I hope the news I am reading about okorocha supporting cattle colonies is false.

Rochas2023:



Nice article, but you forgot one thing, the Federal Government can frustrate all this efforts.

Yes if all Igbos are taxed and projects are mapped out, it will be put to work (eg imo airport was built by igbos even sch children was taxed, but today fed gov collects the revenue? who works there, Customs, Immigration, FAAN, etc many Nigerians from other tribes who don't know how this was built)if it is a capital project do you know who will approve it ? Federal government. What of the procceds of such investment do you know who gets the larger share of tax generated? Federal government, unless they agree for concession. And for the Federal government to agree to that, it takes time.

Before we can talk about being patriotic Igbo's, who will donate generously to our homeland is when we have

1. Regional form gov or
2. Igbo president or
3. Biafra

Sorry for my grammatical errors, I was typing fast and I was walking.

The senators are fighting for SEDC. If we get that commission we can do whatever those three will do. We only need the right people that will man it.

I am seriously in support of the commission because from the manifesto it structure the exact needs of ndigbo.

This is what many of you do not understand. The kind of development we need in the east should reflect our exposure and where we should be headed. I did not most the comments from who did not quote me but now I am reading them.

First and foremost, you stay in the UK and enjoy the various benefits but you come online and insult all our leaders because they are doing nothing. If you multiply the total amount each southeastern state got from the federal government and subtract the recurring expenditure and many projects they started, you will know that even if they are eating your monies, they are not eating that much.

Because of the little they are making, the states cannot try to think big because they will put the state in serious debts. A very serious one for that matter. Some still borrow just to show that they are working but what are the projects?

We should building steel factories, fabrication factories, build auto villages that will project our local industries. We should have a fully grown automotive sector that can cater for west Africa without blinking. We keep shouting innoson as if he doesn't need help.

We have thousands of people in the entertainment sector but we do not have one thing in the east to showcase for this. Not even a theatre.

Our strongest fort which is commerce, just look at our biggest markets. Onitsha and Ariara, what do you think someone from Botswana who have seen igbos excel in South Africa will think when they go to those market. We need to build some thing that will attract everyone. From all over Africa. We sell everything and anything.

We need to make a statement and that is how we can rise above the drowning waters. The oil money in the south south can be drowned the east if we build some sectors well. It's not like we don't have the people with monies to invest in these sector but they do not the support and the support industries.

Your monies are not going to build a dead investment but they going to build investment that will make your businesses and shares grow faster. So you will not lose in the long run but you will have created jobs and a better mindset in people. The jobless ones outside the region will go back home while businesses will have a reason to relocate home.

The tax revenue us not to pay teacher salaries but to build money generating industries.

My question is, how do we get funds to develop Alaigbo

Unemadu:

You can tax remittance but you cannot mandate a person in the diaspora to pay a certain amount on tax, that is absurd. You can talk about community development levy and that is fine which to me is an informal tax and is optional

We are not enforcing it because it is not enforceable. The word tax is just generating rife but what about the word donation or levy? Does that make you relax more now?

asha80:
this mentality is how problems start

I am not saying it in the light at which the Fulanis colonize the people of other states but in the light that we can invest in the port and use it for business purposes.

whirlwind7:


Look man, with the sort of shitty people who govern you, there's no amount of money you sink into projects that will yield the expected outcome.
You should talk about changing the system of politics and governance FIRST! Most of the money that is meant for capital projects usually end in private pockets...and nothing happens!!
As much as I crave for development in the region, there's no way I will pay any tax levied on me for living overseas, when I know that the bulk of the money I pay is going to be embezzled.
Once government becomes responsible, you would see people (including me) who will be more than willing to pay, with the view that such money is an "investment" into the future of their people and region. Its called nationalism.

Do you know a semi government agency that tried to persuade people living abroad to send money meant for building project through it. I forget the name of this establishment.
The idea behind it was this: a lot of people who live oversea depends on friends, families and relations to help them buy land and build houses. Many cases of such money ending up being squandered were rife. So, a group of people hit on the idea that they could set up a company to tackle this issue.
They help you buy land in your choice location and build the sort of structure you desire, while you are charged a certain percentage for their services.
It was a great idea. But knowing the way the country is, I told myself to monitor the company's performance for a couple of years at least.
Well, till now, I haven't heard much about any project they helped execute for anyone. Guys who told me about the company are not even willing to give them a trial. If they default or swindle you, going through legal prosecution is another lengthy nightmare. No be Nigeria??

