Twitter owner, Elon Musk, 51 has announced some major feature additions to the microblogging platform.
He said Twitter will get video, audio calls and encrypted chat features soon.
He disclosed this in a tweet on Wednesday morning.
Musk, however, explained that the voice and video chat features would not necessarily mean giving out users phone numbers.
He wrote, “With latest version of app, you can DM reply to any message in the thread (not just most recent) and use any emoji reaction.
“Release of encrypted DMs V1.0 should happen tomorrow. This will grow in sophistication rapidly. The acid test is that I could not see your DMs even if there was a gun to my head.
“Coming soon will be voice and video chat from your handle to anyone on this platform, so you can talk to people anywhere in the world without giving them your phone number.”
Musk had acquired Twitter in a $44 billion deal.
His ownership has brought drastic changes to the platform including recently introduced paid subscription for verification blue tick.
The International Society of Diplomats’ (ISD) African Special Envoy on Climate Change, Dr. Samuel Dotse has expressed his desire for collaboration and partnership with the Secretariat of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity in Montreal, Canada.
Dotse made the call during a courtesy visit to the secretariat of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity in Canada on April 25, 2023.
The courtesy call was to engage the Secretariat on key issues affecting Africa’s natural resources, explore areas of collaboration.
Dotse said the partnership will bring technical and financial means that would enhance the well-being of African people, especially women and youth.
He also commended the leadership of the Secretariat for their work in ensuring the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was adopted.
According to Dr. Dotse “ the Secretariat, particularly Mr. Neil Pratt, Senior Environmental Affairs Officer, and Ms. Veronique Allan, Team Assistant in Science, Society, and Sustainable Division are all working to ensure the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework especially during the fifteenth meeting of the Conference of Parties held from December 7–19, 2022, in Montreal, Canada, under the presidency of the People’s Republic of China.”
He also applauded them on the establishment of the global biodiversity fund.
Dr. Dotse noted that the conventions on biological diversity and climate change had a collective goal to take action to protect the natural resources that human beings depended on for their survival.
“ Africa suffers from the devastating impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss and has clearly recognized the need for urgent and rapid action.
“The time had come to transform economic systems and human behavior,” he added.
He stated that the newly adopted framework will set the global biodiversity action agenda for the next decade and provide a programming framework for Africa to restore degraded lands and ecosystems, halt biodiversity loss, and boost resilience in the coming years.
He proposed that “the Secretariat should consider the International Society of Diplomats, especially the Office of the African Special Envoy on Climate Change, as partners, including supporting African governments to mainstream biodiversity into government and business decision-making.
“ Signing a cooperation agreement with the Secretariat covering areas of collaboration and interventions for cities, the private sector, and third-party organizations will be deeply appreciated,” he said.
He assured the Secretariat of his support to promote nature-based solutions and the climate mitigation and adaptation agenda, while encouraging governments to scale up nature-based solutions for mitigation, resilience, and adaptation in key areas to ensure people’s livelihoods in the face of climate threats, and increase and mainstream nature-based solutions within national governance.
Ms. Veronique Allan expressed her appreciation to De. Dotse for the courtesy call and commended the ISD’s willingness to partner with the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity in halting biodiversity loss.
The stage is now set for the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Bolnaan Dongban-Mensem to formally unveil members of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) that would adjudicate on all petitions filed against the declaration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) as winners of the disputed 2023 Presidential election.
The unveiling of the tribunal members slated for Monday, May 8, 2023 would be carried out at the Court of Appeal Headquarters in Abuja.
Justice Dongban-Mensem had since the presidential election result was made public, kept the names of the tribunal members to her chest to avoid undue influence on them.
The unveiling of the tribunal is coming on the heels of the Action Alliance (AA) and its Presidential Candidate in the election, Solomon David Okanigbuan notifying the tribunal of their intentions to withdraw their petition against the declaration of Tinubu as Nigeria’s President-elect.
The notice of withdrawal of the petition would be tabled before the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) on May 8th during the inaugural sitting at the Court of Appeal Headquarters in Abuja.
A Motion on notice for the withdrawal of the petition marked CA/PEPC/01/2023 obtained by Daily Post showed that it has been slated as the first assignment of the tribunal.
Aside Tinubu, others listed as respondents in the AA’s petition are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), All Progressives Congress APC and Hamza Al Mustapha.
