Dbakre1's blog

  In a bold and timely statement, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), has issued a stark warning to global leaders — including former U.S. President Donald Trump — over the escalating tariff battles threatening the stability of the world economy. Speaking on behalf of the WTO, Okonjo-Iweala decried the growing trend of protectionist policies and retaliatory tariffs that have resurged in recent years, cautioning that these actions are undermining the fragile global recovery and pushing international trade towards a dangerous tipping point. Without directly naming individual countries, she made a clear reference to influential powers like the United States and China, whose ongoing trade spats have sent shockwaves through global supply chains, stifled business confidence, and increased the cost of living across continents. Her remarks, however, were notably pointed in light of Trump's previous trade policies and recent signals from his poli...

     In a move that could rattle economies worldwide, former U.S. President Donald Trump has declared that his planned tariffs will hit “all countries”—not just those with the biggest trade gaps with America. This bold stance signals a sweeping shake-up of global trade, leaving no nation immune. The announcement, made on Sunday, reinforces Trump’s long-standing position on economic nationalism. His reasoning? To level the playing field and curb what he sees as unfair trade practices that hurt American industries. But while the U.S. may aim to benefit from these tariffs, the ripple effect could be immense, affecting everything from consumer prices to international relations. For countries heavily reliant on exports to the U.S., this is a wake-up call. If Trump's policies take effect, they could face higher costs, pushing businesses and governments into tough decisions. Will they negotiate, retaliate, or look for new markets? The coming weeks will tell. One thing is certain...

  The cryptocurrency community is buzzing with excitement as talks about Pi Network's potential listing on Binance continue to trend. Recently, Binance launched a community vote to gauge interest in adding Pi Coin to its platform, and the result was impressive—over 86% of participants voted in favor of the listing. However, Binance clarified that the vote was only to measure interest and does not guarantee an official listing. Despite this, the overwhelming support has further fueled speculations and optimism within the Pi community. In the meantime, other major exchanges like OKX have already listed Pi Coin for spot trading, signaling growing recognition and potential for the Pi ecosystem. The Pi Network team has also urged its community members to complete their KYC (Know Your Customer) verification. The deadline for this process was March 14, 2025, and failure to comply may result in forfeiture of mined Pi coins. While Binance is yet to make an official announcement, many believ...

  In a significant policy shift, President Donald Trump has announced the suspension of all federal funding to South Africa, citing concerns over the country's new land expropriation law and its foreign policy positions. This decision marks a notable change in the diplomatic relations between the two nations. The primary issue at hand is South Africa's recently enacted Expropriation Act, which permits the government to seize land without compensation under specific conditions deemed to be in the public interest. The South African government asserts that this law aims to address historical injustices stemming from the apartheid era, during which Black South Africans were systematically dispossessed of their land. The intent is to promote equitable land distribution and rectify past wrongs.  However, the Trump administration perceives this legislation differently. The White House has expressed concerns that the law discriminates against the country's white minority, particula...

  Pi Network Defies Market Trends with Growing User Adoption Despite recent declines in the unofficial market value of Pi Network, the cryptocurrency’s adoption continues to skyrocket. Recent data shows a massive increase in downloads of the Pi Network app, proving that interest in the project remains strong. The surge in downloads suggests that many users still believe in Pi Network’s vision of a decentralized and inclusive digital currency. With the network’s long-awaited Open Mainnet approaching, pioneers are seizing the opportunity to secure their stake in the ecosystem before its full launch. This growing adoption signals confidence in Pi’s potential, even as its price fluctuates. While skeptics focus on short-term value, dedicated pioneers are preparing for the future. Will this momentum lead to a major breakthrough when the Pi Mainnet fully opens? Time will tell! Are you part of the movement? Download Pi Network today and start mining for free!

      Festus Keyamo, Nigeria Aviation Minister In a bold move to bolster the local economy and assert Nigeria's aviation sovereignty, the Federal Government has mandated that all outbound flights from Nigeria, particularly those operated by foreign airlines, must source their in-flight meals from Nigerian catering services starting January 1, 2025.  This directive was officially communicated in a memo dated October 15, 2024, titled "Directive of the Hon. Minister to Foreign Airlines on On-Board Meals." Authored by H.T. Ejibunu, Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, the memo was addressed to the Acting Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). It conveyed the decision of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, emphasizing the necessity for foreign airlines to comply with this new regulation.  Minister Keyamo clarified that this mandate does not compel foreign airlines to serve Nigerian dishes...

