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In the ever-evolving world of social media and pop culture, few personalities have captivated the Nigerian public like Bob Risky. Born Idris Okuneye, the controversial socialite has managed to build a platform that consistently keeps people talking. Whether through his bold cross-dressing, flamboyant lifestyle, or outspoken nature, Bob Risky is a name everyone knows. However, despite this widespread recognition, a fundamental question lingers: Is Bob Risky a genuine celebrity, or does he fit into the category of a “yeyebrity”, a term used in describing individuals who seek fame without any discernible talent or contribution to the nation’s economic growth?

To answer this question, it is important to define what it means to be a celebrity in today’s social media-driven world. Traditionally, celebrities are individuals who attain fame through their accomplishments, whether in music, acting, sports, or other forms of entertainment. A celebrity, by this standard, earns their place in the limelight through hard work, skill, and talent.

VeryDarkMan and Bobrisky

However, with the rise of platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, fame has taken on a new dimension. Social media has democratized celebrity culture, allowing anyone with an internet connection and a smartphone to build a following and become “famous.” This new breed of public figures includes influencers, YouTubers, and socialites, many of whom have no apparent talent beyond their ability to stir conversation, spark controversy, or share parts of their life that the public finds intriguing.

 

Given the foregoing backdrop, it is not a misnomer to opine that Bob Risky’s fame is largely a product of this new dynamic. With over five million Instagram followers, the socialite’s influence is undeniable. But is this enough to classify him as a true celebrity?
The reason for the foregoing misgiving cannot be farfetched as Bob Risky first burst onto the scene in 2016, when his bold decision to openly embrace cross-dressing drew widespread attention. In a conservative country like Nigeria, where discussions about gender and sexuality are often taboo, Bob Risky’s decision to flaunt his feminine appearance was revolutionary, and controversial.

Unfortunately, this controversy only helped to increase his fame. Bob Risky’s social media posts, which often feature him wearing elaborate makeup, designer clothes, and expensive accessories, attract millions of views and comments. He has become a fixture of Nigerian pop culture, regularly making headlines for his outspoken opinions and lavish lifestyle.

In many ways, Bob Risky embodies the modern influencer. He has successfully leveraged his platform to promote products, mainly skin-lightening creams and other beauty items, and to establish himself as a businessperson. His ability to monetize his online presence is impressive and demonstrates a level of business acumen that few “yeyebrities” possess.

 

Supporters of Bob Risky argue that his fame is a reflection of his ingenuity and boldness in the face of societal judgment. In a country where many people are afraid to express their true selves, Bob Risky has used his platform to promote self-expression and individuality. By pushing boundaries and breaking cultural taboos, he has paved the way for conversations about identity, acceptance, and non-conformity.
For many young Nigerians, particularly those within the LGBTQ+ community, Bob Risky is seen as a symbol of liberation. His refusal to be silenced in a society that largely rejects him has earned him a loyal following. In this sense, Bob Risky’s fame is not just about controversy; it is also about the role he plays in challenging the status quo.

VeryDarkMan

Additionally, Bob Risky’s business ventures cannot be overlooked. He has turned his online fame into a source of income, endorsing brands, selling beauty products, and promoting his lifestyle. In a world where social media has become a key marketing tool, Bob Risky’s ability to capitalize on his influence is a mark of his entrepreneurial spirit.

Despite Bob Risky’s undeniable fame and financial success, many Nigerians are not convinced that he is a true celebrity. Critics argue that his rise to prominence is more about shock value than genuine talent or contribution to society. The term “yeyebrity” refers to people who are famous for being famous; individuals who attain attention through controversy or outrageous behavior but lack the substance to back it up.

 

Against the foregoing backdrop, it is not a misnomer to opine that for these critics that Bob Risky fits squarely into this category. His claim to fame is based largely on his ability to provoke reactions, whether through his cross-dressing, his lavish displays of wealth, or his outspoken personality. Unlike actors, musicians, or athletes who are celebrated for their craft, Bob Risky’s fame does not appear to be tied to any particular skill or talent.

Moreover, some Nigerians feel that Bob Risky’s influence is damaging. His promotion of skin-lightening creams, for instance, has sparked concern among health professionals, who warn that such products can have harmful effects.

