GREAT Misconceptions about the CHANGE Era!

Before you start reading,I wish to let you know that whatever you read is solely from my own point of view and not the Government's,A.P.C. or any other body's. I'm in no way linked with the aforementioned groups.I don't know their intents.Yes,they may have bloggers on their payroll but,I'm certainly not one of them.I just bear my mind as a Patriot should,that's all!

Change was Inevitable!
I'll like to start from the situation that led to the crave for a change.Well,I was a PROUD advocate of the Change that we are currently experiencing today and I still do NOT regret it.
Of all the reasons why I saw the need for a change,the challenge of the United States that Nigeria would dis-integrate by the year 2015 is perhaps the GREATEST motivation for me.The statement credited to the Americans really got the better part of me especially when I saw Nigeria truly drifting towards making the break up happen.Nigerians were IGNORANTLY working hard for dis-integration except for a few.So when an alternative...a formidable one presented itself in the person of President Buhari,I had no choice but to market and defend the integrity of this choice and help place it above all others in the hearts of Nigerians and I'm glad I did!
Very many thanks to such online news outlets like the SAHARA REPORTERS that continued to dish out updated news about the then incumbent government and their very many corrupt and careless dispositions to the Nigerian issues.I was actually pretty active in the social media outlets,especially the facebook where I got to meet common Nigerians like myself and helped to make them see the reasons why we needed the change.
Now,the change is here and it hasn't been palatable at all... things are getting harder without a SPECIFIC hope of it coming to an end anytime soon.As such,a lot of bloggers,media professionals as well as our so called elites have been airing their grudges and views which has to do with condemning the President Buhari's regime,a regime that's barely a year old.This is why I've taken it upon myself to clear the air about some misconceptions about the Change I so passionately preached and promoted during the electioneering period.
Let me warn you,however,that I'm NOT here to enumerate the achievements of the present regime but to inform you about the need for the change,the change itself and the end product of the change.To start with,the Change was inevitable 'coz the Country was at the brink of destruction and we needed succor ASAP!

Now,what was the Change we voted for?
I can't but marvel at the disposition of so many Nigerians out there that are still embittered about the Loss of the former President Jonathan.I've noticed with a great dismay that most of these aggrieved guys aren't aware of the impending fall of the Nigerian state,what they saw was the ouster of a president from the MINORITY group for another candidate from the MAJORITY group!They were not looking at the quality of leadership but the persons involved,their ethnicity as well as their religion.They didn't the see the helplessness of President Jonathan in the face of Boko Haram that didn't only established a Caliphate within the Nigerian territory but also,was fast ranking among the deadliest terror groups in the world.They didn't see the decay in government where a civil servant has the audacity to embezzle public funds to the tune of N32 Billion and got away with a fine of a few millions.They didn't see the distrust of investors in the Nigerian Economy that saw the Central Bank Governor turning a preacher and prophet in the stock exchange market prophesying better days ahead.They didn't see the numerous shortcomings of the Jonathan regime,what they saw was the North trying to ouster a South-South Minority government with the aid of the hypocritical South West so as to continue the imperial rule over their 'Inheritance' (Nigeria) from their father Uthman Dan Fodio.This is most unfortunate!
Well,as a Nigerian and happily,the majority of the electorates,the terror acts of the Boko Haram was taking its toll on our economic lives and there was absolutely no guarantee of our lives and properties even down South.Boko Haram had spread to the North Central from the North East and the fact that they have already established a Caliphate is an indication that they were going no where,they were here to stay.Their consistent call for a merger with ISIL was so terrifying that any help from any corner would be much appreciated.So,it was quite unfortunate that what was coming from the news stead weren't encouraging at all. The shameful act of 'Tactical Manoevre' of the Nigerian Army that was rated among the very best in field combat in the world was not only embarrassing but highly discouraging and horrific.Yet,trillions were voted to tackle the insurgency.Gaskia,the Boko Haram insurgency alone was more than good enough reason to seek for a change of government.It wasn't Jonathan that we voted out of office,but,the incompetency and insecurity that went with the regime that we voted out. Jonathan,to me, is that humble MEEK lamb type that unfortunately,found himself among a park of wolves,foxes and jackals! Now, we got it,but,the question is,is this the type of change we voted for?
In my opinion,we voted for total change...it's like the proverbial statement of 'One blow seven die'. We wanted a better Nigeria,a better future,freedom from the shackles of insecurity, poverty and corruption.We voted for total socioeconomic rehabilitation of the Nigerian state.

