Category: Opinion

  • The Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, the Canopy Walkway and the Primates by George Odok

    By George Odok Jnr

    The Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State. It was established in May 2000 and is managed by the Cross River State Forestry Commission.

    It is home to endangered primates including the Nigerian Chimapnzee pan Troglodytes Vellerosus, and the most endangered gorilla sub species, the Cross River gorilla diehli.

    Afi sanctuary is also home to Afi Mountain Canopy Walkway. It is listed as an important Bird Area for Nigeria. The largest migratory swallow roost in Africa is also found there and attracts thousands of tourists and bird-watchers.

    The Afi Mountain is surrounded by 16 communities with a total population of approximately 27,000. It is a tourist cite located in a cool and serene environment.

    Calabar is a coastal city, located in the South-South region of Nigeria. It is home to Hope Waddel Training Institute-the oldest secondary school in the then Eastern region of the country. It was established in 1895. Late Dr Nnamdi Azikwe, Nigeria’s former president is an an alumnus of Hope Waddel.

    Cross River State was created on May 27, 1967, from the former Eastern region by General Yakubu Gowon.

    The beautiful state is also know as the ‘People’s Paradise’. The first governor of the State was Uduoaka Esuene. The current governor is Ben Ayade.

    Where will you be with your family in this fourth coming holiday? Think Cross River State, think Obudu Cattle Ranch, think Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, think Aqua falls, think Tinapa, think Cross River State monorail and lots more.

  • Redeployment of Ntufam Gabe Okulaja; A Right step in the Right Direction By Richard Romanus

    By Richard Romanus

    I like to first and foremost commend the Governor, Senator Ben Ayade for the Redeployment of Ntufam Gabe Okulaja from Special Adviser, department of Public Transportation (DOPT) to Coordinator/desk officer, Home grown School feeding programme.

    This action is particularly commendable because, this is a development that has been long overdue considering the unnecessary controversies that has been generated over which Agency of Government in charge of Transportation is to do what, when and how.

    His Redeployment is what I have stood and been calling for long before now. The re-appointment of Barr Edem Ekong as SA DOPT is one of the best decisions that has been taken by the Ben Ayade administration especially when you take into consideration the sanity he brought to the Transport sub sector during is four years stint as head of DOPT in the last adminstration.

    Those familiar with the activities of department of Public Transportation (DOPT) in recent times, will agree with me that, it has been a clear deviation from its core mandate of traffic regulation. It will be recalled that, I had earlier this year, written an article titled ‘ DOPT;TRAFFIC REGULATOR OR REVENUE COLLECTING AGENT OF GOVERNMENT’ were in the said piece I expressed concern over the high level of taxation on commercial Road users.

    The Department of Public Transportation under Gabe Okulaja was to say the least, one of the most confused government agency in this administration. His penchant to make money for his pocket in the name of revenue drive for Government had no limits as virtually all the road sides sellers along Watt and Marian market were compelled to pay a certain fee on a daily basis to enable them continue to maintain their selling spot on the road.

    Being a leading state in terms of tourism in Nigeria and the Governors desire to transform the sector better than he met it, I expected the former DOPT boss to immediately swing into action in collaboration with other Government agencies in charge of Transportation to immediately swing into action by introducing breathtaking innovations in the sector that will add colour and beauty to the state tourism credentials rather, the activities of DOPT under his watch were de marketing the state instead of marketing it.

    For Barr Edem Ekong, His second coming can only be attributed to his sterling performance in the previous administration. It means, Governor Ayade recognises excellence and does not shy away from bringing on board, Cross Riverians who have been proven and tested in various capacities towards helping him deliver on his promises to the people of the state. Therefore, I expect Barr Ekong to immediately set the ball rolling by ensuring that, DOPT resumes it’s core functions while making concerted efforts towards reconciling all aggrieved parties in the sector that are disenchanted in on one way or the other for the greater good of the sector.

    Governor Ben Ayade on his part must as a matter of urgency beam it’s searchlight on other MDAs of Government towards doing same to its various heads as there are still many of his aides in his Government who deserve a Redeployment or an outright sack.

    Richard Romanus is a public Affairs Commentator from Oderegha in Obubra LGA, Cross River State.