  Nigeria has recently introduced an electronic visa (e-Visa) system, aiming to simplify entry procedures and attract more global travelers. This digital initiative allows visitors to apply for visas online, eliminating the need for embassy visits and streamlining the entire process. How Does Nigeria's e-Visa Work? The e-Visa system enables applicants to complete the visa application process entirely online. Here's a step-by-step overview: 1. Online Application : Prospective travelers fill out an application form on the official Nigerian Immigration Service website, providing personal and travel details. 2. Document Submission : Applicants upload necessary documents, such as a valid passport and a recent passport-sized photograph. 3. Payment : The visa fee is paid online using a debit or credit card. 4. Approval : Once the application is reviewed and approved, the applicant receives an Electronic Travel Authorization Letter (eTAL) via email. 5. Entry into Nigeria : Upon arrival...

  Microsoft has officially announced the retirement of Skype, its pioneering internet communication service, effective May 5, 2025. This strategic decision aims to consolidate Microsoft's communication platforms, directing users towards Microsoft Teams, which has seen significant growth and adoption in recent years. Launched in 2003, Skype revolutionized online communication by offering free voice and video calls, amassing hundreds of millions of users at its peak. Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011 for $8.5 billion, intending to enhance its communication offerings. However, with the emergence of competitors like Zoom, WhatsApp, and FaceTime, Skype's prominence waned, leading to a decline in its user base. Microsoft Teams, introduced in 2017, has rapidly become the company's flagship communication and collaboration platform. Its seamless integration with other Microsoft services and robust features have made it a preferred choice for both businesses and individual users. The ...

  In February 2025, Pi Network found itself at the center of controversy following allegations from Bybit CEO Ben Zhou, who labeled the project a scam. Zhou's assertions were based on a Chinese police report, which he claimed implicated Pi Network in fraudulent activities. In response, Pi Network issued an official statement to clarify the situation and address the concerns raised. Clarifying the Chinese Police Report Pi Network emphasized that the Chinese police report referenced by Zhou targeted individuals impersonating Pi Network, not the organization itself. The company stated it had not been contacted by Chinese authorities regarding any fraudulent activities and condemned the actions of those misusing its name to deceive others.  No Affiliation with Bybit Addressing claims of a connection with Bybit, Pi Network asserted it has no ties to the exchange or its CEO, Ben Zhou. The company highlighted that, unlike other exchanges, Bybit had not requested Pi Network to complet...

  The anticipation surrounding Pi Network’s potential listing on Binance has reached new heights, with Pioneers eagerly awaiting a breakthrough. Since its inception, Pi has been one of the most talked-about cryptocurrencies, yet its open mainnet launch remains in limbo, keeping major exchanges like Binance on the sidelines. Despite speculations and mounting pressure from the Pi community, Binance has not officially confirmed any plans to list Pi. However, many Pioneers believe that a Binance listing could be a game-changer, skyrocketing Pi’s value and increasing its adoption in the broader crypto market. While some remain skeptical about Pi’s future, others are holding onto the hope that its eventual listing on Binance will solidify its legitimacy and utility. For now, the Pi community can only wait—and keep mining. Will Binance take the leap and finally list Pi? Only time will tell. What are your thoughts on Pi’s potential listing? Do you think it will happen soon? Let’s discuss i...

                 Prof. Moji Adeyeye, NAFDAC DG In a significant crackdown, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized approximately 87 truckloads of expired and unregistered medical products, including antiretroviral drugs and condoms donated by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). These products were discovered in markets across Lagos, Abia, and Anambra states. NAFDAC's Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, estimated the value of the confiscated items to be over N1 trillion.  The diversion of donated medical supplies into unauthorized markets not only undermines public health initiatives but also poses significant risks to consumers, especially when these products are expired or improperly stored. To prevent such occurrences in the future, the following measures are recommended: 1. Strengthen Supply Chain Monitoring: I...

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has summoned MultiChoice Nigeria, the operator of DStv and GOtv, to justify its planned subscription price hike set to take effect on March 1, 2025. In a statement on Tuesday, FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, confirmed that MultiChoice’s CEO has been ordered to appear before the commission on February 27 for an investigative hearing. This follows the company’s recent announcement of a 21% price increase for the DStv Compact package, raising it from ₦15,700 to ₦19,000, alongside other adjustments. The move has sparked outrage among Nigerian subscribers, who have long decried frequent and unilateral price hikes by the pay-TV giant. The FCCPC, citing concerns over possible market dominance abuse and unfair pricing strategies, warned that MultiChoice’s failure to provide a satisfactory explanation could lead to penalties, sanctions, or other regulatory actions. The commission also revealed that it is wo...

