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Latest Update: Leader of Niger coup agrees to engage in discussions with ECOWAS; expresses regret for previously declining Tinubu’s delegation.

Tosin Ranks
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Latest Update: Leader of Niger coup agrees to engage in discussions with ECOWAS; expresses regret for previously declining Tinubu’s delegation.

General Abdourahmane Tchiani, the leader of the Niger military junta, has expressed willingness to engage in diplomatic discussions with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) following a productive meeting with the Intervention Team comprised of Nigerian Islamic leaders.

Led by Bala Lau, the national chairman of Jamatul Izalatu Bida Waikamatu Sunnah, the Islamic scholars engaged in a lengthy conversation with General Tchiani in Niger’s capital, Niamey.

Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine of the Niger Republic conveyed that General Tchiani has granted approval for talks with ECOWAS, displaying optimism that these discussions will transpire within the upcoming days.

As per a statement issued and signed by Bala Lau on Sunday, the coup leader and the Islamic scholars extensively deliberated various topics, including the ECOWAS leaders’ demand for the reinstatement of former President Bazoum.

This situation remains a dynamic and evolving narrative.

“FG’s initiative aims to establish AI developer communities throughout Nigeria.”

Tosin Ranks
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“FG’s initiative aims to establish AI developer communities throughout Nigeria.”

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), operating under the Federal Government, has unveiled its intention to establish Artificial Intelligence (AI) developer communities nationwide.

This announcement was made by Mr. Kashifu Inuwa, the Director-General of NITDA, during an event in Abuja where he interacted with instructors and recipients of the NITDA AI Developers Training (NAIDT) program.

Inuwa emphasized that these communities are poised to shape the technological landscape of the nation.

NITDA, in collaboration with Google Developers Group (GDG) and its subsidiary National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), orchestrated the AI training program.

Inuwa expressed his satisfaction with the program’s pilot phase in Abuja, revealing intentions to replicate it in other states across the country.

Speaking about the government’s vision for AI developers in Nigeria, Inuwa articulated, “Our vision involves establishing developer communities nationwide, where individuals can acquire knowledge, share their expertise, launch businesses, and make a meaningful impact on society.”

He further underscored the significance of human capital as Nigeria’s most precious resource, expressing plans to initially implement the initiative in three states and subsequently expand its reach.

In the context of AI training, Mr. Ya’u Garba, the National Director of NCAIR, detailed the program’s one-year journey aimed at training one million developers.

The training encompasses three proficiency levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. Participants are introduced to essential programming concepts, including Python, in the Basic level.

The Intermediate level equips learners with foundational IT skills, while the Advanced level delves into problem-solving techniques.

Representing Google Developers Group (GDG), Mr. Ibrahim Muhammed extended gratitude to NITDA for their consistent support throughout the training initiative.

The program’s success is evident in the emergence of instructors, startups, and job opportunities for participants.

The training, spanning 10 Cohorts and benefiting 1227 individuals, entailed coaching sessions and lectures, nurturing programming competencies in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

Ultimately, this strategic collaboration between NITDA, NCAIR, and GDG underscores a progressive step towards fostering a robust AI ecosystem in Nigeria, contributing to both technological advancement and economic growth.

 

 

Distinguished personalities such as Tinubu and Dangote grace the weddings of senators’ daughters.

Tosin Ranks
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Distinguished personalities such as Tinubu and Dangote grace the weddings of senators’ daughters.

It was a gathering of notable personalities at the wedding Fatiha of Zainab, the daughter of the Senator representing the Niger East Senatorial District, Sani Musa, which held at the National Mosque in Abuja on Friday, August 11, 2023.

Zainab got hitched to her groom, Yerima Hamman, in a series of ceremonies that included many exotic activities.

At the wedding Fatiha, Vice President Kashim Shettima represented the family of the groom, while the Emir of Minna, Haruna Bahago, represented the bride’s family.

One of the ceremonies was held in a richly decorated grand hall. On the stage where the bride and groom sat was a golden arc, which had golden lights dropping from the top, as well as golden stools and chairs. Other parts of the hall were adorned with blue, white and silver furniture and chandeliers. The floor was also covered with a colourful mat that matched the outfit of the bridesmaids.

In the course of the events, the couple dressed in different colourful outfits. During one of the activities, the bride wore a white dress with simple golden embroidery, and a veil to match.

She also wore an elegant pink and purple outfit, which she complemented with gold jewellery. At other times, she wore a golden outfit and veil, as well as a blue attire.

On his part, the groom sported kaftans of different colours.

The couple also had their first dance as a married couple, and it was evident that they were enamoured with each other.

Notable guests at the event included President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima; a former Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, and billionaire businessman, Aliko Dangote.

