₦airaland Forum

PhysicsQED: When has Boko haram complained extensively about economic deprivation and poor government?

Is it so inconceivable that some people are brainwashed, blind, deluded, and motivated by just pure evil? It's not exactly something that has never happened before in the world.

One might as well claim that 911 and al qaeda were brought about by frustration with the US's heavy support of Israel and "poor" US foreign policy in the middle east and that therefore US support of Israel is the "real issue". Of course, a US government would never see things that way - they would explain to you that the terrorists are fundamentalists driven by evil and hatred (which they are) and continue with their current foreign policy.

[size=15pt]Nigeria has had bad government and economic frustration/deprivation for the last 30 years.[/size]

Boko Haram has simply found a fertile recruiting ground in the deprived North. Their struggle is not about economic or religious equality. Boko Haram is a wicked group of zealots hell bent on destabilizing this country. Why? I have no clue.

Sadly, poverty & illiteracy in the core North is helping their cause. It's easier to convince young hungry, uneducated souls to die for nothing. The use of suicide bombers and IEDs are tools borrowed from Al-Queada.

Kobojunkie: I think the population of Lagos shot through the roof after the Capital was moved to Abuja, not before.

And this coincided with the increased economic hardship resulting from Babangida's SAP. The irony is that the capital was moved to Abuja to relieve congestion in Lagos

"Boko Haram capitalised on popular frustrations with the nation’s leaders, poor government, ineffective service delivery, and dismal living conditions for many northerners".

What is so difficult to understand about this statement? BH took advantage of the abject poverty in Northern Nigeria to advance their cause. With over 11 million kids out of school northern Nigeria is indeed a breeding ground for terrorism. BH is simply using Islam to make recruiting much easier.

Terrorist organisations always thrive in chaotic societies where the leaders have failed to respond to the yearnings of the masses. Read your history book and you'll understand this. Don't just disagree for the sake of it.

What are four grown up children still doing in the house? The dire economic situation is definitely creating unforeseen social problems in our country. Sadly, in Nigeria we have men of 30yrs still living in their father's house.

If only one or two of the children were financially independent they could have supported the mo andm cut off the useless dad completely from their lives. The dad is a very selfish man and the best way to deal with him is to ignore him. Let him enjoy his "small wife". I bet you in couple of years the girl will get bored and leave him alone.

Rossikk: Dude, stop talking crap. Obviously the so called stiffer tax laws are not enough to dent the gains, and are the opportunity cost of higher profits occasioned by a shortage of traders and a large market there. Hence the attraction to Nigerian traders. What other conditions are you on about that would make Nigerian traders work in Accra if not for higher profits? Don't give me that trash that a trader would leave the supposed high profits in Nigeria to work in Ghana merely because of stuff like ''reliable power'' and ''security'' and other so called ''better conditions'' etc. Those are upper middle class concerns for large companies and factories, not small time traders. The fact is Nigerian (read Igbo) traders go to Ghana for the very same reason they go to Sokoto and Maiduguri - ie large numbers of people requiring their products and low competition from other traders. END OF STORY.

Well Ghana has become an attractive alternative because of the deteriorating business environment in Nigeria. Why is that? The bad state of infrastructure in Nigeria means cost of production is relatively higher than Ghana. If Nigeria was more vibrant and working who needs Ghana. This is the sad reality of our nation. Nigeria should be feeding Ghana' if only...

The Chinese and Indians are in Nigeria because they see an oil rich, highly populated country with vast opportunities. They're only here to plunder our resources and move on. Paeriod

So it all boils than to our visionless leaders that have reduced Nigeria to a beggar state. Imagine Ghana! Ghananians that were chased out from Nigeria. Men we got what we deserve!

I apologize for my previous snide remarks. Still, there are lots of Nigerians abroad doing well in technology, business, health & science careers. Yes, the job market in the EU & North America is very tough right now

Moving back to Nigeria is definitely an option but not for everyone.

nagoma: Brother Occam, I am not drunk. I just hate to see my people being insulted and tormented. This young man can make it Nigeria, and if my rarther harsh language will make him leave that country and make a decent living free of abuse elsewhere (preferably in Nigeria) then it's worth it. I don't mean to be nasty. Before I concluded my study in that country, I had my air ticket ready and did not add another week. i have no regrets despite the situation in nigeria.I need both money and liberty but , I would take less money and more liberty. I will never tolerate servitude.

