Nigerian Prof Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua emerges world’s first black woman Ph.D holder in Cybernetics.

Nigerian female scholar, Professor Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua, has become the first black woman to earn a doctorate degree (Ph.D) in Cybernetics in the world.

Cybernetics is the scientific study of how information is communicated in machines and pieces of electronic equipment in comparison with how information is communicated in the brain and nervous system.

Ekeng-Itua is a pioneer educator, administrator and engineer championing leading roles in Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) challenges in Africa, and paving the way for the African youth, especially girls.

She earned the premiering degree from the University of Reading in the United Kingdom under the supervision of her first Ph.D supervisor Prof. Kevin Warwick and the first human Cyborg in the world.

Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua is a multi-award-winning professor of engineering with over 20 years of experience in Engineering and STEM Education cutting across the USA, Europe and Africa, leading the creation of innovative programmes in STEM, whose fascination with technology took root in her childhood in Nigeria.

Surrounded by a culture that often-discouraged girls from pursuing scientific fields, she found her passion in understanding how things worked and the potential for innovation.

Her thirst for knowledge led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, followed by a master’s degree in Mobile and Satellite Communications Engineering in the United Kingdom.

Driven by ambition and a relentless desire to break boundaries, she went on to make history by earning her doctorate in Cybernetics.

Despite facing extra-layered challenges as a woman of color in a male-dominated field, gender biases and a lack of readily available role models, she refused to let these obstacles define her.

Speaking about challenges encountered in achieving success in a recent interview, Ekeng-Itua said, “Every challenge became fuel for my determination. I realised that my success would not only open doors for myself but would serve as an example for other women and girls who might otherwise doubt their capabilities.”

“I am a Dreamer-Doer-Thinker, so I always had dreams, but my dreams were not necessarily focused on being ‘great’, but more on how I could be a positive change agent, and how to create initiatives, programs and technologies that will impact the world positively. I am human-centric in my approach to making positive change hence, the field of Cybernetics gave me that opportunity as Cybernetics is centered on purposeful design of technologies for society and humans.

“This has always been my passion, and pursuing my passion and the dream to disrupt some societal misnomers propelled me to being the first black woman to earn a doctorate degree in Cybernetics. Being the first in anything is always retrospective, for me, the initial focus is always creating positively transformative impact.”

The female scholar further said her passion for Mathematics and Physics at an early age informed her choice of career.

“I wanted to pursue a career that would give me the opportunity for creativity, innovation, collaboration, and positive impact in communities”, she added.

“It was also born from my wish at the age of nine to create platforms that connected the world to foster global unity for progress and appreciative understanding of global cultures. At that young age, I noticed a huge disconnect in what the Global North thought they knew about Africa which I call the Global South.”

MTN Nigeria released its Q1 2024 results, showing revenue of N752.9 billion, up 32.5% compared to N568.1 billion for the same period in 2023.

However, the company reported a pre-tax loss of N575.69 billion, a sharp reversal from the N162.9 billion profit reported a year earlier.

MTN’s swing into loss was primarily driven by exchange rate depreciation, incurring a staggering N656.3 billion in foreign exchange losses.

Key highlights

Revenue: N752.9 billion, +32.5%

EBITDA: N296.9 billion, -1.9%

Net Finance Cost: N749.7 billion, +1,615.5%

Net Foreign Exchange loss: N656.3 billion, +14489.2%

Pre-tax loss: N575.69 billion (+N162.9 billion)

Loss after tax: N392.69 billion (+N108.4 billion)

Net Assets: -N437 billion (-N40.8 billion)

Free Cash flow: N177.2 billion (-35.6%)

Capex: N390.6 billion (+49.1%)

Mobile subscribers: 77.7 million (+1.3%)

Data subscribers: 44.5 million (+8%)

MoMo Wallets: 4.8 million (+48.8%)

Ayobo Subscribers: 8.5 million (+27.3%)

Commentary

Revenue Growth: The company also experienced growth in all of its revenue lines including Voice, Data, FinTech and Digital revenue respectively.

- Voice and Data alone contributed N318.9 billion and N349.5 billion representing a 14.9% and 53.4% growth respectively.

- MTN also reported weaker EBITDA with N296.9 billion down 1.9% as EBITDA margins fell to 39.4% compared to 53.3% same period last year.

The company stated that the challenging operating environment citing rising inflation and continuous depreciation of the naira.

- “The operating environment in the first quarter remained very challenging, with rising inflation and continued naira depreciation off an already low base. The naira depreciated to an all-time low of N1,627/US$ at the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM) in March, from N907/US$ at the end of December 2023, before moderating to N1,309/US$ by the end of the quarter. Additionally, the inflation rate maintained an upward trajectory, rising to 33.2% in March, with an average rate of 31.6% in the quarter.”

