₦airaland Forum

Free country, Free speech. But lets set the record straight. The $1,200 stimulus payment is not a loan. Recipients will not pay it back. It could be counted as income on your federal taxes and you will pay tax on it. That's the extent of it.

Benjamin Franklin famously said that house guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days. I am absolutely inclined to agree with him.
OP, perish the idea of you and your wife staying with your brother in the U.K. especially since your brothers wife and your wife already do not get along. Your wife has told you in not so many words that she is uncomfortable about doing so. Let sleeping dogs lie and find another solution. Your initial years as a young doc in the U.K. will be stressful enough talk less of adding home wahala. You can't leave your wife alone all day long in a "hostile environment" and expect things to work out fine. You will not like what this seemingly small issue can potentially become. Many people have said for you to go and get established first then she can join you. Have this discussion with your wife and let her know you understand her apprehension for staying at your brothers house and that this is an alternative. Does she know you are dissatisfied and/or frustrated with your current situation? Tell her and explain to her why you want to relocate.
It seems you haven't been married for long and could benefit from some marriage conflict resolution counseling. One piece of advice I can give you is to learn to pick your battles. Your wife and your brothers wife do not get along right now. Don't push to resolve the issues immediately. Time and distance combined could be a healer. Give it sometime and revisit at a more opprtuned time. Trying to deal with it at the same time as convincing her to relocate is not a good idea.
Have you considered moving to the U.S.? If making money is your ultimate goal, there is no better place to be for a physician.

And I am saying the government has no legal authority to bar the resumption of third or any term or online schooling for a private school. The goals of some of their curriculum are different like I stated earlier. Some of them do not even follow the term structure of government schools. It's a laughable idea.

EMEKUSBOY9:
Bro, firstly, i will thank u for reading my thread.

Secondly, i am not here to for any competition or award. Also i am not saying i am a " guru"

i left ivory coast 2 years now and believe i never thought about writing anything about my journey. ( that is too tell u i just do things... I like to be inspired or led)

I believe, i was led by God to write anything u see here on this thread to strengthen people faith with " my sweet memories "

Lastly i will not say everything i experience over there. and also i will not put some names on this thread, because u dnt know who is reading it.

I try to act like a messager, just preach the news u are sent too and not just what you want to hear.

Am sorry if my thread is not good for u or your quality u wanted it to be, but like i said am using my " sweet memories " to lift people who are down but not out!

This is my greatest joy than " front page" !

I believe I've said my bit. Take whatever you will from it. I am responding to you and not the echo chamber because I know you are trying to share your experience in Côte d'Ivoire. I stand by my feedback that it could do with a bit more detail. You can do so without divulging any personal info. Would it hurt to mention the name of the popular Nigerian restaurants? Street names? I have been to Yopougon where I am affiliated with the cocoa processing plant which is a financial sponsor for some soccer clubs. This is what has created my tangential interest in your thread. Good luck to you in your future endeavors.

EMEKUSBOY9:
Thank you brother, am not surprised because even "Jesus Christ " was criticized and hated.... So am not surprised because some
human beings are not satisfied.

Like i said from page one this is just " my Sweet memories" and not comparing ivory coast with anywhere in the world.

And i will be updating very soon for other people to be encouraged.

CONCLUSION - may be the guy want me to lie about my story

OP, I will respond to you because it's your thread. Constructive criticism should not be construed as hatred and should not be taken personally. You know that I don't know you from the next guy on the street so why should the concept of hatred come in? Take it for what it is and what its worth. There is a lot lacking ….details, descriptive information, perspectives, pictures which could speak a thousand words! Names of towns, street names, locations, names of restaurants, clubs you visited, names of churches and their locations. I would encourage you to re-read a few of the other contributions on this thread and compare and contrast. Perhaps I am just used to a higher level of output on Nairaland!

sidonlook:
You are very right..... what happens to their counterpart in public schools?

What about the children of the poor who do not have access to android phone and internet in towns and villages?

