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 Politics / Re: Military Deploys Armoured Vehicles Into Bomadi Creeks by Celestialsword: 7:13pm On Mar 18 |
pendragonbladgo:Why did they almagate the north and southern protectorate to form Nigeria, because the colonial masters were using the reasources of the south to run the north Right from time the north has nothing to sustain itself, hence the colonial masters did this forced marriage. The British government is still apologetic to the north up to this day The north cannot survive without the south hence they are against resource control |
| Education / Some Important Facts About Water by Celestialsword: 6:22pm On Mar 18 |
There are two kinds of water: salt water and fresh water. Salt water contains—you guessed it—large quantities of salt, while fresh water has a dissolved salt concentration of less than 1%. Only fresh water can be used as drinking water. Americans use five times the amount of water that Europeans use . A small drip from a faucet can waste as much as 75 litres of water a day. Frozen water is 9% lighter than water, which explains why ice floats. Water is the only substance on earth that is found naturally in three forms: liquid, solid and gas. A trillion tons of water is evaporated every day by the sun! If you ever catch a fever, be sure to drink lots of water—it regulates your body temperature. In Canada, there is more water underground than on the surface. Most of the water found on the earth's surface is permanently frozen or salty. Less than 1% of the water supply on earth can be used as drinking water. More than 90% of the world's supply of fresh water is located in Antarctica. The earth is a closed system that rarely loses or gains extra matter. Essentially, this means that the same water that existed on earth millions of years ago is still present today. Pure water has no smell and no taste. It also has a pH level of around 7. Canada is home to 25% of the world's wetlands. In fact, it's the largest wetland area in the world. Our bodies are 60-70% water; our brains are 75% water; our lungs are nearly 90% water; and our blood is about 82% water. 1 Like |
| Politics / Re: Military Deploys Armoured Vehicles Into Bomadi Creeks by Celestialsword: 10:08am On Mar 18 |
limeta:Is that a justification 1 Like |
| Politics / Military Deploys Armoured Vehicles Into Bomadi Creeks by Celestialsword: 9:00am On Mar 18 |
The Nigerian military, Sunday, deployed armoured vehicles to Bomadi, headquarters of Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, over the killing of several soldiers on peace and rescue mission in Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.vanguardngr.com/2024/03/delta-killings-military-deploys-armoured-vehicles-into-bomadi-creeks/amp/ 4 Likes 1 Share
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| Autos / 5 car Brands With The Most Reliable Engines by Celestialsword: 6:38pm On Mar 17 |
You can argue that tires are a car’s four most important safety and performance features, but all the basic components are equally critical. If any one of them fails, the vehicle becomes unusable. However, the engine is the heart of your car and the performance of any moving thing depends heavily on its heart. Speed and power are impressive, but Americans are increasingly driving their cars longer and want cars with engines that won’t let them down and won’t need inconvenient and expensive repairs. Some brands are known not only for the dependability of their cars, but of their engines as well. Here are five car brands that have the most reliable engines. 5. Ford It’s become second nature to say the most reliable cars on the market come from Japan and to a lesser extent, South Korea. That might be true, but U.S. brands know how to build advanced, efficient, high-performing engines that last ages. Ford has a long history with engines. In fact, Henry Ford’s first invention was the engine, which he eventually used to power his first car. Throughout its history, Ford engines have been synonymous with performance, reliability, and longevity, frequently taking their vehicles past owners’ mileage forecasts. Ford’s tenacious 5.0 Coyote V8 and 3.5 V6 EcoBoost engines are making way for new engine technology for internal combustion vehicles, hybrids and electric production. 4. Chevrolet Owning many distinct car companies over the years — including Buick, Cadillac and Lotus now and Oldsmobile, Pontiac and Saturn in the past — General Motors has built countless engines. However, Chevrolet stands out among GM’s subsidiaries for its reliable and powerful engines that hold up even after a few odometer rollovers. While Chevy’s diesel motors are tough to beat, its V8s are iconic. The LS engine has gone through three generation changes since 1997 and has proven to be easy to maintain and trouble-free throughout its lifespan. The 5.7-liter LT1 engine powered Corvettes and Camaros with plenty of horsepower during the 1990s and the new Gen V engines are moving Chevrolet up J.D. Power’s dependability rankings every year. 3. Lexus According to J.D. Power’s 2023 Vehicle Dependability Study, Lexus topped the list of rankings and the RX model was named the most dependable vehicle on the market (tied with Toyota’s C-HR). For 2024, the luxury brand led its segment and the overall industry for the second year in a row. Dependability has quickly become Lexus’ hallmark, which can’t be said about most other luxury brands on the market. According to RepairPal, Lexus owners usually spend around $551 per year on maintenance and upkeep. Equipped with engines like the 1UR-FE, 2JZ and 2GR variants, Lexus (and some Toyota) models are some of the most reliable cars you can buy. 2. Honda For decades now, Honda has built a reputation for engines that can rack up miles without anything more than regular maintenance and care. Offhand, the typical lifespan of a Honda car is about 200,000 miles. However, many Honda models are known to outlast their owners’ wildest expectations. Whether a Honda carries a K-Series engine (Honda Civic SI, Element, CR-V), a J35 (Honda Pilot, Acura MDX, Honda Accord, Honda Odyssey) or an H22A (turn of the century Preludes and Accord SiR Sedans and Wagons), you’re assured of top-of-the-line reliability and endurance. 