MTN’s Outlook

- “Continued elevated inflation and unpredictable foreign exchange rates remain significant challenges for businesses. However, we remain focused on sustaining our commercial momentum, accelerating our service revenue growth, unlocking operational efficiencies, and strengthening our balance sheet to improve the profitability of our business. We do, however, also require regulated tariff increases to restore the profitability of the Company.”

Way forward

MTN reports it plans to grow revenues faster, repair margins, as well as rebuild reserves to
strengthen our balance sheet position by tariff increases, improving margins, optimize capex and reduce forex exposure.

We are focused on reducing the various exposures our business has to US$ volatility. One key area is the Company’s outstanding letters of credit (LC) obligations, which contribute to the volatility in our earnings through FX losses reported in our income statement. These obligations were raised in support of our capex requirements which are largely foreign currency denominated. In this regard, we have utilised the improved liquidity in the FX market to reduce the balance of outstanding LC obligations to US$243.4 million as at 31 March 2024, from US$416.6 million as at 31 December 2023.

A former Director of Information Technology of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. John Ayoh, has explained how he collected $600,000 allegedly for contract gratification for the embattled ex-apex bank governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele.

Ayoh, while being led in evidence by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), on Monday, April 29, told an Ikeja Special Offences Court that he spent eight years in the apex bank.

He told the court that he received a letter from the agency concerning two transactions which he facilitated through Emefiele.

Ayoh, Head of Procurement and Support Services (PSS) Department, told the court that the first envelope containing $400,000 was brought to his house in Lekki while he received the second envelope containing $200,000 at the Tinubu Head Office of the CBN.

Ayoh said he was vested with powers to receive applications for award of contracts to select successful bidders.

According to him, the first leg of the transaction was at his residence in Lekki Phase One while the second envelope money he received occurred at the Tinubu Head Office of the CBN.

He said: “The man to deliver the second transaction came to our office in Lagos and I informed the governor but he said he did not want to see a third party that I should bring the envelope myself.

“I complied with the instruction and went to his office and delivered it. Mr John Adeola was the one I sent my address to and he came to my house. He is the governor’s assistant and the total money I received on his behalf was $400,000 and $200,000, respectively.”

The witness informed the court that the vendors who allegedly brought the envelopes with money were in charge of the implementation of Netapp Storage Architectural and Infrastructural Services.

While under cross-examination by the first defence counsel, Mr. Olalekan Ojo (SAN), he told the court that his schedule of duties did not include running errands for Emefiele but he directly worked under him.

Ayoh confirmed to the court that Emefiele was not a member of the PSS but a member of the Major Contract Tender Committee (MCTC).

He added that he had never facilitated in the commission of any crime.

Ojo asked if the witness wrote in his statement that he was forced to aid or abet the commission of accepting gratification.

The witness said: “I do not remember the exact word that I used and I did not write in my statement that I opened the two envelopes on the two occasions to check the total sum of money.

“I wrote a statement and it implied that the money in the envelopes was given to me to influence the award of contract. I did not take part in the decision of the MCTC but I recommended that the award be given and I was not bribed.

“I was invited by the EFCC on February 17, I was not arrested but I returned home on administrative bail.”

The witness told the court that he operated under duress, while he received the two envelopes from the contractors.

“On your honour, did you indicate in your statement that you were acting under duress while running errands for the first defendant,” the learned silk asked.

The prosecution, however, objected to the question and argued that the statement of the witness was not before the court.

The first defence counsel sought that the statement of the defendant be admitted into evidence.

Justice Rahman Oshodi, thereafter, admitted the statement of the witness (three pages) into evidence, following arguments and counter arguments of the counsel.

The Senior Advocate reteirated that the witness showed to the court where it was written in his statement that he acted under duress.

The witness told the court that the instructions from Emefiele indicated that he bent rules.

The judge, thereafter, adjourned the case until May 3 for continuation of cross-examination.

Emefiele’s counsel also pleaded with the court to release the defendant to him on self-recognition because he had not met with his bail application.

The learned silk, however, prayed the court that the defendant would meet up before May 17.

There was no objections from the second defence counsel and the prosecution left the decision at the discretion of the court.

The average ‘Band A’ customer in Nigeria will now need as much as N170,000 for electricity per month, instead of the average of N50,000 that they were paying before now.

This follows the approval of a 240 per cent increase in the tariff of ‘Band A’ power customers from N66 per kilowatt hour (KwH) to N225/KwH starting from this month.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) yesterday approved an increase in the rate paid per Kwh of electricity from about N66 to N225 for the various distribution companies (DisCos) in the country.

