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 Politics › Re: Corps Members Disappointed Us – Inec by occam(m): 7:40pm On Jan 18, 2011 |
A really pathetic statement by that INEC officer. Throwing corpers under the bus is a typical attitude of leaders in Nigeria; they will never accept responsibility for their failure. The Buck stops with INEC. period. We don't need silly excuses but their assurance that they can run this election smoothly. Jega needs to personally apologize to those poor corpers & redeploy (or remove) that silly official. Leadership should always accept responsibility for problems and outline solutions to rectify them. Apparently I was expecting too much from INEC leadership. Now they are playing the blame game: this time it's the corpers, I wonder who they will blame when they can't deliver on running a smooth election. BTW, people heaping the blame on corpers are dead wrong. Stop sidestepping the issue and focus on INEC'S lack of proper planning. Yes, we know our educational system is in a sad state, but that is not the issue for discussion. |
| Politics › Re: 79.6% Students Fails Again In Waec Exams by occam(m): 5:02pm On Jan 11, 2011 |
fstranger1:This sounds great in theory and may appeal to a sense of national pride & independence, but cost of implementation will be extremely high. As well, the ethnic diversity of Nigeria will make it almost impossible for this to work. No, this is a non starter and we should look for other solutions. You need to consider the incremental benefit, cost and the political ramifications of doing this. The 3 major languages are spoken by less than 50% of the population so you'll also need to develop learning materials translated into the other ethnic languages that make up Nigeria. For instance, will a Yoruba child living and attending school in Kano be taught in Hausa or Yoruba? what of the Ibo kids living in Lagos? do they have to master Yoruba before they can be admitted to school? You can clearly see where this is heading to. We're still grappling with ensuring balanced ethnic representation at the political level and you want us to add this into the mix. The sad state of education system in Nigeria is one symptom of an ailing country; it has nothing to do with medium of instruction. Get rid of the corrupt & decadent political elite and we'll see changes. We all know this, why discuss theories that will never leave the drawing board. Ask yourself this: of the total amount budgeted on education since the last 20 yrs, how much has been spent on building school, buying books etc vs. buying champagne, cars for the ilks of Ibori or Babangida? |
| Family › Re: Forcing My Mother-in-law To Leave My Home by occam(m): 7:30pm On Dec 22, 2010 |
@ psoter Now you need to draw a line in the sand; time for talking is over. Tell your wife "hey sweetheart, I know you love mama and I respect that but there can't be three people in this marriage. You either ask mama to leave now or we put this marriage to rest. period. Staying in the office over Xmas is a dumb idea. Man up and go home to tell your wife and mama that things will have to change now! Let the chips fall wherever. Be assertive and let your wife know you mean what you say. If your wife loves you deeply she'll do everything to save the marriage and ask mama to leave. If not, well I don't think she loves you enough and it's time for both of you to move on. |
| Travel › Re: Eko Atlantic - Nigeria's Answer To New York In Pics by occam(m): 5:58pm On Dec 08, 2010 |
Kobojunkie:Well in this video (link below) Gov Fashola clearly implies it's a partnership between public & private sector. So which part of the project is private? and Gov Fashola even says "I've taken it on as my baby to deliver it" does he mean Lagos state govt is on the hook for funding? http://www.ekoatlantic.com/videogallery/videogallery.htm |
| Travel › Re: So Britain Is Getting Leaner And Meaner by occam(m): 6:45pm On Nov 30, 2010 |
Typical Tory move when the economy is not doing well: play the immigration/race card to squeeze immigrants out of the country. The same tactic was employed by the pathetic John Major govt in the early/mid 90s, when the economy was in a deep funk. What of the fat cat executives in the city that were bailed out? All their buddies in the top financial institution are always insulated from tough economic measures. Why? because they are the top contributors to Tory coffers. Hopefully those fools that voted in the "Eton college old boy network" are now regretting their decision. Good news: you can kick out the bastards in the next election cycle. I believe Britain is the most dynamic and resilient economy in Europe and things will definitely get better; it will just take a while. Of all cities in Europe London is by far the most cosmopolitan and one most people from this side of the Atlantic wish to visit. So folks, hang in there & don't let the Tories and their side kick Lib Dem drive you out of town. |
| Politics › Re: Sahara Reporters Interviews Fashola, Watch Video by occam(m): 5:44am On Nov 24, 2010 |
