Cool Gift Ideas For This Christmas..... All Under N2000!!!

Gosh! Christmas is so close! I just realized that the year would come to an end really soon and a "gifter" like me never lets any year go by without giving few gifts. I noticed something not so good though. All through this year the same thing has been on everyone's lips: No money. Its not the usual no money that we heard the years before. This year, it got really worse. Does that mean we won't be giving gifts this Christmas? Mbanu. I went online in a bid to get ideas on what to buy for loved ones and I saw great stuff, until I checked their prices. Say whaaaat! *runs away* Ema binu, biko, please, mbok, I will not goan empty my entire account to buy gift. Call it frugality, Chibugo says its sensibility, especially when you're from a large family like me. So I compiled this list for those of us who are going to be going shopping for Christmas gifts while working on a tight budget. I hope you get pocket-friendly inspiration! Next year will be a time of great abundance!

In no particular order of importance, here goes:

FASHION ITEMS

I don't know why but the few times I get gifts, they're almost always fashion items. I am such an mgbeke but I always appreciate them :D

1. A Hat. 

          Hats are really fashionable and add taste to any outfit, especially casual ones. There are different kinds for everyone, whether male or female.

a gatsby

a fedora

a bowler hat

a sunhat

These all cost between N1200 and N2000. I did not send you to enter boutique on the Island oh. Find your way to a store in a real "market area". Like Balogun, Trade fair or Yaba. *straight face*

2. Sunglasses: Sunglasses have a way of adding the "cool" factor to any outfit. I love 'em, and you dont have to break a bank to get nice ones.

I wouldn't mind one of these myself. They're so cute. I can also confidently tell you that with N1000-N1500, you can get someone a pair of these.

3. A sweater: 'nuff said. Its harmattan. who wouldn't appreciate one? I got a sleeveless one for my brother earlier in the year for N1300.

4. Thick socks: A friend got me one of these some years back and I remember her fondly every harmattan because of how useful they are. I'm wearing them now ;D

5. A tie: They come in different colours and trust me, N2000 is more than enough to get someone a decent tie.

6. Trendy flat shoes: you can actually get a decent pair of ballerina shoes for as low as N1500 at Trade fair or any other market in Lagos. Some could cost more, it all depends on your budget.

There are a lot more ideas swirling around in my head and i doubt that i'll be able to provide images for them all: You could get
a belt,
colorful beaded wristbands,
lipstick,
eyeshadow (House of Tara and Sleek stock affordable makeup products),
a set of false lashes,
eyeshadow shields,
 a scarf, whether silk or pashmina,
a set of nail polish,
hair products for the naturalistas,
cologne,
costume jewelry; the list is just endless, it all depends of the different personalities and what they would appreciate.

Okay, I'll just write them down in whatever order they come to mind. Where images are required, I'll provide 'em
1. A Bible cover
2. A backpack/ duffel bag
3. Data bundle
4. Game set,e.g., monopoly, chess, scrabble, ayo/ncho

5. Leather ware: Our northern brothers sell their handmade wares all over Lagos and it only takes one look for you to get hooked. It helps that they're pocket friendly too.

6. A mobile shoe rack/hanging shoe holder: 

7. A set of of underwear

8. Earphones

9. A decorative picture frame

10. A doll/teddy for the kids.

11. A few yards of fabric

12. A book. I love books a lot. A well chosen book is the ultimate gift anyone could give me. I could actually recommend a few I've read(which you should too);

FICTION

The secret lives of Baba Segi's wives by Lola Shoneyin

Everyday is for the thief by Teju Cole

Everything good will come by Sefi Atta

The concubine by Elechi Amadi

Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Jagua Nana/Jagua Nana's daughter by Cyprian Ekwensi

Second class citizen by Buchi Emecheta

Anthills of the Savannah by Chinua Achebe

Half of a yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Efuru by Flora Nwapa

CHILDREN'S FICTION

Zahrah the windseeker by Nnedi Okoroafor

Behind the clouds by Ifeoma Okoye

Chike and the river by Chinua Achebe

Mother's choice by Agbo Areo

A second chance by Nyengi Koin

MOTIVATIONAL

A purpose driven life by Rick Warren(highly recommended)

Think big by Ben Carson

Why you act the way you do by Tim LaHaye

The five love languages by Gary Chapman(highly recommended)

There are countless kinds of books to make your selection from. You just need to go out and see for yourself.