  • Change in Nigeria and Africa, what we must know

    By Aliyu Nuhu


    If there is anything the new APC government used in fighting its way into the psyche of Nigerians, it is the political slogan (change). APC has made it clear that it was not PDP and did not want to do things the PDP way. Never mind that it was the same people in PDP that dropped their umbrellas and carried brooms to form the APC for their political convenience. Halfway into APC’s first term in power, change remains more of a political tool than a vehicle for progress . Nigeria and Nigerians essentially remain the same, just as before. 
    The ordinary Nigerian has not changed in his ways of doing things. He is the same dishonest, ruthless, corrupt, violent,unpatriotic,lawless and ungodly human being. He worships the same Nigerian god. It doesn’t matter the faith, Nigerian god wants to be involved and consulted while inflating contracts, rigging election or planning to cheat in exams. 
    The Nigerian man puts god in prayers while planning evil. Nothing has changed in the persona of the Nigerian man. The same goes with Nigerian leadership. Muhammadu Buhari remains a good man. But Nigerians never gave him the second chance to lead the country when he still had his dynamism,chauvinism and exuberance as a younger person until he reached the ripe age of 72. The Buhari of 80s and 90s is not the same Buhari of 2000s. It was like we had a Ferrari parked in the garage for decades and only decided to use it after it was overtaken by age and modernity. That is the Nigerian tragedy. Today Buhari is easier to bend. Old men are more agreeable and malleable. We never wanted a soft and nice leader. Nigeria is too inordinate lawless for that kind of man.

    Back to the core subject, Change. From the president down to local government workers,change is only there by name. The Nigerian leader still lives outside his reality. As an emperor he lives in luxury,owns 11 luxury planes,rides in motorcade made up of 13- 25 luxury and expensive cars and changes clothes like a butterfly. While cocooned behind high walls of Aso Rock surrounded by luxury, the Nigerian leader has all the insulation he needs to forget the kind of heat outside where his subjects reside. These days the president hoped into chopper from Aso Villa to the airport. He ignores the fact that there is poverty, unemployment and hunger everywhere. The leader is detached from reality. Nothing has changed.

    The economy

    One irrefutable fact about Nigeria is that it ran a commodity economy since it’s birth in 1914. After independence in 1960,oil took the center stage as the sustainer of all Nigerian governments. Nothing has changed. The nation had gone through a vicious circle of oil boom and bursts all through its history. Those having fears about Nigeria’s economic recession should know that commodities bursts are not always there to stay. Very soon prices of oil will go up and the country will be back on track. But that does not mean the present leadership should not explore ways of changing the structure of the economy. No one wants a wait- and -see economy dependent on the vagaries of volatile commodities markets. Talking about change,the Nigerian government should ideally start with the economy. The country should be a net exporter of manufactured goods and services,growing enough food to feed itself as well as having surplus to export abroad. This has not changed.

    Change at federal level ,the good,bad and ugly

    The new government has restored peace in the Northern part of the country that was ravaged and colonized by Boko Haram. The government has also proven to be a better and wiser spender than the previous government. For instance so much has been spent on capital projects than in the past 6 years. The government has blocked most financial leakages through introduction of TSA and elimination of ghost workers in the civil service. It is also fighting corruption with some measure of sincerity if not success. Stealing in MDAs has been reduced since the coming of the government. The government is also trying to reduce inflation,fight corruption and trim down the civil service. 

    To move Nigeria forward the government must adjust the nation’s unfavorable term of trade and allow the national currency to fall. I commended the government’s handling of the currency crisis. While It did not officially devalue the Naira ,it wisely allowed market forces to force it’s value down. The government has broadened it’s revenue base and is getting more serious with tax collection . In the past taxes are just about 3% of GDP. The government is targeting 5-7 %, but should also be mindful of avoiding multiple taxation that will emasculate the SMEs out of existence. It is bad enough for business not to get any loans from banks. 
    The government must make loans available and accessible to the real sector. It is one area the banks are failing woefully in stimulating the economy to provide employment to the youth. Out of 56 million Nigerian youth,98% are unemployed. The government has made so much noise about agriculture while in reality it did nothing to assist the sector. It changed nothing. Production is basically subsistence out of the sheer effort and determination of individual farmers. It did not make tractors available, it did not make fertilizers available nor build new dams,canals or irrigation infrastructure. Again the government must improve the basics by building roads,railways,electricity.