4 years. Any age younger it's still day care.

@ nagoma Seriously! are you on your 10th bottle? This isn't a Mama Calabar joint or beer parlor discussion

nagoma: I thought you guys wash dishes and dead bodies - You dont need british accent to do that.

Perhaps they all have dish warshers now and all the bodies are cremated!

Hard luck , you may have to return and build your own country from the scratch.

Fhemmmy: Both ride are really nice and reliable. . . gas efficient, cheap to take care of, easily availability of Parts and labour in Nigeria . . . . . The most important thing is how you maintain them.

Your comments says it all. Maintenance is key. end of discussion!

why is the Honnda called end of discussion?

Beaf: Farouk did not report to the police, rather the police became interested after one of his now famous "saint Farouk" interviews, during which he told the Nation news that he and his committee were basically holy men who were dodging bribes and pressure, left right and centre.

Maybe he was indeed under pressure from Otedola and others to strike out their names. who knows. But why was Otedola trying to play Inspector Clouseau? Why not refuse to pay any extortion money and tell them to go ahead and publish the report. I believe he has the deep pocket to fight them in court. Why take part in a sham sting operation? Any smart defence lawyer will ensure the video of that sting operation is never played in court.

Both Otedola & Farouk's are lying. Their stories does not pass the smell test. Both trying to muddle the water and cover up their misdeeds.

Sadly, the report has now become discredited and Nigerians will never know the truth about corruption in the oil subsidy regime. We're back to square one!

Bontee: Industrialisation Holds Key To Unlocking Nigeria’s Wealth - Aganga


“The Industrial Revolution will strategically position and empower the nation’s manufacturing sector as the key driver of economic growth through job creation and increased contribution to Gross Domestic Product,” the minister said. Big grammar


He said that the nation’s Industrial Revolution Plan would be based on areas where the country had comparative and competitive advantage, adding that the government had embarked on far-reaching reforms aimed improving the business climate and making Nigeria the preferred investment hub in Africa and globally. Again, Big grammar


Aganga said that his ministry had already mandated the Standards Organisation of Nigeria to step up the war against fake and sub-standard products in order to protect local industries and enhance their capacity utlilisation.

“We are working towards reducing fake and sub-standard goods from about 80 per cent to 30 per cent working with SON. And because we have so many fake and substandard goods, the cost of producing goods in the country is more expensive than those cheap sub-standard products that are brought into this country. We are going to take drastic actions with respect to tackling this problem,” he said. Always working towards yet result is negative

Nnaji said, “The Federal Government is committed to the implementation of the Power Sector Reforms Programme, which is aimed at providing sustainable uninterrupted power supply to meet domestic and industrial demand. Part of the ongoing reforms is the implementation of a cost-reflective tariff structure that will open up the sector to attract more local and Foreign Direct Investment. We've heard this so many times

He added, “For example, we have concluded plans to move power about 1,000MW from the two power plants at Olurunsogo to Shagamu. This is because we have identified power as very critical to Nigeria’s Industrial Revolution Plan. Part of the problem militating against investment in the power sector is that we operate a non-cost reflective tariff structure. Currently, power producers owe gas producers about N24bn due to our non-cost reflective tariff. More plans! when are we getting results

“While we intend to address this problem, we also have plans to provide adequate incentives to rural dwellers through the new tariff regime. What we want to achieve in this country is to have a power sector that is robust to deliver sustainable uninterrupted power supply to drive the Industrial Revolution that is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Trade and Investment.” Still in planning phase or just talking about the problem

The Minister of Trade and Investment also signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a N155bn ($1bn) investment with Glencore. The proposed areas of investment include mining, energy and infrastructure. Another MOU?


http://businessdayonline.com/NG/index.php/markets/companies-and-market/37792-industrialisation-holds-key-to-unlocking-nigerias-wealth-aganga

Until we see light, this is all just conference speech. Even my grandma in Ijebu knows electricity will drive economic growth. I guess it's a slow new day

Gbawe: Oga mi, what shows you are talking to a certified lunatic more than this ignorant rant

I mentioned it earlier that this madman is not well-adjusted and is actually fighting some sense of rejection. We see undoubted proof here.

