NAIRALANDERS,

The verdict is in! LOL!
Nigeria's NATIONAL DRINK IS, 

(drum roll)

No, it is not Sapele Water.  That was narrowly edged out.  LOL!

Enjoy the vid - have your say:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5QiY9lNR6M
[flash=640,385]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5QiY9lNR6M[/flash]

davidylan:

Interesting topic. I on the other hand love my job, its challenging and a relatively new experience but i'm relishing the opportunity to think, explore and possibly bring up some new ideas. However the goal is to move into management within the next 5 yrs . . . so i'm looking to taking an MBA sometime soon. Problem is the cost, time and when to start! Argh!

@Davidylan: Why do you need an MBA to move into Management?
Let me tell you - it is true that having MBA behind your name will probably increase your value in people's eyes, when you walk in the door.
BUT!
It will not necessarily increase the ACTUAL VALUE you are able to contribute to your organization.
This is why most (if not all) of the world's billionaires DO NOT HAVE MBAs!!!
The school of hard knocks is BY FAR more valuable than any "pali" (certificate /degree) a school can give you.
The fact of the matter is that most educational programs teach you how to memorize. They teach you how to color between the lines. They teach you how to follow rules.

And most organization leaders do THE OPPOSITE of those things mentioned above.

If your goal is to make it into middle management, and then just coast while you collect your nice paycheck, an MBA will probably be a good thing to do. I have an MBA. I know.

If your goal on the other hand is to build the kind of wealth that can change your family tree, if your goal is to actually leave a legacy behind worth talking about, if your goal is to actually give something to help Naija (especially the less fortunate), an MBA isn't your only option. An MBA may even slow you down. An MBA is not a negative thing AT ALL, but it's also not as important or relevant as people make it out to be.

EDUCATION IS GOOD. KNOWLEDGE IS GOOD.

But Wisdom is better. Providing REAL VALUE is better.
And those come from experience, building relationships (networking), getting a mentor, trying things outside your comfort zone that move you closer to your goals, failing, learning, growing, rinse and repeat.

Don't wait on that MBA program - get a mentor this month. Someone who is where you would like to be.
The reason that they will be willing to mentor you, is that you will demonstrate that you work hard, you're in it for something more than just money, you have long-term vision, and that they will actually be proud to call you a mentee! DON'T WORK FOR MONEY AT THIS STAGE IN YOUR CAREER.

WORK FOR KNOWLEDGE. Then apply that knowledge, to gain WISDOM.

GOOD LUCK TO YOU, @Davidylan!

Dis Guy:

The perfect time- Moving up or Moving sideways

18months after graduation is enough experience at entry level, the next four to six months will be very
challenging no thanks to the recession

On the other hand; I've got NYSC(minor priority) and Masters(major priority) to think about for 2011

Dis Guy - recessions are when most of the world's millionaires and billionaires get their big break.
This is because most people too busy seeing misfortune, feeling the pain, and feeling helpless, to see the opportunity.

You may have the chance to find problems that are currently being overlooked, which may be in your capacity to solve.

Keep your head up and your eyes open - opportunity is just over the horizon. Or closer.

dharmie:

My challenge is the age factor. I'm 25 and i'm still an undergraduate. Honestly, wish i have a part-time job. Unfortunately i am a full time student and i attend a state university with an unstable academic calender.

dharmie, you can make lemonade out of those lemons.

What are your goals in life?

What are you most passionate about, and who do you want to leave your mark on the world?

There are probably businesses you can volunteer for, that will get you closer to those goals, if you're willing to work for no money. This work could be done whenever school closes. Because you'll be providing free labor, you may be able to find a business in your desired field that will be flexible about giving you work. This kind of arrangement will build your experience and your network quickly.

I wonder who the Top 50 Nigerians of all time would select as their favorite Naija rappers. (LOL!)

[flash=640,480]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IC2obCEvEo&hl=en[/flash]

Maybe we should ask them.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY, NAIRALANDERS!!!

Anyone know if any of the rappers are doing a Nigerian Independence Collabo?

I heard Eldee was spearheading something, to be released on Oct 4th.

I wonder what the 50 Greatest Nigerians of All Time would select as their National Drink of Choice. (LOL!)