                  Javier Milei, Pres. Argentina In February 2025, Argentine President Javier Milei found himself at the center of a burgeoning scandal dubbed "Cryptogate." The controversy erupted after Milei promoted a new cryptocurrency called $LIBRA on his social media platforms, leading to significant financial losses for investors and sparking calls for his impeachment. The $LIBRA token experienced a meteoric rise in value, surging from nearly zero to $5, before abruptly crashing to less than $1. This dramatic fluctuation raised suspicions of a "rug pull" scam—a scheme where the creators of a cryptocurrency abruptly withdraw their funds, leaving investors with worthless assets. In the aftermath, Milei deleted his promotional posts and claimed ignorance about the project's specifics, stating that he intended merely to support Argentine initiatives.  The fallout was swift and severe. Over 40,000 investors reported substantial losses, l...

  The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is set to open its application portal for the 2024/2025 academic session on February 22, 2025. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance to Nigerian students pursuing higher education in public tertiary institutions across the country. Application Procedures: 1. Verify Eligibility and Gather Required Documents: Eligibility Criteria: Must be a Nigerian citizen. -Enrolled in a recognized public tertiary institution within Nigeria. -Ensure your institution has uploaded your data onto the NELFUND portal. Required Documents: -JAMB admission letter. -National Identification Number (NIN). -Bank Verification Number (BVN). -Student matriculation or registration number. 2 . Access the NELFUND Online Portal: -Visit the official NELFUND website at nelf.gov.ng. -Create an account using your email address and a secure password. If you already have an account, log in with your existing credentials. 3. Complete the Application Form : -Persona...

       Lateef Fagbemi, Nigeria Attorney General The Nigerian government has ordered the police to stop publicly parading criminal suspects, a long-standing practice criticized for violating human rights. The directive, issued by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has already been communicated to law enforcement agencies. Senior police officers in Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) confirmed receiving the order. A high-ranking officer in Abuja stated, “We have been asked to stop parading suspects.” Meanwhile, Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi noted that an official police statement would be released soon.                     Kayode Egbetokun, IGP Prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) welcomed the decision, emphasizing that suspect parades violate the presumption of innocence under the Nigerian Constitution and international human ...

  Pi Network, a digital currency project developed by a team of Stanford graduates, is poised to transition from its Enclosed Mainnet phase to an Open Mainnet on February 20, 2025. This significant milestone will enable Pi coins to be traded on external platforms, expanding their accessibility and utility.  In anticipation of this launch, several cryptocurrency exchanges have announced plans to list the Pi token. OKX confirmed its intention to support Pi trading upon the mainnet's activation. Similarly, Bitget has introduced the PI/USDT trading pair, with details on deposit availability forthcoming. MEXC and HTX (formerly Huobi) have also declared their support for the Pi token, indicating a growing interest among major exchanges.  It's important to note that while these platforms have expressed their commitment to listing Pi, the actual trading of Pi tokens will commence only after the mainnet becomes operational. Additionally, certain regions may face restrictions; for ...

        R. Kelly The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld R. Kelly's 30-year prison sentence for racketeering and sex trafficking, reaffirming the 2021 verdict that found him guilty of abusing his fame to exploit young women and underage girls. Kelly’s defense argued the trial was flawed, but the court dismissed these claims, citing overwhelming evidence of his crimes. His attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, plans to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, challenging the use of racketeering laws in his case.        R. Kelly Currently incarcerated in North Carolina, Kelly is set for release in 2045. This ruling reinforces justice for survivors and the ongoing fight against sexual exploitation.

                                   Prakriti In an era where digital communication often overshadows the art of handwriting, Prakriti Malla, a young student from Nepal, has captivated the world with her exceptional penmanship. Her journey from a regular schoolgirl to an international sensation is both inspiring and a testament to the timeless beauty of handwritten expression. Who is Prakriti Malla? Prakriti Malla hails from Nepal and gained international acclaim for her extraordinary handwriting. Her penmanship is so precise and aesthetically pleasing that many have mistaken it for computer-generated text. This remarkable skill brought her into the global spotlight, earning her widespread admiration.                      Prakriti being honoured The Rise to Fame Prakriti's journey to recognition began during her eighth-grade year. A simple school...

