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Ethena, a crypto project whose dollar-pegged coin has ballooned to become one of the biggest of its kind since its launch a year ago, has raised $100 million to help fund the introduction of a similar token aimed at traditional financial institutions.
The fundraising, which hasn’t been previously reported, was completed in December and drew investors including Franklin Templeton and F-Prime Capital, the venture capital firm affiliated with Fidelity Investments, according to a person with knowledge of the matter.
Ethena runs two cryptocurrencies: ENA, which is a so-called governance token that gives owners a say in the project; and USDe, which is marketed as a “synthetic dollar” and currently offers holders a 9% yield. USDe’s circulation has swelled to almost $6 billion as booming crypto prices allowed Ethena to offer returns that at one point reached 60%.
A foundation supporting the project sold ENA tokens to the investors at an average price of just under 40 US cents each, said the person, who asked not to be identified discussing private information. ENA’s price soared to around $1.30 in mid-December but has since crashed almost 70%, according to CoinGecko data.
Beyond big-name financial backers, the project has established connections in the US halls of power. World Liberty Financial, a crypto project promoted by US President Donald Trump and his sons, said in December that it had entered into a strategic partnership with Ethena Labs, the startup behind the project. Trump campaigned as a crypto advocate, and launched his own memecoin just before returning to the White House.
Ethena Labs declined to comment on the token sale. Dragonfly Capital Partners, Polychain Capital LP and Pantera Capital Management LP, three of the biggest crypto venture capital funds, also participated in the funding round, people with knowledge of the matter said.
A spokesperson for F-Prime declined to comment. Franklin Templeton didn’t respond to a request for comment. Dragonfly, Pantera and Polychain declined to comment.
Yield-Generating Mechanism
The USDe token is backed by a reserve of digital assets, including stablecoins like USDT and USDC, by far the biggest such cryptocurrencies. That’s a crucial difference from USDT and USDC, which are mainly backed by highly liquid and safe assets like US Treasury bills. Crypto data trackers CoinGecko and CoinMarketCap classify USDe as a stablecoin.
Layered on top of that is more complex financial engineering intended to generate yield for holders, something USDe’s biggest competitors don’t do.
Ethena uses a version of the basis trade, which exploits price discrepancies in spot and futures markets, to generate yield. When crypto markets are booming and funding rates — the interest paid by bullish traders to take on leverage for futures bets — are high, the mechanism Ethena relies on can translate into sky-high yields.
That strategy, however, could be tested in a bear market.
(For more on how USDe works, read: ‘Tokenized Hedge Fund’ Rakes in Crypto Billions With 37% Yield)
“Risks arise for Ethena when cryptocurrency markets experience sharp price corrections and the funding rate becomes negative as traders liquidate their long positions and others want to open short positions,” researchers at CryptoQuant said in an April report. “In this case, traders with open short positions (the case of Ethena) are required to pay to traders with open long positions.”
Such a development could put pressure on the reserve fund Ethena maintains to underpin the stablecoin, according to the CryptoQuant report.
Institutional Focus
In a January blog post, Ethena Labs founder Guy Young said the project would soon roll out iUSDe, a product tailored for regulated financial institutions.
That token will come with certain transfer restrictions to allow traditional financial firms to use it. Young said Ethena’s “singular focus” for the first quarter of the year is to work with finance distribution partners to enable their clients to access iUSDe. The new token will “enable traditional finance an efficient entry into the product without ever needing to touch crypto rails,” Young wrote.
Stablecoins are becoming a key bridge between the worlds of crypto — where they’ve been used for years — and traditional finance, where companies like Standard Chartered Plc are making forays into the asset class. Tether’s USDT is backed by more than $140 billion in dollar-denominated assets managed in part by Cantor Fitzgerald, whose founder Howard Lutnick is Trump’s commerce secretary.
In January, Trump signed an executive order to protect the greenback, “including through actions to promote the development and growth of lawful and legitimate dollar-backed stablecoins worldwide.”
Ethena also plans to use the proceeds of the token sale to invest in launching its own blockchain, the person familiar with its operations said.
[Bloomberg]
Ruth never imagined she would need a Cesarean section.
