ibom will be at the advantage.

We need  to "ECONOMICALLY INTEGRATE" these major cities. What I mean by this is, build a major FAST train from Ogun and Kwara (we need to be able to transport food fast) to Lagos, to Delta(Warri), Edo, to Port harcourt to Akwa Ibom (calabar to be specific), to Abia back to Delta(Asaba), then, a direct non-stop train to Kano, then, back to Lagos. Let Abuja remain the FCT for the thieves.

If this can be done, it will reduce the pressure on our roads, thus reducing traffic. It will also save time and as they say, "time is money". This will boost our revenue and will be sustainable in the long run.

The issue of a fast train will require huge investment costs and it is a long term plan. Even in Lagos, we have under utilized our water ways and water transport. We should make it more attractive in the mean time. In terms of moving foods, we need storage centers at different zones in the country and a road network

More so what states have the best electricity, I doubt it is Lagos, and why are folks not moving en masse to those states insecurity? religious intolerance? etc. Its why I still feel NYSC will play a major role in moving folks around, its being playing this role since inception and we just need to review and restructure it to address an economic problem

Fire somebody in the Nigeria Police Force for not reading and understanding security reports. Ringim #1
Tighten our porous Northern borders.
Visit victims of Maidugiri violence from the past 1 year and seek ways to compensate them

Call Boko leaders to a meeting, to understand what they really want, give them my options and amnesty is not one of them.

And in the long term educate more women in the North

Smoking them out without understanding the issues is short term solution to a long term problem.

By its geography and commercial qualities (seaport, diversity) Lagos will always be attractive for immigrants. However, other state governments need to step up. Starting with the SW states, at least improving road networks would help a lot. That way folks can move around easily.

More so this is why I feel NYSC  program has to remain in order to move young folks to new areas and opportunities but states really need to step up with seeking out their commercial way and branding their opportunities. If the NYSC program can be refocused and localized so that entrepreneurial opportunities will be taught and special incentives given for folks to stay, say more accessible loans, then things will start getting better.

Will or no will, my kids will get education from me every other thing will go to charity but again sometimes this things happen because of the way the family is set up.

Maybe Chief Awolowo, love him or hate him. At least his name is mentioned side by side with development and good works. It says a lot for a man who died more than 20 years ago. His personal brand is everything positive.

Go visit the local native doctor

Haha I guess he has learnt from the past, wait one more day and the next thing a Pastor will ask for him to be arrested and the media will say "we saw Buhari buying bombs in Sabon Gari". Well I hope FG is listening

How do you see the articulation of the interests of the South East zone in the unfolding national politics?
It depends on how you engage, dialogue and make your demands. Whenever I hear of marginalization, the question I ask is who is marginalizing whom? You don”t have to go to a competition as a spectator and be demanding the trophy at the end of the game; you have to face the competitors. Are we, as a people, out there as a competitor or do we go there for our individual selfish interests? You read my position when some people said that South East should engage President Jonathan for positions. We didn”t negotiate for any position but interest. I am not saying that position is bad but tell us what you will do for us. You see, in politics, you always look at the greater interests of greater number of people.

Someone gets it

And what are they doing differently this time around? We are beginning to act like England after a World Cup defeat, always looking to the future and fading out at the main event.

We don't need to take power by force, the only way to Aso rock for any South Easterner is performance either as a Governor or Senator. No zoning, no rotation because the rules of engagement will always change. Therefore, Ohanaeze hold your Governors accountable and achieve results.

Even though I am a huge fan of Kanu, I would say No on this one, maybe it should be named after Ishaya Mark Aku, the Sports Minister who supervised the construction but died in a plane crash on his way to watch Super Eagles in Kano.

There are so many ways to honor Kanu and stadium naming is not one of them. I don't even support renaming Dan Anyim in Owerri, Dan Anyim was our first captain and indigenous Super Eagle coach. Meanwhile since the Abuja stadium is certified home of the Super Eagles, NFF should sell naming rights to companies per contract basis and make money.

enyojo:
Can you see why Nigeria can never split??
Can you see that if at all any part secedes to be on its own like Biafra, Odua Republic, Arewa etc, they CANNOT be united?

See, Lagos state usually had Igbo Commissioners (Not just Special Advisers) the latest was Ben Akabueze who was given a sensitive ministry as Budget and Economic planning. In the same vein, Kano state under shekarau had different tribes including an Igala (my lovely tribe) as commissioner.

Now Rochas took in Kanu (another Igbo) as Special Adviser (not Commissioner) and Tribalists are saying why take an Abia man in Imo state.

I can now see how helplessly shallow Tribalists are!

You dey mind them?

By the way Kanu grew up in Owerri, schooled in Owerri, married in Owerri, played for Heartland and even is a former adviser to the Imo (Ohakim) Government for Heartland FC. Do footballers make better advisers/administrators? Well there Michel Platini and Olover Bierhoff so I don't get the issue here. He can even contest for an Imo election, his chances of winning in Abia is extremely limited.

