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Mixed Reactions as Nigerian Government Lifts Twitter Suspension

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Nigerians now have unrestricted access to Twitter months after the shutdown by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

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The Nigerian government has lifted the ban of Twitter operations in the country seven months after it announced the shutdown of the microblogging platform.

Twitter was restored after the American-owned firm agreed “a legal entity in Nigeria during the first quarter of 2022,” said the director-general of the National Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Agency, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, said in a statement on Wednesday.

In a statement made in Abuja, Kashifu said the Twitter restoration was approved following a memo sent to President Buhari by Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ali Ibrahim.

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He said: “The Federal Government of Nigeria directs me to inform the public that President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has approved the lifting of the suspension of Twitter operation in Nigeria effective from 12am tonight, January 13, 2022.”

Since midnight Thursday, January 13, Nigerians have been accessing Twitter after telecom and internet providers removed the blockage earlier put in place to restrict access to the social media site, following a government order in June.

This follows a report earlier in the month, which claimed that the government was prepared to lift the Twitter ban as the firm met the six conditions given by the administration for its restoration.

According to the report, “From the records, Twitter has finally met six conditions set by the Federal Government for the lifting of the ban on its service in Nigeria as at the close of business in 2021.” The six conditions said to have been agreed to by the platform are as follows:

  • Open an office in Nigeria
  • Register with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)/get National Broadcasting Commission’s licence
  • Have a country representative
  • Sensitive to national security and cohesion. It must not undermine the nation’s security.
  • Payment of fair taxes
  • Train Nigerian IT personnel and strategic intelligence officers on how to report Twitter abuse /infractions noticed by the government.

Events Leading to the Ban

On June 4, 2021, the Nigerian government announced the suspension of Twitter operations after the social media platform deleted a tweet by President Buhari. The president’s tweet was believed to have threatened pro-Biafra agitators from the Igbo-speaking south-eastern part of the country of a repeat of the Biafra Civil War, which killed an estimated 500,000 to 2 million people.

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The microblogging site flagged the tweet as a violation of its “abusive behaviour” policy.

Angered by Twitter’s action, the federal government responded with an indefinite suspension over what it blamed on “the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence.”

The ban took effect on June 5, 2021, as the government asked all network service providers in Nigeria to restrict access to Twitter.

Though the government said it suspended Twitter because it “has consistently made its platform available to those who are threatening Nigeria’s corporate existence,” the ban was believed to have been a culmination of long-term running battles between the Buhari administration and the platform.

During the October 2020 #EndSARS protest against police brutality, Twitter was the major rallying point for protesters and organisers who used the site to galvanize support for the campaign that argued for the dismantling of a Nigerian police unit popularly known as the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

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Twitter has also given Nigerian youths a voice on burning social and political matters affecting the country. In addition, separatist campaigners such as Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Igboho, as well as activists like Omoyele Sowore, used Twitter to organize protests and raise awareness for their campaigns. These are some of the issues believed to have rattled the government, which has considered regulating social media since the start of its administration in 2015.

The Economics and Social Effects of the Ban

The Twitter ban denied access to an estimated 40 million users and had a great impact on the country’s economy.

Reports show that the ban cost Nigeria hundreds of millions of dollars within the few months it was in effect. There was a widespread outcry locally and internationally, as Nigerians lamented the effects of the ban on their businesses and social lives.

For many Nigerian Twitter users, mostly youths, the platform has greatly affected their daily lives. It forms a big part of their social lives and also supports their businesses as a platform for advertising. Twitter has helped many connect with clients who would ordinarily have been out of their reach without the social media site.

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Though many Nigerian youths resorted to the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPN) to bypass the blockage put in place by telecom and internet providers, the economic and social effects of the ban were still huge on businesses and individuals.

Foreign diplomatic missions, including the European Union, United Kingdom, the United States, Ireland, and Canada, condemned the ban.

