Seplat Energy Plc, an indigenous oil and gas producer, is settling down to business in Akwa Ibom State with its successful acquisition of the assets and liabilities of ExxonMobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited last year. It was one of the protracted corporate purchases in Nigeria’s oil industry lasting well over five years. ExxonMobil had operated in the state for over 50 years (It started as Mobil and in November 1999, merged with Exxon to form ExxonMobil) and had become an important part of Akwa Ibom community until it was bought last year for $1.3 billion by Seplat. To make its presence easily felt in the state, Seplat appointed an eminent Akwa Ibom son, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma as its Board chairman. Early this year, the chairman led the company on a visit to Governor Umo Eno. I congratulate Senator Udoma on his appointment and I welcome Seplat to Akwa Ibom the state. But I have a few words of advice to the company.

During the visit to the Government House, Senator Udoma told the governor that the company is willing to partner with the government for sustainable development and would ‘’support the socioeconomic development of Akwa Ibom State’’ and improve the wellbeing of the host communities. He said Exxonmobil was acquired by a subsidiary of Seplat known as Seplat Energy Offshore Limited, and clarified that the new entity will now be known as Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited (SEPNU) and that all assets and liabilities of the previous company would be retained. Gov. Eno welcomed the company and promised cooperation of the government.

The specific roles and contributions of oil companies to the host communities are well spelt out in the Petroleum Industry Act and I am sure that SEPNU will do well to adhere to the provisions of this law and establish healthy relationships with its host communities in particular and Akwa Ibom State as a whole. But there are other items that I wish to bring to the notice of the company in terms of its relationship with Akwa Ibom State. First, ExxonMobil was a very responsible corporate citizen and through its conducts; it endeared itself to the people and the government. It had a lot of Akwa Ibom people in its senior management cadre. My good friend, Udom Inoyo, who is also well known to Senator Udoma, rose from a junior executive position hired in 1989 to the position of Executive Vice chairman from where he retired a few ago. There were many other Akwa Ibom sons and daughters in senior positions as geophysicists; engineers; lawyers; HR; finance; communications and IT specialists, etc.

Now, these people are retiring, and I want to advise that SEPNU should replace them with other Akwa Ibom people who are qualified to hold these positions. SEPNU should not make the mistake of replacing them with people from other places with the hackneyed excuse that ‘’there’s no qualified Akwa Ibom person for the job’’. I have heard such silly excuses from other companies, and I believe that with Senator Udoma as Chairman, Seplat will not insult our people with a similar justification. In fact, SEPNU may have to draw up an affirmative action to ensure the employment of our people in all cadres; with at least two Akwa Ibom people in executive positions. There are many qualified Akwa Ibom persons and they are capable of competing for any position in the company. Akwa Ibom people will resist every attempt at cleansing out our people who were hired, trained and groomed by ExxonMobil from SEPNU.

ExxonMobil had also built and maintained a large pool of competent contractors and service providers from Akwa Ibom State. I will imagine that SEPNU will continue to use them and add more to the list in future. In fact, it would be cost effective for SEPNU to encourage service providers to be located close to QIT instead of mobilizing them from Warri, Lagos or Port Harcourt to its shallow water platforms. In terms of educational intervention, SEPNU should also offer generous scholarships to Akwa Ibom students at various educational institutions. ExxonMobil was also very good at this. The technical training center built by ExxonMobil in Eket which served as a training facility for the technical staffs will have to be upgraded to a full-fledged engineering center. ExxonMobil had planned to establish an engineering center at the University of Uyo, but unfortunately, the plan was not fully realized before it exited the State. An engineering center is relevant for the Nigerian oil industry as a training facility for the core professionals in civil, mechanical, petroleum and alternative energy engineering. SEPNU may wish to go ahead and either upgrade the training center to an engineering centre or complete the one ExxonMobil was planning to build at UniUyo as well as continue with the trauma center it was planning for University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.

The location of ExxonMobil’s corporate headquarters in Lagos was a major concern to Akwa Ibom people and the state government. The company resisted pressures from successive governors to relocate to Akwa Ibom despite the incentives and conducive business environment the state offers. As a renowned corporate lawyer, Senator Udoma understands the intricacies of oil politics and he’s in a position to guide Seplat on the issue of headquarter location. Seplat will do well to respect the people; interests and cultures of our people and work to establish mutually beneficial relationships with the people and their government.

