₦airaland Forum

Man, if I donate old clothes to goodwill or salvation army, you better believe that I will itemize it. I have learnt a lesson the hard way, some of the stuff, they turn around and sell it and the money goes into the organization. So, it's not as if most of these clothes will be handed to recipients for free. Maybe in some cases, but I will still itemize.

I prefer bungalow.

Is your friend ok? That's an insult for a non-relative to step in and offer to buy a coffin to the deceased's family. It's what family members do.

At the end of the year, folks who have been paying their tithes and contributing to charity usually get a report detailing their contributions for tax purposes. I even understand that there are some who view charity giving as an avenue to dodge the high taxes usually imposed on high income earners in America. So, in essence that defeats the underlying reason to donate to charity, which is to assist the underprivileged with no ulterior motives. But with regards to paying tithes and then filing taxes to claim part of it back from the government, is it acceptable in the eyes of God or not?

What do you think?

Yes she did, Yoji has provided some explanations like when the Holy Bible wrote in Matthew 1:25: "And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called His name JESUS.

Moreso, there are instances in the Holy Bible when certain folks are attributed as His siblings, not cousins like in Matthew 13:55, "Is not this the carpenter's Son? is not His mother called Mary? and His brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas"?

This is not the time to criticise, but time to cast aside sentiments and logic and help out. The casualties are more interested in survival in the meantime than hearing logic on what went wrong and how they can better themselves. It's like kicking a man when he is already down.

I attended one of their reunion in LA, 2003. Nice.

flekan:
How many ppl earn that much in Naija?

Not a lot, but I am just using that as an example to state the truth that minimum wage wont last you that long in the western world. In California, it's like 8 dollars and some cents which is like 250 a week. After paying your rent and food, you barely have enough left

You are way off base, Davidyland. Negative stereotypes or not, our help in one way or the other would help the masses and victims of natural calamity.

oyindaries:
i feel for this guy, trying for a visa of any country can be tasking,being refused is another hell hole, when d main purpose of travel is genuine. but then as to your question, if living abroad is Worth it. it all depends, how u look at it, everyone thinks going abroad is all about how to go and make money there.
1. it is okay to live abroad and still live on the minimum wage, it just means that your standard of living will be different from your friends who hold qualified jobs. living on the minimum wage in the UK, is far better than what some professionals earn in Nigeria. and for  one thing the only common jobs in Nigeria are in the banking sector , oil and gas, telecommunication apart from all this their is no job security, any thing can happen at any time, without notice.
but like i said it depends on each individual, what one wants and what qualification one has to achieve that aim. but then not as an illegal immigrant.

and please everyone answering to this thread, living in the UK on either a minimum wage or high earners. cleaners or accountant. the good thing is that they all earn an honest living, and they get by each day on whatever they earn. or are we all saying that we all have to be rich because we are Nigerians .Hands are not equal u know.

the problems with we nigerians is that we want to start walking before crawling. it is all in our head that when we go abroad we have to go and strike it rich.

I'd rather make 200k a month and live in Nigeria than to make 5.80 pounds and live in UK.

kvolander:
@TOPE2000

Are you trying to say you have not fallen victim of unsuccessful interviews ans assessment centres?

My dear friend, it's God's favour that sees one through. There are interviews where the white people may not just like your face.

For a guy who personally had over 30 interviews with absolutely no positive feedback, I wholeheartedly agree with you that your dream job can only be attained through the Grace of God. A year after I moved in, I applied for a job at a temp agency and wasnt getting any positive feedback from them. One day, I paid them a visit unannounced, and when the white guy saw me on the way, he bolted and hid. His coworker covered up that he did not come into work, but that was a lie, because I saw him. Anyway, thank God that's History.

kvolander:
Guy, I can't just stop laughing reading your post. You appear to have centred your mind on the short-term benefit in the UK. I don't know the kind of visa you are currently using to work but if you are temporary in any way (be it post study or HSMP); man, I'll advise you to get a job that will help you apply for extension when your current stay expires otherwise  .
The companies you have just mentioned are very much more likely not to apply for visa extension for you because of the new point-based system.
I hope you are aware of all the requirements. However, if you are working in a recognised professional industry, as a professional of coz, you can be sure that Home Office will grant you further leave to remain but on Tier 2. After the next 5 years, you then get your indefinite stay.

