₦airaland Forum

Folks, I don't think IBB can be stopped from winning next year's Presidential Elections. Nigeria's future has been mortgaged already, and a lot of high level political scheming has ensured that IBB will be the top contender for the presidency. It just shows that our leaders are not ready to develop the country. If Babangida gets back into Aso Rock, our economy will remain stagnant. The painful thing is that we do not have strong opposition parties in Nigeria. 98% of our politicians are prostitutes and are ready to jump into bed with the Party that is ready to grease their palms. IBB has the money to buy his way into Aso Rock and that is why he is sure of winning the elections. AC and ANPP have been rapidly disintegrating before our eyes over the years. All the other political parties are not deeply entrenched in Nigeria's Political System.

The only Political Party that can stand against the PDP/Babangida conspiracy is the Nigerian People Our parties have betrayed us and we are the ones that can Challenge  IBB's  move to mount the throne again. However, because the opposition parties have not groomed a worthy politician we can all rally behind, we can only take to the streets and reject Babangida's bid for the Presidency. If there are mass protests all over the Nigeria, the international community will take notice and will start supporting the people. We need to use the power of information and leaflets/flyers to mobilize Nigerians for protests. I'm happy that Nigerians are protesting already but more work needs to be done.  I can bank on one or two media outlets in Nigeria that will support the demonstrations against IBB. I will also advice Nigerians in the diaspora to stay where they are for now. It does not look like Nigeria will get better soon. You might invest some money back home but stay where you are.  

If I had my way, I will get a sophisticated sniper rifle and take out IBB myself

I'm pissed off that the corrupt guy wants to rule Nigeria again


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Pasuma has collaborated with Nigerian Hip-Hop artistes in the past. It could be the motivation for his decision to release a Hip-Hop album.  However, I don't think he has what it takes to evolve into a thorough Hip-Hop artiste. I'm not against innovation, but Pasuma should stick to Fuji Music and make it more international. Pasuma only needs to work on his music and make it more acceptable to Foreigners. He has what it takes to succeed where Kollington Ayinla and Sikiru Ayinde Barrister failed. Lets take a look at Femi Kuti. He's evolving and innovating constantly with Afro-beat music. He did not attempt to delve into Hip-Hop music but he has worked with Mos Def and Common [ American Rappers ] on some of his tracks. Femi Anikulapo Kuti will be performing at Glastonbury Festival in England this year. Any artist who performs at Glastonbury Festival is highly regarded.

Wasiu Alabi Pasuma needs to push Fuji music into the consciousness of International music lovers. We've got enough Hip-hop artists in Nigeria already. Cheers.


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Da Grin, I'm your great fan and I am praying you'll come out stronger after this incident. You are a child of destiny and the stars are in the right place for you. I've been following your career and will be writing a feature story on you soon. You're too precious to leave the world at this time. That is why you survived the accident. I wish you the best in all you do. Cheers.


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So Terry G is in the news again Sometimes, I wonder how student leaders in Nigeria reason. Though I've got my own personal reservations about some Nigerian '' Hip-Hop Artsites '', I believe the show at UNIBEN had logistics problems. I can remember my days at the University of Ibadan. I remember what happened when Tony Tetuila and Tuface Idibia came to perform at Trenchard Hall. Students were beaten up and I heard Tuface had his wristwatch, mobile phone and fashion accessories nicked. Some powerful guys on campus stormed into the show without paying while the Student Union Chairman was slapped openly I'm also wondering why Terry G has to perform at other universities so as to raise the 500,000 Naira he owes the UNIBEN S.U.G. It shows that that the dude and his Manager are not good with finances.

Can anyone tell me if artists like Asa, Dare Art Alade and Femi Kuti have performed on Nigerian Campuses lately? I just need to know. Cheers.


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Well, since the fellas from China have been given the mandate to deliver the Lagos light rail project, I will let sleeping dogs lie. It is high time work starts on the project. I can't wait for the development of Nigeria's Railway system and services. The world has indeed left us behind and it is sad that we are now playing catch-up. However, I'm still wondering where the energy to run the light rail project will come from I feel the Lagos State Government needs to lobby the Federal Government to speed up work on the Electricity Legislation bills that will allow states to generate power individually. Then Fashola and his cabinet can invite foreign power companies to come and invest in the Lagos Independent power Project. I know some foreign Electricity companies are really interested in investing in the Nigerian economy. Kudos to BRF. He is a progressive politician.


