In 2017, I yielded to call from different individuals including 3 of my former secondary school principals, several former teachers of the school, many of my seniors, classmates and juniors to form an old student association of our old school. I used WhatsApp and other social media platforms to galvanize several people and after about a year, the association was birthed in 2017 with over 200 old students as inaugural members. We have been meeting both physically and online since then. We have revived the old culture of prize giving day in the school and have embarked on and delivered 3 medium scale capital projects within a short period of 2 years. My experience at raising money for our projects have opened my eyes to the attitude of people when it comes to releasing their money for such ventures. Out of over 200 members, now close to 300, only about 30 contributed the money we have expended on our projects so far. The others will either give excuse or made promise that have not been fulfilled. Another angle to this is the attitude of some old students who are abroad especially in UK, US, Germany, Australia and Sweden. We have close to 30 old students abroad. Only two of them have given us money since inception. One sent $500, he actually asked his mother to go to the school and verify the projects before he sent the money. He asked for pictures, video recordings etc. The other one sent 100 thousand naira. This one was so glad to do it. Others have continued to give excuses and promises. When I saw this attitude, I created a dummy account on Facebook as a well to do old student who shuttles between UK, US, Canada and Nigeria. I sent friend request to all these guys abroad who haven't been contributing. I discreetly related with them over time and asked them why they haven't been contributing. I was shocked to hear from 11 of them that the guys at home will embezzle their money, and wouldn't want to contribute. They saw those of us at home as poor, hungry, dubious and reckless which I see as not true. Is it their individual experiences or their long stay abroad that have changed their thought line towards their childhood friends and even families? Many of us at home are also doing well in our own ways. We may not earn income in dollars but we are not hungry.
I almost became discouraged by this attitude but I have encouragements in some home based guys who are seriously interested in seeing the association blossom and impact our old school positively.

It's not their fault, people at home here in Nigeria always demanding money directly or indirectly from those abroad and some of them may not even be doing well out there

zilon12:
It's not their fault, people at home here in Nigeria always demanding money directly or indirectly from those abroad and some of them may not even be doing well out there

You have a point bro, but some Nigerians abroad tend to overreact. Even here in Naija, guys always tax each other jokingly, it's a cultural thing and it doesn't necessarily mean you have to give anyone money. You'll be surprised that those who complain the most were the number one beggars while they were in Nigeria.

A lot of Nigerians too live fake lives abroad, trying to show off what they don't have. Instead of them to open up and make people realize they're just managing, they'll keep forming hushpuppi when they're just packing snow and picking fruits for a living.

If people ask you for money, let them know you don't have, simple. Nobody will cut your head off for saying NO. Let us rest biko!

Nigerians shall forever be hungry and won't cease finding new ways to extort money from gullible and inexperienced souls wherever they find them.


How sorrowful

iTearHerToto:
Nigerians shall forever be hungry and won't cease finding new ways to extort money from gullible and inexperienced souls wherever they find them.


How sorrowful

I'm not hungry brother, I'm gainfully employed and have other side businesses that yields me money.

When it come to stinginess, give it to UK residents. That was how I suggested to a particular one coming to town for his book launch that I handled contracting of video coverage for his event. I was actually trying to help a friend who owns a start-up on that, but knows his stuff and has been in the business longer. That was how oga went AWOL on me. No response! Further attempt at holding a conversation were met with a brick wall. Na corner eye I take dey look am since

Jao, responding to your original post, you won't know how difficult life can be for an immigrant until you live in a foriegn country. Don't blame them.

joa2013:
I'm not hungry brother, I'm gainfully employed and have other side businesses that yields me money.

joa2013:
I was shocked to hear from 11 of them that the guys at home will embezzle their money, and wouldn't want to contribute.

they are 100% right with this view.
We had to make a group contribution to develop a particular structure in school as old students and at the end of the day the organizing committee was deliberating among each other how to embezzle.
They were saying naa where man dey work man dey chop. It was just 2 of us out of 7 members stood against it.

