Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on Tuesday defended his company’s multi-billion-dollar investment in ChatGPT developer OpenAI after the EU and Britain launched probes into whether it resembles a merger. Nadella was speaking on the sidelines during an event organised by Bloomberg at the World Economic Forum in the Swiss Alpine resort of Davos. “If we want competition in AI against some of the players who are completely already integrated, I think partnerships is one avenue of, in fact, having competition,” Nadella said. “I’m sure the regulators will look at it and say, ‘is this a pro-competition partnership or not?’ And to…
Author: Editor Francis
Recent developments suggest a potential escalation of global tensions, with reports indicating military preparations by both China and Germany, raising concerns about the prospect of armed conflicts. Chinese President Xi Jinping is reportedly orchestrating a purge within the country’s military, aiming to bring in generals willing to engage in warfare. The move, according to some experts, could signal a heightened risk of an invasion of Taiwan, potentially drawing the United States into a larger conflict. Gordon Chang, author of “China Is Going to War,” suggests that Xi is focused on gaining control of the military and ensuring the commitment of…
In response to the alarming deterioration of security in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister Nyesom Wike has called for an emergency security meeting to address the rising concerns and incidents of banditry, particularly the invasion of homes and abductions of residents in Abuja. Reports indicate that bandits have been brazenly breaking into houses and abducting individuals from their residences, leading to heightened tensions among FCT residents. The situation reached a tragic climax with the killing of several residents, including a 13-year-old secondary school student, due to the failure to meet ransom payment deadlines. Minister Wike, addressing the ongoing meeting,…
In a devastating incident on the bustling Airport Road in Lugbe, Abuja, the life of radio presenter Deborah Ohamara was tragically cut short when a heavy-duty truck laden with sand collided with her moving vehicle. The news of Ohamara’s untimely demise surfaced on social media, with Facebook user Nten Ekpang providing details of the accident. According to Ekpang, Ohamara’s vehicle was struck from behind by another car, leading to a collision with a moving trailer. The impact resulted in fatal injuries, ultimately claiming her life. A video shared by Ekpang captured the aftermath of the accident, providing a glimpse into…
In a recent visit to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) headquarters, Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, disclosed the Federal Government’s intention to gradually phase out electricity subsidies through a planned tariff hike. The move aims to alleviate the financial burden on government expenditures. Adelabu highlighted that the current electricity tariff charged by Distribution Companies (DISCOs) is not cost-reflective, prompting substantial government subsidies. In 2023 alone, nearly N700 billion was expended on electricity subsidies, and without adjustments, projections indicated a potential increase to N1.7 trillion. “To reduce the amount of subsidy required, there must be an upward review of the…
Geregu Power Plc has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing the N1 trillion market capitalization mark for the first time, marking its inclusion in the prestigious SWOOT group. At the conclusion of trading on January 15, 2024, the exclusive power company listed on the NGX experienced a notable 7.52% appreciation, closing at N429 per share and securing a market capitalization of N1.07 trillion. Femi Otedola, a prominent shareholder in Geregu Power Plc, has recently reclaimed his billionaire status, propelled by the increased value of his shares in FBN Holdings and Zenith Bank. Over the past 365 days, Geregu Power’s shares…
Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) and the Coalition for United Political Parties (CUPP) are urging a swift amendment to the Electoral Act in the wake of recent judgments delivered by the Supreme Court on election appeals in Zamfara, Kano, and Plateau states. In the Zamfara case, the appeal court declared the election inconclusive, while in Kano, the governor faced removal after votes from unsigned, unstamped, and undated ballot papers were deducted from his scores. In Plateau, the court ousted the governor and all lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for failing to comply with a court order to conduct…
In a recent development, the United Kingdom has unveiled an updated roster of licensed companies and organizations eligible to sponsor skilled immigrants through the temporary worker immigration route. The refreshed list, published on January 15, 2024, now boasts an impressive count of 99,856 approved entities, showcasing a substantial increase from the 68,630 companies listed in January 2023. The revised catalog spans a myriad of sectors, including technology, commerce, education, media and advertising, and engineering, among others. The skilled worker route encompasses diverse categories such as charity workers, skilled workers, creative workers, global business mobility, senior or specialist workers, and international…
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended Charles Ugwu, a former Minister of Commerce and Industry, for alleged conspiracy and loan fraud amounting to N3.6 billion. Ugwu, who served as a minister under late President Umaru Yar’Adua, was dismissed following a cabinet reshuffle. The arrest, conducted in collaboration with Chief Geoffrey Ekenma, took place on January 11, 2024, at No.2, Musa Yar Adua Way, New Owerri, Imo State. The action followed a petition from a new generation bank regarding an alleged fraud involving a company, Ebony Agro Industries Ltd., associated with the ex-minister. Investigations revealed that Ugwu and…
As of the close of 2023, inflation in Nigeria soared to a 21-year high of 28.92%, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. The headline inflation rate for December 2023 rose from 28.20% in November 2023, marking a 0.72 percentage point increase. The Central Bank of Nigeria’s inflation data since 2003 shows that December’s rate is officially the highest recorded, surpassing the previous record of 28.2% in August 2005 and November 2023. The major contributors to this inflation surge were food and non-alcoholic beverages (14.98%), housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuel (4.84%), clothing and footwear (2.21%), transport (1.88%), furnishings…
The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), has called on the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for an investigation into his company’s involvement in an alleged N438 million contract scam within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. New Planet Projects, a company allegedly owned by the minister, is said to have benefited from a contract irregularity in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. The CCB has initiated an inquiry into the matter, examining potential breaches of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers. According to an exclusive document obtained made available to GOVIMA, the CCB has requested the Minister’s appearance…
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fayoade Adegoke, has emphasized that no police officer is authorized to search the phones of Nigerian citizens. Adegoke clarified that the Police Force has a dedicated cyber section responsible for such activities, stating that if an officer suspects any wrongdoing, the individual will be taken to the police station for proper phone inspection. During his visit to Melody FM, 107.7FM, in Iyana-Ipaja on Wednesday, Adegoke commended the radio station for its informative efforts in serving the public. He reiterated the importance of citizens reporting any form of misconduct by police officers. A statement by…