₦airaland Forum

My Nigerian of the year!

The Nigerian voters, never in the history of this country have I seen so much awareness and action for a change to come to this country. From the young to the old. Lets hope 2011 elections will be a start of better things.

Also worthy of mention Pastor Tunde Bakare for mobilizing SNG

In as much as it seems the blame will go to Western interests, my problem with this stand-off is innocent citizens will die for something that is senseless. Gbagbo can play the victim or the freedom fighter but again he has being President since 2000, Is that not enough? We need strong leaders in Africa who can unite people and grow the economy rather we have leaders who stir up ethnic and religious violence to achieve their agenda. My prayers are with them.

Do we really need another scheme?
On a second thought we really need to strengthen our pension scheme and even extend free healthcare to those over 65+. I think it will help solve the issue of corruption, if people know they can be taken care of at their old age. Just my personal opinion.

I am more surprised that Union Bank still exists

At the end having a degree without knowledge is useless. The question is what have you learned that can change and make lives better.

I think a degree solves an authenticity and trust issue, I won't submit myself for brain surgery if a Doctor has no degree

@Kambo
Maybe the book did not work for you. Even in America, there are so many people who find fault with Kiyosaki's style but hey it worked for him and has worked for many others. He made his wealth from Real estate but the book goes beyond that, its more about not settling for civil servant jobs (or where you are) and looking for alternative sources of income.
In his case real estate, I think real estate in Nigeria is very lucrative. All you have to do, keep your eyes out for new developments. Everyday a local village becomes a small city either in Ogun state or in Abuja, you buy and fence it, wait a few months or years and flip it. You can build a store and rent or build a house for rent. That is why landlords charge yearly. I am not speaking as a guess, I have had an experience.

The tools like legal and other things might be different but the key is to make sure the seller is genuine and every thing documented.
No amount is too small to start something on the side and that is where you are missing the point.

So maybe now the real Onanefe will be going to jail. I hope in 2030 he won't show up and say this is his twin brother.

I think he and his owner are running a soccer ponzi scheme

I feel Tinapa is a big project that should have being built in strategic phases. With the debt burden on Cross River state, I think the problem now is a marketing problem. I don't believe it has a location problem, rather the location is its uniqueness and appeal.

Few solutions?
Work with the Museum commission to create specialized Museums. Like a slavery museum, modern war/Biafra museum, a large aquarium, Art or Nollywood Museum since they have studios. I wouldn't travel from Lagos if I can find the same experience where I am. They could run this seasonally.
The Nollywood studio, if equipped should be used for a movie.
Engage transport companies, have a plan to transport people coming to Tinapa from any where.
The Calabar carnival needs more publicity. Host interesting events.
Align the project to a cause like feeding hungry kids or cancer awareness.
etc
Like every iconic projects like even the National Theater, our level of managing them is poor.

I don't agree with you though. Maybe different, the idea in the book is building wealth using real estate. I grew up in Abuja, relocated in 1990. I have seen poor people you talk about build houses (okada riders, civil servants). Those houses in Nyanya or Kubwa were built by them. We don't have a functional mortgage system in Nigeria but with good planning and new developments you can grow using real estate even if its an i-house lol. Start small and gradually you will move from Kubwa to Maitama.

^^^^ Yeah the structures are on ground, he is a charismatic fellow, has the money, anti PDP sentiments and his philanthropy in Imo state speaks volumes.

If the election is fair, Rochas will win Imo! I support him.

Kobojunkie:
Could you possibly argue your side like a competent adult would? Or should I continue to assume you will only end up a waste of my time on this issue? Notice, I answered the other two because they did not JUMP right into ATTACKING my person without even attempting to make sense for their view. And if you notice, my response was filled with information that might potentially educate anyone who really is oblivious to the facts of the goings-on in the 24 months of her being in office? Again, argue your side like an adult or I will be forced to add you to the list of those I should not bother with.

@The bolded part If you care about your reputation then don't tarnish others. Feel free to add me to your cyber-list, I won't bother either
My time here is done.

Kobojunkie:
I won't even attempt this one. lol

You don't need to.
Obviously, you have a problem with her, I don't. Maybe you get better news from where you are and I don't but if you can answer this few
In the last 24 months, how many ministers have being effective?
Was she effective at NAFDAC?
Does your resume include your recent and past experience? Why or Why not?
Out of curiosity, who is your choice for President in 2011 and what have they done in the past 24 months?