1. Toyota You don’t become the world’s best-selling and most reliable brand without making great engines that perform consistently well. Over the years, Toyota has introduced resilient engines that have regularly given owners hundreds of thousands of miles of driving enjoyment. CarBuzz singles out a few sturdy Toyota engines that have stood the test of time, including the 3.5-liter V6 2GR engine, which has driven many of the brand’s most popular models (Tacoma, Camry, Highlander and Avalon; Lexus ES, GS, IS and RX). Special mention should go to the powerful 1JZ and 2JZ engines and to the UZ family of engines, which have powered many of Toyota’s luxury sedans, minibusses, pickup trucks (e.g., the Tundra) and off-road SUVs (e.g., Land Cruiser, Sequoia, and Lexus LX/GX). 1 Like |
| Romance / Re: Money Is The Most Important Thing In Life by Celestialsword: 10:01am On Mar 17 |
Solofresh2:After God na money 5 Likes |
| Politics / Nigeria Gets N3.64trillion VAT In 2023 by Celestialsword: 1:55am On Mar 17 |
Nigeria has recorded a 45.02% increase in its Value Added Tax (VAT) collections, amassing a total of N3.64 trillion in 2023, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This considerable growth, up from N2.51 trillion collected in 2022, underscores the country’s strengthening economic landscape amidst various reforms and measures aimed at enhancing tax compliance and broadening the tax base. A breakdown of the 2023 VAT revenue reveals a comprehensive contribution from different segments, including local non-import VAT, which accounted for N2.10 trillion, non-import (foreign) VAT at N824.60 billion, and NCS (Nigeria Customs Service)-import VAT tallying up to N714.51 billion. This diversified revenue source underscores Nigeria’s multifaceted economic activities and the government’s efforts to harness these sectors for national development. Top Three Highest Paying Sectors The manufacturing sector emerged as the highest VAT contributor with a staggering N578.4 billion, marking a 21% increase from its previous year’s contribution of N477.43 billion. Despite this achievement, the sector faces challenges such as widespread smuggling, which not only undermines legitimate businesses but also significantly dents the government’s revenue collection. Following closely, the Information and Communication sector boasted a VAT contribution of N412.3 billion, witnessing a 53% surge from the N268.84 billion recorded in 2022. The sector’s growth, however, is somewhat throttled by limited broadband penetration, especially in rural areas, affecting the full realisation of its potential and broader access to ICT. The Mining and Quarrying sector also saw remarkable growth, with its VAT contribution jumping 64% to N260.0 billion from N158.49 billion in the previous year. The sector’s sustainability and growth are contingent upon addressing the pervasive issue of illegal mining, which results in significant revenue loss and environmental degradation. Top Three Lowest Paying Sectors On the flip side, the sectors with the least VAT contributions include activities of households as employers and undifferentiated goods- and services-producing activities of households for own use, which slightly grew by 11% to N367.93 million in 2023 from N332.70 million in 2022. The water supply, sewerage, waste management, and remediation activities sector experienced a decline, posting a -31% annual growth with a VAT collection of N1.11 billion in 2023, down from N1.60 billion in 2022. Meanwhile, activities of extraterritorial organisations and bodies saw a significant 44% growth, with VAT collections rising to N1.27 billion in 2023 from N882.97 million in the previous year, reflecting the sector’s gradual but positive trajectory in its financial contributions. 1 Like 1 Share |
| Politics / Re: Tension As Youths Kill Army Commander, Two Majors, 13 Soldiers In Delta by Celestialsword: 4:07pm On Mar 16 |
Youth overzealousness, |
| Business / Nigeria SEC Seek To Raise Cryptocurrency Exchange Registration Fee by Celestialsword: 2:18pm On Mar 16 |
Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has proposed an amendment to the rules guiding platforms offering crypto services, suggesting a hike in the registration fee for crypto exchanges from 30 million naira ($18,620) to 150 million naira ($93,000). https://techpoint.africa/2024/03/15/registration-fees-crypto-exchanges-increased/ 4 Likes 3 Shares
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| Politics / Nigeria Successfully Pays Back China,india IMF Others, $560m Debt In 2024 by Celestialsword: 12:12pm On Mar 16 |
Nigeria Successfully Pays Back China, India, IMF, Others $560m Debt in 2024, More to be Paid Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at 11:50 AM by Zainab Iwayemi Data by the CBN has shown that in January 2024, Nigeria paid $560 million to repay debt owed to various countries and organisations Analysis showed the amount is greater by 339% compared to the amount spent for the same purpose last year. This came amid a report that estimated that Nigeria's total public debt stood at N87.91 trillion as of September 2023 PAY ATTENTION: Follow our WhatsApp channel to never miss out on the news that matters to you! Legit.ng journalist Zainab Iwayemi has over three years of experience covering the Economy, In January 2024, the federal government paid $560 million to service the nation's external debt. FG paid $560 million to service the nation's external debt In January 2024. Photo Credit: FG Source: UGC Compared to the $112 million paid on debt service in January of 2023, the amount spent in January was 339% greater, according to a ThisDay analysis of the Central Bank of Nigeria's (CBN) Weekly International Payments. Breakdown of debt payment last year Nigeria paid $3.5 billion in 2023 as repayment for its external debt, a substantial rise above the $2.4 billion spent in 2021. The monthly