₦airaland Forum

ChybuzzDD:
Are they doing well in Nigeria or abroad?

The focus here is Nigeria

they’re doing well

I mean my closes pals in school then
Cause I can’t speak for everybody

Two work with ministry of land and survey
One Work work with a private survey company
And the other has he’s own survey company and as an architect too while me I left naija. Although In the beginning it wasn’t easy but we all doing well. Geography is a great course

Without geography a lot of things won’t work in Nigeria and around the world in fact geography is the bed rock of everything there is

[quote author=Kalatium post=135108060][/quote]like you said na cruise so for that I disagree with this list

The worst part you go add geography join am 😂

DonAbba:
Its funny but somehow true.
I studied geography and now I am paying for my life, I graduated since 2019 I am still joblessssssss

oga your village people de follow you

Geography is a good course
I studied geography in delta state university my niche back then was urban planning, transportation and quantity surveyor

There lot of niches on geography that you will always find your way

I’m in yankee now and I used it to work
I’m currently in the warehouse, transportation and logistics department with Amazon
I’ve worked with UPS too

Everyone of my course mate who studied geography are almost doing well too

I came across a post defending Dr. Stephen Akintayo’s $18,000 (yes, **eighteen thousand US dollars!**) mentorship fee. The argument was simple: *"If you can’t afford it, move on. Premium services are for premium people."*

At first glance, it makes sense—mentorship is valuable, and experts should be paid for their time. But then I thought: **How many Nigerians can realistically afford this?**

Let’s break it down.

### **$18,000 in Nigerian Reality**
- **Official Exchange Rate:** ~₦1,500/$ → **₦27,000,000**
- **Black Market Rate:** ~₦1,800/$ → **₦32,400,000**

That’s **more than the lifetime savings** of an average Nigerian. According to the World Bank, over **80 million Nigerians live below the poverty line**—earning less than ₦1,000 per day. Even middle-class professionals (doctors, engineers, bankers) would struggle to justify spending **₦27 million** on mentorship.

### **The Argument For High Fees**
Some will say:
- *"He’s a multimillionaire—his knowledge is worth it."*
- *"Real mentorship gives you access to exclusive strategies and networks."*
- *"If you can’t afford it, you’re not the target market."*

Fair points. Warren Buffett once said, *"Price is what you pay. Value is what you get."* If this mentorship can **guarantee** someone a million-dollar business, then ₦27m might be a bargain.

But here’s the problem—**most Nigerians don’t have that kind of money lying around.**

### **A Story of Two Nigerians**
Let me tell you about two people I know:

1. **Emeka** – A brilliant tech guy who built an app but couldn’t scale because he lacked business mentorship. He searched for affordable guidance but found most programs were **₦500k and above**. He couldn’t afford it, so he stayed stuck.

2. **Ade** – A banker who saved for years, then paid ₦5m for a high-profile mentorship. The mentor gave generic advice he could’ve gotten from a book. He felt **cheated**.

Now, imagine if Emeka had access to **affordable** mentorship. Imagine if Ade didn’t have to gamble his life savings.

### **The Bigger Question: Should Knowledge Be This Exclusive?**
I get it—experts deserve to be paid. But when fees are **this high**, we create a system where:
- Only the **already-rich** can afford growth.
- The **struggling but talented** are left behind.
- Mentorship becomes a **luxury**, not a ladder.

Even global icons like **Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, and Tony Elumelu** offer **free** or **low-cost** advice through books, interviews, and foundations. Why? Because **real impact isn’t just about money but it’s about lifting others.

**Final Thought**
I’m not against paid mentorship. But **₦27 million?** In this economy?

Maybe the real question is: **Are we building a society where only the rich get richer, or where talent + hard work can still break barriers?**

What do you think, Nairalanders?

- **Is $18k mentorship fair?**
- **Should knowledge be this expensive?**
- **Have you ever paid for mentorship? Was it worth it?**

Let’s discuss!

I used to like Obi and I still like him
But since he’s speech o during the ibb book launch I started doubting him

I’ll say this again
Nigeria youth Learn to play politics dirty just like these old rags holding the country ransom if not I’m 30years y’all will regret why y’all come from Nigeria

RenaissanceGuy:
If you're talking about competent governance, we have/have had it in the past and present in the persons of Akpabio, Ambode, Otti, Soludo, Obi, even Tinubu, etc. I wonder why you even had to mention Soludo and Otti who are currently doing great in their respective states.

you’re right—some leaders have actually performed well in office, and we should give credit where it’s due. But let’s not act like the majority aren’t failing woefully despite their private-sector success.

