China accuses US of devising tactics to suppress country’s rise
He said: “If the US always says one thing and does another, where is its credibility as a major power? Mr Wang accused the United States, without mentioning it by name, of stirring up trouble in Taiwan and the South China Sea. China says that self-governing Taiwan is part of China and should be under its control, and it claims a wide swath of the South China Sea, putting it at odds with the Philippines, Vietnam and other south-east Asian neighbours. Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi listens to a question (Ng Han Guan/AP)“For unreasonable provocations, we will take just countermeasures,” Mr Wang said. China will continue to work for peaceful reunification with Taiwan, Mr Wang said, but warned that anyone who supports independence for Taiwan would pay a price.
Source:The Guardian
March 07, 2024 11:29 UTC
FG threatens to revoke DisCos’ licenses over ‘wilful non-performance’
The Federal Government has threatened to revoke licenses of some electricity distribution companies (DisCos) over what it described as willful non-performance. It said findings had revealed that some distribution companies were deliberately not taking up power supply from TCN while some power lines were also damaged by vandals in Abuja, Benin, PortHarcourt and Ibadan regions. In a statement on Wednesday, the Minister of Power, Engr Adebayo Adelabu expressed worry over the deteriorating state of electricity supply across the country. “These two DISCOs have been summoned due to the worsening power supply situation in their regions despite improved supply from TCN”, he said. “So, we expect power supply to have improved across the country, unlike what we are experiencing in some regions,” it said.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
March 07, 2024 10:50 UTC
TTP urges govt to streamline regulatory processes
The Truck Transit Park Limited has called on the government to streamline regulatory processes and reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks to make the country attractive to investors. The Managing Director of TTP, Mr Jama Onwubuariri, stated this in a recent interview with the PUNCH in Lagos. “Streamlining regulatory processes, reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks, and improving the ease of doing business are crucial for attracting investment and fostering entrepreneurship,” he said. “The potential of Nigeria’s economy is vast, but to fully realise this potential requires concerted efforts and strategic interventions across various sectors. “Diversifying into sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology can create new opportunities and reduce reliance on oil,” he asserted.
Source:Punch
March 07, 2024 10:45 UTC
Who is running for president in 2024? Biden, Trump and the full list of candidates
The 2024 election season is under way, with Donald Trump the lone Republican candidate left seeking to unseat the sitting president, Joe Biden. In 2021, Elder joined a list of Republicans seeking to replace Gavin Newsom, the Democratic governor of California, in a failed recall. She ended her second term early to serve as US ambassador to the United Nations under Donald Trump before announcing her resignation in 2018. Back to topFormer US Representative Will Hurd, of Texas, entered the crowded primary field as a moderate and critic of Donald Trump. He was the third candidate from Florida to join the crowded primary field, alongside frontrunners Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis.
Source:The Guardian
March 07, 2024 10:12 UTC
Niger govt procures 2000 agricultural equipment to boost food production
In its bid to boost food production in the state towards achieving food security, the Niger State Government in partnership with a diversified agriculture value chain group, Origin Group has taken delivery of agricultural equipment. The Origin Group, using its proprietary themed support system called Total Agricultural Support Program (TASP) in partnership with Campo Company of Brazil is engaging in a specialized agro-support program with the Niger State Government. The agricultural equipment delivered includes 500 large-capacity tractors, 500 harvesters of varying capacities, and 1000 different agricultural and irrigation equipment and farm implements. A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger State, Bologi Ibrahim said the program which is equally aimed at supporting 50,000 hectares of fully irrigated food production hubs in Niger State will help the State to scale up its desire to deepen food production, wealth creation, and employment opportunities for the teeming population of the State. The Statement said Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago-led administration remains committed to the Agricultural revolution of the State and his desire to make Niger State an Agricultural hub of Nigeria.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
March 07, 2024 10:02 UTC
Abuja Rail Mass Transit project 95% completed, says Wike
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, said Wednesday that the Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ARMT) project is 95 percent complete and will be ready for inauguration in May. He explained that the feat was part of efforts to improve public transportation in the federal capital, Abuja. “When we came on board, we found out that the Abuja Light Rail was not functional, and we felt that it will be a good thing for the people if we decongest the city by putting it to function. Wike added that discussion was ongoing with private investors to change the mode of public transportation in the FCT. He acknowledged that the deficit in public transportation was constituting a security challenge in the city, adding that most of the transport operators were not registered.
Source:The Guardian
March 07, 2024 08:01 UTC
Otti sad as ex-Head of State, Ironsi’s daughter laid to rest
Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has expressed sadness as the remains of the daughter of late Supreme Commander and Head of State, JTU Aguiyi-Ironsi, Lady Caroline Aguiyi-Ironsi, who passed on at the age of 68 years, was laid to rest in her Umuanna village, Ndume Ibeku in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State. Represented by his deputy, Engr. Responding on behalf of the family, former Minister of Defence and son of late General Aguiyi-Ironsi, Ambassador Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, thanked Otti for identifying with the family during its trying period and prayed for God’s wisdom and good health to enable Otti deliver on his on-going people-oriented programmes evident in the state. Deputy Governor Emetu was accompanied to the interment by the Deputy Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Austin Okezie Meregini, Commissioner for Trade, Commerce, and Investment, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu, and the Secretary General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Amb.
