Sincerely, I don't know the title to give this post because a lot have been happening which are now competing for attention. We have the ever recurring fuel scarcity( bought fuel today and I had to pay extra N200 to the petrol attendant(or else she wont sell) and settle the pseudo gateman that allowed me in after several pleads), the Kogi/Bayelsa state elections(the inconclusiveness), the Benue state bail-out fund outburst, the Social media bill.
Speaking of the bill, I have come to realize a salient attitude as regards our ever expanding use of the social media which is: WE ALL WANT TO BE HEARD. I don't fault that and I will get to it shortly but first we let explain in plain terms what the bill is all about.
The Social media bill is saying:
If you have any fact(s) to back your claim(s)/allegation(s) about/against anyone/political figure, all you need to do instead of the old norm of tweeting/'face booking' etc. immediately is to first get a court affidavit.
A court affidavit could take 15minutes if you are lucky and forever if you are so unlucky!
Now, several argument have been put forward against this bill because it in effect gag the freedom of speech rights of every Nigerian(I don't support this). The only way Nigerians can play a key role in governance is through effective voicing of approval/disapproval of policies that affects their day to day lives, especially when so much is expected from the government.
The only way we can keep our political office holders on their feet is by regularly seeking to understand their mandate(while in office) and policies and holding them accountable.
Secondly, it inadvertently put into the subconscious a need for second thought before things are put online(this is the part I like).
Here is an argument a friend gave me, if you can painstakingly gather evidences for an allegation, then spending extra time to get a court affidavit should not be an issue.
Frankly speaking, social media users really need to be re-sensitize. I have witnessed several battles especially on twitter and facebook with total disregard for respect and order leading to the use of utterances which are better imagined than said.
In my opinion,
Question:Do we need this bill?
Answer: No.
I prefer/want a platform where we all can argue our differences/beliefs in a manner which is informative without resulting to insults and name callings.
God bless Nigeria.
Thursday 10 December 2015
Tuesday 29 September 2015
State of Nigeria
Hello Everyone,
Its another day with the rain trying so hard to convince us we are still in its season, making it necessary to always have an umbrella close by.
The war between the ruling party, APC and the opposition party,PDP is far from over and it took a different twist when the opposition party asked for reasons the President and his delegates where visibly absent from the United Nation's summit on insurgency and Chad basin matters.
Even though the Presidency have come out to say the President cant attend every meeting and that there was also sabotage from some quarters, the major issue is the rate at which death is being recorded in this region is still heavily alarming.
Another issue is the rate at which notable Nigerians are been kidnapped from their offices, homes and anywhere the assailants deem it fit to perpetuate these crime.
I also read with dismay about the DSS office in Lokoja, Kogi state being invaded by people believed to be Boko haram.
I believe the security operatives need to step up their acts to always nip these acts in the bud via intelligence gathering and dissemination to agencies from a central database.
The JP Morgan saga is meant to be a big blow to our economy because it only meant we are depleting our foreign reserves to maintain the Naira at its current value to the Dollar. Thus, it has become absolutely important to diversify the economy. We need to STOP our dependence import and grow our export commodities.
I have decided to resist every temptation to voice an opinion about the Senate President probe.
The journey towards a new Nigeria begins with you.
God bless Nigeria.
Its another day with the rain trying so hard to convince us we are still in its season, making it necessary to always have an umbrella close by.
The war between the ruling party, APC and the opposition party,PDP is far from over and it took a different twist when the opposition party asked for reasons the President and his delegates where visibly absent from the United Nation's summit on insurgency and Chad basin matters.
Even though the Presidency have come out to say the President cant attend every meeting and that there was also sabotage from some quarters, the major issue is the rate at which death is being recorded in this region is still heavily alarming.
Another issue is the rate at which notable Nigerians are been kidnapped from their offices, homes and anywhere the assailants deem it fit to perpetuate these crime.
I also read with dismay about the DSS office in Lokoja, Kogi state being invaded by people believed to be Boko haram.
I believe the security operatives need to step up their acts to always nip these acts in the bud via intelligence gathering and dissemination to agencies from a central database.
The JP Morgan saga is meant to be a big blow to our economy because it only meant we are depleting our foreign reserves to maintain the Naira at its current value to the Dollar. Thus, it has become absolutely important to diversify the economy. We need to STOP our dependence import and grow our export commodities.
I have decided to resist every temptation to voice an opinion about the Senate President probe.
The journey towards a new Nigeria begins with you.
God bless Nigeria.
Monday 21 September 2015
Sunday 16 August 2015
Which way to go
The intensity of new Salsa playing in Nigeria for all intents and purposes requires caution since pertinent questions such as : Can I actually dance, how long will I last on the dance floor, will this dance present me in a good/bad light in public domain etc, needs answers.