Vice chairman of NERC, Musliu Oseni, speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, however, said the increase in tariff will only affect customers enjoying 20-hour power supply and above across the country. Other customers in Bands B, C, D and E who consume less than 20 hours of electricity per day are not affected by the increase.

NERC also stated that only a fraction of the over 3,000 DisCos’ feeders, that is fewer than 481 feeders, will be impacted, and this represents 15 per cent of the over 12 million electricity customers captured in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

Oseni also revealed that NERC had also ordered that the majority of the feeders which did not previously meet the 20-hour supply threshold be downgraded to lower bands.

“We currently have over 800 feeders that are categorised as Band A, but it will now be reduced to under 500. This means that 17 per cent of the feeders now qualifies as Band A.

“The commission, using technology, discovered that many of the feeders that the Electricity Distribution Companies currently brandish as Band A are not meeting the required service and as such the feeders were ordered to be downgraded immediately as a way of protecting consumers,” he said.

According to him, as part of enforcement mechanisms to ensure that areas affected by the review get the 20 hours supply, DisCos have been mandated to set up rapid response teams in locations where the feeders are located.

“This is to ensure that the customers can have access to the DisCos. They have also been mandated to publish the contact of the rapid response team where the customers are located.

“Failure to meet the commitment for seven consecutive days, the feeder will be downgraded immediately to the service level the DisCo is able to provide electricity to the feeder,” he said.

Oseni said where a DisCo failed to meet the commitment for two days, by the third day at 10am, the company must publish an explanation also via bulk SMS contacting the affected consumers on the feeder.

“They should explain why they could not meet the service for the two days and also submit the explanation to the commission,” he said.

LEADERSHIP reports that the Labour associations and the concerned public had advised the government not to remove electricity subsidy as canvassed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

In its recent report entitled ‘IMF Executive Board Concludes Post Financing Assessment with Nigeria,’ the IMF reiterated the importance of eliminating the subsidies to redirect resources towards more targeted and impactful social welfare programmes.

Amidst the prevailing cost-of-living crisis, the IMF proposed targeted social transfers to provide temporary assistance to the most vulnerable segments of the Nigerian population.

LEADERSHIP reported that the government may have concluded plans to hike electricity tariff to relieve pressure on fiscal spending. The federal government had now reduced electricity subsidies for 15 per cent of consumers to reduce its N3.3 trillion ($2.6 billion) cost, part of a series of reforms to ease pressure on public finances.

With the recent price hike, LEADERSHIP analysis indicates that an average Band ‘A’ consumer with the following appliances: one deep freezer, one fridge, three fans, two air conditioners, 15 bulbs, one pressing iron, one microwave oven and one electric kettle, who needed an average of N50,000 monthly to power his or her appliances before now, will now need N170,000 on the average to power his home, due to the new 240.9 per cent increase in tariff.

Also, the N50,000 electricity expenses, which could previously provide 757.57KwH or units, will now purchase only 222.2KwH or units.

Justifying this extra charges which will put further strain on the finances of many Nigerians, the NERC explained that these premium customers can now comfortably reduce or completely do away with their expenses on diesel and petrol generators as they will be enjoying quality power supply of 20 hours or more.

Oseni also gave assurance that where the stipulated hours are not fulfilled by the DisCos, the customers will be downgraded to lower bands.

Reacting to the new tariff regime, Labour groups and electricity consumers have frowned at the decision of the federal government to hike electricity tariffs for customers in Band A across the country.

This is even as Nigeria’s manufacturing sector is considering establishing its own power generation facility to cushion the effect of the new tariff announced by the federal government.

While the leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned the federal government against plunging Nigerians into further hardship amidst the current cost of living crisis, electricity consumers, especially Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have said such increase in electricity tariffs will lead to higher operational costs, coupled with the fact that so many goods and services are already on the high side at the moment.

NLC said additional hike in electricity tariff despite the poor supply at this critical time will not be a good decision.

The union noted that, with Nigerians trying to survive the current economic realities, a good government ought to think of how to address the their immediate needs rather than embarking on an over 300 per cent hike in electricity tariff.

NLC acting deputy general secretary, Comrade Ismail Bello, in a chat with LEADERSHIP, reiterated the earlier call by Labour against privatisation of the sector.

He said, “What is happening now is reconfirmation of what we told the general public and federal government during the privatisation period – that privatisation was not the solution to the problem in the sector.

“During the clamour for the privatisation, we told the government the ills of privatisation but they went ahead against the wish of Labour. We then warned the government that privatisation without good services will have effects on the population.”

Comrade Bello called on the government to have a rethink on the hike as it will add additional burden on the already suffering citizens, and push more Nigerians under the poverty bar.

‘What Nigerians need most at this period is to address the current economic realities rather than pushing them into more hardship with further hike in electricity tariff,’ he said.

