Nvidia, a graphics card-making firm, overtook Microsoft to become the world’s most valuable company on Tuesday.
The American technology company saw its stock value rise by 3.5 percent to $135.58 a share — lifting its market capitalisation to $3.3 trillion.
Nvidia has dominated the technology market with its highly sought-after chips that help power data centres running complex computing tasks required by artificial intelligence (AI) applications.
On its part, Microsoft is also seen as an early AI winner given its investment and partnership with OpenAI, which created ChatGPT.
Apple, which occupies the third position, has also seen its shares rally after finally unveiling a plan to use AI — a move Bloomberg reported appeased investors.
Also, Nvidia’s surging stock price has made Jensen Huang, co-founder and chief executive officer (CEO), one of the world’s richest people.
Huang’s net worth has climbed more than $70 billion since the beginning of the year to $115 billion, putting him in 12th place on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index — the highest gain among his billionaire peers.
Adewale Ayuba, the ace Fuji musician, has revealed why he relocated to America and converted to Christianity.
In a chat with Teju Babyface on Tuesday, Ayuba spoke about his new life in the United States, his religion, and his music career.
He disclosed that he and his band member travelled to America for their three-month summer show in 1995.
Ayuba said they could not return to Nigeria after their show ended due to threats from Sani Abacha, the late military head of state.
The singer said he was threatened after he released an album advocating for the freedom of political detainees, particularly the late Moshood Abiola.
Ayuba said after Abacha’s demise, he returned to Nigeria to perform at the Benson and Hedges Concert in 1998.
The singer said while in the US, he enrolled in school and completed his documentation to become an American citizen. He said he also met his wife in America.
“I left for America with my full band members in 1995 for a summer show and others. We came to America for about three months and then returned to Nigeria,” he said.
“I returned to Nigeria in 1998 when Abacha died. The three years I stayed in America were by the grace of God because he is a good planner.
“When I was in America, I realised that I could only perform shows on weekends. My Mondays to Fridays were free. So, I enrolled in school. That was where I met my wife.
“After that, I took part in a lot of activities. Doing so was like building another foundation in America. That was not easy. From there, I completed my documentation and became an American citizen.
“I don’t see myself continuing in Fuji music, I believe I have done well. This is America, there’s more to explore in life, trusting that God has a plan.”
Speaking about his decision to convert from Islam to Christianity, Ayuba revealed that he was unable to pray in Arabic.
This, he said, prevented him from practising Islam, adding that he would always invite clerics to pray on his behalf.
He also said he was inspired by verses from the Bible quoting Jesus Christ as saying “He is the way, truth, and life”.
Ayuba said he prefers to worship where he “feels closest to God,” adding that his choice to become a Christian “brings me happiness”.
“People claim Ayuba is a Muslim. Have they seen me in the mosque? If I were practising Islam, wouldn’t someone have noticed,” he said.
“Why is this an issue? Can they let me be? They say I should pray five times daily, but I’m not. My mother is an Alhaja, and although my father never went to Mecca, we practice Islam at home.
“So, my name is Ayub, which is Job in the Bible. It’s not that being a Muslim is good or bad. When I attempted to practice it, I had to summon some Alfas to help me communicate with God because I didn’t understand Arabic.
“I questioned whether I should continue despite all that God has done for me, needing others to intercede on my behalf.
“There isn’t an album of mine where I haven’t referenced Muslim words. We all worship God. To me, religion is akin to education.
“I chose Jesus Christ because he proclaimed, ‘I am the truth, the way, and the life’. This is my personal choice, and it brings me happiness.
“Many of my band members are Muslims, and we pray together. I was unable to attend Arabic school due to my profession. I prefer to worship where I feel closest to my God.”
Ayuba began his music career as a teenager and released his first album, ‘Ibere (Beginning)’ in 1986.
The 59-year-old singer is famous for albums such as ‘Bubble’, ‘Turn Me On’, ‘’Ijo Fuji’, and ‘Koloba Koloba’.
In 2015, Ayuba said the day he became a Christian was the happiest day of his life.
The United Kingdom, UK is grappling with a shortage of bricklayers and other construction workers, causing prolonged delays for homeowners seeking building services.
Since 2021, a staggering 415,000 people have experienced over a year-long wait to secure a builder, according to a national construction audit by Fix Radio.
The shortage extends beyond builders, with 301,000 households waiting a year for plumbers and heating engineers, 294,000 for roofers, and 274,000 for carpenters.
