Opinion & Analysis

Getting on the road to Eldorado: How Can Companies find a Differentiator?

I work in an industry dogged by low perceived used value. My industry is Public Relations and just any guy, who has honed his skills in journalism and citizen publishing, feels he can ply my trade; hence everyone jumps in until we get to a point where no
Could we have started WWIII?

A few days ago, a colleague I was talking to asked me if I foresaw the world ever entering a stage of war that could be called World War III.
Evolutionary Studies: Developing Nigeria’s Knowledge Economy

The Nigerian government has the intention of becoming one of the top twenty global economies by the year 2020. Aptly titled Vision 2020, this future view of progress will not be fulfilled unless the nation substantially develops its knowledge economy, a
Comparative Analysis of the Nigerian and Liberian Local Contents Act

Nigeria and Liberia share a lot in common in terms of political instability and richness in natural resources. This author has always been in favor of appointing tested professionals as cabinet members in the Nigerian polity. The accomplishments of Harvar
Is Tunisia the New Hot Spot for Energy Investors?

Until recently Tunisia was considered to be a minor league and relatively underexplored venue in Africa's rapidly expanding oil & gas scene. This situation has quickly changed with new bid rounds and forced relinquishments creating an opportunity for new
Mediocrity (not corruption) is Nigeria’s Greatest Problem

I used to think corruption was Nigeria's biggest problem, but I'm starting to doubt that. Every time I probe into one of the many issues this country is encountering, at the core I find the same phenomenon: the widespread celebration of mediocrity.
Testimony of Mary Jo White - SEC Nominee on Market Structure Reform

In an effort to tamp down concerns that her experience as a top corporate defense lawyer would color her decision-making, Mary Jo White said Tuesday that "no institution would be too big to charge" if she is confirmed as head of the Securities and Exchang
Peak Oil Is Almost Here and There's No Magic To Counter It: Interview with Dave Summers

This where we stand, and it's a fairly bleak view: Peak oil is almost here, and nothing new (with the possible but unlikely exception of Iraq) is coming online anytime soon and while the clock is ticking - forward movement on developing renewable energy r
Is the Nigerian Stock Exchange ready for high frequency Stock Trading?

That the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE) and the capital market regulations and laws are not as dynamic as those existing in the more sophisticated western world is not in dispute: what remains in contention is whether our laws and regulations are effective
Austerity in the US - like it or not!

Last week in this space, I told you about the dire consequences of the sequester, and I wrote: "Precisely BECAUSE the warnings are falling on deaf ears, the real wolf is now prowling. And not only is she likely to strike on March 1, but she's also likely
Busted! How so many analysts & investors are going to get caught out!

No, I haven't been arrested! I'm simply referring to all the market myths that are about to be busted, by the markets themselves, and how so many analysts and investors are going to get caught with their pants down!
Financial Inclusion in Fragile and Conflict-Affected States

Those who live in fragile and conflict-affected states face limitations that most of us simply cannot comprehend. Not only do the larger cycles of conflict and insecurity often lie beyond the control of individual adults, but the weak institutions that ch
Challenging the Issuance of oil exploration licences in Nigeria – lessons from Ohio & West Virginia

This paper examines the rights of indigenous to petition the Nigerian Minister of Petroleum to revoke oil exploration licenses granted foreign oil corporations—especially where the rights of the Nigerian indigenous landowners are being trampled upon. For
Aubrey McClendon and the Destruction of the Natural Gas Market

Aubrey McClendon is gone – or at least he's on his way out from Chesapeake energy (CHK). But the destruction of the natural gas market, where he was the ringleader in the shale gas land grab and cratering well price, is his real legacy, and not likely to
'The great rotation': why you should buy any shares
2013 is the year social TV takes off

Are you ready for the 2013 social TV wars? Twitter, Nielsen and a host of companies lined up their armies in 2012. They are poised to go at it this year.
Why the world economy will be in better shape in 2013 than in 2012

There are three broad arguments for optimism about 2013: long-term trends in globalisation and technology; short-term cyclical forces; and expectations among businesses and investors.
Why 2013 is not the comeback year for the global economy

As an economist and a parent, I desperately want 2013 to be better for the global economy than 2012. And there are some encouraging signs. Unfortunately, they are too few to make a meaningful improvement likely. Let me explain.
Where to Invest in the Energy Market in 2013: An Interview with Phil Weiss

The trading ranges for oil and gas haven't changed that much since we last touched base with Phil Weiss**, senior analyst at Argus Research, but the entire landscape for both North American and international oil and gas exploration has shifted dramaticall
What Investors Should be Looking out for in 2013

We can ignore the Mayans, ZH and many other preachers of doom and gloom. Everything ends and the world will also end someday.
In Remembrance of Ken SARO WIWA

