ola olabiy:

This is[b] LAND[/b] we're talking about, guys.

This is different from your[i] normal[/i] investment. You are done for by selling your land

But it's not. It's another form of investment.

The bottom line is Nigeria (and the rest of Africa) are now playing in a globalized context, much more so than even 20 - 30 years ago. Leaving the land fallow or not increasing the value (by way of production) is likely more detrimental in the long term. Governments can't just buy up land if they do not have the money to put it in production. That money is better spent providing services and other infrastructure within the scope of available resources. Again, the key is if you don't have enough capital, you can't subsidize large scale farming.

We have the Shonga farms example of the effort and patience required for large scale farming in the absence of supporting infrastructure.

Mr. Violent makes an excellent point, which is - without capital, there's really nothing that gets done. That's why despite the yawning demand for power (energy) - one of the most important factors of productivity and wealth creation - Nigeria is still stuck at producing a measly 4,000 MW. Opportunities abound in Nigeria and all over Africa, but without capital none of those opportunities can be tapped.

Considering the infrastructure deficit across the continent, sufficient capital has to be attracted from outside. Capital that is often backed by a country's GDP. In Nigeria, all the proceeds from oil over the last 50 years would still not be enough to significantly provide the infrastructure that will be the basis of a rapidly developing economy. The point Mr. Violent is making is that realistically, in order to attract capital despite the associated risk (see Telkom Multilinks adventure), the initial deals will likely appear predatory; however, as market forces begin to take hold and the respective economies develop, more of that capital will come through local vehicles and some from local investors and therefore more capital will be retained locally. The government's role is to ensure that policies and regulations are crafted to protect the local population.

A lot of the points people are raising about predatory practices are valid but do not overshadow the bottom line that the capital is required from somewhere (except locally, where it is not available) to grow African economies and lift people out of poverty.

For those who are worried about the maintenance of the helicopters (read: spare parts ending up at Alaba market), I believe Fashola has done enough to earn our benefit of doubt that things will not be business as usual. He has successfully managed the State Security Fund up til now, and I read in the article that Caverton will service and maintain the helicopters. We need to give Fashola maximum support while keeping in mind that public services such as security, power, taxation are still controlled from the center (abuja).

CROSS RIVER STATE GOVERNMENT AND SIX FLAGS ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP TO DEVELOP THEME PARK IN NIGERIA
Wed Sep 16, 2009 1:00pm EDT



NEW YORK, Sept. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Government of Cross River
State of Nigeria and Six Flags, Inc., (OTC Bulletin Board: SIXFQ) the world's
largest regional theme park company, announced today plans to develop a Six
Flags branded theme park in Calabar Cross River State as part of the State's
"Destination Tourism" development plan.

Under the binding agreement, Six Flags will provide concept development and
master planning services to Cross River State Government for the creation of a
Six Flags branded theme park located on approximately 250 acres (100 hectares)
contiguous to Tinapa Business Resort.  Once the initial phase is finalized,
Six Flags and CRSG will collaborate on the detailed design, development,
construction and management of the location.  The park is scheduled to open in
2013.

Senator Liyel Imoke, Governor of Cross River State said, "The Calabar theme
park project will be a signature leisure destination for residents and
tourists in the West African sub-region, enhancing Cross River State's
position as a lead state in the tourism sector in Nigeria and the region.  It
will serve as a critical component of the State's tourism value chain,
guaranteeing additional tourist traffic to existing attractions including the
Tinapa Resort, Obudu Ranch Resort, and the Slave Museum.  CRSG is delighted to
be working with Six Flags, a global leader in themed entertainment, towards
the realization of this project."

"The potential economic impact of this exciting project is vast, with the
opportunity to create hundreds of jobs during the construction phase and
subsequent operations," added Nzan Ogbe, Special Advisor, Governor's Office.
"The theme park development is destined to become a major tourism attraction,
drawing from millions across the continent and the world."

"We look forward to collaborating with the Cross River State Government to
bring the Six Flags experience to this exciting, rapidly expanding region,"
said Mark Shapiro, Six Flags President and Chief Executive Officer.  "The
partnership represents another major step in our international development
strategy and clearly demonstrates the strength of the Six Flags brand on the
heels of our operational turnaround."

About Six Flags:
Six Flags, Inc. is a publicly-traded corporation headquartered in New York
City and is the world's largest regional theme park company with 20 parks
across the United States, Mexico and Canada.


SOURCE  Six Flags, Inc.

"shallow maybe she is" - op

I don't know your friend, but I can confirm to you 100% that she is shallow. BTW I think people should call themselves whatever strikes their facny, after all, it's nothing but a name.

Good info, Oyb and netotse.

@ Becomrrich
that's exactly my worry, I'm afraid companies might feel the degree is over qualified for a position they still have to train you for. I don't expect to earn above a masters pay initially if I can get in the door but I've heard/read from numerous sources (including newspaper articles) that PhD limits your job opportunities. It will be unfortunate if I'm limited to academia or "consulting" from a university. Fingers crossed.

I am an electrical engineer as well. I have my M.Sc in EE (power systems) and I'm currently working on my Ph.D; hopefully I'll be done within a year. I have had some minimal work experience in system design and integration but I've mainly been in the university/research track.

Thanks for all the great input already, there's some depth of knowledge here.  I am yet to serve and I'm worried my track is going to limit me to academia. What are my prospects of getting a fulfilling job working in industry? I am about to start looking for good companies in the power field where I can do my NYSC (early next year), which ones would you recommend? Oyb mentioned CA consultants ltd. My background is in modeling and simulation (Matlab, Simulink, PSpice and specialized power software); my master's thesis focused on PV systems and renewable energy.

Thnx all.

Where the calabar - cross river people at?

@knzguru,

Good job with the website and your direct/personal marketing approach. This is something other businesses should do as well,

I kissed a girl and I liked it
The taste of her cherry chapstick,

Have you tried women?

2008 rankings: http://www.webometrics.info/top100_continent.asp?cont=africa

We should cover our heads in shame, no Nigerian university in Top 50 in Africa

Yes, you can. Tithing is not absolute and should be viewed in the context of your situation. Praying and caring for others can sometimes be more spiritually fulfilling than tithing. Whatever you decide, make sure it comes from the bottom of your heart

sorry folks, it's true

link to the song?

Go to the United States of America to do what?

Edit: Sorry, I missed your subsequent post. In any case, getting to the US is no guarantee of living a fulfilled life. Best of luck.

Obviously, a naija (lagos) bashing thread, but to the immediate poster ^^^^^^, tis not true that there are no sewage or underground drainages in Nigeria (or even Lagos). Most new estates in Lagos come with sewage and waste water collection systems. I do however agree that not a whole lot is being done at the municipal level but all that will come in time.

very interesting article, mostly true too. its instructive that the author 'likes' nigeria despite all the caveats, why? the people. the genuine social bonding often found in nigeria is something missing in most societies. and that, my friends, is the true essence of life.

Yam & Egg

@ Seun
You miss the point. Altho Zinox may be doing the same thing as the guy at the computer village, zinox is properly setup as a business that generates significant employment, pays tangible taxes to govt., exports the Nigerian brand to other west african countries, etc. Therefore the preferential treatment given to the company can be justified based on these factors. In essence, the govt. derives more benefit in actualizing its economic objectives through companies and SMEs that operate on the principle of scale. Same thing can be said of coys in agric sector.

typical, blame the pres., govt, oil companies, anyone but those at fault. Cmon people