Is the Change Happening?
Yes,it is.I see Boko Haram crushed,their Caliphate wiped out forever,(insha Allah) and life returning to normalcy up North...all these within a year of Buhari's regime.I think that's a remarkable change.I also see the 'Untouchables' are not just touched but also rounded up and made to answer to the laws of the land just like anybody else...that's another BIG change if you ask me.Our refineries coming back to live after such a long period and the defeat of the so-called oil cabals is a BIG plus to this regime...I'll stop at that 'coz like I said earlier,I'm not here to enlist the achievements of Buhari regime but to reveal the CHANGE IN PROGRESS!

Change is Gradual Process,so...Patience!
The other day,I read from a friend on facebook how a former minister was discrediting Buhari on his refusal to take advice from his team.That he was totalitarian in nature and that his approach to economic reforms are archaic in nature.Personally,I'm yet to see anything wrong with his approach...maybe it's because of my believe in the 'unorthodox' methods of resolving issues I don't know.But,what I do know AND VERY SURE OF is that President Buhari was voted to effect a change,therefore,he's the only one answerable to Nigerians which means that the blames are on him as well as the credits.He's therefore,the one to be convinced and not his subordinates!
Guys,I think we should exercise a little patience here for the F.G. and NEVER give room for sabotage in any form.The change is here,the change is happening,change ain't easy but the results are sweeter than honey!
God Bless Nigeria!

What has Politics got to do with the Economy?

Very little!
In the real sense of it,politics has very little to do with the economy.But considering the diversity of peoples running the countries of the world,in some cases like Nigeria's,economy has everything to do with politics!
You see,ideally,politics has to do with managing,organizing and running the affairs of the generality of the people in a country while economics is all about the economic activities of the citizens,it's all about what they produce and consume.So,ordinarily,politics involvement in economics (through government) is mainly an oversight thing,it's NEVER meant to be a very deep involvement...except,of course the communist and socialist mode of governance where the government is in charge of everything!
Having said that,I'll like to focus on the Nigeria's case,a country that practices the Capitalist system where winners take all!

Just after independence,Nigeria was doing pretty well economically,having inherited a robust economy from the whites.But,just a few years later,everything nose dived all because of the discovery of Oil in the Niger Delta region.What was meant to be an additional blessing became a curse upon us!
Nigeria gradually started to stray from Agriculture which was our main source of income during those days to concentrate only on oil.We,as a nation have STUPIDLY allowed our ever green non-stop money spinners of Agriculture to slip away for the easy money coming from the Niger Delta.In fact,the Head of States then was reported to have said that 'Money is not our problem,but,how to spend it!' Can you imagine?!
Because of the easy money and the lesser attention that's being paid to Agriculture,people started  moving into towns and cities where it's happening while Agriculture continued to suffer setbacks in the villages.This has been the case till date.

We are all still after the oil money,no one wants to work hard anymore,nobody likes to be called a farmer.Today, we import virtually everything especially food stuffs.We import frozen chickens,turkeys and fish like there's no tomorrow.There was a year when our import of fish was about 700 000 tons (1 ton = 1000kg! Guy,do the maths!!!). I learnt that we even import tooth pick and paper today.What a shame!
Since oil that now serves as our only major foreign exchange earner is government controlled it turns that whoever is the President becomes the sole determiner of our fate.
State governments depends heavily on federal allocation to pay their workers...the internal generated revenue is next to nothing in most states.In fact,except for Lagos state,I doubt if there's any other state that pay salaries without the Federal allocation.Should this be the case,I thought working means providing goods and services,how come,then,state governments can't pay their workers or are the states not paid for goods/services they render through their workers,where does the money go if they get paid?These are questions begging for answers especially now that the crude oil we so much depend on is no longer selling as high as it used to.
Just before Buhari's resumption to work at Aso Rock,I learnt that oil sold for about $120 but just a few weeks after his resumption, oil prices came crashing down to a very low level of only $30!That's about 75% fall! What this implies is that if we were sharing N120 Billion before the fall,we must now manage with just N30 Billion...all of us! Let me try to make it look simpler.

