Hence, the CBN has instructed all financial institutions to immediately close accounts belonging to crypto exchanges and businesses transacting in cryptocurrencies. According to the CBN, failure to comply will result in “severe regulatory sanctions”.

While there has been an uproar in the country, the CBN earlier warned of taking such measures in a circular they released on January 12, 2017, citing the risks associated with transactions in cryptocurrency. In September 2020, the country’s Securities and Exchange Commission further said it would regulate trade in digital currencies to protect investors and promote transparent transactions.

However, Nigerians are particularly suspicious of this directive, believing it to be a direct attack on the EndSARS movement that occurred in October 2020. While cryptocurrency has been in Nigeria for a long time, it skyrocketed in popularity in the wake of this movement against police brutality. The central bank tried to cut funding for the protests by suspending the bank accounts of prominent supporters. However, this prompted a switch to Bitcoin (BTC) and other crypto donations.

The President of the Bank Customer Association of Nigeria (BCAN), however, stated that this new directive doesn’t stop people from trading in cryptocurrencies, but it makes it impossible to do so through the banking system. Even if this is the case, trading in cryptocurrencies will be more difficult.

Furthermore, the largest global cryptocurrency platform, Binance, has temporarily suspended deposits in Nigerian naira following this directive.

Given the country’s high unemployment rate, cryptocurrency trading has been a major way several youths in the country are making ends meet. With this source of livelihood under serious threat, only time will tell what the future holds.

The post Cryptocurrency Ban by Central Bank of Nigeria appeared first on CitizenNewsWire.

Speaking on an aired TVC broadcast on Tuesday, Tinubu urged the electorates of Edo State not to vote for Obaseki, the candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the upcoming September 19 gubernatorial election.

“I want to appeal to you to reject Godwin Obaseki in this coming election. I have suffered, with many others, to bring about this democratic regime that today we are enjoying in the country. Then, Godwin Obaseki didn’t participate in any aspect of the struggle to enshrine democracy in the country. Therefore, he could not understand the pains associated with the democratic struggle”, Tinubu said.

He further described Obaseki as a dictator, who disregarded the rule of law and his constituents during his tenure by preventing 14 of the 24 elected members of the state assembly from being sworn in.

Many Nigerians have called Tinubu a hypocrite, who uses the veneer of democracy to expand his political gains.

The Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media and Strategic Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, has said Tinubu cannot extend his political reach to Edo state because the people are determined to end godfatherism.

In response to Tinubu’s inciting remarks, he issued a statement, saying, “He should take note that Edo people do not yield their will, liberty, and power of choice to oppressive figures because they are perceived to have economic and political means”.

Tom Ikimi, the former minister of Foreign Affairs, has told Tinubu that his cash-laden ‘bullion vans’ cannot buy the election. He further stated that Tinubu did not have a lot of money back in 1999 but is now an alleged billionaire, suggesting that the source of his wealth is through his shady political ties. “You carry money in trucks all over the place to disfigure democracy and you are preaching democracy”, he added.

One Prince Zephaniah commented that Nigerians were now awake to the vices of Tinubu. “We saw the democratic struggle that turned him (Tinubu) to Lagos landlord. The generation that was deceived in this country is dead. You can’t deceive this generation again.”

For Ben Adeleye, Tinubu is simply a selfish and greedy fellow because he supported Obaseki when he was a member of APC. But now that he has switched to PDP, Tinubu wants the people to reject him.

As Saturday approaches, tensions are high in the state. That day will determine the future of Edo state for the next four years.

The post Tinubu Under Fire from Angry Nigerians over attack on Obaseki appeared first on CitizenNewsWire.

Chairman of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation, Publicity Committee, Akintunde Akinsemola, spoke to a reporter from The PUNCH about the incident recently.  Akinsemola said Sodje’s  body was found on September 1.

The remains were located in a forest area situated at Idoani, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria.

According to reports, Sodje’s brother had been kidnapped a few days before. He was on his way to meet with the kidnappers and pay them a ransom.

Unfortunately, as often happens, the kidnappers had no intention of returning Sodji’s bother, and instead killed him.

The incident highlights the continued issue of kidnapping in a large number of countries around the world. In many areas this is still used by criminals as a way to make money – often with deadly consequences.

According to a report from theglobaleconomy.com, in 2017 there were an average of 1.8 kidnappings per 100,000 people across the globe. The countries with the highest rates were Belgium and Canada – tied at 10.3 kidnappings per 100,000 people.    

to Mr. Akinsemola, “Chris (Paul Sodje’s bother) was going for his uncle’s funeral in Okwagbe, Delta State on August 28, when he was kidnapped at Ifon, Ondo State. The Fulani men demanded N100 million but later reduced it to N1 million.”