joa2013:
In 2017, I yielded to call from different individuals including 3 of my former secondary school principals, several former teachers of the school, many of my seniors, classmates and juniors to form an old student association of our old school. I used WhatsApp and other social media platforms to galvanize several people and after about a year, the association was birthed in 2017 with over 200 old students as inaugural members. We have been meeting both physically and online since then. We have revived the old culture of prize giving day in the school and have embarked on and delivered 3 medium scale capital projects within a short period of 2 years. My experience at raising money for our projects have opened my eyes to the attitude of people when it comes to releasing their money for such ventures. Out of over 200 members, now close to 300, only about 30 contributed the money we have expended on our projects so far. The others will either give excuse or made promise that have not been fulfilled. Another angle to this is the attitude of some old students who are abroad especially in UK, US, Germany, Australia and Sweden. We have close to 30 old students abroad. Only two of them have given us money since inception. One sent $500, he actually asked his mother to go to the school and verify the projects before he sent the money. He asked for pictures, video recordings etc. The other one sent 100 thousand naira. This one was so glad to do it. Others have continued to give excuses and promises. When I saw this attitude, I created a dummy account on Facebook as a well to do old student who shuttles between UK, US, Canada and Nigeria. I sent friend request to all these guys abroad who haven't been contributing. I discreetly related with them over time and asked them why they haven't been contributing. I was shocked to hear from 11 of them that the guys at home will embezzle their money, and wouldn't want to contribute. They saw those of us at home as poor, hungry, dubious and reckless which I see as not true. Is it their individual experiences or their long stay abroad that have changed their thought line towards their childhood friends and even families? Many of us at home are also doing well in our own ways. We may not earn income in dollars but we are not hungry.
I almost became discouraged by this attitude but I have encouragements in some home based guys who are seriously interested in seeing the association blossom and impact our old school positively.

but if i may ask, y go through all dis hazzle to find out nonsense? Its thier money. Its not by force to give. Move to others if some don’t give

Nigerians have created a reputation of embezzling and trying to cut corners. Right from the leaders down to the common man.

Although there are still many honourable ones and people with integrity. However the bad eggs have made the good ones seem bad.

armyofone:
Jao, responding to your original post, you won't know how difficult life can be for an immigrant until you live in a foriegn country. Don't blame them.

And that is the reason why I made it clear that I wouldn't want to be involved in such developmental things anymore if not for some understanding guys at home who pleaded with me to continue since they realise I have the time to move around because of my highly flexible job schedule. I hate to be doubted, I hate being seen as desperate, hungry and dubious. There is a particular one of them who was my very good guy, my junior. He once lived with me while in the university, infact I gave him my accommodation for free when I was graduating, the hostel belong to my elder brother who built for commercial purpose, he lived there for free all through 200 to 500 level, I told the caretaker that he's a member of our family. I contributed handsomely when he was to travel to Canada, and assisted his mum when things weren't going on well for him in his first two years there. I was disappointed that such a person could turn around to see me as dubious when he knows fully well that I am comfortable in my own right. He has been trying to be apologetic these days since I totally ignored him after I found out what he was saying about not wanting to contribute to "hungry dubious guys" at home. It's not all Nigerians who are dubious.

ImaIma1:
Nigerians have created a reputation of embezzling and trying to cut corners. Right from the leaders down to the common man.

Although there are still many honourable ones and people with integrity. However the bad eggs have made the good ones seem bad.

I agree but it isn't all Nigerians that are dubious. I volunteered myself to champion the cause because of the state of the school at the time we came in, so bad. Many parents have started expressing appreciation for the little we have done but guys who suppose to contribute to their alma matta but are unwilling should not be discouraging those who are willing by calling us names, cheers.

joa2013:
I agree but it isn't all Nigerians that are dubious. I volunteered myself to champion the cause because of the state of the school at the time we came in, so bad. Many parents have started expressing appreciation for the little we have done but guys who suppose to contribute to their alma matta but are unwilling should not be discouraging those who are willing by calling us names, cheers.