Speaking with LEADERSHIP yesterday, the immediate past chairman of the Apapa branch of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Frank Onyebu said that, already, manufacturers are incapacitated by irregular supply which makes in-country produced goods not competitive. He stated that the decision is ill-timed and insensitive given the prevailing economic situation in the country.

According to him, stakeholders were not properly carried along in the hurried decision, and the manufacturers’ association may have no option but to fast-track the establishment of its power generation facilities.

According to him, since the government is not considering the plight of the informal sector, they will take strategic steps to support their businesses.

He recalled that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had been pushing for the hike which had met resistance from Nigerians but lamented the government had chosen to move along in that direction.

Onyebu, who is also the managing director of Universal Luggage Limited, said corruption is endemic in the management of electricity and petroleum industries.

Government, he said, should rather begin to think of how to boost food production and deploy infrastructure to support economic activities, noting that there is nothing to signify that money realised from petrol subsidy removal has been well utilised whereas the cost of running government is rising daily.

In his reaction, the convener of PowerUp Nigeria, Adetayo Adegbemle, said the increment is a long time coming.

“We have spoken so much about the federal government not being able to continue to carry the huge subsidy on electricity, and this is them acknowledging everything we have been telling them,” he said.

According to Adegbemle, the hike is not about helping the distribution companies, but it is about appropriate pricing for electricity.

He argued that this pricing is also along the whole value chain.

“You will recall that gas pricing also recently changed, so there’s no way the price of electricity will remain the same, especially with all macroeconomic indices having also increased.”

“We also need to understand that the power sector is mostly a private concern now, and it is no longer a government utility; so appropriate pricing is needed for us to see the growth of the industry,” he noted.

On adequate metering, he said the regulatory commission spoke about metering initiatives by the government, and at this point it is important that these metering initiatives are pushed through.

“We are also asking that institutional financing should be encouraged through regulations, maybe amending the MAP Regulations so that the huge metering gap can be closed up,” he added.

On his part, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr Muda Yusuf, said the power sector issue had become a major conundrum in the economy, stating that there is a major funding and liquidity crisis which is posing significant risks to investments in the electricity value chain.

“Costs across the chain have been rising as a result of the multiple macroeconomic headwinds. Meanwhile, the system is not generating the desired liquidity to match the escalating costs. Tariff review is thus an inevitability, but a 300 per cent increase in one fell swoop is difficult to justify,” he said.

He, however, expressed relief that the increase is not across board as only 15 per cent of electricity consumers are affected, targeting the segment with the highest ability to pay, which reflects some attributes of equity in pricing.

Dr Yusuf pointed out fundamental issues that need to be addressed in the electricity value chain.

“There are issues of technical and commercial losses which are yet to be addressed. These are inefficiency costs that consumers are compelled or expected to pay for as part of the cost recovery argument. And these costs are in billions of naira.

“There is also the exploitative practice of estimated billing. Millions of electricity consumers are yet to be metered,” he stated.

He noted that there is the problem of over centralisation of the power supply through the national grid model, saying there are capacity issues with some of the electricity distribution companies which contribute to the lapses in electricity delivery outcomes.

“The energy mix programme is yet to gain an impressive traction. It is important to fix these fundamental issues in the power sector. Fiscal policy measures should be immediately deployed to reduce costs across the entire electricity value chain,” he added.

A consumer, Sylvanus Okpara’ stated that for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), an increase in electricity tariffs will lead to higher operational costs coupled with the fact that prices of commodities are on the high side at the moment.

“This will have an adverse impact on their businesses, competitiveness and profitability, potentially leading to job cuts or reduced expansion opportunities,” he said.

He urged the government to ensure that vulnerable populations are not disproportionately affected, even as he decried the suddenness of government policies.

A project manager, Adeniyi Julius, noted that the increment will affect low-income families who find themselves in the category of those that would be affected as they are already financially strained.

According to him, “Low-income families may find it challenging to cope with higher electricity bills. This could lead to decreased usage of electrical appliances, affecting their quality of life and productivity.”

He, however, said the social and political implications cannot be ruled out as Nigerians are going through a lot.

“Electricity is a basic necessity, and any perceived unfairness in tariff increases can lead to public discontent and protests,” he stressed.

Similarly, a resident of Gbagada, Lagos, Blessing Oladipo, said she was not in support of the increase in the electricity tariff.

She queried “Is it the light that is almost nonexistent they are increasing the amount per kilowatt? I don’t even know what they are trying to do.

“For hours and days, we could not see a blink of light. We use prepaid metres. Since the beginning of February, we have hardly seen light. Phones and other appliances will be off for hours without a power source. I don’t know, if you ask others their story may be different, but for me, that has been my experience, and I do not buy into it.”