Mixed Reactions Trails the Restoration

Meanwhile, Nigerians have been reacting to the restoration of Twitter in the country.

For many Nigerian youths, the real reason for lifting the ban is because strategic moves for the next year’s elections have commenced. They believe the government knows the influence Twitter weighs among the young people and lifted the suspension so as to use the platform for campaigns next year.

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“There is nothing to celebrate about the #TwitterBan They did it because the election is here. They need Twitter, more than any other social media network, to run ridiculous PR, a Twitter user with handle @FS_Yusuf_ stated.

Another tweep who goes by the handle @Sylvia_Ikeji said: “The ban just like closing borders, banning crypto and enforcing NIN registration is as useless, wasteful and a foolish decision as PMB’s entire tenure as president.”

The human rights organisation, Amnesty International, welcomes the lifting of the ban but believes that the suspension “was illegal — in the first place — and an attack on the right to freedom of expression, including online access to information and media freedom. Nigerian authorities must end all acts that violate rights to freedom of expression, access to information, and freedom of the press.”

Former vice president Atiku Abubakar and former senate president Bukola Saraki also reacted to the restoration of the platform.

“The effects of the #TwitterBan, particularly on small businesses, was evident for all to see. I am glad that the ban has finally been lifted, and our young people who are already dealing with the challenging business environment can now have a breath of fresh air to thrive,” Abubakar tweeted.

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“After 222 days, I am glad that the FG has finally reconsidered and reversed the #TwitterBan. With this reversal, the young people who conduct legitimate business on this platform can once again pursue their various endeavours and exercise their right to freedom of speech,” Saraki stated in a tweet.

Twitter has also reacted to the restoration of its operations in Nigeria. On its Public Policy page, the social media giant said: “We are pleased that Twitter has been restored for everyone in Nigeria. Our mission in Nigeria and around the world is to serve the public conversation. We are deeply committed to Nigeria, where Twitter is used by people for commerce, cultural engagement, and civic participation.”

Twitter has not opened an office in Nigeria or appointed a representative, but its operations were restored on the “agreement” that the company will do so and fulfil other government conditions.

Olusegun Akinfenwa writes for  Newcastle Immigration Lawyers, a law firm that helps people process British citizenship and UK permanent residency

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MTN Climax Eidul Fitr with Cultral Day Celebration

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Salihu Abu of MTN Senior Manager for Customer Relations and Credit Management presenting the items to Alhaj Latif PRO of the National Chief Imam

MTN Ghana concluded this year’s Eidul Fitr celebrations with cultural events in Accra Newtown and Kumasi. The cultural events brought together various ethnic groups in the communities to showcase their rich culture in vibrant durbars.

Leaders of the ethnic groups led their delegations with traditional performances. The event featured live performances from dance groups and artists during the durbars. The cultural day platforms were used to share goodwill messages and to address community issues. In Kumasi, chiefs paraded from the central Mosque through Manhyia, Allabar, and ended at Kumasi Zongo. Health screening exercises were also included in the activities. Residents were screened for Hepatitis B, Blood Pressure, HIV, Malaria, and had their sugar levels checked.

In addition to these activities, the CEO of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, in solidarity, celebrated with Muslim employees at MTN House. MTN Regional leadership also held similar engagements with Muslim employees in all 16 regions.

Before the cultural day, MTN Ghana presented food items and cash to the National Chief Imam, His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Usmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, and Regional Chief Imams in Ashanti, Western, and Northern regions. This year, a total of GHS100,000 was committed to the purchase of items for the celebration of Eidul Fitr in the three regions. The items presented included rice, cartons of vegetable oil, packs of mineral water, soft drinks, rams, and cash.

In Accra, Salihu Abu, Senior Manager for Customer Relations and Credit Management, led the delegation to the National Chief Imam and expressed his appreciation on behalf of MTN for the support, patronage, and loyalty of MTN’s customers across the country. He expressed gratitude for their continued support of MTN’s activities and the warm reception the company has received over the years.