Well you can't change people's mindsets. They may think you started it to be able to enrich your pocket. It is the way they left the country and they were probably like that when they were here

joa2013:


I agree but it isn't all Nigerians that are dubious. I volunteered myself to champion the cause because of the state of the school at the time we came in, so bad. Many parents have started expressing appreciation for the little we have done but guys who suppose to contribute to their alma matta but are unwilling should not be discouraging those who are willing by calling us names, cheers.

Bro.....you need to broaden your perspective and reduce your expectations. Not all Nigerians are dubious.... too many are by default. You may not be... but how would those wanting to give know that?... should they just trust your word? Maybe they did and got burnt...maybe they knew of others who did. Don't you think it was kind of dubious for you to open a shadow account to contact the ones who promised but did not contribute?...instead of making direct contact?

To the matter on ground......expectations.... wayyyy too many people at home believe that those abroad automatically have extra money... must have... and should be able to contribute to a project like yours. Yourself included. People travel abroad with the same mentality.... it doesn't change... so if asked to make a contribution.... whether or not they can afford to.... they must pledge an acceptable amount.... an acceptable amount being what would not label them as being stingy or cheap by those at home. So don't expect most to contribute... and most of those who do would tell you that they can't donate the full amount pledged because of some financial emergency. Some who are really struggling will just flat out tell you they can't because they don't trust those back home. But as it is..... greed has reached new heights.... don't blame those abroad for not willing to part with their hard earned cash.... or going great lengths to ensure that their contribution is used for the intended purpose.

Hmmm...it is not easy to make money abroad considering their crazy bills and weather. Those who are legit there really pay highly for their living. As such, being able to take out flex money from their disposable income is hard. Then the attitude of the people at home when it comes to expectations from these diasporas is madd...we have refused to unlearn our previous learning that abroad is a land flowing with milk and honey Lastly, when it comes to handling cash from abroad, 7 out of 10 people turn fraudulent... I can't explain why. Maybe its because of the distance that made it hard for them to be quickly ousted.

joa2013:
And that is the reason why I made it clear that I wouldn't want to be involved in such developmental things anymore if not for some understanding guys at home who pleaded with me to continue since they realise I have the time to move around because of my highly flexible job schedule. I hate to be doubted, I hate being seen as desperate, hungry and dubious. There is a particular one of them who was my very good guy, my junior. He once lived with me while in the university, infact I gave him my accommodation for free when I was graduating, the hostel belong to my elder brother who built for commercial purpose, he lived there for free all through 200 to 500 level, I told the caretaker that he's a member of our family. I contributed handsomely when he was to travel to Canada, and assisted his mum when things weren't going on well for him in his first two years there. I was disappointed that such a person could turn around to see me as dubious when he knows fully well that I am comfortable in my own right. He has been trying to be apologetic these days since I totally ignored him after I found out what he was saying about not wanting to contribute to "hungry dubious guys" at home. It's not all Nigerians who are dubious.

Hmmm...why not just maintain your staunch and leave the project alone. The next time contribution comes up, you would still get the jabs. While you reserve the right to spend the money your earned, others have same right as welll. It is not by force to develop ones amamata( can't spell that), even if it was free education, you indirectly paid your way. Do what you can for the school and allow others make their decisions freely too. Who knows, those you thought were doing well enough to have extras might just be managing themselves handsomely. Cheers.

The fact that you opened dummy accounts to chat them up on this issue robs me the wrong way.

I wouldn’t want to deal with someone like you, with this your mindset, and pungent behavior. You say you’re not benefiting from this, and it’s not a big deal but you even created a Nairaland thread on money that’s not your own.

If it’s not your headache then why not move on when they refuse to contribute? I wish they could see this post, so they know to be weary of you.

CanadianNaija:
The fact that you opened dummy accounts to chat them up on this issue robs me the wrong way.

I wouldn’t want to deal with someone like you, with this your mindset, and pungent behavior. You say your not benefiting from this, and it’s not a big deal but you even created a Nairaland thread on money that’s not your own.

