Folorunso Alakija does not need an introduction as she's one of the richest black women in the world. This week, the Nigerian business tycoon decided to share the story of her journey so far on Twitter; an extension of her Instagram post from last week. Of all the tweets she posted, the one below triggered people the most. Which explains why she has had to delete it.
For context, Folorunso Alakija was the official fashion designer for Maryam Babangida, former First Lady of Nigeria. It was through this connection she got awarded an Oil Prospecting License (OPL) in 1993. Now, here's how Nigerians reacted to her tweets.
An evidence of Nigeria's history of nepotism
I have no issue with Mrs Alakija's Oil bloc she received by faith.
The problem is Nigeria's system that allows head of state to dash people a Nation’s resources.
— Eka (@Lionezz__) February 24, 2018
What the @alakijaofficial's of Nigeria won't tell young Nigerians is that a wing of the ruling elite appropriate resources belonging to all to a wing of the elite in the business community in what is a brutal version of capitalism, keeping the poor, poorer, hungry and dejected
— Káyọ̀dé Ògúndámisí 🇳🇬 (@ogundamisi) February 25, 2018
From @AlikoDangote Femi Otedola MKO Abiola etc hardly will you dig into the real source of the wealth of so called successful Nigerian billionaires without tracing elements of state loot, unfair allocation of monopoly & private capture of national wealth same as @alakijaofficial
— Káyọ̀dé Ògúndámisí 🇳🇬 (@ogundamisi) February 25, 2018
You have confirmed it was allocated to you.
What qualified you to have an oil block allocated to you? You are just drawing attention to yourself @firsNigeria does Alakija pay taxes? how much?
— The Republican (@9grrepublican) February 24, 2018
We dont have enough mentors for our young entrepreneurs because many of our wealthy folks weren’t business saavy, they were simply lucky,..lucky to have a friend/uncle/brother in govt & able to usurp opportunities/resources illegally. They simply “hammered”. You cant teach luck.
— eLDee (@eLDeeTheDon) February 24, 2018
Atleast she made good use of it
The whole Alakija thing is messy because I don't know enough about how these things work to have an opinion but trust me when I tell you that people are handed 20 Billion Naira and never figure out how to add more value to it.
— Nọsike Nwigene (@nnwigene) February 24, 2018
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So Madam Alakija was given an Oil bloc and so fuck what
Same people that use connections to get jobs and the likes are angry at Mrs Alakija.
She got the oil bloc&was diligent with it
Rather than build ur network so people will hand you lifelines ure here trying to belittle her— Osi (@Osi_Suave) February 24, 2018
An angry mob
Mrs Alakija just needs to keep her rich self off twitter. We are a tired and unemployed bunch, we don't need you to defend the fact that an oil block was handed to you for no other reason than being the seamstress to a First Lady. Miss us with the bullshit Mrs.
— Iye nokwa (@Kimberly_Wotas) February 24, 2018
Tired of seeing Alakija's interview quotes, you made your money through nepotism, keep quiet and enjoy your money, I don't want to hear how you wash your husband's boxers
— Detective Diaz (@_TOLANI_) February 24, 2018
Folorunso Alakija, like many others, will tell people half-lies.
Some of us know you were gifted an oil block and boom... Pepper rest. It's not a crime.
The only crime against humanity is giving misleading information.
— 'Fisóyè (@eaglessight) February 25, 2018
Time and Luck happened to Madam Alakija quite alright. However when you known your "luck" was an act of corruption, you own it and keep quiet. You don't grant interviews every week desperate to white wash it.
— Ọmọlọlá (@lolaloveandart) February 24, 2018
I believe these Journalists ask Ms. Alakija about her wealth just to have a good laugh.
"I worked hard"
"I never gave up"Fam fam Na shimmi and brezzi you been dey Amend for Presidential Villa.
Cut it out.— tyson tomKo (@mhagayr) February 27, 2018
Considering how Alakija made her money, telling us that she had no degree is irrelevant and a bit dishonest.