The first Roman Catholic mass in Nigeria was held in the city of Calabar in 1903

Sir Darnley Arthur Alexander was the first and only foreigner to become Chief Justice of Supreme Court of Nigeria 1975-79

The Onikan stadium in Lagos is the first stadium in Nigeria, it was originally built in 1930 and used to be named after King George V

>Twitter Naijafunfacts

The first airplane in Nigerian territory landed on a horse course in Kano city, 1925, from Khartoum, Sudan ~Twitter Naijafunfacts

The first zoologist to become President - Goodluck Jonathan

On this day, all PHD holders hide your credentials, you no longer impress me. From now without a Nobel Prize, I seize to respect you. Thanks!

@OP

God loves variety. There are different churches serving different audience. How about trying Deeper Life, I think they don't do a lot of what you talked about.

Yes the church needs a refocus and the issue of tithing while very important has become very legalistic the way it is portrayed. The key point is all about giving. Whether you are a christian or not, giving is a principle that applies to all. It pays to be generous. The world knows it and even pagans do it. The problem with a lot of churches is the disconnect or breakdown of communication. Attaching specific blessings to how much you give breeds contempt and shows a lack of understanding of how God works.

In the 21st century, I believe before any church thinks of expanding to new areas, it must first ask itself, what is our reputation in our present community? Not like becoming godfathers or king makers, we are talking about feeding hungry folks, medical, healing for depressed, counselling and other social justice issues. It is a huge opportunity for African churches to touch lives and live the values of Christ. When Churches ask for offerings with out communicating what this will achieve then there is room for suspicions.

Most Mega churches are hated by the mere fact that they are big and successful, just like folks hate Manchester United, MicroSoft, USA, Barcelona etc, it is the natural way humans react. But the church focus must be on impacting its community with the word and works.

I also believe Churches must be accountable, yes they are Non Profits but I would love that financial statements be open and accessible, visit a church website and I see it. We don't have to do it but we can't doubt there are a few giving the church a bad name out there.

At poster, you can start a ministry of what you think your current church is not doing. By ministry I don't mean starting your own church, pick a community need and solve it using Christs principles.

Governor Akala first Nigerian in history that was voted in black & was voted out as a white person. Voters were confused!~Source Naijafunfacts

Alisher Usmanov, the Uzbek billionaire and Arsenal shareholder, has laid the blame for the team's failure to win any trophies in the last six seasons at the door of the club's board.

The 57-year-old, who is not an Arsenal director even though he owns almost 30% of Arsenal Holdings, believes self-interest among the board members is stymieing the club's chances of on-field success.

Usmanov also said that there would need to be a switch in emphasis if he is to end up on the board. He told the News of the World: "If the role of a board member is to oversee a trophyless period while making significant personal profits and asking fans to pay inflation-busting ticket price increases then, no, I would not want to be on the board.

"If instead it is to try to deliver sustained success, to increase your personal investment in the club, to help develop the commercial position and to ensure the fans have a say in the running of the club then, yes, I think I certainly have something to contribute.

"In terms of doing things differently, let me give you a very clear example. Arsenal has all of its major commercial contracts coming up for renewal in the next couple of years. It's no secret that to maximise the value of those you want to have success on the field and be winning trophies. To do that you need to invest now in building a winning team. This is simple commercial logic. Whether it comes to pass, we shall see."

Arsenal's season collapsed following their Carling Cup final defeat to Birmingham in February, with their challenges in the Champions League, FA Cup and Premier League all crumbling.

Usmanov is of the opinion that the manager Arsène Wenger needs to be given the financial backing to bring in experienced players to complement the talented young players they have.

"There is a widely-held view among most commentators – and one that I agree with – that the club needs to stiffen the defensive spine of the team, with a dominant keeper, strong centre-halves and a powerful defensive midfielder in the mould of Claude Makelele," he said.

"The Premier League is one of the most competitive in the world and whilst we have consistently challenged for honours, the club needs to develop talent and buy top-class players. This requires greater investment which, I believe, has been lacking thus far.

"What, however, is not clear is whether the board shares this view. For too long they have seemed happy to sanction second, third and fourth as being acceptable, whilst at the same time they are planning to sell their shares."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jun/12/arsenal-alisher-usmanov

Roy Pentelow Fenton was the first and the only expatriate Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria 1958-1963. Source:Twitter Naijafunfacts

The issue with this article is first the heading is totally wrong. Maybe "Scandal at Ministry of Education" will do. Private schools are always welcomed especially if the Government can't provide all however the agencies Primary and Secondary boards,NUC must do their jobs of regulating and accrediting without corruption. How do this schools end up doing WAEC? The present system allows for non-accredited schools students  to merge with accredited schools during JSCE and SSCE and that should be a crime.

Government must create an enabling environment & change our policy on teachers recruitment. One of such changes must be the issue of pension and benefit for teachers. It could be changed so that there is a general pension pool for both private and government teachers. That way you create an enabling and equal  environment for all. Private schools cut corners because from Day 1 recruiting the best teachers is a problem unless you are Lumen Christi or Loyola Jesuit. Most folks prefer Government schools for benefits.

There is no scandal in Private Schools if the regulating authorities can do their jobs from the start.