Edo Govt Declares Obaseki’s Tenure As Most Transparent In History Amid Oshiomhole’s Probe Call
Admin
The Edo State Government has responded to recent criticisms by affirming that Governor Godwin Obaseki‘s administration is the most transparent and accountable in the state’s history.
Naija News earlier reported that former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, in a statement on Thursday, called for an investigation into Governor Obaseki’s administration as it nears its conclusion in the coming months.
This followed the recent electoral victory of Senator Monday Okpebholo, who, along with his running mate, Dennis Idahosa, received their Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Oshiomhole raised concerns about Obaseki’s handling of a $75 million World Bank fund meant for the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EdoBEST) programme, suggesting that the money may not have been used appropriately.
He questioned how the fund was spent, claiming the programme had not improved the education system in the state as promised.
“All the fraud that Obaseki was doing with so-called World Bank money, and I think the World Bank will want even to investigate what he did with that money when you have schools without teachers and you are doing EdoBEST. He left Edo worse,” Oshiomhole said.
In response, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, issued a statement defending the governor’s record.
Nehikhare emphasized that Obaseki’s government has consistently adhered to due process in awarding contracts, gaining national and international recognition for its transparency.
He said, “I would like to emphasize that Governor Obaseki’s administration has been the most transparent and accountable in Edo State ever.
“The government has adhered to due process in the award and execution of contracts, while the pricing and procurement processes have received numerous accolades both nationally and internationally.”
Nehikhare also highlighted that a staff member from Edo State is currently in Liberia to share the state’s best practices in procurement.
He further stressed that Obaseki welcomes accountability, contrasting his leadership style with Oshiomhole’s, whom he implied had avoided scrutiny during his time in office.
“One of our staff members is currently in Liberia to help replicate Edo State’s exemplary procurement processes. Various agencies, including the World Bank under the SFTAS programme, gave our government, Public Expenditure Efficiency Award, (The only state in the Federation) and Fiscal Transparency And Accountability Award (first among 5 States)as well as ICAN, have recognized Governor Obaseki with awards for his commitment to transparency and accountability.
“Edo State has experienced unprecedented levels of resource utilization, ensuring value for money. Our data and documentation regarding government activities are accessible at our data centre located in the Government House.
“Every action taken has been in the best interest of the Edo people, and we have the authority as their elected government to do so.
“Unlike former Governor Oshiomhole, who was shielded from scrutiny, Governor Obaseki welcomes accountability and does not hide behind others,” he added.
[NaijaNews]
A former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, says contrary to popular belief among the members of the public, many politicians in Nigeria are not in government for money.
Dogara, who was a guest on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Friday, said many government officials are ready to work for free if people’s expectations on them are lowered to an extent.
“If we can cut the demands on some of these our government officials by 90 per cent I assure you that there are so many people there who are willing to work free of charge,” Dogara said on the programme.
“But the situation is that you cannot put a lot of burden on my head, and you knock on my leg which I am supposed to stand in order to carry the burden.”
On the current hardship and hunger in the country, Dogara said that President Bola Tinubu acknowledged the situation in their discussion during a recent visit of former national assembly leaders to him in Aso Rock.
According to the former Reps Speaker, President Tinubu promised that he is doing something about the hunger and hardship in the country.
‘Tinubu Didn’t remove petrol subsidy’
The President has been blamed by many for the removal of petrol subsidy which contributed to the galloping inflation that has seen prices of commodities skyrocket, but Dogara insisted that Tinubu isn’t to blame as the subsidy was not captured in the budget before his election.
“We must accept whether we like it or not, except we are disingenuous to say that the removal of subsidy itself, whether the president said that subsidy was gone or that he was removing subsidy, we all know that subsidy had been removed before he was elected.
“It wasn’t in the budget, so if there is no provision in the budget, how do you pay? It is illegal for the executive to appropriate money.
“They can only appropriate money in consequence of an express legislative authorisation which is the budget. And in this case, there was no provision in the budget,” he said.
He said the most important thing is that the president has admitted the challenges he is faced with, adding that accepting responsibility for a problem is the beginning of finding a solution for it.