You mentioned a couple of countries that adopted that form of taxation. What's the proof you have concerning it? I'm all for progress. But I'm not gonna be dumb or let my emotions over it make me a cash cow for crooked politicians. Igbo land has developed largely through self reliance. A honest and responsible government could make the development faster by transparent use of money it is entrusted with.

Remember how most primary and secondary schools in rural areas are established from self help (hence the common name "community school" All these happened in the good old days when some amount of honesty existed. Igbos still have that spirit, but people are very wary now. There's very little accountability for finances in public offices.

Finally, I retract my strong words. I'm sorry for that. One love!

Seems you are shifting post a little and that is good.

Have you taken a glossary look at the east and see what can generate revenue for the states that can make the competitive? Seriously, you and I know that there are not much. If we cannot take serious stand about what we want devoid of Nigeria's madness then we should stop complaining and enjoy the backwardness. The only people who change things are the people who do it differently.

Nnamdi Many could have given us such loyalty from the diasporas that can pay tax to the commission. He had such respect from his followers but we are gradually throwing such chances away. I saw a YouTube video from igbos in China, they were ready to invest home if only they trust home.

Sincerely, I need you to stop thinking that it won't work but look at how we can make it work.

whirlwind7:


I admire your zeal. Your patriotism is endearing.
But, you are being emotional. Using your heart, rather than your head, so to speak.
See, if the proper system isn't in place, and you go ahead to make such financial sacrifice, quite certain you will end up demoralized and frustrated.

Do you know why Christians give a lot in tithes and offerings? Its because they view such money as "giving to God" Also, because they see their pastors as "upright, honest, righteous" and he will do the right thing with such money. That's why they go beyond their means to make financial pledges they could scarcely afford. Their headache.
Now, in politics, its not the same. Our politicians are rightly seen as greedy, selfish crooks who will flee with public money. Now, there is no strong institutions in place to check this evil.
Who in his right senses will afford to give his hard earned money to such government, be it in taxes or donations?
You also seem to think its OK for folks who are taxed for everything overseas, to get taxed at home too. I prefer you call it a freewill donation. That way, it doesn't sound so harsh to the ears

The issue is this, we are not giving these monies to politicians. That is why we should support SEDC (southeast development commission). This commission will be headed by seasoned economists and engineers that can channel funds and build a real economy. From the manifesto, the state government will also be taxed with 13% of its monthly allocation.

The east will continue to experience this kind of growth if we do not take a position now. Screaming about bad politicians till tomorrow without taking a stand means that you enjoy making noise without seeing development.

whirlwind7:


You are still confusing tax with donation.
Tax is a legally enforceable payment which you are mandated to pay. Keyword: mandatory.
Donations or pledges are different. It is not illegal if you don't give. Call it sort of a moral obligation. Your dad you mentioned, are you going to tell me that he could have been jailed if he didn't pay towards tarring that road?

I hope you have realized the flurry of mentions you received after you made that post about taxing people who live abroad?
That's because it isn't realistic. The act of giving (or donating) is still practiced by communities all over Igbo land till this day. However, you are equating it on a national scale (in the SE) and making it compulsorily. Nah, bro. It can't work. People can give, but people can't be compelled to give.

Eritrea once did it and Zimbabwe was thinking of doing it. There was a system Adeosun wanted to introduce before it was stopped. China tax incomes repatriated to the country.

I have given you countries who are doing it and are thinking of doing it. I am not saying we should force people to pay tax. Maybe the word tax creates fear but let us say donation. If a flat rate of 50 dollars is deducted from diasporas, will they die or go bankrupt? These are monies that can create an economic enabling environment for these people.

For those still in shock, when I have even mean diasporas, I am still talking of igbo business men in Nigeria but do not have businesses in the east. If they pay little for the development of the east, it will go a long way in generating money for development.

Memejem:
A country cannot legally tax members in another country.

They don’t reside in Nigeria. You can not tax them.

Asking for donations is another thing entirely. But you cannot legally Tax someone who does not reside in Nigeria or operate a business there.

Simple. End of story

Because you are willing and able to give 20% of your salary to the south east does not mean other are. Do your own part, and focus on those in Nigeria.

I believe when I was little, my dad used to attend our village meetings every Sunday. They were all taxed with the responsibility of tarring our community and provide basic amenities. They all complied, now, my community is one of the few communities that had tarred roads in the 90s.

If we are part of a body, we should take care of the whole body.