[flash=640,480]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IC2obCEvEo&hl=en[/flash]

Maybe we should ask them.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY, NAIRALANDERS!!!

Whatever your drink: Agbo, Shepe, Sapele Water, Burukutu, Pure Water, Zobo, Coca-Cola, Lucozade, Ribena, Bournvita, Milo, Chapman, Star LAJA Beer, Seaman Schnapps, Fanta, Sprite, Juicy-Juice, Mkomboti, Alomo Bitters, Green Sands Shandy, Gaari, etc etc

RAISE A GLASS TO NIGERIA AT 50!

zilosxp:

My biggest career challenge is that i don't even know which career path to go into yet! I read animal and environmental biology in school and should be going in for NYSC by the end of October but till now i am just so confused.

zilo,

Let's forget what you studied for a moment.
And let's forget what industries are hot, or are hiring, for a moment.

What makes you tick?
What makes you feel powerful, successful, and energized when you do it?
What do you want them to write on your tombstone, after you've moved on?
You can thrive and be successful in very many fields, even fields that are less popular.
Of course, that success never happens overnight. It may not even happen in 2 years, or 3, or 5.

By the time you give your area of focus 10 years, of real effort, perseverance, networking, and providing value, I can guarantee that you will be a highly regarded authority in that field, and making a very good living.

That time line can and should be shorter - depending on how well you network, provide value, and build your brand.
But if you do none of those 3 things well, by 10 years you should still be an authority.
If you do those 3 things well - who knows? 1 year? 2? You could be an authority.

Even if this is an impractical exercise for you right now (maybe because of short-term financial needs), it is a worthwhile exercise.
Know thyself.

Me - while I studied computer science, and then Marketing, I realized that my passion was storytelling, motivating kids, self development, and coaching.

Not very computer sciency stuff, is it?

But its what makes me tick.
After several years of doing the "right career" according to the expectations of those around me, I've finally switched to doing the "right career" for me.
And it's been a fantastic decision.

Best of luck!

Let us know how we can help,

.Sharon:

[color=#550000][/color] it's Agbo: herbal drink. North east south west. All Nigerians drink Agbo.

Can someone share the ingredients of Agbo? I have no idea what's in it,

Someone told me Ogogoro is also known as "Push me, I Push You".

HABA!! Naija people and these names, sha!

LOL!

also, PURE WATER. LWKMD!

somebody talk say make I add RIBENA and LUCOZADE into the mix. HAHAHAHAHAAAAA!!

Where do you all find the Hibiscus leaves for Zobo?
Is Zobo easy to make / easy to find in your area?

So what is Nigeria's National Drink?

I've been arguing with people on this one for a while, oh!!!

Some people say PALM WINE

Some people say ZOBO

Some people say GAARI (still argument as to whether that can be called a "drink", LOL!)

I need my NLers to settle this once and for all.

What are the BEST Nigerian drinks out there, and how would you rank them

As Naija turns 50, I've been looking to create a top 50 mixtape, from 1960 until today.

Whether it is Victor Olaiya's "Omo Pupa, Oh",
Ebenezer Obey's "Board Members",
King Sunny Ade's ANYTHING from KSA is good! LOL!
Fela's "Lady", or "International Thief Thief",
Shina Peters "Afro Juju",
etc etc etc!

Also:
anything by Bonny M (they're not Nigerian, but deserve an honorable mention),
anything by ABBA (they're not Nigerian, but deserve an honorable mention),
etc etc etc!!!

What are those great songs from yesteryear that should make the list of top 50?

(Pardon the Yoruba bias in the list - my brothers and sisters from the East and the North: hook this list up with more flava! LOL!)

sylve11:

@poster, u said 10 right? what about 22 . . . tooo much

HAAAA! SYLVE11 DON FINISH THEM, OH!!!

You've killed them on quantity!!
But what of quality. Are these names all deserving

GO NAIJA!

Wow - Le Stylo, very in-depth list!
Abi you be historian slash political commentator LOL!

NICE ONE.

omomoller:


I also procrastinate like crazy not just at work even in my everyday life.

Dont knw how to stop cos its killing me.