Mr Kamaldeen is a businessman with a very large family.Normally,he finds feeding his family and catering for their needs pretty easy because of his large in-flow of income.But suddenly,things went bad and sales went down so much so that even selling is almost like a loss.
After a month,the demand of the family gradually became so hard to meet that he sometimes yell at his wives and children when they refuse to manage the little he could offer!In your own opinion,what should Mr Kamaldeen do to satisfy his family? Unless his family understand his plight and bear with him,a huge crisis looms over which Mr Kamaldeen has no power to prevent!
That's the situation that President Buhari finds himself.Oil prices suddenly went down and the Dollar saw no other time to rise other than this same time Nigeria's income fell way below expectation.
The Solutions Economists and financial experts are giving is that he should simply move with the tide,devalue the Naira and dance to the Imperial tunes of the Oil Cabals just as Jonathan did.
But the man has a different idea,he chose to stand his ground as the Chief-in-Command of the Armed Forces and the Head of States of Nigeria to pave a new way out of the mess for Nigeria.All he asks of us is that we persevere with him for a while and that we too,should stop playing dumb in the Nigerian Project.
'Ask NOT what your country can do for you,but,what YOU can do for your country' - JFK
Oh! I love this quote from the late and formal president of the United States.It says it all...the solution to our national problems of today.
Everyone wants to be a politician no one wants to be the Farmer or the Teacher...everyone wants the easy money.We all want to be the President,the Governor,Local Government Chairman or any other political post holder not because we want to serve but because we want to be served!In any democracy,including ours,political holders are meant to serve us the civilians...they are not called servants for nothing you know ? They are so called because they are our servants!
I would be dwelling a little into that tomorrow God's willing,please do keep it date with me.One more thing,please don't just read,do share this message with your friends on social media.God Bless us All!
Ameen.

The Grazing Reserves - Way to go!

Gaskia,I don't know why any Nigerian should oppose the grazing reserve...it's the best of all options so far available to us!At least,the continuous killings of farmers and the destruction of their lives and properties would cease!

The Bill was sponsored by Hajia Zainab Kure,a senator from Niger state.If you had read my last post,you'll discover that I made a similar suggestion on the rural leaders' level.We should all be excited that the bill is now up for discuss in the National assembly.Why,then,should anybody oppose the bill???

Fear of Farmland Seizures
The general distrust in the government policies which is certainly not misplaced (judging by the past experience of the people in regards to similar policies),but,this is the CHANGE era where all things are subjected to the rule of law.Besides,I don't see how saving farmlands involves the seizure or take over of the same farmlands.Yes,a couple MIGHT be taken,if taken and compensations aren't made,you can be rest assured it won't just pass by!I think we should give the FG the element of doubt and allow the law to pass,why?
Because,we all want to see TRUE criminals among the Fulanis be identified,arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.This,honestly can't be realized in the rather 'MOB' way people have been taking the matter.In a situation where the Fulanis are reported to have struck and the next thing you hear is that some unknown gunmen had gone to attack the Fulanis in reprisal,then,you start to hear how the Fulanis are ransacking hamlets and villages non-stop!This leaves no one to be arrested,I mean you can't expect the Police arrest just any Fulani man on the streets for the crimes of another Fulani,do you?
Funny enough,you'll hardly hear of the unknown gunmen who carried out the first reprisal...what follows in the news is the counting of bodies and pictures of burnt down structures...this is usually the case. If the Bill is passed and a grazing reserve is provided for the Fulanis,whoever it might be among the Fulanis that encroaches or destroys any farmland would be easily arrested and made to pay for his crimes in full!