analysis of Nigeria's debt service in 2023 shows dynamic patterns that provide insight into the nation's economic climate. Debt servicing totalled $112 million at the start of the year, while there was a significant increase in February, hitting $288 million. The debt servicing escalates to $400 million as the pace continues throughout March. Debt servicing records a decrease in April of $93 million but increases in May to $221 million. The month of July stands out as a peak month, exceeding $641 million, while June exhibits a notable adjustment at $54 million. In August, the amount falls precipitously to $310 million but rises to $439 million in September. After reaching $65 million at year-end adjustments, there is a noticeable decline towards the end of 2023, and in January 2024, there is another big peak of $560 million. In a recent report, Legit.ng reported that data from the Debt Management Office (DMO) shows that Nigeria's total public debt stands at N87.91 trillion as of September 2023. The increased debt profile comes four months after President Tinubu and 18 new governors came into office in May 2023. Naij.com Media Limited, 2024 All rights reserved Read more: https://www.legit.ng/business-economy/industry/1583287-nigeria-successfully-pays-china-india-imf-560m-debt-2024-paid/ 1 Like 1 Share |
| Foreign Affairs / If The US Bans Tik Tok, China Will Be Getting A Taste Of Its Own Medicine by Celestialsword: 11:16am On Mar 16 |
TikTok is now facing a ban in the United States, a fate that has already befallen a string of American social media giants that tried to make it in China. On Wednesday, the US House of Representatives passed a bill which could ban TikTok in the country if its Chinese owner ByteDance doesn’t sell the app to an entity that satisfies the US government. “The bill passed by the US House of Representatives puts the US on the opposite side of the principle of fair competition and international economic and trade rules,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a briefing Thursday. But American apps have long been barred in China. Beijing currently blocks most US social media platforms — including Google, YouTube, X, Instagram, WhatsApp and Facebook — because they refuse to follow the Chinese government’s rules on data collection and the type of content shared. In 2010, Google pulled out from mainland China after operating there for four years. It said at the time that it was no longer willing to continue censoring results on Google.cn, citing Chinese-originated hacks on it and other US companies. More than 10 years after that high-profile retreat, the shoe is on the other foot, even if the circumstances aren’t exactly the same. “The TikTok bill appears likely to become law and China’s displeasure seems ironic, if not hypocritical, given its stance toward American social apps,” said Brock Silvers, managing director at Kaiyuan Capital. Asked about China’s stance on US apps, Wang said “this is completely different” and “you can clearly see what is bullying and what is gangster logic.” The focus is now on the US Senate, where many lawmakers said they are still evaluating the legislation. President Joe Biden has said he will sign the bill if it reaches his desk. US officials and legislators have long expressed concerns about TikTok’s potential national security risks, including that it could share data with the Chinese government, or manipulate content displayed on the platform. But TikTok has rejected the claims. On Thursday, following the House vote, the Chinese Commerce Ministry pledged that the country would take “all necessary measures” to safeguard its interests regarding TikTok. The Chinese government has said it strongly opposes a forced sale of TikTok, and it has the legal ability to do so. It views TikTok’s technology as highly valuable and has taken steps since 2020 to ensure it can veto any sale by ByteDance. In August 2020, following an attempt by the Trump administration to force the sale of TikTok, Beijing revised its export control rules to cover a variety of technologies it deemed sensitive, including technology that appears similar to TikTok’s personalized information recommendation services. Years later, in March 2023, a Commerce Ministry spokeswoman said in the government’s first direct response to the matter that China would oppose any forced sale of TikTok, because a sale or divestiture of the app would involve exporting technology and had to be approved by the Chinese government. Beijing has not indicated any change to this position since then. TikTok’s algorithms, which keep users glued to the app, are believed to be key to its success. The algorithms give recommendations based on users’ behavior, thus pushing videos they actually like and want to watch. “TikTok’s crown jewel, its AI algorithms, will put the company into a legal tug of war,” said Winston Ma, adjunct professor at New York University School of Law, adding that ByteDance is subject to Chinese laws that require it to seek Beijing’s approval before selling advanced technologies. Silvers said it was possible that TikTok could seek a “middle ground” to try to meet US requirements for ownership, but it’s unclear whether American concerns can be mollified by cosmetic change. He said the episode is likely to worsen relations between Beijing and Washington, which are already mired in an escalating battle over access to advanced technology such as computer chips and AI. “Markets should expect [China to have] retaliatory actions against US firms as tech and trade issues continue on a negative trajectory,” he said. If TikTok is eventually banned, more Chinese-owned apps in the US may be next in line, according to Alex Capri, a research fellow at the Hinrich Foundation and a lecturer at the National University of Singapore Business School. “This latest episode with TikTok underscores the need for a much more robust regulatory framework in the US to address existential issues wrought by big-tech, in general,” he said. Applications from Chinese developers popular in the US App Store or Google Play include