@Lola Baloo


still in niger enjoying those fruits. we are now in the season of agbalumo, cashew and friuit[i mean d one with nut in it]. sorry u'r missing alot those of u over there.

Can we find the bitanical name or english name of the "fruit"? I need to as I am thiniking of some sort of study of it, Grew up with you know, like we all!
Thanks.

@clintwine
Thats a lengthy piece! But its all spot on. We are an interesting study! Our country, that is!

Stupid! What else to say?

@Hesperus-"please can you tell? I honestly dont know, I was too young to grasp anything then! Thanks."

Yes I can tell. I was old enough to hear and old enough to participate in the demonstration in school. Educated enough to know the implications of his and the bitch's profligacy and, yes, enough of a struggler to know what simple electricity could have done in providing employment and peace and development.
A technical fault or mistake at the event opf the "stepping aside" made us to hear the angry rantings of a woman who was concerned with just her glamourous life and not her role as a national mother by virtue of the fact that she was also a mother and a wife to the dictator.

People like you who ask such rhetorical questions should be careful as your cover is too easily recognized for what it is. You want to tell me that you dont know what is going on and who caused it?
I can say more, but I should let be , for now

@hbrednic
Thx for the video. The widow asked a question-dont we have nigerians or is that they are now daft or what? We are cursed with a bunch of cowards called Nigerians and this platform is also filled with an excessive amount of them who dont have the guts to say it like it is, buffoons!!!!!
In more responsible places, none of them-people in anyway connected with the Babangida disease-would be able to open thier mouths in public?
Wishing her perfect peaceIdiots and fools!!!!

Mike Oscar pls let the discussion flow. Stop the hypocrisy

A society that does not provide repercussions and commendations for actions taken while alive is doomed to implode as we can see in Nigeria. Someone actually stole youir resources and messed up up an entire country and people whio are supposed to be enlightened are here defending them? Whats wrong with you all? Whats our health system like? Education? The officers killed in the Hercules aircraft crash and their families living without appropriate compensation? What system do we have for righting wrongs? Where is Dele Giwa? Do we know what happened to his children? Who took care of them? You come here and wax spiritual about life and death happening to us all! Hypocrisy!!!!!

There seems to a latent waiting or holding position to justify selfish decadent actions of an equally decadent elite or ruling and thieving class just because you or someone you know may get there soon and you dont want to spoil or jeopardise your chances! Juxtapose nigeria's resources and our potentials and look at what or where we are right now. We should look for an evil forest and throw their rotten corpses there! Can anyone remember on the day the bastard was handing over or "stepping aside", what Marymam was saying on air not knowing that the mike was picking her voice? No!!! Of course not! Selective Memory!
WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU ALL Nonsense

What about biodiesel production? I'm sure we can find a lot of dung in Nigeria to turn into fuel. Let's try that.

Seun that would work for the rural areas, and then you have to ensure that all processes for continous production are in place. With people like OBJ alive, I dont see how that can work.

As usual the hypocrisy of the Nigerian people! Would you prefer someone who has his own moral code but does his job honestly to the mentally and intellectaully stagnated buffoons -like Obasanjo and co? Tai Solarin never claimed to be superior to  others ( we know he was!), yet he was far better than 99% of the so-called elite.
ANd it shows in the stupid comments of people on the board,  Fela is an icon, an inspiration to many, and his foibles or faults, if you please simply point out the most times, unnoticed fact that he is HUMAN!
Nairaland is ok, if you can tolerate for long the excesses of "Abacha" admin, but we need to ask ourselves, espiecially those that can think coherently and do comment on politial issues, we need to ask-what and how do we redeem Nigeria? Is the fear of blood, which will be shed whether you believe it or not, stopping us from confronting the country? Is/Are our culture(s) responsible for our complacent/cowardly/quiescent political culture? What is the relevance of the NYSC in the context of national growth and breakdown of tribalism and other such ills? How do we tackle the security issues? Gun laws? Community level politics? Accountability? Political education? Military existence, size, civilian control? Citizenship rights? Enforcing such rights? Access to the criminal code? Support phone lines for disenfranchised citizens? Or is this generation going to be like what my oga called his own generation-The Wasted Generation?
We talk a lot and that is what Nairaland has become. A regime was brought down in the Phillipines with the use of text messages.
Just some words for us to think about. We all talk. Only wish we can move to something stronger firmer and concrete in impact on our environment.
Thanks and progress to al (Not necessarily peace, cos it needs justice to exist)

To the Eziachis of the forum
I feel you! but don't lose hope for naija lets keep praying and hoping.[i][/i]

For how long should we hope and pray?