What if Farmlands are taken and the Crisis still persists???
No,it won't happen!The people in government aren't that stupid.Okay,it's a possibility,let's talk of how to deal with it if it eventually happens.
I think it's pretty easy to deal with it.All that need to be done is that complaints should be filed in relevant government offices and a reasonable time frame be allowed for response.If the time frame elapses and the government haven't responded,then,it would be time to report the case to both State and the National Assemblies through our representatives in both houses.Simple!!!
You should start seeing the matter making news in our national dailies...if it doesn't,then,your representatives are not doing what you have required of them.It's now up to you to either force them to work by threatening to call them back or you actually fire them by passing 'votes of no confidence' on them and a new election process would arranged to replace the erring reps. SHIKENA!!!
You see,some matters are better dealt with the VERY easy way.Truly,in a democracy,EVERYONE IS EQUAL BEFORE THE LAW!
The problem,as I've explained in my previous post has been the failure of our so called leaders both political and rural to defend and protect us and our properties.The sponsor of this bill is long over due...kudos to Hajia Kure who broke the Ice!

Why Must Lands be Confiscated For the Fulanis? This is Cheating!
I was discussing this matter with a friend from Jos (who has lost a few relations to the crisis). He was of the opinion that farmlands were the target of the F.G. He strongly believes that farmlands would be seized and compensations not satisfactorily paid. Obviously,he was emotional about the matter for which I don't blame him.
But, in my argument,I told him that there are so many unused lands in the country that can be made use of.I argued that it doesn't make sense to target farmlands as grazing lands because,the grazing reserves were to be provided so as to protect the farmlands and the Farmers!
I think our leaders,political and rural alike need to meet over this matter and reach a common ground ahead of time.On our own part,I think we should be discussing the matter a little more on social media and polls be created to seek people's opinions on the matter.
No one would confiscate any land,everything would be based on mutual agreement.I want the Federal and State governments arrange a town hall meeting between the local farmers and the Nomadic Herdsmen so that all issues and grievances would be resolved before the Bill becomes law!But,are our leaders ready for such meetings???

Draw a Battle Plan and Organize Yourselves well for the Impending Grazing Bill
It's quite funny how people easily forget the fact that we are in a democracy which is all about the numbers.Instead of crying foul and staging rather very unnecessary protest both virtually and physically,I think people should spend more time in winning as many as there is to their sides and of course perfect their negotiation plans 'coz,if you ask me,I think the Bill is already passed into law!
This is not hard to see,the voices coming from both the South East and South West are very strong and very aggressive against the Fulanis.The Northern Governors had no choice but to defend the Fulanis and have naturally done so.Now,the Bill for grazing reserves has been sponsored,do you think the Fulanis in the House would vote against the Bill especially considering the aggressive attitude of the South to the Bill and the Fulanis in general???
Let's be very sincere with ourselves,the Bill would be read and passed into law,if the South have concerns,let them table it now for consideration instead of opposing the UNSTOPPABLE!
I think both the political and elite groups of the South should meet and agree on a single ground ahead of the passage of the Bill instead of complaining,protesting and opposing the Bill.The Bill passage would save so many lives and properties.We should get a copy of the proposed bill and discuss every phrase there in and help modify it to suit both the Fulanis and our farmers.I'm from the North Central and any law that would put an end to the bloodshed should be supported.This is why I'm backing the Bill.
Everyone,including the Southerners knows that the surest way to put an end to the perennial incidents of clashes between the Herdsmen and the local farmers is the grazing bill,why not accept it and modify instead of opposing and getting no chance to make any meaningful contributions to the law???
 

Agatu vs Fulani:My take!

