On One sided stories, Okada ban and the Governor's answers.

I was watching Moments with Mo on Sunday evening and I heard  this...

"I googled 'Lagos' and images of yellow buses stuck in traffic with a crowd of people came up and when I got here (Nigeria) it was totally different" - Saad Cheama, Global manager Rocket Internet Gmbh

I attended an event in Lagos as an AGDC delegate on Saturday, Youth Stakeholder's Forum by the AGDC and Lagos Ignite.

 Mrs Ibukun Awosika, a woman I absolutely love and admire not just because she studied Chemistry and is a renowned furniture maker and pastor but  also that she has inspired me in many ways; The Commisioner of commerce for Lagos state, Ali Baba and Governor Babatunde Fashola were in attendance.

Before I go on, let me blab about AGDC.

The forum is an initiative of Governor Fashola-led administration- in collaboration with Afterschool Graduate Development Centre (AGDC)- to proffer a lasting solution to youth unemployment by creating an enabling environment which ignites an enterprise culture and optimal professional performance amongst youth domicile in Lagos state.

Yeah, a mouthful but trust me its worth it. What struck me most about the event in its entirety was the Governor's question and answer session. One important communication skill that youths need to acquire is how to ask guest questions especially when the guest has laid down rules on how to ask questions due to time constrictions. 

You don't need to tell us who your father is or what position he occupies in the society before you ask your question like some lady did; or try to impress Governor with big big grammar just because you want to simply ask " Sir, what are you doing about housing for residents?" Do we need the government to set up a scheme to teach us how to ask questions too?

 Nonetheless, I was impressed the way the Governor answered the questions. clear and concise. I am going to write a few notable things he said.

On unemployment: The solution to unemployment is three words "MADE IN NIGERIA"

 On the LASU school fee issue for medical students: He  said." If you want 25,000 naira education, you will get 25,000 naira knowledge." Apparently he was talking about paying a high sum of money for quality education. "From my primary school through University, I did not the one minute knowledge of instruction abroad, I believe the system that produced me can produce ones better than me"

On debt,liquidity and reserves:  " Lagos state has 80 billion naira in reserve, ready to pay debt as at June 2013 when we have billion naira to pay back in February, 2014." Wow.

 On education and vocational training: He said there are 1000  secondary students employed annually during their holidays. Well, there was an awkward pause after he said this. like are these students ghosts? Why didn't we hear of this before? Is that even true? Then again you are reminded that it is only the bad and twisted news that is blared out by all kinds of 'activists'. With our one sided image/story we give about our country, how won't white people think Lagos is all about yellow buses and ask if there are malls in Africa?

On Owanbes: "We conducted a study to tell us how much money is made at parties in five local government areas and we discovered that it rakes in 1.2 billion naira monthly! Imagine how much money can be made if one of you ventures into event planning?" Trust me nau, I had that bookmarked ASAP. LOL.

 On Okada ban: He said " There is no ban on okada but a restriction on motorcycles BELOW 200CC in about 400 roads out of over 1500 roads. Anytime you ask me to choose between life and business, I'll choose life because ONLY the living can do business "

With that he ended his speech...and of course lunch was served.  The country can't be that bad all the time, let us try and tell the good side, because it does exist too.

 P.S: I met the lovely Mrs. Ibukun Awosika at MMIA that night whilst we were trying to photocopy a document, but unfortunately I wasn't with my photo-taking device. Kai! it can pain!!!