Again, Bob Risky’s tendency to flaunt material wealth in a country where many struggle with poverty has also drawn criticism. For these reasons, many Nigerians believe that Bob Risky’s fame is shallow and undeserved.
The debate about whether Bob Risky is a celebrity or “yeyebrity” speaks to a larger issue in Nigeria and across the world: the changing definition of fame. In an era where social media has blurred the lines between celebrity and influencer, the criteria for what makes someone a public figure have evolved.

 

In the past, being a celebrity meant excelling in a specific field, whether it was music, film, or sports. Today, fame can be achieved simply by having a large online following and staying in the public eye. This shift has created room for individuals like Bob Risky to rise to prominence, even if their fame is not rooted in traditional notions of talent.

Bobrisky

So, is Bob Risky a celebrity or a “yeyebrity”? The answer ultimately depends on how one defines fame. If we adhere to the traditional definition of celebrity, fame earned through talent and contribution, then Bob Risky might not fit the bill. His rise is more a product of controversy and self-promotion than any particular skill.

However, if we accept the modern view of celebrity, where social media influence and online presence are enough to build a brand and create a following, then Bob Risky is undeniably a celebrity. He has mastered the art of staying relevant, and in today’s world, that is often all it takes to become a star.

 

Whether you love him or hate him, Bob Risky has made an indelible mark on Nigerian pop culture. His fame may be unconventional, but it is real. As the debate continues about the nature of his celebrity status, one thing is certain: Bob Risky is not going anywhere, and for better or worse, he will remain a fixture in Nigeria’s social media landscape for years to come. So, given the foregoing argument, the question still begs for answer, “Is Bob Risky a Celebrity or “Yeyebrity”? As you ponder over the arguments made in this context, your answer to the question is as good as mine.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commended NIPCO’s management for investing in Nigeria’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) sector during a meeting with the company’s executives at the State House in Abuja.

In a statement, the president’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, commended NIPCO’s contributions to the nation’s energy transition efforts, particularly its support for the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI).

During the meeting, President Tinubu acknowledged NIPCO’s role as a critical player in enhancing the adoption of CNG as an alternative fuel, noting that such investments align with his administration’s energy security and economic diversification strategy.

He emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships in driving the transition to cleaner and more affordable energy solutions for Nigerians.

The President lauded NIPCO’s efforts in promoting and supporting the “Switch to CNG” campaign, which has been instrumental in boosting public awareness and providing affordable CNG conversion kits even before the official kickoff of the Presidential CNG Initiative.

He highlighted the significance of this initiative in reducing the nation’s reliance on petrol and cutting down fuel costs for consumers.

 

CNG, being a cleaner and more affordable fuel, reduces the carbon footprint and saves consumers significant fuel costs.

“Nigeria’s motorists can buy petrol at N1,000 per litre or equivalent gas per Standard Cubic Meter at N200. We have also introduced incentives for commercial motorists to convert from petrol to gas” free of cost,” President Tinubu said.

President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for private sector investments and expanding Nigeria’s CNG infrastructure to enhance energy efficiency and economic growth.

He further encouraged NIPCO to continue its innovative approach to CNG expansion while supporting the government’s broader goals in the energy sector.

Mr Ramesh Kasangra, NIPCO director, who led the delegation, thanked President Tinubu for his steadfast support of the CNG sector.

He expressed NIPCO’s commitment to furthering the partnership with the government to ensure Nigeria’s energy transition remains on track.

He assured the president that the company was ready to invest in infrastructure to make CNG more accessible nationwide.

According to him, NIPCO has been a key player in various sectors of Nigeria for over four decades and will continue to believe in Nigeria for the long term.

[Leadership]

 

The Niger Delta region has continued to suffer environmental challenges as a result of oil production in communities across the region.

The oil exploration in the region has become a setback as the natural resource, which was supposed to serve as a blessing, has become a challenge following incessant oil spills and environmental degradation which have resulted in the loss of nutrients in farm lands, displacements, poor crop yields and other environmental disasters.

Also, many communities have lost their sources of livelihood and homes as a result of which many people have been displaced.

Experts have called for remediation of the land among other actions that will help address the challenges.