[Channels Tv]
Nigeria and Mastercard have announced a partnership aimed at supporting one million African farmers to improve yield and agricultural productivity.
The project plan includes support for one million agricultural workers across Nigeria, Kenya and Tanzania, with a focus on enhancing financial inclusion and digital access to critical services, as well as support from the African Development Bank (AfDB).
The partnership deal was sealed during a meeting between Vice President Kashim Shettima and executives of Mastercard Corporation on the sidelines of the ongoing 79th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York
Speaking during a meeting, the Vice President who is representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the annual global event in a statement by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha noted that the initiative has transformative potential for Africa’s food security drive.
He said, “This partnership is an important milestone in our quest for comprehensive financial inclusion and agricultural empowerment.
“By leveraging Mastercard’s global expertise, we’re set to create unprecedented opportunities for farmers across Nigeria, Kenya, and Tanzania.”
Earlier, the Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, explained that the partnership will provide digital access to critical financial services for agricultural workers, which he said is expected to significantly boost productivity and economic growth in the sector.
“We’re not just introducing new technologies; we’re reimagining the entire agricultural value chain. Our goal is to ensure that every farmer, regardless of their location, has access to modern financial tools”.
He disclosed that the initiative also addresses existing challenges in Nigeria’s digital payment ecosystem.
“We’re aware of the trust deficits that have hindered the full activation of contactless payments by some acquirers and banks. This partnership includes specific measures to bridge these gaps and ensure widespread adoption,” Tijani added.
Also, the Country Manager for West Africa at Mastercard, Dr. Folasade Femi-Lawal, said a key component of the partnership is the rollout of contactless payment systems.
“We’re planning 160 contactless payment seminars starting next February. These seminars are crucial in educating stakeholders and preparing the market for this technological leap,” he stated.
[Leadership]
Former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, has addressed concerns about Artificial Intelligence (AI) displacing millions of jobs.
Pantami expressed his views while receiving participants in the PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship at his office.
He said mentorship programs focused on skill development enhances career growth, improves problem-solving abilities and expands professional network.
“In the coming years, millions may face job loss as AI assumes various roles,” he noted.
“However, it’s crucial to understand that it will not be AI itself causing job loss, but the individuals adept at utilizing AI technologies. AI is ultimately a product of human ingenuity; it does not operate or evolve independently.”
Speaking on the fear of technology often described as Technophobia, Pantami said one of the characteristics of the Fourth Industrial Revolution is that expertise in technology does not necessitate formal education in computer science.
“Similarly, you don’t need a degree in Mass Communication to become an award-winning journalist or an accomplished public relations professional. This revolution is centred around personal development and continuous learning,” he asserted.
The former minister stressed that mentorship can transform lives, even through brief interactions, and encouraged young citizens to seek guidance from older persons who are professionals in their respective field.
“Mentorship bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Education lays the groundwork, but applying theoretical knowledge requires hands-on experience,” Pantami noted.
The scholar further pointed out that while tertiary/university education provides the essential theoretical frameworks, practical skills are cultivated in the private sector in most cases.
“I have consistently emphasized that practical skills—not just degrees—drive success. There is a need for personal development, constant learning and retraining to stay competitive in the job market in today’s fast-paced environment.
“You need essential skills, including social abilities rooted in empathy, emotional intelligence, communication, as well as digital skills such as AI, programming and critical thinking. Staying updated with industry trends and technologies is imperative.
“I commend all of you for pursuing the PRNigeria Young Communication Mentorship Programme following your university graduation. While degrees are valuable, skills are equally important. Pursue formal education, but prioritize practical experience and continuous learning for success.”
Mr. Yushau Shuaib, Chief Executive Officer of Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), praised Pantami for accommodating the fellows on short notice and for providing copies of his latest book, “Skills Rather Than Just Degrees,” to them.
Shuaib said the PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship was designed to broaden cohort members’ knowledge across various aspects, focusing on modern communication methods, emerging technologies, and multimedia sessions.
“The fellowship explores strategic communication and social media engagement while incorporating AI and machine learning to enhance communication. Additionally, we include multimedia sessions to address the transition from print to audiovisual.”
