REINVENTING THE IGBO SPIRIT OF INDUSTRY

EMEKA OSONDU GOES BACK IN TIME TO LOOK AT THE ONCE MORIBUND SPIRIT OF INDUSTRY AMONG THE IGBOS AFTER THE CIVIL WAR AND CONCLUDES WITH THE RECENT RECOGNITION OF SOME IGBO INDUSTRIALISTS IN ENUGU THE ONCE COMATOSE SPIRIT IS STRONGLY BEING REINVENTED

The numerous exploits by Igbo indigenes in nation building since the pre-independence and post independence era in Nigeria are clear testimonies that the people are indeed ingenious and great entrepreneurs. And in fact, there are no tribe in Nigeria where you go without seeing an Igbo indigene engaged in one type of business or another and contributing effectively to the growth of the economy. But the tide suddenly changed for the Igbo entrepreneurs at the end of the Nigerian civil war in 1970. Although the war ended on a “no-victor, no vanquished” note, the Igbo as a tribe was displaced in the Nigerian equation, economically and politically, just as the psyche was reduced to the rubble for losing the war.

Obalende: Kaduna’s Thriving Sex Market

Prostitutes

John Shiklam writes on how harsh economic condition in the country is forcing many young girls in Kaduna into prostitution

Some people call it ‘Free Republic’, but it is popularly known as ‘Obalende’.

For many years, Maiduguri Road, in the heart of Kaduna has carved a niche for itself as the most exciting place for the fun seekers.

On Maiduguri Road, there has never been a dull moment. The area is well known for its bustling night life. For those who are addicted to everything that takes place in the dark, Obalende is just the ideal place to go.

Unilag‘s Paradise By The Lagoon

Unilag Lagoon

Nfawa-Precious Offem reflects on subjective actives at one of the most popular leisure spots at the University of Lagos

A peaceful vantage of the massive, spectacular habitat that dominates and encircles the city of Lagos, over viewing perhaps, the longest bridge in Nigeria, is an achievable feat that the University of Lagos lagoon front affords. The waters claps gently against the stoppers, the atmosphere is one of cool breeze. People, young and old, students, members of the general public are patrons.

Obasanjo’s Introspection on Zakaria’s Night

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

The Nigerian subsidiary of the Indian telecoms giant, Airtel, last Sunday night brought internationally acclaimed scholar, Fareed Zakaria, to Lagos to share his thoughts on “Political Economy of Africa: the Challenge of Leadership”. Tagged a “Night of Influence”, Zakaria spoke to our failings as a nation (and a continent) as well as to the promise tomorrow holds if we begin to do the right things. But in a rare public moment of introspection, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in his remark after the lecture, tacitly admitted to leadership mistakes within the continent.

Onogoruwa, DG BPE Sacked

BPE Director General, Mrs. Bolanle Onagoruwa

By Muhammad Bello

The presidency Tuesday sacked the Director General of the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE), Mrs. Bolanle Onagoruwa.

Although no reason was given for her disengagement, THISDAY learnt that it may not be unconnected with the call by the National Assembly (NASS)  for her removal a month ago.

And Four Other Things...

Simon Kolawole Live!: Email: simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com

And Four Other Things...

Cheerful Givers
My faith in this country was strengthened by the response to my last week’s article on the flooding disaster that ravaged 20 states. Nigerians are not bad people! Many have expressed their willingness to give, the only problem being how to get the materials across to the victims and avoid all the government “bureaucrats” (read: thieves) and many marauding NGOs.

Jonathan, Don’t Drop the Ball

Simon Kolawole Live!: Email: simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com

Increasingly, it appears two major things will eventually define the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan: the power sector and the anti-graft war. Don’t misunderstand me – we need massive infrastructural development, a sound educational system, healthy hospitals and agricultural revolution. Jobs and jobs and jobs will be a natural consequence. But look at those things closely: they take time and require more than Jonathan to achieve. States and councils are empowered to build roads, run schools, equip hospitals and promote agriculture. That means all tiers of government must play their roles for us to see results.

Jonathan: Nollywood's Nigeria’s Greatest Ambassdor

President Goodluck Jonathan

By Muhammad Bello

Nollywood, the Nigerian film industry has been described  as the country's greatest ambassador, which projects its culture to the world in a manner that is positive.

President Goodluck Jonathan gave the description when a group of actors under the auspices of G20 paid him a condolence visit over the death of his brother who died last week at the National Hospital, Abuja.

The president observed that “these are the people who market this country positively in African countries and even outside Africa and even in the Carribean, where they appreciate Nigeria because of Nollywood.”

And Now That We’ve Hit Rock Bottom…

The Wig & Skirt, By Funke Aboyade, Email: Olufunke.aboyade@thisdaylive.com

Last week, the EIU (Economist Intelligence Unit) released its 2013 Where-to-be-born index (http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/eiu-rates-nigeria-worst-country-to-be-born-in/131476/). Out of 80 countries surveyed, Nigeria ranked 80th. Accordingly, Nigeria is presently the worst place for a baby to enter the world – assuming of course that baby actually makes it into Nigeria or having made it, survives its first year. 

Graveyard Where the Living Relax Among the Dead

Graveyard entrace

Funke Olaode during her recent vacation to Aberdeen, Scotland discovered a graveyard where the living relax among the dead

What comes to mind when you hear graveyard or cemetery?  You cringe in fear.  But for St. Nicholas graveyard there is nothing to worry about as it has become a haven for fun-seekers and those seeking a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the shopping area. It is also a meeting place for lunchtime workers when the weather is good.

Plateau Killing: CDS Charged to Investigate Soldiers

Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Ibrahim

By Seriki Adinoyi

As the death toll from the Monday night attack on a beer parlour in Heipang in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area hits ten, the Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Ibrahim, has been charged to investigate the alleged involvement of soldiers in the incident.