                           Trump & Ramaphosa In a recent development, U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order suspending all financial assistance to South Africa, citing concerns over the nation's new land expropriation law. This legislation permits the government to seize private property under specific conditions without compensation, aiming to address historical injustices from the apartheid era. The U.S. administration contends that this law discriminates against the white Afrikaner minority and has linked it to violent attacks on minority farmers in South Africa.  Additionally, the executive order criticizes South Africa's involvement in bringing genocide accusations against Israel to the International Court of Justice. In response to these actions, President Trump has proposed a program to resettle white South African farmers as refugees in the United States.  Reacting to the U.S....

  The Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) has officially opened its recruitment portal and is now welcoming applications for multiple vacancies across various departments. This announcement was made on Monday by Taiwo Hassan, the commission’s Head of Press and Public Relations. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply before the deadline. How to Apply: Follow these simple steps to submit your application: 1. Visit the official recruitment portal: recruitment.fedcivilservice.gov.ng 2. Choose your preferred position (Note: You can only apply for one role). 3. Upload the required documents, which include: ...Curriculum Vitae (CV) ...Ph.D./Master’s degree certificate (if applicable) ...Degree/HND/NCE certificate ...WAEC/NECO/NABTEB certificate ...Primary school certificate ...NYSC discharge/exemption/exclusion certificate ...Birth certificate or declaration of age ...Local government identification ...Recent passport photograph Application Deadline: All submissions must be com...

                Tems. At the 67th Annual Grammy Awards held on February 3, 2025, Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, professionally known as Tems and the Son of the Former Kwara State Governor and ex Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Oluwaseni Saraki, professionally known as Seni, won the award for Best African Music Performance with her song "Love Me JeJe", and contribution to the "Bob Marley: "One Love" soundtrack as the Album won the best Raggae Album, respectively. While the achievement marks Tems second Grammy win, further establishing her prominence in the global music scene, it has also shot Seni into more limelight globally. Temilade Openiyi (Tems) : She won the award for Best African Music Performance with her song "Love Me JeJe."               Tems.   Oluwaseni "Seni" Saraki : He received a Grammy for his contribution to the "Bob Marley: One Love" soundtrack, which secured the award for Best Reggae Al...

         President Bola Tinubu President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has revealed that over ₦104 billion in student loans has been disbursed to more than 600,000 tertiary institution students through NELFUND. Speaking at FUT Minna’s convocation, represented by Education Minister Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa, he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to quality education, including a ₦940.5 billion allocation to TETFund in 2025. Tinubu urged graduates to embrace opportunities and contribute to national development while encouraging universities to collaborate with industries for practical research. Niger State Governor Umaru Bago and Senator Muhammad Sani Musa donated ₦100 million and ₦200 million, respectively, to an endowment fund. FUT Minna conferred honorary doctorate degrees on Bago, Kaduna Governor Uba Sani, and Senator Musa. A total of 5,816 students graduated in the 2023/2024 session.     FUT MINNA

  The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned loan apps and businesses against harassing Nigerians over unpaid debts. The commission urged consumers to report any intimidation tactics, including threats, social media shaming, or aggressive calls. It reassured the public of its commitment to protecting consumer rights and ensuring fair business practices. FCCPC also cautioned loan operators that they will face penalties if they continue such misconduct. Nigerians experiencing harassment are encouraged to report through the FCCPC’s website, social media, or toll-free hotline for prompt action. The FCCPC's website is https://fccpc.gov.ng/

                                 Japan Japan's financial landscape is on the journey to a significant transformation, with reports indicating that approximately 80% of the country's banks plan to integrate Ripple's cryptocurrency, XRP, into their systems by 2025. This strategic move aims to enhance the efficiency of cross-border payments and remittances, offering faster and more cost-effective solutions for international transactions.  Yoshitaka Kitao, CEO of SBI Group, a prominent Japanese financial institution, has been a vocal advocate for XRP's adoption. He emphasizes XRP's utility in facilitating international remittances, highlighting its potential to streamline processes and reduce costs. Kitao contrasts XRP's practical applications with other cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, which he believes lack inherent value due to their limited utility.              ...

  Pi Core Team                                   As the Pi Network announces yet another extension of its KYC Grace Period deadline to January 31, 2025, the community's reactions are a blend of optimism and skepticism. This extension aims to provide more Pioneers the opportunity to complete their KYC verification and migrate their Pi to the Mainnet before the anticipated Open Network launch in Q1 2025.  Many Pioneers appreciate the additional time, viewing it as a chance to ensure their contributions are recognized and their Pi balances secured. The extension reflects Pi Network's commitment to inclusivity, allowing a broader segment of the community to participate fully in the ecosystem.  However, this is not the first extension; previous deadlines have been moved from September 30 to November 30, then to December 31, 2024, and now to January 31, 2025. These repeated delays have led to f...