An oil surveillance contractor, Tantita Securities Services, said communities in the Niger region can now use their vegetation to generate wealth through carbon capture technology, which is far safer and environmentally friendlier than crude oil.

The Executive Director Operations and Technical, Captain Warredi Enisuoh, stated that the company has started sensitising and mobilising Niger Delta communities to forget about crude oil and its attendant ecosystem destruction and embrace a cleaner energy source of wealth creation.

Captain Enisuoh, who stated this while speaking on a sub-theme, ‘Infrastructural Protection’, at the Pan-Ijaw Summit in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, recently, said it was high time Niger Delta communities looked beyond oil and gas and embraced carbon capture technology.

“You cannot remove socio-economic problems from security problems. And we are also here to market an ideal carbon emission alternative as the way forward; we have a lot of trees in this area, which we can use to generate a lot of income.”

“There are companies around the world that are ready to partner with regions like this on greener energy to participate in exchange for green development to participate in industrial development that will not further create carbon emissions and increase global warming that will further affect the health of the people in the region,” he said.

While noting that communities should not go into the breaking of pipelines but find other sources of income from the environment, he said the communities are very rich in mangroves and trees, of which one tree alone can absorb about 80 kilogrammes of Co2 in a year and that’s quite a lot of money.

“If you have thousands of these trees in your community that capture carbon capacity, your community can export it for money or development instead of breaking pipelines that will further degrade the environment, which you cannot use for farming, for fishing, drinking and others,” he said.

He, however, said since their company began operations in the Niger Delta, crude production has witnessed a turnaround improvement, as statistics available have shown.

Meanwhile, some residents of Ovom community in Yenagoa, have said that greener energy is the most sought-after, especially in the Niger Delta communities that have been degraded over the years due to oil exploration and exploitation.

A resident, Kingsley Ebikara, said it was high time the communities embraced greener energy, if the Niger Delta environment is to survive the numerous pollutants from oil and gas exploration and preserve its ecosystem.

Already, Adagbabiri community in Sagbama Local Government Area has intensified tree planting exercises in order to extract greener energy and attract abundant wealth.

Speaking during the launching of a roadside tree planting/Community sensitisation campaign towards greening Bayelsa State and mitigating climate change in the community recently, the Amadaowei of Adagbabiri community, HRH Broadrick Alaowei Okee, urged the residents to plant more trees to ease hash effects of oil exploration and environmental damage.

The king, who expressed gratitude that the exercise is starting in his community, also gave his permission to kick-start the programme in his domain.

He urged the government to ensure a well-packaged follow-up plan in making sure the trees are well-natured for a greener environment.

Bayelsa State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Ebi Ben Ololo, who performed the tree planting exercise in Adagbabiri Community, which was organised by the Tree for Tomorrow Initiative in Collaboration with Bayelsa State Ministry Environment and NGOs, said the exercise will be extended to other communities in the state, especially those suffering from climate change and other environmental issues.

He emphasised the importance of planting trees, which, he said, serve as catalysts to filtering the already polluted air with the potential of trapping excess carbon in circulation, resulting in heat waves and ocean rise amongst other disasters.

While highlighting the health benefits connected with the green state policy of the government, Ololo stated that this is the first phase of the greening plan and that government is committed to doing more to transfer a healthy environment to the younger generations as time progresses.

He also called on Adagbabiri community and residents alike to own the project, stating that with patience and love for the environment, Bayelsans will certainly testify to the indispensable benefits of tree planting and bequeath a healthy environment to the next generation.

The Executive Director, Trees for Tomorrow initiative, Chief B. S. Okolo, said the Trees for Tomorrow initiative is a non-governmental organisation that is championing the creation of awareness, and motivating policymakers and community members on the need to plant trees.

[Dailytrust]

Wednesday, 23 October 2024 02:14

Five highest paid footballers in 2024

The title of the highest-paid soccer player goes to stars who not only shine on the field but also know how to market themselves. Big names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappé have recently led the pack in earnings. 

Their huge contracts with clubs, including moves to leagues like the Saudi Pro League, and major endorsement deals with top brands, have made them some of the wealthiest athletes in the world. These players’ success comes from both their incredible soccer skills and their ability to attract sponsorships, showing how sports and business can come together in modern football.

