Comments on: It’s really the little things that count the most.

By: Koye

Koye — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 19:09:24 +0000

I think the main problem is people don’t expect quality to be theirs. Yes they see quality on TV, but in their mind it is for ‘dem oyinbo people’. You complain about shoddy work and people laugh and ask you were you think you are.
What we need is for a few people to present better quality at the same price. I am sure Tasty Fried Chicken does not need to be priced much higher than Mr. Biggs, but they probably count basic quality as a luxury instead of the norm. I am also impressed by GTB. When a few people start presenting quality as the norm then everyone will be forced to do so as well.

By: Ahanam

Ahanam — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 10:22:41 +0000

Regarding whether people know what they’re missing, there’s no doubt that they do. Quality is obvious and plain for all to see. Many Nigerians have access to television and they can see how people in other parts of the world live. People know a good thing when they see it. Especially because it is so obviously different from a bad thing. If you ask anyone off the street which LOOKS better: a dirty stall versus a clean one. A crumbling wall versus a sturdy one. An ugly plant versus a pretty flower. The answer won’t ever be in question.

Excellence and beauty have been left for us to see. The real question is why we don’t see even while we’re looking.

By: Amaka

Amaka — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 08:17:29 +0000

I totally feel you bruv. In Lagos they even try a bit (especially on the Island). I know you’ve been in Kaduna for a time, it’s not all that bad though(when you contrast it wit J-town sha). The truth is this, when you are used to sub-standard, a little change seems like a whole lot, thus you find people here settling for mediocrity as substantial change.
But this has been the way from the beginning of Nigeria as a country. You find that the political elite, who is actually used to high standards, once he takes up the reins of power, to ensure that he makes bank over and over again, gives a people who don’t know the difference, “sub-development”. And he is praised! Praised!
Next time you witness sub-standard, don’t blame the people too harshly, they really don’t know to expect better, or demand for same…

By: Bayo

Bayo — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:52:34 +0000

Packaging has always been a problem. Sometimesit is a catch 22. The economy makes adding teh final touch – and therefore increasing the cost less attractive. There are exceptions though.Eg TFC (tasty fried chicken) with its high quality food and decor – if you r in Lagos, check out their mrina restaurant; but by focussing on quality, they have remainrd much smaller and higer priced.
An example that continues to inspire though is Guaranty Trust bank, and i still think tey have the best customer care i’ve seen in a bank even outside Nigeria! and it works.

By: Sebabatso

Sebabatso — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:36:37 +0000

i agree that we should expect more, and i get disheartened by how often there is no spirit of excellence, even with the little bit we have. My question is similar to one already posed, how does the problem get solved? Is not the “presentation is everything”/”competitive edge” something that is learned and ingrained by a society, meaning that it would take a reformation of the things our societies value? I mean in essence its an issue of what we value. Do we value the aesthetic quality of things? And if we don’t, how do we cultivate this value? i was also intrigued by how u called it an issue of stewardship – i hadn’t thought of it that way.

By: El_Jangs

El_Jangs — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 06:18:05 +0000

Mallam True talk. Even though I agree that talk is cheap. It happens to be the first step in addressing any problem. So let’s get the ball rolling. Do us proud.

By: Dogonyaro

Dogonyaro — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 20:29:42 +0000

Real talk. Where’s the incentive though? People can get away with it as it is.