A local government chairman in Lagos state built and commissioned these beautiful 170 units of 3 bedroom apartments last week.
This follows his achievement from last year, when he built and launched 101 two-bedroom flats in this same LGA.
But in my dear Imo state, one man is pocketing our LG allocations and no one is talking. For example, my local government receives over 140 Million Naira every month from the Federal government but go round the state there’s no school, road or health centre constructed in any local government in imo state within the last 5 years. Not even a pit toilet.
Over the past two years, I’ve traveled across nearly all the senatorial zones in Imo State, from Mbano to Mbaise, Orlu, Ikeduru, Mbaitolu, Ohaji, Okigwe, and beyond. Unfortunately, I haven’t come across a single project completed in any of the LGAs. Most of the roads in the LGA’s are in terrible condition, practically impassable. Apart from the three federal roads currently being reconstructed—Okigwe, Orlu, and Mbaise Road, I haven’t seen any other road projects in any LGA across Imo State.
Imo state allocations has increased more than 40% under Tinubu, yet there’s nothing to show for it.
Owerri used to be a top tourist destination but currently most people are scared of visiting Owerri and many businesses have relocated. I relocated some of my businesses from Owerri to other states because of insecurity.
It’s disheartening to see the stark contrast in local governance between Lagos and Imo states. In Lagos state, local government chairmen are in serious competition. Over there LGA chairmen build schools, health centres, roads bridges, etc, but in the East, the state governors pocket LGA allocations and the citizens are not talking.
Dear Igbo youths, the root cause of our problem lies with our Igbo representatives – from house assembly members to senators and governors.
After looting our commonwealth, they tell their followers that our problem is Hausa, Fulani or Yoruba which is absolute rubbishh.
I don’t have any issues with any tribe, Hausa, Fulani, Yoruba, or anyone else. My problem is with bad politicians because if our senators and governors are doing their jobs nobody will even remember FG or Abuja.
I urge Igbo citizens to demand accountability and transparency from our leaders.
Let’s all shun tribalism and demand for transparency and accountability. Ndewonu
Maximizing Yield in Greenhouse Farming In Nigeria: My Journey With Habanero Pepper & Bell Pepper
As an entrepreneur, I’ve always looked for ways to invest in the agricultural sector because agriculture offers more than just business opportunities. It’s a way to create jobs, generate wealth, and contribute to food security.
I ventured into agriculture many years ago to create jobs, create wealth and food security so iykbethany farms is a project that is very important to me, but the journey hasn’t been easy at all. There have been trials and errors along the way and I have been documenting everything so others can learn from the process, my mistakes and struggles.
I already have other farms for banana, plantains, oil palm and pineapples but one other venture that really caught my eye was greenhouse farming due to its immense potential to improve crop yields and maximize the use of limited land.
The idea to invest in greenhouse farming came from my observation of Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Agriculture remains a critical part of the economy, yet many farmers still rely on traditional open-field farming, which is vulnerable to weather fluctuations, pest infestations, and inconsistent crop yields. With greenhouse farming, I saw an opportunity to leverage controlled environments to optimize crop growth, especially for high-value crops like habanero peppers.
Initial Setup and Consultation
The first year I ventured into agriculture, I went into Plantain and cassava farming without consulting any professional so the project failed woefully. So these days I do a lot of research and I consult widely. Since greenhouse farming was a new venture for me, I knew that consulting an expert was critical to ensuring the project’s success. So I turned to a greenhouse expert I met on Nairaland. After several discussions, I hired him to oversee the construction of the greenhouses and other necessary infrastructure on the farm.
The project plan included:
Setting up two greenhouses: One dedicated to habanero peppers (Habanero F1) and the other for bell peppers (Hercules F1 red and Abbey F1 yellow).
Constructing a water tank stand: This would support two large water tanks that were crucial for the irrigation system.
However, it wasn’t long before we encountered a significant setback. Unfortunately, the tank stand collapsed on the very day we filled the tanks with water. It turned out that the contractor used inferior materials, specifically low-quality metal, for the structure. As a result, the tank stand could not support the weight of the filled tanks, leading to its collapse.