Shuaib added that the fellowship, hosted at PRNigeria Centres in Abuja, Ilorin and Kano, provides a platform for participants to connect with industry professionals through sessions at media houses and PR departments for practical learning opportunities.
[DailyTrust]
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate in the just concluded Edo State governorship election, Asue Ighodalo, has registered his dissatisfaction with the election results, stressing that he intends to seek redress in court.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ighodalo claimed his mandate was stolen by the All Progressives Congress, APC, with the help of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
DAILY POST had reported that Ighodalo finished second in the election with 247,274 votes, while the APC’s Monday Okpebholo was declared the winner with 291,667 votes. Labour Party candidate, Olumide Akpata, secured 22,763 votes.
Ighodalo cited several issues, including the failure to use the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, in over 160 polling units, the skipping of proper collation procedures from ward to state level, and alleged collusion between INEC, the police, and the APC to suppress the will of Edo voters.
He stated that his party refrained from engaging in vote-buying, unlike the APC, which he accused of offering cash incentives to voters ranging from N25,000 to N50,000.
Speaking on his next steps, Ighodalo declared his intention to take the matter to the tribunal, where he believes the evidence will prove that the PDP was the rightful winner of the election.
He dismissed Okpebholo’s offer of friendship, stating that accepting such overtures would be impossible while the mandate remains contested.
“Because the mandate is stolen, there is no way you can accept these hands of fellowship or friendship.
“I will stay with the people of Edo State who fully gave me the mandate of their free will, and I will go into the courts and the tribunal to reclaim our mandate and then form the government,” he said.
[DailyPost]
Afrobeat sensation Davido has warned netizens against trying to calculate his net worth because they’ll never get it right.
His post on X sparked a flurry of reactions, particularly from his rival, some mocked him, saying his wealth comes from his family, while others doubted his financial stability.
“Stop watching my pockets, you won’t ever understand,” he said.
Fans and followers responded.
@DanielRegha stated: “Watching ur pockets, & rendering financial advice are two different things; It never hurts to put oneself on a budget, especially since no-one knows tomorrow. Life happens.”
@reallest_gee said: “Na if you don broke you go drop coin wey go rug or beg 1x bet for gigs then drop game wey go spoil.”
@lifeofolaa wrote:: “Them wan count your money, them don forget say money na water.”
@RespiratoryDafe asked: “OBO, how Yankee stadium go be on Saturday?”
@wizkidfc_stated: “Your matter just dey make me laugh.”
@dammiedammie35 wrote: “Who dey watch your pocket OBO ?”
@honest30bgfan_ said: “You don later broke?”
@Philips_Teq wrote: “David, you don’t really have a pocket, na adeleke pocket you de use guide.”
[TheNation]
A federal high court in Abuja has granted bail to Bristol Tamunobifiri, popularly known by his X name PIDOM.
At the court session on Friday, Emeka Nwite, presiding judge, granted PIDOM N5 million bail with one surety in like sum.
Nwite said the surety must be a resident of Abuja and depose to an affidavit of means. The surety must also provide evidence of three years of tax clearance with two passport-sized photographs.
The judge also ruled that the defendant must deposit his passport with the court.
PIDOM was arraigned on September 3, on a nine-count charge brought against him by Olukayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police.
He was accused of “mobilising and soliciting support to unduly compel the government to act or abstain from certain acts through the #EndBadGovernance protest”.
The police said the whistleblower also laundered N970,000 deemed to be “proceeds of an unlawful act”.
Other charges include false money laundering allegations against President Bola Tinubu, and unlawfully obtaining, retaining and disseminating classified secret documents in contravention of the official Secret Act 1962.
The defendant was remanded in Kuje correctional centre. His bail application was moved by Deji Adeyanju, his lawyer.
[TheCable]
Tunisian Presidential Candidate, Ayachi Zammel Jailed For Certificate Forgery Days Before Election
AFOLABI
A Tunisian presidential aspirant, Ayachi Zammel was on Wednesday, September 25, sentenced to six months imprisonment by a court over charges of falsifying documents, making this the second prison sentence against him in a week.