— RB Jaeger. 💫 (@RosebudAnwuri) February 23, 2018
I don’t think people have a problem with Alakija’s oil bloc. It’s the fact that she keeps ‘pretending’ (for lack of a better word) like being gifted the bloc isn’t the cause of her wealth and dishing advice that has nothing to do with her success.
— Chief. (@BadmanSophss) February 24, 2018
https://twitter.com/iSlimfit/status/967785994073329665
Lessons
What I have concluded is that if you want to be stupendously rich like them Otedola, Aliko, Alakija and co, you have to do or must have done something illegal at the initial stage or at some point then turn all that to something legal and keep making your money.
— Eventpreneur (@oreke_lewa) February 25, 2018
The moral of Alakija's story is that in Nigeria, Connections will open more ways than an Harvard Degree.
— Whitebeard (@TheLastPrime_1) February 25, 2018
Some tweets to lighten up the mood
https://twitter.com/Oyebc/status/967400978185060355
The God that gave Alakija oil bloc by faith should give me Canadian VISA by faith 🙏
— Ibe (@maziibe_) February 24, 2018
So Folorunso Alakija was basically the Kim K to Paris Hilton for Maryam Babangida that’s how she got her oil bloc and her wealth. Amazing.
— Tobi (@TheTobiSmith) February 22, 2018
https://twitter.com/Rouvafe/status/968189580972261377
After all these years you guys are still waiting for Madam Alakija to tell you guys the full story of how she made her money. Lmao.
— Ugo (@Sir_Fin) February 22, 2018
Read more reactions here. And below for more trending topics on social media this week.
Peace Corps bill
This week, President Muhammadu Buhari declined signing the Peace Corps of Nigeria establishment bill recently passed by the National Assembly. In his defence, the president cited duplication of already existing security agencies and financial implications as his reasons for withholding his assent of the bill. Below is how a member of the corps reportedly took the news.
A member of RSM Peace Corps of Nigeria, Gombe State Command fainted after he heard the heart breaking news of President BUhari's rejection of the Bill to Establish the Nigeria Peace Corps. pic.twitter.com/pJ19XAtqYR
— TrendTimesNig (@trendtimesnig) February 28, 2018
Here's how Nigerians reacted on social media
Good job Mr. President
Thank you, Mr President. This was always a scam! | Buhari withholds assent on Peace Corps bill – Punch Newspapers https://t.co/LWKHfUn1YL
— Dr Joe Abah, OON (@DrJoeAbah) February 27, 2018
I actually believe Buhari made the right call on this Peace Corps issue - that bill should never have scaled through the Senate.
The lesser uniformed people we have in Nigeria, the less militarism (and “Do-You-Know-Who-I-Am?” Behaviour”) we’ll have in Nigeria. https://t.co/NUF0hvPLDR
— 'Demola Olarewaju (@DemolaRewaju) March 1, 2018
Am in support of Mr president @MBuhari rejecting the peace corps bill. We can't be duplicating institutions as a result of the incompetence of those that man our institutions
— Isa Ojibara (@Ojibarawrites) February 27, 2018
PMB right not to sign Peace Corps Bill.Too many paramilitary already(&2many small arms in circulation). Lets improve funding to Police+Civildefence;& support Boyscout, BBrigade, JNI Aid group, Red Cross etc. Good call PMB!
— Garba Deen Muhammad (@garba_deen) February 27, 2018
Passing the Peace Corps Bill would have created another religious security bill from the other side creating more religious crisis in a country riddled with too many religious crisis. PMB's decision was the best & that's why I will keep voting for him until he had enough
— Special Adviser (REA Sokoto) (@Engineer_Musty) February 28, 2018
Whatever happened to creating jobs for the unemployed?
You promised to create millions of jobs yearly but rejected the Peace Corps Bill that would have helped you creat over 200,000 direct jobs.
President Buhari is beyond clueless.