You mentioned Akpabio, Ambode, Otti, Soludo, Obi, and Tinubu—okay, fair, some of them have done decently (though some will argue about Tinubu’s Lagos vs. his current presidency 😅). But let’s not forget that for every Obi (who left Anambra with savings) or Fashola (who improved Lagos infrastructure), there are 10 others who were CEOs of big firms but became tragedy in government.

Past & Present Governors Who Did Well in Private Sector Before Office:

Peter Obi (Businessman, Bank Chairman) → Improved Anambra’s economy
Babatunde Fashola (Successful Lawyer) → Transformed Lagos infrastructure
Godwin Obaseki (Investment Banker) → Edo’s education & tech growth
Kayode Fayemi (Policy Expert) → Ekiti reforms (though some will argue)
Nasir El-Rufai (Former DG BPE, Consultant) → Kaduna urban renewal (controversial but impactful)
Private Sector Giants Who Disappointed in Govt:

Donald Duke (Cross River) – Smart guy, but Calabar’s glory faded after him
Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) – Ex-speaker, ex-minister, but Rivers didn’t become Dubai
Adams Oshiomhole (Edo) – Ex-labour leader, but did he really industrialize Edo?
So yes, some have delivered, but most just switch from "Company Profit" to "Personal Profit" once they enter government. The real question is: Why do only a few perform, while many fail? Is it the system, greed, or just Nigerian politics being a different beast?

owobokiri:
Which of them has performed well even in the private sector?
The 2 examples you gave are doing relatively well based on the realities associated with the Nigerian state.

Why are you’re talking like we don’t have records! Let’s not rewrite history just to make excuses. Yes, Nigeria is tough, but some leaders actually performed well in the private sector AND tried (or succeeded) in public office.

Private Sector Giants Who Performed in Public Office (Past & Present):

Peter Obi – Built Next International (billion-naira business) before becoming Anambra governor and turning the state around (saved billions, improved education, left no debt).
Babatunde Fashola – Successful lawyer before transforming Lagos (roads, BRT, security, even traffic lights worked!).
Donald Duke – Banker & investor who made Cross River a tourism hub (Tinapa, Calabar Carnival).
El-Rufai – Former DG of BPE, privatisation expert who (despite controversies) changed Abuja’s master plan and pushed Kaduna reforms.
Godwin Emefiele – Before CBN mess, he was a top banker at Zenith. (Okay, this one’s 50-50 😂).
The Point?

It’s not that Nigeria is "too hard" to govern—it’s that many leaders choose not to even try. Some (like the ones above) showed that with competence & political will, things can improve.

So no, your "Nigerian state is just too difficult" argument doesn’t hold water. The difference is character & priorities. Some leaders see public office as a chance to serve; others see it as a buffet.

If these ones could make an impact, why can’t others? Are we blaming Nigeria… or the leaders? 😏

mrvitalis:
There is no leader in nigeria that have done well in the private sector and done badly in government... I dare you to name one

You elect people who have built nothing and expect them To build Nigeria

Soludo is a good governor focused on infrastructure and delivering without borrowing same as Otti

If all Nigerian politicians are like those two we won't have problem

😂😂😂 Bro, you’re talking like someone who was born and breed in Nigeria! "No leader in Nigeria has done well in the private sector and failed in government?" Okay, let’s jog your memory real quick.

Private Sector Giants Who Underperformed in Government

Godwin Emefiele (CBN Governor) – Former Zenith Bank big boy, but as CBN governor, he turned the economy into a rollercoaster with reckless policies, multiple exchange rates, and a cash scarcity that nearly finished Nigerians.
Babatunde Fashola (Former Lagos Governor & Minister of Works) – Brilliant lawyer, did well in Lagos, but as Minister of Works, what exactly changed? Nigeria’s roads remained death traps, and power supply didn’t improve despite his "super minister" title.
Rotimi Amaechi (Former Rivers Governor & Transport Minister) – Ran Rivers like a personal business, but as Transport Minister, what happened to all those fancy rail projects? Billions spent, yet trains still move at snail speed.
Bukola Saraki (Former Kwara Governor & Senate President) – Came from a wealthy banking background, but under his watch, Kwara remained underdeveloped, and as Senate President, he was more famous for political maneuvering than nation-building.
Now, About Soludo & Otti…

Yes, they’re doing relatively well (compared to others), but let’s not act like they’ve turned their states into Dubai overnight. Soludo is trying, but Anambra still has security issues. Otti is making moves, but Abia’s transformation isn’t yet "world-class."