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The National Chief Imam, Dr. Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, received the items and thanked MTN for its continuous support. He also prayed for the company’s success, saying, “We are grateful for this gesture that you have done. May Allah increase your business and activities.”

The donations in the Ashanti, Western, and Northern regions were led by Mr. Simon Amoh, Senior Manager Regional Sales, Prince Owusu Nyarko, Senior Manager Southwest, and Kwame Aseye Akude, Manager Retail Experience Northern Business District.

MTN has been supporting the Muslim Community for 16 years during Eid-ul Fitr celebrations through donations and the organization of events in Nima, Accra New Town, Kumasi, Kasoa, and Tamale. The company also supports the National Hajj Board annually in the organization of the pilgrimage to Mecca.

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Gavi and UNICEF welcome approval of new oral cholera vaccine

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Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and UNICEF welcome the news that a new oral cholera vaccine (OCV), Euvichol-S, has now received WHO prequalification and can be made available to countries around the world. The prequalification of this new product will help EuBiologics, the manufacturer, produce more volumes of vaccine, faster, and at a lower cost – a key step to expanding supply amidst the ongoing acute global upsurge of cholera outbreaks.

Today’s approval will help increase the overall supply of OCV available in 2024, with approximately 50 million doses now forecasted to be available to the global stockpile this year, compared to 38 million in 2023. Euvichol-S is an important product innovation: a simplified formulation of Euvichol-Plus that reduces the number of vaccine components – delivering a vaccine that studies have shown remains equally effective against key cholera serogroups while lowering production cost and complexity – thus allowing for larger volumes to be produced faster.

Cholera has been surging globally since 2021, with high case fatality rates despite availability of simple, effective and affordable treatment. The large number of outbreaks has led to unprecedented demand for vaccines from impacted countries. While global OCV supply has increased eighteen-fold between 2013 and 2023, the large and sustained spike in demand has put a strain on the global stockpile of OCV. Partners and countries are working urgently on cholera response, prevention and control measures in the face of this crisis, and have called on countries, manufacturers and others to support. Most recently, Gavi, UNICEF and partners announced the largest ever global deployment of cholera diagnostics to support surveillance and response.

“Prequalification of Euvichol-S represents a lifeline for vulnerable communities around the world,” said Dr Derrick Sim, Managing Director of Vaccine Markets & Health Security at Gavi. “Every vaccine dose delivered through Gavi programmes today represents years of planning and investment to shape the market so supply matches countries’ needs. The approval of this new product could not have come at a more important time given the acute upsurge of cholera outbreaks we are seeing worldwide. We commend EuBiologics for their role in ensuring countries around the world have access to cholera vaccine as part of their response toolkit.”

EuBiologics is currently the only supplier of OCV to the global stockpile, although other manufacturers are expected to have products available in the coming years. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance works to shape the OCV market, and funds the global stockpile of OCV doses, along with transport and vaccination activities in lower-income countries. UNICEF leads on procurement and delivery of doses to countries. Use of the stockpile for emergency response is overseen by the International Coordinating Group for Vaccine Provision (ICG), led by WHO.

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“Despite cholera being preventable and easily treatable, children continue to suffer from this potentially fatal disease. UNICEF has already secured access to all the available doses of the just-approved vaccine and will deliver these to the countries at the highest possible speed,” said Leila Pakkala, Director of UNICEF Supply Division. “The approval means that UNICEF can increase the procurement and delivery of cholera vaccines by more than 25%, pushing back harder on deadly cholera outbreaks.”

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Isap Music Drops ‘Naomi’ As First Single of The Year

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Ghanaian Hip-Life/Hip-Hop artiste, Isap Music has today officially released his premiere single of the year, “Naomi” on all digital streaming platforms.

The new single is an Afrobeats record that boarders on the thin line between love and obsession.