Also, an Ogun State resident, Ola Michael said increasing the electricity tariff is not a prudent decision at present.

“It would place undue strain on the populace given the current state of the economy. Furthermore, the inadequate lighting situation is unlikely to encourage compliance with any proposed price hike,” he said.

Broadcasting company, Multichoice, on Wednesday, increased the prices of its offerings in Nigeria four months after its last increment.

The company reviewed prices in its packages across the board. The new prices will take effect from May 1, 2024.

With the latest price hike, the DStv Premium package increased from N29,500 to N37,000. Similarly, the DStv Compact+ went up from N19,800 to N25,000 while the Compact package increased from N12,500 to N15,700.

The Comfam package moved from N7,400 to N9,300. Yanga package moved up from 4,200 to N5,100 while Padi package increased from N2,950 to N3,600. HDPVR was increased from N4,000 to N5,000, the Access Fees package from N4,000 to N5,000, and XtraView moved from N4,000 to N5,000.

Meanwhile, the Gotv Supa+ package moved from N12,500 to N15,700, Supa package from N7,600 to N9,600, and Max package from N5,700 to N7,200.

While the Jolli package was increased from N3,950 to N4,850, the Jinja package moved from N2,700 to N3,300, and Smallie package from N1,300 to N1,575.

The upward review of the broadcasting company’s offerings has stirred mixed reactions online, with social media users arguing that the increment was coming at the wrong time.

Reacting to the hike on X, a social media user, Kelvin Odanz, who tweets as @MrOdanz, asked Nigerians to explore other options rather than complain about the increase.

He wrote, “If you can afford stable Internet, there are so many other services you can use aside from DSTV. For football and other entertainment. Because aside football, nothing dey DSTV. Explore these options and stop whining.

“I am not even a fan of DSTV one bit. Aside from football, there’s basically nothing of note there. But this whole outrage over them hiking their price is quite hypocritical. Everyone has hiked the price of their goods/services. Even small businesses. So why shouldn’t DSTV do same?

Sharing his sentiment, @Letter_to_Jack said, “Electricity tariffs increased: Small rage. Cement prices through the roof: Small rage. Diesel to 1700/L at a point: Small rage. Indomie at 13k = small rage. Dstv increases prices: OUTRAGE! At this point, you’d think DSTV/MultiChoice is the only trigger Nigerians have.”

On his part, David Ofor, said while the price increase was understandable, it was important for the broadcasting company to justify it by offering value for the money.

He wrote, “I understand the fact that Multichoice is operating in a free market economy, and Govt has limited control mechanism in such. What people are complaining about is not primarily the price hike, but, the static content being provided, DSTV and GoTV have not improved on their services despite the plethora of increments over the years.

“They should justify the payments made, more so, why are they increasing now that Diesel prices are coming down and Naira is strengthening?”

While the debate continues, PUNCH Online looks at other alternatives Nigerians can consider for their pleasure.

DSTV — Despite the mixed reactions that greeted the increase, many Nigerians will continue with the broadcasting company. With several increments, Multichoice still boasts customers’ loyalty among other alternatives offering the same services.

Many households prefer DStv and GOtv as their source of entertainment. This may not be unconnected to the company’s premium in international sports broadcasting, particularly European leagues and UEFA Champions League.

When contacted on Friday, the spokesperson for Multichoice Nigeria, Caroline Oghuma, said despite the hike, subscribers can still enjoy their current price for the next year with a “Price Lock” incentive.

“With Price Lock, you can continue to pay your current subscription for up to a year, if you pay before your due date, each month,” Oghuma told our correspondent.

Star Times — The company, a major player in the Asian country’s Pay-TV market, has a considerable market share in some African countries, including Nigeria and Kenya.

Startimes has channels that include news, music, movies, and football channels, including exclusive rights to some football content.

The company recently secured the non-exclusive broadcast rights for the Spanish topflight league, LaLiga EA Sports and LaLiga Hypermotion, for the next five seasons.

LaLiga EA Sports is the premier football league in Spain and is considered one of the top professional leagues in the world, featuring 20 teams.

SLTV — SLTV is a premier satellite television company based in Nigeria. This direct-to-home satellite TV platform is operated by Metro Digital Limited.

Metro Digital SLTV has over 50 HD channels with 10 Sports channels that show live football matches from the Premier League, Champions League, Laliga, Seria A, and UEL among others with a monthly subscription ranging from N5,000 and N2,500.

“The objective of SLTV is to provide premium digital TV content to homes covering sports, entertainment, and news at affordable prices.

“SLTV is a customer-focused organization and we do everything possible to ensure that all our customers are satisfied,” the company wrote on its website.