This is the dilemma facing the numerous public figures/elder statesmen/Governors(past and present) who are facing allegations of fraud/misappropriation of funds. So trendy is the gist that it is believed you have to be/join the ruling party to be granted some form of immunity!
The President ,though resolute about going hard on corrupt practices ,is yet to take strong actions in that regard with the PDP claiming the allegations are one sided.
So many questions and arguments have been raised on the clear way to go, such as:
- Time frame for the probe?
- Why should this administration probe only the last administration?
- How will these probes affect fiscal policy(ies) and economic growth?
- Can the stolen funds be recovered and to what extent will they be recovered,totally or partially?
- Can we really move forward without creating another crisis for the country from the impact of the probes and its revelations?
Let's set the wheels of progress in motion and persevere with the change which we so crave because a New Nigeria is all we need.
Waiting to see a Nigeria where things are working.
This is the dilemma facing the numerous public figures/elder statesmen/Governors(past and present) who are facing allegations of fraud/misappropriation of funds. So trendy is the gist that it is believed you have to be/join the ruling party to be granted some form of immunity!
The President ,though resolute about going hard on corrupt practices ,is yet to take strong actions in that regard with the PDP claiming the allegations are one sided.
So many questions and arguments have been raised on the clear way to go, such as:
- Time frame for the probe?
- Why should this administration probe only the last administration?
- How will these probes affect fiscal policy(ies) and economic growth?
- Can the stolen funds be recovered and to what extent will they be recovered,totally or partially?
- Can we really move forward without creating another crisis for the country from the impact of the probes and its revelations?
Let's set the wheels of progress in motion and persevere with the change which we so crave because a New Nigeria is all we need.
Waiting to see a Nigeria where things are working.
Saturday 18 July 2015
SECURITY
Happy EID MUBARAQ.
I wont bore you with lengthy definition of the word SECURITY, so will just stick to the street version, which is the Extent to which the populace trust it's government to ensure safety. Invariably, this questions knowledge on the identity and capability of hostility, sabotage and espionage.
I was at my local bukateria where I have my morning rice with Banga soup(you should try this joint) and a discussion was raised about what this present administration is doing to ensure no more lives is lost to insurgency.
It took the grace of God that punches were not exchanged and I quickly rushed my food to avoid any unwanted scenario.
The topic on the menu was Boko Haram and The Renewed call for the state/republic of Biafra.
So heated was the discussion that every customer at the 'Buka' was actually speaking along the lines of ethnic sentiments. Cant blame them. We are a state so united by boundary lines(being called Nigeria) yet so divided by ethno-religious and political gains.
The people don't even know whether to trust the authorities with their safety.
The people cant seems to understand why the naira is enjoying such a free fall to the dollar.
Fuel scarcity is back(Abuja is experiencing it).
There is an increase price of commodities, goods and services.
Now they(workers) are demanding an increase in Minimum wage (from 18,000naira - to 46,000naira), will these solve the problem?
Now that New service Chiefs have been appointed(laudable) and Checkpoints are back(I warned about their removal initially) to key areas to forestall any impending danger/assault, Can we boldly say we have won the war?
Far from it!
Where is our SECURITY?
I wont bore you with lengthy definition of the word SECURITY, so will just stick to the street version, which is the Extent to which the populace trust it's government to ensure safety. Invariably, this questions knowledge on the identity and capability of hostility, sabotage and espionage.
I was at my local bukateria where I have my morning rice with Banga soup(you should try this joint) and a discussion was raised about what this present administration is doing to ensure no more lives is lost to insurgency.
It took the grace of God that punches were not exchanged and I quickly rushed my food to avoid any unwanted scenario.
So heated was the discussion that every customer at the 'Buka' was actually speaking along the lines of ethnic sentiments. Cant blame them. We are a state so united by boundary lines(being called Nigeria) yet so divided by ethno-religious and political gains.
The people don't even know whether to trust the authorities with their safety.
The people cant seems to understand why the naira is enjoying such a free fall to the dollar.
Fuel scarcity is back(Abuja is experiencing it).
There is an increase price of commodities, goods and services.
Now they(workers) are demanding an increase in Minimum wage (from 18,000naira - to 46,000naira), will these solve the problem?
Now that New service Chiefs have been appointed(laudable) and Checkpoints are back(I warned about their removal initially) to key areas to forestall any impending danger/assault, Can we boldly say we have won the war?
Far from it!
Where is our SECURITY?
Wednesday 15 July 2015
Are You Hungry?
How often do you eat outside?
Do you patronize Restaurants or "Mama-put"(buka)?
When you live in a city like the Federal Capital Territory, you need to be conscious of your pocket. Abuja is filled with awesome restaurants but they take a chunk from your small pocket and this is where the "mama-put" comes in.
