Socio-Economic and Political Arena

07/07/2019

RUGA is suspended, not abandoned; it will come back very soon —Yakassai
tribuneonlineng.com Jul 7, 2019 3:10 AM
RUGA settlement
Former Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters to former President Shehu Shagari, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, spoke with KOLA OYELERE on the RUGA settlement imbroglio and why he thinks it should be accepted.

WHAT can you say about this issue of RUGA settlement?

It will be recalled that in the olden days, the Fulani would come to a place and be given a portion of land to settle down with their cattle. Such a place used to be a piece of land not occupied by anybody.

RUGA settlements had been in existence in the Northern states for a long time. Nobody can remember how many years it had been in the North. In such places, the Fulani would build their houses and it is on this allocated land they would be rearing their livestock.

However, over time, such a parcels of land had been appropriated by various administrations, either to friends of government or to those in government.

Has civilisation not technically phased out such a practice?

RUGA settlement was brought out to resolve the persistent conflicts between farmers and herders. Farmers claim herders destroy their farms while rearing their cows. Therefore, in an effort to find a lasting solution to this incessant crisis, the Federal Government came out with the introduction of RUGA settlement whereby a portion of land would be set aside with necessary amenities like roads, water and other things for the Fulani herders to settle down with their livestock, instead of roaming about and getting into conflicts with farmers.

In the final analysis, it would be in the interest of Nigerians for the Fulani herders to be settled in a place. First and foremost, it would curb incessant conflicts between them and farmers.

Second, settling down in a place allocated to them would indirectly prevent them from searching for food for their cows and make their cows healthier and posses more meat. Unlike when they were moving with their cattle from North to the Southern part of the country, their cattle would have more weight, quality and nourishing meat for people to eat.

Who is to provide land for this project? Can the Federal Government acquire land anywhere in the country for this programme?

The Federal Government has no control over land in any state, with respect to Land Use Decree, which is enshrined in the country constitution. The only place the Federal Government has control over land is the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

However, the Federal Government would not force any government to provide land for RUGA settlement. It is voluntarily. And before its suspension, no fewer than 12 states had agreed to provide land. It was those states that did not agree to provide land for the project that were attacking it. But if you look at the geography of the country, the entire North has about 70 per cent of the total land mass, while the Southern part of the country has about 30 per cent.

But you must know that not many people in the South-West were against this project, but for the fact that there is more concentration of media in the region. Those few that were against this project were using the media to project their hatred against the establishment of RUGA.

But I would advise the Igbo to have a rethink over their rejection of RUGA settlement, because I rub your back, you rub my back when the need arises.

However, anything in Nigeria can be controversial. My problem is this: I have been going through the social medial, and to my surprise, most of these attacks on RUGA settlement came from the youth; people in the age bracket of 20 and 30. And my view, as is general all over the world, is that youths are the leaders of tomorrow. They should be ready at all times to support whatever is capable of moving this country forward. They are supposed to think ahead of people like me who are on the way out.

You were trying to say that the Igbo were supposed to back RUGA settlement. Why do you hold that opinion?

People were talking about power shift; that is to say the Igbo should produce president come 2023. But one thing that is certain is that this lofty idea cannot be achieved just on a silver platter. I am committed to the unity of this country and this is what I had been fighting for as far as back to 1953. It will be recalled that as a result of my commitment to the unity of this country that I was arrested and imprisoned; for fighting against the plan of making Nigeria a confederation, rather than a united country. That was when I was just about 20 years old.

This is what I expected the youth to be fighting for, not expressing sectional and parochial views.

When we say power should move to the Igbo, as we all know, for anybody to become president of this country, he has to garner votes from at least 24 states of the country. The North has 19 states, while South has 17. Therefore, for the Igbo to realise this dream, they need the support of every part of the country. So also, any Northerner equally needs the support of the South one way or the other.

Recall that the South-West has produced president. The North has also produced, while the people of the South-South had their turn by producing former President Goodluck Jonathan.

What I am trying to say here is that the Igbo, at this crucial stage in their quest of producing Mr. President in 2023 or at any time Allah destines them to occupy the seat, still need the collective support of people from the North and other parts of the South.