Source:Punch
March 07, 2024 04:44 UTC
PUNCH Jubilee, Deo
The second occasion was shortly before General Sanni Abacha reopened the PUNCH, which was along with some newspapers, proscribed. From being a Lineage Correspondent in Kwara State in 1984 in The PUNCH Newspaper, I served variously as State Editor, acting News Editor, Sunday PUNCH, Bureau Chief, West, and left as Bureau Chief, Zamfara State, in 2000. ‘THE PROPHETS ARE TO BLAME’ was another prophetic article of my authorship, written in May 1993 but published in the PUNCH of June 16, 1993. One hopes that the PUNCH would not toe the line of many nations of the world (including Nigeria) that misunderstood the Jubilee year 2000 by turning it into an occasion for junketing rather than a period to invoke the principles of Jubilee for mankind. PUNCH JUBILEE, DEO!
Source:Punch
March 06, 2024 21:23 UTC
More than half of companies use AI, IoT in their business processes —Study
A recent Kaspersky study has revealed that more than 50 percent of companies surveyed have implemented Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) in their businesses’ infrastructures. Additionally, 33 percent are planning to adopt these interconnected technologies within two years. Interconnected technologies are the growing network of devices, systems and applications connected to the internet and each other. The research found that AI and IoT are already used by 54 percent and 51 percent of companies, respectively (55 percent and 44 percent in the META region). One in three plans to adopt them within two years (in META 34 percent plan to use AI and 45 percent IoT).
Source:Nigerian Tribune
March 06, 2024 16:43 UTC
Nigerian agriculturist gets recognition in US
The Sugar Bush Foundation has honoured Peter Makinde, a Nigerian Environment Sciences master’s degree student at Ohio University, USA, with a Medal of Honour for his contribution to the advancement of sustainable agriculture. According to a statement, Makinde played a pivotal role in certifying the Ohio University Student Farm for organic farming, making it the first in Athens County and at Ohio University. “His ongoing advancements in sustainable agriculture serve as a beacon of inspiration for individuals seeking to foster positive environmental and societal change,” it stated. It avoids the use of synthetic chemicals, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms, making it environmentally friendly and promoting biodiversity. “Organic farming also promotes healthier soil, water, and air, contributing to a more sustainable food system,” he added.
Source:Punch
March 06, 2024 11:36 UTC
NOTAP tasks inventors on commercialisation of intellectual property
THE National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) has urged inventors and researchers on the commercialisation of their Intellectual Property (IP) for economic gains. Acting Director-General of NOTAP, Dr Theresa Imiyoho, gave the advice in Abuja recently. “Intellectual property offices were established across the country to ensure that researchers who have patented their inventions can exploit their financial benefits through commercialisation. “Patents that cannot address economic challenges like unemployment, poverty or translate into products and services, become liabilities and are not worth keeping. “Rather than the conventional research for the purposes of career progression, researches are to ensure the commercialisation of their patents in order to exploit the financial benefits.”“Intellectual property is the property of human intellect and should be exploited through commercialisation for the financial benefit of the holder.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
March 06, 2024 08:58 UTC
Punch Knuckle Buster Shade and Maduro Stubby Hit the Cigar Scene
Punch Knuckle Buster, the bold collection that debuted earlier in the 2020s, has just added a collection of natural wrapper smokes to its lineup. Handmade at HATSA in Honduras, Punch Knuckle Buster Shade is beginning to appear at retail, following a ship date of March 1. In other Punch Knuckle Buster news, the Punch Knuckle Buster Maduro line has been beefed up with a short gordo that’s also called Stubby. Brand manager John Hakim said, “Punch Knuckle Buster keeps growing by popular demand. If you haven’t tried one of the Punch Knuckle Buster blends yet, I’d tell you you’re missing out.
Source:Punch
March 06, 2024 08:47 UTC
Digital assets: Reps task security agencies to uphold national security
The House of Representatives underscored on Tuesday the urgent need to uphold national security and equity in the best interest of the nation’s economy as Nigerians continue to grapple with the challenges associated with digital assets, cryptocurrency, money transfer operators, payment gateways, and platforms. “These advancements in financial and other technology have enabled the emergence of novel service providers like cryptocurrency exchanges (Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, etc.) “Already, the recent actions by the government have resulted in cryptocurrency exchanges suspending the buying and selling of USDT and USDC with Naira, which is to the detriment of the Nigerian consumer. There are also questions about the processes and costs involved in the creation of the e-naira and its current status on the global cryptocurrency platform considering the current disposition of the government,” he noted. The House also mandated its Committee on National Security to superintend the engagement of the office of the NSA, other relevant agencies, cryptocurrency exchanges, and stakeholders in tracking, identifying, and recovering illicit and laundered funds or assets.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
March 06, 2024 08:03 UTC
Gopal Snacks IPO packs a bite-sized punch, investors get no crunch
As of September 2023, gathiya and namkeen each contributed 28% of the company's revenues while Western snacks together accounted for 31% and the rest around 13% came from other items such as papad, besan and spices. Packs priced at ₹5 contributed 75% of the company's FY23 revenues and ₹10 packs accounted for 8%.However, the company faces increased competition from the competing family business run by the promoter's brother under the brand name of 'Gokul Snacks'. In the first quarter of FY23, the company reduced the grammage by 3 gm to 5 gm per pouch offered in its most popular ₹5 and ₹10 packs. Besides, the company also reduced retailers' margin per pouch in the ₹5 SKU in Gujarat and Maharashtra. Investors can avoid subscribing to the issue.Gopal Snacks has garnered ₹193.94 crore from anchor investors, ahead of its IPO.
Source:Punch
March 06, 2024 03:55 UTC
On artificial intelligence
ARTIFICIAL Intelligence (AI) is currently one of the hottest buzzwords in the technology arena today and with good reason. So, what really is Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Artificial Intelligence (AI) is usually classified broadly into two categories:- (1). Artificial Intelligence (AI) has a wide range of applications across several industries and domains. So, will Artificial Intelligence (AI) eventually be a blessing or a curse?
Source:Nigerian Tribune
March 06, 2024 00:48 UTC