budget retailers Temu and Shein, as well as short-form video editing app Capcut, which is also owned by ByteDance. “This legislation marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle for control over emerging public opinion spaces, deepening the geopolitical contest between China and the US,” said Craig Singleton, senior China fellow at the non-partisan Foundation for Defense of Democracies in Washington, DC. On Chinese social media site Weibo, hashtags related to TikTok being potentially banned in the US were trending on Thursday, generating 78 million views and thousands of discussion posts. “Why can’t we just talk about business instead of elevating everything to the national [security] level?” said Weibo user “Mastering technology” in a post that was ranked “hot” by the platform. “Direct interference in business operations is inconsistent with the values of free market economy that the US has always advocated.” Some online commentators urged Beijing to retaliate by taking action against US companies operating in China. But that was questioned by other users. “We’ve already been unable to use Google, Twitter, and Facebook for more than a decade,” said one user. “I think we are way ahead of the US in blocking foreign news media [services].” “While China has completely banned [these] American apps, TikTok enjoys all the benefits of America’s free and open legal and political systems,” he said. |
| Phones / Undersea Cable Damage Causes Internet Outage In Nigeria,telecos,banks Hit by Celestialsword: 5:10am On Mar 16 |
Telecommunications companies and banks in Nigeria have been hit by an internet outage as a result of damage to international undersea cables supplying them with connectivity. Nairametrics gathered that the damage affected major undersea cables near Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire and is causing downtime across West and South African countries. The West Africa Cable System (WACS), the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE), MainOne, and SAT3 cables are affected. Some bank networks in Nigeria have been down and unable to process transactions as a result of the internet outage. Telecom subscribers, especially, those of MTN have also been complaining of poor data experience since Thursday morning. “We apologize for the challenges you may be experiencing with internet speed and accessing data services at the moment. “This is a result of damage to international undersea cables across East & West Africa. The repair process is ongoing to resolve the situation as soon as possible. Please look out for further updates.” In the banking space, Sterling Bank is one of the banks hit by cable damage as the bank’s network was shut down and could not process any transactions. A visit to one of the bank’s branches in the Ogba area of Lagos State confirmed this as all customers attempting to enter the bank’s hall were being turned back. When asked the reason, one of the staff of the bank said: “Our network is down and it is bank-wide, you don’t need to go to another branch. Our app is also down for now, please try it again later in the day for your transaction.” Networks in South Africa are down as well According to reports from local media, the cable damage has also caused a massive internet problem in South Africa |
| Foreign Affairs / Burkina Faso,mali And Niger Hint At A New West African Currency by Celestialsword: 11:27pm On Mar 15 |
Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali, three former French colonies, have experienced military coups in recent years. They’re now all ruled by military regimes. They also formed a new defence alliance, known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) has condemned these coups and imposed sanctions on the countries involved. In response, these countries decided to withdraw from Ecowas. However, they remain members of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (Uemoa). Uemoa has a common currency, the CFA franc, which is issued by the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO). The BCEAO and the Banque de France are bound by cooperation agreements that include the deposit of a portion of foreign exchange reserves at the Banque de France and France guaranteeing the CFA franc. What conditions must be met for a multilateral currency to work? To successfully launch and maintain a multilateral currency, several key factors must be considered. First, macroeconomic and budgetary policies must be closely coordinated. Rigorous harmonisation of economic and budgetary policies between participating countries is imperative to guarantee the stability of the currency’s value and prevent trade imbalances. This will help maintain the confidence of economic players and promote regional growth. Second, robust monetary management institutions must be established. Strong institutions responsible for currency management, like a common central bank, are essential. This central bank must have adequate authority to implement an independent and stable monetary policy. This will ensure the preservation of the currency’s value and address cyclical fluctuations. Third, creating an integrated common market is vital. The unrestricted flow of goods, services, capital and labour is key to driving economic growth and enhancing regional cooperation. The current framework provided by the West African Economic and Monetary Union offers a significant advantage in this regard. Finally, mechanisms to monitor and resolve crises need to be established. For instance, common reserve funds and currency swap arrangements could help address external and internal shocks that may affect the new currency. Currency swaps – when two parties exchange amounts in two different currencies for a certain period at a fixed rate – can be used to manage exchange rate risks and facilitate cross-border financing. Are these conditions met in Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali? It’s difficult to say whether these conditions have been fully met in the three countries. It would mean having a firm understanding of whether