The sentencing, which comes just days before the presidential election, highlights rising tensions ahead of the election, amid opposition and civil society groups' fears of a rigged election aimed at keeping President Kais Saied in power.
Zammel was sentenced to 20 months in prison last week on charges of falsifying popular endorsements.
"It is another unjust ruling and a farce that clearly aims to weaken him in the election race, but we will defend his right to the last minute," Zammel attorney Abdessattar Massoudi told Reuters.
Zammel was among only three admitted candidates competing for the position of president alongside incumbent Saied and Zouhair Magzhaoui.
Political tensions in the North African country have risen ahead of the October 6 election since an electoral commission named by Saied disqualified three prominent candidates this month amid protests by opposition and civil society groups.
The Federal Government has vowed that nobody involved in the alleged bribery saga involving a crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky, will escape punishment.
Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the vow at a press briefing to mark his one year in office, on Friday in Abuja.
The minister had earlier ordered a comprehensive investigation into allegations of bribery and corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS.
Tunji-Ojo gave the order following reports that Bobrisky, who was sentenced to prison earlier this year, did not serve his jail term inside the correctional centre.
Amid the ongoing investigation, the Nigerian Government, through the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, on Thursday 26th September, 2024, suspended some senior officers of the country’s prisons service.
Those suspended are Michael Anugwa, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), in-charge of Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kiri-kiri, Lagos State; and Sikiru Adekunle, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), in-charge of Maximum-Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kiri-kiri, Lagos State.
The Board also suspended ASC II Ogbule Samuel Obinna, serving at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Afikpo, Ebonyi State, for allegedly accompanying a convicted inmate out of the custodial centre to a location outside the facility.
Another senior officer, Iloafonsi Kevin Ikechukwu, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), in-charge of Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kuje, Abuja, was suspended for allegedly receiving money on behalf of an inmate.
Speaking on the bribery and corruption saga that is currently rocking the country’s correctional service, Tunji-Ojo urged Nigerians to be patient, and wait for the conclusion of the investigation.
But he assured that all those involved will face the music.
“We will not spare anybody no matter how highly placed. Let’s be patient. Investigation is on but let’s be assured that nobody will be shielded and nobody will be protected,” the minister stressed.
He added that the investigation will go beyond the allegations involving Bobrisky.
“It is not just about Bobrisky. Of the four people we suspended only two are linked to Bobrisky. The one in Afikpo took somebody out. This will continue. It is not going to stop here.”
Tunji-Ojo described the persons in the investigation committee as people of integrity.
“Look at the integrity of the people that are involved. Let the integrity of the people in the committee give you confidence,” he added.
The National Bureau of Statistics has revealed that the prices of Beans, Rice, Bread, Egg have continued to rise in Nigeria.
NBS disclosed this in its recently released Selected Food Prices Watch for August. 2024.
The data showed the prices of one Kilogram of Beans rose by 271.55 percent on a year-on-year basis to N2,574.63 in August 2024 from N692.95 recorded in the same period last year.
Also on a month-on-month basis, the price of Beans increased by 5.31 percent to N2,444.81 in July 2024.
It noted that the average price of 1kg local rice sold loose went up by 148.41 percent on a year-on-year basis from N 737.11 in August 2023 to N1,831.05 in August 2024, while there was an increase of 3.65 percent on a month-on-month basis.
This is as the price of medium size eggs (12 pieces) experienced significant price increases year on year by N121.92 percent from N1,031.55 in August of last year (2023) to N2,289.19 in August 2024.
On a month-on-month basis, the average price of this item rose by 5.48 percent from N 2,170.17 in July 2024.
On the price of bread, there was also a notable price increase of bread (sliced) by 113.16 percent on a year-on-year basis from N684.85 in August 2023 to N1,459.85 in August 2024
On a month-on-month basis, it increased by 2.28 percent from N 1,427.25 in July 2024. On the other hand,
Meanwhile, the prices of Tomatoes and Yam declined on a Month-on-month basis but remained high on a year-on-year basis.
