blacksta:

As i said i earlier  - until we have other alternative ways of making money, political positions will be the desired route.  It is just to attractive.

That I belive is the root of the problem, it should be credible candidates sponsored to serve the nation.

Sky Blue:

I concur and perhaps that is part of the solution to free and fair elections in Nigeria.

That is what I said an Hour ago! you did not concur then did you?

Sky Blue:

The sad thing is that some of these points are quite obvious that suggesting them even seems patronising and self indulgent,

This is what I mean by a cheap shot, do you not think that saying the media should be responsible and installing CCTV is not obvious! Its pathetic!

The whole point is that the Nigerian government is corrupt you are asking for solutions that do not exist, Now I'll tell you what is sad, what is sad is that the election in 2011 will be rigged for fun and no amount of CCTV and tanks or other desperate measures can stop that!

Sky Blue:

The sad thing is that some of these points are quite obvious that suggesting them even seems patronising and self indulgent

Sorry, whats that about?

Sky Blue:

No need to worry about our discourse degenerating into petty arguments and fights, I don’t do such, don’t partake in such and exclude myself from such conversations. If you feel I am being defensive over the CCTV thing as opposed to simply elaborating what I meant as a response to a statement you made which felt generalised then there is nothing I can do about it. However, I presented a case of what I meant, highlighting that the issue of monitoring is a major facet to the “elections in Nigeria conundrum”.

With regards to what you might term a “petty shot”, I did read your post in its entirety and I was responding to not just the quote you used at the end but the rest of it. The poster was calling for Ideas of how to run elections, I was just pointing out that such seemed to be the focus of the thread and that the premise of citizenry development, participation, etc has been discussed en masse, I was simply making an observation, any problem with that?

@blacksta, your ideas are quite interesting however seem like factors to consider and develop for the long term. However, if you were asked to run the next elections then what steps would you deem necessary? It just seems like we have all accepted that the 2011 elections are doomed and we should be looking for fair elections for 2050, I however don’t buy that.

Yeah I've got a problem with that I said "Cheap shot" not “petty shot” - JOKE!
Since we have found some common ground, my point was although he wanted solutions I belive that such measures will always be sabotaged by corrupt leaders. some of my sggestions would be:

1. Hold a referendum on a vetting system for candidates

2. As you mentioned live streaming of the vote count; with any disruption to the transmission leading to the votes being recasted.

3. finger printing

4. International observers

5. A cap on campaign funds

Sky Blue:

That is why I brought the whole issue of the media playing a part and the fact that is CCTV means live streaming is possible and it is hence possible to catch images of people disconnecting cctvs before they do so. I don’t want to get into the whole technicality of it because this is not the intent of this thread however CCTVs aren’t just erected or thrown in any how, they are normally carefully networked so that things like successfully disconnecting cameras without your image being caught on camera and streamed to monitors are made more difficult than you might presume.

I don’t know whether it is necessary to inform people on here that they are the change or any of that, such rhetoric has been posted en masse on this forum already, yeah we know we are the change, etc. However what does being “the change” mean if we are not willing to work towards solutions to changing things or if we are not willing to work at all but rather sit in comfort knowing that “we are the change”? Such rhetoric isn’t new, it is like someone else coming to give another “the problem with Nigeria” speech as if we don’t know the problems. Correct me if I am wrong but the poster was looking for ideas.

I have not got time to bore people with rhetoric, you must not resort to cheap shots and get all defensive about my constructive comments otherwise we'll end up exemplifying the current problem. You mentioned cctv and I made a comment about it, if its petty why mention it at all? I emphasized the fact that the solution is more than tinkering. I have mentioned the change I am talking about twice, so the fact that you are asking: "what does being “the change” mean " shows you did not read my post in its entirety.

proudly9ja:

I know and have seen what our so called SUG leaders are doing in Universities all around Naija, but I also know and Ive seen within this so called corrupt system, students in departments holding free and fair elections. Within my department, I remember that our then president was begged by all even co aspirants to make sure he runs a second term but inspite of all the perks that come with political office, he refused and the only reason he gave was that he did not want to set a wrong precedence. He held a free and fair election and another person came on board.

