₦airaland Forum

Very disgusting. The kind of people that don't wash their hands after visiting the toilet (to pee or poo)

Siena:
1) Toyota Land Cruiser Amazon.
2) Nissan Pathfinder.
3) Nissan Xterra.

I'm Not surprised the Xterra is highly rated; but beating the very popular Toyota Highlander made me pause. What 3 things will make you choose the Xterra over Highlander?

As an ex-May, I’m very apprehensive of the push to privatize Mayflower School. And to see ex-mays championing this cause is really very painful. Tai Solarin was a fervent believer in equal and unfettered education for all. This means education, especially at primary and secondary level funded and managed by the state. Privatization goes against this ethos.

Mayflower has been a public school since 1976, so I’m befuddled why some ex-mays now believe that privatizing Mayflower is the right approach. Falling standards is a reflection of the decay in all sectors (health, education, transportation etc) of public institutions in Nigeria. Mayflower school does not exist in a vacuum and to expect that standards will improve when privatized, is folly.

The increasing calmour to privatize is simply letting govt off the hook. "Education is a right for all and not a privilege for the rich" Lets all remember that there are millions of Nigerian children that are being denied this right.

noskeybaba:
I CANT STOP PICTURING THIS ON MY HEAD. "pupils wearing designers sandals (probably Gucci) with tartered clothes to schl. (ie if they paid schl fees). They should hav thought of somthing better to do with their money, may be buy books or renovate the schl or improve on the infrastructure. Who d fu*k gave them the idea of sandals? (probably ekiti ppl dnt have shoes or their ppl in diaspora are even more dumb than d village ekiti indigen)
And again 48 mil for mere sandal? Thats ridiculous. That amount can buy sandals for all d abokis in d 12 states of d north

When you consider that most of these kids trek long distance to school; it’s not a frivolous spending.

Per unit cost for the scandal is $20 or N3, 200 (N48 million/15,000). On average, a decent shoe costs N4, 000 in most Nigerian markets; so the quoted amount makes sense. Designer kids shoes will cost triple that in Nigeria.

Kudos to Ekiti indigenes living abroad for this initiative. Every little helps. It’s their donation and can spend it on whatever they want.

We made a pledge to donate that money; so we should honor this obligation. Every nation does it. This is why we are part of the global family

People are shouting that we should not give the money instead of confronting the leaders that pauperized the average man. na wa for Naija

Minister of National Planning recently announced that Nigeria earned N3.5 trillion in the last 6 months yet people are groaning over N7 billion (less than  1 percent) to help the less privileged. Seems we have no compassion in this country.

Another of one of those cultural practices that suppresses women in our society. My goodness! when are Africans going to get out of the dark ages.

Yorubas use a derogatory term for this: on dale moshu

Its time for fathers and men to stand up and defend their girls. A lot of things done in Yoruba culture are designed to only respect MEN, but these men do not show love for their wife/children. Far too many irresponsible men in our society are being shielded by our archaic culture.

The most depressing aspect is men that are educated continue to perpetuate these acts of oppression against women, in the name of culture.

When are we going to start preaching LOVE in our society vs. upholding archaic retrogressive practices? Why shouldn't a man protect his daughter (single or married) against abuse?

DJTee:
That the Chinese are creating alternative export markets to the US is smart business logic . . .unlike Nigeria where we sell more than 60% of our crude oil to the US alone - a clearly risky venture.

Decades ago, China and India had the poorest households but the story is totally different today. A quick glance at any forbes listing will convince you - China in particular has added hundreds of forbes rated $ millionaires than any other country in the world in the last 5years. Infact just the other day, Bentley said they sold far more GTs in 2010 in China alone than Europe and Africa combined. And the story is similar for other luxury brands as well. If you are still in doubt take a trip to Shanghai. This is evidence that the disposable income available within the domestic consumer market has increased substantially (almost) to the point of cushioning adverse shocks in exports.

Sound economic strategy and huge lessons for Nigeria.

DJTee:
That the Chinese are creating alternative export markets to the US is smart business logic . . .unlike Nigeria where we sell more than 60% of our crude oil to the US alone - a clearly risky venture.