Your argument that "if all politicians were like them, we won’t have problems" is partly true, but let’s be real—even the "good ones" still operate in a broken system where accountability is weak and corruption is tempting.

So, are you saying every single private sector leader who entered politics performed excellently? Name them! Because for every Otti & Soludo, there’s an Emefiele & Amaechi who disappointed.

helinues:
Public sector is complicated to lead

I don’t think so

immortalcrown:
Their involvement in private sectors is for personal gains, likewise their involvement in public sectors. Their destination remains the same even when they change their means of transportation.

You know what? You just dropped a serious truth bomb! It’s like no matter the sector—private or public—the endgame is the same: personal gain.
can a leader ever truly switch from "me first" to "Nigeria first," or is the system just too corrupt to allow it? 🤔

I've been observing something very confusing about our political leaders—governors, senators, presidents, and even their deputies. Many of them were top performers in the private sector before joining politics. We have examples like Soludo, Alex Otti, and others who were respected CEOs, bankers, and industrial leaders. These were people who managed billions, built successful businesses, and were known for their intelligence and competence.

But the moment they step into public office, something changes. It’s like their brain resets. The same people who made brilliant decisions in the corporate world suddenly start acting like they’ve never managed anything before. Roads that should take six months to fix drag on for years. Basic amenities like electricity, water, and public transport remain a dream. Meanwhile, these same leaders travel abroad and see how things work—smooth roads, constant power, efficient trains—yet when they return, they do nothing to replicate those systems here.

The irony is even more painful when you see how they behave overseas vs. how they act in Nigeria. Abroad, they’re so humble—no long convoys, no police harassment, no sirens. Some even take public transport like normal humans! But once they land back in Nigeria, their convoy is longer than the American president’s. They beat traffic with intimidation, harass citizens with sirens, and move around like emperors.

So, what’s really going on?
- Is it **wickedness**—they know what’s right but refuse to do it?
- Is it **selfishness**—they only care about their pockets and political survival?
- Or are we just **voting the wrong people** into power?

Some might argue that governance is more complex than the private sector, but is that really the excuse? If you can manage a billion-naira company, why can’t you manage a state’s resources? If you’ve seen working systems abroad, why can’t you replicate even 10% of it here?

Let’s discuss—why do you think our "best" private sector minds turn into mediocre (or even terrible) leaders once they get into government? Are they pretending to be competent before getting into office, or is the system just designed to corrupt even the brightest minds?

Your thoughts, Nairalanders!

Let me take you on a journey – one that started in the bustling streets of Lagos, led me to the structured systems of America, and now brings me back to a painful question: **Why can't Nigeria's institutions work for its people?**

I left Nigeria in 2023, filled with the same frustrations many of you feel daily – police harassment, endless NEPA bills without light, and the sinking feeling that justice was only for the highest bidders. But landing in America shattered my understanding of how a country could function. Here, systems *work*. Not because Americans are saints, but because their institutions have been built to survive corruption, to resist manipulation, and most importantly, to serve the people.

### **The Day I Realized Systems Matter More Than Leaders**
I'll never forget my first encounter with American bureaucracy. My neighbor, a single mother, fought a multinational corporation over a wrongful termination – and won. No godfathers. No "long leg." Just facts, evidence, and a system that refused to be bullied. Meanwhile, back home, my uncle spent 3 years in court trying to reclaim his stolen land from a politically-connected thief. The case is still "pending."

This contrast keeps me up at night.

**Nigeria's Institutional Crisis – A Death by 1000 Cuts**
1. **The EFCC Paradox** – We cheer when they arrest big thieves, then watch helplessly as cases disappear into the justice system's black hole.
2. **Police as Predators** – The same officers paid to protect us routinely extort more money than armed robbers.
3. **INEC's Betrayal** – The electoral umpire that should be our pride has become the biggest obstacle to credible elections.