However going by their hostility towards an interest that belongs to the North, they may be erecting an impediment to this yearning and aspiration, because the North may give them back in their own coin. The North may ask them why they denied them support over their (North) interest in view of their opposition to the RUGA settlement project. Nobody can, therefore, blame the North for not supporting them then.

What I am trying to say is that for their people to kick against the establishment of RUGA, which is an interest of the North, there would be a time when the Igbo would equally need the support of the North for an assistance and they might also not render such an assistance to them, because they could tell them ‘you did not support us when we needed your backing for RUGA settlement.’

It is not only the people of the South-East that are kicking against RUGA settlements. Even some people from the North also vented their anger at it. What is your take on this?

It is true that some parts of the North, like Taraba State, were against it. I was told and even read it that the Taraba State governor said it. I am not saying all that is true. But if it is true, then, I think the Taraba State governor was not portraying himself as a father to all tribes in the state. I will like to advise the governor over his utterances. They are capable of compounding the persistent tension in the state. This is because Taraba State is a state having equal number of Moslems and Christians. Therefore, there must be equal treatment. And this idea of unnecessary segregation must not be allowed to rear its head again.

The Fulani tribe is an indigenous tribe that has been in existence for long and for anybody to deny or deprive them their right is very dangerous and has to be taken seriously.

As a governor in Taraba State, it behooves on him not to attach religion and tribal sentiments to the overall development of the state. Therefore, I will advise him to be extra careful when talking on the issue of RUGA settlement, because nobody was forcing any state to accept it. It was designed only for those states that agreed to implement it and were ready to provide land for it to take off.

Besides, the prayer of any lover of peace is that the persistent conflict between the Jukun and Tiv should be a forgone issue. It would not augur well for another crisis to engulf the state.

Now that the RUGA settlement project has been suspended, what, in your view, is next?

RUGA settlement is only suspended, but not abandoned. It will come at a later date very soon. In my view, it is only suspended, but not abandoned. It is merely waiting for a better time to come back for its implementation. I believe they will do it.

However, let me tell you that those states or people that are currently against it will, in the future, embrace it, when they see the lots of advantages in it. Though it may take five, ten or less years, I can say categorically that in the nearest future, many states in the Southern part of the country will willingly embrace, adopt and implement RUGA settlement in their domains.c

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21/11/2018

20 BUSINESSES YOU CAN START WITH 20K-100K CAPITAL

1. Bedsheet/Beddings Production.
Pay a visit to Lagos Island, or Oshodi where they sell bulk materials, pick good designs and I tell you they guys who will sew it for you are just within the same Market. You can start will less than 100k and diligently grow your money.

2. Shirt Production:
A sweet side hustle. There are tailors in Lagos Island or better learn the skill it will save you all the heartbreaks imaginable. Taiwo Street in Lagos Island is where you should be. Materials ranging from 700 – 1k per yard, sew for 1500/2k, Sell for 5-7k.

3. Boxers:
Schedule a trip to Aba Market, The cost of production of boxers, you can get one for as low as N300, all you need is to package it in 3s, and market these babies properly beg your friend on twitter for RTs, we buy 3s pack boxers for 1500-2500 sell yours for 1200 gradually grow.

4. E-Payments and POS Business:
You can a get POS machine from your Bank, and activate online banking: If you live in a place where banks aren’t much you can handle e payments for people and make your small change. I paid someone N200 to withdraw 10k in Ikorodu. ATM queue was crazy.

5. Mobile and Electronic Accessories:
Mobile and electronic Accessories such Pouches, Chargers, USB cables, HDMI cables, earphones and more, can be sourced on Alibaba, Ali Express, Deal Extreme, etc. The more you buy the lower the price. And they are light so shipping won’t be a burden. Sell on here or Jumia and co.

6. Popcorn:
We all know this guy! We buy every time. Bags of corn – Mile 12 Branded Nylon Sugar, Salt & Butter. The beauty of this is when properly made, its aroma will attract its customers. Manual sealing machine -7/9k Popcorn Machine is 65k on Jumia Popcorn can be served anywhere. It costs less than N40 to make a pack of popcorn

7. Branding – Sales and Customizing

Sales and Customizing of Football Team Football team supporters always want to show how much they’re rooting for a team. Consult my sister ‪‬ She’ll show you how well you survived the business. She’s cheerful enough to train you too.