    Change at state and local governments level

    The APC states never made pretense to be part of the change train. State governments are changing gear for the worse. The mindless,unchecked looting of treasury is everywhere even with so little resources for development. The governors are not adjusting their appetite for sleaze. Contracts have remained the same conduit pipe for stealing. In every state, everywhere, governments are competing to build drainage, roads,bridges at 100 times the actual contract price. The governors are not pretending to adjust their ostentatious lifestyles. They charter planes, ride the same if not more expensive cars,dress like Kings and travel frequently on shopping spree abroad. Nothing has changed in terms of revenue generation and service delivery to the people.

    Africa and change: the bitter truth

    Africa has been a poor, perhaps the poorest continent throughout history. Nothing has changed and nothing will change with the kind of African leadership in place. The present economic crisis is not peculiar to Nigeria alone. Angola is far worse off than Nigeria as oil contributed near 96% of its GDP and 99% of its foreign earning. By contrast, oil accounts for 64% of Nigeria’s GDP and 90% of its foreign earning. At continental and regional levels, Africa has not changed,not that other African Nations ever pretended to want change. 

    Nigeria is the symbol of African failure and is dragging the continent to perdition. The truth is that if Nigeria does not succeed, the African continent will never make any headway. The country has been lucky with its population,manufacturing,agriculture and services industry. Nigeria should give thanks for the relative ease it finds itself with the current global recession. Things could have been worse. With regards to Africa, there are about 14 nations that are making change and progress as a result of cheaper energy presented by falling oil price, amongst them Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda. Some states are virtually in a state of war, the South Sudan, Somalia, Burundi and Central African Republic. Lesotho and Swaziland are the two African states that made it to the top ten most violent nations on earth. Meanwhile we still have more countries that are a disgrace to Africa and black-man. Even at the ripe age of 93,Robert Mugabe wants to stand election for another 8 years term, after being in power since 1976 in Zimbabwe. Other leaders are amending constitution to remain in power after exhausting their constitutional term limit.
    DRC,Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Cameroon are bad examples to the continent. South Africa has become a one party state and is keeping a corrupt president in power. Only in Africa you will see a serving president appointing his wife as deputy and successor. The blackman is the problem of the world and his continent, Africa, remains the sore point of global progress. No African,black nation has made any meaningful progress in terms of development. Africa is hugely endowed continent in terms of resources and manpower. With over 1.5 billion people and GDP of $2.7 trillion and growth average at 7%,Africa should lead the way in economic rebirth and development and should by 2050 have a nominal GDP of $30 Trillion. But that will never be. The economy of Africa is just the size of the economy of Argentina. 
    The typical blackman will always ensure that Africa stays in war,poverty,disease and backwardness. Africans need change more than Nigerians. When the blackman wants to copy white,he copies his lifestyle of excessive freedom and vanity. Today black male couples are fighting for freedom to get married as husband and wife of the same sex. When African man wants to copy Arab, he copies his religious extremism and violence. 
    Today Somalia is a carbon copy of Yemen. Boko Haram is a copy cat of ISIS and is sitting down in Borno to be appointed viceroy of one twisted ideology to destroy it’s own land. Blackman is treated with disdain everywhere because of the way he treats himself. In US police kill blacks because blacks among all races in America is the one that commits more crimes,is the one that will resist arrest,is the one that can kill a police without provocation. Statistics showed that more police in US die in the hands of blacks than vice versa. It is very much the same in Europe,Australia and Asia. Blacks are rejected everywhere. When people are facing firing squad in far east Asia,blacks will make up 90% of the list.

    Back to Nigeria

    I wrote before on the fight against corruption. Nothing has changed so far because the government is using same approach used in the past to prosecute individuals but essentially leaving the structure of corruption intact. Judicial and legal reforms are still not rooted to make the fight against corruption sustainable. Now we are in bigger trouble. The new APC government has shown it’s willingness to side with corruption and is abusing state apparatus of power to subvert the course of justice. The DSS has been used to harass opposition and those against APC. 

    The case of Zamfara is truly a sad episode. The presidency has also rubbished efforts by the House of Representatives to clean itself of corruption. The presidency took side with Yakubu Dogara by exonerating him of any wrongdoing in budget padding. Today the hunter is becoming the hunted. Abdulmumini Jibrin is becoming a sacrificial lamb for coming out to expose corruption in the House of Representatives. We always know there is massive looting in the chambers of National Assembly and that one day someone will be cheated into exposing the whole scheme. 
    Now that we have opportunity to get to the bottom of the matter, the president of all people is the one to take side with thieves. Looking at the previous government, there is no change at all. Jonathan has stood firmly to defend thieves, from Diezeni to Stella, Jonathan stood firmly as defender of corruption. It is the same thing we are seeing today. I have strong feelings that things will get much worse as this government settles down a bit. The worse is yet to come.
  • The forgotten rots of Society for the wrong choices they made; the Prisoners in Nigeria?