HOW THE UNITED STATES AND NIGERIA SELECT THEIR HEROES AND VILLAINS-A REVIEW OF THE WATERGATE SCANDAL VERSUS KEN SARO WIWA MURDER
NASS vs. Arunma Oteh: Two Wrongs Don’t Make a Right

Shortly after Ms. Arunma Oteh, the Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, was appointed to oversee the capital market, she went about her job with unconcealed zeal. Borrowing a leaf from Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the central bank governor
Making the Bike as Logical a Choice for Commuters as the Car, Bus, Train or Metro

What do you give the bike city that has it all? Better bicycle highways and parking lots, obviously. In fact, the capital of European biking — in a bike-obsessed Europe — is investing nearly €120 million, or about $150 million, in cycling infrastructure
China's play for African gold: At what cost?

China's emergence as a major player in Africa is fueling an intense debate over the nature and motive of its involvement. China National Gold's bid for Tanzania's largest gold mine adds kindling to this fire
America could do better than Barack Obama; sadly, Mitt Romney does not fit the bill

Four years ago, The Economist endorsed Barack Obama for the White House with enthusiasm. So did millions of voters. Next week Americans will trudge to the polls far less hopefully. So (in spirit at least) will this London-based newspaper. Having endured a
Big Oil Funding U.S. Politics

U.S. Rep. John Boehner, speaker of the House of Representatives, received nearly twice as much financial support from donors tied to the energy sector than did the next-closest recipient, a report from the National Wildlife Federation finds. The 20-page r
Could Asia really go to war over these?

THE countries of Asia do not exactly see the world in a grain of sand, but they have identified grave threats to the national interest in the tiny outcrops and shoals scattered off their coasts. The summer has seen a succession of maritime disputes involv
Africa’s Fabulous Mineral Wealth that isn’t ALL there

Bright Simons: 'Both on a per-square mile and a per capita basis, Africa lags behind the global average in mineral production and reserves.'
Nigeria Suffering From Digital Technology ‘Masturbation’ Syndrome?

Many, some or all of you may be concerned, horrified or outraged that I have used the ‘M’ word as part of the title for this paper. However, before you tear this paper, delete this article or disregard any future article that proceeds from this author, pl
Libya - Doomed from Day One

People often ask me why the West doesn't attempt a Libya-style intervention in Syria. After all, things are going so well in Libya. Oil production is up. But oil production is merely a mirage, as is security in Libya, which was doomed from the day one PG
African Entrepreneurs Fighting Back Chinese Invasion

In the last decade, Asian migrants have fanned out through southern Africa , opening shops in small towns and rural backwaters. While consumers in countries facing increasing economic hardships have come to depend on their low prices, local shop owners co
What if QE (3) is already priced in?

The warnings of lousy sales, and earnings and growth trends we got from companies like Intel (INTC) or FedEx (FDX) last week would've knocked stocks for a serious loop. Then this week's warnings from the likes of Texas Instruments (TXN) in tech and Burber
Nigeria -The Gains Of Jonathan’s Diplomacy

The gains of President Jonathan’s diplomacy are often overshadowed by misrepresentations of the size of his delegation, ignorance about the value of his foreign travels, and the positives of his constant engagement with the international community. I have
The Nigerian Dream

In the Nigerian context, there is no standard definition of what constitutes the Nigerian dream. However, in this paper, I will explore the concept of the Nigerian dream, which is the cherished aspiration of what one expects as a Nigerian citizen.
How should Olympians invest their medals?

Despite their hard work and success, British Olympians don't actually receive any prize money for taking home a medal. Instead, they get the honour of seeing their face on a stamp!
Nigeria – Of Followership, Leadership and 24/7 Negativity

Effective leadership starts with real knowledge and acceptance of our own strengths and weaknesses. And, typically, we are our own worst judges in both areas. Ditto for follower-ship. Each one of us in Nigeria desire the best for our country, lets start d
Why "Shareholder Value" Shouldn't Be Our Only Value

Most of us know that things are still pretty messed up, economically speaking. If we?re honest, really messed up. But is it really that hard to see why? The same thinking that got us into this global economic quagmire continues steering the worldwide ship
Interview: Which Direction Are Oil Prices Headed? Is the Eurozone Doomed?

As markets continue to yo-yo and commentators deliver mixed forecasts, investors are faced with some tough decisions and have a number of important questions that need answering. On a daily basis we are asked what's happening with oil prices alongside que
Corruption and mismanagement see much of the US without Power

Amidst record-high temperatures and a very anti-climactic 4th of July, power outages have left millions without air-conditioning and even water in rural areas where households rely on electric pumps. At least 52 people have died from heat and three milli
Could debt relief solve Europe ’s problems?

Despite measures and initiatives being proposed by political leaders, history suggests that the path leading Europe back to prosperity will not be smooth.