However, other petitions slated for pre-hearing session are those of the Action People’s Party (APP) marked CA/PEPC/02/2023 and has Bola Ahmed Tinubu, All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as three respondents.
It would be followed by that of Peter Gregory Obi and the Labour Party (LP) marked CA/PEPC/03/2023 with INEC, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Kashim Shetima and APC as four respondents.
A Cause List of the tribunal for May 8th sighted by Daily Post showed that the Allied People’s Movement (APM) would proceed with its petition marked CA/PEPC/04/2023 against Tinubu.
Defendants in APM’s petition are INEC, APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kashim Shetima and one Kabir Masari.
Nigerian Newssphere noted that the petition of Abubakar Atiku and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) marked CA/ PEPC/05/2023 would be treated last and it has INEC, Tinubu Bola Ahmed and the APC as three respondents.
Our Correspondent observed that the Court of Appeal’s Main Court Hall to be used by the tribunal has been locked up as part of security measures while adequate security operatives have been mobilized to ward off possible security breaches during the proceedings.
It was also gathered that all parties in the five petitions have been served with hearing notices through the Chambers of their respective lawyers
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 31: Rema attends the boohooMAN X Rema exclusive launch party on May 31, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for boohooMAN )
Nigerian singer and rapper, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has entered into the Guinness World Record book.
The Edo-born music star achieved the feat with his global hit song ‘Calm Down’ which made history as the First No.1 Hit on The Official MENA Chart (the world’s first regional streaming chart).
Guinness World Record recognised the singer for achieving the historic feat in a statement on its website recently.
According to the statement, Rema was being recognised for securing the first number 1 hit on the world’s first regional streaming chart and first-ever official chart in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ debuted No. 1 when the MENA Chart was launched by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) on November 29, 2022.
The song topped the chart for over two months.
He now joins Femi Kuti and Wizkid as the Nigerian musicians with World Guinness records.
As the intrigues to the 10th National Assembly leadership continue to mount, three Senators-elect under the ruling All Progressives Party stepped down their ambitions to become the Senate President for Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The development comes after a close-door meeting with APC senators elect at the Ebonyi state Government Lodge in Abuja.
The trio who dropped their ambitions for Akpabio are Governor Dave Umahi, Ali Ndume and Jubrin Barau.
The senators disclosed their position to Journalists shortly after the meeting on Friday.
Speaking on their behalf, Ndume said the trio put outside their quests to be Senate President for Akpabio.
According to him, “we know he has the capacity to lead the Red Chamber of the federal legislature.”
Meanwhile, the Senators picked Barau as preferred candidate for Deputy Senate President.
From the foregoing, Umahi has abandoned his kinsman, Orji Uzor Kalu, the former Governor of Abia state who is vying for same position.
Recall that APC leadership met recently on the need to have a consensus for the 10th NASS leadership.
The 10th National Assembly is billed for inauguration in June this year.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has been made aware of a fake LinkedIn account that is being attributed to our Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Prof Umar Garba Danbatta.
We wish to categorically state that the said LinkedIn account is fake and has no affiliation with the NCC or Prof Danbatta.
We, therefore, urge the public to be wary of any communication or connection request from this fake LinkedIn account, as it is being operated by fraudulent individuals, who may be seeking to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.
We wish to use this opportunity to remind the public that it is important to verify the authenticity of any online account, especially when such accounts claim to belong to public figures or organizations. We advise the public to only connect with verified and official accounts of the NCC and its officials.
We take this opportunity to warn those behind this fake LinkedIn account that they are engaging in criminal activities, and we will not hesitate to take legal action against them if they are caught. We remain committed to protecting the public from online fraud and ensuring a safe and secure online environment.
As Nigeria’s workers celebrate Day, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, has reacted to the strike threat by medical doctors.
Ngige disclosed this on Monday during an Arise Television interview monitored by DAILY POST.
According to him, President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has done a lot for workers in Nigeria.
Recall that the National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD gave the federal government Two weeks strike ultimatum.
The doctors listed the bill seeking compulsory five-year service for graduates in medical and dental fields before being granted a full licence as part of the reasons for the proposed strike.
However, Ngige said the Country had enough for Nigerian-trained doctors deserving of patriotism.
“They said that we have not done enough; as I said before, you can leave Nigeria; it is left for the education, health Ministries to function out what to do. We train people free of charge because they pay N48-50,000 per session while their counterparts abroad pay $100/£80 per session; they borrow the money from the bank, and when they graduate as doctors, repayment is done, which is why they don’t leave their Country.