Like many first-time mothers, she had envisioned a vaginal birth—the pain, the pushing, and ultimately, the joy of holding her newborn in her arms.
But when her labor stretched past 18 hours with little progress, doctors at the hospital in Abuja made it clear: she and her baby were in danger.
“I wasn’t dilating, and my baby was showing signs of distress,” Ruth recalls. “I had no choice. In that moment, it wasn’t about my preference—it was about survival.”
Now a mother of two, she looks back at that emergency C-section as a lifesaving decision, one that reshaped her understanding of childbirth.
For her second pregnancy, there was no hesitation—she opted for an elective C-section. “Although recovery was tough, my child’s safety was all that mattered,” she says.
Her story is just one of many shaping the evolving conversation around maternal healthcare in Nigeria.
In a country where maternal deaths remain alarmingly high, at 512 deaths per 100,000 live births, more women are actively making choices about their childbirth options.
But those choices are deeply personal, often shaped by cost, medical advice, and deeply rooted cultural perceptions.
The numbers behind the change
Globally, C-sections are becoming more common. According to new research from the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1 in 5 childbirths (21%) are now via C-section, and by 2030, that figure is expected to rise to nearly 29%.
- Nigeria is no exception. As medical awareness grows and access to healthcare improves, more women are choosing C-sections—some out of medical necessity, others for peace of mind. However, financial barriers remain a significant challenge.
- In private hospitals across Nigeria, a C-section can cost anywhere from N300,000 to N1,500,000, with complications pushing the bill beyond N2 million. Many women simply cannot afford the procedure, leading to dire consequences when emergency interventions are needed.
- To tackle this, the Federal Government recently announced free C-sections for Nigerian women in public hospitals. Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, stated:
“The new policy is designed to ensure that women who need C-sections, either due to complications or as part of planned deliveries, can access the procedure without financial obstacles.”
The initiative aims to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates by ensuring more women have access to life-saving interventions without the burden of cost.
Breaking the Stigma: The shift in perception
For Ifeoma, a 40-year-old schoolteacher in Lagos, the decision was clear from the beginning. She never wanted to experience the pain of labor.
“I had seen my sister go through a painful vaginal delivery that left her with complications for months,” she says. “Another of my sisters had a C-section and recovered faster. So, I decided—why go through unnecessary suffering when a planned procedure could be easier and safer?”
Her two children were delivered via scheduled C-sections, and she has no regrets. “It was smooth both times and though recovery took time, I had peace of mind knowing my birth was controlled and predictable.”
Yet, not all women feel the same.
Funmi, 32, is expecting her second child and remains firm in her decision to have a vaginal birth. “I know C-sections save lives, but unless it’s absolutely necessary, I’d rather not go through surgery,” she says.
“My recovery from vaginal birth was faster, and I don’t want to deal with the pain of surgery while caring for a newborn.”
Her biggest concern? The possibility of being required to have C-sections in future pregnancies. “Once you have one, many doctors push for another. I don’t want to limit my options,” she adds.
The future of childbirth in Nigeria
Younger Nigerian women are approaching childbirth with a more informed perspective. At just 25, Jennifer has already decided she will opt for a C-section when the time comes.
“I know people think I’m crazy for making this decision so early, but I’ve done my research,” she says. “I like the idea of a planned, stress-free delivery. I don’t see why I should take on unnecessary pain when modern medicine offers a safer option.”
Her decision is influenced by the experiences of friends and family members who struggled with difficult vaginal births. “If science gives us the option to avoid prolonged labor and complications, why not take it?”
C-Sections: A life-saving option, not a luxury
Medical experts stress that while vaginal birth remains safe for most women, C-sections are crucial in preventing maternal and infant deaths when complications arise.
Conditions like prolonged labor, fetal distress, placental complications, and hypertensive disorders like preeclampsia often make C-sections necessary. Without them, many women and babies would not survive.
“I have seen women terrified of C-sections because of myths surrounding the procedure,” says Dr. Uzoma Onu, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist in Keffi.
“But with proper guidance, they realize it can be the safest option. Epidurals effectively manage pain, and surgical monitoring has greatly improved.”
Similarly, Dr. Sikiru Ojo, a medical doctor based in Lagos, emphasized that misconceptions and financial constraints hinder many women from accessing timely surgical intervention, leading to preventable maternal and infant deaths.