Decades ago, China and India had the poorest households but the story is totally different today. A quick glance at any forbes listing will convince you - [b]China in particular has added hundreds of forbes rated $ millionaires than any other country in the world in the last 5years. Infact just the other day, Bentley said they sold far more GTs in 2010 in China alone than Europe and Africa combined. And the story is similar for other luxury brands as well. [/b]If you are still in doubt take a trip to Shanghai. This is evidence that the disposable income available within the domestic consumer market has increased substantially (almost) to the point of cushioning adverse shocks in exports.

Sound economic strategy and huge lessons for Nigeria.

True, its sound business strategy for China to diversify its export market but doesn't mean they have to dump their cheap goods on Nigeria. What we need is strong partnership to help develop our own manufacturing sectors. People say China is helping most African countries develop their industries; but not much evidence yet. Personally, I believe China simply wants to control the vast natural resources in Africa. And what do we get in return? Nothing, plus 20th century styled colonialism. That's the way I see it. One of the reasons I'm really wary of this love dance with China and Nigeria.

Also since the Yuan is strictly controlled by Beijing, not market forces, how can we be sure we’ll get a fair deal with any currency swapping agreement or bond investment?

On your observation (bolded): Chinese urban dwellers may be doing very well but the level of abject poverty in rural areas is truly astounding. Most Chinese people live in villages.

DJTee:
Sounds like a step in the right direction.

A significant portion of our imports save cars and possibly refined petroleum products come from China - Igbo Kwenu!!!

Over the next few years as China wrestles the remnants of economic and political supremacy from the US, there will be a lot of currency devaluation, manipulation and all the other "tions". To reduce the effect of this power tussle on Nigeria, it is only sensible to denominate the reserves in the Yuan . . . and I suspect it will be more than the 10% announced.

So buying Yuan bond is a smart move when even the Chinese have more confidence in U.S. bonds as a safe haven compared to their own unverifiable Yuan. What exactly is the Yuan worth? Besides, the lifeblood of the Chinese economy is the U.S. Visit any Walmart store and you’ll begin to understand why China is totally dependent on U.S consumers

Why don’t we develop our own local industries and encourage export instead of buying Yuan bonds? China is simply looking for more market to dump its low quality products; hence the reason it’s opening up the tightly controlled bond market to gullible African countries.

China has a very weak consumer market, totally dependent on exports to Europe and the US, currency is artificially pegged lower than the dollar and still one of the poorest countries in the world. All this talk about Yuan becoming an international currency is wishful thinking.

How is this a good move? Looks more of a symbolic gesture than practical economic sense.

China currently invests about $1.3 trillion in U.S. Treasury bond and continues to increase its holding. Why? U.S. is the largest and freest capital market and despite the S & P downgrade, U.S. T-bill is still a very safe and solid investment. So while China is investing in T-bills, Nigeria wants to diversify our reserve into Chinese yuan; a currency no one can determine its real value.  

The authorities in Beijing control capital flows and the exchange rate to remain competitive. The Chinese yuan is kept artificially low against dollar and other major currency to ensure its exports are very low. This is one of the reasons why goods from China are very cheap. Also, Chinese companies employs all kinds of anti-labour practices to keep prices low e.g. use of child labour in factories.

We only need to look at the shady practices of Chinese companies in Nigeria and pause before investing our foreign reserve in such an economy. China is a very closed economy where information flow is restricted. We'll never know when the economy is tanking before its too late.  Frankly, some of the rosy predictions on the Chinese economy is based on manipulated data from Beijing.  

Sanusi needs to think about this move carefully and longer term implications for our economy.

pro01:
The idea of a visiting father in-law even sounds weird - especially if he intends to stay overnight or for several days. Very weird indeed. That role is typically for mothers and mothers in-law. Na wa for some agbaya men sef.

hmnnn you're correct; its very rare for FILs (especially the wife's father) to visit

why all the protocol? na state visit? na wa o. when you guys build a mansion he may start asking for entry visa

well since you're a newly married he's simply asserting his authority as THE MAN OF THE HOUSE. Hopefully, his attitude we'll change When he's focus shifts to ensuring financial security for the family, putting kids in school or meeting extended family obligations.

Seun:
I plan to do this just once a year.

The view count of a thread will therefore approximate the popularity of a thread in the last two years.