these, among other, conditions have been met: Does their monetary union membership make any difference? These three countries have been part of the West African Economic and Monetary Union since 1963. In theory, this should give them some experience in coordinating economic and monetary policies through the CFA franc. They could have experience with infrastructure, like the Central Bank of West African States (which manages the single currency and monetary policy for member states), that would help them with the transition. What are the potential gains and risks of the initiative? Despite the risks involved, the initiative could bring several benefits. Establishing a larger monetary zone can foster greater trade integration and improved resource allocation. It could enhance the country’s “flexibility” in dealing with external partners. By joining a new monetary union, these three countries could also benefit significantly from increased trade integration, independence from external partners, lower transaction costs and investor attractiveness. Nevertheless, this initiative also entails risks, particularly with regard to their position within the West African Economic and Monetary Union and Ecowas. The latter could perceive the creation of a new currency as a threat to their regional influence. It could cause the fragmentation of existing economic blocs. In addition, the departure of the three countries could weaken the solidity of the West African Economic and Monetary Union and Ecowas in terms of economic and political influence. There are also risks that the currency could quickly lose value. The new currency could depreciate against the CFA franc. This could have substantial negative repercussions for exporters to other West African Economic and Monetary Union countries. Second, without proper formal frameworks to control and manage the new currency, speculation and uncertainty regarding its value may emerge. This is why establishing robust institutions to support the management and supervision of the new currency is crucial. How will the new currency affect trade in the zone? The creation of a new currency by these three nations could, temporarily, have a negative impact on their trade with countries within the current bloc. It could even lead to some turbulence in trade with countries outside it. The transition to a new currency typically introduces a level of uncertainty among economic actors and trading partners, as questions arise about the currency’s value, convertibility and stability. This adjustment phase can lead to a temporary slowdown in trade. In addition, the introduction of a new currency often requires legislative and regulatory changes, especially regarding foreign exchange operations and customs duties. These can act as administrative and regulatory barriers and result in delays in commercial transactions. During the transitional period, there may be fluctuations in exchange rates. This will lead to disparities between the old and new currencies. It can affect price competitiveness between exporters and importers and reduce the overall volume of trade. The perceptions and attitudes of external partners matter when a new currency is announced. Some trading partners may exhibit reluctance or express doubts regarding its reliability and credibility. This could diminish their willingness to continue trading with member countries of the zone. Could the move isolate them? The creation of a new currency by these three countries may indeed raise questions about their potential isolation. However, such an initiative should not automatically lead to a diplomatic rupture or total marginalisation. To avoid this, proactive communication, constructive cooperation and balanced, inclusive regional economic integration are key. This will help mitigate the risks of isolation for Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger in their monemtary journey |
| Politics / Re: Nigeria's Oil Output Closes In On 1.5 Million Bpd by Celestialsword: 8:16am On Mar 15 |
seunmsg:with the serious fight against oil theft, if it is sustained, with time,it's going to rise. |
| Politics / Re: Nigeria's Oil Output Closes In On 1.5 Million Bpd by Celestialsword: 8:15am On Mar 15 |
malali:what about the crude for Petro deal with Dangote refinery,is Nigeria not his first and primary market before export. The production hitting 1.5 MPD shows that the fight against oil theft is yeilding good results. |
| Politics / Re: Nigeria's Oil Output Closes In On 1.5 Million Bpd by Celestialsword: 7:11am On Mar 15 |
malali:There's a ready international market for nigeria crude,so with or without Dangote refinery,the government can pay full fuel subsidy. Even at the 1.5 mbd nigeria is producing far below expectation |
| Politics / Nigeria's Oil Output Closes In On 1.5 Million Bpd by Celestialsword: 5:01am On Mar 15 |
Nigerian oil production, beleaguered by rampant theft and sabotage, hit its highest in more than three years amid a concerted effort to crack down on targeted attacks and organized theft rings. According to OPEC data, the country's production hit 1.476 million barrels per day (bpd) in February, after hitting a decades-low in the second half of 2022, when it dropped below 1 million bpd. Since then, the government has pursued a more efficient and aggressive policy for cracking down on theft and pipeline sabotage, hiring private security firms to bolster military efforts to guard facilities. As of this week, Nigeria is pumping more than it has since December 2020. Nigeria has consistently failed to produce to its quota in the OPEC+ agreement. The combination of pipeline vandalism and oil theft with a lack of investment in capacity has made Nigeria the biggest laggard in crude oil production in the OPEC+ alliance. Oil theft and pipeline vandalism have long plagued Nigeria's upstream oil and gas industry, driving majors out of the country and often resulting in force majeure at the key crude oil export terminals. Nigeria's oil production is around 1 million bpd below its capacity. The government has cited a lack of investments, a shortage of funding sources because of the energy transition, and insecurity among the factors driving the situation. Unhindered by theft and sabotage, Nigeria has the technical allowable capacity to produce about 2.5 million barrels of oil per day," according to Nigerian oil executives. Nigeria's state-run NNPC energy company said earlier this week that it had destroyed more than 6,000 illegal refineries processing stolen crude, Reuters reported. State energy company NNPC Limited had so far destroyed over 6,000 illegal refineries used to process stolen crude. |