babapupa:I see, it's all smokes and mirrors. They only put a website out there, with bits of information to make it all look real. Well for folks like you ignorance is bliss; you don't want to rock the boat. You are easily shepherded so getting the real fact becomes a very difficult task. |
| Politics › Re: Sahara Reporters Interviews Fashola, Watch Video by occam(m): 9:49pm On Nov 23, 2010 |
babapupa:So who the heck owns this company that is been handsomely remunerated to collect revenue for the state.? Why can't the Gov simply tell us and put this matter to rest? Revenue collection is an important function of Govt but if this is in private hands, then info about the company should be readily available. Which public record can we get this? Tell us since you know BTW, I checked Alpha Beta's website; no information about the owners http://www.alpha-beta.net/index.htm I also sent an inquiry to CAC to help unfold this mystery. http://www.cac.gov.ng/ People like you simply sit on your backside and accept any garbage tossed at you. Asking tough questions and seeking the truth from your elected representatives is your responsibility as a citizen. |
| Politics › Re: Sahara Reporters Interviews Fashola, Watch Video by occam(m): 5:31pm On Nov 23, 2010 |
@ mbulela Ok, lets agree to disagree about Sowore's style: I like it, you don't. Period My concern is about transparency in govt. Gov Fashola should have gone the extra mile to shed more light on the thorny issue of Alpha Beta ownership & any perceived relationship with Tinubu. Simply saying "As far as I know, Gov Tinubu is not the owner of Alpha Beta" was not enough. A missed opportunity to show great leadership This is a company that helps his administration collect NGN14 billion per month in revenue; not just a vendor that supplies books for Primary school. It's therefore a big deal that we know who they are, how they operate etc. And if there is any perception of corruption with this company, Gov Fashola should do more to assure people that this is false. Don't simply ask people to provide evidence Some leaders in Nigeria believe they don't owe anyone explanation. When you question them too hard, they say you are too rude and refuse to respond properly or not at all. I think Fashola is falling into this class of politicians. Well I wish the Gov all the best and hope any whiff of corruption does not dent the great work he's doing in Lagos state |
| Politics › Re: Sahara Reporters Interviews Fashola, Watch Video by occam(m): 10:41pm On Nov 22, 2010 |
What’s wrong with Sowore’s approach to asking questions? Sometimes you have to ruffle the feathers of politicians to get them to respond. It’s a provocative style, but great leaders should know how to handle these kinds of questions. We may not like his style, but the important thing is that was he helping in the quest for the truth. I admire what Gov Fashola is doing in Lagos state; in fact anytime I visit Lagos I’m always impressed at how much his administration is doing to make Lagos a better place to live. And I believe he is by far the best performing Governor in Nigeria; he deserves that accolade. However, I was very disappointed at the manner he responded to the questions. Yes, he educated us on the process of disbursement of federal revenue to the states, but that was not we wanted to know. Besides if the process was iron-clad how come Ibori siphoned so much money from Delta state? While affirming that Tinubu is not the owner of Alpa Beta, he should have provided a more reassuring answer like who exactly is (are) the registered owners of Alpha Beta. If a private company is collecting revenue on behalf of the people of Lagos state, information on the major Shareholders and Directors should be public knowledge. This should not be shrouded in secrecy. The question of the relationship between Tinubu and this present administration seems to hang in the air. His body language , the moment he heard it was Sahara Reporter asking the questions became very dismissive towards the reporter and almost like “this nuisance again”. And finally to come out and say “I don’t read you” was really arrogant and uncalled for. This for me was not one of his finest moments. And those people clapping and cheering in the background were really nauseating. |
| Sports › Re: I Need 3 Years To Rebuild Eagles -siasia by occam(m): 8:48pm On Nov 18, 2010 |
Building a formidable team is very vague expectation. How do we determine when they are a formidable team? He should set out real objectives so that after 3 yrs, we can see if team is making progress or not |
| Politics › Re: Say No To 'NAIJA' - Akunyili by occam(m): 7:46pm On Nov 17, 2010 |
ok the minister goofed-up on this one; now enough of the Akinyuli bashing. People need to chill out So what next? I think this is a good time to start the conversation on whether the name "Nigeria" has to change. If people hate the name "Nigeria" so much, then advocate to change it & stop clinging to Naija. For me Naija/Nigeria is the same thing like Demola (Demo), Bankole (Banky), Bukola (Bukky) etc. although some say that using Naija is more inspiring than Nigeria. really? Naija is in vogue now, but will it still be trendy in 30,40 yrs time? Nations have changed names and after sometime it sticks (Upper Volta > Bourkina Faso). I don't think a name change will make much difference if the current state of things in Nigeria continue |