The fact is that, there are credible people in Nigeria and I know that some day, the way Dora was made NAFDAC head, ElRufai made Abuja Minister, Fashola made Lagos State Governor, some day, some credible person will be made INEC Chairman. Someone who will be ready to put his life at stake just so that we hold a free and fair election. My question is, when that happens, what will be your suggestion?

Have'nt people been crying out for an overhaul all of the Universities in Nigeria because they have been taken over by cultists? All of a sudden universities are the solution.  You are contradicting yourself slightly because on the one hand you are saying a saviour is in the making then on the other hand you are saying has anybody got suggestions for the saviour.  Barrack Obama was elected because he had solutions, so that someone you suggested should have all of the solutions.

Sky Blue:

It is so easy for people to veer this topic into some introspection of the Nigerian psyche and state of the citizenry, etc. The topic is 'how can we hold credible elections?' so I don't know whether it calls for the same old analysis of "the people need to change" or "the people need to demand" rhetoric which although might suffice we have heard a thousand times. Elections at is basics is simply selection of leaders by the people. I am making an effort to explain because I was expecting a thread with postulated ideas (which we might all think obvious) on how to carry out elections which is credible and produces results that represent the voting and the will of the people, not another introspection on the state of the citizenry.

Someone raised an idea a while ago of re running elections for however long it takes for a particular state until people who are rigging get it into their heads that elections that are fraudulent will be rerun until fair elections are held. Some jested at the idea but I thought it held substance behind the thinking. A precedence has not yet been set in terms of free and fair elections (unless we are counting the abiola incident which was cancelled anyway) hence there is nothing to look back on to inspire confidence or build a foundation on, hence I agree with the poster who raised that suggestion to an extent. With all that is happening in Nigeria and the past history, I don't think it should matter if elections take two months to be completed as long as we get it right so that a foundation and culture of free and fair elections can begin to develop. I was an ardent supporter of cancelling the elections which brought Yar Adua into power partly because of the reason I just stated, we can't just say "next election will be better".

At the current state of Nigeria and with the past history of the country I was quite surprised at the duration of the presidential elections. If I was to run elections in Nigeria I would run it 3 states a day or some system like that, why? Because elections take resources and if we are serious about it and want free and fair elections it also means we have to concentrate on were elections are held and hence have more of a chance of protecting votes and fighting electoral malpractices. Imagine CCTV cameras in all polling stations coupled with security personnel or imagine live coverage of all polling stations in one state. Every single polling station would also count their results under camera monitoring (even if it is a process of one person showing people each deposited vote and putting it on some tally) and post results after elections.

There should be no “moving” or “transportation” of the ballots because it seems in Nigeria transportation of ballots always seems to be the section of the election process were things go “missing” en route to their destinations. The Media will have a part to play by reporting, every polling station simply submits their results which are posted, made known and collated. After three states or so are done simultaneously we know those states have been done, then other three states next day. The point I am trying to make is if it will take long election durations to get it right then why not? Or do we all prefer the alternative of more wasted years of crying electoral fraud and using it as an excuse for underdevelopment?

This is why the cycle continues, we are trying to build a house on a weak foundation. CCTV cameras can be disconnected or blocked then what? Use security guards to make sure the CCTVs are safe.  All these measures are because the people in charge are corrupt and will hold on to power no matter what, dose the government have to spend half of its yearly buget to ensure free and fair elections?

The solutions will have to be more than tinkering with a faulty corrupt system - unfortunately it will take a new generation to come and change things bottom up. How? well, Nigeria derives most of its revenue from oil so the government in power has an endless supply of funds to retain power.  Furthermore, the government can use legislation to solidify its position.  Things will change when Nigeria is able to tranform itself in to a secondary economy, atleast.  The new generation of entrepreneurs will have to find a solution to the power supply whether the state provides it or not and as a result the governments lion share of income will start to come from taxes.  This is the point where the new younger generation will replace the so called God-fathers with respectable, internationally renowned citizens who only sponsor politicians who can match there standards. Since most on this forum like to quote President Obama, I remember he said: 'You are the change'.

dammytosh:

@Linxon,
i wld av simply ignored ur post but i bliv in Proverbs 26:5.
i am posting from my PDA nd guess u shld nt expect me 2 type evrytin in full cos of d limitation of typing on d PAD.
"Your" not  "ur" , "have" not "av". It is funny dt u pretend 2 ignore d fact that this is not a formal forum nd there shld be liberty 2 express urself any au ur environment permits.
  Please next time, take me up on programming language nd not English language. U can post my latest errors on ur blog 2moro morn 4 all i care.
  I guess u need 2 work on ur i am d best mentality cos u are far frm being the best. No matter au good u feel u are, u av pple better than u nd no matter au poor u think i am, i av people poorer than i am. So we are both in d middle. 