“Many Nigerian women fear C-sections due to cultural beliefs, but it is a medically safe procedure when performed under the right conditions,” he stated.
He also addressed the financial burden associated with C-sections, noting that high out-of-pocket costs make the procedure inaccessible for many. He called for increased health insurance coverage and government interventions to subsidize emergency obstetric care. “Affordable healthcare policies must include comprehensive maternal care to reduce maternal mortality rates,” he urged.
Dr. Ojo further stressed the need for improved healthcare infrastructure and skilled personnel to enhance surgical outcomes.
He encouraged expectant mothers to prioritize their health and seek professional medical advice rather than relying on myths.
“A C-section can be the difference between life and death,” he said.
With government intervention, improved medical awareness, and evolving attitudes, the conversation around childbirth in Nigeria is changing one woman at a time.
[Nairametrics]
Naija News reported that the former Military President, General Babangida, last Thursday, during the launch of his autobiography, ‘A Journey In Service’, revealed that it was the late General Sani Abacha that annulled the 12th June 1993 presidential election without his permission.
In an interview with News Central, on Monday, Momodu, who spoke on the call for IBB’s trial by critics, said the former Military President ought to apologize to Nigerians and not give excuses.
The former PDP presidential aspirant added that the annulled June 12 election was the best opportunity to put the country on track for progress.
His words: “I was hoping that we would be able to bring some form of closure to the June 12th crisis. All that we needed to do that day was to get a full unconditional apology for what happened. If I was one of those who wrote the speech with him or for him, then I would have ensured that we did not give any further excuses. Just come out, apologize to Nigerians, apologize to the families that were displaced, disrupted, destroyed, and I believe that would have closed it finally.
“But the moment I started hearing excuses about, we did it in national interest, we did it so that our democracy can survive. I don’t think what we have today is a proper democracy. It’s become a sham.
“We have the federal government wants to win every election. The state government wants to win every election. The local government is in disarray. So at the end of the day, what have we gained? People tell you, yes, I can declare myself, go to court. So what we have today is kangarooism, which started after June 12th. June 12th would have been our best opportunity to put Nigeria on the right track.“
[NaijaNews]
About 103 shops have been reportedly razed by fire which gutted the perishable items section of the Central Market, Gusau in Zamfara State.
Although, the cause of the fire was not yet officially revealed, one of the firefighters linked it to an electric surge, saying the fire started shortly after electricity was restored to the market.
The fire was said to have started around 10:30 pm on Sunday and raged for hours before it was put out around 2am on Monday by men of the federal and Zamfara State fire services.
The chairman, Perishable Items Sellers Association, Alhaji Inusa Saminu, who spoke to our reporter on the phone, described the situation as devastating.
”We have counted 103 shops which were completely destroyed by the fire. We cannot estimate our losses for now but they run into millions of naira. There were stores, containing dried items which were reduced to ashes,” he said.
He blamed the escalation of the fire on the late response by the state fire service.
He said, “We have a fire service station not far from the market but when they were called, they told us the only vehicle in the station had been grounded for months.
“I don’t know the essence of building a fire service station at the market and they cannot provide it with functional vehicles and other equipment necessary for fighting fire.
“Even their headquarters complained of lack of battery in their vehicle when they were called upon. They had to borrow a battery and they did only one trip because the vehicle spoiled along the way.
“We are appealing to the state government to provide our firefighting stations with functional vehicles and equipment because this is the 6th market inferno recorded in the state and they were all devastating.”
He also appealed to government for assistance to traders who lost everything to the fire.
Another victim, Malam Tanimu, corroborated that goods worth millions of naira were destroyed in the market.
“I know four stores stocked with bags of rice and perishable items which were completely razed. I wonder how we are going to recoup our losses. I am sure many of us would not come back again,” he said.
One of the firefighters, who spoke on condition of anonymity, admitted that inadequate equipment was the reason they couldn’t response to the situation on time.
“We have a station at the market but its vehicle is grounded and our leaders are aware but nothing was done about it. It was the fire station at Gada biyu and the federal fire service that came to our rescue,” he said.