**A Tale of Two Countries**
In America:
- A former president faces 91 felony charges and no one burns down the courthouse
- Government workers actually fear whistleblowers
- Tax evasion can land you in prison regardless of your connections

In Nigeria:
- A minister steals billions and gets a promotion
- Police arrest you for "disturbing the peace" when you demand accountability
- INEC officials get caught rigging and receive traditional titles instead of jail time

**The Frightening Future We're Creating**
I've visited countries destroyed by weak institutions – Venezuela with its empty supermarkets, Lebanon with its collapsed currency. The path we're on looks terrifyingly similar. When institutions fail:
- The middle class disappears (like ours is doing now)
- Professionals emigrate (like we're seeing daily)
- The poor resort to desperate measures (kidnapping, Yahoo Yahoo)

**The Way Forward: Lessons From My Journey**
1. **Stop Waiting for Messiahs** – No single leader can fix broken systems. We need institutional reforms.
2. **The Youth Must Get Dirty** – Not just protests, but taking over political parties, running for offices, becoming the system.
3. **Demand Systemic Changes**
- Judicial reforms with strict timelines for cases
- Direct funding for police stations to reduce bribery
- INEC officials should face treason charges for rigging

4. **The Unity We Need** – The North/South divide is our greatest weakness. The corrupt elite laugh when we fight over religion while they steal from all of us.

**A Call to Action**
I'm planning to return to Nigeria next year, not to complain, but to act. I'm looking for serious people who want to:
- Document and expose institutional failures systematically
- Build a database of credible young leaders to support
- Create accountability scorecards for public institutions

**Your Thoughts?**
- Have you experienced America/UK systems that showed you what's possible?
- Which Nigerian institution hurts you the most?
- Can we realistically fix this without violence?

This isn't just another lamentation post. It's a call to organized action. Who's truly ready to do something different?

Seun:
Hello Guys,

I'm throwing this question to you because it's very important. Every time I ask, "how is Nairaland?" I'm told that it is fine. If I ask what are the challenges I'm told there are none.

So I need to talk to you guys directly about what you think is going on and what you want us to do. I have not had the confidence to make major changes on Nairaland. I have a little confidence now because of AI.

What are your complaints, your challenges, your issues. What are the things that can drive people away and need to be nipped?

Speak your mind, but don't be rude. Thanks.

Here’s a concise list of potential changes Nairaland could benefit from:

1. **Modern UI/UX Design** – The interface feels outdated.
2. **Better Mobile Experience** – The site isn’t fully mobile-friendly.
3. **Improved Search Functionality** – Current search is weak.
4. **Reduced Spam/Fake Accounts** – More moderation tools needed.
5. **Faster Page Loading** – Optimize server performance.
6. **Threaded Replies** – Easier to follow conversations.
7. **Dark Mode** – Reduce eye strain.
8. **User Block/Mute Features** – Better troll control.
9. **AI-Powered Moderation** – Auto-flag spam/hate speech.
10. **Verified Accounts** – For public figures/brands.
11. **In-App Notifications** – Better than email alerts.
12. **Ad Optimization** – Less intrusive ads.
13. **Categories Cleanup** – Some sections are redundant.
14. **Profile Customization** – More user personalization.
15. **Embed Media Support** – Easier image/video sharing.
16. **Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)** – Improve security.
17. **Draft Saving** – For posts/comments.
18. **Trending Topics Section** – Highlight hot discussions.
19. **Anonymous Posting Option** – For sensitive topics.
20. **Monetization for Creators** – Incentivize quality content.
21. ** basic DM (Direct Messaging)** - Keeps conversations flowing outside threads. Users can chat one-on-one without cluttering forums.
It Could help communities (e.g., business, tech, or hobby groups). Reduces Off-Site Migration – Stops users from moving to WhatsApp/Telegram for private talks.

Goodadvice01:
Please was it bag of beans and bag of rice that gave you money sir.. should I do it.. I have contact in the north that can be supplying it to east

did you read my quote at all
I said my friend who is into the business

I learnt other skill
And yes going into it
It very profitable but make your research very well for example you know how price fluctuate in Nigeria
So make your research or volunteer to work for someone for 6 month to 1year so you learn the in and out

Love800:
You mean those people that cook meals and sell it?

Was it the business that gave you money to travel abroad?

no mean the raw food
Like back of rice
Beans spaghetti etc
Not me
My friend
I learnt other skill but that not what took me abroad

I came here through k1 visa

Love800:
Hello

What do you mean by foodstuff business?

normal foodstuffs people sell in the market

Goodadvice01:
Good morning people. I noticed that majority of users on this site live in Lagos.

Most of my childhood friends have traveled to Lagos.

That aside, I want to relocate to Lagos. I have an uncle that used to stay in orile (2018).

I can camp in his house for the main time.

If I come to Lagos, can I get a job that can pay me like 100k and above every month. I have my waec and neco. I just turned 25.

I feel if I change environment, things will begin to go well for me.. and I heard there are lots of jobs in Lagos.