I am posting from my laptop whilst playing sonic riders, dude!  Do not mistake confidence for arrogance, where did I mention I was the best? I am a professional software engineer and I run my own company, ,   I could start bragging but I will not, let bygones be bygones.

I think there needs to be less emphasis on the government and more on the real leaders!  for example what politician can make it in Nigeria without the funding from a wealthy individual?  The truth is the business men fund the politicians and the politicians promise them something in return, so the real leaders of Nigeria are the businessmen and the politicians take the blame ( and steal public funds).

We all know that the president could hold fair elections tommorow if he wanted to but he will not because no one gives up power willingly? If the new business class are ETHICAL they will fund ethical politicians and the change we crave will be realized.

redsun:

Horus,i duff my hat,you are always hitting reality.Most of our people live in a dream world.

Same thing men like Fela lived and died for,speaking to people with hardened deluded hearts,that never listen or learn.

I second that!

Moonstone:

I agree that Eyo festival is occultic to me ONLY because I'm a Christian.
Just because it is a part of our ancient tradition does not make it right. Killing twins was part of our tradition once upon a time. I hope they will at least keep it away from my streets and I won't judge them for what they are doing.

Killing twins? really?

Now I can see why Nigeria is Under developed!

dammytosh:

@Poster,

  i will advise that u just make a bold step and start from somewhere but with a very open mind. Understand the concept of being a programmer first b4 u confuse urself with the complexity of the BUZZ behind being a developer.
Learning programming language is like learning other languages like english. U start with the rudiments of alphabet, part of speech b4 u bother ur head with au 2 construct a sentence not 2 talk of au to write an essay. If u start ur learning of d language with au to write an essay u MIGHT BE FRUSTRATED out.
  So in a nut shell, strive to become a very good "CODER" first, u learn au to do things better everyday and with experience. But the good news is that if u learn with an open mind, learning other languages apart frm ur start up language is quite easy. The simple question u ask urself is "I know au to do it in X language, au is it done in Y language"
MY OPINION sha.
Best of Luck.

your not ur
you not u
before not b4

I would not take advice from someone who cannot spell!

Kobojunkie:

Programming is more than acquiring certificates and writing software that works. It is more than being able to copy code from online that works. So learning how to program so you can make money only makes you a “Cowboy coder”. There are millions of those out there and they cost companies money at the end of the day, than they actually make for these companies.

There are millions of “Cowboy coders” out there, if you want to become one of those, feel free to dwell on language and less on the underlying aspects of being a software engineer. If you however want to build for yourself a solid career, spend time on the main and you will not only get paid more but will enjoy a career that continues to grow, and remain relevant for longest.

like I told you before: YAWN times INFINITY

Ghenghis:

Hello Guys,

I think even without knowing it @clementcro original question of Java and .NET is on the mark,

That makes no sense at all!

Ghenghis:


Answer: Both platforms are very similar in concept (Virtual machine, Evolutionary compilation , ) , the class libraries are intuitively similar because many of the original developers of the .NET platform are form a Java background. Its noteworthy that Microsoft was an early and very eager member of the JCP before their fall-out with SUN.

Yes Oracle intends to buy SUN, however JAVA is free and would remain free!
The question is how Oracle would influence the JCP which would in turn influence the growth of Java. Its no big secret that IBM and Oracle have overtime, made much more money form Java than SUN. So free/open source does not mean un-commercial.

Whichever platform or language a beginner decides to choose is not so relevant, to be really techno-savvy in software solutions delivery you'd need far more than Java, C# or any other language can offer you, alone.