Isap Music opens with a reassurance for that special someone as he plans to put a ring on her finger soon. His sweet-singing voice together with the charming lyrics not only wins the heart of “Naomi,” but the listener as well.

On the DCM Records produced track, Isap Music brings a different energy to his first single of 2024, building a strong anticipation for subsequent releases as the year progresses.

However, until then, “Naomi” is simply one of the best Ghanaian Afrobeats songs released so far this year.

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Isap Music’s spectacular performance on the two minutes 27 seconds track has everything; vocals, lyrics, storytelling and ad-libs, all on point.

It’s hard to believe such a good song was produced from another person’s experience but that is exactly how the song came to life.

In an online interview with Amplify Ghana, Isap Music disclosed that “Naomi” was inspired by a friend.

“The love song was actually inspired by a friend who was so much into his girl that he couldn’t stay a day without hearing her voice,” he said.

The latest single comes after his collaboration with 2022 VGMA Best Rap Performance award winner Lyrical Joe, Suuparstar TZ and Siicie on “Yesu Frɛwo” released last year.

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Isap Music is one of the exciting new voices in the music scene. This new release, “Naomi” continues his streak of superb releases. Gaining recognition as one of the few street preachers, Isap Music’s versatility as an artist is of no doubt. He continues to share different messages and produce bangers in many genres.

“Naomi” by Isap Music is currently available on all digital streaming platforms.

Listen to “Naomi”

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Immediate Nexus: Your Gateway to Free Investment Education in 2024

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Immediate Nexus

Within the ever-changing financial environment, it’s an issue of immense importance that an investor remains at the forefront. Immediate Nexus is a beacon that avails the indispensable resources and insight to navigate an investor through manning the complexities in investment come 2024 and thereafter. Let’s delve into why immediate-nexus-ai.com is your ultimate gateway to free investment education in 2024.

Understanding Immediate Nexus: Your Gateway to Free Investment Education in 2024

It is nothing less than a whole ecosystem to be built with the idea of allowing investors at different levels of experience to obtain the knowledge and tools needed to gain a foothold in this business. Whether you are a seasoned investor or one learning the ropes of how to dabble in the finance world, the Immediate Nexus has got your back.

The Evolution of Investment Education

Traditional teachings of investment have a very short shelf life due to the fast pace with which technology and the trend of the global markets move. Immediate Nexus fills that need by providing modern investors with current, readily accessible, practical information.

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Free Resources for All

But what really strikes the most is the kind of free education toward all people without having any expense of seminars or the elite high-cost memberships. Truly, Immediate Nexus advocates that financial literacy should be made available to all, no matter where you come from or belong in terms of background or current financial status.

Expert Insights and Analysis

Investment can be cumbersome to wade through, especially for beginners. Immediate Nexus makes it easier with an expert insight and analysis curated from none but the best sources. Be it market trends or effective investment strategies, everything is there to make your decision wise.

Harnessing the Power of Community

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It doesn’t need to be a lonely journey. Immediate Nexus is a dynamic, live community where investors network, share ideas, and draw wisdom from one another. That interactive approach makes it conducive to learning at the same time, availing valuable networking opportunities.

Why Choose Immediate Nexus?

While Immediate Nexus may be a new kind of educational platform, in many ways, it is poised to soon become the go-to solution for those seeking to grow and succeed in the world of investing. Here are ten great reasons why you need to make it your go-to resource this year.

  • Holistic Content: From the guidelines of a beginner investor to the strategies which are to be followed at an advanced level, Immediate Nexus encompasses and provides information relevant to every single stage an investor might be in.
  • User-Friendly Interface: The platform friendliness comes with ease of navigating through the site, intuitive design, and a friendly interface.
  • Timely Updates:** Actual happenings in the capital and financial markets, economic development, and investment opportunities.
  • Interactive Learning: Engjson Quizzes, Interactive Tutorials, and Live Webinars assist learners in polishing skills and strengthening their learning.
  • Community of Trust: Be a part of an elite community of like-minded investors, share knowledge and support each other in growth.