Damage and Financial Losses
When the tank stand collapsed, the two water tanks were severely damaged, leaving them unusable. This resulted in unexpected financial losses, as I had to buy two new water tanks. Moreover, the entire tank stand had to be reconstructed from scratch but this time I used manual labour and I decided to use blocks and cement.
The total damage and reconstruction costs included:
The cost of buying two new water tanks.
The expense of reconstructing the tank stand with stronger, more reliable materials—this time, I opted for a tank stand made from concrete blocks and cement instead of metal.
Lessons Learned from the Setback
While the setback with the water tank stand was a major hurdle, it also taught me several valuable lessons about managing a greenhouse farming project. As an entrepreneur, it’s essential to not only focus on the potential profits but also to be mindful of the process, quality of materials, and the people involved in the project. Also, I have found out that water tank stands made of block and cement are stronger than those made of metals. And it is cheaper as well.
After completing the greenhouse construction, I decided to hire a farm manager/agronomist to help oversee the operations.
I will never repeat the mistakes I made years ago when I planted cassava and other crops without proper supervision.
So I found someone from UNIPORT who had the knowledge and skills I was looking for. Since he’s still a student at Uniport, he requested free furnished accommodation on the farm, along with cooking utensils, to make it convenient for him to manage the farm while continuing his studies.
This is a pilot project so I am still learning and documenting the whole process.
Below is a step by step guide to maximise yield in greenhouse farming
Phase 1: Seed Germination and Nursery
– Raised 1,000 seeds each of red and yellow bell peppers and habanero peppers
– Germination occurred after 7 days
– Nursery duration: 28 days before transplanting
Phase 2: Farm Preparation – Cleared the farm
– Created ridges
– Installed irrigation system
– Applied manure and NPK 15.15.15 fertilizers
Phase 3: Transplanting and Greenhouse Setup
– Transplanted seedlings into two greenhouses:
– Habanero F1
– Bell Pepper (Hercules F1 red and Abbey F1 yellow)
– Set up:
– Binding wire (upper and lower lines)
– Staking rope
Feeding Pattern – Week 1: Plain water
– Week 2: Nitrogen application
– Week 3: Calcium nitrate application
– Week 4: Potassium nitrate application
Conclusion
Greenhouses are a valuable tool for improving agricultural productivity in Nigeria, especially for crops like habanero peppers and bell peppers. By providing a controlled environment, greenhouses help farmers overcome the challenges of traditional farming, such as unpredictable weather and pests. The structured approach to farming, from seed germination to transplanting and feeding, ensures high yields and quality produce.
Most Nigerians do not know that the reason foodstuffs are expensive is because of insecurity in the North.
Northern Nigeria is our food basket but sadly bandits and terrorists are attacking farmers on a daily basis. In some Northern states, farmers cannot access their farms without paying helft ramson to bandits and there is no guarantee you will come back alive even after paying the ransom.
If the government can tackle insecurity, food prices will drop dramatically.
Understanding the Role of the U.S. Dollar in African Importation
In the complex world of global trade, certain economic dynamics persistently shape the operations and strategies of businesses worldwide.
As an African trader primarily involved in importation, particularly from countries like Turkey, Vietnam, China, and India, one might question why the U.S. dollar is necessary for these transactions, especially when trade is not conducted with the United States.
This article explores the necessity of the U.S. dollar in importation processes, examines the broader implications for foreign trade and the economy, and discusses the potential benefits of an African common currency.
The Dominance of the U.S. Dollar in Global Trade
Why the U.S. Dollar?
The U.S. dollar has established itself as the dominant currency in global trade due to several historical and economic factors. First, the Bretton Woods Agreement of 1944 cemented the dollar’s role as the world’s primary reserve currency. Even after the collapse of the Bretton Woods system in 1971, the U.S. dollar maintained its dominance, bolstered by the strength of the American economy and the extensive use of the dollar in international transactions.
