Amazon is making changes to its Alexa team by reducing jobs. They want to focus more on advanced artificial intelligence. Many workers are affected, but the exact number isn’t clear. Amazon is shifting its focus to a special type of AI that creates code and long text from short commands. They are stopping some projects to match their business goals. The job cuts don’t only affect the Alexa team. Other departments like music, gaming, and human resources are also affected. Some roles connected to Alexa in different units are impacted too. Alexa, known for helping with tasks like setting timers, searching, playing music,…
Author: Amarachi Bella
In today’s challenging economic climate, many people find it tough to cope with rising costs while their salaries stay the same. Requesting a raise from your employer can be nerve-wracking, but with the right approach, it’s possible to present a convincing case for an increase in your pay. Here are some simple strategies to consider: 1. Evaluate your contributions and performance Take a close look at the value you bring to your workplace. Have you taken on additional responsibilities? Have you achieved significant milestones or contributed to the company’s success? Collect concrete examples of how your work has positively impacted…
MTN has debunked rumors of a generous giveaway, disavowing any ongoing promotion offering N10,000 in airtime and 5GB of data to celebrate their 250 million subscribers in Africa. Misleading links circulating on WhatsApp urged users to click and claim the tempting offer, but MTN Nigeria has swiftly responded to clear the air. In an official statement on Monday, they declared the claims as false and emphasized that the promotion is not endorsed by MTN. “We will like to clarify that there is currently no promotion offering N10,000 in airtime and 5GB of data to celebrate 250 million subscribers in Africa.…
Omegle, a chat website used by many for 14 years, has closed down. The CEO Leif K-Brooks, announced this on Friday. The shutdown is because running the site became too stressful and expensive, especially dealing with misuse. Started in 2009, Omegle became popular for letting people chat with strangers without needing to sign up. Users could text, talk, or even do video chats. There was also a feature to connect with others who shared similar interests. During the COVID-19 pandemic, more people used Omegle to connect online while stuck at home. Despite trying to tackle issues like inappropriate behavior, racism,…
In the vast world of the internet, where ads pop up everywhere, it’s essential to keep your personal information safe. Digital advertising, while convenient, can sometimes pose a threat to your privacy. Let’s explore how we can protect our data in the realm of online ads. Be Mindful of Permissions: When you download apps or visit websites, they might ask for permission to access certain data on your device. Pay attention to these requests and only grant access if it’s necessary for the app’s functionality. Review Privacy Settings: Many websites and social media platforms have privacy settings that allow you…
Fake transfers are a type of scam where a fraudster pretends to send you money but never actually completes the transaction. They may use various tactics to convince you that the transfer is real, such as showing you fake transaction receipts or asking for personal information. To stay safe from fake transfer scams, consider the following tips: Verify the sender: Ensure you’re dealing with a trustworthy source. Be cautious of unsolicited offers or requests for money transfers. Double-check information: Verify the sender’s identity and contact details independently. Don’t rely solely on the information provided by the…
X, which used to be called Twitter, is making a new place where people can buy and sell usernames. This place is called @Handles. Some usernames can be bought for a fixed price of $50,000, which is about N40,000,000. Emails from X workers, found by Forbes, confirm this project. The rules for @handles, the fees, and how it all works have changed. X’s support page still says they cannot give away usernames that are not being used. Elon Musk bought Twitter (now X) for $44 billion in October 2022. After that, the value of the social media site went down…
Overtime, the proliferation of fake news and disinformation has posed a significant threat to the integrity of elections worldwide. The impact of misinformation on democratic processes is far-reaching, potentially undermining public trust, and skewing the outcomes of elections. As the Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo Governorship Elections approach on November 11, 2023, it is crucial to explore innovative ways to combat misinformation and disinformation, leveraging technology to safeguard the democratic process. 1)Fact-Checking Tools One of the most effective ways to tackle misinformation is by employing fact-checking tools. These tools, often driven by artificial intelligence (AI), can quickly analyze and verify the…
The Central Bank of Nigeria has issued a statement refuting any plans to redenominate the country’s currency scheduled for January 2024. This clarification comes as a response to widespread text messages falsely suggesting the impending redenomination of Nigeria’s legal tender, the naira. In a statement signed by its Director of Corporate Communication, Isa AbdulMumin, the central bank emphasized that the text messages indicating the redenomination did not originate from the bank. They expressed concern over the traction gained by this false narrative, leading to various debates on its potential impact on the Nigerian economy. Furthermore, the bank revealed that the…
The Lagos State Safety Commission has sealed 19 bars and lounges that failed to comply with basic safety standards. This was disclosed in a statement on the Lagos State Government’s website on Saturday, October 28. According to the statement, the Director-General of the Commission, Lanre Mojola, stated that despite numerous notices and ample opportunities for some of these establishments to submit their Safety Management Systems, and rectify identified safety infractions, the recalcitrant operators failed to comply. He also pointed out that it has become imperative to enforce safety standards for compliance while the facilities remain shut until conformity is achieved.…