 So, what will you be getting your loved ones this Christmas? Put smiles on their faces but remember not to break the bank. Remember too, the very poor, whose biggest fear is not seeing the next meal to put on the table. Three paint buckets of garri and a gallon of palm oil is probably around N2000. I'm just saying though....

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.....-  Jesus.

Monday Humor - Hey, Miss Wiggins!

Welcome to the very first Monday in the month of December. I can smell my Christmas rice already! *dancing* Hope you're not too sad the weekend is over. Here's a little something that I hope will sweeten this dusty and dreary Monday a bit. Here goes:

So that morning I stood at the bus stop as usual, waiting for my bus. It was about to rain and the wind was howling fiercely. I wasn't up to rushing for buses that morning so I just stood there waiting for the crowd to dwindle enough for me to make my choice of buses without hassle. It would probably rain on me, but frankly, I didn't care. I just didn't wake up on the right side of the bed that morning. Even if it rained, what did i have to lose? My hair was out in its normal afro state and I was wearing a pair of rubber sandals(you would never know, hehe). Worst case scenario, I would get drenched, right? So  I stood there, oblivious, with Lucky Dube blasting away on my earphones.

As me and my fellow waitees stood waiting for the next bus, the wind suddenly picked up and blew with such force that I actually got a little worried. There was a woman beside me with a little child. I had some pity for them. Now the wind blew so hard that I thought I was going to fall. "Chei! I wouldn't feel so light if only I'd had some breakfast", I thought. The wind blew up dust accompanied by littered sachets of pure water and tiny empty sachets of dry gin aka ogogoro, and all whatnot: the debris of everyday street life in Lagos. I looked to my left and saw a pretty lady, well dressed, and wearing such a long, curly, expensive looking weave that I unconsciously began guessing how many Indian or Peruvian or Cambodian(I hope I got that right) women surrendered their hair to make that weave possible. I thought it weird that she was so still and composed, for someone standing in a strong wind. "Whatever...maybe she's a model", I thought, about looking away.

I didn't even get the chance to register another thought when suddenly, the lady before me became hairless!!!

 It was like magic! One minute she had long flowing curly hair, the next minute she looked, well, strange! I couldn't have been more surprised if her clothes had suddenly been blown off her body and she was absolutely naked. Apparently her wig had come off because of the wind. Gosh! I was too surprised for words. My ever present reflexes kicked in, and as Usain Bolt's twin wey I be, I took off in typical fashion, running after the offending weave and catching it just before a keke napep got to it. Walking back truimphantly with my trophy in hand, I saw the faces of all the people at the bus stop, and it was a riot of laughter. Some did their best to cover it, while others laughed with unabashed amusement. The lady in question looked like she was about to cry. She wore high heels and so there was no hiding for her.

As I came closer I noticed why she looked entirely too weird. Her whole front hairline was gone. Except for some hair that resembled grass struggling to grow in the harmattan, her edges were what Lagosians would call  Iya Iyabo  edges. She had quite abundant hair towards the middle and the back, but just above her forehead area was a desert. It had a devastating effect on her appearance and I felt so bad for wanting to laugh too. Handing her the weave I studied her, not knowing what to say. When she saw the confused expression on my face, for a moment she simply held on to the weave and looked at me. Then we both burst out laughing. I have no idea why we were both laughing, I just know it felt good at the moment. Haha. We laughed, even as she struggled to wear the wig properly, and all the way into the bus that finally decided to come. On the bus she noticed my great halo of hair and confided in me that it was the quest for very neat hairstyles(braids) and the use of weave-on glue(i.e bond) that cost her most of the hair on her front hairline. Its amazing how most hair mishaps suddenly earn you unexpected friends. I won't go into details as to all the advice I gave her on hair care, but I bet she won't be forgetting that incident anytime soon.