She made mistakes, she knows it. Most people here support her work in NAFDAC and have acknowledged her less effective role. You don't have to like/respect her.
Personally, I have lost people who died because of fake drugs in this country and if someone solves/fights even a tenth of that problem, that person is a hero to me. Am easily impressed even if it is one human life that is saved.

safariman:
^^^
She was competent and passionate for a job she was never suited for? And GEJ still picked her again and again? I liked her at NAFDAC, but not a minister of information/rebranding

Maybe GEJ decided to put a square peg in a round hole
Everyday people make wrong career moves that bites them. She made one and she realized it. The whole re-branding issue is a good idea but the strategy and implementation was wrong, she lacked the necessary experience/media savvy to work as an Information Minister.
However, if She gets to the Senate, she will not be on the Information committee she will be in the Health committee and that to me is a plus.

Kobojunkie:
How exactly can you declare a woman, who spent the last 24 months in office essentially doing nothing, a competent leader? How?

A few mistakes which amount of 24 months of NOTHING? Are you serious?

Are you kidding or you want to argue to elongate this thread?

NAFDAC?
Go check her records.
Was she not the first minister that changed the conversation on Yar Adua's health issue while GEJ was being quiet?

She was never suited for the Ministry of Information in the first place and she knows it. If not the fact that we as a country zone Ministry Of Health to Medical Doctors (who by the way has failed in that area), she would be an ideal candidate for that position. You can judge by 24 months but I look further than that, this woman is passionate and a competent.

I admire Dora and I think this is a good move for her. She is a competent and brave woman and GEJ has under-utilized her. Maybe a few mistakes has being made by her but I still respect her for her work. Until I get or escape a bullet for this country, maybe then I can criticize her.

When the Igbo's are ready with a credible candidate, 2015 or whenever doesn't matter. Until then let our fix the SE, it is a priority that should not be neglected.

No one goes out looking to die for any one. No one desires to be a martyr but this things happen based on circumstances. Would you give a kidney to a wife that needs one to live? Most people will say, Yes as long as they can live with the other one. But what if it fails, sometimes you can't control the outcome. Men like to play Superman sometimes forgetting that outcomes could be fatal. Never say never

texazzpete:
Bullcrap.
This is the argument always given for banning importation of certainn items. And each time the ban is put in place, Nigerian manufacturers fail to step up to the task. Even when the local fellows start to fill the gap, they take advantage of this to stuff inferior quality and expensive items down our throats.

Thank you!

Lets not bring Igbos into this decision.
I am for restricted imports for reasons which has been discussed on this forum, but most importantly we need to create avenues for our local companies to be able to be innovative and efficient in production. If you run a local business, seek a market for your products and compete.

asha 80:
Do we really value made in nigeria goods?

Yes we do Nollywood is an example.
We can't achieve much by banning, rather as the president mentioned we can gain income from import duties.
Protecting our industries has less to do with imports, we need to fix our infrastructures and entrepreneurs need to be innovative in their offering.

Lets have volunteer law makers to be rewarded at the age of 70 if they make it.

I understand why this might be a good idea especially if we continue talking about zoning in this country. But again, I support the current process, we need to develop our political structure and hold our leaders accountable. 7 years doesn't fix corruption or make our leaders responsible and focused.

rebranded:
Its obvious that soludo composed most of what was in that speech. Soludo believes that the private sector is the way for Nigeria, not the government. As a result reducing the corporate tax to 10% will give private companies opportunity to expand and create more jobs (which govt cant do). This should increase FDI also to Nigeria, which is all Soludo as always been after. I feel he has spoken well!

Same exact thing I thought when I read the statement, it has Soludo written over it. The government cannot handle the burden of unemployment hence we need to help businesses in order to reach that goal. What people forget is taxes is not just about attracting foreign investment it is also about keeping existing local businesses alive.

Also our ports are terrible, we need an efficient port system to help companies that import raw materials.
Indeed he assembled the team of Okonjo and Soludo so am guessing he has an eye for talent. Not an Atiku fan but he has spoken well. Lets wait and see.