When contacted, the Director, Zamfara State Fire Service, Alhaji Jibo Dauran, said only the Executive Secretary of the agency, who was not in town on medical grounds, could speak on the situation.
[DailyTrust]
Nationwide premium motor spirit (petrol) scarcity looms in Nigeria as the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, on Monday gave a seven-day ultimatum to withdraw services across the country over the non-payment of bridging claims amounting to N100 billion.
The Chairman of the IPMAN Depot Chairmen Forum, Yahaya Alhasan, disclosed this during a press conference in Abuja on Monday.
According to him, the Nigerian government, through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, has failed to clear its N100 billion bridging debt owed to petrol marketers 40 days after promising to do so in the presence of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
He revealed that Northern depots, comprising the Jos depot, Gusau depot, Minna depot, Suleja depot, Kaduna depot, Kano depot, Gombe depot, Yola depot, and Maiduguri depot, have become completely grounded due to this lingering debt.
IPMAN also frowned at the 5 percent levy imposed on its members by NMDPRA.
Alhasan said, “If NMDPRA doesn’t pay our money within seven days, we are going to withdraw our services across the nation.”
“We are extremely frustrated that one year after our last demand as a forum, requesting the payment of over N100 billion owed to our members in bridging and NTA claims by the Nigerian Midstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, the management of the NMDPRA has deliberately ignored our request, even after making clear promises to pay us.
“One of those promises was made by the NMDPRA at the stakeholders’ meeting convened on the eve of the last strike action declared by NARTO. At that stakeholders’ meeting, the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, NARTO, listed this same IPMAN bridging claim as part of their demands before the strike action would be called off.
“The NMDPRA promised to offset the bridging claims in 40 days, even in the presence of the National Security Adviser, Mal. Nuhu Ribadu, and the DG DSS, Mr. Adeola Ajayi. However, 40 days have today become months with no hope of our payment.
“Hence, the nine (9) Northern depots, comprising the Jos depot, Gusau depot, Minna depot, Suleja depot, Kaduna depot, Kano depot, Gombe depot, Yola depot, and Maiduguri depot, have become completely grounded due to this lingering debt.
“For the avoidance of doubt, it is imperative to state again that this debt being owed to us is money belonging to marketers, which was deducted from us at the point of payment for products to settle our bridging allowances.
“We have also continued to record the deaths of our members, the closure of their businesses, the retrenchment of staff, and the takeover of their business premises by commercial banks, all arising from this refusal of the NMDPRA to pay us our money.
“Another worrisome development is the NMDPRA’s imposition of several abnormal levies on our members.
“Chief among them is the imposition of a 5 percent commission accruable to them from the sale of any petrol station outlet in Nigeria. Tell me, when has the NMDPRA turned itself into a real estate agency, collecting a commission on the sale of retail petrol outlets? There is no gainsaying the fact that the downstream retail industry is an ever-evolving one.
“And so, as IPMAN members, we go the extra mile to renovate our outlets occasionally to meet international best practices.
“However, the NMDPRA has also made this very difficult for us, as they have subjected our members to paying bizarre levies whenever we deem it fit to renovate our petrol outlets.
“These are just a few of the many distressing levies they have forced on us. These are not only anti-developmental but also unconstitutional, and we are demanding their immediate suspension.
“As a forum of law-abiding Nigerians, we sincerely believe that we have given the NMDPRA enough time to pay us our money in bulk and clear the bridging claims.
“But in view of their constant refusal, we have therefore decided to liaise with our sister organizations, the PTD and NARTO, in order to take collective action in due course.
“As members of IPMAN, it is important to state that we also own a sizable number of petroleum tankers driven by the PTD, and we may be forced to withdraw our tankers from loading petroleum products in a bid to enforce the immediate payment of our bridging and NTA claims.
“We hereby call on the Federal Government of Nigeria, headed by President Bola Tinubu, to fully intervene in this prolonged dispute between the Depot Chairmen of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, and the Nigerian Midstream & Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA.
“We will not hesitate to take immediate action if our demands are not met, beginning Monday, February 24, 2025.
“We call on our members nationwide to remain resolute and law-abiding as we wait for our demands to be met and addressed by the NMDPRA,” the communiqué reads.