| Foreign Affairs / Re: US, Germany And EU Embassies Begin Evacuating Staff in Haiti by Celestialsword: 7:04pm On Mar 13 |
Ezepeaceada:please don't derail this thread |
| Foreign Affairs / US, Germany And EU Embassies Begin Evacuating Staff in Haiti by Celestialsword: 6:49pm On Mar 13 |
The United States and other diplomatic missions have begun evacuating personnel from Haiti, as gang violence in the Caribbean nation’s capital Port-au-Prince continues to spiral. One evacuation operation carrying staffers from the German and European missions was forced to turn down requests to help evacuate others on Sunday, a source involved told CNN, as some in the diplomatic community in Port-au-Prince worry about where gang attacks could turn next. The US military said on Sunday it conducted an operation to airlift non-essential personnel from the US embassy and to bolster the security of its mission in the capital. Port-au-Prince has seen a wave of highly coordinated gang attacks on law enforcement and state institutions that threatens to topple the government and which has forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes. The US State Department arranged for the evacuation overnight due to “heightened gang violence in the neighborhood near US embassy compounds and near the airport,” the embassy said in a post on X early Sunday. US Southern Command said the move was consistent with “standard practice for Embassy security augmentation worldwide.” No Haitians were on board the military aircraft, it added. “Our Embassy remains focused on advancing US government efforts to support the Haitian people,” US Southern Command said in a statement Sunday, adding that the evacuation helps to “allow our Embassy mission operations to continue.” President Joe Biden approved the operation, according to a National Security Council spokesperson, and remains “deeply concerned” about the situation. Helicopter evacuation The German and European Union missions in Port-au-Prince have also evacuated diplomatic staff, including their ambassadors, according to two sources with knowledge of the situation. CNN has reached out to both for comment. Among the passengers onboard an evacuation flight Sunday was German ambassador Peter Sauer and European Union ambassador Stefano Gatto in an operation led by the EU that took several days of intensive planning and coordination on both sides of the Dominican-Haitian border, according to the source, who was involved in the operation. Haiti’s international airport is closed due to the insecurity and its main container port terminal, run by Caribbean Port Services, was attacked and looted on March 8. The Dominican Republic’s airspace is closed to Haiti, however Dominican authorities made a rare exception to allow a small commercial helicopter to cross from their territory into Port-au-Prince and back, making at least two swift trips in a row, the source said. The trip made use of a dirt landing strip at a military base on the Dominican side of the border, rather than helipads further away in Santo Domingo, in order to be as fast as possible, they said. As others seeking to leave Haiti caught wind of the plan, the trip’s organizers had to turn down a number of requests to join the flights due to the small size of the aircraft. In total around a dozen people were moved out of Haiti, the source said. The decision to leave was motivated by the escalation of violence seen in Port-au-Prince in recent days, with the source saying credible intelligence had emerged suggesting gangs — which have so far been attacking Haitian government institutions and police — might move toward Petionville, a hilly well-to-do area where several luxury hotels and embassies are located. The escape of several thousand prisoners from Haiti’s National Penitentiary — which prompted the Haitian government to declare a state of emergency last Sunday — was also a factor, they said. The source emphasized that many diplomatic missions in Port-au-Prince do not have the kind of defensive military muscle that the US embassy boasts. In addition to the possibility of danger, working amid the current chaos had become untenable, with shops running out of food and only intermittent electricity and communications, the source added. Another source with knowledge of the operations told CNN there have been at least 12 helicopter evacuation flights into Port-au-Prince over the past three days, all evacuating diplomatic and humanitarian staff. Those flights were commercial charter, not military. On Saturday, at least one flight was carrying US, Canadian and French nationals. However, shots fired nearby after the last flight’s take off on Sunday have called into question the viability of continuing the evacuation flights, the source said. A statement from the EU delegation in Haiti on Sunday said it has temporarily closed its offices and reduced its presence in the country. “We will return as soon as security conditions permit,” the statement said. Gang leader’s threats Haitian gang leader Jimmy Cherizier has said he will continue in his effort to try to oust Prime Minister Ariel Henry, warning of “a civil war that will end in genocide” if the prime minister does not step down. Cherizier, a former police officer who heads an alliance of gangs, has faced sanctions from both the United Nations and the US Department of Treasury. The chaos has forced tens of thousands to flee their homes in the past few days, adding to the more than 300,000 already displaced by gang violence. It