Igboland is a crawling a child. It cannot stand now. If only you and I can cater for it until it walks, then u can eat your money. We are going to create an investment fund. Your monies will be safe but we will use the money for business and the profit for development.

Memejem:
I’m doing my own part. My family can attest to that.

The day the Nigerian government begins to tax me when I don’t reside or work in Nigeria is the day I will tear my Nigerian passport.!

No one is talking about Nigerian government. We are talking about creating a commission that will manage the development of the igboland. If we keep sitting on the fence and call the east shit hole, then I am sorry, you and I are making it shit hole.

Memejem:
Who is we?

I’m sorry but you have no idea what you’re talking about. This your idea is not based on reality. It’s a dream.

You cannot tax people who don’t live in Nigeria and are not operating some kind of business

You want to build up the south east, not by utilizing the resources it has, and not by bringing Igbo businesses from other parts of Nigeria to the east.

BUT by taxing it’s own people who are trying and suffering abroad for thier families.

You’re a joker.

Do you have a full time job?

I am the maintenance manager in a well known multinational company. You know the company but I will not mention it. I am ready to pay as much as 20% of my monthly income in this because the ripple effect of such development will reduce unemployment in the east to 1%. Then we can stop taxing the diasporas.

How can you keep blaming the governors when Anambra keep spending more on recurrent expenditure and low on capital projects and investment projects.

I might be wrong but the truth is, the number of taxable igbo people in the east is way to low to get the kind of development we are pursuing.

Memejem:
Why do you think it’s fair and just to place the responsibility of developing a region from resources outside of it.

Tell me how that make any sense?

It sounds greedy, to be honest.

It’s like asking someone to do something for your benefit and you’re not willing to contribute.

With your proposal, Nigerian diasporans are likely to just dump Nigeria and never look back.

The east is your land and your ancestral land for that matter. You staying outside it does not mean you belong outside. If you cannot develop the east, is it your grandparents in the east that can do it?

We all belong to igboland and the betterment of the land is our cross.

Memejem:
I live in Canada, do you live abroad? Have you factored in the expenses we have here before you think of gross income?

Do you know how much rent is over here or mortgage? That $1000 a month is how much it’s is rent is for 1 bedroom apartment in the city. Do you know how much hydro and utilities are? Or you don’t want us to have electricity and running water?

What about the monthly cellphone bill? How about internet?

And then let’s factor in food, and transport costs? And then insurance?

What about the tax we’re already paying here? Let’s also factor in the money many of us send home to aid our family members in the village. We have RESPONSIBILITIES.

The un-employment rate in Nigeria has risen to about 18% in Nigeria in 2017. Many Nigerians are out of work. Their primary concern is food and housing. Does the average Nigerian make enough to pay $100 US dollars a month to fund the development of the south east?

All of a sudden you think the burden should be on diasporans who don’t live in the county to build it up? By force.

Please, show your humanity. There is a difference between wants and needs.

Yes we all want the SE to develop. But you must think of a solution that is fair and equitable. Consider others.

Monies generated through taxation will be geared into providing employment through building facilities and partnering organization for expansion to provide employment. People living outside the region will come back home to be employed in different sectors that will be invest on.

If you cannot give out 100dollars, you can give 50dollars and it will still go a long way to help southeast grow.

We are going to develop a plan to. Export some skilled labor to skilled-deficient American and European countries like Norway, Luxembourg, Canada and Australia. It will take time but the development of the east is in our heads.

whirlwind7:


What sort of retardedd idea is this??
Are you for real? Tax Igbos who live outside the region?
What?! Why?! How?!
Can you even hear yourself? Do you think this is in any way sensible or even workable? What planet did you come from?

Don't ever insult me again.

What is the total number of taxable income in the east presently and how much are they taxed? What kind of development do you want in the southeast that will not need huge sum. How many multinational companies can you boast in the east? What is the economic relevance of the east? Where do u think Ebonyi state government will get money to fund their budget?

You need to see things from the other side of the book rather than from inside.

You ask how and not placing impossibility in everything.

My vision is an igboland that will be the destination of everything positive in Africa. Moving at this pace will make others overtake us. Igboland is sitting in the middle of over 50million people. Anything you produce can get to 13states within 4hours. This is what Lagos cannot offer. If we play our game right, we should colonize the Akwa ibom seaport for our personal use. All our products should enter through that part and the monies spent in Lagos will reduce.

If we can call for an economic conference. The pharmaceutical industries, the transport, the commerce, the banking and insurance, the real estate and every sector, even ICT and entertainment, we should create an economic plan with them so as to make them expand and increase in market share. This will make the east the focus of all forms of investment.