                    Donald Trump In a last-minute decision, the Trump administration has issued an emergency waiver to prevent a looming health crisis, ensuring that millions of people living with HIV in Nigeria and 54 other countries continue receiving life-saving treatment. Reversing the HIV Aid Freeze The waiver comes just days after President Donald Trump halted financial support for HIV treatment in Nigeria and other developing nations as part of a 90-day freeze on U.S. foreign aid. The move had sparked outrage from global health advocates, warning that millions could face treatment disruptions. On January 27, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the waiver, ensuring that the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) continues funding HIV treatment programs. PEPFAR, the world’s largest initiative to combat HIV/AIDS, currently supports over 20 million people worldwide. Global Health Leaders Applaud the Decision Hea...

      Donald Trump, POTUS The United States recently paused funding for HIV treatment in Nigeria and other developing nations under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This action stems from an executive order signed by President Donald Trump, halting all foreign aid disbursements for at least 90 days to review their return on investment for the American people. PEPFAR, with an annual budget of $6.5 billion, has provided HIV/AIDS treatment to over 20.6 million people globally, saving approximately 26 million lives since its inception. However, the suspension threatens to disrupt operations unless exemptions are granted in the coming weeks. Effect on Nigeria Nigeria, home to about two million people living with HIV, is among the hardest-hit countries globally. The nation heavily relies on PEPFAR for access to life-saving medications and healthcare support. Over the years, PEPFAR has contributed more than $6 billion to Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS response, signi...

 The Pi Network has taken a significant step toward improving user security and convenience by introducing an email verification feature for its “Forgot Password” recovery option. This new feature allows users to regain access to their accounts with greater ease and reliability. Previously, recovering a Pi Network account could be challenging for users who lost their login credentials. With this update, users can now verify their identity through their registered email addresses, ensuring a seamless account recovery process. To use this feature, users simply need to: 1. Open the Pi Network app. 2. Click on “Forgot Password.” 3. Follow the prompts to verify their identity using the email linked to their account. This update highlights Pi Network's commitment to enhancing user experience and providing better account security. If you haven’t yet linked your email to your Pi account, now is the perfect time to do so. By securing your account, you ensure uninterrupted access to your Pi ...

              Guinness Nigeria As Nigeria grapples with rising inflation, unemployment, and widespread economic hardship, an intriguing trend has emerged. Guinness Nigeria recently reported a staggering N20 billion profit just six months after its acquisition by Tolaram Group. This profit milestone highlights a noteworthy aspect of Nigerian society: the prioritization of alcohol consumption even during tough economic times. Guinness Nigeria’s impressive financial performance comes at a time when many Nigerians complain of financial strain. Basic commodities like food and fuel have seen significant price hikes, yet alcohol sales remain robust. The question is, why does alcohol remain a priority? Experts suggest that during economic downturns, people often seek solace in affordable forms of entertainment, and alcohol becomes an accessible outlet for stress relief. Social norms and cultural practices also contribute, with beer and spirits being staples at...

       Mrs. Nwanna before she died  A deeply tragic event unfolded in Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, as a mother of six lost her life following a shocking act of domestic violence. The woman, identified as Mrs. Chioma Nwanna, succumbed to severe burn injuries inflicted by her husband. The horrifying incident which has generated widespread outrage, reportedly stemmed from accusations of infidelity. Eyewitness accounts reveal that the couple's disagreement escalated into a heated argument. In a shocking turn of event, the husband allegedly bathed her with fuel and set her ablaze. A disturbing video circulating online shows the victim in her last moment, writhing in pain and cursing. Despite being rushed to the hospital for treatment, Mrs. Nwanna tragically died due to the severity of injuries sustained.                       Mrs. Nwanna The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed t...

 In a steadfast affirmation of its sanctuary city principles, the Chicago Police Department (CPD) has declared its refusal to participate in federal immigration enforcement, despite President Donald Trump's recent executive order mandating mass deportations. This announcement aligns with Chicago's longstanding commitment to protect its immigrant communities. Mayor Brandon Johnson has consistently emphasized the city's dedication to upholding the rights and safety of all residents, regardless of immigration status. This stance was reinforced when the Chicago City Council decisively rejected a proposal that would have permitted CPD collaboration with federal immigration authorities. The council's 39-11 vote underscored a unified message: Chicago remains a sanctuary city committed to safeguarding its diverse populace.  The CPD's policy is clear: officers are prohibited from assisting in civil immigration enforcement. This directive ensures that individuals can interact...