NIGERIAN CURIOSITY 2009: REVIEWS & RESOLUTIONS

Another year bites the dust and Nigerian Curiosity has 279 posts with much more to come. Just like last year, I am yet to get a complete handle on the complexities of Nigeria and its people. Case in point, the draconian measures by the SSS with regard to journalists and especially Nigerian political bloggers continues to be mind boggling. Particularly as Jonathan Elendu and Emeka Emmanuel Asiwe continue to be 'detained' in Nigeria with little to no chance of being allowed to return to their homes in the United States.

NIGERIAN CURIOSITY: A YEAR IN REVIEW
2008 started off well with a hearty debate over the Nigerian Curiosity Person of the Year - Michael Aondoakaa. And, discussion soon moved onto talk of 'Revolution'. Over the months, there was a continued emphasis on Nigeria's path towards true democracy but there was also greater focus on social issues such as

1. Poverty or Peace?
   
2. Money Rituals
   
3. Being Duped By A Family Member
   
4. Nigeria vs. Nigerians
5. Are the Poor To Blame For Their Poverty?
6. Values
7. The Demons That Hold Sway Over Nigeria
8. Guilty By Association
9. Selling Cigarettes to Nigeria's Children
10. Much Ado Over a Nickname?
    

There was also a focus on Nigeria's energy issues - ranging from electricity to oil production. Posts such as

1. Nigeria's Oil Expiration Date Draws Near
   
2. No Longer King of African Crude
3. Nigerian Power Scandal: Authority Stealing
4. Power Blackouts Loom Across Nigeria
   
5. Solar Energy Plans
6. Could Coal Power Be A Solution
7. Nigeria Is Full of Gas

There was also the Brutish Airways saga when 136 Nigerians were flung off a plane. Brutish Airways has sued Ayodeji Omotade, the gentleman who tried to prevent the inhumane treatment of a fellow passenger on the flight. A link to the many articles related to that issue are available on the main page of the website. Ad, of course, there was the introduction of my concept on the Nigeiran psyche - Persistent Psychological Paralysis, which generated spirited discussion.

I must not neglect to point out the most popular post of 2008. It just so happened to be Patrick Obahiagbon - My Favorite Parliamentarian? Clearly, Patrick Obahiagbon's very 'colorful' manner of speech was just as entertaining to readers as it was to me. Thanks to Waffarian for taking the time to translate the interview because many Nigerians and non-Nigerians were unable to follow the Senators statements.

Once November rolled around, however, things definitely picked up pace. Unfortunately, that was because of Yar'Adua's health issues and the resulting crackdown on freedom of speech and democracy what with the closure of Channels TV, the arrest of journalists and the detention of Nigerian bloggers.

NIGERIAN CURIOSITY RESOLUTIONS
The actions of the government in the last few months however, have fueled my commitment to continuing to write at Nigerian Curiosity so as to encourage better behavior and respect of democratic values by Nigeria's leadership and people. As such, Nigerian Curiosity will keep chugging on with articles that illuminate what is happening in Nigeria and where Nigeria is going.

I have included a Skribit widget on the website that will allow all readers to contact me and tell me what issues or possible news stories you want me to cover. I hope that this tool will further communication and help me deliver what readers want. Over the course of 2008, many readers guided the articles I wrote by simply contacting me and making their requests. Hopefully the Skribit widget will make this easier for more readers in 2009.

And with that, I wish everyone a wonderful new year. Thank you for all your support in 2008. Now that Obama is going to be President of the United States and God now has time to consider the requests of us mere mortals,I wish for you that 2009 will be a year of fulfillment, satisfaction and success. By the way, who/what do you think should be the Nigerian Curiosity of 2008? Your suggestions are needed. The Nigerian Curiosity of 2008 can be a person, a concept/idea, an organization or anything that you believe had the greatest impact on Nigeria and Nigerians.