They are economical with tasty foods with assorted meats to go with it,winks.
Wuye - Iya Oyo, for your typical yoruba meals. (tops my chart).
Wuse 2, off ademola adetokunbo crescent,junction before Hmedix wholesale (this canteen used to be close to Valencia hotel before relocating to their new address- lovely foods with hausa flavour. (they fry the best plantain). Lol
Area 3 coca-cola garden - Another good place to eat, especially their Pounded yam.
Canteen at federal secretariat car park - good.
Zone 1 computer village canteen - good.
Zone 3 computer village Market canteen (Madam ify)- the best in "ibo" foods.
Of all the general hospitals in Abuja, kubwa general hospital canteen serves the best meal.
Utako garden (close to Caramello Lounge ) - serves good meals with cheap goat meat.
There is also a lady in front of Fudie mall, jabi adjacent Chida Hotel - lovely banga soup with your rice(heavenly).
Don't be hungry, help yourself.
Do you patronize Restaurants or "Mama-put"(buka)?
When you live in a city like the Federal Capital Territory, you need to be conscious of your pocket. Abuja is filled with awesome restaurants but they take a chunk from your small pocket and this is where the "mama-put" comes in.
They are economical with tasty foods with assorted meats to go with it,winks.
Wuye - Iya Oyo, for your typical yoruba meals. (tops my chart).
Wuse 2, off ademola adetokunbo crescent,junction before Hmedix wholesale (this canteen used to be close to Valencia hotel before relocating to their new address- lovely foods with hausa flavour. (they fry the best plantain). Lol
Area 3 coca-cola garden - Another good place to eat, especially their Pounded yam.
Canteen at federal secretariat car park - good.
Zone 1 computer village canteen - good.
Zone 3 computer village Market canteen (Madam ify)- the best in "ibo" foods.
Of all the general hospitals in Abuja, kubwa general hospital canteen serves the best meal.
Utako garden (close to Caramello Lounge ) - serves good meals with cheap goat meat.
There is also a lady in front of Fudie mall, jabi adjacent Chida Hotel - lovely banga soup with your rice(heavenly).
Don't be hungry, help yourself.
Tuesday 14 July 2015
Education and JAMB
The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board earlier today fixed the cut-off mark into Nigeria Universities and polytechnics as well as College of educations.
1. Degree institutions -180 and
2. NCE and ND institutions- 150.
While these will be a cheering news for those writing this exams, it is worrying that our standard of education has fallen this low! And at this rate, we could be looking at accepting students with 100 and 80marks in their JAMB results say 10yrs from now.
I'm highly disappointed at the government, stake holders and agencies responsible for upholding a high standard of learning culture in this generation.
Thought we are in d computer age,where learning is made easy as a result of computer and sources of information are just a click away!
Teachers in government primary school now come to school, simply to mark attendance so as to get paid at the end of the month. These have simply destroyed/laid no foundation into which the secondary school is meant to build upon.
How many primary/secondary school teachers have their children attending Government primary/secondary schools?
Government secondary schools are either too populated with pupils or Under-staffed with teachers to make a meaningful impact.
Private Schools are now the people's choice yet the quality being brewed still leaves much to be desired.
I remember back in the days:
-You dare not come late to school, yet you see kids outside the school environment around 8:30am strolling.
-You dare not leave your assignment at home, most kids this days don't even go to school with notebooks or bag!
The Education sector needs CHANGE.
Where are the Teachers?
I have good memories of mine, can this generation feel the same?
1. Degree institutions -180 and
2. NCE and ND institutions- 150.
While these will be a cheering news for those writing this exams, it is worrying that our standard of education has fallen this low! And at this rate, we could be looking at accepting students with 100 and 80marks in their JAMB results say 10yrs from now.
I'm highly disappointed at the government, stake holders and agencies responsible for upholding a high standard of learning culture in this generation.
Thought we are in d computer age,where learning is made easy as a result of computer and sources of information are just a click away!
Teachers in government primary school now come to school, simply to mark attendance so as to get paid at the end of the month. These have simply destroyed/laid no foundation into which the secondary school is meant to build upon.
How many primary/secondary school teachers have their children attending Government primary/secondary schools?
Government secondary schools are either too populated with pupils or Under-staffed with teachers to make a meaningful impact.
Private Schools are now the people's choice yet the quality being brewed still leaves much to be desired.
I remember back in the days:
-You dare not come late to school, yet you see kids outside the school environment around 8:30am strolling.
-You dare not leave your assignment at home, most kids this days don't even go to school with notebooks or bag!
The Education sector needs CHANGE.
Where are the Teachers?
I have good memories of mine, can this generation feel the same?
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