Even when I arrived in the UK , as a teenager, slightly over two decades ago, London was already a hub of sublime cosmopolitan clubbing experience. The clubs in the West end back then , as long as R and B united folks, featured all skin colours. It was more about the music and adherrents of the music came from every race. In the West End Slap Harrys was one of the pioneering cosmopolitan joints back then and Bar Rumba that went on for many years. There were so many clubs as well where black, white and green coexisted happily.

Gradually drum and base, garage and jungle came in and clubs went 'hybrid' with multi-rooms feature different sound. Hannover Grand in the West end was another cosmopolitan Shack. There was then the "twice as nice" events and Southport weekenders backed by the likes of Trevor Nelson. It was a great time when folks were united by the music that was not birthed on x-factor. There were simply too many joints where black and white mingled freely. In fact I remember , on my first visit to the USA , thinking how 'backward' New York was in 2001 because segregation and racial tension was so scarily palpable.

For anyone to say what Cap28 says , today, is just complete confirmation of lunacy. I make bold to say there is no London club today a black man cannot go into unless it is completely underground and not advertised i.e no banner outside and invites is by word of mouth alone. Any club openly discriminating, in these days of camera phone recording, will be shut down within hours same as how the racist idiot who too to twitter to racially mock Muamba , the footballer who had heart failure on the pitch, was arrested and jailed quickly. His life is now in tatters. The white trash lady, pasted on youtube, mouthing racist obscenity against others was promptly arraigned in Court. That is how the UK is these day so , even the most hardcore racists have to be 'underground' and very clever with their antics. Even the ultra-exclusive members clubs and hang-outs for rich City lads and footballers, like the Wellington Clubs, have ordinary Pretty hairdresser black girls , the 'toys' of some rich 'ballers', as members let alone all the rich black folks and Arabs enjoying the Capital.

No Club, however powerful, can get away with segregating anyone openly these days. Sadly Cap28 does not get 'updates' in the bunker he locked himself in since 1945. It just suits him , as a deranged hateful creature, to rant as if he is in 1940 Tennessee. This is why he cannot, till now, say anything about himself. There is nothing to reveal. He has spent the last 20 years holed up in a dingy and filthy room. Sad bstard. I still can't believe the fool made that insane comment above about black folks hanging out in Naija joints because they are segregated. Abeg, bros free this madman. you know the score. He is too far gone and an example of the lunatic Soldier still in the bush in 1990, 'fighting', when the war ended in 1945.

Holy smoke! you really were into the London SOHO/West end club scene. When I lived in the U.K., Slap Harris was the place for Sunday nights. Bar Rummba too was great. There was this other place on Shaftsebury Ave or Piccadilly can't recall anymore

My buddy (Nick) & I did some... no need to say spill stuff here

shymmex: You need to force it on him to understand he's Nigerian - there is no point making your kid grow up with a false identity, only to find out later in life that racism still exist on this planet.

It's choice not false identity. Cultural affiliation is more powerful than tribalism. Kids will have greater affinity with where they were born and raised over their parents' country of origin. I grew up in Lagos and Nigeria will always be my home, regardless.

Race is a different ball game so no need to bring that up.

shymmex: Sitting on my bed, as I inhale, and exhale my cigarette smoke - I reminisce how I used to view Nigerians as the same people. I was never raised to believe my tribe was superior to my “bredrin’s” tribe. We were all raised as Nigerians first before anything – and we all used to verbally defend Nigeria against our Ghanaian peers – and fist fight our Caribbean peers. That seems like a long time ago now – because tribalism is now rife among Nigerians in diaspora, and on the virtual World Wide Web. It seems we were all young back then, and we were living in denial – and probably tribalists on the inside, but Nigerian on outside.