8. Snail Farming:

Snail farming in Nigeria is even more popular, due to its relatively cheap cost of startup and If you market your products well, your business will thrive. This is a business you can start from your backyard. Best in mind, snails take almost a year to mature so Patience is Key!

9. Fairly Used Goods

Fairly used goods such as Jeans, Tops, t-shirts, shoes etc. They could be sourced at Badagry, even Cotonou. 100k can’t get you a bale but you can select and mix them. Wash then and pack neatly. Marketing is all it takes, you’ll Sell and see your money multiply.

10. Cleaning Services:

Some people find it hard to clean their apartments cos they’re busy from Monday to Friday and Saturday they have engagement and on Sunday all they wanna do is rest. Your tools won’t cost you up to 30k and you can clean 6 apartments a weekend.

11. Home Cooking and Delivery:

You can cook a variety of meals well and apply customer service, People will pay good money for your services, You can run this from home ‪‬ and ‪‬ are more than capable when to comes to training you on how to start up.

12. Digital Marketing:

The success of any business is in its ability to effectively reach its teeming customers and this is achieved by effective marketing: Get a Used Laptop and Smartphone, temporarily your smartphone can double as your hotspot Persistence and Passion is Key ‪‬ ‪‬ are your friends in this regards, I’m sure they are more than willing to train you on how to go about it from the foundation.

13. Cakes and Confectionery:

This is one business that always comes to play, people celebrate, and bakers are always consulted. Ask my Boss here ‪‬ Get the required skill, a decent oven, passion and customer service! You’ll grow! They are open to training too.

14. A*o-Oke Beading and Stoning:

A*o-Oke Beading and Stoning has become sometimes in vogue now, and this is another sweet business one can start with 100k. You just have to learn how to bead and unlock your creative mind. Ask my padi ‪‬ , the A*o Oke Girl and @ Funchrisaso_oke , the A*o Oke Empress both started from the confines of their homes in Ibadan.

15. Bead Making:

I’m not sure there’s really much to say here. All you need is training, passion, creativity, unique designs and styles, then adequate marketing. You absolutely don’t need 100k to start this.

16. Home Service Barber:

This is another profitable small-scale business. The beautiful thing about this is you bring your services to your clients for an extra token above regular. The starting capital to get the equipment and I’m sure you know we have rechargeable clippers.

17. Tutorial Classes:

No matter your age, this is another well-paying job, either as part-time or full-time. Many families are willing to spend what it takes for their children’s success and there’s one subject you’re well versed at. Just close the gap, meet their need for a fee.

18. Internet Services:

Forget the extensive coverage of internet and the fact that people can assess it on their phones, Do you know how much applicants pay just to have Jamb applications filled online? You need a good system, printer & ISP. People pay as much as 1k per application

19. Production Of Zobo, Smoothies, cocktail, small chops, cupcakes and chinchin!

You’d realize the importance of this combo cant be ruled out. You can render these services with 100k startup capital + proper marketing, branding and packaging. can train you.

20. Re-Invest Your seed Capital in an existing business.

Not everyone has the head for business but they can sniff opportunities. You can always sow your money as operating capital and draft an agreement on profit sharing. You can at least support your investment by bringing customers so the business can thrive. Market it on all your social media pages and who knows.

100k can do a lot!!!!

Let me give you another Jara!

Production of Hand-Made cards: Do you know people pay good money for these thing made of paper and strawboard. This is one business you can start with less than 100k. My friend ‪‬ started from his bedroom! And his cards went far.

Imagine you want to give a dignitary something they won’t forget, you certainly can’t buy them clothes or shoes. Cos they have it all. The folks at are ready to train you on how to start yours with less than 100k

Truth is there so much one can do with very little, it takes persistence, focus, interest and above all hard work. We can’t all be rich but we all shouldn’t be poor.

06/05/2018

Today we shall be considering the likely job interviews questions to equip prospective employees on how to approach job interviews.

*COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS FOR GRADUATES*

*1. Tell us about yourself?*

The interviewer is not interested in

hearing stories; they simply expect to

know your academic and professional

achievements, your name and the

institution you currently work for.

Take a minutes to introduce

yourself, and state your recent

academic qualification and your

relevant experience (if any)

*2. Why do you think you are the best candidate?*

The recruiter expects you to tell them

about your professional achievements

and the unique skills you possess that

will add value to the organization.

If you are a Customer Care graduate

then you should tell them that you are

a good listener and patient; these are

the qualities the employer is looking for.

*3. What are your weaknesses?*

The question is not simple as it looks;

most candidates go blank when they

face this kind of question.

Take your time in explaining why you

can’t leave the office before you

complete a task.

You can also inform them how you are

quick to trust a person, which in most

cases makes you a victim.

*4. Where do you see yourself in five years?*

The employer wants to know whether

you are ambitious or you’re the kind

of a person who secures a job and

then you forget about yourself.

Answer the question by stating how

you intend to further your studies and

grow professionally as you strive to

meet your employer’s goals. (It is important to tie your goals to your employer's goals because no employer would be willing to hire and invest in a rookie who will leave their organization in a year or less after they have invested in training the individual)

*5. How do friends describe you?*

The question is testing your personal

attributes, when answering it ensure

that you don’t over exaggerate.

Take the shortest time possible to

state the best attribute you possess

that you believe will add value to the

institution.

*6. What do you know about this company?*

Before you enter the interview room,

ensure that you go through the

company website to read latest news,

company profile, goals, management

team, objectives, vision and

mission;they will help you answer this

question.(where the company is unknown, do your research and be familiar with the business/industry you desire to build your career)

The question expects you to briefly describe what you read on their website and not what you imagine of the company.

*7. Do you have any question to ask the panel?*

This is usually the last question that

the interview panel asks

interviewees; if you fail to ask them

questions, you will lose some marks, always have a question to ask no matter what.

Ask them whether they have plans to

expand their business, whether they

support employees to further their

studies and how they motivate employees. You can pull a surprise by asking when you would start, it shows confidence.

*8. What is your salary expectation?*

The question is tricky because as a

fresh graduate you don’t have a clue

what to be paid; simply ask them what they pay others of your

level, if they fail to give a

satisfactory answer then give them a

reasonable range.

Ensure you do your research before

you go for interview room because you

must be asked this questions.

05/05/2018

*Copied*

20 BUSINESSES YOU CAN START WITH 20K-100K CAPITAL

1. Bedsheet/Beddings Production.
Pay a visit to Lagos Island, or Oshodi where they sell bulk materials, pick good designs and I tell you they guys who will sew it for you are just within the same Market. You can start will less than 100k and diligently grow your money.

2. Shirt Production:
A sweet side hustle. There are tailors in Lagos Island or better learn the skill it will save you all the heartbreaks imaginable. Taiwo Street in Lagos Island is where you should be. Materials ranging from 700 – 1k per yard, sew for 1500/2k, Sell for 5-7k.

3. Boxers:
Schedule a trip to Aba Market, The cost of production of boxers, you can get one for as low as N300, all you need is to package it in 3s, and market these babies properly beg your friend on twitter for RTs, we buy 3s pack boxers for 1500-2500 sell yours for 1200 gradually grow.

4. E-Payments and POS Business:
You can a get POS machine from your Bank, and activate online banking: If you live in a place where banks aren’t much you can handle e payments for people and make your small change. I paid someone N200 to withdraw 10k in Ikorodu. ATM queue was crazy.

5. Mobile and Electronic Accessories:
Mobile and electronic Accessories such Pouches, Chargers, USB cables, HDMI cables, earphones and more, can be sourced on Alibaba, Ali Express, Deal Extreme, etc. The more you buy the lower the price. And they are light so shipping won’t be a burden. Sell on here or Jumia and co.

6. Popcorn:
We all know this guy! We buy every time. Bags of corn – Mile 12 Branded Nylon Sugar, Salt & Butter. The beauty of this is when properly made, its aroma will attract its customers. Manual sealing machine -7/9k Popcorn Machine is 65k on Jumia Popcorn can be served anywhere. It costs less than N40 to make a pack of popcorn

7. Branding – Sales and Customizing

Sales and Customizing of Football Team Football team supporters always want to show how much they’re rooting for a team. Consult my sister ‪‬ She’ll show you how well you survived the business. She’s cheerful enough to train you too.