So to start, the problem is one of an embarrassment of rich tools and choices.

You have eclipse, netbeans, intelliJ etc. for Java
for .NET you have Visual studio .NET

I have to admit that java solutions are the most deployed on the planet(+mobile).
MS are the most deployed across computers.

Also i agree with everything @kobojunkie said,
I you cant decide, simply close your eyes and choose, its like choosing between a BENZ and BMW (both great)

Give advice to the original poster and stop waffling! Is java harder than C#? Thats the question, stop blurting out all you haved read from a leaflet on Java and give some practical advice!

I wanted to join this programming section to help those less fortunate than me and help, I have been there and done it all but it seems that some of you are bent on arguing for arguing sake.

how cute

how cute

abijawara:

Linxon, you have a point. Java seems to be the cheapest 'cos it is free.

But choosing a programming language to use for software development is more about the functionalities needed. Java and programming languages on the .NET platform all have their areas of strength. So that is a much more important determining factor rather than the price.

Now lets review the question asked shall we: Is Java Programming Harder Than Microsoft.net Programming? He is asking about the difficulty of using either language! The question had nothing to do with the capability of each language. To say the price is irrelevant is amusing. .Net is not for free, the LIMITED, SCALED DOWN visual studio express is free. Java uses Eclipse or Netbeans and the FULL Eclipse version is Completely free and open source. Lastly, people mistake programming for software engineering the two are not the same. Some think that if they can compile and run a program they are an expert so they conclude that its easy; one can draw an analogy with a footballer; if you can kick and control a ball dose that make you a good footballer? Naw!!!!! Its the thinking, fitness, and your natural GOD given attributes such as height, weight, speed,, So do not let any body fool you that to become a top programmer is easy.

a4extra:

please i have been working with .net for bout 2 years now,  and i guess its time for me to have ma MCTS and MCPD,  does anyone have any idea where i could get dumps,  so i could get familiar with the questions,  asp.net to be precise

Why do you want dumps? if you cheat it will devalue the certification, the questions are PRACTICAL rather than THEORETICAL.  There are so many people out there that can talk you to sleep about programming but when it comes down to the nitty gritty they canot code a "Hello world " program. I have an MCPD (C#) so I can tell you how to get one:

1.  The MS books are not enough, use the books as pointers to what you need to know and make MSDN your favourite destination
2.  Keep coding and practicing all the concepts you come across: Threading, Service Processing, and Application Domains, Serialization and I/O, collections etc
3.  Do an end of chapter assessment - its just a way to revise what you covered, if you have done step 1 you can skip the labs unless you are interested
4.  Finally buy Self Test software.  It has questions which are in the exact format as the exam and its a great lerning tool, it costs about £60 ($100) per exam.

Only when you have done these steps will you become a pro.  And finally the MCPD exam is very hard because there are not alot of study materials for it, this is because MS expects 'architects' with years of experience to take the exam not inexperienced students.

good luck.

solomonope:

pls hw can i prevent people from seeing my codes through ildasm.exe

Well, first of all are you an expert? The reason I ask this is not a personal attack but if you were you would not be asking this question and secondly badly written code is naturally Obfuscated. An Obfuscator can make your code hard to understand, reduce the compiled file size and even prevent decompilation. The good news is there is a free version but is VERY limited; Open Visual Studio, do not open any project at this point then go to Tools | Dotfuscator community edition and you are good to go. You do not have to register it by the way, then browse to your debug directory and select the apprpriate .exe file. For a tutorial:
http://forum.codecall.net/tutorials/6391-tutorial-visual-studio-2008-obfuscating-dotfuscator.html

The bad news is that the pro edition is the real deal and it cost thosands of £s!

good luck.

Well first of all what do you mean by .Net? .net is a framework to put it in plain english its a 'common language' that all MS programming languages speak.  So you could program in VB.net, C#, J# etc and as long as you are using the .net framework all these programs can talk to each other.