Here in the east, no work or company. Only Keke bus business that's thriving

Please can I make it in Lagos? I need suggestions. This is a life changing decision please

My brother, let me tell you something straight - about moving to Lagos to make it, because I've been exactly where you are right now, full of that same fire and belief that Lagos equals success, but let me give you the raw truth from my own 5-year war with that city. I landed in Ojodu Berger in 2015 with big dreams but left in 2020 with nothing but regret after employers frustrated me with unpaid salaries, transport broke me with endless traffic and high costs, and even family disappointed me when that uncle who promised help charged me 80k for a closet under his staircase. The day I ran away to Delta State was when my life finally changed - my Igbo friend he’s name is mark moved to Asaba's Ogbogonogo Market to learn how to sell foodstuffs and as we speak has 3 boys he brought from the village to teach them the trade like he learnt it with a second shop while I found peace, cheaper living, and real opportunities that eventually brought me to America today. So before you go, ask yourself hard questions: do you have a solid plan beyond just "hustling", a real place to stay knowing landlords demand 2 years rent upfront, let me don’t scare you, your uncle might show you premium shege( I might be wrong but plan for the eventuality, cause anything can happen), can you handle extreme mental, financial and spiritual pressure? If not, explore options in the East first - learn a trade in Aba's markets like my friend mark did( that is if you have someone there to accommodate till you finish learning the trade, pick up skills in Onitsha/Asaba, or network in Port Harcourt's oil sector because Lagos is a brutal gamble where only 1 in 10 make it without turning to yahoo, thuggery or becoming some big man's errand boy. Think well my brother, Lagos doesn't give second chances and I'm telling you this not to scare you but because I don't want you learning the hard way like I did - the city works for some but consumes most, so be wise and know that sometimes success is closer to home than you think.

Note: This isn’t to hate on Lagos o! The city works for some people… but not for most. Be wise!

Godfullsam:
I have always advocated a radical leader. Someone who can bring something different to the table.

Someone who can fight corruption head on.
I think sowore fits the bill to a large extent.
Even Abdulsalam said in 2023 during the last presidential candidates peace meeting prior to the presidential election that they will all run away from the country if sowore becomes president.

You’re absolutely right my brother! The fact that Abdulsalam, a man who’s seen it all, openly admitted they’d run if Sowore won tells you everything. These guys aren’t scared of Tinubu, Atiku, or even Obi because they know how to control them. But Sowore? He’s the wildcard they can’t bully or buy.

I’ve always said Nigeria doesn’t need another “polished” politician. We need a leader who’ll walk into Aso Rock on Day 1 and start subpoenaing bank records, chasing down NNPC thieves, and telling the judiciary, “Do your job or lose it.” Sowore might not have the “presidential demeanor” people love, but when the house is on fire, you don’t call a decorator—you call a firefighter.

The real question is: Are Nigerians ready for that kind of chaos? Because cleaning this mess will get messy.

Xisnin:
Yes, because that is his job and he has little to nothing to lose.


What club really?


Sowore is the direct opposite of this.
Just check all your write up and what you know about him.
What exactly can you point as his institutional policy or credential?
Absolutely none.
Like other "idealist", every cell in his body makes him think he has some
divine mandate that only him can execute.

In fact, with such character, institutions or any semblance of them will
be completely dead until they are out of office(if they leave peacefully).

You might be right that Sowore has little or nothing to lose but that’s exactly why he’s dangerous to the system. When a man isn’t afraid of jail, intimidation, or even death, he’s not playing by their rules. The "club" I’m talking about is the circle of recycled politicians who’ve been swapping power since the ‘90s—IBB, OBJ, Atiku, Tinubu. Sowore isn’t part of that gang, and that’s the point.

As for institutions, his entire struggle has been about forcing them to work—not bypassing them. EFCC, INEC, the judiciary—they’re supposed to be independent, but we all know who pulls the strings. Sowore’s argument (and track record) is about holding those institutions accountable, not destroying them.

Is he stubborn? Absolutely. Does he act like he has a divine mandate? Maybe. But after decades of "polished" politicians promising change and delivering nothing, maybe what Nigeria needs is someone who’d rather break a few egos than keep bowing to them.

You think he’d kill institutions—I think he’s the only one willing to clean them. Time would tell, but at least he’s not begging IBB for support.

gidgiddy:
Why are you talking about Sowore and Obi as if they are the only notable people who ran for President? What about Atiku and Kwankwaso?