This is as tomato 1kg declined by 11.07 percent month-on-month from N1,693.83 in July 2024 to N1,506.35.
Also, the average price of 1kg of Yam tuber increased by 188.31 percent on a year-on-year basis from N576.39 in August 2023 to N1,661.80 in July 2024. On a month-on-month basis, it decreased by -7.82 percent from N1,802.84 in July 2024.
These figures follow August headline and Food inflation data which stood at 32.15 percent and 37.52 percent.
More...
At least 30 members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, have resigned from Sa’adu Zungur University, SAZU in Bauchi State.
Namo Timothy, the Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Bauchi Zone, made this known at a press conference at Yuli Campus of the university on Friday.
He explained that the Sa’adu Zungur University, SAZU a state government-owned varsity, is in the shadow of death due to poor handling of the affairs of the university and the well-being of its members.
The ASUU coordinator, while calling on the Bauchi government to declare a state of emergency on the university to reverse trends of poor handling of affairs over the years, warned that except that is done, the ASUU branch zone can no longer guarantee industrial harmony between its members and the university administration.
He bemoaned that ASUU members at SAZU do not have a pension nor death benefit scheme as obtained in a structured public service organisations across the country.
He further stated that the SAZU administration owed its members Earned Academic Allowance and Excess Work Load Allowance to the tune of over N650 million from 2012 to date.
He also expressed displeasure at how a HND graduate was appointed Bursar of the university contrary to the provision of service of the university which spelt out that only candidates with a minimum of first degree would be considered for appointment as Bursar.
“The zone has engaged key stakeholders and exchanged several correspondences in an attempt to resolve these issues to no avail.
“This has not only dampened the morale of our members in the university but forced many, including 30 trained PhD holders to resign and migrate to other institutions where their future is secured,” he added.
Cabinet Reshuffle: Don’t trust your ‘kitchen cabinet’ for ministerial recommendation – Ex-Minister, Adebayo Shittu Warns Tinubu
AFOLABI
A former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu has advised President Bola Tinubu to be cautious in dealing with his righthand men who would recommend persons for ministerial offices.
He said this was important, especially as there are reported plans for a cabinet reshuffle.
Shittu was a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Thursday.
According to Shittu, some members of the President’s kitchen cabinet who should be on the lookout for technocrats to be appointed ministers have vested interests and would only recommend their persons.
“You cannot trust anybody, even if you are talking of kitchen cabinet.
“This will be the first time he (Tinubu) would be recruiting people from all parts of the country most of whom he may never have met in life. But he may just be riding on the recommendation, perhaps, of interested power blocs within the party who would give information and sell their candidate for one reason or the other.
“Mr President has an opportunity to decide what he wants. If you are not there and if he does not tell you exactly what he wants, it would be very difficult but I think one failing in our system in this country is that when people are appointed, or about to be appointed, we don’t have a kind of orientation exercise which perhaps will take a week or two weeks to school those to be given jobs to understand the priorities of their employer.”
Shittu’s call re-echoed growing calls for the President to reshuffle his cabinet over underperformance by some ministers.
1,331 APC members in Kano dump Ganduje, defect to Kwankwaso’s NNPP - Vow to work against ruling party in 2027
AFOLABI
No fewer than 1,331 members of All Progressive Congress (APC) in Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area, Kano State, on Thursday defected to the ruling New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP).
The defectors, who are mainly from 11 wards of the area, vowed to work against the return of APC as the ruling party in Kano State.
Prominent among the former APC members included former Vice chairman of the local government area, Malam Kwa; former state House of Assembly aspirant, Hon. Audu Tumfafi.
Receiving the defectors at Dawakin-Tofa, State Chairman of NNPP, Hon. Hashimu Dungurawa commended them for the decision.
Dungurawa declared that NNPP under the leadership of Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso was committed to the socio-economic and infrastructural development of Kano State.
While assuring them of equal opportunities in the party, Dungurawa dispelled rumours of mass defection of NNPP members to APC.
He maintained that NNPP was not losing grip of control of its structure across the wards in the state.
“We learnt one APC man has been receiving members of NNPP into APC. We have checked the roll call of our members and we have not noticed any reduction in our numerical strength.