    By Friday Aruku Odey

    THE FORGOTTEN ROTS OF SOCIETY FOR THE WRONG CHOICES THEY MADE. THE PRISONERS IN NIGERIA ?

    A prison was set up by government/authority in centuries across the globe as deterrent to hold citizens who terrorise society by committing crimes : killing, rubbing, mugging and making life miserable to fellow humans etc.

    Governments had to come up with the prison system to put offenders behind bars to protect society and make offenders realise law and order exist.

    Having said all these, the judiciary system must rise to the occasion and make the prison a truly rehabilitation institution like that of other nations and set to do what the prison was made for.

    Often Nigeria over take things for granted. We as a nation must emulate and copy what other nation do right or best. Rebuilding nation comes with price. When governance or government is setup, apparatus that make up the government and those in authority must drive their areas to make the system works. This is where division of labour comes to play. Without division of labour, government/organisation fails. Government/organisations gathers all division of labour in place, monitor and make sure the system works. These system forms governance. That’s why you have various ministries, departments, states and local governments etc. All this constitute the framework of governmental body for things to work and know what areas fail to drive their end to make good governance and represent their citizens well with good projects to benefit all.

    People in charge of their areas comes up with projects and programmes to improve on citizens needs by presenting these to the authority for approval.

    The judiciary and prison officials are responsible for developing and running the system effectively eliminating short comings. This comes with programmes.

    Prison is made to correct and rehab inmate who faulted in society depending on the offence.

    Prison population is categorised by offences:

    • Minor offenders.
    • Capital crime offenders.

    These categories are broken down further. You can reference that for further clarity.

    I am only writing on this issue for the fact that most people in our prison are still waiting trials. Some have been in detention for more than time allowed for their trial.

    The government/judiciary has done nothing for speedy trial. Innocent souls are left to suffer for crime they have not been proven guilty. Those inmate who can not afford a lawyer, the government must provide a lawyer for them. Awaiting trial detainees must be given a speedy trial timely.

    The second aspect will be on those convicted. What programmes do the prison department have in place to rehab the prisoners and make them productive part of society before releasing them to the streets ?

    What do our prisons look like ?

    1. This discussion is very pertinent because we can not keep innocent souls in custody with out trial.
    2. Programmes must be in place to rehabilitate inmate and made them productive members of society and return them to coexist and live a normal live.
    3. Those condemn for capital crime, after all appeals have failed, must serve their time. Those condemned to death must face justice and done with timely.
    4. Adequate care i.e,m feeding, health and hygiene must be made available for immate while serving.
  • Governor Ben Ayade is God sent to this hospitable State – Felix Karid

    Do we agree with him?

    Felix Karid Oghenekevwe, a Cross Riverian writes:

    Cross Riverians, be wise. Don’t let a kiss fool you and don’t let a fool kiss you.
    With all sincerity and honesty, I say to you today that, Senator Professor Benedict Ayade is God sent to this hospitable State.

    Cross River State is the poorest State in the South South? But no South South State has beaten the developmental strides of Cross River.

    Despite all odds, Ayade is still pushing it and Cross River State keeps moving forward.

    In any capacity you can, support Governor Ben Ayade for a better tomorrow.
    God bless Cross River State.

  • Governor Ayade: Keeping His Eyes On The Sparrow

    By Tony Undiandeye

    Recently, the Ayades have been in the news for sundry reason – based on each person’s separate perception and understanding of the political and undercurrents: some good and some bad.

    By this development, the Ayade family, is gaining popularity and now ranks amongst the popular families in Cross River state. That is expected.

    Presently, petitions are being written against the Government of Professor Ben Ayade and his nuclear family.

    Ordinarily, I would not have joined the fray. But I have come to realise the main motive for these negative attacks. There is a Bette adage that says; ‘’That it is only a tree that bears fruits, that can attract stones from itinerant school pupils and varied passers-by.’’

    Governor Ayade’s laudable and visionary programmes, projects and exemplary leadership, have unnerved and embittered a section of the opposition in Cross River state. These programmes include: The Super Highway; The Deep Seaport, The Cross River State Garment and Textile Factory, Embedded Power Generation and other, too numerous to mention here.