I still laugh every time I think of it. The wind was surely on a mission that day.

And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair... Kahlil Gibran

PS.: Never wear a wig out on a windy day. If you must wear one, make bobby pins your best friend. If the wind gets too much, don't be ashamed to hold your head, lest your wig fall off. I repeat, HOLD YOUR HEAD. There's no shame in it. Don't say Chibugo did not tell you. Hehe.

**Best advice: take good care of your real hair underneath, I mean, don't trade the health of your hair for the beauty of a 1 month hairstyle. Care for it the way you care for your skin, desist from overly tight hairstyles that pull out your hair, and don't neglect its health, so that you won't die of shame IF the wig decides to dance with the wind! Have a flavorful week mi amigos!:D

An Ode To The Ones.... Who Left Too Early

Like a seed, we were all planted;

In due time, we all sprouted;

We grew too, as was expected;

....Tobe, Suleyol and Tyofa;

Our harvest time should have been farther;

But I have to bid you Adieu; for you now rest yonder.

- Sincerely,

A very sorrowful Chibugo

I was away for a while; I apologize. 

I was in Abuja on the 21st of November for a bosom friend's wedding when I received the shocking news of the death of one of my brightest female pupils in Ugba, Benue state where i had my NYSC. Her name was Suleyol. Thank God the wedding was already over when I got the news because it rendered me near useless for the rest of my stay there. While i was serving, i had already buried one of my class kids, Tyofa. Now, while 16 year old Tyofa wasn't the brightest kid on the block, the efforts he made to understand my teaching were very commendable, and I loved him so much for it. He had only complained of a headache the day before he died. His death brought so much sorrow and fear into my class (they are a very superstitious people, the Tivs). Rest on, Master Orbam Tyofa.

14 year old Suleyol, for her part, was the epitome of intelligence and responsibility. She was beautiful, with ebony black skin and sparkling white teeth. The way she handled her two little brothers who were in nursery school back then, I had no doubts she would make a great mum. In class, she was usually third or second place out of almost 50 pupils, especially in mathematics. The story was that she also complained of a severe headache before she died. Thinking of it, I remember now that she was always having these headaches. Mysterious, but the deed's been done. Rest on Miss Shimave Suleyol.

I never would have composed the poem above, or written this post, if not for the death of Tobe. Now, Tobe and I weren't very close. We met in 1st year in uni, the students who were not accepted to read medicine but were given a close alternative. We all complained about our course, but no one did anything, except for a few brave guys like Tobe who braved it and re-wrote JAMB to seek the path of their dreams. Early last week, the day after i returned from my Abuja trip feeling worn out, I got the news of Tobe's death. He was to have been inducted as a doctor in two days. *deep sigh* We weren't close; in fact we hardly communicated except for Facebook chats, but Tobe's death got to me in a way I didn't believe. I sobbed for days. I wondered what his family would be going through if I was wailing that way. I fluctuated between phases of depression and anger. Depression at the transient state of this life, and anger at God for letting such good guys die while so many bad guys lay all over the place doing evil. He was just 24! He slumped while watching a football match. Just like that, he left. Tobe was a great guy, calm and nice to everyone. I'm sure he would have made a great doctor. Rest on, Doctor Tobenna.

Death is such a mystery. I do not even want to try understanding it. I have learnt a few lessons from these though: 

• I will chase my dreams no matter what, lest I end up regretting what I didn't do in the next 40 years. 
• I'll do my best to leave a positive impact on everyone I meet so that when I'm gone, I would have touched many people in a good way and would be remembered for my deeds.
• There is a better life ahead of this one... [Earth is only the nursery].. I hope not to miss it.