I have a word for the host communities and the state government. Undoubtedly, they have their respective roles in making a success of Seplat’s entry to the state. While the PIA authorizes oil companies to pay royalties directly to the host communities, it is the responsibility of the host communities to manage these funds efficiently, transparently and develop the communities. The monies are not to be shared among community leaders.

The state government is expected to deploy tax revenues and contributions from the oil company to create enabling environment for the growth of business. I recall that in 2011, ExxonMobil paid N8 billion to Akwa Ibom government when Godswill Akpabio was governor as its contribution to the repairs and expansion of Eket-Ibeno Road. But quite curiously, the Udom Emmanuel administration that succeeded Akpabio later denied that the money was paid. The denial created quite a furore and resulted in an unfortunate and needless controversy which embarrassed our people, including Akwa Ibom executives in the company. It was enough to discourage future CSR initiatives from the company. The government has a responsibility to manage its resources responsibly and transparently to earn the confidence of the citizens and investors.

I’m pleased at the appointment of Senator Udoma as the Chairman of Seplat. In 2021, I put him and 12 other persons on the cover of my book on the struggle for the abrogation of the onshore-offshore oil dichotomy. As a senator between 1999 and 2007, he fought hard to ensure the abrogation of the obnoxious dichotomy and with that, Akwa Ibom has been receiving billions every month in oil revenues. Senator Udoma is one of the most upright; decent and honest Nigerians. I’m sure that he will protect our interest.

On 14 November 2022, hope bloomed in Port Harcourt with the commissioning of the Dr. Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease Diagnostic and Treatment Centre. Constructed by Julius Berger at a staggering cost of N29 billion, this state-of-the-art facility promised to revolutionize healthcare in Rivers State, offering advanced treatment for cancer and heart disease, and potentially becoming a hub for medical tourism in Nigeria.

But today, a chilling silence hangs over the center, raising a crucial question: Is this massive investment being left to rot?

Imagine a hospital designed to offer a lifeline to those battling life-threatening illnesses, boasting cutting-edge technology and specialized care.

The Odili Centre was intended to be precisely that. Equipped with 72 beds, including a specialized ICU ward for vulnerable patients, a fully equipped pathology lab, advanced radiology department, two operating theaters, a cutting-edge Cath lab for diagnosing and treating cardiovascular ailments, a 13-chair chemotherapy department, and eight consultation rooms, the facility was poised to deliver comprehensive chronic disease care to the region.

Yet, nearly three years after its grand opening, the center remains largely dormant, its high-tech equipment gathering dust. The reason for this unexpected closure has been attributed to the challenges in running a comprehensive cancer center, as well as infrastructural issues leading to delays in curative radiotherapy, according to a source.

While initial plans included outsourcing management to foreign partners, those plans appear to have stalled, leaving the center in a state of limbo.

The consequences of this inaction are far-reaching. Beyond the obvious financial loss of a multi-billion naira investment, the possible dereliction of the center will rob the people of Rivers State, and indeed the entire region, of access to potentially life-saving medical care.

In a country where cancer treatment options are limited, the Odili Centre represented a beacon of hope. Now, that hope is fading.

"The non-functionality of the center is a colossal waste of scarce resources and deprives cancer patients of needed treatment,"

This stark reality underscores the urgent need for action. The Rivers State government must prioritize the reactivation of the Odili Centre. This requires addressing the infrastructural challenges, securing qualified personnel, and ensuring sustainable management practices.

The words of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, ring with particular urgency. He had urged the incoming administration to ensure the facility is well-equipped and maintained to global standards. This is not merely a matter of fulfilling a promise, but a moral imperative to provide access to quality healthcare and prevent further loss of life.

The Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease Diagnostic and Treatment Centre represents more than just a building; it embodies the hopes and aspirations of a community yearning for a healthier future. To allow it to remain unused is not only a waste of resources but a betrayal of the very people it was intended to serve.

The time for action is now.

Will the Rivers State government seize the opportunity to transform this empty promise into a life-saving reality? The health and well-being of countless individuals depend on it.

The African Union (AU) has endorsed Nigeria as the Digital Trade Champion for the continent under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) Digital Trade protocol, following the impressive record of the Federal Government in promoting digital enterprise and innovation.

The 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, which concluded on Sunday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, recognised Nigeria's proactive role in advancing the implementation of the digital trade protocol adopted in February 2024.