    Senator(Professor) Ben Ayade has remained committed and focused on his set goals and objectives. He has a covenant with Cross Riverians and he is determined to fulfil same. He has ,therefore, refused to be distract by all those who have vowed to destabilise his Government and have set about using proxies, employing blackmail and utilising the negative and unprogressive tool of – ‘’Petition Writing.’’

    Our dear Governor, obviously understands the aphorism: That if you stay back to throw stones at every dog that barks at you, you will never get to your destination. In our collective quest of driving ‘’Destination Cross River’’ – let the dogs bark.

    Considering the litany of investigations going on in Cross River, over financial, administrative and personnel issues: I will like advice that we await the outcome. Any pre-emptive assumption or action in this regard will be unfair and biased. Let all those who are ecstatically baying for Dr. Frank Ayade’s blood remain patient. The die is cast.

    I now see the reason why our dear governor has continued to maintain a calm disposition, taking all in his strides – with equanimity.

    My candid advice, is for all those who truly mean well and love Cross River State, to rally round the Governor and his administration to seek solutions to all our nagging socio-economic problems: Low IGR and a fall in accruable revenue; outstanding salaries and pensions, decaying and non-existing infrastructure, Upcoming National Sports Festival, Education, Agriculture and Health, amongst others.

    This is the time to cease and desist from negativism; pull together, as one people. May Professor Emmauel Ayandele’s postulation: ’’That Cross River State is an atomistic society, that is perpetually at war with itself – wither and die. Amen.

    Chief Tony Undiandeye
    Senior Special Adviser on Public Affairs.

  • Is Nigeria Facing Recession or Depression?

    By Friday Aruku Odey

    For clarity see below. Also to keep this discuss simple, few statistical data will be used. You can reference any information for accurate figures on your own.

    RESESSION: Is a period of temporary economic decline during which trade and industrial activities are reduced, generally identified by a fall in GDP in two successive quaters. Recession is also associated with high unemployment and high inflation.

    The YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT and REGULAR UNEMPLOYMENT is characteristic in Nigeria right now.

    DEPRESSION: Economic depression is total slow down of economic activities for a long time aggravated by drastic monetary policies that affect commerce,  finance and industries.
    This is not the case in Nigeria.

    Nigeria is a driving IMP0RT economy. Not to fall into RESESSION, Nigeria must maintain a favourable trade balances between EXPORT, IMP0RT and adjustment made in other economic areas.

    Nigeria is a driving import economy. The oil is Nigeria major VITAL EXPORT driven commodity revenue. In the proceeding quater, reported figure was favourable. On tuesday last week reported figure for the current quater was N22.6tn decline. Import was N1.269tn. Export was N1.454tn. Per the reported figures the comparative advantage was unfavourable.

    For Nigeria to get out or resolve the recession problem faster, she must take care of the Niger delta insurgency crisis by dialogue so that activities in oil sector can resume. The destructive activities in the Niger Delta region is the reason why the nation is facing recession.

    Lastly, all the capital flight looted money kept in foreign banks is responsible for the current economic problems in the nation. These were foreign funds gained from our exports (OIL) and other products. If those funds were accounted for and put into use on capital projects, jobs, the value of NAIRA would have been doing well.

    The ECONOMY would have simulated way far back. The nation would not have been in this predicament. Since I was born, this is the most RECKCLESS people in power in the Whole wild WORLD ever known to have taken the nation for a ride. Now see where we are. The destruction was long done by 16 years of civilians unacceptable leadership where looting was the order of the day.

    BLAME is not being apportioned. Let the TRUTH be told how we got into this MESS. ONE OF THE NATION WITH HIGH OIL PROCEEDS REVENUE PROFITS CAN NOT ACCOUNT FOR THE FUNDS ?

    Please let no one ever BLAME President MB. HE HAS COME TO BE OUR SAVIOR and will help lead to rebuilding this great nation.

    NIGERIA WILL OVER COME. WE CAN NOT ALLOW LOOTED CAPITAL FLIGHT FUNDS TO EVER HAPPEN AGAIN TILL DEATH DO US PART.

  • Calabar No. 1 Traffic Warden’s Account Now Opened for your Donations, Enter To Donate (Photos)

    For all of us who appreciate the tireless efforts of Calabar’s No. 1 traffic warden, here is the opportunity we have all been waiting for.