— Comrade Deji Adeyanju (@adeyanjudeji) February 27, 2018
President Buhari has withheld assent to the Peace Corps bill. He cited lack of funds as his reason.
But what will now happen to those Peace Corps people who have already sewn uniforms, wrapped up training, and are already answering "Officer"?
— David KING 🇳🇬 (@davidking247) February 27, 2018
Nigerian Youths, how do you intend to support a President who declined to the Peace Corps Bill. This Organization was meant to give Millions of Youths Job.
Nigerian Youths, Get your PVC vote him out. pic.twitter.com/B10MzSJgc5— Youths For Peter Obi (@YouthsForPO) February 19, 2018
This Peace Corps bill rejection from Mr President has affected thousands of people. My housekeeper being one of them. The amount of money she has spent on forms and training alone is enough to give someone heart attack Now this.
— Cash🤘 (@Hellynux) February 28, 2018
Buhari showcases the unemployment syndrome in him again. Rejects peace corps bill. What a wicked man people are still clamouring to vote him to power. Which way Nigerian youths.
— Tonye Ernest (@ErnestTonye) March 1, 2018
President Buhari rejection to the Peace Corps Bill is a clear intention that he has no plans for Nigerian Youths. pic.twitter.com/OLAqa9cHgJ
— Youths For Peter Obi (@YouthsForPO) February 27, 2018
Apparently, members of the House of Representatives can override the president's decision.
https://twitter.com/NigeriaNewsdesk/status/969014392456015872
Peace Corps bill still on transit, not dead - @SenOhuabunwa https://t.co/IVVSj0iYBQ pic.twitter.com/8CGy5Y5gUs
— Legit.ng | Leading the way (@legitngnews) March 1, 2018
Read more reactions here.
Science Student's controversial video
Since Nigerian artiste Olamide released his 2018 hit song, Science Student, critics have condemned him for promoting drug abuse. The rapper released the visuals to the song this week and by all indications, it is meant to prove critics wrong. Watch this:
Good one @olamide_YBNL
Science Student Official Video looks awesome.
Aunt Kaffy did a good job with the choreo... pic.twitter.com/VrQFjtw7zi— Emmanuel Nkom (@emmankom) February 26, 2018
Nigerians reacted
What a waste
https://twitter.com/balqees_billz/status/968210196878249984
https://twitter.com/spckplug/status/968442384689352709
I just saw the Science Student video. Well, the money wasted on making the video would have be much appreciated if donated to charities fighting against drug abuse
— Oke Umurhohwo (@OkeStalyf) February 27, 2018
https://twitter.com/zebbook/status/968118463687479296
https://twitter.com/iSlimfit/status/968251066885263360
https://twitter.com/fonmand/status/968136330122334209
Some people love it
Olamide's science student video is mad!
— Somadina Anyama 🎯 (@soma_apex) February 26, 2018
YOOOOO THE SCIENCE STUDENT VIDEO IS CRAZYYY
— D 🤍 (@daniellemante) February 26, 2018
https://twitter.com/itsdopeawesome/status/968115396262809601
SCIENCE STUDENT VIDEO
very creative— Uche Jombo (@uchejombo) February 27, 2018
Olamide’s Science student video is so creative … Love it
— Juls baby (@JulsOnIt) February 26, 2018
https://twitter.com/Madaki_AR/status/968770049010995200
@olamide_YBNL Bro.. that Science Student music video is everything! Great choreography in the last 2 mins. Didn’t settle for basics at all!! Levels! 🔥🔥🔥
— iam Hymn (@iamhymnofficial) February 26, 2018
Other reactions
https://twitter.com/TeymeeMonstruck/status/968444488761913345
The only time "science student" trended in Nigeria, it had nothing to do with science or innovation. 🙁😩
— Dr. Ify Aniebo RV (@IfyAniebo) February 22, 2018
https://twitter.com/_iamColeman/status/968406597000187904
LOL. So because you people called out Olamide, he went & plastered "Say no to drugs" all over Science Student video. Oshey Badoo NDLEA DG.