If those children in the village are are left behind, we will be creating another group of bandits in few years.
Let us support equality of all citizens in Nigeria.
Government needs to take action and if possible prosecute the private schools going against this instruction.

I think you are approaching this from a flawed perspective. What you are advocating is that all Nigerian citizens should be subjected to the same mediocre standard of education that the government provides. You want the government to handicap private schools so that they descend to the same archaic standards with the poor results we see in public schools, all in the name of equality? We should demand equal opportunity not equal outcomes. Why not demand that government provide decent facilities in public schools instead of trying to prevent private schools from providing same which parents are prepared to pay for, even after paying taxes to the government? I have news for you. The government does not have the legal authority to prevent private schools from conducting online instruction. This erroneous belief that the Nigerian government has the power to do anything is an unfortunate outcome of our poor educational system.

Unfortunately, the poor kids in the village without access to good education are already being left behind. Life for them is not fair, but the solution is not a "crabs in a bucket" approach. Many private schools are not teaching towards WAEC and JAMB. A lot of them are following the International Baccalaureate curriculum and also preparing their students for SAT. Govt cannot and should not get in the way of progress in their bid to cover up their failure.

Mizwisdom:
I've been hoping to read more constructive gist but all I'm getting is x rated talk. Apart from yash, sexx and women does Ivory coast have any other thing to offer? for instance is it an easy route to gain foreign scholarship? what about exchange programmes, Masters & PHD admissions? did you try to gain admission into a school over there or have you given up on education?

Congratulations on being the first to "Bell the Cat". I know I will be attacked, like you were, for stating a contrary opinion to what exists in the echo chamber, but the truth is that the "Emperor has no Clothes"! It takes a certain amount of skill to present a lot of words but actually say nothing . OP should not take this as negative criticism but a challenge to present useful information, facts, details, even pictures! A few people on here have presented more information in one fleeting post than the OP has done in 11 pages. Now excuse me while I don my fire retardant suit as the flaming begins.

Thanks for sharing your experience in India. Looks like you had a very interesting journey. But I'd advice that you be a bit more sensitive to other people's culture. You have used some pretty strong language like "disgusting" to describe some of the foods. This is certainly your own opinion, but know that you are coming with preconceived notions and expectations of what certain foods should look and taste like. This is only to say that you were raised eating your own regional cuisine and are used to it so would find other people's foods non conforming. So you shouldn't knock other people's cuisine. They like it just as much as you like yours. I bet they would find some of our local Nigerian dishes disgusting, but then we should still be respectful about it.

CollinsWeGlobe:
I dey work for farm from Monday to Thursday and travel from Friday to Monday.

I get paid 20 euro daily

bye

res ipsa loquitur!

I looked into living part time in Belize a few years ago to escape the hustle and bustle of corporate life. Its a great place to visit and vacation, not so much to earn a living within the economy. Simple requirements for a Belizean visa are proof of sufficient funds and a passport valid for at least three months beyond the date of arrival. At arrival, you will need a valid return ticket. US citizens, Canadians can stay in Belize for up to one month without a visa. After arrival, if you want to stay longer, you will need to go to the immigration dept for a one month visa extension which costs $25. Technically, you can renew your visa every month for up to 6 months, but I know expats who have been in the country for years and just renew every month. The rules are not enforced uniformly so you may have to leave the country after 6 months though.

To apply for permanent residency, you must live in Belize for 50 consecutive weeks. You will enter the country on a tourist visa and then renew your visa every 30 days until you reach 50 weeks. It can take a few years to receive approval. There is a retirement program (QRP) that is a much easier and quicker process that allows you obtain residency renewable every year with proof of $24k in funds per annum transferred to Belize. You must spend 1 month in Belize in a calendar year to remain eligible. Minimum age to qualify is 45 years old.

All this information is available online with a simple search

http://ins.gov.bz/index.php/visit-belize/belize-visa
http://ins.gov.bz/images/Oldforms/ResidenceRequirementsGuideENGLISH.PDF

browneyes7:
I dont know if I'm just lucky or something. I quite agree with you, it exhausting to travel with kids not to talk of having layover flights. I know KLM always give economy comforts to mothers lapping their babies less than 2years or the window seat and the aisle mothers with toddlers. I have been flying KLM with my child since birth, although the layover is not easy at all. So i would recommend a direct flight like BA but i cant tell if they consider mother's with infant.