Nigerian singer, David Adeleke popularly known as Davido, has offered a response to his fellow artiste, Oyindamola Emmanuel, aka Dammy Krane. Dammy Krane had taken to social media to accuse Davido of owing him for their successful collaboration on the track “Pere” He appealed to Davido to settle the outstanding debt, mentioning the impending school fees for his daughter as a pressing concern. Reacting to the accusations on Friday, Davido clarified that he had not received any compensation for the three verses he contributed to Dammy Krane’s track nearly a decade ago. Additionally, Davido recounted instances when he had offered…
The Senate has officially begun the process of screening Musa Aliyu, the nominee put forward by President Bola Tinubu for the position of Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC). The upper legislative chamber initiated this important process following a motion presented by Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate Leader, during its session on Thursday. The announcement of the appointments of Musa Aliyu as ICPC Chairman and Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu as the Secretary of the Commission was made by Ajuri Ngelale, the Presidential Spokesperson, on October 17. These appointments were made in response to the retirement leave…
Nollywood actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, has successfully undergone two major surgeries. The news was shared by his adopted daughter, Jazmine Okafor, via Instagram. Mr. Ibu, who recently celebrated his 63rd birthday in an undisclosed hospital in Lagos, had earlier appealed for financial support to prevent the amputation of his leg. In a heartfelt video posted on Instagram, he expressed his need for prayers and assistance, fearing the possibility of losing his leg. Providing an update on her father’s condition, Jazmine revealed that Mr. Ibu maintained his sense of humor even after the surgeries, displaying remarkable strength.…
The Supreme Court has begun the process of hearing appeals against the election victory of President Bola Tinubu in the February 25, 2023 elections. The commencement of the Supreme Court hearing focused on the petition brought forward by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Atiku Abubakar. The seven-member panel presiding over the case on Monday is headed by Justice John Okoro. The remaining members of the panel include Justices Uwani Abba-Aji, Mohammed Lawal Garba, Adamu Jauro, Ibrahim Saulawa, Tijani Abubakar, and Emmanuel Agim. As this report was filed, legal representatives for the involved parties had already announced their presence in…
Popular Instagram Influencer, Nnanyereugo Benjamin Best, widely recognized as Killaboi, has been apprehended in Sierra Leone. This development follows the Lagos State Police Command’s declaration of Killaboi as a wanted individual on October 10th, in connection with the tragic murder of his 21-year-old girlfriend and Lead City University student. Before being declared a fugitive, Killaboi confessed on his Instagram account, @Killaboigram, to the harrowing act of stabbing his girlfriend, Augusta Osedion, in an incident that transpired in July. In a series of posts, he detailed a heated argument with Augusta, during which he inadvertently stabbed her, prompting him to flee…
In response to the controversy surrounding the recruitment of approximately fifty “repentant thugs” into the Kano State Police Force, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has issued a statement to clarify their purpose and role. The PSC emphasized that these individuals were enlisted as police constabulary to combat crime in various areas of Kano State. The decision to recruit these “repentant criminals” had raised questions among Nigerians, who wondered about the wisdom in such a move. The spokesperson of the Commission, Ikechukwu Ani, explained that these individuals had chosen to turn away from a life of crime and recognized that it…
How to Pay Rent with Ease: Simplifying Your Monthly Obligations Introduction Paying rent is a regular financial responsibility for many individuals and families. While it might seem like a routine task, it can sometimes become overwhelming due to various reasons. However, with a few simple strategies and tools, you can streamline the process and pay your rent with ease. In this article, we will explore practical tips to make your monthly rent payments hassle-free. Set Up Automated Payments One of the most effective ways to ensure you never miss a rent payment is to set up automated payments. Contact your…
Young professionals and business owners from the Niger Delta region have received valuable advice to leverage social media platforms for the growth of their ventures and to shape a positive future. The guidance was offered by Moses Siloko Siasia, the driving force behind the Niger Delta Youth Professionals (NDYP), during the 3rd Niger Delta MSME Summit in Ikot Ekpene LGA, Akwa Ibom State. The summit’s theme, “Fostering Entrepreneurial Competitiveness Beyond Oil,” emphasized the importance of cultivating a culture of business innovation. Siasia underscored that the path to success in society does not involve demeaning leaders, but rather entails engaging in…
Introduction: The removal of fuel subsidies has undoubtedly posed significant challenges for many Nigerians, particularly when it comes to managing their transportation expenses. As fuel prices continue to rise, it’s essential to explore alternative methods of commuting and adopt strategies that help mitigate the financial burden. In this article, we will delve into practical approaches to ease the impact of fuel subsidy removal on transportation costs. Prioritize Carpooling and Ride-Sharing: One of the most effective ways to cut down on transportation expenses is by carpooling or participating in ride-sharing programs. By sharing rides with colleagues, neighbors, or friends who have…
