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Friday, August 31, 2012

A Handbook for Fuel Subsidy Thieves


So Salisu Suleiman has again crafted a great article, A Handbook for Fuel Subsidy Thieves...

"Why are Nigerians outraged at the unraveling fuel subsidy scandal and the monumental fraud that characterized the entire process? Why should we feel betrayed when people we trusted to probe the fraud also ended up in the belly of the monster? Incidentally, how many people still remember the original sin: that Nigerians may have been defrauded up to N2.6 trillion in the name of fuel subsidies? 

We should not be surprised because most of the indicted firms and individuals have close ties to the Peoples Democratic Party. After all, what should we expect when Olusegun Obasanjo, Tony Anenih, Ibrahim Babangida, Jerry Gana, Atiku Abubakar, Depreiye Alamiesegha, James Ibori, Peter Odili, Adamu Ciroma, Alao Arishekola, Ahmadu Ali, Bamanga Tukur, Doyin Okupe and others gather under a single umbrella? 

If a list of 100 were to be compiled, with the names of people that have pauperized Nigeria and reduced the country to a theatre of unending tragicomedy, 80 of the names would probably be PDP top shots. And the remaining 20 would be ex-members who were forced out of the party."

Go here to read the full article...

Monday, August 27, 2012

Random Thoughts on the N5000 note


The perennial problem with my phone's keypad is here again, so blogging on the go has become difficult - but let us see how this goes.

One of the most discussed and debated items of news online recently is the CBN's proposal to introduce N5000 notes, and convert denominations from N50 downward to coins. Me too I wee now say my own:

There are no two ways to it: this move does not make sense. I'll share some reasons, and you can feel free to add more in the comments section...

Sunday, August 26, 2012

So We Do Not Forget: A Father's Love (inspired by the Dana Air crash)


I lean back in my seat as the plane taxis off the runway and sigh loudly – drawing stares from other passengers. The past two days have been hectic, packed full with dancing, drinking, and non-stop partying. Sadly, weekends always come to an end, and now I am on my way back to the hustle and bustle of Lagos.

Out of habit, I start to compose a text to my dad – to let him know the plane is on its way – but then stop myself. I have led my parents to think I am spending the weekend with Toye in Ogudu GRA. Instead, I caught a ride with a colleague who was dropping off a car for his wife in Abuja and spent a wild weekend with Niyi.


*******

Monday, August 06, 2012

Word for the Week: Living Consciously, Making the most of every Opportunity

Good morning, world.

First of all, I apologize for discontinuing the Steve Harvey series. I got a sternly worded email backing the copyright and threatening to take action. I guess everyone wanting to learn from Steve will have to buy the book - or see the movie.

Secondly, I would like to share a thought that has been paramount on my mind the past few days... Enter Ephesians 6 vs. 15-16:

"Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."

(I like to read the NIV because the English is very plain. The truth is clearly stated, and there is little room for conjecture. I also like the NLT.)

It has been long said that the difference between successful people and unsuccessful ones is what they do with their time. We all have the gift of 24 hours a day, and differences in our lives steadily build up as a result of what we do with our time. The Bible here asks that we live very carefully, very consciously; that we live not as unwise men, but as wise ones. Remember, life has a practice of living you - if you do not live it.

We are also asked to make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil... Linking into the parable of the talents (which I will talk about some other day) - the Bible is big on maximizing the opportunities that come your way... Make the most of the present, as your faithfulness in what you do today determines how much more you will do tomorrow...

In summary, this week: live more consciously, and make the most of every opportunity!

Have fun!

Saturday, August 04, 2012

The problem with wooing foreign investors

This morning, I read the following tweet:

"@NigeriaNewsdesk: Aviation Minister Stella Oduah and some officials of the Ministry will today embark on a foreign investment drive to woo foreign investors."

This is plain wrong. These fellows should rather say they need a vacation, or could use some estacode.

Very simply put, embarking on trips does not woo foreign investors. Investors are smart business-men, they don't think with their behinds.

1 in every 4 black Africans is Nigerian. We have a rapidly growing population, and according to data I obtained a few months ago - an average of 6.1 babies per woman. That is something. Every investor wants a piece of that.

Compared to developing markets where companies record single digit growth, many times below 5% - established FMCGs record up to 35% growth in Nigeria - year on year for multiple years!

These investors are not dumb, they want to come. The problem is the cost of doing business.

Rather than spend taxpayer's money (well, it's really Crude Oil money they're spending - so they don't feel accountable to us) travelling round the globe and 'wooing' investors that will turn around and laugh at you - how about driving the cost of doing business down?

All we need is a focused leadership, to create realistic visions and glide-paths - and challenge the people to believe again. Fix the rot in the power sector, unclog the ports, fix transportation, take a strong stand against corruption, etc etc...

And watch foreign investors come running to woo us instead!

Wednesday, August 01, 2012

Mr. Right won't make everything alright...


Great article by Omoelle on why relationships crash...

"I have seen many great relationships crash simply because neither party was interested in listening to the other. I have listened to couples bicker over the smallest things; while in the university my boyfriend and I didn’t speak with each other for 2 weeks because he said the beans mixture used for Akara should be turned clock-wisely while I believed it should be anti-clockwise."

Read the full article here.

The five questions every woman should ask before she gets in too deep: 3. What are your views on relationships?




While I await a response from Steve/Harper, I thought to share one more excerpt from the book... I am presently sharing five questions ladies should be asking from their 'guys', of course - with my comments in bold and italics :D Enjoy...

Now this one is a multiple-part question that sizes up how a man feels about a gamut of relationships—from how he feels about his parents and kids to his connection with God. Each answer will reveal a lot more about him—whether he's serious about commitment, the kind of household in which he was raised, what kind of father and husband he might be, whether he knows the Lord, all of that. And the only way you'll find out the answers to these questions is to ask. Don't assume! Do it before you kiss this man, maybe even before you agree to go on a date with him—this is a great phone conversation, for sure. And don't be shy or nervous about asking these questions, either, because what are you supposed to be doing with this man if not talking to him? If he has a problem talking about this right here, then something's wrong. Run, and never look back.

First, find out how he feels about family. What are his views on it? Does he want a family? If he doesn't want one, then you know better than to hang around. How does he feel about children? If you have a child, tell your man about him or her—I have a friend who hid the fact that she had a son from her boyfriend for two years, and of course he broke up on finding out. Not because she had a kid, but because she lied to him for that long. It is his business to know, but more important, it's your business to find out if he sees himself being a father. If he doesn't want kids and you do, then you can stop all of this right now. (Please know that if a man says he doesn't want kids, he's probably not going to change his mind, regardless of the intensity of his feelings for you.) Moreover, if he doesn't like kids and you already have them, where, exactly, is this relationship going? You're headed for the rocks, baby!