The protocol features an agenda to develop eight annexes covering critical areas, including rules of origin, digital identities, cross-border data transfers, legitimate and legal public interest reasons for disclosing source code, online safety and security, emerging and advanced technologies, and financial technology.

In his annual report on the progress of the AfCFTA's digital trade protocol, former president of Niger Republic and AU AfCFTA champion Mahamadou Issoufou lauded Nigeria's leadership for convening the Digital Economy Roundtable in January.

He noted that the gathering was pivotal in driving the digital trade agenda forward.

''No organisation, region, or continent has negotiated or adopted such a comprehensive legal instrument on digital trade, positioning the African continent to benefit from the digital economy for innovation and job creation,'' former President Issoufou said.

The former Nigerien leader observed that young Africans are leaders in digital innovation, particularly in mobile banking and other digitally enabled services.

''The AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade will establish a conducive environment for these young people to fully participate in Africa's digital economy,'' he added.

Reflecting on the Digital Economy Roundtable in Abuja, Issoufou commended President Bola Tinubu and his administration for convening the event and inviting the AfCFTA Secretariat to participate.

''The Roundtable was attended by young pioneers in Fintech, mobile banking and other areas of the digital economy.

''It was evident from the discussions that young people are eager to take advantage of Africa's digital economy through the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade,'' the former Niger president said in his progress report to the 38th Assembly.

On the significance of the AU endorsement of Nigeria, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, told the summit:

"Africa has demonstrated global leadership by pioneering the first-of-its-kind AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade—establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework.

"The Assembly of Heads of State and Government has officially designated Nigeria as AfCFTA Digital Trade Champion. The AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol is a game changer in advancing Africa's economic development. It is set to create millions of jobs for Africa's growing, tech-savvy youth, contribute billions to the continent's GDP and attract substantial investments for public digital infrastructure across African nations."

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information & Strategy)

Late Friday night, prolific social media user Javier Milei directed followers to a site that purported to raise money for small businesses in Argentina using crypto.

Half a world away, digital currency entrepreneur Hayden Davis saw the value of the Libra token, a so-called memecoin he helped launch, begin to surge. Its market value flew past $1 billion, $2 billion, all the way over $4 billion.

When it collapsed, as such tokens often do, Milei’s presidency in Argentina was in crisis mode. Investors like Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy suffered steep losses and dubbed the token “the biggest rug pull of all time” — a reference to the crypto lexicon for a scam. Davis himself, in a later post on social media, acknowledged holding some profits despite the declines.

The events are now the subject of an internal government probe. Prominent members of the crypto world are pointing fingers at each other as Milei tries to recover from a political black eye.

“The Libra saga is a travesty,” said Henry Elder at UTXO Management. “It’s a stark illustration that the current crop of crypto leaders lack any moral compass whatsoever.”

Milei, meanwhile, is heading to Washington this week in hopes of meeting Donald Trump. The Argentine leader wants to secure the US president’s support for his country to receive more money from the International Monetary Fund in a new program that’s still under negotiation, as well as possible exemptions from Trump’s tariffs.

Milei won Argentina’s election in late 2023 by a landslide with supporters desperate for a swift economic overhaul after several years of crisis. He’s increasingly aligned himself with right-leaning leaders worldwide, and his crypto hype was reminiscent of the token Trump himself launched just days before his inauguration.

The Libra token launched on Solana, a blockchain with fast transaction speeds and low fees that’s made it popular with memecoin traders.

Compounding the confusion over the weekend were the contradicting tales. After Libra crashed, Davis — the chief executive officer of Kelsier Ventures — said Saturday in a video posted to X that he was Milei’s adviser, “working with him and his team on much bigger tokenization and really cool stuff in Argentina.” Milei’s office then issued a statement saying Davis “didn’t have nor has any connection to the Argentine government.”

• Multiple US economic data releases this week could affect crypto portfolios, with potential volatility following last week’s CPI data.
• Key events include the Federal Reserve’s January FOMC minutes, initial jobless claims, and consumer sentiment index, all impacting market sentiment.
• Market closures for President’s Day will pause traditional trading, but Bitcoin remains available for trading throughout.
  