I noticed every time I chat to my friends now (most of whom have never been to Nigeria) – they are always quick to point out their tribes. My Igbo friend told me the other day, that his sister got married to one of ‘my people’. I was shocked when he said one of ‘my people’ – and I asked him what he meant by that. He then explained to me that his sister got married to a Yoruba guy. My Urhobo/Edo friend has now imbibed the habit of always reminding that “those are your people” every time there are Yoruba names on TV. To be honest, I’m not comfortable with this new trend. It seems everyone in the diaspora has now been infected the tribal consciousness virus. We never used to be like this – we used to be proud Nigerians back in the days – when we used go to African parties, and jam to Sir Shina Peters and King Sunny Ade together as Nigerians. Where did it go wrong?

Today, I went on youtube to check SBTV (a UK urban music video channel on youtube) – and I saw an acoustic performance by the great Nigerian singer, Nneka. As I scrolled down to read some of the comments under the video – I noticed some youths posted comments like: “she is Igbo, that’s my tribe”, “big up Igbo, Igbo for life”, “repping Igbo hard” etc. I was baffled because this is a music video channel visited by mostly youths raised in the UK – and I was expecting the Nigerians on there to big up, Naija – and not their tribes. This new trend of tribal consciousness is becoming problematic, and we need to put it in check before it consumes us all – and destroy our future generations.

We’re all still Nigerians, pending our disintegration – which is not happening in the foreseeable future. The older folks among us need to stop promoting tribal sentiments – and start raising their kids as Nigerians. The Nigerian diaspora is already divided along class, and country of residence lines – we shouldn’t divide further – what’s already divided.

I know Nigeria is in a sorry state – but we don’t need to write the country off. I believe in the population, and the diversity Nigeria brings. I believe in the Nigerian people. If china can go from being a hellhole, to being a superpower – I believe Nigeria can also do the same. Nigerians are a unique group of people, bond together by the Confluence of Niger & Benue River – and we shouldn't break the natural confluence, which binds us together. Nigeria is Africa – and the future of Africa depends on Nigeria. If Nigeria can rise to its full potentials – I believe Africa definitely has an opportunity to turn the tide – but if Nigeria fails, Africa is going to be exploited forever.

Nigeria is Europe’s mistake – but a blessing to mama Africa. The future of the black race depends on us – we can’t let our race down.

N/B: Some may want to claim that I'm also a tribalist - but the truth is that I was infected with the bug on NL, and I have since rid myself off the silly bug.

Don't expect anything to change. Tribal affiliation defines a typical Nigerian. Igbos and Yorubas are the main culprits; Hausas and other tribes to a lesser extent.

When you meet a Nigerian on the street the first question he/she asks is "Where are you from?" even before asking for your name. I find that very annoying. And if you say Yoruba then are you Ekiti, Ijebu, Ijesha etc; and if you say Ijebu, is it Ikenne, Shagamu etc. We seem to have this desire to trace people to their roots the first time we meet rather than knowing them.

I'm always taking aback by the deep tribal animosity. It's not only on this forum; its anywhere we gather as Nigerians.

On the bolded: My 7 yr old son prefers to be a Canadian not Nigerian, even tough he understands Yoruba and loves egusi & vegetable soup with iyan. And even believes his Yoruba name is great. Go figure! Pains me he feels this way, but I'm sure he'll come around to accepting Nigeria. If not, what the heck? can't force it on him.

werepeLeri: LOL.

So many funny people in here.

@Lightheart - you are right - I am still in Year 1 studying Surveying. Effing Rookie - whats your own? Effing eediot? What do you know? My parents are already proud of me- worry about yourself. People like you are so daft to use words that only describe yourself.

Poster. - There is no battle to fight. Your use of words in the article says it all - you have a grouse with Surveyors, Quack, Fake or Registered. You portrayed Surveyors - Fake, Quack or Registered - you portrayed them all as scammers.