First of all,I want everybody to know that Fulani herdsmen are seen in most parts of the North and are sometimes seen across the Niger River down South during extreme dry weather conditions.Hence,the issue of clashes between them and local farmers is not new thing at all  (it's inevitable...afterall,the tongue and the teeth in your mouth occasionally clash)! It's just that ransacking villages and killing so many are not as experienced else where as we have in Benue and Plateau states.
In the case of Benue,the issue has been on for a very,very long time,in fact,one can mistake it for a full blown tribal war.This is why one would like to ask as to why it takes such serious dimensions when it comes to the Middle Belt states?
The answer is not far fetched at all!If you are conversant with Middle Belt/North Central political groups on facebook,you would be able to smell the tension right in the air!Members of North Central states of Benue,Plateau (sometimes Kaduna) states are always at logger heads with the Hausa/Fulanis.They are always at each other's throats when it comes to political issues.
The Middle Belt guys consistently accuse the Hausa/Fulani of occupying their lands and refusing to leave.In response,the Fulanis would fight back claiming that they are rightfully residents of the states as well and as a matter of fact,this is Nigeria and they are Nigerians.
Whenever the Middle Belt indigene threatens the forceful evacuation of the Fulanis,they would stand their ground and respond by daring them to do so!This is what I experience first hand in such facebook groups.Initially,I used to wonder why so much hatred brews between them,but,with time,I realized that the Middle Belt guy is still angry with the Hausa/Fulani man for conquering their lands and changing both their POLITICAL AND RELIGIOUS landscapes forever!So,whenever an average Middle Belt indigene sees or hear of a Fulani man residing in their indigenous lands,they burn with rage...not to mention hearing him quarrel with a farmer OVER THE DESTRUCTION OF HIS FARM!It's maddening!!!
Before I continue with my post,I'll like to give a quick intro as to the nature of an average Middle Belt man and a Fulani herdsman.
A typical Middle Belt man can be exceptionally stubborn especially when he is on his right,likewise the Fulanis...but the Fulanis,in addition are traditionally war-like in nature.They are always at alert to all forms of threat that come their way.This might be probably due to their Nomadic lifestyle which sees them living in the bush most of the time a midst wild carnivorous animals.This is certainly not the case with the Middle Belt men who live a settled life in his village/town/city.
So,naturally,you'll expect the one with the Nomadic lifestyle to win virtually all the time when men from these different backgrounds clash.Like I said earlier,the Fulanis are known to have had petty clashes from time to time with indigenes of their various host communities but they rarely record as much casualties as they record in the Middle Belt...especially in Benue,Plateau and Kaduna states.
Now,coming back to the incessant clashes between the Herdsmen and the local farmers.It's pertinent to note that the needless clashes and losses of life and properties can be prevented with a simple application of tolerance,understanding and co-operation.
Tolerance
As local farmers and landlords of the Middle Belt,the indigenes have a duty to accept and tolerate peoples of different backgrounds that come or pass through their lands.Failure to do so would paint them bad as intolerant racists and uncivilized people.This is why the traditional rulers and leaders need to wake up to their duties to the people.
For instance,in the report of the recent unfortunate massacre of the Agatus,apart from the call made by the Governor and the visit of the Inspector General,I haven't heard of any report of traditional rulers of both sides coming together to iron issues out.This is so irresponsible of them...I'm sorry!
You might not agree with me,but,the lack of organized meetings between the fighting factions' leaders have contributed immensely to the continuous clashes between them.If the leaders of the Local host communities  meet regularly with the Hausa/Fulani regional traditional leaders,they would,by now come up with several MOU's that would be binding on both the hosts and their guests with or without the interference or involvement of the government!
But,this,unfortunately isn't the case all because of the lack of tolerance.Without tolerance,people,even from the same family would find it extremely difficult to live together!The leaders of local hosting communities and those of the Hausa/Fulani communities must find it within themselves to tolerate one another and learn of each others do's and don't's and work according to them.
Undersatnding
With tolerance comes understanding...you must be ready to accept me first,with my faults if you must understand me.
If the Agatus had tolerated the Fulanis and accepted them with their faults,settling matters and getting justice when cheated or hurt won't be difficult!I stand to be corrected,if the ethnic clashes must cease in the North Central,our traditional rulers and leaders have a very important role to play!
THEY MUST GO PAST THE PETTY QUARRELS,MEET WITH THE HAUSA/FULANI COMMUNITY LEADERS AND AGREE ON TERMS OF PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE THAT SHALL BE WITNESSED BY MEN OF THE LAW.LAWS MUST BE MADE AND PUNISHMENTS MUST BE PUT IN PLACE TO SERVE AS DETERRENT TO POTENTIAL OFFENDERS!!!
Co-operation
To co-operate,even in marriages,require a lot of tolerance,understanding and CO-OPERATION.The Hausa/Fulanis and the local farmers are not meant to be enemies,as a matter of fact,to me,they are more fit to be partners in progress! 
I mean,come to think of it,farmers provide us with our basic food needs...they plant food crops like vegetables,fruits among other food crops,rice,beans,maize and wheat.On the other hand,the Fulanis provide us with our meat and milk needs which are superb sources of protein. A balanced diet require products of both sides...so,you see,they are indeed meant to be partners in progress.This is why it's a MUST they learn to live together in peace and harmony and trust me,it won't happen if the traditional rulers continue to be complicit on the matter.If there had been a MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) between the Agatus and the Fulanis,the Fulanis would have no choice but to help fish out the perpetrators of the massacre and the Agatus,in turn would have co-operated by fishing out those that killed the 10 000 cattle and the messenger of peace as claimed by the Fulanis!!!
So,if you are reading this and are either a Hausa/Fulani or a North Central indigene,the key to our long lasting co-existence (which is a MUST for us) are our traditional leaders! They must meet and work out modalities and come out with MOU's that shall be binding on both parties.
Of course,the state and Federal governments can help by establishing grazing fields for our Hausa/Fulani herdsmen...this would serve as a permanent solution to the problem.This is my take!
Regards,
Long live Naija!