  ---

Crypto market participants, including traders and investors, should brace for multiple US economic data this week, which could affect their portfolios. Key events this week could drive volatility after the US CPI (consumer price data) last week. Meanwhile, Monday’s US President’s Day will keep markets closed, but Bitcoin will be available for trading throughout.

JANUARY FOMC MINUTES

The Federal Reserve (Fed) will release minutes from January’s FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) meeting on Wednesday, February 19. This week, one of the key US economic reports will be released. What policymakers say may help the markets better understand the Fed’s interest rate plans.

Recent reports showed that CPI inflation increased month over month. This is bad news for the short term, leading to negative feelings in the crypto markets. However, there are no strong signs that inflation is speeding up again.

Jerome Powell, the chair of the Fed, informed a Senate Banking Committee that he is not rushing to lower interest rates. President Donald Trump urged for larger cuts to address high inflation, but Powell remained steadfast.

Market players are preparing for more changes as they look for new policy updates. The January FOMC minutes might shed light on this issue, particularly about whether rate cuts are on the way or if officials are signaling a more aggressive stance.

INITIAL JOBLESS CLAIMS

The crypto market will pay attention to the initial jobless claims on Thursday, in addition to the January FOMC minutes. This data will give a glimpse into the US labor market. For the week ending February 15, there were 213,000 new unemployment insurance applications filed by US citizens.

This report fell short of early predictions and was below last week’s adjusted figure of 220,000. The US Department of Labor (DoL) noted a seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate of 1.2%. MarketWatch data indicates a median expectation of 215,000 for this week’s initial jobless claims.

Higher jobless claims reported on Thursday indicate growing economic difficulties and a declining job market, which may result in lower consumer spending. This slowdown has led the Fed to think about cutting interest rates to boost the economy.

CONSUMER SENTIMENT

The preliminary report of the US Consumer Sentiment Index shows how confident and positive consumers feel about the economy. The University of Michigan will publish this information on Friday. A good report on Friday may boost confidence in financial markets, including cryptocurrencies. This could lead to more interest in Bitcoin as investors look for assets that can grow.

[Crypto Economy]

If you've ever looked for an editing app for your device, chances are you've come across Adobe Photoshop at least once. The professional image editing software has been a go-to for photographers and designers for years, and is available as a part of Adobe's Creative Cloud subscription. While Photoshop is incredibly powerful, it's far from the best tool to use for beginners. You may even spend more time navigating the tool's interface than making an edit that should've taken you a maximum of five minutes — which is something no one wants! While you could certainly learn your way around Photoshop, that's not exactly ideal if you only edit images occasionally.

Luckily, Adobe didn't forget about you. In 2021, the company launched Adobe Express, a cloud-based, all-in-one content creation tool. Think of it as a middle ground between Photoshop and the basic built-in editing apps on your device, like Apple Photos or Google Photos. It offers more advanced features than these default apps, but without Photoshop's complexity.

Fast forward to 2023, Adobe integrated its generative AI model, Firefly, into Express, bringing a bunch of AI-powered editing tools like Generative Fill and Text to Image to the app. The best part? Many of Express's AI features, like Remove Object and Background Remover, are free to use. Below, we'll cover Adobe Express AI features we recommend trying if you think Photoshop is too complicated.

While the features below are free to use, some may require generative AI credits, which free users get 25 of per month. Express currently offers two paid plans: Premium and Teams. The former costs $9.99/month or $99.99/year, while the latter is priced at $4.99 per user/month for a monthly subscription or $49.99 per user/year. Paid plans come with 250 credits monthly.

Creative block spares no one, not even professional graphic designers or social media influencers. When it hits, the "Generate Image" tool is exactly what you need, which uses generative AI to transform text prompts into images. To use the tool on Adobe Express's website, go to "Generate with AI" > "Generate image".

In the left-hand panel's text box, describe the image you want to create.

On mobile, head to the app's homepage, tap the plus (+) icon in the bottom right-corner, and choose a size. Then, tap the plus (+) icon in the bottom-left corner, scroll through the options, and select "Generative" > "Generate Image". Choose an image size from the following: Square, Landscape, Portrait, and Widescreen. Finally, describe what you'd like to create. 

Before hitting the "Generate" button, you can adjust a few settings to refine your image. On the website, these options are in the left-hand panel, while on mobile, tap Settings below the text box to find them.