On average, the wait for a bricklayer over the past three years has exceeded three months, while landscapers, painters, and decorators have left customers waiting for two and a half months, per report from Daily Mail UK.
Industry experts highlight the severe impact of this skills shortage on major projects, including delays in completing the Co-op Live venue in Manchester.
To meet rising demand, an additional 225,000 skilled workers are to be needed by 2027 with economic repercussions significant as the UK is projected to miss out on £98 billion of growth by 2030 due to the skills gap.
The ageing workforce exacerbates the issue, with a fifth of construction workers now over 50 and a third planning to retire by 2030.
The Construction Industry Training Board’s Construction Skills Network estimates nearly one million tradespeople will retire in the next decade.
While migrant labour has somewhat mitigated the shortages, there is an urgent need to train more British workers.
Last year, bricklayers, plasterers, roofers, and carpenters were added to the Home Office’s shortage occupation list to address the deficit.
UK government initiatives aim to alleviate the problem, including cracking down on non-vocational university degrees and funding 100,000 apprenticeships. Both Labour and Conservative parties have focused on construction in their General Election campaigns, with Labour proposing new towns and Rishi Sunak promising to build hundreds of thousands of homes in major cities.
Clive Holland of Fix Radio emphasized the critical need for more builders, warning, “If political parties, irrespective of their stripe or colour, honestly believe they can address the housing crisis without having the serious conversation of addressing the skills deficit, we’re heading into a very dangerous position.”
A Fix Radio survey revealed that two-thirds of Britons felt insufficiently encouraged to pursue trades in school, and 18% of parents discouraged their children from entering the construction industry due to perceived low earnings.
Unites States President, Joe Biden is set to announce a new policy that will grant legal status to hundreds of thousands of undocumented spouses of US citizens, protecting them from deportation.
The policy will apply to those who have been in the country for at least 10 years and will allow them to work in the US legally.
According to the administration officials, over 500,000 spouses of US citizens will benefit from this policy, in addition to 50,000 young people under 21 whose parent is married to an American citizen.
The policy is the most significant relief program for undocumented migrants already in the US since the Obama administration announced the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in 2012.
To qualify, undocumented spouses must have lived in the country for 10 years and been married as of June 17. They will have three years to apply for permanent residency and will be eligible for a three-year work permit.
The White House believes that those eligible for the process have been in the US for an average of 23 years, with a majority being born in Mexico.
Critics argue that the policy is an overreach of executive authority and violates US immigration law.
NumbersUSA, an immigration reform group, in a statement by the Chief Executive, James Massa, referred to the policy as “unconscionable”. He said:
“Rather than stopping the worst border crisis in history, President Biden has overreached his executive authority to use an unconstitutional process, circumventing voters and their elected representatives in Congress, to send a message that amnesty is available to those who enter illegally into the United States.”
However, immigration lawyers and advocates welcome the move as a start towards addressing the complex issues faced by undocumented immigrants.
Alex Cuic, an immigration lawyer and professor at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio, told the BBC: “A good majority of them [would have] left the country in order to come back lawfully. It’s like they physically enter the US, but their immigration ‘soul’ doesn’t come with them.”
The application process is expected to open by the end of summer, and the White House is also planning to ease and speed up the visa process for highly skilled undocumented immigrants.
At the time of the announcement, US President Biden urged those who consider the measure “too strict” to “be patient”.
“[In] the weeks ahead, I will speak to how we can make our immigration system more fair and just,” he said.
Former President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, Mrs. Florence Morenike Saraki, has died.
She died on Tuesday at the age of 89.
Saraki made the announcement on Tuesday evening on his x.com account.
He announced that, “With profound sadness and total submission to the will of Almighty God, I announce the passing of my beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and matriarch, Chief Mrs. Florence Morenike Saraki, who peacefully transitioned today, Tuesday, June 18th, 2024.
“Details regarding funeral arrangements will be shared in due course. We appreciate your love, prayers, and support as we mourn Mama’s passing.”
The late Florence was the widow of Olusola Saraki, who was a Senator in the Second Nigerian Republic and political godfather in Kwara until his demise in 2012.
The late matriarch of the Saraki family who celebrated her 87th birthday in 2022, was survived by Saraki, former minister of state for transport, Gbemisola, Tope Saraki-Edu and Laolu.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Saraki’s ward has issued a statement mourning her death.