is also affecting the distribution of essential supplies by aid organizations. The World Food Programme suspended its maritime transport services in Port-au-Prince from distributing aid across Haiti due to the instability. The country’s health care system is “near collapse,” and many medical centers have been forced to reduce their operations due to violence and lack of personnel and medicine, according to Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General and OCHA. Doctors in Haiti are desperate for help amid a lack of oxygen and a shortage of water. Public frustration, which had been building against Henry over his inability to curb the unrest, boiled over after he failed to step down last month, citing the escalating violence. The prime minister has had difficulty returning to the country since leaving for Kenya two weeks ago to sign an agreement for a Kenyan-led multinational mission to restore security back home. He is now believed to be in Puerto Rico, two sources with knowledge of Henry’s movements in the Caribbean island told CNN, after the Dominican Republic refused to let his flight land. CARICOM (the Caribbean Community and Common Market), a regional bloc of 25 countries that works on economic integration, security and social development, is to hold a meeting on Haiti in the Jamaican capital of Kingston on Monday, according to the UN. The U.S. military launched helicopters to evacuate non-essential personnel from the U.S. embassy in Port-au-Prince after gangs attacked the national palace. |
| Business / Re: Exchange Rates In Official And Parallel Markets Converge by Celestialsword: 10:24am On Mar 13 |
Omalicious1:like what |
| Education / The Four Types Of Intelligence by Celestialsword: 7:48am On Mar 13 |
1) Intelligence Quotient (IQ) 2) Emotional Quotient (EQ) 3) Social Quotient (SQ) 4) Adversity Quotient (AQ) 1. Intelligence Quotient (IQ): this is the measure of your level of comprehension. You need IQ to solve maths, memorize things, and recall lessons. 2. Emotional Quotient (EQ): this is the measure of your ability to maintain peace with others, keep to time, be responsible, be honest, respect boundaries, be humble, genuine and considerate. 3. Social Quotient (SQ): this is the measure of your ability to build a network of friends and maintain it over a long period of time. People that have higher EQ and SQ tend to go further in life than those with a high IQ but low EQ and SQ. Most schools capitalize on improving IQ levels while EQ and SQ are played down. A man of high IQ can end up being employed by a man of high EQ and SQ even though he has an average IQ. Your EQ represents your Character, while your SQ represents your Charisma. Give in to habits that will improve these three Qs, especially your EQ and SQ. Now there is a 4th one, a new paradigm: 4. The Adversity Quotient (AQ): The measure of your ability to go through a rough patch in life, and come out of it without losing your mind. When faced with troubles, AQ determines who will give up, who will abandon their family, and who will consider suicide. Parents please expose your children to other areas of life than just Academics. They should adore manual labour (never use work as a form of punishment), Sports and Arts. Develop their IQ, as well as their EQ, SQ and AQ. They should become multifaceted human beings able to do things independently of their parents. Finally, do not prepare the road for your children. Prepare your children for the road." 4 Likes |
| Business / Exchange Rates In Official And Parallel Markets Converge by Celestialsword: 9:19pm On Mar 12 |
The Exchange rates between the naira and the dollar in the official and black markets have finally converged The naira has been trading at an average rate of N1,600 per dollar in the official and parallel markets in all the markets The disparity between the two markets has narrowed to just about two per cent as Nigeria seeks to end the naira’s volatilityhttps://www.legit.ng/business-economy/economy/1582840-exchange-rates-official-parallel-market-converge-binance-exits-nigerian-market/ 11 Likes 1 Share
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| Politics / Important Things You Should Avoid At All Cost by Celestialsword: 1:03pm On Mar 12 |
Don't fight when you're weak, leave when you're strong. Avoid crying in front of someone who doesn't care about you. Don't waste time on your ex or stalking them on social media. Never hurt yourself, the world will bring enough hurt. Don't take things personally, even if you know it's personal. Avoid listening to sad songs as they can drain your energy. Don't miss out on important engagements and events. Be kind to your family, they'll be there for you in tough times. Cut out friends who break the "Bro Code." Be cautious of trusting a crying woman and a smiling man. Don't mess with negative people, they reflect who you are. Don't beg twice, know your worth. |
| Family / Re: 14 Things That Hurt Your Wife by Celestialsword: 9:11am On Mar 12 |
placeofallure:keep it up 1 Like |
| Politics / Africa Seems To Be Embracing The Russian Currency At The Expense Of The Dollar by Celestialsword: 7:49am On Mar 12 |
Using currencies outside of the dollar for international trade is fast catching on. Russia, and and organizations like the BRICS group of nations, particularly in partnership with African countries, is at the forefront of this movement. The use of the Russian rubles in 2023 for international trade increased across numerous continents including Africa, the Americas, and Asia. Africa seems to be embracing the Russian currency at the expense of the dollar Africa seems to be embracing the Russian currency at the expense of the dollar Russian ruble usage in international trade sees a significant uptick, particularly in African nations. Ruble settlements in trade with Africa, the Americas, and Asia in 2023 saw a significant increase. The shift toward ruble transactions is likely to reduce reliance on the US dollar. This information is according to the Central Bank of Russia which disclosed that the percentage in rubles of Russian-African