Even though I don't travel with infants or toddlers anymore, I always avoid layovers. The possibility of something going wrong increases with a stopover. If your 1st leg gets delayed, you might miss your connecting flight and have to sit in the airport for hours. There is also the chance that your luggage may not make it onto the connecting flight even though you did. And flying in the winter time just drives up the odds exponentially.

busayochic:
Thanks... I really appreciate this

You're welcome

ifyalways:
@OP, I know you'd still go anyways and join the statistics of roaming Nigerians being currently dealt with by Ghana citizenry and authorities. I just wish you'd leave your child out of that suffering that you are about to embark on. . .
Make you no go Ghana with a child and come back mourning same child .Amen Sakawa boys and head hunters are on the prowl,online and offline

OP, I strongly advice that you heed this wise counsel, especially since you're a woman. You need to be properly prepared before you embark o this venture. Take a trip to Ghana, stay a couple weeks to get first hand knowledge. If possible, go with someone you know to help you do a proper unbiased evaluation of things. I shouldn't have to tell you this, but be very careful about linking up with people on any website. I am not saying that those who have offered help on here are not genuine, but there have been too many horror stories/negative experiences for anyone to even consider doing this. And if you decide to go, it may be expedient for you to leave your child behind with your mom or trusted relative, then come back for him/her when you are settled. ....who will look after your child while you do all the running around to get settled? Proceed with extreme caution... God helps those who help themselves!

In my opinion, your #1 consideration when traveling with an infant is to get a direct flight. Layovers are no fun when you have to take care of a cranky infant. The baby will be cranky during and after the flight .... cabin pressure and all that. I don't think KLM has direct flights from Nigerian to UK. Second is how old is your infant? If still at the age that he/she will be in your lap, you need the most comfortable seat you can get, implying first class/ business class or economy comfort if you can afford any of these options. If not, airlines tend to put mothers with imfants in the back of the plane to minimize disruptions and be near a restroom if they are not in a premium seat. But those seats are usually the most uncomfortable. I am not convinced that there is that much difference between the international airlines on that route. Pick any reliable one that has a direct flight and enjoy your trip as much as you can.

kakakii:
Lastly
Seychelles is over hyped when you compare with country like Kenya and Uganda but they made everything available at your convenience.

They Fvcking gave us club car to be cruising the whole Eden island, Who the fvck does that!!!

They are taking Hospitality serious here, I mean their livelihood depends on it.

I saw Seychelles and my heart ache for Uganda Mehn

For what it's worth, if we consider Seychelles for what it presents itself as.... a tourist destination, I really do not think it is over hyped. Imagine a tourist destination that makes everything available at your convenience, is safe, devoid of stress, beautiful beaches, exotic wildlife etc. Not much infrastructure but the little they have works well and is efficient. This is what tourists are paying big money for. We shouldn't think of it as a place to relocate to and settle down... absolutely not what it is and has never presented itself as such.
This is where Nigeria has missed it when it comes to developing tourism. People go to places that are different from where they reside or to places that the can see stuff they can't get in their own countries. For example, Nigerians flock to Dubai because of the tall buildings, affordable shopping, modern infrastructure etc. Americans are not attracted to that because that's their daily life. They vacation in the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, sane parts of Africa, Cuba (unofficially) etc.
We have lots of beautiful unspoiled tourist attractions in Nigeria that can be made tourist destinations/ resorts. Foreigners will come for the natural beauty even with limited infrastructure, but we need to fix the security situation first.