The hypocrisy of Nigerians is only equalled by their cowardice and refusal to take the appropriate steps to stop the injustice and genocide the people have suffered under the so-called union of Nigeria.

Sherry Lo,
As arrogant as the ones that have been there in power, If you had all these resources , why did you leave and face oil? In the 50s and 60s, what was the derivation formula? Idiots!

SkyBlue, you are being mischievous with your line of argument. Edwin Madunagu( I hope I got the surname right) wrote in the Guardian some years ago and posited that all the authentic leaders of the Niger Delta that have tried to better the lot of their people by negotiating with the Nigerian govt, have always ended under six feet.
You do not negotiate with thieves and robbers! That is what they are. They see the nigerian project, if indeed it can be defined as such as a well acquired for their thirst. Plans are made on how to loot and covertracks if necessary!
Rather than pure violence, an analysis of the baseline conditions should be done, strategies for moving forward, players involved, know the reactionary characters that are within the context of the situation, detractors, identify and encourage authentic leaders, identify the frauds and make it hell on earth for them, identify thecriminal elements and ensure that they are set up and handed over e.g. child kidnappers,
A review of the situation with a commitment to move forward.
People like skyblue and others who have never set foot in the niger delta should please not insult the years of silence and patience of this long-suffering people and their justified demand to get a share of what actually belongs to them. The leaders are a reflection of the country and its rabid leadership that foisted false opportunistic leaders on the people. When they do realise this and take action they are called odious names. Remember the 4 vultures of ogoni land? Thats one of the excuses that was used to kill Ken saro-wiwa. Find out.
If we should find out now in the case of skyblue, his LG chairman is supposed to have done certain projects, but left them undone, nothing happens, the insincere leaders are only in the niger delta because they are given such huge sums of money to perform and they fritter it away, Please go and clean up your own stinking kitchen!

NigEclipse,
The question is how? We have no sense of community and when it does exist, its set up to get something from govts, corporate bodies, etc, all due to poverty, I'm sure, But posterity is not going to accept that! So lets take stock and develop strategies for the changing the situation.

Seun
you believe the people of the Niger Delta do not value lives right? What about your own youth group adjuncts? The OPC? Do they value lives? I say your group because of the widespread support they got from most yorubas, which dissipated when they split and started preying on themselves.
Because no group could have survived for so long if there was not some level of tacit support in terms of funding and logistics to enable it carry out its operations.
Look, don't be an armchair judge! Find out why suddenly, the people of the Niger Delta suddenly "Do Not Value Lives". How long has oil been produced in Nigeria? Since the 50s right?
Open your eyes and talk with sense of appreciation of what they go through.

Jakumo
Nice response. We rarely see serious posts as yours. No intention to flatter you. One of the hoped-for effects of internet penetration is the growth of dialogue, exchange of ideas and development of momentum for change. Looking at the way things are now, one sincerely wonders, do we have a society that is ready to change the situation, or do we have one in which people are simply waiting for a chance to get there and pillage as the others have done?
A chief judge, with an expectedly high level of social and intellectual intelligence would come out and spew such nonsense in a city like lagos with its tensions and a people known for their short fuse when it comes to dealing with alleged thieves,is sad and needs to be pushed aside.

It all goes to show the quality of our so-called leaders.
We need to ask ourselves what can we really do to change the country? Not in an ambitiously grandiose way, but at the local level, where you can deal with the LG officials with their misplaced arrogance, and sack the LG chairman for non-performance, or whatever. But act we need to act.