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The Pope will not arrested by the British authorities or any other country's government. Do you know what the Papacy represents? You need to visit the Vatican to understand what I'm saying. The offending priests can be punished and derobed but not Pope Benedict. The atheists are playing with fire Almost all the western leaders are allies of the Pope. Do some research on the Illuminati and the Freemasons. Hmn.


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Haha This a really funny thread. I did some crazy things when I was a kid.  I used to steal meat from the soup pot and when the alarm went off, I would deny the accusations. Sincerely, I still don't understand why I usually sneaked into the kitchen to raid the pot of soup. Maybe it is just a childhood habit  The strange thing is that I was never caught on my dodgy adventures to the kitchen.  Then there was a time I '' punished '' my mother by hiding her favourite necklace and bangles. She was hoping to wear them to an important event that Saturday but I hid them because she offended me some weeks before. She was not happy and returned from the event feeling very sad. I chuckled as I watched her suffer. I returned the necklace and bangles to her room the next day. Then there was a time I smashed the windows of a bus outside our house with a stone The owner of the bus came out of our neighbours house and started wailing. I peeped from our gates and was grinning. The woman said a lot of things and those she came to visit did not know what to do.

When I was in secondary school, I stayed in a private hostel. I moved with a group of boys and though we attended the same school, we were in different classes [ ranging from SS1-SS3 ]. The owner of our hostel was a Reverend and he usually made us attend his Anglican church. Anyway, me and my crew had our own plans. As soon as the service began, we would gather ourselves together through signs and codes and head out of the church. Mr Reverend would be busy preaching and leading the service while we would make our way to town. There was one canteen we usually visited called '' White House '' in Ijebu-Ode.  The weird canteen was also open on Sundays and we would start eating Fufu and all kinds of soup. Usually, one or two of us will put down the money while the rest will return the favour the next Sunday.  We always made sure we got back to the church before the service ended. The funny thing was that Mr Reverend's son was part of our group  We were unlucky sometimes and got caught or some of the good students grassed on us    We would then be whipped by our hostel proprietor. We never really cared about the church services back then. We were just plain mischievous.

When I look at myself today, I wonder why I did those things. I've become a nice person and I take responsibility for my actions now.  I guess it is just a part of growing up. It is wonderful being a kid


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Corruption will not be stopped by mere talk and good intentions. It can only be radically reduced by sincere attempts to stop it and a mass orientation of the people. Governor Segun Oni himself has to lead by example. He needs to be very transparent and should let Ekiti people know how the state's money is being spent. The Governor should also organize a quarterly forum at a specified public location, where Ekiti people can come and ask him questions concerning his leadership and management of state funds. Where there is a will, there will surely be a way The problem with Nigeria is that at every level, our leaders are not connecting with the people. They're too distant from us and don't really know what the masses need. Eradicating corruption is a two way thing that can be achieved with the hardwork of the leader and those being led.


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Unfortunately, people like Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala are not really appreciated in Nigeria. Her views will not be taken seriously by the Presidency and will only end up on the pages of our newspapers as News items. A lot of things has been said about Nigeria at hundreds of convocation ceremonies in Nigeria, but I doubt if there is a government or private agency that compiles these information for future use and record keeping. In Nigeria, we don't really appreciate deep thinkers and innovators. That is why Nigeria is still lagging behind in all departments in the comity of nations. We find it difficult to work with a blueprint and rarely follow a charted plan of action. And this is 85% due to corruption, greed and dirty party politics. How many of the theses done by scholars in our tertiary institutions are used by the Federal Government to boost Nigeria's development? Dr Okonjo-Iweala did her best for Nigeria. God bless her. Cheers.


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I visited Benin City for the first time in 2005 and was really ashamed of the city and Edo State in general. My dad is Edo but I don't speak the language  My dad insisted I had to spend some time with family in Edo State and I agreed. The roads in the ancient city were in a very bad shape and I noticed that there was not much order in the place. My aunt [ Dad's junior sister ] took me around the city and I was just speechless with the state of underdevelopment there. So I'm not surprised that armed robbers are having a field day in Benin.  Oshiomhole has to do something fast before things spiral out of control. And how can the police ensure security when they are badly paid ? When will Nigerian leaders start to fix the country's problems? Time is running out on us. Hmn.


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Well, I think Kanu needs to be at this World Cup. It should also be his last World Cup and tournament for Nigeria. After the World Cup has ended [ Irrespective of our performance in South Africa ], he should be publicly honoured by the Nigerian Government [ A stadium could be named after him or his statue could be erected on the grounds of the National Stadium at Abuja ] and made to retire. Who knows, Kanu Nwankwo could become another Roger Milla when the World Cup kicks off So let us give him this last chance before he is consigned into Nigeria's book of football history. I don't think he should captain the Super Eagles in South Africa. Osaze Odemwingie should wear the captain's band. Osaze is a very dedicated player and can galvanize the team to a good outing in Mandela's country. Cheers.