— Edu Montee (@edumontee) February 26, 2018
Watch this review of the video
https://twitter.com/ogbeni_opa/status/968872554571149312
Read this hilarious breakdown of the video. What do you think of the video; hit or miss?
Yusuf Buhari returns to Nigeria
In this roundup from December last year, I reported that Yusuf Buhari, son of President Muhammadu Buhari was involved in a motorbike accident where he sustained injuries to the head. If you recall, following rumours that Yusuf was receiving treatment in Germany, The Presidency denied the reports claiming that he was being treated in a clinic in Abuja.
Well, Yusuf Buhari is back, from Germany -- probably a street in Abuja.
https://twitter.com/aishambuhari/status/969095452514766848
A sum of over over €5 million was reportedly spent on Yusuf's medical treatment in Germany.
After two months of secrecy, cover-ups, outright lies by @ngrpresident handlers @FemAdesina @GarShehu and over €5m spent on medical treatment in Germany, Yusuf Buhari Returns To Nigeria | Sahara Reporters https://t.co/j9MwsxHi1O pic.twitter.com/WQTrCi95GO
— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) March 1, 2018
Here are a few reactions to the news on social media
Welcome back Yusuf
Alhamdulillah
Yusuf Buhari arrives Nigeria through Abuja Airport looking hale and hearty.
Baba Buhari is in good health
Yusuf Buhari is in good healthThe haters who wish them dead will not survive it. （Amen） pic.twitter.com/B05nx6iiF3
— Tunmise Reformer (@MrRefor) March 1, 2018
Alhamdulillah
Son of Mrs Aisha Buhari, Yusuf Buhari arrives Nigeria and is received by the honorable Minister of State for Health.
Yesterday evening on February 28th, 2018#AishaBuhari #HayeOkoh #YusufIsBack!
📸@hayeokoh pic.twitter.com/bq2i2UJIyR— Buhari Sallau (@Buharisallau1) March 1, 2018
It gladen my heart that Mr.Yusuf Buhari has return from medical trip.I was among the Nigerians that pray for Mr.Yusuf Buhari quick recovery.
— Ayere C. (@cle4ayere) March 1, 2018
Dear haters...
Alhamdulillah
Yusuf Buhari arrives Nigeria through Abuja Airport looking hale and hearty.
Baba Buhari is in good health
Yusuf Buhari is in good healthThe haters who wish them dead will not survive it. （Amen） pic.twitter.com/B05nx6iiF3
— Tunmise Reformer (@MrRefor) March 1, 2018
Only sadists will not be happy for the recovery of Yusuf Buhari.
They wish the father dead, now sad that the son is also back to his feet.
Are you cursed with bad news?
Your Generation won't Exscaped bad News if you don't repent.
— June12 Mandate (@Gen_Buhar) March 1, 2018
Only sadists will not be happy for the recovery of Yusuf Buhari.
They wish the father dead, now sad that the son is also back to his feet.
Are you cursed with bad news?
Your Generation won't Exscaped bad News if you don't repent.
— June12 Mandate (@Gen_Buhar) March 1, 2018
Yusuf Buhari arrived to Nigeria, meets his Daddy
Thanks to God for total healing
Shame on death wishers
Yusuf survived just like his Dad
Same way Nigeria survived recessionWe triumph still pic.twitter.com/lAU8bCS622
— CBN Gov Akinsola Akin🇳🇬 (@cbngov_akin1) March 1, 2018
Yusuf Buhari's welcome party
Yahya bello travelled all the way from Kogi to Abuja to welcome Yusuf Buhari, a Private citizen when we are talking about incompetency Yahya bello should come first, Vote that can out. pic.twitter.com/cebkrWrttk
— AA (@AAAHammanyero) March 1, 2018
https://twitter.com/voicelessik/status/969163781644476416
Having a minister received Yusuf Buhari on his return from medical trip abroad is a new low.