Bensimom,
Ahoy to you . Nice barking. Prompt and to the point. Remain rugged as you sail on.
BD, from the zeroes

PTH
As I said i don't have the energy or time to waste. Hypocrisy?? Rubbish!!! Why am not back home at this point in time? I don't have to broadcast on a forum what my objectives or reasons are. The point is that you want to be an American? Go ahead, but pls keep your negative opinions to yourself and let others try their own bit. Its tough but it can be done.
Crucial questions of sacrifice were not answered and I rest my case then.
As Tai Solarin used to say may your road be rough and your goal, ultimately achieved.
God bless you.

Nice try PTH!
Biting the hand that feeds us. Your size and comfort must be very impressive. You defined capitalism very well. Let me ask a question? Are you prepared to sacrifice your time, energy, or even your life for Nigeria? If you are, then shut up, go back and partner with the right people to bring about change. The US you are so proud of being in has the blood of those that sacrificed themselves as well as that of the. innocents.
You want to be an American? By all means, pursue it! But don't go about abusing a situation you lack the guts to try to change.
I also do not have the energy to waste on prattling issues that will not add a dime to me. You want to be an American, go ahead but pls leave Nigeria to those that care enough. Its not ball about gettin a visa, you know
Nonsense.

Hi all,
Been off for a long time. Nigerians are passionate. I am proud to be a Nigerian. On the trend the discussion is taking, this is my humble opinion. America works. No doubt about it. They respect laws, because the laws, on a lot of occasions, can, and ideed, are implemented.

Denex, I feel you. Paw-paw same thing. Its unfortunate that its a tragedy that has led to such a robust discussion. A lot of the guys backing America are here in the States and its simply symptomatic of the intellectually-challenged Nigerians who believe that America is the all and all.
You simply refuse to face the massive negative impact thet the US has become to the world. The evidence is clear for all to see. Denex made it all clear.

Also, before you think its just the the developing nations, you are wrong. They are domineering to their alliea as well, as in bulldozing their way in the Iraq war build up, as well as in the GATT talks concerning agriculture.

I pray with the changes being pursued back home concerning monetary policy, we hope Nigerians will use them for what they are truly worth, getan education and head back home to develop your own country.
In addition, a large percentage of people can be very retarded in behaviour when, instead of facing the issues, you simply dvert and start making juvenile statements to the effect that the opposing side of the argument were refused visas to come here. Thats so childish and unnecessary.

All of you nigerians that are out here in the states, I hope you can truly reach your limits in America. I say this because I have seen thje height of their hypocricy and double standard. I wish you well. If we can be honest, we will see all these. I wish you all well. The cowardice in us all is stopping us from taking a stand. Instead, we kill ourselves to get out, yet we are not officially at war. When we are, what will happen

Yes, I am here in the States so I know how its like. Be honest with yourselves.
As for Seun, be careful. Stop suppressing opinions. You may react on abusive statements and such, but that should be all.
One other curious fact, if America is so wonderful in all ramifications, why are you on a Nigerian site? There are a million and one American sites. Go there. We don't need you here. Frankly!!!
Pls take care.

Afeni,
You have no knowledge at all what it is like to be in the Niger Delta area. What you guys are seeing here in the West axis of this fgorsaken country is what the Niger Delt indigenes-ever trusting of the scoundrels that constitute the Nigerian elite, have been experiencing for decades. I am in the States like you, but please the govt in the US cant survive the anger of the people if they do just  1% of the nonsense they are doing now. They dont deserve being sued, they deserve extreme prejudicial action.
Come back home and see and then maybe we can give permission to talk.
Pr else, please be careful of reactions about the oil issue in this cursed nation.