Android TV Box — Android TV Box is entertainment equipment that is connected to a TV set that allows you to enjoy your favourite films, videos, series, live programmes, and games.

These versatile devices can stream content to your television, play locally stored files, video games, and more. The devices are affordable, with options to pay for streaming services of choice. An Android TV box connects to a TV through the HDMI connection on the back. Various streaming services and apps may then be viewed on your TV rather than on a tablet or laptop.

FireStick — Amazon Fire Stick is a streaming device that plugs into your TV’s HDMI port and gives you access to a variety of streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and HBO Max.

You don’t need to pay a monthly fee to use the Fire TV Stick itself, but Prime membership increases its value.

The United Kingdom (UK) and Canada are some of the best countries which Nigerians travel to for job opportunities and other lucrative side hustles.

As these advanced countries offer diverse visa programmes with blue-collar jobs for nationals to relocate, there are other side hustles or skill sets that Nigerians engage in to earn extra income.

In this article, there are top five lucrative side hustles for Nigerians in the UK and Canada.

1. Childcare

Childcare is the job of providing care and supervision for children when their parents are away. The childcare workers operate in hospitals, and schools but also work at private homes.

This childcare, also known as child-minding, is a profitable side hustle in the UK, especially among Nigerians who go about their official jobs and look for childcare workers to tend to their wards.

A Nigerian working as a private childcare worker can earn up to £200 from four families in a day by collecting £50 per family for the period they would be absent.

Speaking with Vanguard, a Nigerian student of Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, West Yorkshire, who spoke as an anonymous said childcare is a profitable side hustle in the UK.

“The ladies do child-minding, also known as childcare. Officially here in the UK, childcare is £4.5 per hour. Like me, who has three kids now, I pay £13.5 per hour. But, Nigerians doing this will render these services for £50 till you go to work and come back,” the source said.

“You don’t usually see immigrants taking their wards to official daycare. There are groups of women who do this in Manchester, Leeds and other places. All they need to do is post these services on the WhatsApp groups and they will negotiate.”

2. Photography

Photography is a lucrative job in Canada as people need pictures at events as memories for themselves or their family members.

This particular side hustle can fetch these professionals up to CA$200 within 30 minutes not interfering with their regular jobs. This skill can be practised anywhere in Canada.

A Nigerian who resides in Edmonton, Alberta, and works as a program officer in the Canadian civil service and preferred anonymity disclosed this to Vanguard.

“Number one (skill set) would be photography. It pays more than a regular job. You could make CA$200 within 30 minutes while making the same CA$200 when working a regular 9 to 5 job. It’s highly lucrative. And it can be anywhere in Canada. For photography, it depends on how established you are. I have seen quotes from CA$200 to CA$1000 for 1 hour shoot,” the source said

3. Catering and hairdressing

Catering and hairdressing are side hustles that bring income for Nigerian women who reside in Canada.

These two skills can earn you nothing less than CA$100 per service and the good thing is that they can be rendered in any province you migrate to in Canada.

The Canadian source further said, “For the women, some do hairdressing or catering. Also anywhere in Canada. Not restricted by location. Patronage for all these can be by any race. Catering and hairdressing can be from CA$100 minimum.”

4. Phone and laptop repairs

The UK source also disclosed that other skill sets that are profitable in the UK include phone-fixing, bricklaying and tile-fitting among others.

“Some do hair-making, guys are fixing phones and laptops. Some are fixing tiles, and some are doing bricklaying, but you need a license to grow in that. Fixing phones and laptops is negotiable. It depends on what you want to do but it cannot be less than £20, £30. Some can be £40 to £50,” the source said.

The source said these services are among the Nigerian community as part-time work which are reasonable for people to survive with.

“This one na Naija to Naija o. Na side hustle na, not for full-time. Everyone dey do full time in warehouses, care homes. Some do stewards and security. Lucky ones do customer care or work in bars and restaurants,” the source added.

5. Food delivery

The Canadian source added that food delivery also pays in Canada while mentioning that selling of products and importation of goods are also lucrative.

According to the Canadian source, a majority of male folks engage in food delivery and this can earn them a minimum of CA$20 per hour.

“There are others but these are the most common that I’ve seen. It’s subjective though. Some also sell stuff, import from Nigeria and sell especially food. Then there is food delivery. That’s like number one for guys. Average pay is $20 per hour. You choose your hours and when you work depending on how many deliveries you can make within an hour plus tips,” the source added.

The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, has initiated bankruptcy proceedings against the Chairman of Milan Industries Limited, Milan Nigeria Ltd and Milan Beverages Ltd, Rajesh Valecha and four other directors of the companies over their alleged inability to repay a N42billion debt.