Memejem:
$100 monthly? Are you serious?

You can’t tax someone that is not living in the country by force. If they are not working in Nigeria or doing any business whatsoever, there is no legal means to tax them all in the name of development.

The government does not know how to use the money they have efficiently, and you expect diasporans to willingly give away their money for what?

The official rate right now is 1 US dollar to 360 Naira which is 36,000 monthly. Multiply that for 1 year is 432,000 Naira a year on taxes alone. Just because someone has a passport that’s not Nigerian?

It’s a form of extortion. What kind of entitlement mentality is this? Does the average Nigerian citizen make up to that in a year?

Your idea doesn’t even take into account the financial capability of these diasporans. Not everyone who lives abroad is wealthy?

Those abroad have their own responsibilities, you now want to heap the whole state of the SE on them?

What of those in Nigeria?

An average working class diaspora make up to 1000dollars monthly after tax. It is something I know. What we are trying to develop is not going to be just good roads and facilities.

We want to develop the first Mall City in the world in Onitsha..

We want to build the first health city in Africa in Enugu. The biggest fashion city in Abia.

The biggest Automobile industry in Nigeria in Nnewi.

The Agricultural backbone in Ebonyi that will house the biggest FCMGs.

All these things need aggressive investment inflow. If we tax each other, we will create millions of jobs. We need more money in the region and if we do not tax Lagos igbos, Kano igbos, Ondo igbo, abuja igbo, Jos igbo, Benue igbo and other igbos, then we won't get the required funds to develop the east.

It is funny how you all place impossibility tag on something that is very possible.

Stingman:


Yes, the SE governors should create Diaspora Fund...The fund should be managed by investment experts for the development of the region.

In 2015, $21 billion was remitted by Nigerians in the diaspora. The people from SE make up more than 60% of those that remitted that money.

Currently, these monies are spent by SE individuals, developing Lekki Lagos and Abuja.

The wealth fund should be designed and people who buy into it would expect some profit in due time.

Wealthy easterners, who are in Nigeria can also buy into the fund.

Someone is thinking. If we allow such monies to keep staying outside the region, then we will be developing other places apart from the east.

We lost over 100billion naira this Yuletide because we didn't know how to utilize the number of people who came back home for Christmas.

Afam4eva:

You have not finished taxing people in the south east who are benefiting from social amenities (no matter how small).

The population of the east cannot drive it's desired development. We need to make the east the focal point of commerce, manufacturing, fashion, tourism and be active in agriculture. The people in the east cannot drive these sector to a very high level because we need billions of dollars to push these things.

Do you know how billionaires we allow other state government tax but we get zero from them? We need money, so we have to do something to bring more money to the region.

Memejem:
How is this going to work favorably for Nigeria. You want Nigerians abroad to just abandon Nigeria completely?

You want to tax those who live abroad for what? What about the people who live and work in Nigeria?

The taxes that the government has placed upon those who live in Nigeria, are the using those monies appropriately?

I am not referring to the Nigerian government but the southeastern states. We don't need to collect huge sums from them but something that looks like a pledge. It can just be 100 dollars monthly. Something that won't break the bank. We have too many people who want the east to develop but do not partake in its development.

We can also create a means with which they can save money in naira and we use the money for business then the profit channeled into development.

Afam4eva:

You want to tax people who live outside the country?

Not only the people who live outside the country but outside the region. There is a way China does it and if we can at least few notes from them, the development it will bring will be super high.

We are not using our diaspora well. The igbos have very huge number of people living outside the region. If we can generate a means of taxing the diasporas, then we will get more revenue in the region. A people with over 65% if it's people living outside the region will tell on its revenue.

TonyeBarcanista:

Cattle breeding, like other enterprise is not for the RICH Alhajis alone but also open to the poor, be it "aboki" or not. It is not even for the Fulanis and Hausas alone, in fact, who says that enterprising Igboman will not join in the trade if it is so profitable? The only reasons most southerners aren't involved at present is because we are naturally not marauders and nobody have the time to be walking all over the country with some dirty herds of cattle. However, a lot would change if this subsector is well organised by the STATE government (I don't agree on FG)- Just like the parks ai cited.

I don't see how this idea will be at the farmer's detriment, but on the contrary it will be to their advantage as they can go home with two eyes closed without fear that some people will bring their cattles to invade on their lands and eat their crops. It will greatly arrest the conflicts they hitherto have with herdsmen and will forster peaceful coexisting.