Writing this was very therapeutic for me, and to everyone who reads it: Thank you. I hope you take something good away from it. 

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their own dreams - Tina Turner

And oh, lest I forget, happy harmattan! It swooped down so unexpectedly and right now, my part of Lagos is covered in a dusty haze. I do not envy anyone in Nsukka or anyplace farther north. All I'm waiting for is when my beloved Udala/Agbalumo will be in season.;-) Have a great weekend ahead folks!

What A Black Friday It Was

Yesterday, I felt a very great disappointment in our government; badly let down, in fact. I am not one to complain about the government and their ills; all I do is shake my head at their antics and sit back and watch for the next season, while going about my business. Because yes, to me, the Nigerian government is run like a seasonal movie that never ends. Unnecessary drama, year unto year. Dear people, this here post is a rant. Pardon me in advance, for I intend to vent my spleen on here. 

In the past week (a total of 168 hours) I have had electricity for a total of 3 hours. Yes, three. As in ato in Igbo, meta in Yoruba, uku in Hausa, just in case you thought that was a typo. I normally would not feel so bad about this as it is the trademark of our Power withholding Companies, but for the circumstances that surrounded this blackout. You see, we do not depend on the Water Corporation for our water supply, because we know just how reliable they are. Therefore, we pump our own water; but today, there was not a drop of water left. That was not the problem, really, you know we Nigerians have such tough skins. Now, almost every gas station in Lagos is closed down because of the senseless fuel scarcity going on right now. And so we had no power, no water, and no petrol to generate the both. You may have to experience this personally to understand the feeling of utter helplessness and anger that it brings upon you.

I mean, how do you explain why an oil producing country has no petrol in its gas stations? Our electricity gets taken away, we divert to generators. Now our fuel has been taken away and we are left stranded. Its funny how there's no petrol to sell to consumers, but the guys who sell in the black market always have petrol to sell. At 200 Naira a litre! Who are we kidding? Where do they get theirs from? Thin air? I am certain that there is constant power in the homes of our national leaders who feed us with propaganda instead of giving us results. This, to me, is the mark of an insensitive government.  Everyday we are told that we are fighting corruption, while we suffer deprivation left, right and centre! Ha! The irony is laughable. Why will a hungry people not choose the corrupt route when the very leaders they look up to are the epitomes of it?

My generation and I have been heavily let down; so do not blame those of us who are apathetic towards the government and all it stands for, or those who simply dance to the tune of corrupt politicians in the hope of getting crumbs from their table to make their lives a little more bearable. Everyone is going on and on about black friday, and I'm here in the dark like,"Yeah, its a really BLACK Friday for us over here". No pun intended. 

Are we the generation to effect change? Maybe, but first, we need a complete overhaul of.... many things. My fury is not spent yet, but I have to pick up my gallon and continue my hunt for petrol. This girl and her family must survive. See you soon.

"No matter the era, no matter which side you are on, and no matter where you live, the government will find ways to break your heart...." - Kurt Vonnegut

Monday Humor - The Change Race

I know Mondays are our worst day of the week, abi? I personally have nothing against Mondays, being the workaholic that I am, but for those of you who do, I'll be having a little something from now on, to make you smile through the day. If you like, don't laugh, God is watching you in 3D.

Source

On this clear morning, I decided I was going to put on a really nice dress. Not because of anything special, but because I just felt like it. With a nice dress, of course, came nice shoes (with heels), and of course, nice make up. Looking in the mirror, I grinned. I was set. I stepped out, expecting everyone else to be ready to go, but alas, the gods had other plans. I received crisp instructions to "go on." Obviously I wouldn't be "chauffeured" today. "Chai. What a waste of dress!" I thought to myself. I began the trek from the house to the bus stop, walking as carefully as possible to avoid any mishap.