The other directors, named in five petitions, now pending before two judges of the Federal High Court in Lagos, are: Ramesh Valechha, Vikram Valechha, Odunlami Bayo and Akin Femiwa Akinsola.

In the petitions filed by its lawyer, Kunle Ogunba, SAN, AMCON stated that the debt, which now stands at N41,511,758,031.14 arose from several loan facilities obtained from Skye Bank (now Polaris Bank) between 2010 and 2012 by Milan Industries Ltd and Milan Nigeria Ltd, for which the directors are now liable.

Stating that it has since acquired the debt from the bank, AMCON added that the debtor companies applied majority of the loan facilities to the construction of a 361-room hotel facility at 52 Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, formally known as Intercontinental Hotel (now Lagos Continental Hotel).

AMCON is praying the court for among others, an order appointing a trustee against the estate, funds, investment, shares or other interest of the directors, “principally as they may be vested, constituted or evinced in Milan Industries Limited, Milan Nigeria Limited, and Milan Beverages Limited which interest is held either directly or through the said Milan Industries Limited and/or in any other company within and outside Nigeria.

AMCON is equally seeking consequential order empowering it to sell the directors’ properties (be it landed or chattels) where – ever situate and/or found including but not limited to his shares principally in Milan Industries Limited, Milan Nigeria Limited, and Milan Beverages Limited which interest is held directly or through the said Milan Industries Limited either by private treaty or by public auction which occasion shall be published in two widely read and circulated national daily newspapers in Nigeria.

Also, AMCON wants an order granting it leave to appropriate or otherwise utilize the investments, shares or other interests of the directors in the companies and in any other company/corporate entity in Nigeria or outside Nigeria in partial or full satisfaction of the debt due, as the case may be.

On March 21 Justice Daniel Osiagor granted AMCON leave to effect substituted service of relevant court documents, including the petitions on Ramesh Valechha and Vikram Valechha. Similar orders for substituted service were earlier made in the petitions against the other three directors.

While Justice Osiagor is hearing three of the petitions (filed against Ramesh Valechha, Vikram Valechha and Akin Femiwa Akinsola), Justice Yelim Bogoro is handling two (filed against Rajesh Valecha and Odunlami Bayo).

Both judges had, in earlier rulings, issued ex-parte injunctions restraining the directors from tampering with their assets and ordering banks to provide information about their financial standing.

Popular chess master, Tunde Onakoya, has joined the league of Nigerians who recently won the Guinness World Record.

The 29-year-old Onakoya broke the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon in New York’s Times Square, when he reached the 57-hour mark, surpassing the previous record of 56 hours and 9 minutes.

The previous record of 56 hours, 9 minutes, was held by Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad in 2018.

Nigerian gourmet chef, Hilda Baci entered the Guinness World Record for longest cooking hours by an individual lat year.

The Guinness Book of Records is a reference book that chronicles human and natural world records.

It was first published in 1955 by the Guinness Brewery in Ireland and has since become one of the world’s most well-known and frequently read reference books.

Individuals or groups must submit proof to the Guinness World Records team and go through a verification process to qualify for a world record listing.

Below are a brief information about a list of Nigerians that have broken the Guinness World Records in recent times:

1. Hilda Baci in May 2023

Hilda Effiong Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci, entered the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual. Hilda Baci made Nigerians proud on May 15, 2023, in the cook-a-thon held in Lagos, which was set to last for 93 hours and eleven minutes.

2. Divine Ikubor (Rema) in May 2023

Nigerian music star, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, made it to the Guinness World Book of Records. Rema’s hit song, ‘Calm Down’ made history as the first No. 1 Hit on The Official MENA Chart (the world’s first regional streaming chart).

3. Gbenga Ezekiel in October 2022

Ezekiel achieved the most skips in one minute on one leg (278), breaking his own record of 265, and the most double under skips in one minute on one leg (144), beating the previous record of 132, set by India’s Himanshu Prajapati in 2021.

4. Folashade Oluwafemiayo in August 2022

In 2021, Folashade Oluwafemiayo won the gold medal in her event at the 2021 World Para Powerlifting Championships held in Tbilisi, Georgia. At this event, she also set a new world record of 152.5 kg. She competed at the 2022 Commonwealth Games where she won a gold medal in the heavyweight event.

5. Chukwuebuka Ezugha and Victor Richard Kipo in March 2022

The most consecutive passes of a football (soccer ball) between the head and soles (team of two) is 252, achieved by Chukwuebuka Ezugha and Victor Richard Kipo (both Nigeria), in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria, on 11 March 2022.

6. Vincent Okezie in March 2022

Vincent Okezie, on 3 March 2023, Master Okezie won his fifth GWR to become the current holder of the most football (soccer) ‘around the world’ tricks (71) with arms linked.

