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From CNN’s Errol Barnett
When you see the pitch black video shot by Amara Nwankpa in Nigeria you’re tempted to wonder what he’s trying to show you until you realize the darkness is the point. He drives around his neighborhood showing many homes in the dark except for those paying to run their own generators. His iReports also show business owners complaining that irregular power cuts into their profits. Yet, Nigeria is rich with natural gas and oil resources and its number one client is the U.S, so what’s going on?
Amara says it’s a “failure of governance” and he wants change. He’s using iReport , Twitter, Facebook and other social media to get it. He calls his social media movement “Light up Nigeria.” Hundreds of supportive messages on Twitter can be seen under #LightUpNigeria, tens of thousands of people have joined their Facebook group and all this has mobilized action around the world.
In London, a group of supporters demonstrated outside the Nigerian High Commission. In Washington D.C., a Nigerian event included speeches on the energy problems of the country. In Nigeria’s capital, Amara has held town halls encouraging his country mates to speak out and more events are planned.
I took notice of all of Amara’s efforts and decided to reach out to him via webcam for an interview, which we had to do twice because of power problems. We were also able to get the Government of Nigeria to respond to the issue – see CNN’s coverage here. But this story is far from over. We want to hear more from CNN viewers in and from Nigeria with views on this issue so upload your own story to the new “Light up Nigeria” assignment page.
I think it is so unfair that with the riches of this world..only certain "privileged" ones get NECESSITIES such as this.. I shake my head and heart at the powers that be.
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To product the electrical power for this country simply harness the power of each email the scammers from Nigeria send out and you will have all the power you need.
Am trying to understand why when it comes to Nigeria, the need to see the under dog triumph eludes the public. Here are a few Nigerian's trying to make the country better so that we can create a stable environment for our kids so they don't end up like the 'fraudsters' we seem to be constantly recognized for. Support is all we need right now not a constant drivel about the image our 'bad eggs' have cast on us. Help us push our cause higher or please try not infect us with negativity.
The lack of consistent electricity is a very critical problem for the oil rich nigeria. Demonstrates corruption, lack of stability, and won't attract many foreign investors. Its a relatively cheap problem to fix compared to Nigeria's profits from oil production, if only the nation was less corrupt.
What is happening is the fact that (1) they don´t want to see power shifting to the Eastern part of the country. 2) the so called ruling party (PDP) is made up of liers, traitors,selfish and visionless people who cares only for their own futur and selfish interest rather than that of the general people. 3) The people governing nigerians are not those u see on sit. there´re bad men (the rotten eggs) who dictates what happens and who goes in for leadership. Until these faggots are getting rid off, they will still be contaminating young minds..thereby circulating their ill will. 4). What is happening in nigeria today is as result of what the former President Obasanjo did. Goodluck was not elected rather selected by him (OBASANJO) to cover his mess and protect all the atrocities he commited... today we´re reaping from what he sow. The funny is that nigeria as a country has all it takes to provide for its people and extend helping hand as gaint of Africa, but the truth remains that nigerians needs total internal rehabilitation of their minds because u cannot give what u dont have. A corrupt mind will only breed corruption.
Errol, i really appreciate those you there who care about nigeria and nigerians and wish to use this opportunity to ask the international media to help talk/write nigerians out of doing the same thing that does not over and over again. We need change. Thanks Errol for your concern.