I boarded the first bus, alighted at my stop. No problem. I boarded the second one, alighted at my stop. No problem, except for a few mildly interested stares. This is Lagos anyway, everyone stares at everyone else. The last bus was one of these large coaster buses in which everyone sits butt to butt with each other, without even an inch of space between. I happened to be one of the first to get in so I took up a nice seat by the window and promptly plugged in my earphones.

Passengers began to troop in, and owing to my position, everyone had to see me before getting into the bus. There were quite a number of appreciative eyes, especially male ones. I sat straighter. The open and unabashed "lookery" was quite unsettling. I remembered I took good time with my dressing that day. Chai. See unnecessary attention. Who send me message?  A certain "gentleman" couldn't bear it any longer and decided to change his seat to sit beside me and initiate toaster-type conversation. I snubbed him since "no be boyfriend I come find for inside molue". We sped on. I answered a phone call in my most "tush" voice to match my "tush" appearance. When I got to my bus stop, instead of the default "Owa o!", of course I had to say, "Driver, I'm stopping here please". Hehe. I alighted like I imagined Queen Elizabeth would alight from a carriage. As the bus moved, I heaved a sigh of relief. Chai! Shakara no easy ooh! I had taken only three steps when a loud alarm rang in my head, making me halt in the most dramatic way. "Yepa" I thought, "No way did I forget my change on the bus!" 

I deserve Usain Bolt's medal for the race I ran that morning. I ran, soteey everyone had to stop to find out what could be making such a well-dressed lady run so fast on a weekday morning, on a busy Lagos road. I could already imagine the black lips of the conductor as it would stretch in a smug smile over his tobacco-stained teeth while counting my change and preparing to pocket it. Heck no! I ran faster. Finally I spotted the bus, stuck in a little traffic ahead. For the first time in my life, I thanked God for Lagos traffic. The agility with which I swung into the molue is better imagined. I was panting heavily, caring very little about the 30-something pairs of eyes that were riveted on me.

 I sat down to catch my breath before demanding,"Oga conductor, wey my change?" When he tried acting like he didn't know what I was talking about, I saw red. In my most Agbero tone, I lashed out at him in fluent pidgin and Yoruba, while standing up to my full height. "If you nor arrange ya brain shapaly make e remember say you never give me my 900 Naira change ehn, you go know say weere pass weere! Oloriburuku oshi! Ole! Fun mi l'owo mi nsin nsin, or else, ma se lese ooh! (translation: If you don't quicky remember my 900 Naira change and hand it to me, you'll know that madness has different levels! Jerk! Thief! Give me my money immediately, or else, I will do something terrible to you!) I hadn't even finished my tirade when he hastily counted the 900 Naira into my hands. The fury in my eyes couldn't be banked. The other passengers then joined me in raining insults on the man, knowing that he deliberately tried to swindle me. Then the toaster-passenger remarked," So fine geh like you fit run like Okagbare on top high heel shoe, come speak correct pidgin on top the 900 Naira matter? Shoo? Na wa ooh. With all the supri supri wen u bin dey speak for this bus before, who for believe say you dey even shit?" Everyone on the bus laughed and I had no choice but to join in. I looked a mess.

On getting down from the bus and walking back to my destination, I received so many stares, this time in amusement. One of the heels of my shoes was about breaking off from my run, my hair was disheveled from the run and I was sweating profusely; the exact opposite of the girl who stepped down from the bus minutes ago. I laughed at myself. I'm still laughing at myself as I write this. Hope you laughed while reading this too! If you didn't, you really do need to see a doctor. *mishievous wink*  :D

Before I dance out, let me wish you a great week ahead, friends!

"A man who can laugh at himself is truly blessed, for he will never lack for amusement" - James Carlos Blake

"The Mainland" Versus "The Island" Issue: What's Your Take?