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I wonder why Omotola started singing. She is not that good. I've listened to some of her songs and they are average. She needs to focus on her acting career and look towards breaking into Hollywood full time. She has what it takes to act in high profile movies abroad [ Though Racism still exists in Entertainment ]. To me, she is still a local champion. Apart from IJE, we need to see Omotola in more solid movies with an International Production team. I wish her the best though. Cheers.

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I'm always impressed with Uncle Wole Soyinka's aproach to national issues If Christian and Islamic leaders were allowed to see the ailing president, Traditional worshippers or priests should also be allowed to visit Aso Rock and see things for themselves. I'm still surprised that in a country like Nigeria which has many Newspapers, Magazines and Television Channels, we've still not been able to see a picture of Yar'Adua since he came back from Saudi Arabia. This kind of thing will not happen in America or Europe. Anyway, it is clear that Yar'Adua is in a pretty bad shape. He should be taken back to Katsina State where he will live the rest of his days out. I feel for him and his family but Nigeria's destiny must not be altered because of the sickness of a man. The Country needs to move on. Cheers.


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Nigerian Music is actually on the rise. We have a good number of highly gifted artistes who are being listened to by People in Europe, North America and Asia.  I have been following Nigerian music since the 80's when I was old enough to write and comprehend things.  I remember the days of Edmund Spice, Alex O, Blackky, Oritz Wiliki, Sound On Sound, The Lijadu Sisters, Orlando Julius, Mike Okri, Christy Essien Igbokwe, Evi Edna Ogholi, Onyeka Onwenu et al. The artists I have mentioned were stars back in those days but were not known by the outside world. The internet has helped our current music stars break into the European and American Markets. Today, Europeans and Americans watch Nigerian Music Videos on YOUTUBE and other video sharing websites. I just started a music blog early last month [ I'm a trained journalist with International exposure and contacts ] and one of my blog followers is Carribean. She told me she loves Asa's music though she does not speak Yoruba and does not understand what she's saying in some songs. She's also an aspiring musician.

My research on Nigerian music has revealed that we still have to do some things to make more impact internationally. Some originality has to be injected into our music. That's why I like Dagrin and a few other rappers who spit rhymes in Nigerian languages. They are gradually building a fan base all over the world. South African music is distinct and when a South African song is played on radio, you'll know it is South African immediately. South African beats are unique. Some Nigerian musicians sound like Americans. This will get us nowhere That is why artistes of the 80's and early 90's in Nigeria sound more Nigerian than the artistes of today. Fela Anikulapo is worshipped in Europe and America because of his originality and high creativity.  It seems we have more performers in Nigeria today than real musicians. How many of our artistes today can play at least two musical instruments? It is all about the Computer and Computer generated beats these days. That is why Asa sounds different. She went to a real music school for a year and learnt the rudiments of music. Ditto for Nneka Egbuna. Music is going live these days and many of our artistes are going to lose out unless they start learning how to play music instruments.

I have a lot to say about Nigeria's music industry but I'm still unearthing material that will help our artistes go back to the basics. What I know is that Nigerian Music is going places. We only need to put some structure in place and get the real music coys back into Naija [ Alaba marketers are not helping issues ]. I'm talking about EMI, Sony Music, Universal Music etc etc. I must also add that we have a lot of wack artistes in Nigeria right now. Many of them don't even know what a 'Crotchet' or 'Semi Quaver' means  I only listen and write about the good ones. God bless Nigeria.


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Kai, a lot of childhood memories are just streaming back into my head as I go through this thread. My mother had this habit of patting her head constantly while she was not engaged in any activity. I would be wondering what was in her hair that she was trying to kill Then she was very good with words and spoke very fluent English. She used to pick on me then as she practised her vocabulary. Here she goes: '' Stop behaving like a slowpoke!!, [ The patting of her head goes on ] '' Don't join the Junk Journalists when you grow up'' [ The patting of her head continues ].

As for my dad, there was one day I came back from my friend's house at Ikeja. I had just bought some new clothes and trainers then, so I was looking good. As I stepped into the sitting room, my dad looked at me and winked '' Hmn, so how did it go with the girl?. Talk to me. '' I was just laughing that day


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I'm dying of anxiety here, mates.