Whatever anyone thinks about Nigerian politics, if Nigeria does not have capacity to conduct free and fair elections, everything else built on top is a disaster

Atiku and Kwankwaso were major players too, and I didn’t ignore them by accident. Atiku’s been in the game for decades, but let’s be honest: he’s part of the same old system, just with a different wrapper. Kwankwaso had strong grassroots appeal, especially up North, but his movement felt more regional than national. My focus on Obi and Sowore wasn’t to dismiss others but to highlight the two extremes: one who seemed like a reformer but showed his limits, and another who’s openly anti-establishment.

And you nailed it with your last point—none of this matters if elections aren’t free and fair. INEC’s failures are the root of our disaster. Even the best candidate can’t fix a system where results are decided before votes are counted. Until we solve that, we’re just rearranging chairs on the Titanic

DMerciful:
Nobody is asking Sowore to bring additional experience before becoming a representative or senator but you see president? You have to have public office experience that people can judge your antecedents

You’re right that presidential leadership requires experience, but let’s be real—what exactly has "public office experience" given Nigeria so far? OBJ was a military head of state and civilian president. Buhari ruled as a dictator and came back as "democrat." Tinubu was governor and "political godfather." Yet here we are, deeper in the same mess.

Experience matters, but not if it’s just years spent playing the same corrupt game. Sowore’s lack of political office isn’t a weakness—it’s his strength. He hasn’t been compromised by the system. He doesn’t owe favors to godfathers. His "experience" is fighting the system from the outside, which is exactly what Nigeria needs right now.

We’ve tried recycled leaders with "proven records." How’s that working out? Maybe it’s time to try someone who isn’t part of the club.

Godfullsam:
I am not the one that gave them that name 'headless mobs', the current governor of anambra did.
He called them headless mobs because that was the best way to describe their actions.
As for obi, there is no difference between him and the rogues we currently have in power.
Obi and tinubu had the same manifestoes - subsidy removal and naira devaluation. Even though obi supporters claimed he was going to implement it in a different way which is a lie.

Only Swore said he will not remove fuel subsidy. He said he was going to block every loop holes and jail the cabals that are selling our subsidized petrol to neighbouring country.
Then, he will ensure the refineries are fixed before subsidy removal.
This made a lot of sense to me and i supported him for that reason even though i know he wont win. But i am glad i didn't waste my time and vote for tinubu, atiku or obi.

Those guys dont mean well for this country.

What’s funny is how people attack Sowore for being "too radical," but then turn around and complain about the same old failures. You can’t keep voting for wolves and expect a shepherd.

At least you didn’t waste your vote on the usual suspects. Maybe one day, more people will wake up and realize the problem isn’t just who’s in power—but what they represent. Till then, we’ll keep going in circles.

DMerciful:
Obama was a senator at the time


Sowore has not held any public position to know his antecedents

I’m not disputing that fact but let’s be real—neither had Obama before he became a senator, and yet he became president. Experience isn’t just about titles; it’s about what you’ve done. Sowore’s been fighting corruption and bad governance since his UNILAG days, exposed rot as an investigative journalist, and stood up to multiple regimes at great personal risk.

Meanwhile, how many ‘experienced’ politicians with long CVs have we watched loot this country dry? OBJ was president twice—what did it change? Tinubu ‘built Lagos’ (allegedly), yet here we are. Sometimes, what Nigeria needs isn’t another insider who knows how to ‘play the game’ but someone who’s spent decades calling out the game.

That said, I get the skepticism. If Sowore ever gets a chance, he’ll have to prove himself like anyone else. But after decades of recycled leaders failing us, maybe it’s time to bet on the guy who’s never bowed to the system

DMerciful:
Oga, stop playing a movie in your head, this is real life. You can't elect someone with consistent 20k votes nationwide.

Let Sowore go to house of representatives first

Lol, you sound like the people who told Obama he wasn’t "experienced enough" before he became president. Since when did we start measuring a leader’s worth by how many rigged elections they’ve participated in? Sowore doesn’t have 20k votes because Nigeria’s system is designed to keep people like him out—same way they tried to silence Fela and Gani.

You want him to go to the House of Reps first? Good idea. But let’s be honest: even if he wins a seat, you’ll just move the goalpost again and say *"Let him be governor first."* Meanwhile, the same old thieves will keep recycling themselves at the top while we argue about "process."

The truth is, Nigeria doesn’t need more career politicians. It needs a disruptor. If you’re waiting for Sowore to "climb the ladder" the traditional way, you’ll be waiting forever—because that ladder is broken.

And by the way, if "low votes" disqualified people, how did Buhari win in 2015 after failing three times? 😏

jmoore:
Let Sowore test his skill in local government first.

