₦airaland Forum

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.

hmnn loads of info here

"

..

fm7070: let's also have it in mind that there are different types of parents. some will add more to your problem and cause matrimonial pandemonium while some have better understanding. Mothers especially have a way of competing with your wife and getting disatisfied no matter how the wife tries and if the wife is frustrated, she can include some dose of poison in her meal
Personally, I will prefer a situation whereby neither my parent nor my in-laws will live with me in my matrimonial home.
However, i will make sure I try my best to take care of them, medically and otherwise.
They can as well be visiting their other children from time to time.

I witnessed a situation whereby a friend who wanted to help his mother had to move his own family to the uncompleted house his mother has, the guy spent fortunes to put the house in order. At first, the mother was appreciative to both her son and his wife, but things soon started going another way when the guy's brother and sister started picking issues with the wife. Even the mother they set to assist gave the wife a high portion of trouble, painting her as a bad wife with all sort of unecessary allegations.

The guy almost went mad because he has spent more than 1.5million naira with the intention that he will live in the house for like 6years before he would move on with his life and his mother will rent out the house and have something to fall back on. to cut the story short, it wasn't funny for the guy's family.

Sometimes, one has to think twice before doing certain things, they're our parents but one has to think of his family as well. If they understanding and will sure peace in your neclear family, go ahead. If not, forget it.

Your friend's experience shows that it's a complex issue. People get too emotional and simply say it's ok for their parents to come and live permanently with them. It can create more problem and resentment.

Staying for couple of months is fine; permanently NO. Taking care of you own little kids and parents under the same roof can be very stressful, especially here in North America.

Olalekan 0: I wouldn't even think twice before bringing my parents to PERMANENTLY live with me.
They gave me the enviable life that i have and made me who i am today,so the least i could do to say thank you is keeping them company in their old age in my house regardless of the part of the world am domiciled in. And should my wife ever complain about it,i 'll file for a divorce,straight up!

Dude, you're not been realistic. Your wife equally has the right to bring in her folks to live in the house. Then what? Seriously, you'll divorce your wife if she complains?

Ladies saying poor guys are more loving than those with extra cash are LIARS. Guys don’t believe this. Maybe they’re managing you until they find a correct guy. Don't buy this Nollywood story, romeo and Juliet nonsense.

Most Naija women are impatient when things aren’t working out. You start hearing stuff like “see Dele took his wife & Kids to Disneyland and you’re still struggling to get me visa for Dubai.” Naija women bug you to buy “aso ebi’ every weekend for some dumb wedding or birthday. And you want us to believe. The motto for our ladies is: "No money No love"

So for ladies, who is a poor guy? well when you’re dating a guy between 31 to 34 then you must see/observe these things, if not he’s poor.

- Lives in his own apartment; not with mom or pop
- On these 3 occasions he steps up his game to show he loves you: your birthday, valentine and Christmas. Not just with flowers or a measly meal at McDonald’s
- Of course has a job or business (and make sure you can verify this)
- Listens to your problems and tries to come up with a solution especially if it involves money.

If he’s under 30, well there’s still time but… if not, ditch this poor guy NOW. Your marriage is already in trouble before it’s even started. Ask yourself why can’t he meet these needs. Money ritual can be a last ditch attempt to change things.

I may sound cold, but we live in a brutal world. Cost of living has gone up a lot in the last 15 yrs… Today you pay for wedding, 2 yrs you start buying diapers, 5th yr you’re paying school fees, small time baby #2 arrives and the cycle starts again, you wanna buy a correct ride to take family out and so on…

@stilldee

men! you did great job. I was really laughing reading your chat with this scammer. "Osaro the scammer" can Air cargo car from London for just N50k and the car will arrive Lagos in 7 day. Air cargo? Naija scammers no go kill me wit laughter o

onyewec3: Wow...so u need someone witout nominating ursef or anyone frm ur village.aint that a show of shame?

what are you trying to say? I don't get you

pastor mmadu: I wonda wre we r headin to, yet i c youths cursin nysc and nscdc just because sum group of nuisance wre brought 2 book...if u r here and u knw dat u stayd in d university 4 yrs, graduate witout reference, yet nysc refusd 2 cal u up, tel me. Its only doz dat didnt go dre dat u'l tel dat u dnt hv cary ova yet skul refusd 2 release u...cm 2 tink of it, wat doz it profit one 2 live a fake life, fake campin, fake service, fake discharge, at d end of d day u cnt present it openly cos ur number is nt in nysc database, hw i wish they had patience til it cm 2 pas and they graduate genuinely...yet wit dat fake cert, and conection they cn get themselvs into sum private firms and b an obstacle 2 genuine graduates, God help us...2 my felow nairalanders, if our sense of judgement is putin square peg in a round hole, then i pity our future...we realy need God's intervention

Seriously! are you a University graduate and a Pastor? You completed 4 years in a university and wrote a final year thesis, like this?