So if a Surveyor comes to you - or you go to one- you will be asking him for his credentials? That's what you want your readers to do - is that how people ask for your credentials before they engage you in your legal practice? Yes, there are Quack Surveyors, the profession knows about them, but then, how do you define a quack? Because he hasnt stepped a University? So he is a scammer because he is not registered? Or because he is an OND/HND graduate who is not registered yet - automatically, by your "expose" - you should not deal with him? LOL

If a Surveyor is resides in Lagos and has an office in Ogun - it is allowed, if "quacks" do the work in Ogun and take to him to sign - there is nothing wrong with that.


What is the meaning of the statement below?

""""most of them have the software of Coordinates of the whole Lagos on their computers and they do the mapping there, they will just compare the coordinates with the ones on their system and forget that since it’s a software, its being upgraded everyday. """" I never know Softwares get upgraded "daily"

For those who has the brain enough to think - NOT EVERY "QUACK" SURVEYOR OUT THERE IS OUT TO SCAM YOU. NOT EVERY SO CALLED QUACK SURVEYOR HAS THE CHARACTERISTICS AS DESCRIBED.

Oh you're still in University and can tell us that the write up is inaccurate? Why don't you graduate first, work for 2 - 3 yrs and give us your own tips.

The OP is making us aware of potential pitfalls in the land buying process. Nothing wrong with that. Also he clearly stated it's fraudulent surveyors not all surveyors.

Abeg we're all here to learn. Buying land in Lagos is like crossing a shark infested water. One of the most stressful exercise. You have to watch out for Omoniles, fraudulent lawyers, surveyors and even sellers. So we want to learn

You can enrich this discussion by clarifying these:
- you said a Beacon is not a stone' so what's it?
- Why should I accept a backdated plan?

Beaf: Exactly! Carcinogens spiced and flavoured with e koli and typhus from faecal remains clinging to hands unwashed after a bend down over the nearest secluded drain.

A Nigerian med professional asserted that people have developed immunity against germs, so this practice is not a big deal as I claimed. I simply smiled and walked away; wasn't in the mood to argue. Lack of right information underscores the serious health challenge in Nigeria

Let me say it: A lot of Nigerians are dying as result of poor hygienic practices like cooking red meat over open sewers, not washing your hands after using the washroom etc. The average life expectancy is under 52. Juju, voodoo or curses are not the causes of deaths.

Nebeuwa: You totally missed the point in your post. Read through the thread, and then you may find it.

I read some other opinions and people are only sticking to preconceived notions and trying to argue

Do you have facts or numbers to support some of your assertions? For example, what is the relative number of crimes committed by Nigerians living/born in London vs those in New York?

And then you say this: "Another hypothesis that I have is that there are more opportunities for Nigerians born in the United States than Nigerians born in the United Kingdom" Based on what? Its a very vague statement that doesn't tell us much.

Nebeuwa: There seems to be a wave of criminality that is impacting some British of Nigerian descent. Everyday, we hear news of another young Nigerian either committing a crime, or being the victim of crime in the United Kingdom. What I want to know is what is the problem?

The same cannot be said of Nigerians who live in the United States. It is very rare that you hear about a Nigerian in the United States being involved in a gang. It is so rare, that I have never heard of such, even though I know it probably does exist. Are there any differences between the Nigerians in the United States and Nigerians in the United Kingdom?

I have my own hypothesis, in which Nigerians in American want to differentiate themselves from African Americans who are often seen at the lower levels of United State society, but Nigerians in the United Kingdom do not have that luxury to differentiate themselves from other black groups in the UK since they are all recent arrivals.

Another hypothesis that I have is that there are more opportunities for Nigerians born in the United States than Nigerians born in the United Kingdom. The U.S. is more of a merit based society, even though it is being eroded compared to the United Kingdom when it depends on not only your social class, but also your pedigree.

Are there any other reasons that you can think of?

How many instances do you know of that supports your hypothesis? Using anecdotes to come up with grandiose theory on how people behave in a society is very misleading. Nigerians constantly compare between those in the U.K. and any where else. And for what purpose? It simply feeds into the shallow mindset of "my house is bigger than yours". So what?

Of course, given the large Nigerian population in Britain, you should expect increased levels of social tensions and criminal elements to emerge.