That’s a fair point, but let’s be real—since when has Nigerian politics ever been about "starting small" before leading? Tinubu didn’t govern a local government before becoming Lagos governor. Atiku didn’t start as a councillor before becoming VP. Even Obi jumped from business to governor directly. The system doesn’t reward gradual growth; it rewards connections, money, and defiance. Sowore’s strength isn’t in local politics—it’s in challenging the entire rotten structure. If we keep waiting for "step-by-step" leaders, the same old players will keep recycling themselves. Sometimes, you need someone who’s ready to break the wheel, not just climb it slowly and I think that person is sowore

Godfullsam:
Obi supporters aka ipob aka obidafts aka headless mobs will soon come for your head.

According to them, obi is the best president in the world.

See how he turned anambra to dubai after just 8 years as governor.

The point isn’t about hating Obi. It’s about asking questions. If he’s shaking hands with the same people who ruined Nigeria, how do we know he won’t play their game when it matters? And calling people "IPOB" or "headless mobs" just because they disagree? That’s the same divisive politics we’re all tired of. We should be able to debate without insults.

So, tell me—if Obi had won, what would he have done differently from Tinubu when the pressure came from IBB, OBJ, and the rest? I’m genuinely asking. Do you think sowore will do better ?. Let’s talk, no shouting.

jmoore:
I guess you know nothing about ford foundation.

Let’s not act like knowing about them automatically discredits every critic of the system. The real question is: does pointing at shadows change the fact that Nigeria’s problems are staring us in broad daylight? I didn’t bring up Ford because this isn’t about foreign conspiracies; it’s about our homegrown rulers who’ve failed us for decades. If you’ve got receipts showing how Ford Foundation rigged our elections or emptied our treasury, by all means, share. Otherwise, let’s keep the focus on the people actually holding the steering wheel while Nigeria veers off a cliff.

immortalcrown:
Obi has served as a governor and proved himself different. No other governor has broken Obi's record. There is no guarantee that he will remain different if he becomes the president. But for now, it is wrong for anyone to assume that he is like the other politicians.

Sowore has not served as even a local government chairman. So, it is difficult to tell whether he will be different or not.

You’re right—Obi’s performance as governor was solid, and no one can take that from him. He proved he could manage resources well in Anambra, and that’s why so many of us believed in him. But here’s the thing: governing a state isn’t the same as leading Nigeria, where the pressure from the political godfathers, ethnic interests, and that old cabal is 10 times stronger. My worry isn’t about Obi’s competence; it’s about whether he’d bend to the system when the stakes get higher. The IBB event shook me because it showed he’s willing to sit with the same people who ruined Nigeria just to stay in the game.

As for Sowore, yeah, he hasn’t held office, but that’s also his strength—he’s not tied to the system. You don’t need a title to prove you’ll fight corruption; you just need a track record of never backing down, and Sowore has that. Will he be perfect? No. But sometimes, you need someone who hasn’t been "seasoned" by Nigerian politics to actually break it.

At the end of the day, neither is a saint, but we can’t keep recycling the same playbook and expecting different results. Maybe the real question is: who’s more likely to resist the system? Obi has a record, but also baggage. Sowore’s wildcard, but untested. Tough choice, honestly

DMerciful:
Nobody will vote Sowore, rest IJN!

Who employs a new hire as the GMD of NNPC or Shell?

Lol, "nobody will vote Sowore" is exactly what they said about Trump in 2016 and look how that turned out. As for your NNPC/Shell analogy, that’s the problem—Nigeria keeps recycling the same "experienced" people and wonders why nothing changes. Shell doesn’t hire rookies, but they also don’t keep CEOs who run the company aground. Meanwhile, our "experienced" leaders have turned Nigeria into a sinking ship, yet we keep begging them to stay at the helm. Funny enough, the same people who say Sowore isn’t "qualified" are the ones defending leaders who can’t even generate light or fix roads after decades in power. If experience means failure, maybe it’s time to try inexperience. At least he won’t owe the cabals any favors.

Let me take you on a journey, one that started with hope, got tangled in disappointment, and is now searching for a real solution. Like many Nigerians, I so much liked Peter Obi during the last election and I was proudly an obidient, which many nairalanders can attest to. Here was a man who spoke with clarity about Nigeria’s problems, from corruption, poor infrastructure, unemployment and actually seemed to have *solutions*. Not just vague promises, but detailed plans. I believed in him. I campaigned (online, at least). I voted. And when the results came out… well, we all know how that went.