A minister worships father and family just to remain a minister.
We need to set clear standards for public office in Nigeria
— Mr Ayenigba (@ibroayo) March 1, 2018
Now that Yusuf Buhari is back, I expect the Governor of Kogi State to declare public holiday as usual. pic.twitter.com/aEoDgEsZbJ
— Prince 'Yemi Adebowale (@yemi_adebowale) March 1, 2018
https://twitter.com/muluk99/status/969164936889929728
Glad to see Yusuf Buhari alive and happy.
I just don't understand what the Governor of my state is doing there?
Incompetence is reaching a New High in this country.
There are matters for Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State to attend to, but welcoming Yusuf is his priority. pic.twitter.com/vKW7sP42XT— Unekwuojo (@iamMista_jay) March 1, 2018
Welcome home Mr. (or is he Alhaji) Yusuf Buhari from your medical trip overseas. It would be nice if you join in telling Dad that many roads across the country are in bad shape and crying for repairs. Once again, do welcome and have a nice rest at home.
— segun adio (@segunvc) March 1, 2018
Son of the president or President?
Our press is a major problem in this country.Y on earth wl they be reporting d arrival of "Yusuf Buhari" like it's a major event in d country . While @iread_bayode trys to set a new world record&they'r treatn it like it's no news.Ogun kill una!! #ReadWithBayode #WorldBookDay #GWR
— Anyaba charles (@shopetie_101) March 1, 2018
Is Yusuf Buhari our president? Abi why did the minister for health, governor yahaya bello, wife of the vp welcome him?
Nigeria is just fucked, they only care about the political elite class.— King Kennedy (@KennedySpeakinn) March 1, 2018
Can someone tell me Yusuf Buhari's post in this government? that a federal minister will left his duty to go and welcome him?
— Sadeeq (@Mr__Siyi) March 1, 2018
Yusuf Buhari is back,we thank God for his life
But the fact that Ministers and even a governor went to welcome him back after spending millions of Naira of tax payers money on his treatment abroad is annoying,was it yusuf that we voted for,is his life more important?— Moyinoluwa (@firstclassjerry) March 1, 2018
Can someone tell me Yusuf Buhari's post in this government? that a federal minister will left his duty to go and welcome him?
— Sadeeq (@Mr__Siyi) March 1, 2018
President traveled on health issue, he was received back home by ministers and VP normal.
How come Yusuf buhari came back after his afowofa and 2 of our ministers still received him?did we vote for him or his father?these guys are mad and useless.— Iyned (@soolihsalam) March 1, 2018
So Germany huh?
Didn't they tell us Yusuf Buhari was treated in Abuja and certified OK (discharged) ?
The hospital, even, issued a statement to that effect?
— Vic&OVI (@Ifveanyi) March 1, 2018
One hard truth is, when you start lying, you must always try to find a way to continue lying to sustain your lies. But, @GarShehu and @FemAdesina are too lazy to continue. Soon they'll tell us "No, Yusuf Buhari only just came back from Daura".
— charles chibuike (@meandmyearth) March 1, 2018
This is the yusuf Buhari that we were told that he was receiving
treatment in abuja Nigeria and now return back from where?
He is busy receiving his son. But unfortunately some fathers
are crying for the losing there love ones at dapchi recent
attacks.@AishaYesufu @ibrahimu14 pic.twitter.com/t2w6sLe76d— Aishatu Kabu Damboa (@Girlvoicematter) March 1, 2018
And where's Bashir Gwandu
Yusuf's friend Basir Gwandu was also involved in the crash, and so Nigerians ask, where's Bashir?
Nobody is talking about YUSUF BUHARI'S friend that was also involved in the incident😢
— Abdul ⭕️ (@abdulslimzy) March 1, 2018
Yusuf Buhari returns: Presidency keeps mum on Friend, Bashir Gwandu.... pic.twitter.com/vbWZ8x8OzC
— Joi John (@JoiJohn) March 1, 2018
And what about Bashir Gwandu his friend?