Its asinine to continuously make this comparisons when the focus on forging stronger bonds amongst us is more important. The immigrant experience in the U.K., U.S., Canada or anywhere is defined by the deep racial undertones we daily confront. America has a black president, but real economic powers rest with a Caucasian race that does not want to let go.

lastpage: Things change on a daily basis.
Important "events" of yesterday that would affect that "decision making", may have ceased to exist today! (Like there was a time when "internet access" was a major consideration in moving back since my business would very much depended on it but that case is no longer valid today!

On the other hand, some years back "security of life" was not a major issue in making a relocation decision back home but today, with "Boko Nonsense Bombs" all over the place, one has to think twice before relocating especially when l intend to set up a business moving "refrigerated Beef" from the North, down South where demand is guaranteed!

Thus, Topics like this would ever be relevant and current.

Cheers!

Lastpage!

Agree. Nigeria is rapidly changing, both positively and negatively so it's great to always share experiences

Eko Ile: EAC is a self self sufficient entity so your concern is not even worth debating. The ones that are rushing in to set up shop have the same electricity info you are talking about, but it's still not stopping them.




Any development is froth with risk, even selling guguru and epa is froth with the same risk. The EAC obviously did their cost analysis and projections before tabling down billions of dollars.

Like I said before, many world class hospitality businesses are rushing to Lagos set up shop for a reason and the reason is good ROI. And to prove you wrong, the ones with shops already opened in Lagos are not closing shops, they are in fact expanding...like the Oriental, Sheraton, Eko and others.


We are not talking about a state project like dubai, this is 100% private and in any private dealings, it's win or lose it's really their business, not yours or the Lagos tax payers.



Some are just here to pontificate negativity because the same info available to me is available to you to if you know how to google and read.




Hundreds of thousands of jobs and paychecks for Lagosians/Nigerians

Expanded tax base for the Lagos state government for income generation needed to spend on other social and infrastructural projects elsewhere around the state.

Influx of tourism revenue

Increased real competition in the same area of real estate and property development.





The principal developer South EnergyX




Nigerians flock to anywhere so what's your point?




Unfortunately for you, SA is a country and Lagos is just a state inside Nigeria

SA as country was developed by apartheid government of SA

Lagos as a state and SA as a country have different history and economic power and standing so you need to fist grab some history books to read and learn about Africa and the reason why it's moronic to compare a state like Lagos in Nigeria with a fully developed country with greater financial and economic power.

It's ok to argue, but do it with logic and common sense.

Of course you won't have specific of any benefit to Lagosians; because it's so insignificant. Just seems odd that the Chief Executive of our state, 15 million people, is actively promoting a project for a select few (just 250,000). And you have the gall to say, it will generate income for Lagos state govt and paycheck for the people. What? you think we grew up in the cornfield?

Let's say what it is: Lagos state Govt sold a highly prized real estate land to private investors for developing a playground for the corrupt elites.
Period. We don't care if it creates any job. All we want to know is how much was paid to the govt coffers? Was a fair price paid to Lagosians?

We try to build "Monaco" in the midst of poverty when all we need are good roads, security, electricity to drive economic growth

Again, go return your PR retainer check; cos we don't fall for all these gimmicks

alj harem: I agree with you

But I have to point out somethings

1. Electricity would be constant in Lagos within the next 3-4 years given the IPP being worked on by the government

2. Transportation, yes I think a train would be better but a good bus system is the first and only in Lagos and no where else in west africa. Go figure BRT buses are one of a kind

wow that confident! Is this from a reliable source Constant electricity in Lagos? I will still wait and see. I also have nothing but love for Lagos, but this project just seems like something for the big boys to chop and little benefit to Lagosians.

In fact, I sense the Ghana-must-go bag crowd from Abuja will benefit more. How? More places to park their corrupt dirty money.

Eko Ile: Unfortunately for you and your sad and self defeatist rant, the folks staking billions of dollars on this project are world class investors with market and economic potential analysis.

Tons of other world class hospitality giants like Hilton, Sheraton, Four points, Radison, Intercontinental and many fore are not only flocking in , they are jostling for the next available land to set up shop on.


People like you are of course free to keep swimming in your backwardness and negativity, but it's forward ever and backward never for Lagos state.