If you have a reference image that matches the look you're going for, add it under "Style". Similarly, if you have an image that you'd like to influence the layout you'd like, add it under "Composition". To specify the overall look of your image, you can expand "Content type" and choose from Auto, Photo, Graphic, or Art. Finally, you can fine-tune your image's artistic feel by choosing from "Styles" like Neon and Origami. When you hit "Generate", Express will instantly create four images. You can either select one or generate more if none fit your vision. Note that this tool uses AI credits, so be mindful of how many images you generate!

Regardless of if you post for a large audience or not, you've likely captured the perfect shot after an exhaustive shoot, only to have it ruined by a photobomber or an unwanted object. Instead of letting your efforts go to waste and reshooting, your best bet is to use an app to edit out any unwanted objects in your photos. Adobe Express's Generative Fill tool makes it easy to do that within seconds. To get started, launch Adobe Express on your device and click the plus (+) icon. On the website, you'll find it on the top-left corner of the screen. Meanwhile, on mobile, it's located in the bottom-right corner of the screen. Click "Upload media" to add the image you'd like to edit to the editor. Now, select your image in the editor, and click "Remove object".

Adobe suggests covering both the object and a bit of the surrounding area for better results. You can adjust the brush size by dragging the slider left or right for more precision. Once ready, click "Remove," and the tool will generate three edited versions of your image with the object removed. You can "Keep" one, "Discard" them, or generate more until you're satisfied. This tool works similarly to Apple's new Clean Up feature, which is among the best Apple Intelligence features released so far. So, if your device isn't compatible with Apple Intelligence, Adobe Express is a great free alternative.

Then, brush over the area where you'd like the object to appear (on mobile, tap "Next" first). Make sure to fully cover the space where the object should go. If needed, adjust the Brush size using the slider for better precision. Once you're satisfied with your selection, click "Insert". Similar to the above, Express's AI will generate three versions of the edited image for you, which you can either "Keep" or "Discard." Alternatively, you can choose to generate more. Keep in mind that both Generative Fill features use AI credits. So, if you're on the free plan, make sure you keep a close eye on how often you use these features due to limited generative AI credits.

While you may have an eye for art, crafting clear, well-written text to complement your visuals isn't always as easy, and there's nothing wrong with that! Thankfully, Adobe's Rewrite feature has got your back. It helps you fine-tune written content within your designs so you can focus more on the design aspect. The Rewrite tool is currently available in 27 different languages, including English, Spanish, Turkish, and Hindi. It uses generative AI credits and can rewrite up to 1500 words at a time. However, you can use it as often as needed to rewrite longer text, provided you have enough credits.

Using the Rewrite tool is simple. Open a new or existing design in Adobe Express, highlight the text you want to refine in the editor and select "Rewrite." On the website, the option appears above the highlighted text. On mobile, you'll find it in the toolbar at the bottom. You'll then see two sections labeled "Suggested edits" and "Make it more..." The first lets you "Rephrase," "Shorten," or "Lengthen" your text, while the second allows you to adjust its tone to better match your style. 

Once you've selected your options, hit "Generate" to get three refined versions (if your selected text is under 150 words) or one version (if beyond 150 words) in seconds. If you're satisfied with one, select it and click Replace to swap your current text, or choose Add as page to duplicate your design with the generated text. If none feels right, you can generate new options until you find the perfect fit.

If you've ever created posts for a multilingual audience, you've likely had to translate your content into each language manually. While tools like Google Translate help, updating each design with translated text can still be time-consuming. Thankfully, you can automate this process using Adobe Express's Translate tool. Powered by GPT-4o, the tool can translate content into 46 languages. Note that this tool is currently not available in China, Russia, and Belarus. 

To use it, open a new or existing design, and click on the "Translate" icon in the header.

Mahnoor Faisal/SlashGear
 Expand the "Translate to" dropdown and select your desired language. One of the best parts about Adobe Express's Translate tool specifically is that you can translate your design into up to 20 languages in one go. You can also change the tone of your translated text by expanding the "Tone of voice" dropdown and selecting Formal or Informal. Otherwise, choose "Don't change the tone" if you'd like to keep the original style. Select the pages to translate, and make sure to choose the text objects you would like to translate on each page of your design. Then, click the "Translate" button.

Mahnoor Faisal/SlashGear
After a few seconds, your design will be duplicated with the text in your desired language(s). Currently, the "Translate" tool isn't available on Adobe Express Mobile, so you'll need to use the web editor to use the tool. Fortunately, the tool is free across all Express plans and doesn't require generative AI credits.