Old threads not currently drawing any views will gradually fall to the bottom.

In that case, why don't you track "Unique Visits" to each tread to measure popularity. Unique visits tells you how many people viewed the thread not how many times it was viewed. Its a more accurate measurement of popularity than simply dividing number of views by 2. How?

For instance, if one users views a thread 40 times it only counts as 1 unique Visit. So you can quickly see the threads that more people or users viewed. "Replies" then gives you a sense of how many times people/users make comments.

My all time favorite: "The Usual Suspects"

Classic line from the movie - "The greatest trick the devil ever pulled is to convince the world he never exist"


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MjV4EwR7Mg



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgkBpWc8ngI&feature=related

It's one of the most exciting business profession. The issue is that a lot of companies do not understand the real meaning of marketing; most equate it with Sales job. Yes, as a sales person you are required to meet or exceed specific target.

As a marketer, you must possess excellent communication and solid analytic skills. As well, you must be very creative and have good knowledge of emerging technologies.

Information technology has increased demand for experts in database marketing, digital marketing and marketing analytics. You can find jobs in banks, telecoms, technology, ecommerce retainers and so on.

Kobojunkie:
um . . . . . Why is the woman herself declaring she can do it all? She will create jobs, fix electricity . . . in fact do every ministries work, na who send am??

yes, she may have asked GEJ to let her do this. Seems a lot of people believe she's the white knight in shining armor to rescue the economy. Hope she doesn't get swarmed and start the finger pointing game.

Less than 2 weeks into her tenure and she's told us so much: create jobs, reduce fuel subsidy, cut civil service wage, reduce budget deficit and so on

Minister Okonjo-Iweala, this is not the time to state making policy statements; rather sit down with your economic team and put together a LONG TERM plan for our economy.  And then you tell us what you want to do and exactly how.

Have you even reviewed govt budget and spending for this year? Do you know true numbers of unemployed and underemployed? So many variables to consider and understand; don't spend energy talking to the press. Also, put aside the World Bank manual of prescriptions.    

Even a good plan will fail without tackling the big gorilla: CORRUPTION. So tell GEJ to man up and do something about this "beast"

You really have a tough job and I know all Nigerians want you to succeed.

Removal of subsidies on fuel? Again.

This was one of the key measures of the IMF/World Bank Structural Adjustment Program (SAP) under Babangida. We know that an increase in fuel prices will translate into more hardship for the masses

naijababe:
So what exactly is the the minister of power's job again? SMH!!!

Exactly. Why ask Iweala to head this board when you have a Minister of Power; GEJ is asking her to do too much.

Mr President says “we are unfortunately faced with a situation where our power distribution companies find it challenging to collect enough revenue from their customers to pay for powers they receive from generating companies. In this situation, potential investors do not have the confidence that when they produce and deliver power, they will receive payment, so, they will not be encouraged to invest in the sector".

REALLY!

Well, this is the same challenge a lot of small and medium businesses face in Nigeria; but they have to figure out ways to collect money from customers. This is the risk of doing business in Nigeria. Why should govt. shield anyone? These are business investors and they should bake in the risk of revenue collections in their projections.  The President sets up a board to stabilize the market and ensure "revenue certainty" Hmmn this looks similar to the old and corrupt Agricultural Marketing boards.

Know why consumers don't pay their bills? Because they don't get regular supply of electricity.

This constant policy announcement and the President's desire to ensure constant electricity is not what Nigerians want to hear.  GEJ should give us specific goals e.g. 18 hours of constant electricity in all by 2014 or 24 hrs by 2016. We don't need to know if 100,000 MW has to be generated to achieve this.

Also, aren't you putting too much Okonjo Iweala's plate?

LWKMD mehn, dis girls get wicked yabis o! like this

“I go to DUBAI u go to Ondo n Jigawa, who went on a trip, plz tell me"

trip to Jigawa

another 1
“u  know if them put NEPA pole inside your blue waffle p*** everything go enter”

What exactly is the purpose of this discussion? We all know that the intention of buying cars from Cotonou is to circumvent paying Nigerian custom duties. Period. Isn't that smuggling?

All these cars are coming directly from Europe & North America not Benin Republic or Togo. Why can't Nigerian car dealers come together and advocate a reduction in custom duties instead of encouraging their clients to bring in cars through the "back door".