So guy, Wake up and stop talking of food and 3 square meals. Most Guys after professional jobs are more interested in the long term benefits.
Cheers.

Gbam. I am like, who would brag about getting 3 square meals free at work when that alone itself can hinder your professional growth or worse pigeonhole you into believing that these job is the best that I have had, hence complacency kicks in and you pride yourself on your 'achievement'

Busy_body:
You berra hold you job wella and don't quit before you find yourself exchanging your cosy home for leaving on one of those 45 footer buses you mentioned


Can you imagine, some Nigerians have it so bad here, they have to live in bus shelters and sleep on nightbuses from night to morning because they don't have a roof over their head When I hear stories like this and still see Naija's wanting to blow hundreds of thousands of Naira's to check out of Naija by all means, i just can't help shake my head


Thank God Eastern European's economy picked up and some of them went back home, cos they had already taking virtually all the jobs the illegals used to do to survive - Murtala Mohammed Airport would have been welcoming at least 500 planes from UK to Naija filled with returnees who couldn't hack it

Gbam. When I see people, like one guy posting a thread about his career in the hospitality field and the perks that comes with it: Free meals along with vacation in Scotland or something, while writing about people with good jobs working at council flats, I have to ask if he is for real? Abroad is not cut out for everybody. I still advise people not to abandon their good jobs back home to come to America and do menial jobs. It is not worth it and in the long run depresses you and forces you to question your motives in moving to America. Nigeria aint that bad if you are making good money. Just come abroad to refresh yourself and forget about picking up jobs at the council flats making 10 pounds an hour. Gosh, your mates are earning 7 million naira a year working in plush offices with nice perks and another fellow is bragging that he hasnt brought groceries in a while because of his job.

keyne:
unnecessary hype,

Absolutely. Some people wanna act like the rich white celebrities.

Sending out a press release to announce the break-up of one's marriage is plain tacky. Why do Nigerians like to copy white entertainers who indulge in this sort of publicity?

I think this guy is making up the story, for no man would willingly close his eyes for a moment while this travesty is about to occur.

While I was against it initially, I think I support it, because bride price cements the leadership role of the man in the family. But the guy who got away with 5k is extremely fortunate. In parts of Ibo culture, be prepared to pay an arm and a leg. How much is too much? As long as it does not bankrupt you.

sendtodeji:
@Poster

F[b]irst, invite the lecturer for lunch and have a man to man talk with him. Ask him if he will ever want such a bad thing to be done to his sister, wife or any other close female relation[/b]. If he is the unrepentant type, get proof of his activities.

If you cannot afford the spy gadgets, I can even send you some. Guys, which type will work best for this situation. The pen or the button-hole? People like that lecturer got to loose their job because they don't appreciate it. That will create opportunity for someone who appreciates the job to take over. A lot of washing and flushing needs to be done in our academic environments. Some people destroy other people's life just like that, all because they have one small power.

Dude, forget about inviting the pervert to lunch. Tackle the situation heads-on with a confrontation. Geez! Talk to the HOD, the VC and confront him. Be a man.

How can this be a problem to you? Deal with this problem as a man headson, confront the pervert, publicize the incident, talk to the vice chancellor, talk to the media, talk, threaten to deal with him. Haba, you are a man, and some pervert is trying to steal her away, and you are coming on board to complain instead of taking drastic actions?

hedges007:
Sometimes i feel irate about America sanctimony or hypocrisy. Richard Reid, The British shoe bomber convicted of trying to blow up a transatlantic flight in USA Dec 2001. I damn to ask, why is Britain or UK not black-listed? why did they treat the case in isolation? Why has UK enjoyed impunity? Some people said that, America Action of black-listing Nigeria as a Nation of concern in terms of Terrorism is inevitable but regretable, but why the double standard? They are always quick to point accusing fingers, and name calling, with jungle-justice while there are more criminals and terrorits and terrorits affiliated groups in Europe and America. Let them spare me all those bullshits jare. Jus 2 weeks ago, CHINA warned Britain it risks harming diplomatic relations between the two countries after Downing Street condemned the execution of Briton Akmal Shaikh for drug smuggling in China. But China never black-list UK, even though the suspect was executed.
We are far better off, we are not a terror to any nation and if we want to be a terrorist no nation can match us because we are the most intelligent black race in the world. Nigeria on a watch list, is a mistaken identity. I would rather walk with my shoulder high in accurate dignity in my home land, than subject my backside to in-human treatment of America bullshits. I keep wondering why some of us are jus left-eyed, We keep critisizing our Government and people with every opportunity we hav on any forum (especially online like this one). We keep lending hands and providing derogatory information indirectly about our people and Government to unscrupulous haters and intending enemies of our fatherland unconsciously. However, sometimes, some of us do make sense with our constructive critisms, but i do ask myself, how many countries dare wash their dirty linens outside like we always do?