What's next? They don't have ghettos, slums and shanty towns in SA?

Solid transportation network and constant electricity are key to attracting tourists; sadly, Lagos lacks these. Development/real estate projects like this are fraught with a great deal of risk and little benefit to the city of Lagos. Even Dubai collected $10 billion handout from Abu Dhabi in 2009 to pay mounting debts resulting from its ambitious real estate development project.

It appears you know so much about this project, so tell us these:
What is the anticipated economic benefit to Lagos? be specific and quantify
Who are the world class investor that you mentioned? again be specific.

They have slums, so why are Nigerians flocking to SA? Why is Capetown becoming the new tourist attraction for Nigerians? Maybe when your "glass tower on the ocean" is completed people will start loving Lagos too.

Better stop dreaming and pay back the PR retainer fee you collected for this project

The Defender: What will be the status of this beautiful proposed city (Eko Atlantic City) in africa and the world in general after completion:
Will it be the most beautiful city in africa?
Will it boost the economy of Lagos to be the greatest in africa?
Will it be a tourist attraction for the world in africa?
Will it change the look of Lagos and Nigeria as a whole? and so many more.
Please share your view about it.

Will it be the most beautiful city in africa? Definitely not. Will have to beat Capetown and Alexandria, Egypt. Fly over Lagos and you'll see one most ugly sight; Eko Atlantic will not change that. Th artistic rendition looks cool, but wait till it's completed
Will it boost the economy of Lagos to be the greatest in africa? We are building castles in the skies while the foundation is full of sewer and gutter. It provides more low paying service jobs, waiters, bar maids, taxi drivers etc. Are these the kind of jobs that will drive economic growth?
Will it be a tourist attraction for the world in africa? African kleptocrats and "Money miss road types" will visit; that's it. Tourist flock to India every year. Why? It's safe, has great hotels, historic sites and the culture of hospitality is superb. Who wants to deal with the nuisance elements of Lagos(agberos, policemen, custom officers)
Will it change the look of Lagos and Nigeria as a whole? and so many more. NOPE. The shanty and derelict areas of Egbeda, Okokomaiko, Ajegunle, Makoko, Alagbado, Ojuelegba, etc will still be there. Also, the ugly towns outside Lagos are not going anywhere.

ono: Truth is that Ibori did a lot while he was governor of Delta State.

I still find it strange that he stole so much. The monies they say he stole are really mind boggling. If he could do this and was able to win my ''trust'' at the time he was governor - people believe me, this guy did a lot. His efforts at restoring peace in war torn Warri was legendary. The bridge at Bomadi - I have been talking about this bridge for years now, that bridge was a major hassle smasher for the Ijaws. Transport to and from Ekeremor, Bomadi and adjoining villages was made easy by that bridge - It practically opened up Ijawland, hence the deputy governor general of ijaw nation title given to the man. Those stadia Fash talked about were actually built by Ibori. Warri city stadium, I am told is one of the best in the country. It was built by him. Several other major projects this man did as governor.

What's baffling is how he could do so much but still was able to steal - so much! This life sha. I hope for the good he did, he could get a short sentence.

Regardless, he's a Thief. His stealing deprived lots of Deltan youths access to quality education and health services.

I hope the judge locks him up and throw away the key into the Atlantic ocean

the british legal system in action - methodical and thorough. Awaiting sentence for this scumbag. Now we know he pleaded guilty voluntarily; not a plea bargain as reported by some of his sycophants
Not surprised about Fash. He enjoys the corrupt system in NIgeria

manny4life: Brother, on what page of this link did you see this figure? Can you be more specific? The only "Meals and Refreshment" I saw in the part of the VP was for 20,802,221. This is located on Pg 5 of 44,1st line item under the miscellaneous column.

State House
Pg 1 - foodstuff/catering materials N476 million under materials & supply

Pg 3 - Refreshment & Meals N293 million

VP
Foodstuff/catering material N104 million

Refreshment & meals N20 million

manny4life: Forgive me Mr. SMART, perhaps you're the one making sense...

When I tell you I'm certainly done with this showcase of stupidity, believe me, I'm so done with it.