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Chelsea needs to step up their game once more. I know Manchester Utd will want to equalize and win the game but it won't be easy for them to do that  Kalou can do the damage.  Chelsea needs another goal to gain more confidence. Mikel has tried today jare.

Go on Blues!!!


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NB: Haha, Chelsea has scored another goal

@Toluxa
@Sun of god

Malouda is hot this season. I always knew he would develop to a world class player after seeing him in French colours at Germany 2006.  My best French players at the last World Cup were Eric Abidal, Flourent Malouda and Frank Ribery. With the way things are going, Malouda will be snapped up in the near future by Barcelona or Real Madrid. I can't wait to see him play in South Africa 2010. He is great.


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I just pray Chelsea FC will score two more goals to make victory certain in this match. Even if Rooney was on the pitch today, he won't do much to stop the rampaging guys from Stamford Bridge. I heard Roman Abramovich went to Chelsea's training grounds at Surrey and gave the players a dressing down The Russian Billionaire's reaction after the loss to Mourinho's Inter Milan has made Chelsea players become very focused in their quest to win the Premiership title this season. I won't be surprised if Malouda scores today. And I'm waiting for Drogba to be brought in after the interval.

Go on Blues!!!!


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@ Onye Babe,

While I respect your stand on this issue and recognise that you have the right to express your opinions, I feel you need to know some things. Have you visited local communities in Nigeria? Some of our towns, villages and hamlets are worse than Haitian towns after the Earthquake. I was shocked when I visited riverine communities in Ondo State while I was serving in 2006. I was a member of the Nigerian Christian Corpers Fellowship [ NCCF ] and personally attended three village outreaches through the Christian body. You need to see the level of poverty in places like Sabotu, Igbeme, etc. There were no tarred roads, the school buildings were dilapidated with ugly looking furniture [ I know these because Corpers slept on mattresses in the classrooms ], the Police Post at Sabotu was a joke, and I saw many Stone Age houses I saw so much poverty while we were preaching from house to house around the communities. Those sad images are still in my head as I type

The proposed $5m dollars meant for Haiti will alleviate the suffering of the people of Sabotu, Igbeme and many other poverty infested areas of Nigeria. Even in Lagos, I've seen many poor and hungry children living with their parents in shacks. You need to see Nigerians living in poverty in Ibadan and Akure, two State Capitals. In Akure, there is an area called Isolo. I lived in a flat in that area as a youth corper. The poverty in the area is frightening with goats sharing rooms with people. Many youths were unemployed and I saw many teenage girls becoming mothers at a young age. I had to give my personal belongings to people in the area when I completed my Youth Service. We need to sort out our own problems first before trying to help other nations. Is America not close to Haiti? So the Americans did not see the suffering in Haiti before the disaster? Who is fooling who here At the end of the day, it is the Charities [ Hmn, we know how much their executives earn ] that gain, and not the unfortunate citizens of Haiti. I'm not against helping others, but Nigerian communities have been in a perpetual state of poverty and underdevelopment. If Rtd Gen Tunde Idiagbon [ Rest In Peace, Great One ] was in power, I know he would have sent about $300,000 to Haiti while using the rest of the money to develop Nigeria. Hmn.


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While I'm not against the Federal Government assisting Haiti in its quest for redevelopment, I feel we need to sort out our own problems first. Charity begins at home. There are some local areas in Nigeria that look like disaster zones I've been to some villages in Nigeria that look like war zones and there is so much poverty in those places. I even wonder how people are surviving there Lets fix our own poverty infested towns and hamlets first before helping other countries. Cheers.


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The evil genius is simply plotting his way back to Aso Rock. He has started saying the right things and hanging around with ''politrickcians'' who can assist him in getting back to political relevance. Our politicians know that Nigerians tend to forget things easily and do not forcefully ask for change That is why they keep recycling themselves in power.  Before we know it, IBB will warm himself into PDP and emerge as the party's flag bearer for the 2011 elections. It is all about money, mates. And IBB has loads of cash he stole from the National Treasury when he was in power from 1985-1993. Right before our eyes, our politicians are re-mortgaging Nigeria's future. IBB's candidacy is being sold to us in a subtle manner with good things being said about him daily in our newspapers and Magazines. Our leaders think we are fools and we have to prove them wrong. Enough is Enough.