At least no more zoning gist, someone is talking about the issues

In their anger, I want the National Assembly to serve the nation for free in order to prove him wrong . That is what "honorable" men/women do

From what I read, Atiku suggested her to Obasanjo in 2003 , maybe she is considered but again lets wait and see

KBrown:
As it is that the PDP has dragged us all into this debate on zoning, the wisest thing will be for Nigerians to decide in a referendum whether we want zoning or not. If the result is YES, then let it be enshrined in our constitution FOR ALL PARTIES TO ABIDE; If it is NO, then one single political party should not drag us into it. In that case, Nigerians will be free to chose the best available persons on merit. Afterwards,we can use the Federal Character Principle to appoint credible people to work with them.
A situation whereby only the PDP wants zoning is unfair except if we have all accepted that PDP will always win the elections. Until we, the Nigerian people agree in a properly organised referendum, persons who want to occupy the highest post in the land should stop blackmailing others with zoning issues. Instead they should bring out their policies, ideas and manifestos for public scrutiny.
ENOUGH OF THIS IDIOTIC CRY OF ZONING UNTIL WE COLLECTIVELY ASK FOR IT!

This is true
When you look at zoning as a North/South or Christian/Muslim issue you miss the point. The way I see it Zoning is a strategy for political acceptance.
Here are a few things to consider.
1. There are politicians who have learnt to stir up strife and violence using ethnicity and religion. It didn't start today but it would end someday. Until then this is an arrangement that works for PDP. I don't like zoning but I don't want to see people die North/South. It is sad but its true.

2. To win an election in this country you need a certain percentage from each state of the federation. You can't win by South or Northern majority alone, you need both to be declared winner. That is in the constitution.

3. If humans were rational, life would be easier but we are not. People don't vote for the best policy, we start with our interest first. It is our default thought process.

4. Remember it is competence first, zoning 2nd. Its like real estate business, location matters (zoning) not just how beautiful the house is (competence). Using federal character criteria, in the past, there are some states without enough permanent secretaries nominees, the government didn't pick cows to replace them? They lost out.

5. Every party uses a form of zoning, even if they argue against it. ACN candidate Ribadu I can guarantee you will choose a Southern Christian as his VP. Pat Utomi will pick a Northern Muslim. All past Northern military presidents as well as civilians used the same strategy. President from the North, VP South, or vice versa.
PDP started as a national party compared to others hence they agreed on this as something that would help them gain votes across. Like all policies in this country they failed to ask What if ?s What if he dies? What if he goes insane? or what if he is impeached? and that is why they are in this problem.

6. No need for a referendum, all we need is to allow it work itself out through education of voters and cultural inclusion. Kaduna is a case study, now they have a Christian governor, if he does well it changes the discussion. Lets wait and see.

I respect everyone and more so elders. When I think of Ohanaeze, I expect a group of respectable and incorruptible leaders fighting for the good of their community. I replied to this thread because the actions at endorsing a primary candidate at this time is not the right action. When we talk about our individualism or republicanism, we make it sound as if its a disadvantage. I don't believe that. My take is that we need reputable leaders. Was it not someone that mobilised the Aba Womens Riot?, even in a bus there is only one driver.

There is a serious leadership issue I see, the problems are rooted in a lack of integrity and consistency. Lets talk about Onitsha-Owerri road, there are 5 SE states and out of those 3 of them have this road as a major road, that to me is a priority. Yes the government failed but we can't give up. There is the issue of erosion affecting areas of Imo, is the FGs programme working and if not what is Ohanaeze doing? People are losing land assets.

Do the governors respect Ohanaeze? If so, lets talk about Innoson motors it won't be a bad idea if all 5 governors adopt Innoson for at least 40% of their fleets, it is only a leadership focused Ohanaeze can pull that off. (another reason to fix Owerri- Onitsha road). We can do the same thing for Zinox computers creating employments for people who want to work as well as creating business.

On the national level, we have many Igbos as business men, lets talk about issues that affect them like corporate taxes which I think is high now, let our elders lobby to reduce this tax for small business men. All this help our base, only a focused and respected organisation can pull this off. Our people can relate, there is no need to use other groups as a model for us we can achieve much if only we can fix ourselves.

For now, zoning is necessary due to our division along ethnic and religious lines. However, I would suggest 2-zonal arrangement (North and South), that way we have a wider pull of qualified candidates. All states/zones are not on the same level both academically or in terms of development, hence having a 6-zonal arrangement would limit us as a country.

asha 80:
when did abia become apga?

They change so much, I can't keep up