When I asked how I like Nigeria, I often respond "Is ok. There are things I like and don't like about Nigeria." When asked what I don't like, I respond that the things I don't like are the things that many Nigerians don't like about Nigeria. Such as ( Read more... )

The Federal Government has launched an online pre-budget consultation to give Canadians a chance to have input to the development of the 2007 Federal Budget. Last year they reported receiving 6000 responses to their online consultation process ( Read more... )

FYI, we generally refer to the VP as Atiku, as Abubakar is a fairly common name here. It's interesting to watch things unfold, leading up to the elections. It's an exciting time in Nigeria's history.

Court backs Nigeria vice-president (Source: Al-Jazeera ( Read more... )

I've been reading Tom Robbins' Still Life With Woodpecker. It's one of the most entertaining, and curiously insightful, books that I've read in a long,long time. I've been scribbling down quotes along the way. This one's for laughing_tree"Three of the four elements are shared by all creatures, but fire was a gift to humans alone. Smoking cigarettes is as ( Read more... )

One of the key lessons that I've learned over the course of the past year is to be weary of falling into the trap of thinking about where I am not rather than where I am. One of my close friends here taught me this lesson. He's forever thinking and talking about somewhere other than where he is now and it has kept him from adjusting to his ( Read more... )

Carleton University's Development and Peace group is hosting a panel discussion evening on Monday January 22nd from 7-9 pm in 520 Southam Hall about the issue of Canadian mines operating in developing countriesCanadian mining companies are at the forefront of extractive industries around the world from Burma to Ghana to Guatemala. But many have ( Read more... )

I went to Blake's last night, a local outdoor live music venue and my favourite night spot in the 'buj, with a big group of friends. An older Nigerian guy, who does James Brown covers and some other tunes, performed a few songs. He's a good singer and he knows his music, but he is a dirty old man! I try never to make eye contact with him, for fear ( Read more... )

Sometimes all it takes is a good conversation with a soul sister to make hings seem less scary. Words of wisdom from my girl, Georgina, back in Ottawa ( Read more... )

For my girl misszulu. This song holds me together at my worst. Hope it helps ( Read more... )

Life's been fairly mundane this past week. Nothing much to report. Felt overwhelmingly tired this evening. Dropped by CIDA to check email, etc. and picked up a job for later this week. I'll be editing the N-CCO (Nigeria-Canada Cooperation Office) pamphlet. Actually really looking forward to the work, as it's been hellishly boring for the past week ( Read more... )