“But here we train you free; my own was through scholarship. So why won’t I be patriotic to serve my Country? You are saying a bill by a private member is the reason you want to go on strike. How can a government tell a member who did a private members’ bill, not even an executive? Do you now list it as one of the conditions for going on strike? That is absurd.
“The sense of entitlement is too much in this Country. Like I said earlier, you obey the law, look odd, and apply it to a wicked man. I don’t have any apology for what I have done”, he stated.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, on Thursday, led a delegation of top officials of the Commission on condolence visits to the families of two prominent Nigerians who recently passed away.
The visits were to the families of the late Alhaji Musa Gwadabe, former Minister of Labour, and the Registrar of Bayero University, Jamil Ahmed Salim, who both died recently in Kano.
During the visits, Danbatta commiserated with the families of the deceased and prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed. He described the late Alhaji Musa Gwadabe and the Registrar of Bayero University, Kano as patriotic Nigerians who contributed immensely to the development of the country in various capacities.
According to him, the loss of such great minds is not only a loss to their families but also to the entire nation. He, however, urged the families to take solace in the fact that their loved ones lived exemplary lives and left indelible marks in the sands of time.
He said, “We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Alhaji Musa Gwadabe and the Registrar of Bayero University, Kano. They were great Nigerians who made remarkable contributions to the development of our dear country. They will be greatly missed.”
He added, “We pray that the Almighty Allah grants them eternal rest and gives their families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
The families of the deceased expressed their gratitude to the NCC boss.
The EVC also paid a similar visit to the Vice Chancellor of the BUK, Prof Sagir Adamu Abbas who equally expressed gratitude for the visit.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen Chris Ngige has intervened in the misunderstandings over the use of the Eagle Square Abuja as venue for the commemoration of the 2023 May Day festivities.
While the controversies raged on, Olajide Oshundun, Director of Press and Public Relations,Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment released a statement clarifying the latest position.
He said the attention of the Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige has been drawn to press releases and statements in the media that the Federal Government disapproved of the NLC using the Eagle Square for the annual May Day parade, for reasons bordering on the preparation of the venue for the May 29 inauguration of President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to the ministry’s media manager, upon receiving the report, the Minister contacted his colleague, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Muhammad Bello, who blamed the development on some overzealous officials, acting without his authority.
Bello also confirmed that there was a minor communication gap between the FCDA, the Federal Government Transition Committee and the NLC.
“It was actually the contractor handling the renovation of the Eagle Square, Merrs Julius Berger that informed the Transition Committee for the hand over ceremony that they erected their equipment even before last Thursday when the Nigerian Army used the venue for an event attended by the President,” he told Ngige through the phone.
Olajide also stated that the FCT Minister has assured the Minister of Labour and Employment that the place is available for NLC to use on May 1, which is the workers day.
According to him, this May Day is the last in the life of this administration.
He noted that NLC parade belongs to everybody, including government, diplomatic missions, international organisations, organised labour and affiliate unions and members of the public.
He said the President, Ministers and others cannot shut themselves out. The Eagle Square is still available for all these individuals.
“All invited people should make themselves available for the parade at Eagle Square, most especially the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA), the diplomatic missions and the international partners.
“The Minister of Labour and Employment has been in touch with the leadership of organised Labour led by Comrade Joe Ajaero and has briefed them on these developments and equally extended the apologies of the Honourable Minister of FCT for the unintended embarrassment occasioned by the action of their officials who misinterpreted the general intention and work plan of one month of Messrs Julius Berger the company incharge of the renovation of the Eagle Square for the May29 inauguration to also include the May1, 2023.
“The FCT Administration has promised to give all necessary material support to make the event hitch free and successful, while the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment wishes all Nigerian Workers a blissful Workers day on May 1,” the statement added.
The National Examinations Council, NECO has announced the rescheduling of the 2023 National Common Entrance Examinations, NCEE to Saturday, 3rd June 2023.
The examination, which admits candidates into the Federal Unity Colleges across the federation, ought to have commenced on Saturday, April 29 as earlier scheduled.
Azeez Sani, NECO’s Head Information and Public Relations Division, said in a terse statement on Wednesday that the examination was rescheduled to give States with low registration the opportunity to register their candidates for the examination.
He enjoined all candidates, parents, guardians, schools and relevant stakeholders to take note of the new date for the examination while stating that the registration of more candidates will continue till the new date of the examination.