“His wife Flora and friends rallied round to raise the ransom. Then his elder brother, Paul, and a friend took the ransom to them, yet the Fulani men murdered the two of them. Chris has not been found and the kidnappers have stopped communicating with the family”.

While searching for some of their own relatives who had been kidnapped, several Idoani elders came across the bodies of Sodji and his friend.

In 2012, Sodje led the national Nigeria Scrabble team to the African Scrabble Championship in Zambia.

To pay tribute and honor the memory of their former leader, scrabble federation held a virtual posthumous birthday for Sodje who would have turned 55 this week.

“We keep mourning, he was to celebrate his 55th birthday today (Wednesday), which would have been a great landmark for him but his life was nipped in the bud”, said NSF President, Sulaiman Gora.

The post Former Nigeria Scrabble Team Captain ‘Sodje’ Murdered by Kidnappers appeared first on CitizenNewsWire.

In a viral social media video, Fani-Kayode was seen pouring invective on the Daily Trust reporter for asking him a “stupid question”.

Fani-Kayode, who visited six Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) South-South and South-East states ended his tour at Calabar, where he held a press conference and showered encomiums on the state governor, Ben Ayade, for the impressive progress of the projects in place.

After the floor was opened for questions, Eyo Charles asked Fani-Kayode who was bankrolling his recent trips. To which Fani-Kayode angrily replied, “What type of stupid question is that? What type of stupid question is that? Bankrolling who? Do you know who you’re talking to? What type of insulting question is that?”.

Mr. Ita’s – the governor’s spokesperson – effort to pacify Fani-Kayode was to no avail as he continued to lambast the reporter, “I could see from your face before you got here how stupid you are. Don’t ever talk to me like that. Don’t ever judge me by your standards”.

Charles was seen standing and apologizing to the ex-minister, “I’m sorry sir”. The other reporters appeared stupefied by the incident and didn’t ask any more questions before Fani-Kayode stormed out of the press room.

Charles said the former minister sent one of his security aides to further threaten him after the press conference.

With many on social media condemning his outbursts, Fani-Kayode has released a statement saying he has no apology to offer, insisting that the journalist’s comment was insulting.

The Nigerian Union of Journalists has condemned his actions. In a statement made by the Union’s president, Chris Isiguzo, on Tuesday, he remarked that the former minister assaulted and threatened a journalist for asking a simple question. In Isiguzo’s opinion, the question was appropriate because Fani-Kayode has been touring several states without revealing his true intentions.

He said, “By denigrating the journalist, Fani-Kayode has exposed himself more as an intolerant person who will not want his activities closely scrutinized by the media. It is instructive to remind the likes of Fani-Kayode that it is the constitutional right of journalists to monitor and keep a check on people and institutions in power. By delving into politics and holding political office, Fani-Kayode is very conversant with the watchdog rule of the media”.

As many people on social media pointed out, it was ironic that Fani-Kayode who is highly critical of the government took fault in the question.

The NUJ president’s further comment succinctly encapsulates that point, “We are more shocked that the same Fani-Kayode who had in recent times used his social media handles to call leaders to account is at the same time attacking a journalist for a simple demand for him to unmask those behind his nationwide tour. He had already visited six states. This is indeed, terribly disappointing”.

The post Nigerians Criticize Ex-minister Fani-Kayode for Calling Reporter ‘Stupid’ appeared first on CitizenNewsWire.

This decision comes at a time where the coronavirus has disrupted businesses on a global scale, and Nigeria’s economy, in particular, is struggling due to the plunge in global oil prices and currency-induced inflation.

In an Operation and Voluntary Trading report released by the company on Monday, it stated, “Following approaches from various potential investors, and in line with our reevaluation of the Group’s operating model in Nigeria, the Board has decided to initiate a formal process to consider the potential sale of all, or majority stake, in Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Shoprite International Limited”.

Shoprite employs about 2,000 Nigerians and partners with several vendors around the country. This transition can have a significant impact on the livelihood of many.

In an analysis by Nduka Orjinmo of BBC, Lagos, although Shoprite is a working-class supermarket in South Africa, it is for the upper class in Nigeria. Shoprite is more popular for taking pictures than actual shopping among average Nigerians. The difficult economy and global pandemic have crippled the spending power of many and although they want quality services, they want it cheap.

Shoprite entered the Nigerian market in 2005, and has, over the years, expanded to over 25 stores across 8 states. However, the past few years have been tough.

Just last year, the retailer’s major stores in Lagos and Abuja became a flashpoint of violence, following a series of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa, as many youths picketed Shoprite’s branches. Moreover, the rise of indigenous brands like JustRite, Ebeano, Hubmart, and Globus has considerably shrunk their market share. As potential investors are interested in taking over Shoprite’s operations in the country, the company has expressed its willingness to part with a majority stake in its Nigerian subsidiary or even an outright sale.