LOL! Omomoller, no worry. As my friend in primary school used to say: "Na condition make crayfish bend."
LOL!

GOOD PEOPLE!!

As Naija turns 50, I'm trying to get a collection of patriotic Nigerian songs.

Can you help?

In your mind, what are some good PATRIOTIC Nigerian songs?

P.S.
Check out this brand spanking new one, from 'Lander THEJANELIA:
https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-514150.0.html#msg6760343


Thanks!

VPersie:

What tangible thing have these women acheived? Let call a spoon a spoon. Apart from the likes of Ezekwesili and Iweala that have achieved on an international playing field, the rest on these lists consists of mediocres, wanna-bes, and almost-were with a sprinkling of feel-good social studies heroines.

VPersie, the truth is, I think there is some weight to what you have said.
I had to laugh at: "a sprinkling of feel-good social studies heroines."

I wonder how we compare the achievements of social studies heroines, to contemporary great women?
Or how we compare the influence of regional giants, to whom most of the country may not be familiar?


Hmmm.

HAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

KATA KATA DON SCATTA!! VPersie has thrown down the gauntlet!!! LOLz!!!

Does VPersie speak the truth??

Wow - be like say DORA no too get fans for this thread! LOL!

It makes you wonder though - if you are still part of current Nigerian society, is it easy for you to be declared as one of the greatest of all time

(Although, Soyinka and Achebe come to mind, to counter that argument, )

What do you think?

Should Dora stay or go?

My peoples,

I'm doing some research to find tools that can help people be productive on the job.
Can you help me?

What are the top ways by which you FOCUS YOURSELF, on the day-to-day job, so that you actually get not only QUANTITY of work done, but more importantly, QUALITY!!

As for me - I often use to-do lists and things. But I every day I create a new to-do list on paper, and often I misplace those papers! LOL!

Plus - one thing I hate is when you go into work planning to do some productive things, and then managers and co-workers start bringing drama your way!
DO THIS EMERGENCY TASK.
DO THAT EMERGENCY TASK.
THIS NEEDS IMMEDIATE ATTENTION.
OGA SAID DROP EVERYTHING AND HANDLE THIS WORK RIGHT AWAY.

LOL! Me I no like drama!

Anyway. Back to the original question. How do you manage to FOCUS and STAY PRODUCTIVE on the job?

WHAT'S UP, 'LANDERS!

I was gisting with my paddys today, about being "IN THE ZONE" sometimes when working on something enjoyable.

I mean, when I'm doing work that I love to do, I can work 12 hours EASY, and have to be begged to EAT!!!
(Anyone who knows me knows I love grub, LOLz!)

But on the other hand, let me not lie; I PROCRASTINATE LIKE MAAAAAD, when I have things on my work list that I don't enjoy!

In fact, you may almost think I studied PROCRASTINATION in Uni; I do it so well! LOL!

I wonder - does anyone else have trouble with procrastination?
HOW HAS PROCRASTINATION DEALT WITH YOU, AND HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH PROCRASTINATION

sbeezy8 - LOLz! Haba, why now?

Wetin Mrs Dora do you?

No be Dora the explorer we dey yarn here oh! In case there was confusion,

LOL!

I MUST BE MENTAL TO NOT HAVE REMEMBERED ONYEKA ONWENU!!!!

macfarland - God bless you for that!

Wow - Aloy+Emeka, nice one!

I can't lie - I didn't know some of these women! (shameface) 

Flora Nwapa -Mother of modern African literature; first internationally published female African author (1966)

Margaret Ekpo - Nigerian women's rights activist and social mobilizer who was a pioneering female politician in the country's First Republic.

Queen Amina of Zaria - A fierce warrior who loved fighting.  She refused to marry like Queen Elizabeth the First of England, for the fear of losing power. She helped Zazzau (Zaria) become the center of trade and to gain more land.  The introduction of kola nuts into cultivation in the area is attributed to Amina.

Queen Moremi - I'm wondering about this one oh - her story sounds kind of fictional to me,  with no dates, and a particular slant toward making her heroic at the expense of another group of people.  Wondering if anyone can verify the true story of Queen Moremi.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moremi

Nice contributions,  keep it coming, pls!