“I need to advise them to beware of 419 people coming to collect the public funds in the name of decampees”, Dungurawa said.
Earlier, Kwa alleged that former governor, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, an indigene of the area failed to develop it during his eight years in office.
Kwa also alleged that Ganduje had not managed the party very well leading to the ex-governor’s failure to clinch the House of Representatives seat during the 2023 general election.
After using the iPhone 16 for a few days, I felt the same way I did while watching the fourth season of Emily in Paris — familiar yet offering twists and turns that make the new edition much more adventurous. Maybe the changes aren’t as dramatic as before, but the allure of the new iPhone continues with more natural-looking photos, a button for taking pictures, and better battery life. The iPhone 16 won’t change the smartphone market, nor does Apple believe it will—it’s a guilty pleasure, much like every new season of Emily in Paris.
Apple iPhone 16 price in India (as reviewed): Rs 79,900 onwards
Improved design, with useful new buttons
When I first unboxed the iPhone 16 in a white finish, I immediately opened my closet to find all the early Apple products designed during the Jony Ive era—the iPod, iBook G3, iBook G4, and more. Even though Ive is no longer with Apple, I can still see his influence in the company’s newest products. There’s so much warmth when you hold the iPhone 16, and it evokes nostalgia—at least for me. The finish and quality are premium, and the thought that the iPhone 16 is an entry-level smartphone didn’t cross my mind. This is what I love about Apple, and that one thing hasn’t changed a bit.
The iPhone 16 is still a one-handed device and slides comfortably into my Levis. The flat-edged shape returns, as do the aluminum rails. Even the front-facing camera cutout morphs into a genuinely useful Dynamic Island, which remains the same as on the iPhone 15 (review). Externally, the iPhone 16 may not look any different from its predecessor, aside from the camera island, which is now a pill-shaped, two-lens oval reminiscent of the iPhone X. The new lens alignment allows the iPhone 16 to shoot stereoscopic spatial videos that enhance viewing with the Apple Vision Pro VR headset. Truth be told, the design continues to be impressive, but there’s nothing particularly special about the iPhone 16 from that perspective, so you could comfortably stick with your iPhone 14 or 15 without upgrading for at least another 2–3 years.
However, the iPhone 16 is getting a couple of new hardware buttons that may or may not change how you use the phone, depending on what type of user you are. But I beg to differ. I actually like the Action Button, which has been passed down from the Pro models and replaces the ring/silent switch. The Action Button serves as a shortcut to useful functions and features, like enabling ChatGPT or activating a Focus mode that limits distractions. You can assign it to a shortcut, including both complex user-built shortcuts and simpler Apple Shortcuts provided by the developers of the apps you use. I feel the Action Button will be relevant to far more users than the ring/silent switch ever was. It’s fun to use and makes it very easy to change your settings. Another new addition is the Camera Control button, which lets you quickly access camera functions and features (more on that later). It’s a brand-new hardware button that’s also coming to the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max.
The iPhone 16 now has a USB-C port instead of Lightning, just like the iPhone 15. It’s a good change, and if you are upgrading from older iPhones, it’s more than just swapping cables—Apple includes a very nice braided USB-C to USB-C cable in the box.
Camera Control button is an interesting addition to the iPhone
Camera control offers DSLR-like camera control to the latest iPhone. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/The Indian Express)
Apple likes to keep the design simple and avoid unnecessary buttons. But for a change, Apple is adding a second physical button to a device for the first time in many years. I think it’s a clever implementation. However, I have mixed feelings about the Camera Control button, which allows you to launch the camera, take photos, and adjust some settings. On the right side of the iPhone 16 is the Camera Control button—a real button that, when fully pressed, launches the camera app. It works like a traditional camera. However, the difference between this and a typical camera shutter button is that the one on the iPhone 16 is also touch- and pressure-sensitive, allowing you to “push halfway” to bring up another set of options, such as zooming in or switching between photographic styles. If you keep your finger on the button and half-push twice in quick succession, you’ll move up one level in the hierarchy and can swipe to access different commands. Then, half-push once to enter whatever controls you want, and you’re back to swiping.