The post Shoprite: Africa’s Largest Supermarket Plans to Exit Nigeria appeared first on CitizenNewsWire.

He sold two rough Tanzanite stones in June for $3.4 million. In about a month interval, he discovered and sold another Tanzanite stone valued at $2 million.

Tanzanite is endemic to Northern Tanzania, making it one of the rarest gemstones on earth. Its appealing variety of hues ranging from green to red to yellow and blue, coupled with its rarity makes it exorbitant. Local geologists predict the complete depletion of this gemstone within the next 20 years.

Mr. Lazier who acquired government licenses to run his operations encouraged fellow small-scale miners to work with the government in a ceremony that was hosted at Northern Mairerani. He remarked, “Selling to the government means there are no shortcuts… they are transparent”.

His first find made him ecstatic and he said he was going to hold a massive party. This time around, he intends to use the money to build a school and health clinic in his local community situated in Simanjiro district, northern Manyara region.

A father of over 30 children, Mr. Lazier further commented that this newly found wealth would not change his lifestyle. He said that his passion lies in catering for his 2,000 cows and he plans to continue to do so.

Many other miners like Mr. Lazier seeking to discover Tanzanite fail to acquire government licenses. As a result, illegal mining activity is prevalent in the region, especially around mines owned by big corporations. That was why, in 2017, President Magifuli ordered the construction of a 24 km perimeter wall around the Merelani mining site in Manyara, which is currently the only known source of Tanzanite in the world. After its completion, the government saw an increase in mining revenues and attributed it to the wall’s construction.

The post Tanzanian Miner Earns Millions Again after Finding Rare Tanzanite appeared first on CitizenNewsWire.

As the Executive Director of AID Atlanta, Nicole Roebuck, pointed out, “The new law will provide increased penalties for criminal defendants whose victim was selected based on his or her race, religion, color, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability. It will give prosecutors and law enforcement officials in our state important tools to make Georgia safer for everyone”.

In Georgia, the majority of people AID Atlanta and AHF cater to are African American men that are stigmatized based on their HIV status. Roebuck further explained that some of these men fail to receive medication just so they can conceal their status.

The National Director, Communications & Community Engagement for AHF, and Chair, Black Leadership AIDS Crisis Coalition, Imara Canady highlighted the incident of Admad Arbery, who was murdered while jogging just because he was black. However, with the Hate Crimes Act, prosecutors now have the tools to bring justice to these perpetrators of evil.

Canady further noted that targeted violence like this has a deep psychological and emotional impact on victims and their community. Thankfully, this new law will effectively help to address acts of violence against the Black community, as well as other marginalized groups like the LGBTQ community.

In Georgia, AIDS Atlanta and AHF provide HIV-related services to 5,962 clients of which 72.8% percent are African Americans. This highlights the high level of discrimination considering African Americans make up 13.4% percent of the entire U.S. population.

Micheal Weinstein, the president of AHF, offered his appreciation to Georgia’s elected officials for the bipartisan effort to address the prevalence of hate crimes. Currently, Arkansas, South Carolina, and Wyoming have yet to follow suit to enact Hate Crimes Act into law to make the United States safer for marginalized groups. But, perhaps Georgia’s lead will help spur action in those states.

The post AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) and AID Atlanta Commend Georgia on the Passage and Signing of Hate Crimes Act appeared first on CitizenNewsWire.

The program’s eclectic curriculum integrates marine science, citizen science, and diving science to provide an original “learning through exploration”. This novel program aims to enable and inspire the upcoming generation of ocean and environmental stewards with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive.

Citizen Scientist participants will partake in an array of exciting activities. Most notably, they will experience first-hand a 24-hour undersea habitat experience. Asides from that, participants will be taught about physiology and diving physics, as well as opportunities in oceanography and marine sciences at Citizen Science.

Moreover, participants will engage in multiple hands-on underwater activities like utilizing dive tools to conduct a safe cleanup of coral reefs, as well as performing fish identification. The participants will experience what it’s like to work in microgravity as they engage in these seafloor excursions from their underwater habitat.

The SEA STAR’s Citizen Scientist program is a hybrid education model that combines multiple instructional delivery methods, online learning, and hands-on instruction. After participants have completed all facets of the program, they receive SEA STAR program’s certificate of completion. Moreover, they will receive 3 specialty diving credentials from the Professional Association of Diving Instructions (PADI); including PADI Aquanaut, PADI Underwater Maintenance, and PADI InnerSpace Diver.