A statement by the chairman of the ward, Comrade Abubakar Yusuf Garba, on behalf of the party said, “We share in the grief and sorrow that comes with the loss of a matriarch, a pillar of strength, and a guiding light. Chief (Mrs.) Florence Morenike Saraki was an exemplary woman, a devoted wife, and a dedicated mother who left an indelible mark on the lives of everyone she touched.
“Her unwavering support and dedication to her family, particularly her husband, the late Dr. Olusola Saraki, and her children, are a testament to her selflessness and devotion.”
Femi Esho, the Nigerian music promoter and founder of Evergreen Musical Company, has passed away.
Esho died at the age of 77.
Bimbo Esho, his daughter, confirmed his demise via Facebook on Tuesday.
“My Loving Dad May your Gentle Soul Rest In Peace Esho Baba (sic),” she wrote.
However, she did not reveal the cause of death or the exact date he died.
Esho was Born in Ilesa, Osun state on November 29, 1946.
The Chairman of the Katcha local government area of Niger State, Danlamin Abdullahi Saku has been beaten to a pulp.
He was given the beating of his life by hoodlums in the council over alleged failure to settle a debt of over N1m owed his creditor.
The LG chairman borrowed the money from one Alhaji Yanda of the same area and failed to repay.
It was gathered that the incident occurred in the area on Sunday when his creditor conveyed a message to him through some boys in the area demanding his money.
Instead of receiving and responding to the message sent to him, he was said to have slapped one of the boys leading to a fight that saw the chairman beaten to a pulp.
It was further gathered that the council chairman was rushed to the General Hospital Katcha and he was later referred to another undisclosed hospital for medical attention.
However, a party source from the area who would not want the name mentioned disclosed that the council chairman was beaten by his party supporters who were not happy over his refusal to pay back a debt of about N1m he borrowed to fund his political campaign which won him the seat of the council chairman.
The source disclosed that before the incident, the council chairman’s vehicle was forcefully ceased by his creditors and was returned to him after a series of interventions from some party leaders of the LG.
Confirming the incident, the state Police command through the Public Relations Officer (PRO) SP Wasiu Abiodun said on 16th of June, 2024 information was received at Katcha Division that the Chairman Katcha LGA Hon. Danlami Abdullahi Saku was attacked by some miscreants along Saku-Gaza village after the Sallah prayer at his village Saku, Katcha LGA”
“The attack was allegedly reported to be linked to a debt issue between the Chairman and one Alh. Yanda of the same area”.
Abiodun stated that the Chairman sustained serious injury during the attack and he was taken to Gen. Hospital Bida and later referred to another hospital for further treatment.
“Preliminary investigation is ongoing at Katcha Div, while effort is being intensified to apprehend the miscreants who were responsible for the criminal force and assault and causing grievous hurt on the Chairman, ” he further added.
Victor Osimhen is likely to be sanctioned by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in the coming days.
The striker will be charged for improper conduct over his verbal attack on the former coach of the senior national team of Nigeria, Finidi George, according to Vanguard.
Finidi who was the coach of the team until Friday when he tendered his resignation letter following the announcement by the NFF that they will be appointing an expatriate coach, was called out by the Napoli forward who was angry over reports that the coach questioned his commitment to the team.
Osimhen went all out on the coach on the reason why he missed the team’s world cup qualifiers games against south Africa and Benin Republic, which they drew 1-1 and lost 1-2 respectively to drop to 5th in their group, four points behind leader Rwanda.
“Already the president of the NFF Ibrahim Muse Guseu has spoken with Osimhon over his outburst and Finidi also reached out to him. The report he reacted to is fake and misleading, sadly he didn’t confirm bofore reacting”, a board member of the NFF told Owngoal Nigeria.com.
“Osim ben is a role model and the only way we can help the incoming coach stamp his authority is by using him to set example. He crossed the line with his outburst even when Finidi called him to explain he still didn’t deem it fit to retract his statements. We won’t condone that and after the Salah break, we will sit on the issue. I can tell you he won’t be in the team until he says sorry for his actions”, he concluded.
‘No Matter How Your Mother Tries To Take You Away, I Remain Your Father’ – Mercy Aigbe’s Ex-husband, Lanre Gentry
AFOLABI
Lagos-based hotelier, Lanre Gentry, the ex-husband to Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe, has stirred social media reactions over his birthday message to his son, Juwon.
Naija News reports that Gentry, in the post shared on his Instagram page, accused Mercy of denying him access to his son.