Anyone who lives or has lived in Lagos must have heard the debates and constant (unnecessary) comparison of these two parts or "divisions" of Lagos called "The Island" and "The Mainland". I've heard people make statements like "I can't live on the mainland oh! It's too rowdy for my taste", or, "These Island peeps sef. Always feeling like they don't shit like the rest of us". So that I don't confuse those of us who don't live in Lagos, here's some info to help you understand this post better.

Lagos Island at night
Source

FACTS ABOUT LAGOS

1. Lagos is, and has been, since before its creation in 1967, Nigeria's commercial centre and one of the most populated cities in the world with more than 10 million residents according to the last census. The city houses the country's main ports and is home to the headquarters of major organizations like banks and other financial institutions, IT and telecommunications companies.
2. Lagos is made up of three islands and a mainland. The islands of Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Lagos Island are located on the Lagos Lagoon, separated by creeks and connected to each other and the Mainland by bridges. Each Island has its own unique characteristics with Victoria Island being home to five star hotels, high class commercial real estate, big businesses, high class private schools, trendy cafes, night clubs and bars. Most foreign professionals,i.e, the "expats"(expatriates) live on this here piece of Lagos.
3. Ikoyi isn't as noisy as Victoria Island and is the main residential area for the upper middle class elite and the expatriate communities. Extravagant mansions built during the colonial era still stand amidst more modern ones. Residential real estate in Ikoyi are some of the most expensive in Africa. And when I say, most expensive, I say it with a hushed tone of voice, because the kind of money we are talking about should not be mentioned in the presence of children. Mbanu. Other parts of the island are Banana Island, Eko Atlantic, Onikan, Lekki and the Marina.
4. Lagos Island is really just a mishmash of poverty and wealth living side by side in shocking contrast to each other. The Financial district, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Broad street and Obalende, which is one of the slums of Lagos are all situated on Lagos Island. Other landmarks include CMS cathedral, Tafawa Balewa square and the popular Balogun market.
5. The Mainland is where the majority of Lagosians live, and this area includes Yaba, Oshodi, Surulere, Agege, Mushin, Ikorodu, the capital Ikeja, amongst other areas. Ikeja is home to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, and is the administrative seat of the Lagos government as well. As a matter of fact, it is quite an exclusive area, competing with the Island in terms of polish. It is home to local industries and businesses(think Computer Village and Ikeja City Mall), and actually has many companies having their headquarters in it. 
6. There again is Yaba, home to the prestigious University of Lagos and Yaba College of Technology, two of the most well known citadels of learning in the South West. Yaba is also home to the popular Tejuosho Market, brimming with trade.

There are a lot of stereotyoes associated with this Mainland - Island tussle. In a nutshell the Island is assumed to be the home of the rich and the very rich, more secure, and better for clubbing(Can't help but LOL here), while the mainland is assumed to be the exact opposite. Let me tell you brethren and sistren, this is quite false.

Now to the issue at hand. Is any one really better than the other? My candid answer? A conditional No. Here's why. The Island, in my opinion, is a great place for work and fun, but when it comes to residential living, given the situation of the economy, is it really worth it to be paying for the area and not for the house? In case you didn't know, to an average Nigerian, everything on the Island would be overpriced. The Mainland, in my honest opinion, while not so ostentatiously luxurious, has a good portion of relatively quiet and well maintained residential areas. It has a good number of entertainment spots too. You can say I'm putting in a good word for the Mainland, but then again, why not? *big grin* #proudmainlandgal. The Island is for the most part, more beautiful(especially at night), I admit, but mbok, we go chop beauty? If you have the resources and desire to live there, by all means, go ahead! I do not dislike the Island, I actually find it attractive in the way that you would rather admire something beautiful from afar.

