I lived in Ajegunle for about 5yrs (2002-2007), at a time almost every young man in the area was into internet fraud. We used same cafes, while they engaged in their 'job', I was busy learning web design, graphics and digital marketing. Most of them made mockery of my choice.
Admittedly, a number of made good money, and did everything to entice me. They would tell me "Webgod, if we know 1% of what you know about the Internet technology, Dangote would struggle to compete with us".
Unfortunately, no matter how much they made, it didn't last...
In 2007, I left AJ city for Surulere, where I started Potech Ltd., continuing with my legitimate Internet biz; & God has been faithful.
Today, I have an online 'marketing firm' with over 40,000 distributors + other interests, while most of them are still in AJ city 'struggling'
I learnt from them that you cannot easily retire from any illicit business that gives quick money. That illicit business would kill your creative mind & make you see everything else as waste of time and nonlucrative. It also encourages reckless spending & wasteful lifestyle.
I'm glad we're beginning to realise that it's wrong to celebrate people who made money & become successful illegally.
We can do better. Let the EFCC & co declare a 'state of emergency' on Internet Fraudsters, grant 'amnesty' & subsequently introduce whistle Blower Policy.
Nigerians must also change their belief system & begin to do things that discourage young ones from venturing into illicit businesses. For example, let's learn to report our neighbours to EFCC & co, when they start bringing in expensive cars & living above their income...
While at it, let govts at all levels look inwards by establishing centres for digital businesses where those passionate about 'the laptop lifestyle'; & yes, there're thousands of legitimate businesses these young ones can do with same skills, resources & still earn decent income
AJ city was an eye opener for me. The environment, the 'community', the people, the unique lifestyle. The experience will indeed remain etched in my memory. I know and have read about so many who managed to come out of Ajegunle and are 'heroes' in their chosen fields today.
Ajegunle hasn't been producing 'heroes' lately because of social vices like cultism and #YahooYahoo. That creative energy is eroding... I plan to someday return to the city on advocacy mission as a way of giving back. The thousands of young & hardworking Ajegunleans need help!
Dear #YahooYahoo,
The FBI is closer to you than you think!
They aren't all white...
They're also your friends...
They work, club, share, eat, dine and wine with you...
They're in Lagos, Abuja, etc...
If you repent today, you may be lucky...
If you continue, they'll get you!
Here's the kind of price we collectively pay as a nation, for crimes committed by a few of our own. This particularly why we must not trivialise certain issues or bring in tribal sentiments, because in the end, we are affected as a nation, not by tribes. Say #NoToYahooYahoo today
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@ChiefOjukwu With some exceptions, the Governors are the biggest challenge to our progress as a nation. Unfortunately, Nigerians think their problem is FG. Truly an unfortunate situation!
@ChiefOjukwu Please how much does your State and your LGA get on average as monthly FAAC? Let's start from there. My own LGA of Biase on Cross River State gets average of 180 million naira monthly. The Governor still passes through back door to collect it from the council.
@ChiefOjukwu 1. I make bold to say that Governors are major contributors to our security challenges. It's good to see them meeting, but they should look first look inward. My Biase LGA (Cross River) with an area of 1,310 km2 and a population of about 200,000 has no security or govt presence.
What Is the Debt-to-GDP Ratio?
The debt-to-GDP ratio is the metric comparing a country's public debt to its gross domestic product (GDP).
By comparing what a country owes with what it produces, the debt-to-GDP ratio reliably indicates that particular country’s ability to pay back its debts.
As I joined my Boss His Excellency VP Yemi Osinbajo on an official visit to Ebonyi State yesterday, what I saw was massive, commendable and almost unbelievable.
Almost every piece of earth in the state of Ebonyi is under construction, has undergone massive construction, reconstruction, renovation or remodeling.
Although I have my reservation for quality of finishing, I must commend Governor Dave Umahi for embarking on such highly ambitious critical infrastructure drive such as concrete roads, modern markets, schools, airport, industries, recreational facilities, flyovers and bridges,
In the last 1 year, I have been added to more than 100 WhatsApp groups, created to raise funds for Funerals or Weddings, instead of groups to raise funds for research, education, social change, etc. If we must make meaningful progress, we need to review our priorities & values!
The most important elements of a marriage are the prideprce, plan for sustainable source(s) of livelihood and a happy home. Yet, some even borrow to finance their wedding.
For funerals, a regular coffin is all you owe a dead relative and to ensure you execute their will accordingly, if they left one behind.
The Vice President of Nigeria is the second-in-command to the President of Nigeria in the Government of Nigeria. Officially styled Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Vice President is elected alongside the President in national elections.
The office is currently held by Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.
Eligibility:
A person shall be eligible for the office of Vice President if he or she is a citizen of Nigeria by birth, at least 40 years of age, is a member of a political party and is sponsored by that political party.