Here are five world highest-paid footballer in 2024 according to Forbes news you should know:

1. $285 million – Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo, the famous Portuguese soccer star, is once again the highest-paid player in the world. His huge income comes from his salary and big endorsement deals. In 2023, Ronaldo’s move to the Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr gave him a major pay boost, with reports saying his contract is worth hundreds of millions per year. Besides his success on the field, Ronaldo’s global brand, including deals with Nike and his own CR7 products, adds to his massive earnings. His ability to stay at the top shows both his talent and his strong appeal to fans and companies alike.

 

2. $135 million – Lionel Messi

 

Lionel Messi, one of the best soccer players in the world, is always among the highest-paid athletes. After leaving Barcelona in 2021, Messi signed a big contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). His earnings are also boosted by endorsements with major brands like Adidas and Pepsi, along with his business ventures, like the Messi Store. In 2023, Messi made a big move to Inter Miami in the MLS, increasing his income even more with a special deal that includes sharing revenue with Apple and Adidas. This move helped cement Messi as one of the top earners in sports.

 

3. $110 million – Neymar Jr.

Neymar Jr., the Brazilian soccer star, is still one of the highest-paid players in the world. His 2017 transfer to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) was the most expensive in soccer history, and it came with a huge salary that kept him among the top earners. In 2023, Neymar made another big move, joining the Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal with a contract that greatly increased his income. Besides his club earnings, Neymar has major endorsements with brands like Puma and Red Bull, making him a global soccer icon and one of the richest athletes in the world.

4. $104 million – Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema, the French football star and former Real Madrid captain, became one of the highest-paid soccer players in the world following his 2023 move to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. His contract with the Saudi Pro League club includes a significant financial package, placing him among the top earners in football. Prior to this, Benzema enjoyed a successful career at Real Madrid, where he earned multiple titles, including the Ballon d’Or in 2022. In addition to his salary, Benzema’s earnings are supplemented by endorsement deals, making him a prominent figure in the global football landscape.

5. $90 million – Kylian Mbappé

Kylian Mbappé, the French soccer star, is one of the highest-paid players in the world, thanks to his huge contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and valuable endorsement deals. In 2022, Mbappé signed a record-breaking contract extension with PSG, giving him a large salary and big bonuses. His earnings are also boosted by partnerships with well-known brands like Nike and Hublot. Known for his incredible speed and goal-scoring skills, Mbappé is one of the most marketable athletes globally. His financial success matches his quick rise to fame, making him a major figure in both soccer and business.

[TheNation]

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed the tragic loss of five personnel in a road accident on Tuesday near Hawan Kibo along the Jos-Akwanga Expressway. The incident was disclosed in a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information for NAF, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, in Abuja.

According to Akinboyewa, the personnel were en route to a sporting event in Abuja when their vehicle collided with an oncoming truck. In response, the NAF has activated necessary administrative protocols to provide support and comfort to the bereaved families.

Akinboyewa urged the public to respect the privacy of the victims’ families during this challenging time and to avoid spreading unverified information. “May their souls rest in perfect peace,” he said, adding that further updates will be provided as appropriate.

[Nigerian Tribune]

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, on Tuesday night, bowed to pressure and openly recognised the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum.

Earlier, a faction of the Party loyal to Mohammed had sought a court order to stop the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission from annulling Thursday’s planned National Executive Council meeting.

The lawsuit, filed by a certain Imam Auwal at a Zamfara High Court in Gusau Judicial Division, also sought to vacate an earlier injunction from an Abuja Federal High Court Abuja barring the PDP from removing Damagum from office.

But on Tuesday, the chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum welcomed Damagum’s leadership at a stakeholders meeting convened to ease tensions among warring party leaders in the National Working Committee.

 

Only five of the 13 governors were in attendance as of the time of filing this report.

 

They include Governors Bala Mohammed; Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Siminalaye Fubara (Rivers) and Caleb Muftwan (Plateau).

The development comes a few hours after the Olagunsoye Oyinlola-led Reconciliation Committee set up to resolve the factionalisation of the NWC announced that it has successfully resolved their differences for the party to forge ahead in its task of nation-building.