7. Bose Omolayo in December 2021

Bose Omolayo became the new Guinness World Record holder in 2021 when she made the heaviest para power lift by a female in the -79 kg category at 144 kg.

8. Chinonso Miracle Eche in October 2021

Chinonso Miracle Eze achieved the fastest time to 1,000 touches while balancing another ball on the head, and broke the Guinness World Records Holder for “Most Consecutive Football Touches In One Minute While Balancing a Ball On His Head.

9. Peter Aho in October 2021

Peter Aho became one of the bowlers from Nigeria to break the Guinness World Record after taking five wickets and a hat-trick in a T20i game and also holds the record for best bowling figures in T20is, claiming six wickets for five runs against Sierra Leone in 2021.

10. Bayo Omoboriowo in September 2021

Bayo Omoboriowo broke the Guinness World Record for creating The Largest Photo Book in 2021. The photo book, done in collaboration with The JT Agency and with the federal government’s support, is 60.84 square metres (654 square feet and 87 square inches) and was a recreation of a photo collection titled Discover Nigeria.

11. Tunde Onakoye in April 2024

Tunde Onakoya is the latest Nigerian to break the Guinness World Record after an unprecedented and uninterrupted 58-hour chess session, and reaching the 57-hour mark.

A former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, has hailed renowned chess master, Tunde Onakoya, for setting a new 60-hour chess marathon world record.

She expressed admiration for his achievement and cited a biblical passage, emphasizing the limitless possibilities for those who pursue their dreams.

Celebrating him on her X account, she wrote, “And it came to pass. 1 Corinthians 2v9.

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.

“Congratulations to you, #Tunde_OD !

“Your purposeful life will phenomenally unlock all you need to fulfil your dream for children today and generations to come. Godspeed!”

Onakoya broke the record of Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, who played for 56-hour, 9-minute in 2018.

Giving an update, his foundation, Chess in Slums Africa, wrote, “60 Hours for those who dare to dream! 60 Hours for the millions of children who have been told to abandon their dreams!

“60 Hours because one person decided that there is no future worth dreaming of that does not include them! It is now #Tunde60HoursofChess #Tunde_OD”

The new record holder said his attempt was to raise funds and awareness for providing educational opportunities to underprivileged children across Africa.

Filling Stations Slash Petrol Pump Price As Naira Appreciates to 7-Month High Against US Dollar

Some filling stations have decided to adjust their petrol pump prices downwards amid the appreciation of the naira against the US dollar.

This development could potentially lead to reduced transportation costs and alleviate inflationary pressures on households.

The Nigerian currency is currently exchanging against the dollar at its highest level in the last seven months

The pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, also known as petrol, has dropped from N640 and N660 per litre, which it sold a few weeks ago, to N620 per litre in some locations in Lagos state as naira appreciates significantly against the US dollar. Also, Legit.ng's visits to some Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited stations show the product is sold to motorists for around N580 per litre.

Although NNPCL has not officially announced new petrol prices in the country, the adjustments noticed in some filling stations in Lagos are a sign of good news to come amid the high cost of living.

Speaking on the development, Kunle Ademola, a fuel station manager in Lagos where petrol is sold at N620 per litre, explained that the depot price of petrol reduced the reason for the reduction from N650 to N620.

"For days, we have been closed and have just received our supply. Although other stations around us sell at N650, we are able to offer it at a cheaper rate because we just got a new supply which is less than what we paid previously."

Naira and fuel price.

In an earlier interview, Chinedu Okoronkwo, the former president of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), explained to Legit. ng the relationship between the performance of the Naira and the fuel price.

Okoronkwo had explained:

"Nigerians are aware that there is no more subsidy, and we have gotten into a new season where the market fundamentals are the ones playing the major role.

"As long as the dollar keeps rising in the foreign exchange market, the price of fuel in the country will continue to skyrocket and it is also in the reverse when naira get stronger."

Naira to dollar exchange rate

On Monday, April 15, 2024, the Naira closed at N1,136.04/$1 in the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM) foreign exchange (FX) market segment.

The new exchange rate represents a 0.6% or N6.34 value increase for naira compared to Friday’s closing rate of N1,142.38/$1.

Similarly, on the black market, the Naira appreciated further to N1,000 a dollar, the highest level in seven months.

Dangote refinery crashes diesel price

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the pump price of diesel has dropped from N1,700 per litre, which it sold a few weeks ago, to about N1,350 per litre in some locations in Nigeria following the product's sale by Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

Findings show that the $20 billion, 650,000 bpd-capacity refinery began pumping diesel to the domestic market on Wednesday, March 27, 2023.

Since it began selling diesel, the company reportedly sold at least one million litres from the refinery to each registered marketer.