      
 

N400 Per Dollar...another BIG Change! III

From the previous post,we made it abundantly clear that the problem is with us the citizens.We could make things happen irrespective of the person in power.The Dollar problem is an economic problem not political.Today,we are discussing the solutions Insha Allah.
What can We do About it???
The answer to the question is pretty simple.But,like I said in the previous post,it somewhat lengthy.However,I shall just be brushing through them.
There is a 3-steps solution to our economic problems.They are the DEFINITION,PLANNING AND EXECUTION steps.

Definition

This is the first step in every major project in life.We need to first of all get it right in terms of what we need,to what extent we want to go and when we want it done.In this case of ours - curtailing the fall of the Naira and adding value to it.
We want the Naira to stabilize against the Dollar,we would want to go as far as making the Naira equal to the Dollar (for now) and we want it done ASAP...latest,by the year 2020.

Planning

During the planning step,our line of action shall be guided by the definition we have made above.Stabilizing the Naira require us to reduce,drastically,our rate of importation to only those things we don't produce at all in the country.
For instance,the importation of staple foods like rice,beans,fish,chicken among other stuffs we produce in the country should be gradually discouraged.This can be done by US the citizens NOT the government.All we gotta do is to buy more of those products that are produced within the country DESPITE their flaws.
In that way,we would be putting more money into the hands of our local producers to produce more,it would also serve as an inducement to local investors to put more money into the Economy.It would also translate to employment generation for so many and a mass emigration back to farm to produce more food and raw materials for such industries as the textile industries!
This is why I'm so happy when the present regime promised to focus on the Agricultural sector as a savior of our economy.Let them meet you and I in the place,don't wait on the government...I personally believe more on the might of the citizenry than that of the government and that is because,the government,to me,is a mere reflection of the people of a country.If the people are good,the country would be,(we are good,aren't we?) and where the reverse is the case,please,don't expect Saints to rule in the city of Devils!
If we,the people would change our taste,place more value on what are made in Nigeria over those from foreign lands,the Government has no choice but to follow suit!After all,they'll need our votes to stay in power,won't they?If we make a strong statement with OUR ACTIONS AND CHANGE OF TASTE,they would listen and obey!
Another cool thing about the 'change' thing is that with less importation going on,less Naira would have to go abroad,therefore,gradually,less Naira would be available in the international market which means scarcity of the Naira.According to the Supply rule,the lower the Supply,the higher the price!
Nigerians must be encouraged to invest more in the local economy so that production can be increased and consequently,the Naira would gain value not only against the Dollar,but,other major currencies like the British Pound and the Euro!This encouragement comes ONLY from buying more of Naija.Now,the question is,how many of us are patriotic enough to 'change' our taste for the sake of improving our economy...how many???