In his opening remarks at the expanded meeting of the PDP Governors’ Forum with the Board of Trustees and former governors late on Tuesday, Mohammed said they had only one agenda, which is to reconcile all differences.

He said, “This is a PDP meeting, not governors meeting. It is not a caucus meeting but a meeting of PDP stakeholders. It is a one-item agenda meeting. As you can see, we are all united today under the leadership of Umar Damagum, we are here to discuss germane issues.

“We will resist any attempt to make Nigeria a one-party state. We will use our experiences since 1999 to provide Nigerians with an alternative platform. “

[Punch]

President Bola Tinubu has told Nigerian motorists to either buy petrol at N1000 or the compressed Natural Gas (CNG) at N200.

The President said this during a meeting with the company’s executive on Tuesday at the State House, Abuja.

He also praised NIPCO’s contributions to the nation’s energy transition efforts, particularly its support for the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI).

During the meeting, President Tinubu acknowledged NIPCO’s role as a critical player in enhancing the adoption of CNG as an alternative fuel.

He noted that such investments aligned with his administration’s energy security and economic diversification strategy.

The President emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships in driving the transition to cleaner and more affordable energy solutions for Nigerians.

Tinubu lauded NIPCO’s efforts in promoting and supporting the “Switch to CNG” campaign, which boosted public awareness and provided affordable CNG conversion kits even before the official kickoff of the Presidential CNG Initiative.

He highlighted the significance of the initiative in reducing the nation’s reliance on petrol and cutting down fuel costs for consumers.

“CNG, being a cleaner and more affordable fuel, reduces the carbon footprint and saves consumers significant fuel costs.

“Nigeria’s motorists can buy petrol at N1,000 per litre or equivalent gas per Standard Cubic Meter at N200.

“We have also introduced incentives for commercial motorists to convert from petrol to gas ‘free of cost,’” Tinubu said.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for private sector investments and expanding Nigeria’s CNG infrastructure to enhance energy efficiency and economic growth.

He further encouraged NIPCO to continue its innovative approach to CNG expansion while supporting the government’s broader goals in the energy sector.

Mr Ramesh Kasangra, NIPCO’s director, who led the delegation, thanked Tinubu for his steadfast support for the CNG sector.

He expressed NIPCO’s commitment to furthering the partnership with the government to ensure Nigeria’s energy transition remained on track.

He assured the President that the company was ready to invest in infrastructure to make CNG more accessible nationwide.

According to him, NIPCO has been a key player in various sectors of Nigeria for over four decades and will continue to believe in Nigeria for the long term.

[Vanguard]

Seyi Law, the renowned stand-up comedian, has opened up about his relationships with his senior colleagues.

 

In a recent episode of Trending by Hip TV, the 41-year-old emphasized his respect for veteran comedians like Alibaba, Julius Agwu, AY Makun, and Basketmouth.

He said his focus is on collective success over individual competition, adding that “I don’t want to be one of those people dragging ranking with anybody”.

“At some point in the comedy industry, there was no rift and there wasn’t any reason to start categorising the comedians. I have played with everybody and I still respect everybody,” he said.

 

“We respect the likes of Alibaba. At some point, I had to go on a comedy tour with Julius Agwu who did not discriminate against me. I have covered events for Basketmouth. He has paid me for shows. I’ve also worked with AY

“As a Yoruba person, we don’t disrespect anybody who has given us food. So, they are all highly respected. I respect them a lot. And no matter the differences they have, they’re still my senior colleagues in the business. And they have not had reasons to compete with me.

“So anywhere you place me on the ranking is okay by me. I don’t want to be one of those people who is dragging ranking with anybody in the industry. As long as we are all doing fine, kudos. The most important thing is that we must not allow the industry to suffer.”

[TheCable]

Nigeria is a country blessed with an abundance of natural resources, geographical diversity, and a youthful population. From the moment of its creation, the signs of divine favor were evident in the land. The nation was endowed with fertile soil that could yield crops all year round, a coastline teeming with marine resources, and a rich reserve of oil and gas that would shape its destiny as a global economic player. In His boundless mercy, God baked a “National Cake”, a figurative blessing, a wealth of resources meant for all Nigerians to partake in. However, despite the prosperity this metaphorical cake symbolizes, today it seems that only a few are eating it, leaving the rest of the population to suffer in want. The critical question is: why should only a few be eating the cake God baked for all Nigerians?