Eastcoast, Dont decieve yourself! Its a curse thru and thru

Slimnike: The Federal allocation given to these oil producing states,is the higehest.What else do they want?
I really would like to know who you are, where you are from, and what you do for a living! You open your mouth in this age and time to ask what the people of Niger Delta want? What do they have, by the way?!!! Oil comes from their place and they have nothing to show for it. The terrain that provides the revenue is too bad to be developed. There is virtually no form of local economy. Federalism has recieved a new form of definition in this country. People wake up caught in the 17th century while their resources send the other regions into the 21st century. The list is endless. Look stop insulting the people of the region, whose only crime has been to believe in this fraud called Nigeria. Stop insulting their heroes who died in the past. What do you know of their history? Am sure you know quite a lot of the history of the other "major" tribes. Do you know what they have been tgrough? Do you know the level of poverty there? Yet the affluence of the oil industry is in front of them all day, painfully obvious to all. Have you ever been there? Have stayed there before? Eaten food there? Whjo are you to even open your mouth to talk? You are probably in a cafe sending this.Do you know how many cafes we have in the entire Bayelsa State?
Please find something useful to do with your self.
Its unfortunate, but Nigeria is just being forced to wake up and correct anomalies and if you are a student of history , you will know that resolutions of tis type are either peaceful or violent. It all depends on the mindset of the players. The parochial and arrogant type exhibited by the Nigerian State, coupled with ignorance as in your case, will not help matters at all!!!!

I have not been able to be online for some time now, but I wish people will be bold enough to come online and react to all this nonsense.
God be with you all!

I just stumbled on this now and am not surprised that there are no replies. We tend to forget things so easily. . He has probably been been allowed to escape, due to the fact that he has backers behind him.
We shall keep on praying.

"However, the Nigerian identity for this particular project is not all that important. There are more basic things - like power supply and local petroleum refineries - that are of much higher priority. We do not need to build our own cars or computers yet."

Do you think we need to invent the wheel before we move forward in this country? For some time I have wondered whether this country is cursed!!! Seriously
Its sad. terribly so. e should pursue the doctrine of enlightened greed where we look impartially at all issues, potentials etc and take the initiative of making progress in all things while benefiting ourselves and the community we live in.
We have the population, manpower waiting to be developed should there be a lack and technology to be acquired by hook or crook.
Seun pls I have a lot of resp[ect for you, but please lets not condone nonsense.
Do you know since when that guy has been pushing that car concept in this accursed country?

I remember serving anbd seeing a video in which one military administrator in onme of the eastern states was going for an event concerning the public show or something like that in Owerri or so. I served in 19997=98 and thgis the event was some years before that. Not too sure. He is a human and has suffered enough. Nigeria does not deserve him. Period and for material reasons, am happy for him.
You want to know how shortsighted Nigerians are, see their behavoiur when they sold out their interests in the Vmobile saga. Shameful.
"Nigeria we Hail thee" to the Niger Delta guy interms of slangs in those daysa, means we have sold the country. Debatable, my son isd crying . See you.

[b][/b] Is he coming to Houston? Quite a community here? u know?
SAy the Nigerian population here deserves some study!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How u see am??
Also stop all the bad mouthing!!!!!!!!1

shingybaba
This is the best advice so far. Have nop seen all though...
She needs all the support that she can get.
Thanks and take care.

legs:

trust seun to go mercenary just when the exchange was becoming interesting

First and foremost a bizman! Thats Seun for you!

Obong that is a rather cryptic response... U did not have faith in them b4?

Branson's practice is to buy force prices down, drive competition or buy them then when he has a captive market. You can guess the result. He is still a capitalist animal; he is just more innovative and he seems to have patience, tenacity and almost limitless capital to cause such great discomfort to competition.

As for Nigerians, we are short sighted animals; we can't see the long term picture at all!

Someone talked of Japan and Malaysia. Thats ok, but the level of Malysian input was high and across board too - HR, Tech, the lot. We need God's Grace to survive. The race is almost ended and we don't have the tools to compete in a world like this.

A shame again!!! Wetin dey worry this country? MTN again? Its total domination of our economy by the south africans.....

Have you done a survey of Nigeria resource base? Agric and minerals? You would be shocked! That's my contention. If the resources are tapped, he would employ far more people than he is now! Please lets be honest with ourselves... the big picture ... please!