VB use to be seen as a joke - the easiest programming language in the world but VB.Net is apparently more object orientated and advanced. C# is basically 90% Java with a few subtle differences. J# forget it who uses that? You will have to look at job ads to see which one will secure employment, but at this point in time my bet would be Java because of the economic downturn, Java is FREE! plus you can also go into J2ME programming for mobile phones.  But a big word of caution Java is owned by Sun Microsystems and has now been bought by the Microsoft of Databases - Oracle.  So will Java be free in the future? its any ones guess.  And finally both c# and Java are hard to learn if you have done no programming before you will need atleast 18 months to get comfortable.  hope that helped.

blacksta:

To all java experts  - can somebody please define abstractation and encapulation in java with examples - Thanks

Abstraction and Encapsulation are quite similar and confusing when you start oops programming, but heres my explanation:

Abstraction means hiding the internal details and just exposing the ‘relevant’ functionality (i.e. the interface). For Example:-When you change the gear of your car, you know the gears will be changed without knowing how they are functioning internally. Now I have not coded in Java for about a year  but from the top of my head:

public interface GearBox
{
int gearOne();
int gearTwo();
int gearThree();
int gearFour();
int gearFive();
int reverse();
int neutral();
}

Encapsulation refers to the transparency of an object - information hiding. By hiding the information inside an object we prevent a client from making unauthorized modifications, why? it makes code more robust. For example:

public class NaijaCar extends Car implements GearBox
{
public NaijaCar() {  //init code here }

private double acceleration = 1.0;

//Now implement the interface

public int gearOne()
{
super.speed += acceleration;
}

public int gearTwo() {
super.speed += acceleration * 2.0;
}
//And so on for gear 2,3 and 4
public int gearFive()
{
super.speed += acceleration * 5.0;
}
public int reverse()
{
super.speed -= acceleration;
}
public int neutral()
{
super.speed = 0.0;
}
}

So you can see the Abstraction in the sense that users of NaijaCar use all mthe relevant gearbox methods without knowing the deatils of how each one works. some homework for you, where is the encapsulation in NaijaCar?

Bad:

Aim of the site is unclear; is it a blog? a forum?

The font is too small and the wrong color

The categories are not clear

There is no search facility

Good:

Quite quick  (although this could be down to a low usage rate)

Nice, neat, 'easy to maintain' design

Advice:  This strikes me as a site designed by a PROGRAMMER, and 9 out of 10 programmers make lousy designers.  I suggest you study web design or get a designer. Or on the other hand do what this site is doing - don't try to re-invent the wheel and get an out of the box solution like VBulletin.

Good luck!

blacksta:

We need to come together and be a force to reckon with . Forget bickering, tribalism, nepotism ,favoritism,  419, yahoo yahoo and rest of the madness. 

It can only happen when their is unity in our energy.

If you are serious about what you are talking about then lets do it I am ready!!

What ya'll Niggaz B tawlkin bout? JOKE!

I think its encouraging that an increasing number of people are starting to realize that the problem of Nigeria is not leadership alone - its the people!

8oracle:

@linxon,
You are a searcher for undiluted truth, Read the book (Mankind Search For God), this book is quite an espouse, published by Watchtower Bible&Tract Society. Distributed by Jehovah's Witnesses as a part of their worldwide bible educational work. Or visit their website www.watchtower.org

I can see where you are comming from but have you watched the videoes? And can you give answer to my questions?

Horus:

Due to the devastating effects of Arab and Caucasian Colonialism, most African’s both at home, and abroad, today suffer from what could be called a “Biblical Complex”. Which is because Caucasians have succeeded in making most of the world's darker peoples, with Negroes in particular, feel inadequate for not being part of the so-called Judo-Christian Biblical ancestry. When in actuality, African’s descend from Cultures which pre-date Judaism, Christianity & Islam by several Millions years. And whilst Judaism,Christianity & Islam may have all had their roots in Africa, whether we want to accept it or not, they are all safely in the hands of people who now regard Blacks as little more than their inferiors.

well said my brother, it seems that no one wants to answer these straight forward questions

Please let us learn and enlighten ourselves

Who were the parents of Adam and Eve?

Nigerian pray like there is no tommorow yet they are at the bottom of the pile globally, why?

Most of the ancient African religions are older than Christianity, and Christianity is older than Islam, therefore where did both come from?