| Politics › Re: How Does The Thieving Of Corrupt Nigerians Affect Their Kids? by occam(m): 4:44am On Nov 09, 2010 |
This is one of the moral quagmires that confront Nigerians; we should always be guided by conscience and the need to stand by what we believe to be right. The children are the key beneficiaries of the parents’ criminal activities and must equally share in any shame and embarrassment. I’ve not met any of these kids and don’t care to know them. By having any personal relationship with these kids, you’ve acquiesce with the parent’s crimes and may have surrendered some moral ground in fighting corruption @Sagamite the OP, I believe your continued friendship with the individual you mentioned is wrong. Yes, he/she may be a great individual, but I can never reconcile my conscience with the injustice inflicted by his/her parents. You need to make them look in the mirror everyday and hate the privileged upbringing they enjoyed and the misery other children faced as a result of their parents’ criminal activities. I will sacrifice my friendship with him/her, regardless of how difficult it may be, instead of the path you choice. (bolded statement) I just quickly adjusted and said "Enough said, you don't need to explain yourself, forget about it" so as not to make the person feel embarassed or uncomfortable. We are still very very good friends. |
| Romance › Re: Beware !Those Of You Abroad Looking For Naija Ladies On Nairaland /nairlist by occam(m): 2:15am On Nov 02, 2010 |
@poster what do you expect? the web is a den for scammers; littered with "Keyser Soze" types there are lots of women prowling the internet for a big pay day. watch out |
| TV/Movies › Re: Nollywood Need To Study filmmaking and production by occam(m): 6:16pm On Oct 25, 2010 |
Nollywood movies including Yoruba movies are quick, dirty & low budget production or wuru wuru to the answer. (Short cut) ;DWhat can you say? Still, I find them very funny and entertaining. I think if you make it too refined or too polished you may take away some of the entertainment value. In the end, movies are there to entertain not to test my level of intellect. I’m not a movie critic so I always look beyond the flaws in these movies and just enjoy it If you can’t compete with Hollywood, better find a model that works and is well appreciated by your audience. The average film costs US$25,000 (NGN 3.7 miilion) to produce and can sell up to 100,000 units in Nigeria; @N150 per DVD. Do the math and you'll understand why they keep churning out this types of "home movies" I’ve seen countless on Youtube on my way home from work; helps kill time on the train. BTW, why are people uploading them to Youtube? I’ve always been curious about this. |
| Politics › Re: Goodbye America, Welcome Nigeria by occam(m): 8:08pm On Oct 20, 2010 |
Going back to live in Nigeria is a matter of personal choice. This is known as freedom of choice. These individuals have decided to go back; good luck to them. Their decision is personal and they can’t claim any moral superiority over others who have chosen to stay. People are contributing in different ways without going to live in Nigeria. People have the right to live wherever they want. No need to berate anyone for not going back to live in Nigeria. Besides, having strong and vibrant Nigerian communities outside the motherland can contribute immensely to our national development. It’s a fallacy that the only way to contribute to development of our country is to come back and live in Nigeria. This is an ancient mindset that is not relevant in today’s world. |
| Politics › Re: Why Won't Nigerian Politicians Answer Their Email? by occam(m): 3:51pm On Oct 14, 2010 |
[quote author=Omo_Tier1 link=topic=531398.msg6938886#msg6938886 date=1287058923]Again most of the responses posted so far highlight the typical Nigerian way of answering questions: Assumptions statements without FACTS. The truth to be told is that well over 70% of Nigerian politicians can use the internet/computer. The reason most of them never reply e-mails can only be known when a sane Nigerian with bold minds carrys out a research to find out why rather than mere assumptions! By the way, to the OP: Could it be that the content of your e-mail was irritating/insulting to the Politicians?[/quote]The issue is not about our politicians knowledge of the internet, but why they do not communicate with their constituents. Managing an email response system is not that difficult. The politicians can assign one of their numerous assistants/secretaries to review and prioritize emails they receive on a daily basis. How else can people reach them if they won't respond to email? send a letter by courier? or better still trek to Abuja with their letter  Don't give this politicians any lame excuses for refusing to do their job. As an elected leader, one of your priorities is to engage & communicate with your constituents. Apparently that's asking too much And if they receive the occasional odious or irritating email, they can figure out how to respond. |