Lol, y'all are quite mistaken. Forest and water.. overhyped? That is exactly why tourists from developed nations go there and spend big bucks. They are not interested in tall buildings and big cities.
@Kakaki, you have the right attitude towards the immigration searches. For those in doubt, immigration has the right to search your phone. They have broad powers and can deny you entry if you refuse. In fact, they can deny you entry for no reason at all and your only recourse is to fight it when you land back in your own country, with very low probability of success. Even in the US, immigration is authorized to search the phones of citizens at the border without a warrant. If you refuse, you will be detained. However, they have to let you in. But then, it will be a very unpleasant experience for you and it will be on your record which will haunt you every time you pass through in the future.
Seychelles looks great. Would love to go but there are too many competing destinations closer to me to consider first. I wish I was independently wealthy and retired

EgunMogaji2:
You hit on some really great points. Different people in different age groups will have different outlooks. I can’t imagine me being anywhere else than Nigeria. I can hit most of Europe from Lagos in 6 hours. Africa is open for tourism. I’m planning on a road tour to Gambia in a few years. So me being back in Nigeria doesn’t mean I’m sitting on a rocking chair whistling Yankee Doodle

I’m here alone. Soon to be ex wife decided not to come back and I’m not into long distance relationship at my tender age. It’s a blessing as I can make moves here without complications or considering another’s point of view.

Many people are in our situation, the wife staying back in USA or Europe and the husband in Nigeria.

That's a strong statement o! As for me, I always have a slight case of depression anytime I stay for an extended period in Nigeria. I tend to have feelings of regret and nostalgia being that the Ibadan I left behind was better than what it is now.
I am thoroughly domesticated, thanks to my wife and kids so when they leave, I am not far behind. I give her major props because I was the definition of the Yoruba word "Ajegboro dagba'. In my younger days, I was all over town each day and every day. Now I am content to sit in my rocking chair all day whistling yankee doodle dandy

EgunMogaji2:
You're speaking the truth.

Let me preface what I'm about to say that anyone has a right to live where ever they want.

That being said, I take a slight offense at the constant blows being dealt to NIgeria and Nigerians that are left behind. Why don't people just go on with their life abroad? Why do they have to ridicule those that either choose to stay or unable to make the move?

A lot of us are coming back home. I came back home this year after being gone for 33 years. Nigeria, as you said, is a wonderful place to live in if you are structured. I could have retired anywhere in the world. But I prefer Nigeria and especially Ibadan. That I chose to move to Ibadan destabilized one frustrated oil monkey on here who said I moved backwards

Good Sir, like you, I have deep roots in Ibadan and have resided outside the country for decades. I agree that ibadan is a great place to retire after spending your productive earning years abroad, provided you have means to shuttle back and forth for healthcare and sanity reasons. You can live like a king even on social security alone that only affords a meager living in the US.
Living and working simultaneously in Nigeria is a very stressful proposition. I vowed never to do it again after working as an expat in a multinational.company in Lagos years after I had left. But kudos to you for going home to retire. May I ask if your spouse and kids are ther with you . Mine ran, did not look back after a one wek visit

I just spent a good chunk of my evening reading through the thread. Her licentious behavior is appalling to say the least, however, I want to focus on one of her immediate needs which I think is antenatal care. I believe Thorpido is in the medical profession so when he says she needs to resume antenatal care, I am inclined to take him seriously. Even at the risk of aiding and abetting a lackadaisical lifestyle, I am prepared to help pay for this because her unborn child bears no guilt in this messy situation. Jaybee3, can Tehn help facilitate the payment if I donate through the organization?

I've been away for a while and not fully cognizant of progres made. Wanted to drop a quick note to acknowledge all the work that TEHN has done. Thanks for moving things along. I know things have become even more dificult in Nigeria for the average person, but lets not give up hope. There is light at the end pof the tunnel.

Yes, thanks, I read it and responded after seeing your posting here. I'm still trying to figure out how this site works.

Glad that things are on track to better their lives. Being a stranger on this website to the entire process, I am grateful for a TeHN framework that is geared and ready to mobilize and get things done. None of this would be possible without them. Reading through past postings, I now realize just how much money, time and effort these volunteer angels are putting into the organization. For example, the field volunteers who willingly go out to visit the people in need, validate their situation and help implement the assistance. Also, those that receive the field reports and make decisions based on evidence from the field are invaluable. This singular action helps overcome the biggest obstacle facing people who are willing to help others that are not in their country of residence ….the fear of being scammed!