He noted that despite Mercy’s attitude, he is happy that his son still understands he remains his father.
He wrote, “Happy birthday to my dear son Olajuwon Gentry,no matter how your mother try to take you away from me,I still remain your father and am happy you are growing up to understand that I remain your father and to come back to me to ask for anything without your mother asking by herself. I cherish you, my son, a long life to you and me as your father.”
Meanwhile, Mercy Aigbe, in her birthday message, wrote, “Happy birthday to my not so small Baby. They Grow so fast and so Big!
“Olajunwomi, my son in whom i am well pleased. How time flies you are 14yrs older already, you will always be mummy’s baby. I bless God for growth, protection, provision and unending blessings.
“My dearest son, I will always be here for you,I will always cover you,I will always pray for you and with you,I will always love you forever Oko mi ? Thank you for bringing me so much joy has your mother and I am very proud of you! I’m forever grateful to God Almighty.
“Juwon is that son every mother prays to have,a very peaceful, loving and caring child. You are very Kind and very generous to everyone around you. I feel blessed that you are my son.
“I love you from the first time you took your first breath, I love you now and I will love you till eternity. I’m wishing you long life and prosperity in good health, success, happiness & joy, God’s protection & guidance on you always & forever Amen. Happy Birthday My Son @olajuwon.gentry.”
A 400-level student at Federal University Oye Ekiti in Ekiti State has been arrested by police for allegedly raping a male colleague.
A viral video on Tuesday shows the accused being taken away by police amidst a crowd.
The National Association of Ondo State Students and the FUOYE Student Union have issued statements distancing themselves from the accused, clarifying that he is not a member or affiliate of their organizations.
Both statements emphasize their commitment to a safe and inclusive environment and promise to take necessary actions to ensure justice is served
National Association of Ondo state students in a statement said, “We want to clarify that the individual Oni Olalekan popularly known as Asiwaju accused of sexual assault and who has publicly denounced our association on Monday 10th of June 2024, is not a member, an executive or appointee of our association.
“We would like to clarify that this individual is not a member of our association nor has any affiliation with us.
“It is important to ensure that this distinction is clear to the general public and that any misinformation is addressed promptly.
“We take these matters very seriously and stand for a safe and inclusive environment for all our members. If you have any concerns or information that you think we should be aware of, please do not hesitate to reach out to the association board.
“Let’s continue to uphold our values and principles as we strive for a respectful and supportive community within our association.”
Also, the FUOYE Student Union in a statement said, ” Disclaimer. This is to inform the general public that Oni Olalekan, popularly known as (Asiwaju), is not a member of the Students’ Union Government nor is he an appointee of the Students’ Union Government.
“Any claims or assumptions to the contrary are incorrect. Please take note and disregard any misinformation.
“Please be assured that the FUOYESUG is actively addressing this matter and will take all necessary actions to ensure that justice is served. Thank you.”
Speaking to our reporter in a telephone interview on Tuesday, the Ekiti State Police Public Relations Officer, Abutu Sunday, confirmed the arrest and ongoing investigation, stating that the suspect is denying the allegations.
Abutu Sunday said, “Investigation has commenced, the suspect has been arrested and investigations have commenced because he is denying why the complainant is alleging, so we will see the result of the investigation.”
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— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) June 18, 2024
A 400-level student at Federal University Oye Ekiti in Ekiti State has been arrested by police for allegedly raping a male colleague.
A viral video on Tuesday shows the… pic.twitter.com/cSUN2msm7H
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World record holder in the Women’s 100m hurdles, Tobi Amusan, claimed her fourth Nigerian title at the ongoing Athletics Federation of Nigeria’s National Trials at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin-City, Edo State, on Monday.
She powered through to the finish line at a time of 12.78s ahead of Adaobi Tabugbo, who finished second in 13.33s.
The event, which ends this Tuesday, will be used by the AFN to pick athletes for the Paris Olympics, the Africa Championships to be held later this month in Cameroon, and the World U-20 Championship in Lima, Peru, from August 27 to 31.
Although Amusan had qualified for the Olympics, she executed her race smoothly in Benin-City to defend her title.
The 27-year-old has recorded some triumphs this season, including a world lead at the Jamaican Invitational in May and before then set the African 60m hurdles (indoor) record twice in January and February.
In what will be her third appearance at the Olympics, Amusan is looking to reach the podium in Paris, where the Games hold from July 26 to August 11, 2024.