If it’s not your headache then why not move on when they refuse to contribute? I wish they could see this post, so they know to be weary of you.

thats exactly what i said. This is a simple issue, if u dnt stand to gain from dis, y take it too personal

I learnt my lesson anyway. But to think that every Nigerian is dubious is what I really frowned at. I don't gravitate around people's wealth, I'm contented with the little I have. I just think we should be able to help our former school since government has failed and continue to fail. I know its not easy to make money abroad, I have been to 11 countries for training, conferences and holidays and I know what our people are passing through. There are things I've refused to contribute my money to too, but to go around telling the organisers they are dubious is unacceptable. Listen friends, I have prominent Nigerians who are supporting out projects, I mean well placed individuals. Before we opened bank account for the association, they paid money to my personal account and three of them have publicly commended the way we give account of the funds we have. The team handling the funds are all gainfully employed. I understand all your points, they own their money, but its not all Nigerians that are dubious, happy easter to you all.

joa2013:
In 2017, I yielded to call from different individuals including 3 of my former secondary school principals, several former teachers of the school, many of my seniors, classmates and juniors to form an old student association of our old school. I used WhatsApp and other social media platforms to galvanize several people and after about a year, the association was birthed in 2017 with over 200 old students as inaugural members. We have been meeting both physically and online since then. We have revived the old culture of prize giving day in the school and have embarked on and delivered 3 medium scale capital projects within a short period of 2 years. My experience at raising money for our projects have opened my eyes to the attitude of people when it comes to releasing their money for such ventures. Out of over 200 members, now close to 300, only about 30 contributed the money we have expended on our projects so far. The others will either give excuse or made promise that have not been fulfilled. Another angle to this is the attitude of some old students who are abroad especially in UK, US, Germany, Australia and Sweden. We have close to 30 old students abroad. Only two of them have given us money since inception. One sent $500, he actually asked his mother to go to the school and verify the projects before he sent the money. He asked for pictures, video recordings etc. The other one sent 100 thousand naira. This one was so glad to do it. Others have continued to give excuses and promises. When I saw this attitude, I created a dummy account on Facebook as a well to do old student who shuttles between UK, US, Canada and Nigeria. I sent friend request to all these guys abroad who haven't been contributing. I discreetly related with them over time and asked them why they haven't been contributing. I was shocked to hear from 11 of them that the guys at home will embezzle their money, and wouldn't want to contribute. They saw those of us at home as poor, hungry, dubious and reckless which I see as not true. Is it their individual experiences or their long stay abroad that have changed their thought line towards their childhood friends and even families? Many of us at home are also doing well in our own ways. We may not earn income in dollars but we are not hungry.
I almost became discouraged by this attitude but I have encouragements in some home based guys who are seriously interested in seeing the association blossom and impact our old school positively.

let me help you understand people living abroad

i am a zimbabwean, its not only nigerian thing but in all people living abroad havent been conned directly or knows one who has

1 most diaspora got burnt from trying to build their own homes back home, mothers, fathers,sister brother conned them either by inflatting prices or not even building the dream house so everyone know thinks twice in helping back home

2 most fake emails come from nigeria or nigerians (yahoo boy) can nigerian believe that this group back home is real in helping the former skol or these are former skol mates trying to con skol mates living abroad?

3 the west driving a nice car doesnt mean your doing well, here it can be the easy to use to go to work only, african mentality rich is based on driving a car, hence you find that wealth is judge due to driving a car or having few cars

4 clothes are cheap so when one post on facebook never repeating clothes you think he is rolling big

5 when they come they flash money like crazy, why simply becoz the exchange rate plays in their favour so a mcdonald double cheese burger is £1.60 and checked the internet £ to naira rate is 1 to 469 naira

so what sells for 747 naira is equall to a mcdonalds double cheese burger which generally nothing in terms of UK pricing

so the exchange plays a favour wheb these guys visits home

6 our families back can suck you dry, they becomes leechies they will find any possible reason to make you send money

so conclusion 1 diaspora people have been burnt one way or the other hence they now think twice to handout
2 nigerians yourselves your are known and you know each other when it comes scamming each other

3 pictures posted on facebook, instagram, twitter are always selected for reason