For traders in Africa, the dominance of the U.S. dollar means that most international transactions, even with countries like China, India, and Turkey, are conducted in dollars. This reliance on the dollar is primarily due to the following reasons:
Stability and Liquidity: The U.S. dollar is considered one of the most stable currencies globally. This stability reduces the risk of significant value fluctuations during transactions, making it a preferred medium for international trade. Additionally, the dollar’s liquidity ensures that it is readily available and widely accepted, facilitating smoother and quicker transactions.
Global Reserve Currency: Many central banks around the world hold significant reserves of U.S. dollars. This global reserve status makes the dollar a more trusted and widely accepted currency in international markets.
Standardization: The widespread use of the dollar creates a standardized trading environment. By conducting transactions in a common currency, businesses reduce the complexities and risks associated with currency exchange.
Impact on African Importers
For African traders like myself, the reliance on the U.S. dollar, despite importing goods from non-U.S. countries, is a reflection of the currency’s entrenched role in global trade. This dependency, however, poses challenges, particularly when considering currency fluctuations, transaction costs, and the broader economic implications for African economies.
Example: Importation from Turkey, China, Vietnam and India
When importing goods from countries like Turkey, China, or India, African traders like myself often have to convert our local currencies to U.S. dollars before making payments. This additional conversion step can lead to increased costs due to exchange rate fluctuations and transaction fees.
Moreover, the strong demand for dollars within the local market can sometimes drive up the cost of acquiring dollars, further affecting the importation costs.
The Control of Money and Its Impact on the Economy
The Influence of Western Economies
As long as Europe and America control the global financial system, including the dominance of the U.S. dollar, they will continue to exert significant influence over the economies of other regions, including Africa. The reliance on the dollar means that African economies are vulnerable to monetary policies implemented by the U.S. Federal Reserve, which are primarily designed to serve American interests.
For instance, changes in U.S. interest rates can lead to capital flows in and out of African markets, affecting exchange rates, inflation, and overall economic stability. This control over money translates into control over the economy, limiting the ability of African nations to fully dictate their economic policies independently.
The Case for an African Common Currency
Given the challenges associated with reliance on the U.S. dollar, there is a growing call for the establishment of an African common currency. Such a currency, backed by African resources rather than foreign currencies like the dollar or euro, could offer several advantages:
Economic Sovereignty: A common African currency would reduce the continent’s dependence on external currencies, allowing for greater control over monetary policies. This autonomy would enable African nations to tailor their economic strategies more closely to their unique needs and circumstances.
Reduced Transaction Costs: By eliminating the need for currency conversions, a common currency would lower transaction costs for businesses engaged in intra-African trade, fostering greater economic integration across the continent.
Enhanced Trade and Investment: A stable, unified currency could encourage more trade and investment within Africa, as businesses would no longer have to navigate the complexities and risks associated with currency fluctuations.
Challenges to Implementation
Despite its potential benefits, the implementation of a common African currency faces significant challenges. These include the need for strong economic convergence among member states, the establishment of a centralized monetary authority, and the creation of robust financial infrastructure to support the currency.
Additionally, political will and cooperation among African nations will be critical in overcoming these challenges and realizing the vision of a unified currency.
The Future of Importation and Economic Independence
Towards a More Independent Africa
The journey towards economic independence for Africa is intrinsically linked to reducing reliance on external currencies and building stronger, more resilient economies. Importation, foreign trade, and the broader economy are all areas where African nations must assert greater control to achieve long-term prosperity.
By focusing on the development of local industries, increasing intra-African trade, and exploring alternative currencies, African economies can begin to reduce their dependence on the U.S. dollar and other foreign currencies.
Leveraging Resources for Economic Growth
Africa is rich in natural resources, from minerals and oil to agricultural products. These resources can serve as the foundation for a more self-sufficient economy, reducing the need for imports and increasing the continent’s bargaining power in global trade negotiations. By leveraging these resources strategically, African nations can drive economic growth and create a more balanced trade relationship with the rest of the world.
Related Content
To learn more about the importance of economic independence and strategies for African businesses, consider exploring other insightful articles on IykBethany Gistville. You might find the following articles particularly relevant:
In summary, the use of the U.S. dollar in African importation, even when trading with non-U.S. countries, is a reflection of the dollar’s dominant position in global trade. While this reliance offers certain advantages, it also poses significant challenges for African economies, particularly in terms of economic sovereignty and stability. The potential benefits of an African common currency, backed by the continent’s vast resources, present a compelling case for rethinking Africa’s approach to foreign trade and importation.