The button itself feels good, and it only took a few minutes to learn how to navigate the Camera Control. However, I won’t be using it every day as Apple might hope, because sometimes the button feels too stiff to operate. There are times when I find myself going back to the on-screen shutter just for convenience. I believe the dual functions of the button need to be implemented better.
Bright display, but no 120Hz refresh rate yet
The display is bright but only refreshes 60 times per second. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/The Indian Express)
I wouldn’t make a big deal out of it, but seeing a 120Hz screen on a super affordable Android smartphone and not on a premium device like the iPhone 16 is worth mentioning. While it’s true that 120Hz is just a visual upgrade and doesn’t improve functionality, I would argue that a high-refresh-rate screen has a meaningful impact on the user experience, whether you are scrolling through your Instagram feed or playing a game. Apple ships the iPhone 16 with a 60Hz screen, which looks dated. Sure, the 6.1-inch display is bright and colorful, and if you have used the Pro models, you will notice that the iPhone 16’s feeds and web pages don’t feel nearly as buttery smooth by comparison.
Keeps getting faster
The iPhone 16 runs iOS 18 out-of-the-box. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/The Indian Express)
The iPhone 16 is a fast phone, and I bet it will feel faster than most premium Android smartphones on the market. However, the A18 chip that Apple used in the base iPhone 16 models (the Pro models use the A18 Pro) continues to improve incrementally. So yes, the A18 is faster, combined with extra RAM, than the A16-powered iPhone 15. However, I feel the improvements in chip processing power are modest, to say the least, and even older iPhones have enough horsepower for most general use cases. That said, the A18 may have an edge over older processors when running Apple Intelligence features, which I will highlight in detail later. Considering all this, the iPhone 16 offers a significant performance boost compared to the iPhone 15 or iPhone 14. Notably, the iPhone 16 does feel a little faster in daily use and when running the same apps compared to the iPhone 15. Does that warrant an upgrade to the iPhone 16? Probably not, but Apple Intelligence may change your mind, especially since these AI features will only support the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 series and won’t be available on the iPhone 15.
Apple Intelligence is not a killer feature yet, but it might be in the future
The iPhone 16 model will be capable of running Apple Intelligence. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/The Indian Express)
It’s ironic that Apple Intelligence is not yet available on the iPhone 16, yet Apple is heavily branding its AI features as a killer reason to upgrade to the latest iPhones. Maybe it’s a marketing ploy for some, but in reality, the set of AI features coming to the iPhone and other Apple devices may play a significant role in deciding whether to upgrade to the iPhone 16 or stick with your older iPhone.
I’m not an analyst or a trade pundit to forecast anything, but as a reviewer, all I can say is that compatible hardware is needed to run Apple Intelligence, which I feel is promising but still has a lot of room for improvement. I have been using Apple Intelligence as part of the developer beta for a couple of months, and Apple plans to roll out the first wave of AI features later this year for certain markets, with India possibly getting them sometime in the first half of next year. Based on my experience, what Apple is trying to do with Apple Intelligence isn’t too different from what Google has built into the Pixel 9 series. There’s a lot of common ground between Apple Intelligence and the features Google is incorporating into its Pixel smartphones, such as writing tools that use generative AI to proofread and improve text, summarising emails and notifications, and an image cleanup feature for removing unwanted objects from photos.
However, the difference between Apple Intelligence and other generative AI features lies in the ecosystem advantage that Apple offers and the promise of privacy that others can’t easily match. As I mentioned earlier, Apple Intelligence is still work in progress, and so is the iPhone 16. The reason for this is that Apple Intelligence serves as the foundation for an AI-powered smartphone like the iPhone 16, and if it isn’t available at launch, it puts Apple in an awkward position. Apple AI is not on the phone right now, which is running iOS 18. That being said, even without Apple Intelligence, the iPhone 16 does come with solid software features as part of iOS 18, including new ways to customise your home screen, reorganise your photos, send cash with a tap, and store your passwords in Apple’s sleek new password manager, among others.
[indianexpress]