On his part, the Chairman of Gombe Depot, Ibrahim Mohammed, expressed disappointment with the Federal Government over its failure to fulfill its promise to clear the N100 billion bridging claim.
DAILY POST reports that in January 2025, the Nigerian government had promised to clear the N100 billion bridging claim debt owed to petrol marketers.
[DailyPost]
Travelling with a Nigerian passport often requires obtaining visas for many destinations. While Nigerian passport holders can visit 46 countries visa-free or with a visa-on-arrival, the reality is that over 180 countries still require additional documentation. However, securing certain strategic visas can significantly expand travel options and simplify entry into multiple countries.
Here are four visas that allow Nigerians access to more countries
1. United States Visa
A U.S. visa is one of the most valuable visas a Nigerian traveler can obtain. While its primary purpose is to allow entry into the United States, it also unlocks access to over 20 other countries, many of which offer visa-free entry or visas on arrival for U.S. visa holders.
Countries You Can Visit with a U.S. Visa:
Mexico – Nigeria travelers with a valid U.S. visa can enter Mexico without applying for a separate visa.
Caribbean Nations – Several Caribbean countries, including Dominican Republic, Bahamas, and Aruba, allow entry with a valid U.S. visa.
Central and South America – Countries like Costa Rica, Panama, and Peru grant visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to Nigerian passport holders with a U.S. visa.
Additionally, a U.S. visa strengthens your travel credibility, making it easier to obtain visas for other countries.
2. Schengen Visa
The Schengen visa is one of the most powerful travel documents, granting access to 27 European countries within the Schengen Area. This visa not only opens doors to major destinations like France, Germany, Spain, and Italy but also simplifies travel to certain non-Schengen countries that accept Schengen visa holders.
Countries You Can Visit with a Schengen Visa:
Schengen Area – Includes 27 European nations such as Netherlands, Portugal, and Sweden.
Non-Schengen Countries – Countries like Turkey, Georgia, and Albania allow Nigerian passport holders to enter with a valid Schengen visa.
Some Caribbean and Latin American Nations – Nations such as Dominican Republic and Panama grant visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry with a valid Schengen visa.
If you frequently travel to Europe or wish to explore more international destinations, obtaining a multiple-entry Schengen visa is a valuable asset.
3. United Kingdom Visa
A UK visa is another key travel document that increases travel freedom for Nigerian passport holders. While it primarily allows entry into the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland), it also facilitates access to several other countries without requiring an additional visa.
Countries You Can Visit with a UK Visa:
Albania – Visa-free for Nigerian passport holders with a valid UK visa.
Mexico – Offers easier visa approval or exemptions for UK visa holders.
Turkey – Nigerian travelers with a valid UK visa can apply for a Turkish e-visa online instead of going through a lengthy visa process.
In addition, having a UK visa can improve the chances of obtaining visas from other developed countries, as it demonstrates strong travel history.
4. Canadian Visa
A Canadian visa is another strategic visa that grants entry not just into Canada but also into several other destinations. Whether it’s a visitor visa or a permanent resident (PR) card, this document can significantly ease travel requirements for Nigerian passport holders.
Countries You Can Visit with a Canadian Visa:
British Virgin Islands – Visa-free entry for Nigerian passport holders with a valid Canadian visa.
Costa Rica – Allows entry without requiring an additional visa.
Caribbean Nations – Countries like Antigua and Barbuda, Dominican Republic, and St. Kitts and Nevis offer visa exemptions or visas on arrival for Canadian visa holders.
Similar to the U.S. and UK visas, holding a Canadian visa also boosts credibility when applying for other visas, as it indicates strong travel history and financial stability.
[TheNation]
THE Executive Director of the Centre for Free Speech Organisation, Mr Richard Akinnola, yestyerday, faulted the claims by former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (retd) over the murder of founding Editor-in-Chief of Newswatch, Dele Giwa.
Akinnola, in a statement, titled ‘Dele Giwa: IBB lied’, said: “I can understand the denial of General Ibrahim Babangida of his innocence over the murder of Dele Giwa. It is expected. Have you seen an armed robbery suspect charged to court pleading guilty in court? It’s a matter of self-preservation.