Na true you talk, dem suppose blacklist Britain also

And if the 7 day ultimatum pass, wetin go happen? Our senators go come whup America with koboko, right?

SmashingM:
My brother passionup, God has done us great. Glory to his name forever and ever. Amen.

God is Wonderful. May Praises be unto His Holy Name in the Highest, Amen

Shady Deal:
I really pity Dele. He claims to love MKO, but eulogises Maryam Babangida. Such a huge hypocrite. Good riddance.

Has he really eulogized Maryam Babangida? Is it in his magazine? Man, that guy is not to be trusted. Wonder what Abiola's kids think of him.

MAYOWAAK:
FAJ CURRENTLY OWNS THE TREASURE MAGAZINE,A SOFT SELL PUBLICATION.

Thanks.

I read Tell Magazine from time to time and I am impressed by its quality. Newswatch magazine, one a favorite in the media in the 80's is a shadow of its former self.

mbulela:
Fame was jointly owned by 3 softsell journalists;FAJ, Kunle Bakare (the present owner of Econmium) and Mayor Akinpelu (owner of Global Excellence).The financial muscle behind the project was some rich yoruba man (the name escapes my memory at present).
The trio as joint owners was a suggestion floated by MEE and Dele Momodu did the leg work of talking the three into it (as their was a bit of sceptism on the part of some of the trio).
FAJ was the best music come entertainment journalist that graced the Nigerian showbiz industry.
The guy was knowledgeable, opinionated and thorough.
There has never been anyone close to his standards ever since he left the scene.

So, what is FAJ upto now? I remember another 'soft-sell' magazine, Today's choice, then there was Prime People and Vintage People magazine. Those were the 2 competitive junk magazines in the late 80's.

mbulela:
Yeah i knew about his stint in Classique but it was during his pendulum column in FAME that i began to follow him closely (and his links with the establishment and subsequent demise of FAME)

Wao, you must have been current with the Nigerian media, knew a little about Fame magazine back on campus when it was popular. I think the editor or the co-owner of the magazine was FAJ. Remember him? Never knew that the magazine is out of circulation. One of my favorites was Quality magazine.

That Obu is regarded as the spiritual head of the universe should tell you what he really is.

mbulela:
My issue with Dele has a long history.
Long before Ovation, Dele was writing for FAME magazine (when FAME was sold for 3 Naira).He had 3/4 of the back page to himself and he was a fervent june 12 vanguard.i followed his methamorphosis closely as Ovation unfolded with people like Ike Okonta and RMD as guest columnists.
Whether he hangs out with the IBB family or marries one of Abacha's daughters is inconsequential.
The crust of the matter is that he is a sell out and has no write to prescribe a solution to a problem that he was and still is an accomplice to.
simple.

Oh yeah? I know for a fact that prior to his stint at fame magazine, he was the editor of Classique magazine (founded by the Late May Ellen Ezekiel). And while he was an ardent supporter of June 12, I was just shocked to read or hear something that he was snapping and publicizing pictures of Babangida and his cronies his magazine, Ovation. I care less for that man. He once bragged that the money he was making as an employee of one of Abiola's company (I think) wasnt it a bread factory was greater than his position as an editor at Classique magazine. That man sef!

http://www.nigeriavillagesquare.com/articles/akinola-ma/dele-momoduwhere-is-eratus-akingbola.html

Read the above article about Dele Momodu.

I dont think he would be missed. He comes off as a sycophant.