Meanwhile, the weddings of Amina— daughter of Senator Ahmad Yerima— and her groom, Muhammed Abubakar; as well as that of Abdulmalik Gajam (groom) and Hauwau (bride), were also conducted at the National Mosque.

 

“Results of the 2023 elections indicate a weariness among Nigerians towards the APC, according to Tunde Bakare.”

Tosin Ranks
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“Results of the 2023 elections indicate a weariness among Nigerians towards the APC, according to Tunde Bakare.”

Pastor Tunde Bakare, the Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, has highlighted during a recent State of the Nation Broadcast that the results of the 2023 elections reflect a weariness among Nigerians towards the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Bakare, who participated in the 2022 presidential primary of the APC, expressed his thoughts at the church in Ikeja, Lagos, emphasizing that the APC has veered away from its original founding principles.

In his address, titled ‘Vice, Virtue & Time: Three Things That Never Stand Still,’ Bakare cautioned the APC, underscoring his deep involvement in its formation.

As a stakeholder and nation builder, he asserted unequivocally that the current state of the APC does not align with the vision they had initially envisioned.

He pointed to the results of the recent elections as clear evidence that Nigerians are disillusioned with the transformed state of the APC.

Bakare went on to analyze the decline in votes garnered by the APC during the 2023 presidential election compared to previous years, interpreting it as an indication of diminishing support for the party.

He acknowledged that external factors like divisions within the Peoples Democratic Party and the emergence of the Obidient movement of the Labour Party impacted the election outcome, preventing a more decisive loss for the APC.

Even so, Bakare noted that the APC’s victory, as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, is currently under dispute in court.

During the February 2023 presidential election, President Bola Tinubu emerged victorious with 8,794,726 votes, followed by Atiku Abubakar of the PDP with 6,984,520 votes, and Obi from the Labour Party securing third place with 6,101,533 votes.

The election results continue to be contested by the PDP and the LP through the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal.

Bakare lamented the transformation of the APC into a platform devoid of ideological principles, where politicians without a steadfast commitment to a cause move opportunistically between parties to attain power.

He reminisced about the original spirit of the APC, which championed progressivism characterized by substantial investments in education and healthcare, along with fostering inclusivity and social advancement.

He attributed the current economic hardships faced by many Nigerians to what he termed “anti-people policies” implemented by the government.

“Tunde Bakare cautions against the practice of ‘Emilokan’ politics, emphasizing his earlier advice.”

Tosin Ranks
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“Tunde Bakare cautions against the practice of ‘Emilokan’ politics, emphasizing his earlier advice.”

Last Thursday, the Federal High Court in Lagos set a date, August 15, to address an application by Emefiele, who is seeking to suspend his trial initiated by the Federal Government through the DSS.

In response, Bakare expressed concerns about the DSS’s actions, questioning their professionalism and commitment to upholding the rule of law.

The reported intrusion into EFCC premises and the handling of Emefiele’s case have sparked conversations about the importance of due process and fair application of justice.

Bakare pointed out that the handling of the Emefiele case has sent a notable message to the international community, shedding light on the current President’s stance on the fight against corruption.

The cleric criticized the administration’s approach to combating corruption, likening it to singling out individuals as “political adversaries,” while other significant threats to Nigeria’s well-being remain untouched.

While acknowledging that Emefiele should face prosecution if found guilty, Bakare argued that the suspended CBN governor shouldn’t be used as a mere scapegoat.

He emphasized that Emefiele’s decisions in managing the country’s monetary affairs might have been misguided, but he couldn’t have acted without approval from the President.

 

“Breaking a three-year streak, Joshua achieves a remarkable knockout victory.”

Tosin Ranks
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“Breaking a three-year streak, Joshua achieves a remarkable knockout victory.”

Former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua delivered a decisive seventh-round knockout against Robert Helenius in their heavyweight showdown, marking Joshua’s first knockout victory since his triumph over Kubrat Puliev on December 12, 2020.

Initially scheduled for his third encounter with Whyte at the O2 Arena, Joshua’s plans shifted when Whyte tested positive in a recent drug test, leading to his removal from the main event.

Stepping in on short notice, Helenius, who had just won a fight in Finland seven days earlier, took his place.

Helenius tried to pressure Joshua with an aggressive approach, but Joshua methodically built up his offensive tactics, relying on well-placed jabs while patiently waiting for an opportunity.

The breakthrough came in the seventh round.

As the third round progressed, restlessness among the London crowd was evident, with boos reverberating in the arena due to Joshua’s cautious approach.

However, he swiftly silenced the audience’s doubts by executing a rapid right-hand strike that sent Helenius stumbling after a combination of three punches.