“Even Major Gideon Orkar, who announced on radio the ouster of Babangida in the abortive coup of April 22, 1990, pleaded not guilty before the military tribunal. So, Babangida’s denial of his government’s involvement in the murder is understandable.
“However, in doing that, he doesn’t have that latitude of revisionism by deliberately misrepresenting facts. I make reference to two of such.
“In his book, General Ibrahim Babangida made two major false assertions regarding the letter bomb murder of Dele Giwa, founding Editor-in-Chief of Newswatch.
It’s either those, who wrote the book for him didn’t have the facts, or that IBB was just being mischievous.”
Still on Dele Giwa, General Babangida said in his book: “When the Obasanjo civilian administration reopened the Giwa case at the Oputa Panel on Human and Civil Rights, I expected that the police and lawyers would come forward with new evidence as to their findings on the Giwa murder over the years. Nothing of such happened.
“My response: Invitation was extended to Babangida by the Oputa panel, he shunned it. He was wrong to state that the police and lawyers didn’t come up with a new thing at the Oputa panel.
At the Oputa panel, Abubakar Tsav, Commissioner of Police (retd) gave evidence on oath that he was assigned to investigate the case and at the end of his investigation, his findings pointed to the Babangida government.and that he submitted his findings to DIG Chris Omeben.
“Also, contrary to what IBB said in his book that no fresh evidence came up, the issue of Gloria Okon came up during the hearing.
“Having said these, it’s either those who wrote the book for him didn’t get their facts right or that General Babangida was being mischievous in what he wrote in the book regarding the murder of Dele Giwa.
“It is even deceitful to be referring to Dele as your good friend. From where to where? If you could execute your childhood friend, Mamman Vatsa, who then is Dele Giwa, who you only met in the course of his official duties as a journalist? Dele Giwa was not your friend, General.”
Former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, has confronted officials of the Nigeria Police Force and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for preventing him from entering the premises of the Federal High Court.
Sowore told the officers that he was not former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello, who has an ongoing case with the commission over alleged financial misappropriation.
The ex-AAC presidential candidate, who is also a human rights activist, resisted every officer’s attempt to obstruct him.
In a video posted on his X handle, Sowore claimed that Nigeria’s justice system had been hijacked by uniformed security agents, including the Department of State Security Services, police, and civil defence.
He alleged that they had illegally taken over the court premises because they had brought a “thief”, Yahaya Bello, to the court.
He further criticised the authorities for failing to arrest Bello when he was declared wanted, only managing to detain him after the former governor reported himself to the EFCC office in Abuja.
Speaking in the video, Sowore said, “Why are you shouting at me? Do I look like Yahaya Bello? I have business in court. I don’t need to be cleared by either the police or EFCC because none of you is an officer of the court.
“This is a Federal High Court; bring a court official, and I will talk to them. EFCC brought me to court, and they are still harassing us. You have no right to stand in front of the high court. You are not my lawyer and have no right to know my case.”
This is not the first time Sowore has had an altercation with security personnel.
Recently, the human rights activist alleged that the Nigeria Police Force planned to detain him over his criticism of the extension of Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun’s tenure.
Sowore arrived at the Force Intelligence Headquarters at 9:58 am following a police invitation after he uploaded a viral video alleging extortion by officers at a checkpoint in Lagos.
The activist was summoned to respond to several allegations, including resisting and obstructing public officers, disobedience to lawful orders, cyberstalking, and acts allegedly intended to prevent arrests.
In a post on his Facebook page, Sowore stated that the police relied on “rehashed information” sourced primarily from the internet to question him.
[Punch]
The H-1B visa program plays a key role in the U.S. job market, enabling companies to address labour shortages in specialized fields requiring foreign workers.
Established under the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act, this nonimmigrant work visa allows businesses to employ foreign talent for up to three years, with an annual cap of 65,000 visas.
Leading Employers Sponsoring H-1B Visas
Many of the world’s largest and most influential companies rely on the H-1B visa program to recruit skilled professionals from across the globe.
Below is a list of top U.S. companies that sponsored H-1B visas:
1. Amazon
As a leader in e-commerce and cloud computing, Amazon continues to expand its workforce globally. The company emphasizes diversity and inclusion, operating 11 employee resource groups and making significant contributions to social justice organizations. In 2024, Amazon had 9,265 H-1B visas approved.