From the Niger Delta’s oil reserves to the vast agricultural plains that spread across the north and the entire south, God’s generosity to Nigeria is unmatched. By some estimates, Nigeria holds Africa’s largest oil and gas reserves, while the country also ranks among the top producers of cocoa, cassava, and groundnuts globally. Nigeria’s diversity does not stop with its natural resources; the nation is also blessed with a vibrant, resilient population, over 200 million people, the majority of whom are young, ambitious, and ready to build a prosperous future.

In addition, Nigeria’s geographical position is strategic for international trade. Its coastline connects West Africa to global shipping routes, enabling the export of goods and resources to other parts of the world. The blessings extend beyond oil and agriculture. Nigeria is home to a rich cultural heritage, a vast expanse of arable land, and, perhaps most importantly, an enterprising people. From these riches, God baked a metaphorical cake, large enough to feed every Nigerian.

 

However, what should have been shared equitably among the population has become the exclusive preserve of a few, mostly political elites, their families, and close associates. The “National Cake,” baked by God for every citizen of this nation, has been monopolized by a fraction of the population, while the vast majority are left to survive on crumbs, if even that.

The post-independence optimism that filled Nigeria in 1960 was based on the hope that the nation’s vast resources would be harnessed for the benefit of all Nigerians. There was a dream that, through hard work, everyone would have a fair shot at prosperity. Public institutions were designed to promote equality, and state-owned enterprises were meant to provide job opportunities for millions. The cake that God baked for Nigeria was supposed to be sliced and shared, ensuring that each citizen got their piece.

Yet, as the decades rolled on, it became evident that something had gone terribly wrong. The political class; those entrusted with distributing this cake, began to claim disproportionately large portions for themselves. They appointed their families, friends, and loyalists to key positions, making sure that the lion’s share of Nigeria’s resources ended up in their bank accounts, while ordinary citizens were left to fight over the meager leftovers.

 

Corruption soon became the hallmark of governance in Nigeria. Oil revenues that could have funded national development projects were siphoned off by politicians and their cronies. Contracts meant to build infrastructure were inflated, and money that should have been used to improve public services was embezzled. As the ruling class grew wealthier, the masses were driven into deeper poverty. This betrayal of the public trust is akin to a few individuals hoarding a cake that was meant to be shared by all.

As Nigeria’s wealth concentrated in the hands of the political elite, the gap between the rich and the poor widened dramatically. Today, Nigeria has one of the highest levels of inequality in the world. The few who have access to the “National Cake” live in opulence, enjoying luxurious lifestyles and stashing billions in foreign accounts, while the majority struggle to afford basic necessities like food, shelter, and healthcare. The cake that God baked for all is now feeding only a small fraction of the population, and millions of Nigerians are paying the price.

The most glaring consequence of this unequal distribution of wealth is the rising poverty level in Nigeria. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, over 130 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty. This means that more than half of the population lacks access to basic needs such as food, education, healthcare, and sanitation. These are not just numbers; they represent real human suffering. Nigerians, from Lagos to Kano, are feeling the pain of a broken system where only a few enjoy the blessings that were meant for all.

 

In rural areas, farmers can no longer afford to plant and harvest their crops because of skyrocketing costs of inputs and insecurity across farmlands. In urban centers, young graduates roam the streets without job opportunities, even as their dreams of contributing to the nation’s prosperity dashed. Everywhere you look, there is a sense of despair. Nigerians are watching the cake that God baked for them being devoured by a small group of elites, while they struggle to survive.

The situation has reached a critical point, with hunger spreading across the land. In recent times, there have been reports of parents skipping meals so their children can eat. Stories of desperation, like mothers begging for food at markets or children dropping out of school because their families cannot afford the fees, are becoming alarmingly common. It is a cruel irony that in a nation so richly blessed, people are dying of hunger.

A critical factor behind this inequality is poor leadership. For decades, Nigeria has been governed by leaders who prioritize their personal interests over the welfare of the people. Many politicians enter public office with the singular goal of enriching themselves, not serving the public. They see the “National Cake” as a prize to be claimed, not as a resource to be distributed.