Helenius crumpled along the ropes, prompting the referee to halt the contest without even initiating a count – the match ended swiftly.

In a display of celebration, Joshua leapt outside the ring to embrace former UFC champion Conor McGregor.

This victory holds significant importance for Joshua, who had been urged to regain his aggressive style following three consecutive fights that went the distance.

Fans were eager to witness his knockout prowess once again.

Despite Deontay Wilder’s first-round knockout of Helenius, Joshua can draw encouragement from this outcome as he looks ahead to a potential showdown against the former WBC heavyweight champion.

Loans acquired by Nigeria from foreign banks could potentially deplete as much as 40% of the country’s foreign reserves.

Tosin Ranks
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0
Loans acquired by Nigeria from foreign banks could potentially deplete as much as 40% of the country’s foreign reserves.

Africa’s largest economy finds itself grappling with its most severe economic challenges in decades, as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) faces a critical situation.

The CBN’s debt to foreign banks, including $500 million owed to Goldman Sachs and $7 billion to JP Morgan for securities lending, coupled with an additional $6.3 billion in foreign currency forwards, poses a potential threat.

These forex obligations, which the CBN must fulfill for foreign investors, have led to calculations indicating that addressing these demands in the face of foreign exchange shortages could consume a substantial 40.7 percent of Nigeria’s total foreign reserves, currently valued at $34.1 billion.

The figures have raised concerns among experts, who question the credibility of Nigeria’s official foreign reserves position.

Kelvin Emmanuel, CEO of Dairy Hills Ltd, highlighted that senior treasury officials and portfolio managers express doubts about the accuracy of the CBN’s reported numbers, attributing these doubts to the bank’s inability to clear FX backlogs.

Goke Adetoyinbo, an analyst at CSL Stockbrokers Limited, asserted that the CBN’s monetary policy has placed Africa’s largest economy in a precarious situation.

He emphasized that the root of the problem lies in the bank’s attempts to achieve objectives beyond its capacity.

To address this, Adetoyinbo suggested that effective fiscal policy and aggressive taxation are the way forward, providing a means to bolster the country’s reserves.

Mustapha Umaru, an equity research analyst at CSL Stockbrokers Limited, echoed the concerns, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach to enhance Nigeria’s economic prospects.

He stressed the importance of not only aggressive taxation but also effective taxation, alongside an emphasis on improving non-oil exports to attract foreign exchange.

It’s important to note that Africa’s largest economy’s external reserves are divided into distinct portions: the CBN, the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), and the Federation.

The CBN handles foreign exchange inflows from various sources, with the proceeds credited to the Federation account.

These monetized foreign exchange reserves belong to the CBN, enabling it to execute monetary policy and safeguard the Naira’s value.

The Exceptional Brilliant and Energetic Acting and Portrayal of Gbotija by Adedimeji Lateef in FEMI Adebayo’s Netflix Movie Jagunjagun

Ranks Screen
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The Exceptional Brilliant and Energetic Acting and Portrayal of Gbotija by Adedimeji Lateef in FEMI Adebayo’s Netflix Movie Jagunjagun

The Exceptional Brilliant and Energetic Acting and Portrayal of Gbotija by Adedimeji Lateef in FEMI Adebayo’s Netflix Movie Jagunjagun

Adedimeji Lateef’s portrayal of Gbotija in the trending Femi Adebayo’s Netflix movie Jagunjagun is a shining example of exceptional, brilliant, and energetic acting. Through his dedication and talent, Lateef brings the character of Gbotija to life, leaving viewers in awe of his performance.

From the moment Gbotija graces the screen, Adedimeji Lateef’s energy is palpable. He effortlessly captures the essence of the character, infusing each scene with a vibrant and captivating presence. Whether it be through his facial expressions, body language, or dialogue delivery, Lateef’s portrayal of Gbotija is brimming with infectious energy that keeps the audience engaged throughout the movie.

Adedimeji Lateef’s acting skills are on full display in his portrayal of Gbotija. He showcases a range of emotions, effortlessly transitioning from moments of intense vulnerability to scenes filled with humor and wit. Lateef’s ability to embody the nuances of the character makes Gbotija relatable and endearing, drawing viewers into his world and making them invest in his journey.

Gbotija is a complex character, and Adedimeji Lateef flawlessly brings out the intricacies of his personality. With every gesture and line delivery, he adds depth and layers to Gbotija, making him more than just a supporting character. Lateef’s attention to detail and commitment to understanding Gbotija’s motivations and backstory shines through, resulting in a portrayal that is both authentic and memorable.