Busybody

US Scanners Went Unused at Nigeria Airport

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By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: December 31, 2009

Filed at 3:32 p.m. ET

LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) -- The U.S. gave Nigeria four full-body scanners for its international airports in 2008 to detect explosives and drugs, but none were used on the man suspected trying to blow up a Detroit-bound flight, Nigerian officials say.

Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, tracked by cameras through the security check, only went through a metal detector and had his bag X-rayed when he arrived at Nigeria's busiest airport to start his journey, the officials say.

The Soter RS scanners delivers 3-D images that would have shown something hidden under clothing. But a spokesman for the anti-drug agency, which operates the Nigerian machines, told The Associated Press that the one at Lagos airport is used sporadically and only on potential narcotics smugglers.

After clearing security at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Abdulmutallab flew to Amsterdam, boarded Northwest Airlines Flight 253, and allegedly lit an explosive device hidden in his underpants as the plane approached Detroit on Christmas Day.

Even word of the scanners' presence in Nigeria's four main airports apparently hasn't reached top officials, including one responsible for airline safety.

Harold Demuren, the head of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, told reporters Wednesday that his government would buy 3-D full-body scanners for the airports, and insisted there were currently none there.

But on Thursday, Ofoyeju Mitchell of Nigeria's National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, told the AP that one of the machines sits in a room near the security checkpoint in Lagos' often chaotic international airport.

He said they aren't used on every passenger. Instead, drug agents select frequent flyers, travelers heading to and from drug shipment points, and people who seem deceptive or under stress. Nigeria is a major transit point for Afghan heroin and South American cocaine.

''The frequency of checks is determined by the risk level of our assessment , (and) reasonable cause for suspicion,'' Mitchell said.

Such limited use is not what the U.S. State Department intended when it gave Nigeria the scanners.

According to an April 30 U.S. State Department report, the scanners were installed in March, May and June of 2008 ''to detect explosives and drugs on passengers.''

The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria would not comment on the use of the scanners.

Reuben Abati, a columnist at Nigeria's Guardian newspaper, highlighted a different risk factor -- a culture of graft and favoritism that allows VIPs to bypass screening.

''Big men and their wives and children are often piloted through security,'' Abati wrote. ''They could go straight to the tarmac to board the aircraft, depending on the scope of their influence. With the power of cash, anything can be taken onto an aircraft in Nigeria.''

Abdulmutallab's father is a prominent banker. However, Demuren and the country's Information Minister have said Abdulmutallab did go through a metal detector and had his bag X-rayed, citing security camera footage which they refuse to release.

Sam Adurogboye, a spokesman for the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, did not deny that some passengers have been allowed to breeze past security checkpoints.

''It is possible in the past that people may have gone above the law,'' he said. However, he insisted that new rules and their strict enforcement would prevent such practices from recurring.

Passengers can fly directly from this West African city to Europe and the United States. The most recent available statistics say some 2.1 million international travelers passed through the airport in 2006.

In new information released Thursday, Information Minister Dora Akunyili said Abdulmutallab flew into Lagos from Accra, Ghana on Christmas Eve and ''spent less than 30 minutes'' in the airport before catching the flight to Amsterdam.

Nigerian officials had said earlier that his round-trip ticket was bought in Accra for $2,831 in cash on Dec. 16. Akunyili's statement did not say how he spent the rest of the week before flying to Lagos.

Abdulmutallab raised no alarms as he boarded the flight to Amsterdam. He also underwent a second set of searches in Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport that turned up nothing.

Schiphol has 15 scanners, but the U.S. has discouraged their routine use on privacy grounds. Dutch authorities say Abdulmutallab raised no suspicions that would require a scan.

Demuren, the civil aviation chief, said scanners Nigeria will buy are ''very new machines'' used in few airports worldwide. ''Nigeria is determined to acquire these,'' he said.

He referred further questions to the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, the agency that oversees airport construction and maintenance. An agency spokesman could not be reached for comment Thursday.

Since the attempted bombing, the police presence at the Lagos airport has noticeably increased, with officers cradling weathered assault rifles both inside and outside the terminal. Airline officials also are making a point of going through every bag presented to them at check-in.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/12/31/world/AP-AF-Airliner-Attack-Lagos-Airport.html