As African nations continue to develop their economies and assert greater control over their financial systems, the path to economic independence will likely involve reducing reliance on external currencies and fostering greater regional cooperation. By taking these steps, Africa can build a more resilient and prosperous future for its people.
For more insights on importation, foreign trade, and the economy, visit IykBethany Gistville.
This is the Jesus miracle fishing hook and net that prophet Jeremiah Omotosho is selling. He’s also selling spiritual soap that washes your sins away and brings favour 🤣, the master key of Jesus. He’s also selling the stone that David used to kiiill goliath, spiritual water, spiritual oil, spiritual ATM, prophetic towel, prophetic mirror, fast lane water etc.
It’s embarrassing to see that even university graduates are buying these items. It baffles me how one can be educated yet still lacks wisdom. Anyway it highlights the difference between intellectual knowledge and practical wisdom.
If you understand Christianity and have a direct relationship with God, you will never need these yahoo pastors in your life.
However, Nigerians and Africans need to understand that we serve a living God who doesn’t require money to solve our problems. What God desires is our genuine devotion and heart, not our wealth.
Additionally, it’s important to recognize that life challenges are inevitable. As long as we are alive, challenges will arise, but if we put our trust in God, He will provide solutions. Our God is not poor and does not need money to solve our problems.
Some people may think that my life is perfect or problem-free when I share my thoughts, but that’s far from the truth. I face challenges just like everyone else, including a personal struggle right now as my wife bravely battles breast cancer.
Yet, instead of running from one church to another in search of miracles, we’re choosing to trust in God. We’re standing firm in our faith, believing that He will guide us through this difficult season.
Sadly, discussing religion in Nigeria can be challenging, as it’s a sensitive topic. When I previously spoke out against corrupt pastors, I faced intense backlash from religious bigots. However, after reflecting on Ephesians 5:11, which encourages us to ‘expose the fruitless works of darkness,’ I feel compelled to continue speaking truth and exposing false prophets no matter the potential criticism or resistance I may face.
The New Living Translation of Ephesians 5:11 says: ( Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them ).
So I’m fulfilling my destiny, as part of my job on earth is to liberate people and wake up those who are sleeping, thereby winning souls for Christ.
I am fulfilling my destiny by liberating people and awakening those who are spiritually asleep, thus winning souls for Christ.
Please help me fight superstition and fake preachers in Africa by sharing this post and support my work.
If you enjoyed this post please share it and consider tagging others to read it.
🌶️Fresh Pepper Nurseries for Sale! 🌶️ We have vibrant and healthy Bell Pepper and Habanero Pepper nurseries 🌱available for sale!
Age: 1 month and 6 days old Types: Bell Pepper and Habanero Pepper (Yellow and red colours) Quality: Strong, disease-free and ready to be transplanted. Quantity: Habanero Pepper 2,550 stands, Bell Pepper 1,556 stands Location: Aluu, Port Harcourt.
Perfect for gardeners and commercial growers looking to add some flavor to their crops.
Why Choose IykBethany Farms Pepper Nurseries?
✅ Strong and healthy growth ✅ Ready for immediate transplanting ✅ Ideal for boosting your pepper production
Phone/Whatsapp: 09037110640
Ordering Instructions:
To ensure a secure and transparent transaction, we require all customers to:
Visit our farm in person
Inspect the pepper nurseries to your satisfaction
Make payment directly to us
Collect your purchased nurseries on the spot
By following these steps, we can guarantee a scam-free experience for both parties.
We look forward to welcoming you to IykBethany Farms.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to grow your own exotic delicious peppers!
I urge Nigerians to boycott UAE/Dubai and their stringent visa requirements.
It’s outrageous for the UAE government to demand $10,000 in bank statements and a non-refundable fee of N640,000 to verify that you the applicant is honest. This is an insult.