settlements doubled in 2023 compared to the year prior. In 2022, the percentage of Russia-African trade transacted in rubles came in at 21.9%, while 2023 figures were twice that at 48.1%. The Russian Central Bank also reported that there has been a substantial rise in the amount of ruble settlements in other regions outside of Africa including with American countries. The trade-in rubles between American countries and Russia rose from 22.7% to 35.1%. Likewise with Asian nations, the ruble's percentage increased from 20.5% to 24%. According to the statistics, the percentage of payments made in hostile currencies (such as the US dollar, euro, and others) has dropped dramatically from 45.1% to 20.5%. The shift toward local currency transactions represents a turning point in the development of the world economy. For the foreseeable future, the dollar will definitely continue to dominate international banking. Still, the emergence of local currency trading indicates a larger move towards a more decentralized and multipolar monetary system. |
| Family / 14 Things That Hurt Your Wife by Celestialsword: 12:12pm On Mar 11 |
1. It hurts a wife when the husband listens to the advice of other women trying to impress them but ignores hers https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.standardmedia.co.ke/entertainment/amp/news/article/2001359177/14-things-that-hurt-a-woman 31 Likes 8 Shares
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| Jokes Etc / If Lagos Becomes A Country by Celestialsword: 9:01pm On Mar 10 |
Imagine if Lagos becomes a Country💁🏾♀ We will now read d states and Capital like this State. Capital Abule Egba. Sango Agege. Pencinema Ajegunle. Coconut Alapere. Ketu Badagry. Roundabout Eko. Idumota Epe. Epe Fadeyi. Onipan Gbagada Oworo Idimu. Egbeda Ifako. Ijaye Ijesha Lawanson Iju. Ishaga Ikotun. Isolo Ikorodu Agric Ipaja. Ayobo Isolo. Aswani Iyana-oba. Lasu Ikoyi Dolphin Kilo Aguda Lekki. Ajah Maryland. Ikeja Mile 2. Festac Mile 12. Agiliti Mushin. Olosha Obalenda. CMS Ogba. Ogba Ogudu. Ojota Ojo. Alaba Ojodu. Berger Okoko. Ajangbadi Olodi. Apapa Orile Bode Thomas Oshodi. Ladipo Shomolu. Bariga Surulere. Shitta Yaba Oyingbo F.C.T. V.I 😄😂😍😜😊😀🤩 |
| Nairaland / General / Re: Easy Choices,hard Life.hard Choices, Easy Life. by Celestialsword: 8:10pm On Mar 10 |
DevilsEqual:Then nepotism will now take it's place. Nigeria major problem is TRIBALISM, NEPOTISM AND CURRUPTION |
| Nairaland / General / Easy Choices,hard Life.hard Choices, Easy Life. by Celestialsword: 6:11pm On Mar 10 |
💭💭Easy choices, hard life. Hard choices, Easy life.” 💭What does “hard choices easy life” mean? This phrase means that to achieve the life you want (according to Gregorek, an “easy” life), you need to make difficult choices. ✅️This quote implies that making difficult decisions and facing challenges in life ultimately result in an easier, more fulfilling life overall. 🚫By taking the path of least resistance and avoiding difficult choices, one may find themselves trapped in a cycle of stress, discontent, and regret. ✅️On the other hand, embracing tough choices and confronting difficult circumstances leads to personal growth, resilience, and ultimately the ability to navigate life's challenges more smoothly. ➡️We often take the easy choice because we are lazy. Or because we give in to our fears. But almost always, the hard choice is the right choice. Let’s look at some examples. ✅️Working on that skill you want to get better at (for example public speaking) instead of staying away from it and never improve. ✅️ Having that difficult conversation instead of avoiding conflict and letting it escalate further down the road. ✅️Taking time to look for a new job instead of being miserable in your current one and not doing anything about it. ✅️Ending a toxic relationship, which will hurt you today but ultimately improve your life. |
| Politics / Re: Sen Ningi: Another Budget Was Passed Underground Aside From What Nigerians Know by Celestialsword: 12:50pm On Mar 10 |
This government should never be trusted or taken seriously,propaganda and lies is his stock in-trade |
| Travel / Re: 10 most beautiful African Cities by Celestialsword: 7:37am On Mar 09 |
Emyogalanya:Abuja is not way near these cities in terms of beauty |
| Education / Delta Converts Orerokpe Technical College To Delta State University Campus by Celestialsword: 7:33am On Mar 09 |
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday, said the Faculty of Management Sciences of the University of Science and Technology, (DSUST), Ozoro, would take off at the Orerokpe Technical College, Orerokpe, Okpe Local Government Area. Governor Oborevwori disclosed this in an interview with journalists shortly after inspecting facilities at the school in Orerokpe, which are under construction. He said the Ministry of Technical Education would hand over the facilities at the College in Orerokpe to the Ministry of Higher Education for a seamless take -off of the Faculty of Management Sciences of the university. Governor Oborevwori said: “Recently, the Governing Council of the University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, approved the Faculty of Management Sciences here in Orerokpe. The site that was proposed for the faculty is the Orerokpe Technical College that is under construction. “The Ministry of Technical Education has met with the Ministry of Higher Education to transfer the project to the Ministry of Higher Education and that process would be completed by the end of this week”. “Today, we are very proud that we have three new state universities plus the old one (DELSU), making it a total of four flourishing universities and they are still not enough. “So, we need to create more campuses to address the educational needs of our people. Education is very fundamental to the successes of one’s life. I cherish education Governor Oborevwori disclosed that some of the projects in the Orerokpe Campus of the University of Science and Technology would be completed before the end of October, this year. |
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