I need to give a shout out to those that are praying for this family. Some fervent effective prayers have been said on their behalf and it is bringing attention and action to the situation. Special mention to the “voice crying out from the rooftops” who would not be silent and continued to seek help on their behalf. I will not mention any monikers, but Y’all know who that is. Good looking out!

I'm hoping these intial amounts will begin to get her business back on track. Please use your best judgement (as you usually do ) in disbursing the funds, as sometimes, too much too soon can also be a problem. In order not to unduly burden the business too early and allow for re-invstment, please let her know that I will support (through TeHN), the payment of rent and school fees when they are due. Information on the due dates will be much appreciated. It would also be helpful to me, as I spread the word in my little area of influence, if you post progress reports on how the family is doing, to encourage others to help out and showcase what TeHN is doing. There are currently some silent interested folks watching.

I have not used PayPal in several years so token Initial amount was sent to make sure it's all good. Please confirm receipt.

Thanks to Jaybee3 and Dominue for your prompt responses and kind words. Also, many thanks to those who have contributed financially and offered advice. It is my intent to be personally invested in arresting this situation and therefore imperative that I get things going immediately. But please excuse my naivety, how do I get funds trasnferred to your NGN account? I attempted a Western Union transfer to the First Bank account listed in an earlier posting but was advised that transfers to a charity account will be rejected. It appears that a transfer will need to be made to an individual's account with a first and last name? Do either of you have any experience doing this? If a transfer is effected to a NGN bank account, does an individual need to show up to receive it? I am looking for a quick and easy way to do this. Please advice.

Strategizing for the immediate future, it appears the business needs some time to grow to a steady state before any significant amount of dividends are withdrawn. Profits will need to be re-invested for sometime and therefore she needs some other form of support in the interim. But something Dominque said caught my atention. "Due to poor sales, she's unable to put money away like before". Is the business no longer viable? Why are sales proceeds low? Should the money be set aside for something else she can do if this is the case? I have no knowledege of the market situation so will leave this to your best judgement.

Couple of other questions. When are the next payments for rent and school due? But please focus on adressing my transfer logistics question first. All others can be attended to later.
Thanks

It just breaks my heart to read about this dear lady's situation. These occurrences of severe financial difficulty are not uncommon in Nigeria and many parts of the world, and so lots of folks have become accustomed to, and sometimes immune to the heart rendering effects that they have on our persons. Having said this, I declare that the time to beg for food and rainment is over!

Mrs Akinlana; "Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your Heavenly Father feedeth them. Are Ye not much better than they?" God knows your needs before you ask! I have a couple simple requests of you. First, I want you (or your representative) to respond here (or send me a private message if you prefer) and ask for an amount that will help you re-establish your business in a manner that will comfortably support your family. I read in previous posts that you payed your house rent, fed your kids and sent them to private school from the proceeds of this business. Tell me what it would take to rekindle this venture. Do not be timid, ask with confidence. Your financial need does not make you any less of a person than anyone else. It does not please God to see his beloved beg for what he has already freely given!

Second, I recognize that folks who have advised you to transfer your kids to public school, or send one of them to live with someone else, only mean well, and like me, are seeking a permanent solution to your situation. However, I believe this is not the time to do this. I believe your family needs to stay together and support each other emotionally, especially since your husband is currently not in the picture. Your kids need your presence daily and the best education they can get to set them up for success. If you respond to my first request, you have a good shot at accomplishing this.

Finally, to put some context around my " crashing" this thread with my discombobulated thoughts; do not forget that this is an Internet forum visible to any interested party around the world. This is my first post on Nairaland. I joined with the express purpose of responding to this thread that is buried 2 or 3 pages into an obscure sub forum. Isn't it amazing how mountains are removed when God starts to move? There may be more interested parties that will start to move on your behalf once you get things going. Have no fear, God is with you.