In Jagunjagun, Adedimeji Lateef’s chemistry with the rest of the cast, particularly with Bukunmi Oluwasina, is undeniable. Their on-screen dynamic adds another layer of authenticity to the movie, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Lateef’s ability to create a believable connection with his fellow actors further highlights his exceptional acting skills and adds to the brilliance of his portrayal of Gbotija.

Jagun Jagun on Twitter: A Proactive Marketing Lesson to Learn from Femi Adebayo

Ranks-Staff
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Jagun Jagun on Twitter: A Proactive Marketing Lesson to Learn from Femi Adebayo

It is truly surprising and commendable to witness Femi Adebayo actively engaging on Twitter, especially considering his previous stance on the platform. Just like many other Nollywood actors and producers, Femi Adebayo has been known to be less inclined towards Twitter. However, his recent endeavor to embrace and utilize the platform for promoting his movie “Jagun Jagun” is a testament to his adaptability and willingness to explore new avenues of audience interaction.

Ever since Femi Adebayo commenced active engagement on Twitter, his movie ‘Jagun Jagun’ has consistently maintained its position on the Twitter trends. This enduring presence has significantly amplified the marketing promotion for the film, imparting a crucial lesson to all filmmakers. It underscores the imperative that, regardless of the extent of external promotional efforts, you, as the face of your brand, remain the most potent force to propel its promotion.

In the last three days since the release of his movie “Jagun Jagun,” Femi Adebayo has exemplified several valuable lessons for filmmakers, particularly in terms of marketing and audience engagement. The film has been breaking records and topping charts, receiving overwhelmingly positive reviews from viewers. Femi Adebayo and his team wasted no time in capitalizing on this success by actively engaging with the audience on social media.

One significant lesson learned from Femi Adebayo’s approach is the importance of leveraging platforms like Twitter for marketing a movie. By monitoring and reporting every tweet about the movie, as well as asking questions and initiating conversations, Femi Adebayo created a buzz and generated curiosity among the audience. This strategy allowed for widespread awareness of the film and helped to create trends surrounding it.

Femi Adebayo’s commitment to interacting with viewers and actively seeking feedback is another crucial lesson for filmmakers. By embracing this approach, he demonstrated a genuine interest in hearing the audience’s thoughts and opinions. This level of engagement not only fosters a stronger connection with viewers but also provides valuable insights for future projects.

Overall, Femi Adebayo’s proactive marketing and audience engagement strategies serve as an inspiration to filmmakers in Nigeria and beyond. It highlights the importance of utilizing social media platforms effectively, creating trends, and fearlessly interacting with viewers to gather feedback. Kudos to Femi Adebayo for setting this example and reminding us all of the significance of engaging with our audience in the digital age.

“Diesel costs expected to reach N867 per liter in Lagos and N875 in the Southwestern region.”

Tosin Ranks
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0
“Diesel costs expected to reach N867 per liter in Lagos and N875 in the Southwestern region.”

Starting today, Saturday, August 12th, the cost of diesel will surge to N867 per liter in Lagos state and N875 in the Southwest region,

The reason behind this price hike is the soaring ex-depot prices despite the previous deregulation and removal of fuel subsidies.

Recent reports indicate that ex-depot prices for diesel at the Apapa port have now escalated to a range of N790-N820 per liter.

Examining the trajectory of ex-depot price fluctuations, the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) shared industry data that shows the following ex-depot prices for diesel at the Apapa port:

– July 25 – N638 per liter
– July 27 – N647 per liter
– July 28 – N653 per liter
– July 31 – N693 per liter
– August 2 – N649 per liter
– August 3 – N714 per liter

Furthermore, according to MOMAN’s industry data, during the same period, diesel prices across the country were calculated at N650 per liter, based on an exchange rate of 1 US dollar to N895.

Nigeria’s exchange rate is currently experiencing significant volatility.

Recent reports reveal that the exchange rate between the naira and the dollar reached as high as N955/$1 on the black market, with the week beginning at N895/$1 and dropping to N900/$1 on August 9th, the lowest recorded in history.

The exchange rate has depreciated by 8% month-to-date due to demand consistently outpacing supply.

The depreciation of the local currency against the dollar has a negative impact on diesel prices since it is imported, along with other petroleum products, and purchased in dollars.

This depreciation has already begun affecting diesel prices at the Apapa Hub.

It’s important to note that diesel prices in various regions of the country have seen an increase since the second quarter of 2023.

The June 2023 diesel price report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveals that diesel cost N899.23 per liter in Taraba state, N875.67 per liter in Adamawa state, and N873.33 per liter in Niger state.

 

Meanwhile, the average diesel price across the country was N815.83 per liter, reflecting a 3.37% reduction from the N844.28 per liter recorded in May 2023, according to data from the NBS.

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