2. Infosys
With a workforce of over 323,000, Infosys remains a dominant player in digital services and IT consulting. The company promotes cross-cultural collaboration through initiatives like Culture Chat. Infosys secured 8,140 H-1B visa approvals in 2024.
3. Cognizant
A major force in digital solutions, Cognizant employs over 340,000 professionals worldwide. Due to its global presence, the company has a strong history of H-1B sponsorship, receiving 6,321 approvals in 2024.
4. Google
As a tech giant with employees across six continents, Google continuously strengthens its diversity and inclusion efforts. In 2024, the company had 5,364 H-1B visa applications approved.
5. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
With over 601,000 employees worldwide, TCS is a global IT powerhouse. The company actively promotes inclusive hiring practices, particularly in Latin America, and had 5,274 H-1B visa approvals in 2024.
6. Meta
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, continues to attract global talent. In 2024, Meta had 4,844 H-1B visas approved.
7. Microsoft
A leader in software and cloud computing, Microsoft has been enhancing its diversity initiatives over the past decade. The company secured 4,725 H-1B visa approvals in 2024.
8. Apple
Apple has ramped up its diversity efforts, launching the $100 million Racial Equity and Justice Initiative. The company had 3,873 H-1B visa approvals in 2024.
9. HCL Technologies
With offices in 60 countries and over 220,000 employees, HCL Technologies is a strong advocate for workplace inclusion. In 2024, HCL America had 2,953 H-1B visa approvals.
10. IBM
As one of the oldest names in tech, IBM continues to foster international talent. The company employs professionals from various global regions and had 2,906 H-1B visa approvals in 2024.
11. Cisco
A Silicon Valley staple, Cisco operates on a global scale, with over 90,000 employees worldwide. The company had 1,330 H-1B visa approvals in 2024.
12. Capgemini
A Paris-based IT leader with a strong global footprint, Capgemini employs more than 300,000 people across 50+ countries. In 2024, the company secured 2,795 H-1B visa approvals.
13. Accenture
Serving clients in over 120 countries, Accenture is a key player in IT consulting. The company had 2,157 H-1B visa approvals in 2024, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
14. Ernst & Young (EY)
A global consulting and auditing firm, EY is a champion of diversity and inclusion, earning international recognition for its efforts. The firm continues to support global hiring initiatives through H-1B visa sponsorship.
15. MobilityWare
A mobile gaming company known for its card and puzzle games, MobilityWare employs professionals across various fields and regularly sponsors H-1B visas for its workforce.
Economic Hardship: Peter Obi Wouldn’t Have Done Anything Differently – Businessman, Cosmas Maduka
AFOLABI
Business magnate and Coscharis Group founder, Cosmas Maduka, has asserted that Peter Obi would not have implemented policies different from those of President Bola Tinubu’s administration had he won the presidential election.
Speaking on Mic On podcast with Seun Okinbaloye on Saturday, Maduka argued that Nigeria is on the right path despite economic difficulties, stressing that key policies, such as subsidy removal, were inevitable regardless of who was in power.
“People have asked me, will Peter Obi have done anything different if he won the election? I said no. He would have removed subsidy from day one also,” he said.
On concerns over the naira’s depreciation and economic hardship, Maduka acknowledged the challenges but insisted that government must reinvest subsidy savings into infrastructure to benefit the wider public.
“If the funds are used productively, there will be progress,” he stated, warning that failure to do so would leave the country stagnant.
He also addressed Nigeria’s debt profile, arguing that borrowing was not inherently bad if used for capital and infrastructural development, rather than frivolous expenditure.
“There is some level of discipline required to curtail excesses from the government. Are we in the right direction? Yes,” he concluded.
More...
The family of late Afenifere co-founder and foremost nationalist, Pa Ayodele Adebanjo, has announced that he would be buried in his hometown, in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, on May 3, 2025.
The elder statesman who died at the age of 96 on February 14, 2025, will be honoured with a series of events leading up to his final interment.
The funeral proceedings will commence with a Day of Tributes and Service of Songs at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos, where dignitaries, political associates, and family members will pay their final respects.