You want to save money? fine. bring your car through Cotonou and take the risk.

@ poster
Seems people have mixed experiences buying cars from Cotonou. Save yourself any hassle and consider the extra cost of buying a Lagos cleared vehicle "premium for peace of mind".

Its seems this type of spontaneous rioting  has happened in the past; The Broadwater farm and Poll tax riots. Ironically the Broadwater farm riot also started in the same neighborhood.

Broadwater farm riots
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broadwater_Farm_riot

Poll Tax riots
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poll_Tax_Riots


People aren't rioting to protest the killing of a drug dealer but mobs and anarchist seized an opportunity to create mayhem and looting.

@Poster
For more than 20 yrs Fela fought constantly against tyranny of military rule, corruption by the ruling elites, destruction of African culture as a result of colonialism and the hypocrisy of religious leaders. And you still doubt if this man is a Nigerian icon.

You don't have to agree with his lifestyle but you need to appreciate his stand against every form of oppression.

This is a line  from one of his songs:
Pastor's house na im dey fine pass, but my people dey live for shanty town

Is this not a reflection of  how Nigerian Pastors continue to deceive the masses?

good job

Fhemmy and co, thanks for all the comments and advise. High mileage should not be the only focus, but overalll condition of the car.

The real issue is that most Nigerians want to buy an "off lease" vehicle at "lemon car" price. When you add the high fixed costs (Shipping & clearing), you'll have to budget minimum of N2 million to a vehicle in excellent condition. This is what people need to understand.

In the car business you get what you pay for. If the car is too cheap to be true, stay away or get an auto expert to assist before you make the purchase

[quote author=Omo_Tier1 link=topic=704825.msg8642003#msg8642003 date=1309717095]But looking at NSE statement, I think they got it wrong!

I am not a fan of GEJ -at all not in one bit,though I pray He performs-, in my own humble submission, you really do not need Engineers as Ministers. What you need is good policy makers and project managers something I know too well we engineers lack in.

NSE should rather fight to make sure those who do the actual work in those ministries so affected are competent engineers.
You do not have to be an engineer to know that a road needs an expansion or that a bridge needs levelling ora second tier!

The president can appoint engineers in his core team of professionals who will guide him to take firm decisions. In most of the developed countries, the skilled professionals work in cabinate office and they serve as "brain box" of government.They really never bother themselves with political appointments as that are left to those who know how to formulate policies.[/quote]Thanks a lot for your excellent comment

To buttress your point; the role of a minister is to ensure government policies are carried out. IMO, the most important skills are strong leadership, superior execution and people management. I believe it's only Justice and health departments that require a "subject matter expert" to be the minister; for other departments it's not mandatory.

As a Works Minister, you can appoint top notch engineers to advise and provide recommendations on key projects. You then focus on ensuring the FEC approves your budget and explaining to Nigerians the rationale of spending money on a specific project.

Dis Guy:
We have a HIGH standard of Low Quality Education?

Dis Guy:
We have a HIGH standard of Low Quality Education?

Please stop splitting hairs and stick to the facts.

Facts: Millions of Nigerian kids do not have access to quality education (or none at all). How do you account for the high failure rates in JAMB & GCE exams? Visit any village in any part of Nigeria and you'll change your mind about the high standards. Yes, you may have attended one of the few good schools in Nigeria, but too many kids are being denied this right. Let's accept this and discuss how to reduce classroom size, improve teacher training, increase science labs, books etc

Given the choice will you send your child to Public School in Kogi state or Liverpool UK?

ok, its good news. It only means we are growing but still have a long way to catch up

 
Canada GDP 2010, $1.6 trillion (pop. 33 million) only 1% growth  

Nigeria GDP 2010, $374 billion (pop. 150 million) with 10% growth


It’s like a kindergarten delighted he/she can recite "ABC" while a university student disappointed with a C+ in Quantitative Economics

@poster
so a friend lets you stay in his home and all you can do is nitpick that they turn off the light. Really? That is very ungracious. I bet they cooked meals for you during your stay.

Next time you visits the U.K on "business" stay in a hotel. With $200 - 250 per night you can get a decent hotel. Charge this as a business expense when filing your tax returns.