Execution

Execution is pretty easy once we are able to scale through the planning stage successfully.Some might argue that execution is in fact the problem.We have been made to understand that there have been so many well planned and well articulated blueprints that have been made over the years,but,lack of political will to execute them has been the problem.
While I agree that this is true,I may also wanna argue that some of those blueprints were done without considering the 'Nigerian' factor.
Most of those that were involved in the making of blueprints hardly leave the comfort of their well furnished and air-conditioned offices to have direct contact with those they are making the plans for.Now,tell me,what do you expect of such think tanks...what type of plans do you think they can come up with???
This is the major reason why most of those that managed to come out for execution fail so woefully...the plans are alien to the Nigerian society and those blueprints that never left the planning stage,believe it or not,they were not actually needed,the organization and the whole process of making the blueprint were merely to serve as a 'dummy' to us...they were not meant to be implemented but to douse a possible revolt that was perceived that's all!Oh,how many times over have we fallen for this same old trick of our politicians!
This plans as proposed can only work if we as Nigerians are ready to move forward and stop wasting time on cheap political rantings.If we truly want to make this country work,we need to start working on the 'change' of our taste by buying more of Naija products so as to encourage local producers and manufacturers and at the same time,we would be putting more value on the Naira by making it stay back home!So,stop putting money on importation business,but, on exportation.I rest my case on this matter for now!Thanks for your time!
God Bless Nigeria and Nigerians!!
Ameen!!!   

N400 Per Dollar...another BIG Change! II

If you had missed the first part of this write up,I'll STRONGLY suggest you go read it up before you read this post.You should see a post with a similar title on the blog.Having said that,it's time to continue from where we stopped.
BREAKING NEWS! Naira has Appreciated by N6 in the Parallel Market!

I woke up to the news that the Naira appreciated against the Dollar,isn't that wonderful?This goes a long way to buttress the point that the Federal Government is trying to make by insisting on the N199/$ mark.
You see,there's a saying in Yoruba that goes thus:"Nani-nani,oun a ba ni lan nani". It literally means that you should value and promote what you have so that others would value it too!
In a situation whereby someone works in Nigerian economy and refused to be paid in Naira but Dollars is highly unacceptable!But,unfortunately,it has happened in Nigeria on several occasions...I heard that a certain construction company who had been a regular contracting firm in Nigeria (name withheld) gets paid in terms of CRUDE OIL, can you just imagine?!
So,when people start talking about how Buhari has been inactive and how innocent or guilty Jonathan has been,I cannot help but to laugh and marvel.The Dollar palava is NOT a political matter but an economic one.True,the government has a large influence on the economy but not as much as we are made to believe.
To so many,the Federal Government is the Alpha and Omega of all that happens in the country,especially the economic sector.To the majority,the only person that can better the economy is the government,no one else can do a thing about it,how true is this?
There's a BIG Difference between Your Personal Finance and Government Finance
When we talk of the Economy,people start ranting about government policies.When we talk of rise in crime rate,it's the government,talk of unemployment,it is the government should do something about it...according to a comedian,it has come to a level that people are beginning to think that the government should be responsible for the high divorce rate in the country! Haba!
What you earn,how you earn it and how you spend or manage what you earn has NOTHING to do with the government...it's solely your responsibility!So,if you are not faring well financially,it's neither the government nor the Nigerian economy that's at fault,YOU are at fault!
There are so many things that you need to learn and do about the way you earn and spend.You must be ready to think and act like a rich man if you want to be rich...for more info,I'll suggest you join therichkidstreasurebox.com 
It's a social networking site for Investors and Entrepreneurs.Go join them,registration is free.There's a welcome package that'll help you understand the basis of what I call Personal Finance.This is a must for all that are not getting it right financially...goodluck!
A Country is as rich as the Citizens of the Country