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@Teslim,

I was born in Lagos @ Lagos University Teaching Hospital [ LUTH ], Idi-Araba. I've lived in Lagos all my life. Lagos has always been an immigrant state. I know you might be one of the native Lagosians and I respect your heritage, but many Lagosians of today have roots in other states of the federation. Former Governor, Bola Tinubu, had roots in Osun State [ or is it Ogun State ]. Lets celebrate our diversity. I know a lot of Igbo guys and gals who were born in Lagos and speak yoruba fluently. It is just sad that we always like to highlight our roots during elections and when seeking political appointments. One Lagos, mate.


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My greatest rap album of all time is Dr Dre's '' The Chronic ''. The album has '' Nuthin But A G Thang '' which is one of the greatest rap singles till date. I was sent a copy of the album back in 1995 by a cousin of mine in the United States of America. '' The Chronic '' remains a classic album. I also love albums released by Scarface. Then I can't forget Blackmoon's '' Enta Da Stage'' [ 1994] with the hit tracks '' Got Ya Opin '' and ''Buck Em Down ''. Cheers.


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The current Pope will not resign that easily. He's known in Catholic circles as the Rottweiller [ A very strict priest ]. The scandals bedevilling the Catholic church lately, and the recent intense media scrutiny, is due to Pope Benedict's openess and desire to call erring Catholic priests to order. I'm not catholic, but I admire Pope Benedict XVI greatly. Cheers.


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This is not the first time the Federal Government will be giving out Buses to our tertiary institutions Our leaders donated Buses to Nigerian Universities through the Petroleum Trust Fund [ PTF ]. UI got two of the big buses and the Student Union Department of the school was given one of the buses. I know how the bus was driven badly, battered and left to rust in the rain. I did not see the other bus for a long time but I heard it was parked in The Vice Chancellor's lodge [ I don't know if this is true o ]. Our Universities have a bad maintenance culture. Personally, I feel the FG should have used the 2 Billion Naira to bring University and Polytechnic libraries to a high standard. E-libraries are not too expensive to set up nowadays. May God help our leaders. Hmn.


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The Old Boys Network exists in Nigeria. It has been in existence for a long time. My father attended a Technical School in Abeokuta, Ogun State, called Blaize Memorial Technical School in the 60's. Those were the days when Technical Schools and Colleges were functioning properly in Nigeria My father and a good number of his school mates founded a Social Club called THE BRIGHT FUTURE CLUB after they graduated. They helped themselves and awarded jobs to each other's companies. The club also organized yearly Christmas Parties and we the children of the members got to know each other as time went on. I discovered that the members had a hand in each other's building of houses and other life events. My father's bestman during his wedding was a member of the club. The club had both Yoruba, Edo and one or two Igbo members. Though the Club has fewer events these days and some members have died, the surviving members still see one another from time to time.

My alma mater, University of Ibadan, has a active old boys association that cuts across various sets. Members network with one another and help each other out. However, I also believe that regardless of cliques, one can make progress in life. Eagles soar alone. Cheers.


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@Sannimoe,

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to come to Eko. They were the ones that gave the name '' Lagos '' to the area that is Lagos State today. This usually happens when European explorers discover new places. For example, New York in America is an ofshoot of York in England. There is a city called York in England. Ditto for the capital of Liberia which is Monrovia. The name '' Monrovia '' is coined from the name of a US President, James Monroe. And don't forget that Liberia remains the only former colony of The United States of America in Africa. Portugal colonised Brazil [ other South American Countries were colonised by Spain ] and it is right for me to say a good number of Lagosians have roots in Portugal. Some families from Lagos Island also have ancestors who worked as slaves in Cuba. Some of them returned to Lagos in the 1900s and settled in Idumota, Iduganran and other places. They bear surnames like Maja, Carreira, Majaji etc. Lagos was formerly governed by the Benin Kingdom of Edo State. ''Eko'' is a Benin word. It means ''War Camp''. This is not History Class anyway. Do your research. Cheers.


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@The Saintz

You're the one that needs to get true knowledge. FESTAC 77 is not the cause of Nigeria's economic problems. Don't attribute the celebration of Black culture and history to the worship of the devil or false gods. Nigeria remains a third world country because of corruption and our general nonchalant attitude towards development.  China and India probably have more local deities and festivals than Nigeria, but they have left us behind when it comes to economic and infrastructural development.  What about Brazil? Brazil has people in Bahia and other regions of the South American nation who are still ardent Sango, Ogun and Obatala worshippers. That has not given God the excuse to make Brazil underdeveloped. Brazil's economy is growing stronger yearly. Brazil's currency, The Real, is okay. It is like 1 Real is 65 Naira. Do your own research concerning this issue. I'm a Christian but I am also proud of my African roots and heritage. Cheers.

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