8. Snail Farming:

Snail farming in Nigeria is even more popular, due to its relatively cheap cost of startup and If you market your products well, your business will thrive. This is a business you can start from your backyard. Best in mind, snails take almost a year to mature so Patience is Key!

9. Fairly Used Goods

Fairly used goods such as Jeans, Tops, t-shirts, shoes etc. They could be sourced at Badagry, even Cotonou. 100k can’t get you a bale but you can select and mix them. Wash then and pack neatly. Marketing is all it takes, you’ll Sell and see your money multiply.

10. Cleaning Services:

Some people find it hard to clean their apartments cos they’re busy from Monday to Friday and Saturday they have engagement and on Sunday all they wanna do is rest. Your tools won’t cost you up to 30k and you can clean 6 apartments a weekend.

11. Home Cooking and Delivery:

You can cook a variety of meals well and apply customer service, People will pay good money for your services, You can run this from home ‪‬ and ‪‬ are more than capable when to comes to training you on how to start up.

12. Digital Marketing:

The success of any business is in its ability to effectively reach its teeming customers and this is achieved by effective marketing: Get a Used Laptop and Smartphone, temporarily your smartphone can double as your hotspot Persistence and Passion is Key ‪‬ ‪‬ are your friends in this regards, I’m sure they are more than willing to train you on how to go about it from the foundation.

13. Cakes and Confectionery:

This is one business that always comes to play, people celebrate, and bakers are always consulted. Ask my Boss here ‪‬ Get the required skill, a decent oven, passion and customer service! You’ll grow! They are open to training too.

14. A*o-Oke Beading and Stoning:

A*o-Oke Beading and Stoning has become sometimes in vogue now, and this is another sweet business one can start with 100k. You just have to learn how to bead and unlock your creative mind. Ask my padi ‪‬ , the A*o Oke Girl and @ Funchrisaso_oke , the A*o Oke Empress both started from the confines of their homes in Ibadan.

15. Bead Making:

I’m not sure there’s really much to say here. All you need is training, passion, creativity, unique designs and styles, then adequate marketing. You absolutely don’t need 100k to start this.

16. Home Service Barber:

This is another profitable small-scale business. The beautiful thing about this is you bring your services to your clients for an extra token above regular. The starting capital to get the equipment and I’m sure you know we have rechargeable clippers.

17. Tutorial Classes:

No matter your age, this is another well-paying job, either as part-time or full-time. Many families are willing to spend what it takes for their children’s success and there’s one subject you’re well versed at. Just close the gap, meet their need for a fee.

18. Internet Services:

Forget the extensive coverage of internet and the fact that people can assess it on their phones, Do you know how much applicants pay just to have Jamb applications filled online? You need a good system, printer & ISP. People pay as much as 1k per application

19. Production Of Zobo, Smoothies, cocktail, small chops, cupcakes and chinchin!

You’d realize the importance of this combo cant be ruled out. You can render these services with 100k startup capital + proper marketing, branding and packaging. can train you.

20. Re-Invest Your seed Capital in an existing business.

Not everyone has the head for business but they can sniff opportunities. You can always sow your money as operating capital and draft an agreement on profit sharing. You can at least support your investment by bringing customers so the business can thrive. Market it on all your social media pages and who knows.

100k can do a lot!!!!

Let me give you another Jara!

Production of Hand-Made cards: Do you know people pay good money for these thing made of paper and strawboard. This is one business you can start with less than 100k. My friend ‪‬ started from his bedroom! And his cards went far.

Imagine you want to give a dignitary something they won’t forget, you certainly can’t buy them clothes or shoes. Cos they have it all. The folks at are ready to train you on how to start yours with less than 100k

Truth is there so much one can do with very little, it takes persistence, focus, interest and above all hard work. We can’t all be rich but we all shouldn’t be poor.

13/08/2017

Welcome to my page where Germaine issues are passionately discussed in a bid to contributing our quota towards National Development.