— timothy adigun (@2tadigun) March 1, 2018
So many tweeps came on here to tweet about the second victim Bashir gwandu I wonder why they not talking about him
— Amynah Usman Hamzat (MrsHamzy) (@Amna_alsharaf) January 12, 2018
Other reactions
https://twitter.com/akinolarj/status/969110038097879041
Good to see Yusuf Buhari back on his feat but having Ministers of Health and Interior welcome him back is a mockery on our system of government — a government of patronage, that the only way to show commitment is to show love to the first family.
— I have Shoes™ (@abubakar47i) March 1, 2018
Just saw pictures of the return of Yusuf Buhari, @MBuhari son, from Germany.
Dude flew in by private jet. I’ll say no more than this. Smh
— Son of Isyaku (@simply_usman) March 1, 2018
Read on here.
We are Nigerian Creatives
This week, Nigerian creatives took to Twitter to showcase their talent and creativity using the hashtag #WeAreNigerianCreatives.
Here are a few of them:
Hi my name princess, I love drawing black women and I’m Nigerian 😁 #WeAreNigerianCreatives #drawingwhileblack pic.twitter.com/gJwnuXFCv7
— princess kay (@princess_kay__) February 28, 2018
I’m Temitayo Nathan, 26, Creative Director of upcoming Nigerian Brand, T.I Nathan. I have a distinct love for wearable art (sadly not appreciated in Nigeria) and contemporary minimalism. #WeAreNigerianCreatives pic.twitter.com/SxDygZLWVr
— T.I Nathan (@Temitayonathan) March 1, 2018
Hey there! I am Godwin Akpan. I am a concept artist and illustrator. I love painting ruins #WeAreNigerianCreatives pic.twitter.com/Ei8i7vMdRW
— Godwin Akpan (@godwinakpan234) February 28, 2018
Hi , my name is Samson ... I am a Nigerian visual artist ... I create ad concepts for brands and come up general design thinking #WeAreNigerianCreatives pic.twitter.com/KxsbBiq2sc
— DESIGN GENIE (@kvngSpice) February 28, 2018
Hey hey, I'm Uju, a self taught creative makeup artist and I am Nigerian #WeAreNigerianCreatives pic.twitter.com/wZnALIRwii
— Ujj. (@jujuthecreator_) February 28, 2018
Hi 😊 I'm Akin Faminu. I'm a menswear blogger and content creator. I create Fashion editorials. I'm also a doctor. #WeAreNigerianCreatives pic.twitter.com/3LBbuGqV3M
— Dr Akin Faminu (@akinfaminu) February 28, 2018
Hi, I'm Mayowa, and the city of Lagos is my muse #WeAreNigerianCreatives pic.twitter.com/ggzlOPuFWQ
— That guy. (@Shutabug) February 26, 2018
https://twitter.com/mohammedagbadi/status/968520874310676482
Im Mohammed Agbadi.
i am a Nigerian.
i draw Comics and African stuff.
pls rt.#WeAreNigerianCreatives pic.twitter.com/jQzrsix3oZ— LassoTool (@mohammedagbadi) February 28, 2018
Check out more here.
Techpoint wants to bring Elon Musk to Nigeria
On May 29, we'll be hosting Techpoint Inspired, the biggest tech conference in Nigeria. Over 5,000 people comprising of industry leaders, tech enthusiats, innovators, futurists and students will gather together to discuss how technology will change the future of the African continent. And it is with this vision that we decided to invite Elon Musk to join the conversation, as a son of the soil.
@elonmusk hi, we're hosting a tech conference in May and we would like to have you as a speaker to share your insights on renewable energy and other sources of energy and how these can help solve Africa's energy challenges.
How many RTs do we need to get you down to Nigeria?
— Techpoint Africa (@TechpointAfrica) February 26, 2018
Join us as we try to get his attention here and if you know how we can reach him beyond Twitter, kindly reach out to us. Together, we can shape the future of Africa.