[.slashgear]

KEY POINTS

•  
  Despite DeepSeek rattling markets, large tech companies continue to spend heavily on artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure.
•  
  Microsoft has already provided details on the returns it is beginning to see.
•  
  Much of the AI capital expenditures are going to Nvidia, and that's not its only growth segment.

After a huge run higher, Nvidia (NVDA 2.63%) stock hasn't even been keeping up with the overall market in recent months. There are several reasons for that, but the big question for investors is whether it's now time to take advantage of Nvidia's stagnant share price.

The stock soared about 85% over the last year, yet it is lower than it was four months ago, even as the S&P 500 has a total return of about 4% in that time. But now it looks like there are over 300 billion more reasons to buy the stock. That's because several big tech companies plan to spend as much as $320 billion on data centers and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure over the next year.

NASDAQ: NVDA

Nvidia

Today's Change

(2.63%) $3.56

Current Price

$138.85

 

YTD1W1M3M6M1Y5Y

PRICEVS S&P

 

 NVDA

KEY DATA POINTS

Market Cap

$3.4T

Day's Range

$135.50 - $139.25

52wk Range

$66.25 - $153.13

Volume

195,479,557

Avg Vol

244,376,206

Gross Margin

75.86%

Dividend Yield

0.02%

Hopper to Blackwell to Rubin AI solutions

Nvidia's recent success is relatively easy to explain. Its advanced AI graphics processing unit (GPU) chips are in high demand. Using management's guidance for its soon-to-be-reported fiscal fourth quarter, revenue for the fiscal year ended in late January should show year-over-year growth of about 110%. That's especially impressive considering quarterly revenue is approaching $40 billion.

Nvidia also shared its plans with investors for continued innovation that should keep driving demand. Sales of its H100 and H200 GPU chips have been boosting revenue growth, and Nvidia now has its Blackwell AI architecture in production.

CEO Jensen Huang has called demand for Blackwell "insane." Investors will hear an update on its Blackwell sales when Nvidia reports earnings on Feb. 26. The company might also discuss the next-generation Rubin AI platform that is due in 2026.

Massive total addressable market

One recent headwind for Nvidia stock was the surprising announcement last month from privately owned Chinese start-up DeepSeek. That company reportedly created a high-performing large language model (LLM) for just $6 million. While many question the authenticity of that total capital cost, the DeepSeek product raised uncertainty about how much large-cap tech companies would continue to spend on Nvidia AI products.

But those companies aren't throttling back on spending. Meta Platforms, Amazon, Alphabet, and Microsoft each announced spending plans for data centers and AI infrastructure in 2025. As a group, the investments could total as much as $320 billion over the course of just one year.

Amazon expects to lead the way with $100 billion in capital expenditure. CEO Andy Jassy stated, "The vast majority of that capex spend is on AI for AWS (Amazon Web Services)." Alphabet plans about $75 billion and Meta $65 billion. Microsoft will continue on its plan for $80 billion in AI investments through June of this year.

That company said it is already seeing returns on its investment. Satya Nadella, chairman and CEO of Microsoft, noted, "Already, our AI business has surpassed an annual revenue run rate of $13 billion, up 175% year over year." Nvidia is the clear leader in hardware for AI infrastructure and is arguably the biggest benefactor from all that capital spending.

Nvidia's under-the-radar catalysts

On top of those tailwinds related to AI data center spending, Nvidia has other growing segments. Its gaming business generates the second most revenue. Gaming revenue has accelerated in each of the last three quarters, reaching its highest level since Nvidia's quarterly period ended May 1, 2022.

Its professional visualization business provides a platform for creating industrial AI simulations and uses AI to drive efficiencies for industrial developers. That segment's revenue has increased in each of the past three quarters and has more than doubled in the last two years. Automotive and robotics revenue has also accelerated, with growth in each of the last five quarterly periods.

Those other business segments use AI and also offer software solutions to Nvidia's AI hardware customers. That helps to provide a flywheel effect as its next-generation AI architecture continues to improve and be utilized in its various platform solutions.

The upcoming quarterly report could bring share price volatility, but investors should look to hold Nvidia for its long-term potential. A pullback that might come from the quarterly report would just provide an opportunity to buy more Nvidia stock.