The inaugural Citizen Scientist Aquanaut course ran from March 28 to 29, 2020, and was quickly followed by the second from May 30 to 31, 2020. Each course restricted to 6 people that were selected on a first-come basis. Venture Beyond LLC is dedicated to the furtherance of human exploration of Earth and Space through multidisciplinary and innovative educational programs.

If you are interested in the Citizen Scientist Aquanaut Program or any other of their programs, you can visit their website at https://sites.google.com/view/venturesbeyondllc/home for more information.

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To explain the purpose of the research, Pedro Saint-Maurice of NCI’s Division of Cancer and Epidemiology and Genetic, who is also the first author said, “While we knew physical activity is good for you, we didn’t know how many steps per day you need to take to lower your mortality risk or whether stepping at a higher intensity makes a difference. We wanted to investigate this question to provide new insights that could help people better understand the health implications of the step counts they get from fitness trackers and phone apps”.

Although earlier studies have investigated the relationship between step counts and mortality, their primary focus was on the elderly or people with debilitating health conditions. This study differed by tracking a representative sample of 4,800 40-year and above U.S. adults, who were gotten from CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. They wore accelerometers for about 7 days between 20003 and 2006. Thereafter, the National Death Index was used to follow their mortality through 2015. After controlling for variables like demographic, underlying health conditions, and other risk factors, the researchers established the link between step count/intensity and mortality.

The results were surprising. Using a reference of 4,000 steps per day, which is considered inadequate for adults, researchers found a 51% reduced risk for death from all causes in individuals that took 8,000 steps. As the number of steps increased to 12,000, mortality plunged by 65%.

NIA Intramural Research Program scientist and co-author, Eric Shiroma, Ph.D., highlighted how the study provides further evidence to support the theory that exercise in the form of moving helps to maintain health as we age.

The researchers further broke the participants into subgroups including; men and women; younger and older; white, black, and Mexican-American. And for all sub-classifications, the trend stayed the same. Moreover, secondary outcomes of the study showed that higher step counts reduced the risk of mortality from cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

After adjusting for step count, the researchers were startled no link existed between stepping intensity and mortality. However because only a few studies have been carried out to investigate the possible association, the authors recommend that more studies are needed before coming to a decisive conclusion. Janet Fulton, Ph.D., of CDC’s Division of Nutrition of Physical Activity and Obesity emphasized the effectiveness of physical activity in reducing the risk associated with heart disease, obesity, cancer, and type 2 diabetics. She then talked about the efforts by ‘Active People, Healthy Nation’ initiative to promote physical activity in local communities.

The post Higher Daily Step Count Linked to Lower Mortality appeared first on CitizenNewsWire.

All prior confirmed US cases had been linked with visits to Wuhan, China, where the virus originated in December 2019. However, this latest patient from Illinois had not been to Wuhan but lived with a 2019-nCov patient diagnosed earlier. They were located through contact tracing and both patients are now in stable condition.

This is a wake-up call for the CDC, who now realize the grave danger this virus could pose to citizens. As a way to curtail further spread, they have been working closely with local and state partners to locate close contacts of confirmed 2019-nCov patients.

As CDC Director, Robert R. Redfield, M.D, commented, “Given what we’ve seen in China and other countries with the novel coronavirus, CDC experts have expected some person-to-person spread in the US. We understand this may be concerning, but based on what we know now, we still believe the immediate risk to the American public is low”.

In other countries, imported cases of 2019-nCov from infected travelers have been observed to spread to close contacts. However, it is still uncertain how person-to-person spread will unfold in the coming weeks.

Two other types of coronavirus – MERS, and SARS – can cause person-to-person spread. However, only those in close contact, like health workers or family members of an infected person are at greatest risk. That is why the CDC has been putting proactive measures in place to manage the spread of this virus.

On January 8, they alerted clinicians to report patients with respiratory illness and recent travel to Wuhan. Moreover, CDC has helped clinicians develop guidance for the testing and management of the virus, as well as procedures for the hospitalization of infected patients.

Since this first case was identified, CDC has been collaborating with local partners and Illinois health officers to investigate the extent of the spread.

As we progress into the coming weeks, new cases will likely arise, including person-to-person spread. The best approach to avoid contracting the virus is to prevent exposure. That is why CDC will keep informing the public on ways to remain safe.

Since the spread of 2019-nCov is still very limited in the US, CDC deems it as low risk to the general public. However, the risk of infection significantly skyrockets for people in close contact with infected patients. These people should follow CDC’s guideline that outlines the precautions to prevent the spread among families and local communities. However, other members of the public have little to fear at the moment, and only simply daily precautions are suggested.

CDC suggests getting vaccinated since we are in flu season and also practicing proper hygiene to prevent transferring germs. Most importantly, CDC recommends the cancellation of all non-essential trips to China.

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