Furthermore, the land where the ranches are made will remain owned by the government/state and not the breeders except they decide to sell to them (which I will not advice).

Seriously, I don't think I can continue having this conversation with you. You are indirectly supporting the Minister of Agriculture to create cattle colonies in every state? This your subtle way of supporting him has been exposed in public.

How long have you stayed in the north? I don't think you have ever stepped foot there and it seems you know next to nothing about their way of life. So, I will just say you talk based on ignorance.

I am so sick and tired of this present generation. We seem to be the luckiest to have quality education and internet to educate ourselves more.

It's in our generation it was easy to travel by air to any part of the world.

It is in our generation we knew ways if getting scholarship abroad and get more educated.

It is in our generation that we get to know things in different parts of the world as it is happening.

It is in our generation that we can protest by just staying in our rooms and it will cause a change.

But I am so sad that it is in this same generation that we have the most stupid people in the world.

The youths that cannot stand for anything but moved by everything.

It is this generation that youths have been taken for granted for too long. They smoke and drink but do not have the power to make impact.

Just look at this idiot now, in his entire life, this is the biggest decision he has ever made. Alas, a stupid one.

TonyeBarcanista:

Story!

Cattle breeding falls within the Agricultural subsector, which is under the purview of the government and a LEGITIMATE business.

Do you take an aspect of Agriculture as a commercial business or a production business?

No one said it is not a legitimate business but the owners of the business are the richest in the north. A matured cow sells for 400k and these people have more than a thousand. Because they parade herdsmen doesn't stop them from being rich. An igbo man is wearing cattle in Anambra state but he built a ranch. Some investors in Kwara state have the biggest ranch in Nigeria. They all bought the lands in which they are ranching. These investors have even made local farmers rich by buying grasses from them from time to time.

The funniest part is that, you keep looking at it from the herdsmen advantage but have failed to look at the losses from the farmers axis. These northerners have the largest landmass. Let them till their soil and start planting grasses. I think it will create employment and revenue to their state government.

TonyeBarcanista:

How many tribes deal on spare parts in Nigeria? Should we say that all Igbo traders into spare part should go buy land to build their shops?

I believe that what is appropriate is for the government to build ranch and LEASE to breeders

Igbos buy shops in the north. They even buy land and build plazas. The notion that only igbos sell spare parts in Nigeria seems shallow and makes you look like someone that is not well traveled.

Northerners sell spare parts in many of their markets now.

TonyeBarcanista:

It is either you have reading problem or that of comprehension, else, you wouldn't have wrote this.

In every state there is usually parks for commercial cab operators, these parks are not operated by indigenes alone but by Nigerians of different ethnic groups but they are overseen by the state government or FG (in the case of FCT) and a source of revenue. Why didn't you tell the motorists to go buy lands and operate their parks?

In many states, government build blocks of lock-up shops and lease to traders. This system not only make it well coordinated but also attract revenue to the state. Why not go tell each traders to go buy their own lands to build their shops?

Let us try to address issues holistically


It is not a must to comment...

Your level of education is alarmingly poor. This is worst I have ever seen an educated man write. Cattle rearing is not a commercial shop but a production line. The mother cow gives birth to a baby cow (production), the herder rears the calf (processing) and later sold the matured cow (commerce). The government cannot provide such a luxury to the herder. The government can only provide for the last part I.e commerce. You should have told the government to provide factories for every manufacturing firm in Nigeria.

post=64321387:
More

What is the name of this guy?

deomelllo:




Nna, familiarize yourself with the public forum concept, I can quote and talk anybody on this forum.


Obviously, my comment about the recycle and fraudulent thread struck a nerve.

You were trying to make jest when I was serious about what I was saying. When I am serious, I am a bit hostile.

I am sorry for sounding harsh but I needed to get some information. I am planning something when I get home.

Riches fit igbos slot. Chai! Look at the hotels springing up in the east. We are coming fast and we will get there.

What do you think, if these men come together to build a mall city.

deomelllo:



lol @ updates. What are they updating with the same random internet pictures recycled and posted just to fraudulently fool people and elongate the meaningless thread to a million pages?

Are old Catholic schools built in 1909 and old roads roads built decades ago updates or the Op just don't know the meaning of updates?

The Op even posted pictures of somebody's ugly living room as updates.

Where are the new infrastructures?


The whole thread is fraud and gimmicks...

Okay, I have heard you. I wasn't talking to you.