[The Motley Fool]

Samsung Galaxy S24 owners frustrated by the repeated delays to the One UI 7 release potentially have some good news. According to the leaker Tarun Vats, the Samsung Galaxy S25’s best new AI feature is likely to be added to last year’s handset as part of the stable One UI 7 release when it finally emerges.

“The Galaxy S25's ‘Audio Eraser’ feature is most likely coming to the Galaxy S24 series with the One UI 7 update!”, Vats wrote on X.

For those unfamiliar, Audio Eraser leverages artificial intelligence to detect and remove unwanted noise — wind, passing cars, city hubbub, etc. — leaving just the sounds that you intended to capture. It’s very handy for those who regularly use their phone to take video in challenging conditions.

In fact, it doesn’t even need to be video taken on the phone itself — as our Senior Channel Editor for Phones John Velasco found in his extensive testing of Audio Eraser, it will work on any video. As you can see from the included clips, it’s an impressive feature.

The good news about S25 hand-me-downs doesn’t stop there. The next day, Vats returned to suggest that two more AI features would be passed down to older models.

While LOG Video is only “confirmed” for the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Best Face will apparently roll out to all Galaxy S24, S23 and S22 models with the One UI 7 update.

LOG video recording gives video editors more control over color grading on captured footage. Though undeniably a niche feature, it can get very good results in the right hands, as John found when testing the S25 Ultra’s LOG Video implementation earlier this month. 

Best Face is far more mainstream and extremely useful. As long as you have motion photos enabled, it lets you go into any photo and pick from a number of possible faces caught in the moments leading up to the photo being taken, ensuring that nobody is pulling a strange expression or caught with their eyes closed.

These are all exciting extra features, but the bad news is that Samsung doesn’t seem in any rush to get the update to older handsets. In another post on X, Vats says that Six One UI 7 beta updates are expected for the S24, with the last one arriving in April.

That means we could be looking at May for the final stable release — by which point the Android 15 operating system on which it’s based will be nine months old.

[tomsguide]

The Emotional Weight of a Diplomatic Snub

Diplomatic tensions, especially those that trigger public embarrassment, can have deep psychological effects on a nation’s collective identity. The denial of visas to Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other top military officers by the Canadian High Commission has sparked a wave of outrage, confusion, and introspection. While, on the surface, it may appear as just another bureaucratic matter, the deeper psychological and sociopolitical implications cannot be ignored.

As a psychologist, I see this moment as more than just a visa issue—it is a direct challenge to Nigeria’s self-perception, governance credibility, and institutional accountability. Nations, like individuals, have egos and identities that influence how they react to rejection. Public humiliation, particularly at the hands of another country, can feel like an assault on national dignity and often triggers defensive, rather than reflective, responses.

The Nigerian government’s reaction—ranging from outright condemnation to defensive aggression—shows a deep-seated anxiety about global perception and a reluctance to confront uncomfortable realities about governance, military oversight, and international standing. This moment forces Nigeria to reflect on its position in global diplomacy and its approach to leadership, military engagement, and respect for international norms.

Why Has This Triggered National Embarrassment?

National shame arises when a country experiences public rejection or humiliation that exposes weaknesses in its leadership, governance, or global reputation. The psychological impact of such events can be severe, influencing not just the nation’s leadership but also its citizens’ sense of identity and pride.

The denial of visas to Nigeria’s top military officers is not just a logistical inconvenience—it calls into question Nigeria’s diplomatic leverage, military credibility, and international reputation. The immediate reaction from government officials, including the Minister of Interior and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has been defensive, emotional, and aggressive. But from a psychological standpoint, such overreactions often stem from a deep-seated need to protect national pride rather than an effort to genuinely understand the root cause of the situation.

This event forces Nigeria to ask itself some uncomfortable but necessary questions:

Was this visa denial a diplomatic oversight or a deliberate message?

Could it be a quiet response to human rights concerns linked to the Nigerian military?

Is it a reflection of Nigeria’s declining global credibility and governance issues?

Could this be a silent way for President Tinubu to send General Musa a message about the boundaries of power under civilian rule?

Was this a subtle warning about Nigeria’s diplomatic and military decisions?

Instead of deflecting blame outward, it is essential to examine how Nigeria’s actions, priorities, and international perception might have contributed to this moment of national embarrassment.