Dubai/UAE is an Arab country, that offers nothing spectacular for business or pleasure.
For tourism, Africa has better and cheaper alternatives like Kenya, Tanzania, Egypt, and South Africa, which offer richer experiences at a lower cost.
Most of Dubai’s tourist attractions are man-made.
For business, China and Vietnam are more affordable and efficient options. I’ve imported goods from various countries, including Dubai, China, Vietnam, India, and Turkey, and know that most goods sold in Dubai are made in China, making it cheaper to import from Vietnam and China.
Let’s treat the UAE like they don’t exist. The UAE imposed a travel ban on Nigerians two years ago, but Qatar has taken a different approach and welcomed Nigerians with open arms.
So, if you must visit an Arab country, consider Qatar, which is just an hour from Dubai, equally beautiful, and offers easier visa processing. If you think Dubai airport is fine, wait till you see Doha Airport, which has been named the world’s best airport. Save yourselves some dignity my people
Few Facts about the UAE Visa Requirements for Nigerian passport holders.
You need to have 6 months proof of having $10,000 in your account.
Proof of round trip paid upfront.
Proof of hotel accommodation that is paid upfront.
Obtain a non refundable Document Verification Number (DVN) at a cost of N640, 000 and this is valid for just 14 days after which it expires.
I am passionate about seeing Nigeria succeed. My stance is that Nigeria needs a robust leadership that transcends tribal and religious affiliations. A leadership that can drive the nation towards greatness and prosperity.
Here are some of Tinubu policies that I like..
1. Removal of Fuel subsidy (I support it bc it was hijacked by crooks). And majority of the subsidised Fuel was being smuggled to Cameron, Niger and other neighbouring countries.
2 Removal of forex subsidy (It was hijacked by crooked bank executives that many of you call role models and philanthropists. 3. Implementation of the Oronsaye report
However, I must mention that the removal of the fuel subsidy was executed without proper planning. The government should have conducted a thorough analysis of the situation before implementing the policy. The government’s actions sometimes appear inconsistent.
I believe that Nigeria’s top priority is to improve security across the nation. Security is essential for economic prosperity, and insecurity is the primary reason for the high cost of food and other commodities.
Farmers are often attackedd and killedd by banditss and terroristt groups such as Boko Haram. Therefore, the government needs to develop effective security measures to safeguard citizens’ lives and property.
It is essential to note that poverty is a significant contributor to insecurity. Therefore, the government must focus on improving the economy to tackle poverty.
Handing out cash to the poor is not a sustainable solution, as the funds rarely reach the intended beneficiaries. Buhari administration allocated billions for poor Nigerians through the Humanitarian ministry but the money was looted.
So instead of repeating this mistake, the Tinubu administration should invest in measures that will promote economic growth and development.
In my humble opinion, these are few of the several things Tinubu should do to move the nation towards greatness:
1. Address insecurity. 2. Reduce the cost of governance. 3. Ban foreign medical trips for all political office holders. This will help develop our medical sector. 4. Appointments should be based on merit, not sentiment. Only a few ministers, such as Wike, Dave Umahi, and the interior minister, are performing well. The rest are below par.
Look at that picture very well, that’s Cataract. After 40, you will develop this eye condition and sadly, 51% of people have gone blind.
Cataracts is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. They affect millions of people, starting at the age of 40 and especially those over the age of 60.
More than 100 thousand cases are reported in Nigeria every year.
In this article, we’ll discuss the prevalence of cataracts, their causes, and ways to prevent them
Cataracts Meaning and causes Cataracts is the clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. Most cataracts develop slowly over the course of years.
What is the main cause of cataracts Most cataracts are related to age — they happen because of normal changes in your eyes as you get older. But you can get cataracts for other reasons — like after an eye injury or after surgery for another eye problem (like glaucoma).
What are the signs and symptoms of cataracts?
Cloudy or blurry vision.
Lights are too bright and/or give off a glare or a halo.
Poor night vision.
Multiple (double) vision.
Colors seem faded.
Increased nearsightedness, increasing the need to change eyeglass prescriptions.
Distortion of vision in either eye.