Good nominate her quickly. She's better suited as Policy wonk in World Bank; not economic minister of Nigeria. We need somebody that can guide our economy right, not Iweala. She's really been a waste of space

madanne4real: This maybe an old picture when Alams was the Governor of Bayelsa state and GEJ was his deputy. If you look closely, you will see that the ADC of GEJ is not sitting behind him as is the norm. We should not rush into conclusion yet.

Yes, we need to confirm if the picture was taken when Alams was governor. That said, when Jonathan became president he reached out to Alams despite his conviction. Also, Jonah still sees Alams as his "oga" so I won't be surprised if this is a recent pic.

Have sienna but not yet in naija. Still in Canada

manny4life:
Unfortunately, while I do see this as an "OK move" according to my quote BUT dangerous in the long run.

1. There is no doubt that the Chinese Economy has been experiencing growth, GDP on the rise, more exports than imports resulting to trade surplus, increased in their reserve et al, however, all these are obvious, but that isn't my point. My issue with this is that moving more than $5billion (10x of $500million), about 15.6% of our reserve into a currency that often devalues all the time isn't the smartest thing to do.

2. No doubt that their population is the indeed the highest, however, with regards to their population vs per capita, this is "really low" compared to other nations. Besides, their middles class are able to consume more (but what % is the question)? In addition to that, while their currency appreciates, that's the whole point, CHINA DOESN'T WANT THEIR CURRENCY APPRECIATING. Economist have suggested (according to reports to Congress) that China pegs it's under value at 40% of it's real value and will CONTINUE to do so in order to gain trade advantage.

3. The pressure from the West - United States and Europe is NOT pressuring China to "devalue" it currency (wouldn't that be giving them more hand), the reverse is the case, in fact they want it higher valued, in addition,  however, they have argued that China needs to allow its currency to flow freely based on market demands which will make their currency appreciate, thus, making the purchase of goods and services slightly higher and will more likely reduce China's export.  

4. I still think that you're missing the point; no one is arguing whether the Yuan will appreciate, economic indices predict that the currency will rise, however, for China to be more competitive and gain trade advantage, economic trade nations have argued that it "undervalues" it currency. I am not arguing whether it's appreciating, I know it's appreciating, my point is, Chinese Government will continue to undervalue its currency to stay competitive.

Like Congress had put on hold their bill, should this go into effect, you would see a trade war between the West and China, something I don't think China's economy can withstand because about 1/3rd of Chinese export is into the U.S., while a double-digit is to other Europe nations. Again, my point is why do you hold reserve in a country currency you know fully well that they intentionally "undervalue" their currency?

Kudos to you. All very valid point. And to add more

- The Chinese govt can never be trusted to act fairly and will continue to resist calls to allow her currency appreciate. Why place our reserves in the hands of a govt that can change the rule and refuse to adhere to market forces

- Most of our oil export goes to the U.S, so it makes sense to hold reserves in dollar. What exactly to we export to China? nothing. Yes, we import stuff from China but doesn't mean we have to hold Yuan (Renminbi)

- China holds over $1.4 trillion in U.S treasury bill; an indication of total confidence in the dollar. And despite the S & P downgrade, demand for U.S. Treasury bills has not abated. Yet out learned Mallam thinks flocking to Yuan reserve is a smart move.

.

An interesting quote on the Ibori saga and how a THIEF could have become President of Nigeria.

"Had Yar'Adua lived, and made Ibori his vice-president, he would have had a clear run to become president.

"Then Mr Ibori would have met Queen Elizabeth at the state house, instead of serving at her pleasure," by Antony Goldman a journalist

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17184075

[quote author=Kilode?! link=topic=881165.msg10284873#msg10284873 date=1330355113]Statements like the one in bold offer a peep into the minds of those we elected to serve us. As right as it may be. And it is right. But I'll offer a diffrent perspective.

Obi, by putting the blame on his followers showed he CANNOT proactively tackle corruption within his own jurisdiction. It's a cop out, an admission that he is incapable of leading.

I see no references to serious efforts he's made to  tackle corruption.

Obi can propose changes to the law, even federal laws, he can rally civil society support to pass stringent anti corruption bills, he can be an activist Governor if he so wants to. That is the stuff of change-making politicians. But No. He's blaming the people he swore to serve and protect from corruption.

Absolutely ZERO sense of public accountability

This same mentality is rampant all over Nigerian Leadership from North to South across party lines.

But Obi is correct though, idiooots will still file out enmasse to vote him and his ilk back into power. No punishment for their zero performance. No consequences for their lack of accountability.[/quote]Right on point buddy! A cop out indeed and it speaks volume about the type of leader he is