Where Is the Leadership? The Silence That Speaks Volumes

A psychological analysis of leadership in times of crisis shows that strong leaders take control of narratives, provide clarity, and ease national anxiety. But in this situation, Nigeria’s top leadership, including President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, has remained largely silent.

In psychological crisis management, effective leaders respond quickly, with clarity and control to prevent speculation, misinformation, and a deepening sense of national insecurity. Silence, in moments of crisis, creates a vacuum of uncertainty, anxiety, and suspicion.

If this trip was an official engagement, why hasn’t the presidency defended it? If it was unauthorized, why hasn’t there been a firm government stance clarifying that this was not a state-sanctioned event? Instead, Nigerians are left with a mix of emotional reactions, vague outrage, and a lack of clear direction from those in power.

The absence of a strong, rational, and measured response exposes institutional disorganization, lack of coherence in international engagement, and leadership inconsistencies. A nation seeking global respect must handle diplomatic issues with strategic clarity—not reactionary emotions.

Diplomatic Embarrassment or Misplaced Priorities?

A fundamental question arises: Why was Nigeria sending such a large military delegation to the Invictus Games? The Invictus Games is an honorable initiative that promotes healing and rehabilitation for wounded military veterans. However, given Nigeria’s pressing domestic challenges, economic struggles, and security concerns, should this have been a priority?

Perception matters in diplomacy. A country battling economic hardship, growing insecurity, and governance failures should be seen tackling internal problems, not prioritizing international social events. This trip, whether necessary or not, has created the impression of misplaced priorities.

Former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, has rightfully raised concerns about whether this was a necessity or a reflection of a culture of entitlement among Nigerian officials. Military leaders should be focused on restoring security at home, not attending high-profile sporting events.

Contradictions: Why Was Mrs. Musa Welcomed While Her Husband Was Denied?

This raises critical diplomatic and psychological questions:

If Canada’s decision was a direct snub to Nigeria, why were family members allowed entry?

Could this mean that the visa denials were targeted at specific individuals rather than a blanket diplomatic issue?

If Nigerian officials are truly embarrassed by this, why are their families enjoying the event without concern?

This contradiction undermines the government’s outrage and raises doubts about whether this was a true diplomatic insult or a rejection of specific military officials.

Emotional Reactions vs. Strategic Diplomacy

Instead of measured diplomacy, the Nigerian government’s reaction has been reactionary and emotional.

The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu’s statement—“Canada can go to hell”—is an aggressive, undiplomatic response that escalates tension rather than addressing the issue. In psychology, such reactions stem from wounded national pride rather than rational crisis management.

A mature, well-governed nation should engage diplomatically, not resort to emotional outbursts. Handling diplomatic embarrassment with grace and strategic response determines a nation’s standing on the global stage.

Conclusion: Nigeria Will Reflect, Reform, and Regain Respect

Though this situation may be embarrassing, it also presents an opportunity for reflection and change. To Canada, we say this—while we are Africans, we are a people of dignity. This moment has reminded us of the need for accountability, strategic leadership, and governance that prioritizes national progress over personal interest.

We accept our reality and recognize where we must do better. Nigeria will not shy away from self-examination. Instead, we will take this as a challenge to reassess our global standing, reform our institutions, and rebuild credibility.

Respect is not demanded—it is earned through leadership that reflects national integrity. Nigeria must ensure that the next time it engages with the world, it does so with the strength of responsible governance, diplomatic intelligence, and a renewed commitment to international credibility.

As a nation, we will rise above this moment, implement necessary changes, and prove that Nigeria’s dignity and global respect come not from entitlement but from the strength of its reforms.

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has sparked alarm by seeking access to a system with the US tax office that has detailed financial data about millions of Americans, US media reported.

Spearheaded by Musk, the world’s richest man, US President Donald Trump has embarked on a campaign to slash public spending deemed wasteful or contrary to his policies.

The Washington Post and others reported that the latest request is for DOGE officials to have broad access to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) systems, property and datasets.

This includes the Integrated Data Retrieval System (IDRS), access to which is usually extremely limited and which offers “instantaneous visual access to certain taxpayer accounts”, according to the IRS.

As of Sunday evening, the request had not been granted, the reports said.

But it has sparked alarm within the government and among privacy experts who say granting Musk access to private taxpayer data could be extraordinarily dangerous, according to ABC News.

[OPinion Nigeria]