| Politics › Re: Bbc2 To Air Law & Disorder In Lagos Sun, 10 Oct 2010, 21:00 (pic) by occam(m): 5:30pm On Oct 13, 2010 |
[quote author=Ileke-IdI link=topic=526746.msg6930274#msg6930274 date=1286944634]Will comment when am done watching. This is very interesting. I never thought Lagos was like this. So MC was really a politician? or attempting to become one? The dude sounds like a hoodrat. One interesting part was when that man was trying to explain the forcefullness in Nigerian politics and how it is diffeent from the rest of the world's politics. In my opinion, Lious had a bad Tour guide, he wasnt very clear and eloquent with his explanations. Sounded uneducated.[/quote]For me the tour guide was the real star of the documentary Yes, he's explanations were sometimes not clear, but trying to rationalize extortion is difficult. I think he's educated but not sure to what level. some of his lines:-We collect money to protect people from overzealous police -On corruption: No known corruption (with a wink) in Lagos - Wen he compared MC to Queen of England, I thought Loius was about to punch him. Don’t think he’ll get away easily with that at an East pub in London -The whole scene at MC Oluomo’s house was so funny People should take a deep breath & relax; stop bashing BBC. What damage has this done to Lagos? There are hoodlums like MC all over the world doing the same thing: using young men for violence, hobnobbing with celebrity types, trying to get attention of politicians and attracting a swarm of gold diggers in skirts - |
| Politics › Re: Nigeria: Third Fastest Growing Economy In The World - Imf by occam(m): 6:40pm On Oct 11, 2010 |
Looking at economic growth alone may be myopic and shifts focus from poverty reduction. For the last 8 yrs, Nigeria's growth has been near or above 6%, but this has yet to translate into improved living standards for majority of the population. Nigeria is currently ranked #158 out of 182 countries, according to 2009 Human Development Index (HDI). Our government needs to focus on improving our HDI ranking and stop bragging about achieving a derisory 6% growth. Derisory, because Nigeria needs double digit economic growth for a long period for sustained development Quote from the HDI report on Nigeria "Nigeria has emerged as one of the fastest growing economies in Sub-Saharan Africa, with an annual growth rate of 6 per cent witnessed between 2001 and 2008, However, the high growth rates do not seem to have translated into equitable distribution of wealth." http://hdr.undp.org/en/reports/nationalreports/africa/nigeria/NHDR_Nigeria_2008-2009.pdf |
| Politics › Re: Science Teachers Get Salary Increment In Ekiti by occam(m): 3:00pm On Oct 08, 2010 |
Another empty pronouncement dubbed policy that will be difficult to implement . what of English & Math teachers? Don't they deserve a bump in salary? even Yoruba teachers. Why not allocate the money as grants/bursaries for teachers training in Science/techology and invest in science and computer labs to increase student interest. For a state who's motto is "Fountain of Knowledge" not much thought was put into this. Ekiti folks need to |
| Politics › Re: Durojaiye, An Exemplary New Nigerian by occam(m): 9:12pm On Oct 07, 2010 |
chosen04:Let's give the guy some credit and applaud his honesty Yes, he withdrew the N20,000 but we'll never know his intent. why did he withdraw the money? He could have gone back to take more, have a blast weekend & keep quiet about it. He may have been tempted to take this path, but did not. His action after that speaks volume about his character. He sought counsel from his family and decided to report the incident. Very smart. And for all those calling the guy a fool; how do you withdraw N9.3 billion (that's not yours) from your acct in 2 days? exactly. That tells me you are the real fool. did someone say "I'll use bulldozer to steal the ATM Machine" |
| Politics › Re: Durojaiye, An Exemplary New Nigerian by occam(m): 4:11pm On Oct 07, 2010 |
Youngichou:this people self! you can't even get your basic math right. So N9.3 billion = $1m? men! why don't you get stuff right before making any comment tip: check yahoo finance or better still ask the "Malo" at Sabo, the airport, |
| Politics › Re: Durojaiye, An Exemplary New Nigerian by occam(m): 2:57pm On Oct 07, 2010 |
alleno:Agree with you Alleno for bringing up this story again. We sholud talk about this and let people know that honesty pays. couple of weeks ago when the story broke, lots of people on NL thought the guy was a fool for alerting the bank. No I wonder how many have changed their opinions. The get- rich-quick-at-all-cost mindset is one of the things holding us back as a people. |
| Politics › Re: Nigeria At 50: No Cause For Celebration — Soyinka by occam(m): 6:45pm On Sep 30, 2010 |