 

Instead of using the nation’s oil wealth to build schools, hospitals, and roads, the political class funnels money into projects that benefit only a select few. Billions of dollars have been spent on so-called “development” projects that never materialize, while millions of Nigerians lack access to clean water and electricity. Public services are in a state of decay because those who are supposed to maintain them are more interested in eating their share of the cake than in serving the people.

The family and friends of politicians also get their share of the cake. Nepotism is rampant in Nigeria, with political leaders appointing their relatives to key positions in government and business. These individuals, often unqualified for the roles they hold, further perpetuate the unequal distribution of resources. The circle of those who have access to the cake grows smaller and smaller, while the masses continue to suffer.

It is time for Nigerians to demand a change. The “National Cake” belongs to every citizen of this country, not just a privileged few. God did not bless Nigeria with such abundance so that a small group of people could monopolize it. He blessed this nation so that all its people could flourish and prosper together.

 

To reclaim the cake for all Nigerians, there must be a collective effort to hold leaders accountable. Citizens must demand transparency in the management of the nation’s resources, insisting that public officials are held to the highest standards of integrity. Anti-corruption agencies must be empowered to investigate and prosecute those who steal from the nation’s wealth. Equally, Nigerians must insist on leadership that prioritizes the welfare of the people over personal gain.

It is also essential to build systems that promote equal access to resources. Public institutions must be reformed to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of his or her background, has a fair chance to benefit from the nation’s wealth. Social programs that provide education, healthcare, and job opportunities should be strengthened and expanded, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Without a doubt, Nigeria is at a crossroads. The blessings that God baked into this nation are still abundant, but they must be shared. It is time to end the era of a few gorging themselves on the “National Cake” while the rest starve. Only by doing so can Nigeria live up to its potential as a land of prosperity, where every citizen enjoys the benefits of the divine blessings bestowed upon this nation. In fact, let us remember: the cake was baked for all, not just for a few.

Tesla, X and Space X CEO has dropped the latest remarks on what he personally feels about cryptocurrency and its potential after taking a long break from discussing crypto-related matters.

Elon Musk who was an avid supporter of the concept of cryptocurrency in its earlier days has taken a slight Hiatus on crypto-related matters.

That ended recently with the multi-billionaire making a recent comment on crypto saying that it plays a crucial role in promoting individual freedom and countering centralized control.

 

Elon Musk commented on cryptocurrencies during a town hall discussion in Pittsburgh on Sunday revealing the role he thinks Cryptocurrency plays in society.

The X owner explained his opinion in response to a question on the potential for XRP Ledger integration in financial institutions, particularly amid the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) scrutiny.

Elon Musk provided a broad answer to that niche question stating what he feels about crypto in general and not XRP alone.

“ I do think that cryptocurrency is an interesting and probably valuable Bulwark against centralized control”  

Musk clarified that his statement was not an endorsement or Lack of endorsement of XRP but rather he believes that crypto by its nature helps with individual freedom.

XRP vs SEC  

XRP and its parent company Ripple Labs have been in the midst of a major showdown with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under Gary Gensler. The Legal tussle began in December 2020 and it circles around the accepted status of the XRP token.

The SEC in its case alleges that Ripple’s sale of XRP constituted an unregistered securities offering, claiming the company raised $1.3 billion through these sales.

Ripple Labs the parent company of XRP has consistently argued that XRP is a cryptocurrency, not a security, and thus falls outside the SEC’s regulatory scope.

The SEC recently filed an appeal challenging parts of a 2023 ruling in favor of Ripple Labs.

XRP supporters were excited about Musk mentioning XRP.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse in reaction to Musk’s comments expressed similar views on the importance of cryptocurrency, particularly XRP.

He tweeted that Voters care about crypto and XRP too. He explained that the crypto debate was not a niche issue and that people want clear policies that drive growth and jobs.

What to Know  

  • Elon Musk is one of the world’s richest men who have shown admiration and has ties to cryptocurrency. His company Tesla holds significant amounts of Bitcoin and recently transferred $765 million worth of Bitcoin to new wallets.
  • Elon Musk was a heavy Promoter of the meme coin Dogecoin in its early days. However, the Token has dropped by over 80% from its all-time high.

[Nairametrics]