On Friday, May 3, the burial ceremony will begin with a wake at his country home in Isanya Ogbo, Ijebu Ode, followed by the interment and a reception for guests at the same venue.
The statement, signed by Ayotunde Ayo-Adebanjo, Adeola Azeez, and Obafemi Ayo-Adebanjo on behalf of the family, urged friends, political and business associates, and the general public to support the family in prayers as they prepare for the burial.
“We covet your prayers for the family and your professional support as we continue with preparations to give him a most befitting burial. We also look forward to your esteemed presence at all the events. Please accept the assurances of our highest regards,” the statement read.
Pa Ayo Adebanjo was a respected statesman, pro-democracy activist, and a pillar of progressive politics in Nigeria. His contributions to nation-building, democratic advocacy, and Yoruba socio-political movements remain enduring legacies.
Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has again taken a swipe at his detractors, stating that some of them sent him congratulatory messages on his 65th birthday only because President Bola Tinubu did.
El-Rufai, a former minister of the Federal Capital Territory, turned 65 on February 16, 2025.
“I want to thank everyone that sent me their prayers and best wishes, including those that didn’t want to until President Tinubu’s message shamed them into action,” the ex-governor, who has been critical of his party APC, wrote on X.
“May the Almighty God accept our prayers and continue to shower his blessings on us and our people.”
Expressing his appreciation, he stated, “It has been about a week since many friends, associates and admirers sent me various messages and prayers in commemoration of my 65th birthday.
“The prayers and good wishes were quite humbling and gratifying, but far too many and overwhelming for individual acknowledgement or response by me, hence this message.”
Speaking further, he also noted his efforts to acknowledge each message but admitted he may have missed some unintentionally.
“I have tried to repost, retweet and share all the birthday messages I received, but as an imperfect mortal, I am sure I couldn’t have done all. If I didn’t with yours, please forgive me. It is an omission of the head, not of the heart,” he pleaded.
El-Rufai prayed that he would continue to enjoy good health, happiness and prosperity “in a Nigeria that flourishes as a beacon of progressive governance, democracy and equal opportunity for all.”
[Vanguard]
Pastor Odumeje has declared himself as the strongest spiritual man in the world after prophet TB Joshua.
He made the declaration during a church service.
Odumeje noted that there are only two of them, and the other was TB Joshua who has gone back home.
He said:
“I am the strongest spiritual man I the world after the general, Emmanuel TB Joshua. We are not many. We are two and one have done the job and returned back home. And it remains the lion himself. Nobody can see my corpse. I don’t have much time to spend here. Our mission is to clear your doubt about Jesus Christ. And it’s one mission and one God and one power and that man is Jesus Christ.”
A fake police officer, Vincent Ojo has been arrested for alleged impersonation and being in possession of dry leaves suspected to be Indian Hemp.
Spokesperson of the Gombe State Police Command, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, February 23, 2025, said the 52-year-old suspect, is a resident of Old Rukuba Qtrs Area of Jos North LGA of Plateau State.
During a search, 495 kilograms of suspected Indian hemp with an estimated value of ₦12,652, 000, were recovered from the suspect.
“On 22/2/2025 at about 0900hrs, Police Officers attached to Operation Hattara, led by CSP Ali Madaki while on patrol at Jekadafari area of Gombe metropolis, during the State End of the month, General sanitation intercepted a Black Lexus vehicle with Registration number, GWA79CN Abuja, driven by the above-mentioned suspect who presented himself as a Police Officer serving at Force Headquarters Abuja,” the statement read.
"During the course of interrogation, the suspect could not present any Staff tag, his rank nor to mention the department he is attached too.
"And while searching the said vehicle, 495 kilograms of suspected Indian hemp was discovered loaded, with an estimated value at ₦12,652, 000 and additional Number plate BWR290AX was recovered as exhibit.”
"However, the suspect further confessed that he bought and transported the exhibit all the way from Ajegunle village of Ilesha LGA, Osun State to old Rukuba, Platuae State, thereafter he reloaded it with the intention to deliver it to Biu LGA Borno State,” he added.
"Investigation is ongoing, and the suspect will be charged in court for potential prosecution once the investigation is concluded.
“The command urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities promptly to ensure a quick response."