    We will appreciate your commitment to dropping a token in his account and we will for sure acknowledge you on the big stage…it is the little we can all do to reward great EXCELLENCE in SMALL places.

    Read Also | Cross Riverians To Reward Calabar No. 1 Traffic Warden, Join The Campaign #LetusrewardNKANU

    Please send all DONATION to:

    Account  Number: 3030959681 
    Account Name:  IGRI NNA NKANU 
    Bank: First Bank Nigeria Plc. 

    Nothing is indeed too small to show a hardworking Nigerian some love.

    Above is the photo of the payment made by Egan Adat Ben-Koko as he draws his first blood with a cash donation into our very own Calabar’s No. 1 Traffic Warden’s account. Game on we must say.

    Let the race to reward him begin. Please Share… And God bless you!

  • Leadership Thought for the Day: There is a Hand in the Affairs of Men

    By Anthony Ubani

    Twelve years ago, a Harvard student invited 5 people to his room to discuss a business opportunity. Only 2 of the 5 people showed up. Today, those 2 people are billionaires: Dustin Moskovitz $9.9 Billion and Eduardo Saverin $6.3 Billion.

    The guy they met that night? Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook, has a net worth of $35.7 Billion.

    Now consider for a moment what it must be like to be the other 3 people who were invited, but chose not to attend that life changing meeting. They probably laughed when they were invited and said, “who is this small boy to be inviting us for a meeting.” Today they probably live with the perennial thought of what could have been and the torture of life-long regret.

    Some people will quickly attribute it all to luck. But there is no such thing as luck and even if there is, luck only favours the bold and prepared. Two quick leadership lessons here.

    First is that those who must excel, succeed and make impact in life must go beyond being intelligent and hardworking. They must equally hone their instincts and develop their sixth sense that much like an antennae discerns opportunities where lesser mortals look and see emptiness.

    In the race up the ladder of success, our physical bodies has the least role to play. our soul, the arena of reason and emotion has a much higher role to play.But our spirit, which is responsible for much of what we refer to as intuition,  instincts, gut feeling or hunch, is the chief referee of our success or failure in life. Those who will  impact their generation must therefore essay to cultivate their spirit being.

    That leads to the second point. It is important to understand and appreciate that our greatest success does” not usually come from or rely solely on our greatest efforts. The most beautiful things in life are typically found in the most unlikely of places. And the best things in life are free – like an invitation to attend a meeting with a pimple faced teenage boy.

    It is yet another indication that there is a sublime, and I dare say, a supreme power that has a hand in the affairs of men. That power is God Almighty and he shows mercy and compassion on whom it pleases him to show mercy and compassion upon.

    Brutus in the Shakespearean play Julius Caesar correctly philosophized that “there is a tide in the affairs of men. Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune.” But the reality of life proves clearly that far above and beyond a tide, there is also a divine hand in the affairs of men which leads the flood of fortune to them that believe.

    Do you believe?

    Anthony Ubani, August 2016

  • How Facebook Mark Zuckerberg’s visit to Nigeria could help boost the Country’s Technology

    By Stephen Akintayo

    Well The Next Richest Man in the world took some time off Silicon Valley to have great vacation with his wife. Mark was in Rome with his wife, Priscilla, until a few hours ago (according to his Facebook page). He held a Q&A session, visited the Pope and did a few “touristy” things.

    The unannouced Visit to Nigeria as I stay back in Silicon Valley to help him take care of some Business. Lol!

    Nigeria is the next Silicon Valley and soon the same way Nigeria is exporting the Gospel of Jesus which was once imported to us, will soon be exporting tech solutions to the world. Don’t forget that I made this statement.

    There’s been a lot of Facebook-related development in Nigeria so there’s a ton of reasons why Mark visited. First, remember his post on FREE Wifi and Jobberman? Free Basics launched in Nigeria and Mark showed his support for the Jobberman team. Then the Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative invested $24 million in Andela. Facebook’s developer workshop is happening tomorrow, and yesterday, we reported that Facebook is partnering with Cool Link to launch Express Wifi in Lagos some time this week.

    Mark is here to take advantage of all the developments in Tech and see a way to get details first hand. – Some key Business he took interest in include visit Jobberman, the Andela team he’s invested in, attend the developer workshop, launch Express Wifi AND have policy-centred conversations with the Nigerian government to further Facebook’s cause. Should I say Up Mark or Up Facebook!

    ~Stephen Akintayo