Below is the "REVISED COPY" of the 2012 BUDGET PROPOSAL FOR THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENCY.

http://www.budgetoffice.gov.ng/2012_budget_pro_details/1.%20Summary_Presidency1.pdf

If you find anyone with your 1billion food as you claim, post it....



Now prove yours that it actually exist... Apparently, it's your turn to prove "the only budget anyone has ever seen was the one that has the N1BILLION/MEALS included in it)"

well the budget shows that ~N900 million was allocated for food stuff, refreshment etc. for Presidency & VP. A grotesque amount to feed 2 families and entertain their guests. Go through each line item in the link you provided

Even with revisions this budget reeks of gluttony; a classic trait of GEJ & his henchmen. And only N12 million on books! No wonder they spew garbage anytime they speak

AjanleKoko: Bros, read very well between the lines. Let's try to understand the real world paradigm: Are the developed countries really doing well? Most of them are mired in debt, have exported most of their manufacturing capacity, and face growing unemployment. They have done very well in the past, but today, the only countries that are manufacturing anything are all in Asia.

Nigeria on the contrary is subject to a lot of misinterpretation. Yes, there is tons of corruption and capital flight. However, that has not really stopped the economy from growing. A lot of people say we don't manufacture anything. . . but how true is that? Apart from fuel (which is subsidized till now) and luxury goods, what else does the average Nigerian consume that is not manufactured locally? Even food. Lots of talk about rice importation, but truth be told, how many nations do not import rice? Transportation also. Your car is definitely imported, but the Molue buses are locally-assembled. Have you considered that?

Even the non-performing government. In their nonperformance, they still build new roads (substandard), open new schools (also substandard), start new economic activities, every year. Even if they budget 2 trillion and spend only 1 trillion, mostly on OPEX, they still stimulate the economy by their activities. Even the act of sharing Ghana-must-go, the money filters into the economy, is traded for goods and services, and ends up in people's pockets. Of course, it's not the most ideal type of growth. But it is growth nonetheless.

what exactly do we manufacture? All you see is made in china goods being hawked everywhere. Nigeria is just a huge dumping ground for Chinese goods. Locally assembled Molue buses? seriously? Lagos sate govt is trying to ban these "coffins" on four wheels

Money shared by corrupt politicians never filters down; it only leads to inefficient distribution of wealth. Corruption make goods more expensive. Why do you think cost of living in Abuja is high relative to other cities. Secondly, the politicians have not earned this money and are more likely spend it on frivolous things. Some of those unoccupied houses in Lekki are owned by Ghana-must-go politicians.

GDP may be rising but overall we are a poor country. Nigeria is stuck at the bottom of the Human Development Index despite the GDP growth. Meaningless stats that have no impact on everyday living in Nigeria is not what we want to hear.

shymmex: [size=18pt]@ GboyegaD

You're a joker... If you hate Nigeria so much - get the phuck out of there, and never return.. There are your types all over the UK doing security guards at age 70..

Go open your own thread on how messed up Naija is, and stop messing my thread up.[/size]

@shymmex - you solicited people's opinion on a very interesting question. unfortunately, this kind of response only results in name calling.

Perhaps one of the reason for the pessimistic attitude is that we don't listen to each other especially when the opinion is polar opposite of what we believe

300K just like that? And the odds of this happening in real life?

abeg guys make your stories original. the tale of the benevolent rich guy falling for a ho has been rehashed too many times

franktolk: I'm just wondering... of what benefit will it be to Nigeria if she becomes the world Bank's President? Infact what will the average Nigerian,African or somebody from the developing nation benefit from her presidency. I dont believe in sentiments at all, I would want the best/ better candidate to clinch the post.

I tire for we Nigerians oooo, do we think this is Nigerian politics where we want our kinsman to get the Job even if he's the least qualified.Abegi its high time we woke up from our slumber and wake up to reality.

Absolutely no benefit to Nigeria. Iweala should just go back to the WB where they hold endless & useless meetings. Nigeria does not need her. I believe she's been in the doghouse ever since the oil subsidy removal fiasco. GEJ realized he made a mistake appointing her Economic Minister.