I agree Prof. Soyinka President Jonathan missed an opportunity to show leadership. Instead of this lavish "owambe", he should have told all Nigerians that this a time for sober reflection. A coutry with such great potential continue to wallow amongst the laggards. He should have cancelled this celebration and ask the nation for forgiveness (on behalf of the ruling elite) and set out a vision and action plans for a turnaround. No need to list out all the reasons we (Giant of Africa) are ranked # 158 according to the latest Human Development Index (HDI); below Ghana, Tanzania, Sudan, What are we celebrating? Nigeria became independent 50 yrs ago and that's about it. I know the "owambe" crowd will say we should celebrate and thank God the nation is still surviving and trot out all silly excuses to wear their "aso ebi" and party all nite Good news: Oct 2nd is only 48 hrs away and this nonesense will be over. And the billions spent? that will also be forgotten |
| Crime › Re: Gay Pastor Escapes Mob Attack In Lagos by occam(m): 7:43pm On Sep 24, 2010 |
The description of the man "Gay Pastor" is enough to create a lynch mob and some comments on this tread point to that lynch mob mentality. hopefully the man will have his day in court & full facts of the case will be revealed. We preach equal & fair justice for all in Nigeria, yet some believe this guy should be killed instantly. Yes, he may have committed a heinous crime but it's unproven; no evidence yet he committed a crime. Too much moral outrage, tone it down people BTW, some come out to display there "homphobic" traits yet in their place of work (in London, New York etc) they will never speak agianst homosexuality. Cowards! people no dey take daily bread play |
| Culture › Re: Pidgin To Become A Formal Language by occam(m): 9:37pm On Sep 23, 2010 |
if pidgin becomes one of the international language for business, you may see emails like this pdgin translators will be in great demandTo: Sam Igbokuwenu From: Charles White Subject: Timba wood supply Igbanu Sam, Abeg you fit supply man pinkin 10,000 planks of timba wood by next month. Bico, yarn me when my container go arrive New York port. Reply me chap! chap! Charles White New York Commodity Merchant |
| Culture › Re: Pidgin To Become A Formal Language by occam(m): 5:17pm On Sep 23, 2010 |
@ poster well Pidign is already a formal language in Nigeria. we have pidgin tv/radio stations, and almost everyone speaks it; not sure exactly what you're trying to tell us I'm a yoruba man and if i meet an ibo man on the street we speak pidgin. its more important to speak fluently and write correctly in our native languages than making pidgin the official language. I'm more concerned about declining use of yoruba language by kids. Lets get real people! For me: native language is Yoruba official language is English second or auxiliary language is pidgin |
| Politics › Re: Things About Nigeria That Make You Cringe! by occam(m): 3:49am On Sep 23, 2010 |
what is the purpose of this thread? this only a bitchfest with no real value |
| Politics › Re: Mass Failure In Neco Exams Again by occam(m): 3:17am On Sep 23, 2010 |
If everything is changing and evolving including English language why should the curriculum be stagnant? why should we be stagnant? Definitely (Definately!  ) We need to find out why people are failing and this leads back to my first post,Maybe they are tired of cramming stuff and actually want an education that is relevant to them in this present/future world Maybe the curriculum is no longer adequate. Besides I never apportioned blame anywhere I only stood on the need for CHANGE. "You never change anything by fighting existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete." R. Buckminster Fuller [quote][/quote]Yes The english language may be changing, but the use of tenses, nouns, etc remain the same. Some student still don't grasp this basic concept. English is the international language of business & it's to our advantage that students understand it well. shold they be taught in pidgin instead? like patua, spoken by west indians and cockney (spoken in london's east end) pidgin will only be used within a specifc region. |
| Programming › Re: Web Vs Software Development by occam(m): 10:30pm On Sep 22, 2010 |
IBEXY: IBEXY: |
| Politics › Re: Mass Failure In Neco Exams Again by occam(m): 4:47pm On Sep 22, 2010 |
[quote author=~Bluetooth link=topic=517107.msg6800749#msg6800749 date=1285163821]I disagree with you on this.you don't measure academic performance solely on ability to speak or write English.What will you say about countries that don't speak English at all,don't they have intelligent people ?[/quote]For Nigerians proficiency in English is key measurement of level of education. It’s our official language. As an engineer for instance, you need to communicate your project plan, resource management etc to clients in a manner that shows you can deliver. And if you’re a Lawyer, well poor English means you’ll be “charge and bail” forever. This mass failure is very alarming and this report by Next News shows our government & people do not really understand the value of sound education http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/Home/5621782-146/nigeria_has_the_highest_number_of.csp |