Nigeria is a RICH country considering the so many mineral riches that are found within her territory.But, of what use are the riches of a country when her citizens are poor?I read a guy's post on facebook in which he said that there are 38 solid minerals in the world and 25 of them can be found in Nigeria!Therefore,the country is rich...very rich!But,how rich are Nigerians???
Most Nigerians are raised and trained to go to school,graduate and start looking for a job.Very few are trained to do business.This is the root cause of the widespread poverty in Nigeria.Since we are trained to seek for jobs,we find it highly ridiculous to invest our savings.What we do mostly with our savings is to either build a house,marry a wife or two...or more,some seek out higher certificate of learning so as to get promoted at work.There are some that has no appetite for savings,they just collect their salaries,settle the bills and squander the rest in a beer parlor or pepper soup joint!
This has been the case in Nigeria and unfortunately is still the psyche of most Nigerian youths.This,also,is the main reason why Nigerians are poor.The Economy has been grossly mismanaged by the past regimes,so,has been the government companies that have proved to be the largest employer of labor.Their collapse (government companies like the Railway Corporation)  has led to a massive unemployment rate.
Since Nigeria mainly consist of Employee minded youths and very few entrepreneurs,things are getting increasingly difficult with so many coming out of the Universities without a job on sight.Everyone is forced to jump at whatever means of income luck throws at them GRATEFULLY!
Creativity and Innovation is a long lost asset of Nigerian youths who have turned to scavengers of labor.Just imagine a Master Degree holder begging to be employed as a gatekeeper!It is that bad!!!
What Can we do About It?
Ah! That question has a very long answer...it's so long that I'll suggest we treat it tomorrow,Okay?Please,keep it a date tomorrow.Thanks for your time!

N400 Per Dollar...another BIG Change!

So many have had their say about the current steep upward rise of the Dollar against our dear Naira.As expected,most of the comments have been negative.Some have gone as far as saying that the country is already a failed state.God forbid!
Now,let's be very sincere with ourselves,the economic downturn is NOT the fault of Buhari...it's not TOTALLY that of the past regimes either.Guys,make we no fool ourselves,the problem is more of ours the citizens than our leaders!
How Many Made in Nigeria Products do you Use?
Like I used to say,Nigerians are yet to start seeing themselves as Nigerians.As such,we don't really care about what happens to Nigeria so long we live comfortably.Very few of us truly care about National matters.This is why most of us would say 'Devalue the Naira' even when it's quite obvious that the devaluation would only lead to inflation.We don't care,so long we are not directly affected. This is sad!
What we don't know is that the current economic broo-hoo-waha we find ourselves today is as a result of our careless attitude towards our dear country Nigeria.We want the best of services and products which is normal.But,the problem is that the origin and source of the service/product you use matters.It involves the exchange of currencies.It's all about the normal demand & supply curves...the higher the price,the lower the demand and vice versa.
When you buy foreign products,our Naira flies out of the country to pay for it but when you buy a Nigerian product,the Naira stays at home and improves our overall economic status.In other words,the more often we buy foreign products/services,the more often Naira has to travel oversees...now,the problem is that we Nigerians buy foreign products much more often than we should,hence,the Naira travels out so often that other countries are becoming wary of it.
When you see something too often,you seem to loose taste for it,hence,you treat it with less respect and sometimes downgrade it...that's exactly what's happening to the Naira.
Buy Nigerian Products even if the are Inferior!
I know that some products cannot be produced in Nigeria because we lack the required technology or raw materials,yes,but,can't we limit our importation to those and as a matter of fact strive to extend the number of products/service we produce???Naira needs to stay at home the more so that people out there would miss it and treat it with more respect.
There was a time in this country that the Naira was more valuable than the Dollar so much that Americans would be glad to be paid in Naira!We can bring back those glorious days...together,we can do it and it's easy to do it.
All we have to do is to resolve to buy more Nigerian products as against foreign products even when the Nigerian product is inferior to its foreign counterparts.Buy it Nigerian to keep Nigerians employed and keep the Naira indoors!Buy the products and suggest to the producers how they can make better products...now,that's how to grow an economy...the citizens must be ready to support their country by patronizing products made in their country.You would NEVER see an average American or British citizens patronizing other country's products while there's a local producer of the same product,why can't we do that too??? 
Consumers are the Kings...we are the Kings & Queens!
An open secret is that Traders,Merchants and the Business men sell what WE WANT TO BUY NOT WHAT THEY WANT SELL!

No Merchant would like to display products without buyers,so,they do market researches to find out what's trending,what's selling before they go to buy.Since in Nigeria,what sells are foreign products,Marketers and Merchants are forced to provide foreign goods.
Should we,the consumers...the buyers decide to change our taste today and patronize Nigerian products despite their numerous flaws,the Merchants and Marketers are trendy to follow suit by providing us with more Nigerian products!
                                                                                                               ....to be continued!