The three-time (consecutive) Diamond League winner, two-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist, two-time African champion and three-time African Games gold medalist, has participated in two Olympic Games (Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020).
She didn’t make it beyond the heats on her debut appearance in 2016 and finished fourth at the last edition in Tokyo, marginally missing out on the podium.
However, the Nigerian champion has said she is not under pressure to win gold at the Paris Games.
“No pressure, just having fun. One day at a time, one race at a time, no pressure on. When it’s time for Paris, we’ll definitely show up in Paris,” Amusan said in May during the Atlanta City Games.
[Leadership]
Afrobeat singer Gabriel Oche Amanyi, popularly known as Terry G has claimed that the music industry is riddled with cultism.
The singer lamented that the industry is being undermined by the influence of cults and fraternities.
He shared his concerns during the latest episode of Afrobeats Podcast.
According to Terry G, the trend is discouraging some musicians from pursuing their craft, as they feel pressured to join cults to advance their careers.
He subsequently called for the reduction in cultism influence to foster a more harmonious and supportive music industry.
According to him, “In my time, cultism used to be in the universities. But it has entered into the music industry now. If we can remove it from the music industry, we would be [one] family again.
“But if there’s frat [confraternity] in the music industry, people like us who are not cultists cannot operate anymore.
“When we held sway, there were people doing cultism but it wasn’t violent. It was about love. They said it was for solidarity purposes.
“But now, I can see the same family fighting among themselves. So that’s just the major problem of the Nigerian music industry. A lot of musicians are even scared to do music. They want to do cult before they do music now because that would pave way for them than the music. Let’s try and reduce the rate of cultism in the music industry.”
Thailand achieved a significant milestone on Tuesday as it became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage following a historic parliamentary vote.
The Senate upper house granted conclusive approval, with a vote of 130 in favour, four against, and 18 abstentions, to amend the marriage law enabling same-sex couples to marry.
The new legislation will now be sent to King Maha Vajiralongkorn for royal approval and will take effect 120 days after being published in the official Royal Gazette.
Thailand is set to join Taiwan and Nepal as the third Asian destination where same-sex couples can tie the knot, with activists eyeing possible wedding ceremonies starting in October.
“We are very proud of everyone involved in this historic moment. You have helped to bring about a massive change.
“Today love wins over prejudice,” an LGBTQ activist and member of the committee that scrutinised the law, Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, told senators after the vote.
Ahead of the vote, Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat, an MP with the progressive Move Forward Party, stated that the change in the law was “a victory for the people”.
The recent legislation replaces mentions of “men,” “women,” “husbands,” and “wives” in marriage laws with gender-neutral terminology.
It also grants same-sex couples equal rights to heterosexual couples regarding adoption and inheritance.
“My partner has one boy and I want to have legal rights to formally adopt him as my child and to have a say about his well-being. This bill will allow it,” Kevin Pehthai Thanomkhet, 30, told AFP.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, a staunch supporter of the LGBTQ community and the bill, will host celebrations at his official residence, welcoming activists and supporters later on.
Activists are also planning an evening rally featuring a drag show in central Bangkok, where large shopping malls have been displaying the rainbow flag in support since the beginning of Pride Month in June.
Thailand has long enjoyed a reputation for its tolerance of the LGBTQ community, and opinion polls reported in local media show overwhelming public support for marriage equality.
More than 30 countries around the world have legalized same-sex marriage since the Netherlands celebrated the first unions in 2001.
The Lagos State Police Command on Tuesday said the abducted Fouani brothers have been rescued.
Also rescued were the boat captain and his assistant.
Recall that the three Lebanese brothers, of which one is the Managing Director of Fouani Company – a sole distributor of LG, Hisense, and Maxi products in Nigeria – were kidnapped on June 14 around Falomo Bridge while traveling from Apapa to Victoria Island.
A source had said the kidnappers were demanding a $1.5m ransom.
But the state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, who disclosed the rescue of the victims said they were rescued on Monday night at Orugbo Iddo by men of the Marine Police.
He identified the Lebanese brothers as Abbas Fouani, Youssef Fouani, and Amtal Fouani.
“…five of them were rescued. Three Lebanese, the boat captain and his assistant.
“They were rescued late last night in Orugbo Iddo. Our Marine Police, with the support of the Nigerian Navy, brought them to shore.
“Thereafter, our tactical team in the area took them home on Banana Island in the early hours of today,” Hundeyin said.