For example before the Europeans came to Africa The Igbos believed in Chukwu (= “Chi Ukwo,” or “Great Chi”) and their alusi's, The Yorubas believed in Olorun Eledumare and the orisas so why have we dumped these and replaced them with Jesus a Jew and Muhammed an Arab? Our greatest intellectuals Wole Soyinka and Chinua Achebe will back me up on this one.

But my people I know we MUST love GOD but the question is how? In a European way?  in an Arab way? or in an African way?


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Religion is VERY IMPORTANT!!!!!! I love GOD and I know GOD loves me, like most Yoruba families my family was a mixture of Christians and Muslims so I know about both faiths.  I finished the WHOLE Quran at the age of 12 and I used to call muslim prayers (Invented by Africans).  I used to go to Sunday school in England and sang all the hyms from the bottom of my heart.  Religion = power, if we are following the religion of others we will always be powerless.  For example King Jaja of Opobo (Niger Delta), this man was INCREDIBLE! he was born and raised to be a slave like a chicken, but he said from day one that the white people were stupid to tell him he was ordained to be a slave.  Can you imagine? he had no education nothing, yet he could see that Christianity was being used to enslave him and his people.  He led a revolt as a youngster and went on to become a political and military strategist who ruled a prosperous Opobo kingdom for decades, he became so powerful he started to tax the British and French DURING THE SLAVE TRADE!

1 in 4 africans are Nigerian, anything we do will impact black people all over the world! We must think carefully about what we are worshipping.  Nigeria will only develop when we embrace the true beliefs of our ancestors who lived hundreds of years before the arrival of repackaged religions such as Christianity and Islam.  This is when we will all combine with respect, confidence and the strength to develop our nation and make the black race proud.

My approach is to deal with the history side of things first then the religion.  In fact it seems as if its spirituality.  Apart from reading many articles I have looked at Yoruba Heathenism, by the Right Rev. Bishop JAMES JOHNSON, and Astrological Geomancy in Africa, by Professor J. A. ABAYOMI COLE. – after a light read I , I was not impressed with the use of terms such as Idol worship and so on but I suppose a book about African religion written by a Reverend should be approached with caution.  You can read a short extract here:

http://www.sacred-texts.com/afr/mind/mind24.htm

The book I want next is:

The History of the Yorubas (Paperback) by Samuel Johnson (Author) First published in 1921, and cited on the Africa's Best 100 Books List.  Its about £60 but from the U.S its about £40.  Its obvious that this a book that has deliberatley been hidden from the masses! Why is the price so high? Why is it not stocked in most major book shops?

Samuel Johnson (1846-1901) was an Anglican priest and historian of the Yoruba. Born a recaptive 'Creole' in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Johnson claimed descent from Alaafin Abiodun of Oyo. He lived through the Yoruba wars periods so he must have a great insight.  The British tried to get rid of the book knowing that people armed with knowledge of their own history are no push overs; fortunately, after his death, his brother, Dr. Obadiah Johnson, re-compiled it from his notes and so in 1921 A History of the Yorubas from the Earliest Times to the Beginning of the British Protectorate was finally published. But what baffles me is the fact that he was an Anglican priest,

There are many other books but what I am trying to establish is which one is the most authoritative and of course its difficult to find the time to read all these sources.

KunleOshob:

@linxon
Could you state the books/articles or websites were learnt about IFA? i would like to do some research myself.

The man who appeared in the video Chief Atanda the Aare Alasa of Osogbo, Asiwaju Awo Agbaye, himself has a web page at:  http://www.hattaf.org/chiefatandabio.html

KunleOshob:

@linxon
Could you state the books/articles or websites were learnt about IFA? i would like to do some research myself.

Here are some good youtube videos:

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You can check out all the videos at: http://www.youtube.com/user/osunyemi

They are very interesting.

Its her way of telling you to find someone else nicely

$osisi:

could you at least read the thread before writing the names of the whole world here.
There's a difference
There are schools in the USA that award a Sc.D or D.Sc as a phD equivalent

_{hate it when people burst into a thread and respond without reading through it.}

Thats ridiculous! He has given names of genuine YORUBA D.sc holders, I can see thats hard for you to digest.

texazzpete:

To be honest, i think the OP's 'igbos are the best' agenda is every bit as divisive as other anti- igbo, anti-yoruba or anti-hausa threads.