Lagos Island
Source

The main error people make in comparison of these two areas is the assumption that if you live on the Island, then you are of the upper middle class, i.e, you're rich; while if you live on  the Mainland, you're from the raggedy part of town, i.e, you no get money. This is so wrong, and I don't really blame the proponents of this idea since such a conclusion was obviously made out of ignorance and due to the fact that in Lagos, class and social strata are extremely exaggerated. 

Lagos Mainland
Source

My answer is so because it all depends on what you want and what you're comfortable with. Most professionals in Lagos live on the mainland and work on the island, and while this isn't a very easy commute to make every day, it has become a way of life. Being the person I am, I believe it is impractical to aspire to live on the Island just for the heck of it, or because that seems to be where the creme de la creme of Lagos society live, without putting into consideration the absolutely ridiculous cost of living on the Island and whether one can keep up with it. By the way, the main factors that should concern any reasonable person instead of proof of status are proximity to work, school and availability of basic amenities. In this regard, the Island and the mainland are plagued by the same ills. Bad roads, lack of water, erratic electricity, traffic and security problems plague the two areas almost equally. The reason it may seem higher on the mainland is because of course, the mainland is more populated than the island.

I personally feel that life on the mainland is more "real", as opposed to life on the island which seems like something of a performance. Everyone is working, not just to live comfortably but to remain in vogue, so having the latest brands of cars becomes a must, having the highest class of everything becomes a thing of importance. I personally can't abide that, so maybe this is just me. Its easier to live within your means without the pressing need to impress anyone on the mainland. We don't have to wonder why the mainland is called the "Real Lagos".

Finally, if everyone lived on the island, who would live on the mainland? The island is only so big. My two cents: wherever you live, make it your own paradise, be it the island or the mainland. 

Fin.

"The activist is not the man who says that the river is dirty; the activist is the man who cleans up the river". - Ross Perot

The Nigerian Factor - Aren't We Supposed To Be Improving?

Nigeria, my dear Nigeria. When will our people change? Months back, when I heard that the deadline for the registration of the Bank Verification Number had been moved to October 31, I was happy. At least, people wouldn't have an excuse anymore.  Boy, how wrong I was. Imagine my shock when the news making the rounds on Friday was that crowds had blocked the entrances to various banking halls nationwide. I wanted to choke. Really? Like, REALLY??? I wasn't sure I heard right. After four months, this was what we could come up with? I'm exasperated.

Little wonder the phrase "African Time" has come to stay. Nigerians sha. We push the limits sometimes. And talking of deadlines, did you hear what was also in the news last week? MTN Nigeria was fined for not disconnecting the lines of people who hadn't registered their sim cards. Now, that isn't the real issue here. The real issue is that they were fined 1.4 TRILLION Naira to be paid up by November 16th!!! What was NCC thinking when they decided on such a punishment? I mean, Nigeria's economic situation isn't one to write home about at the moment, and NCC pulls such a stunt?

          The implication of this imposition is that ultimately, foreign investors will be afraid of coming in to invest in Nigeria. We're all about economic improvement, but in this case, we just shot ourselves in the foot. Imagine! Nigeria doesn't even have a Minister of Finance yet! At the India-Africa Summit, I believe PMB said something about wanting foreign investors to come in and develop the country. Why then would a part of his government impose such a jaw-dropping fine on one of Nigeria's top investors? I respect PMB and most of what he stands for, but on this one, I believe he should put his house in order and let what he says be commensurate to what his government agencies do. You cannot say one thing and allow your underlings do another. Granted, what they did what irresponsible and a blatant show of insolence; still, the punishment isn't commensurate to the crime. That's my opinion though. 

          Another problem I have with this imposition of fines is this: where does the money go? MY PEOPLE, WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?? The same question goes for the so called "recovery" of looted funds. Where is all this money? In as much as I'm happy with the recent anti corruption policies being put in place, I'm not so optimistic about the disposal of these recovered monies. I earnestly pray we're not pouring stolen water into a leaking basket. What's your opinion though? Say your mind in the comments!!

Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence. - Vince Lombardi