Conclusion

Your Gateway to Free Investment Education in 2024 is not a platform—it’s a revolution, an immediate nexus revolutionizing ways people think about investment education. Equip your financial future with all the expert insights and resources that you would have needed, including a lively community. Join the movement today and take your first steps toward financial freedom.

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Mastering Bitcoin Trading: The BitLQ Matrix Advantage: A Path to Financial Freedom

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The financial opportunities, though, in mastering the trading Bitcoin are huge in this dynamic world of cryptocurrency. BitLQ Matrix strategy stands like a beacon of assurance and profitability among the myriad strategies available. This paper, therefore, seeks to detail the encapsulated greater benefits within the bitlq.app Matrix and illustrate how one could optimize his trading to achieve financial freedom.

Understanding Bitcoin Trading

Bitcoins are the first and leading cryptocurrency ever to evolve, and it altered the thinking of how the world used to look at finances. Bitcoin trading is a process through which one can speculate on the price movements of them and, in turn, takes home profits by analyzing the markets and makes a deciding move. Trading in bitcoins is very demanding in nature since it is very unpredictable. Good knowledge and strategic acumen are expected to surge through the market fluctuations victoriously.

Embracing the BitLQ Matrix Advantage

Mastering Bitcoin Trading: The BitLQ Matrix Advantage

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The BitLQ Matrix is not some trading strategy but a whole, complete framework aiming to trade optimal results while controlling risks most efficiently. This revolutionarily uses LQ to guide traders through informed considerations in making decisions for the best possible profits with the least possible vulnerability to market volatility.

Liquidity: The Backbone of Trading Success

Liquidity is the base that underlies any trading pursuit to support transactional ease and participation in the market. Priority to the BitLQ Matrix trade is given, executed seamlessly without slippage, or at least at the most minimal level, for the efficient trade execution at the best entry and exit levels.

Quantity: Balancing Risk and Reward

In this respect, good risk management becomes highly imperative while trading in Bitcoins, and with the BitLQ Matrix, there is a good balance since traders can put in the emphasis on the importance of trade quantity. By doing so, the traders will accurately calibrate the position sizes to market conditions and the risk-taker’s risk-bearing ability to ensure they make a better risk-reward ratio and protect the capital from likely losses.

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Quality: Elevating Trading Standards

Quality, in this case, regards the level of trades executed within BitLQ Matrix. This gives traders the opportunity to spike up their trading standards further, promoting the desired consistency and profitability from their undertakings.

Unveiling the Benefits

The BitLQ Matrix offers a plethora of benefits to traders seeking to master Bitcoin trading:

  • Increased Precision: With these details of liquidity, quantity, and quality at disposal, traders can be able to execute their trades with pinpoint accuracy, zero error tolerance, and hence reap all the profitability possible in their trades.
  • Risk Mitigation: The strategy of risk management integrated into BitLQ Matrix enables traders to be in a position where they could avert their possible losses and preserve capital in times of market downturn.
  • Consistent Profjson: The BitLQ Matrix principles will assure that you profit on a consistent basis, fostering sustainability for long-time success in trade.

Conclusion

This exciting journey into Bitcoin trading within the BitLQ Matrix soon turns into an adventure of financial independence and prosperity in one of the most lively and fast-changing cryptocurrency markets. You apply liquidity, quantity, and quality principles toward revealing limitless opportunities for profit multiplication and growth sustainability. Seize the advantage today and embark on your path to financial freedom with the BitLQ Matrix.

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Nana Quasi-Wusu Celebrates 10 Years In Broadcasting

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Renowned multiple Award winning Ghanaian media personality and a Humanitarian, Nana Quasi-Wusu, popularly known as PM, commemorates a decade in media as a broadcast journalist filled with exceptional stories and excellence. (more…)

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