Let's stop this habit of promoting one section or tribe above the other. Focus on just being Nigerian.


FYI, i fully expect to get flamed for this comment 

Yep! Another lousy attempt to paint Igbos as the most intelligent ethinic group - SAD 

wirinet:

@linxon
If Kobojunkie said a huge majority of the PHDs, Professors and advanced degree holders we have in that country obtained their degrees outside the shores of the country, he is not exactly too far from the truth, he only exaggerated a bit.

You have summed it up nicely - he misrepresentated the truth! What he would have, could have and should have said are an entire different matter.

wirinet:

@linxon
kobojunkie never said Nigeria has been independent for 49 years, he was asking what your comment on the Niger Delta has to do current situation in Nigeria and the trend of the last 40 years. ( although I feel a bit uncomfortable with kobojunkie's use of "that country" to designate his country of origin)

I think you should practice what you preach - READ MY POST PROPERLY! you are correct he did not say Nigeria has been independent for 49 years, he IMPLIED that Nigeria has been independent for 40 years, which was incorrect.  I never mentioned Niger Delta once, I said Niger + Area = Nigeria.

wirinet:

your assertion of " you are nowhere near my level" is totally uncalled for.

I beg to differ, irrational people do not deserve my time, he likes to go round in circles arguing for arguing's sake and unlike yourself he ignores valid points.  When we debate we learn, when we engage in meaningless waffling we simply waste time.

Kobojunkie:

Lol . . . I know what it is but the question is DOES IT APPLY IN THIS CASE? IF YES, WHY? HOW?

You're response makes no sense!

Kobojunkie:

But a huge majority of the PHDs, Professors and advanced degree holders we have in that country obtained their degrees outside the shores of the country? So now, only world renowned intellectuals can change the country? Ok, qualifications alone won’t cut it, what will? I mean we have qualified individuals, we have intellectuals and intelligent persons in and from that country but we keep finding ourselves in the same block, what exactly will do it, if all that and more has yet to solve our problem?

Where did you get your facts from? Most Phds and Professors from abroad? NO!

Kobojunkie:

Huh?? I am sorry, I am still spaced here as to why you keep adding this. So what if Britain ( according to you) saw/still sees Nigeria as a nice piece of land to extract resources from, what the heck has that to do with the current situation in that country and the trend of the last 40 years?

You damn well better be sorry boy  Nigeria has been independent for 49 years kid, not 40 years, go and read a few BASIC facts     In general your responses lack substance - you are nowhere near my level, so my future reply to you is YAWN x INFINITY

Kobojunkie:

OK, but all the resources and man power has yet to produce a formidable giant of Nigeria for decades now. I mean it is not as if these resources have not been there from the beginning; they did not just show up over night or something.  Just wanted to make sure we understood that, at least.
Of what essence is the above to this?
So, you believe that Nigerians, do not right now, know they can solve their problems by applying intellectual know how? Does that sound right to you? That all the professors and PHDS we have in that country have yet to figure out that the problems in that country can be solved this way?

By the way, you still have yet to explain the phrase “Sleeping Giant” and what context it could be applied to Nigeria. The verb “Sleeping” points to some form of inaction. Nigeria and Nigerians are wide awake and acting; only that most our actions are applied in a manner that continues to negatively affect our future in the world. So how can we be “Sleeping” when we are wide awake and depleting our resources?

You are obsessed with 'sleeping giant', and by the way do you know anything about literature?

1. 'Sleeping giant', is a a metphorical expression - OKAY, END OF STORY!

2. All the professors with Phds? We know how corrupt the educational system is in Nigeria, and what have these professors done internationally? How many Nigerian Universities are world renowned? Its not about qualifications alone, Richard Branson did not even do A-levels and Bill gates is a dropout, so is the founder of facebook, this did not stop them founding multi billion dollar empires did it?

3.  And you asked why I included the History lesson about Niger-Area, I did so because you need it! I emphasized thje point that your country is seen as a nice piece of land to extract resources and nothing more - a joke! Intellect is thinking outside the box, ouside of the Nigerian norms to reverse this disgracful trend, alright!