But something happened *after* the election that made me rethink everything. It wasn’t the loss itself that bothered me. It was what came after. Specifically, the **IBB book launch**. For those who missed it, this was a gathering of Nigeria’s "old guards" the same people who’ve held this country hostage since the ’90s. IBB, the man who annulled June 12, sat there like a godfather, surrounded by the usual suspects: OBJ, Atiku, and other political dinosaurs.

And Peter Obi? He was there too. Smiling. Shaking hands. Paying homage.

I expected him to *speak truth to power* to at least *hint* that these men were part of Nigeria’s rot. Instead, he played the game. That’s when it hit me: **If Obi had won, would he really have been different?** Or would he, like every other leader before him, end up bowing to the same cabal that dictates Nigeria’s fate?

My answer? **No.**

Obi might be a good man personally. But in Nigeria’s political arena, good men either get swallowed by the system… or become part of it.
Let’s be real. Nigeria’s problem isn’t *just* bad leaders. It’s the **system** that keeps producing them. The same people—IBB, OBJ, Tinubu, Atiku—have been recycling themselves for decades. They swap parties, forge alliances, and manipulate elections, but their goal never changes: **power and profit**.

Even if Obi had good intentions, the forces around him—the godfathers, the ethnic politics, the fear of "Igbophobia"—would have pressured him into compromise. We saw it with Buhari. We’ll see it again.

**So is there any hope?**

**Sowore: The Unfiltered Alternative?**
This is where my mind shifted. I’ve watched **Omoyele Sowore** for years—long before Buhari, before #EndSARS, before he became the "thorn in the flesh" of every corrupt Nigerian leader, although I’ve never liked him cause I feel he’s an opportunist but my mind had some change about him recently. Here’s what stands out:

1. **He Doesn’t Fear Power** – Sowore has been arrested, jailed, and harassed multiple times. Yet, he still calls out Tinubu, IBB, and the rest *by name*. No sugarcoating.

2. **He’s Not Part of the Club** – Unlike Obi (who has dined with OBJ and IBB), Sowore has *zero* alliances with the old system. His rise means *their fall*—and they know it.

3. **Strong Institutions Over Strongmen** – Sowore doesn’t just want to be president; he wants to **break the system** that enables corruption. Imagine an EFCC that actually works. An INEC that can’t be rigged. A judiciary that jails looters—*no matter who they are*.

Would OBJ, IBB, and Tinubu flee Nigeria if Sowore won? **I think so.** And that’s *exactly* what we need.

**But Here’s the Painful Truth…**
Most Nigerians *don’t* want change. We vote based on:
- **Ethnicity** ("He’s my brother!"
- **Religion** ("God says vote for him!"
- **Empty Promises** ("I’ll give you N5,000 monthly!"

Meanwhile, men like Sowore—or even Kingsley Moghalu (another sharp mind, though less aggressive)—get sidelined because they refuse to play dirty.

**Final Thoughts: Can Nigeria Ever Break Free?**
I’m not a "Sowore fanboy." I’m just a Nigerian who’s tired of the cycle. Peter Obi gave us hope, but the IBB event showed his limits. Tinubu? A disaster. Atiku? Recycled goods.

Maybe the answer isn’t a *perfect* leader… but one who’s **brave enough to dismantle the system**. Sowore might be chaotic. He might lack "political strategy." But sometimes, you need a madman to clean a madhouse.

**What do you think?**
- Was I too harsh on Obi?
- Is Sowore *truly* the answer, or just another idealist?
- Can Nigeria ever escape its political curse?

Let’s discuss!


**Note:** This isn’t sponsored. Just my raw thoughts. Feel free to disagree—but bring facts, not insults.

Salewa97:
I dont agree with this sarki.

Abuja is truly no mans land. It is a land for all tribes and ethnic groups in Nigeria.

So it is not an insult to anyone calling it that.

the question is who said that statement

This is the reason Nigeria no go ever better cause why bring this up at this time when we need to be United and find a way to make Nigeria great. All this are just distraction cause i haven’t seen or heard anyone say such and I know the Igbos will be at the receiving end

fullclub:
You can't compare 10 naira to 10 dollar...
It's like comparing 2000 dollars to 2000 naira..
While a pure water seller can make profit of 2000 naira in a day in US it takes 1 full months to earn 2000 dollars

oga stop talking like a kid. When you talk this talk of the strength of your currency per the level of economy in your country

Naira is to Nigeria as dollar is to America. It easy to make 2000 dollar a month in America
How easy is it to make 500k in Nigeria a month