Prevalence / How common is cataracts? According to the World Health Organization, cataracts account for 51% of world blindness. 95% of cataracts occur after the age of 40. 3.8 Million people in India go blind every year. There is no available data for Nigeria other than the 100 thousand reported cases in Nigeria every year.
Causes of Cataracts Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurred vision and eventual blindness if left untreated.
They can be caused by: ·aging ·genetics ·diabetes ·injury to the eye ·exposure to UV radiation
Prevention Since age is the biggest factor, cataracts are inevitable. Eventually, almost everyone will develop cataracts.
To delay cataract development: ·wear sunglasses ·quit smoking ·eat fruits and vegetables ·manage chronic health conditions such as diabetes
Treatment If you are diagnosed with cataracts, surgery may be necessary to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial one.
This procedure is typically safe and effective, with a high success rate in restoring vision.
Cataracts are a common and serious eye condition that can lead to blindness if left untreated.
While some risk factors cannot be changed, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing cataracts.
See an optometrist if you notice cloudiness in your vision
On July 18, 2023 this Youtube star Annabelle Ham died at the age of 22😢. She was young, healthy and attended a bachelorette party so I started researching why she died at such a young age.
Then I discovered that she died from an Epileptic event known as SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy).
Doctors say patients with uncontrolled seizures are at greatest risk for SUDEP. So today I would like us to talk about EPILEPSY.
Epilepsy is a disorder in which the nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed, causing seizures. Epilepsy is also known as: seizure disorder.
Epilepsy may occur as a result of a genetic disorder or an acquired brain injury, such as a trauma or stroke. In all you do brother’s and sister’s, please avoid head injury. I know someone who had serious head inquiry almost 20 years ago, he just started having seizures since 4 years now.
Epilepsy Causes In most cases, epilepsies are caused by genetic factors, traumatic brain injury (TBI), developmental brain abnormalities, infection, stroke, brain tumors etc.
Growing up in Nigeria, I noticed that once someone is having a seizure people would put spoon in their mouth and everyone would be shouting “pour am water” lol.
So how do you help someone epileptic?
1. DON’T put anything in the mouth of anyone having a seizure 2. Don’t try to hold them down 3. Don’t spray or pour them water 4. Place a soft cloth or pillow under their heads to minimise injuries. 5. Lay them on their left side to avoid spit or vomit entering their lungs 6. Remove tight clothing or belts 7. Take away any dangerous objects around them, eg wires, sharps etc 8. Time the episode, if it lasts longer than 5 minutes, take them to a hospital 9. The person has another seizure soon after the first one, take them to the hospital.
On July 18, 2023 this Youtube star Annabelle Ham died at the age of 22😢.
She was young, healthy and attended a bachelorette party so I started researching why she died at such a young age.
Then I discovered that she died from an Epileptic event known as SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy).
Doctors say patients with uncontrolled seizures are at greatest risk for SUDEP.
So today I would like us to talk about EPILEPSY.
Epilepsy is a disorder in which the nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed, causing seizures. Epilepsy is also known as: seizure disorder.
Epilepsy may occur as a result of a genetic disorder or an acquired brain injury, such as a trauma or stroke.
In all you do brother’s and sister’s, please avoid head injury. I know someone who had serious head inquiry almost 20 years ago, he just started having seizures since 4 years now.
Epilepsy Causes In most cases, epilepsies are caused by genetic factors, traumatic brain injury (TBI), developmental brain abnormalities, infection, stroke, brain tumors etc.
Growing up in Nigeria, I noticed that once someone is having a seizure people would put spoon in their mouth and everyone would be shouting “pour am water” lol.
So how do you help someone epileptic?
DON’T put anything in the mouth of anyone having a seizure Don’t try to hold them down Don’t spray or pour them water Place a soft cloth or pillow under their heads to minimise injuries. Lay them on their left side to avoid spit or vomit entering their lungs Remove tight clothing or belts Take away any dangerous objects around them, eg wires, sharps etc Time the episode, if it lasts longer than 5 minutes, take them to a hospital The person has another seizure soon after the first one, take them to the hospital.
IykBethany Gist Ville 