The Independent Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) is taking an active stance in promoting the adoption of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) project, and they are urging the Federal Government to collaborate with them to achieve an effective and accelerated implementation. Mr. Chinedu Anyaso, the Chairman of IPMAN Enugu Depot Community, made a compelling call during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Thursday. IPMAN’s Enugu Depot Community encompasses Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu states, making it a significant player in the downstream sector of Nigeria’s petroleum industry. Their widespread presence across the nation positions them…
With immediate effect, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has made the decision to suspend the airport taxi service at the esteemed Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. This measure has been taken due to unresolved factional disputes among the car hire operators, which have regrettably been causing disruptions to the smooth operations of the airport car hire services. In a statement issued by FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, Abdullahi Yakubu-Funtua, it was conveyed that the organization seeks to inform the general public about the suspension of the airport car hire service at Nnamdi Azikiwe International…
Immigration Warns Nigerians Against Traveling To Niger .The Comptroller in charge of the Jibia Special Border Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mustapha Sani, delivered a strong cautionary message to Nigerian citizens against traveling to the neighboring Niger Republic while the current embargo is in effect. Speaking at a joint celebration with the Katsina State Command of the NIS to commemorate the service’s 60th anniversary on August 3, Mustapha Sani reiterated the NIS’s commitment to enforcing border control measures and curbing illegal movement from the Niger Republic. As the situation called for increased vigilance, Sani announced that the NIS…
Senator Barau I. Jibrin, the esteemed Deputy President of the Senate, passionately advocates for the Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria (TOPREC) to fully embrace the potential of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in fostering the development of the town planning profession and driving the progress of the nation. In an inspiring speech delivered on a Thursday, during the 36th induction ceremony of newly registered town planners in Abuja, Senator Barau emphasized the critical role of ICT in expanding the frontiers of the town planning profession. He firmly believes that by integrating ICT into their practices, town planners can enhance…
The Nigerian Government recently revealed the cause of delayed passports, attributing the issue to disparities between the National Identification Number (NIN) and the names filled in passport application forms. This disclosure was made by the Comptroller of Immigration Service, Mrs Azuka Halliday, during the Enugu Command’s 60th-anniversary celebrations. Mrs Halliday emphasized that mismatches between the names on NIN documents and passport forms led to delays beyond the recommended six weeks for passport delivery. To mitigate complications and delays, she urged Nigerians to use the NIS online platform for passport applications, avoiding third-party services. If any issues arise apart from the…
In a recent blog post, Grammarly, the popular online writing assistance tool, announced that it will be discontinuing its Text Editor SDK, a developer tool that integrates the company’s automated editing functionality into third-party applications. The Text Editor SDK will be shut down on January 10th, 2024, rendering its functionality non-operational in any applications where it is currently in use. According to Drew Endick, senior manager for platform partners at Grammarly, the decision to deprecate the Text Editor SDK stems from the company’s strategic allocation of internal engineering resources. Grammarly aims to concentrate on its core product while incorporating artificial…
Former head of HR at Twitter, Courtney McMillan, has filed a proposed class action lawsuit against the company, seeking $500 million in damages from Elon Musk. McMillan alleges that Twitter failed to pay severance fees to laid-off employees. According to the lawsuit, McMillan, who was let go in January, stated that Twitter’s former CEO, Parag Agrawal, had assured employees that they would receive their paid severance as outlined in the Merger Agreement. The lawsuit claims that Agrawal and then-Chairman Bret Taylor informed employees on the day of the acquisition by Musk that Twitter would continue to provide severance benefits for…
In recent years, there has been an increased focus on diversity and inclusion in various industries, including the startup ecosystem. While significant progress has been made, it is evident that women entrepreneurs still face substantial challenges in accessing funding for their ventures. Despite the proven potential and success of women-led startups, investors continue to shy away from supporting them. This article aims to explore some of the reasons behind this unfortunate trend and shed light on the importance of addressing gender bias in investment decisions. Unconscious Bias: Unconscious bias is one of the primary reasons why investors may hesitate to…
Alphabet, the parent company of Google, is set to launch its artificial intelligence chatbot, Bard, in Europe and Brazil. This marks the largest expansion of the product since its initial release in the United States and the United Kingdom back in March. Bard, similar to Microsoft’s ChatGPT, utilizes generative AI to respond to queries in a manner that closely resembles human-like interactions. The increasing capabilities of these AI chatbots have sparked a wave of concern among global tech leaders, leading some to advocate for a pause in their development. The potential impact of AI ranges from doomsday scenarios heralding the…
In a significant development within the telecommunications industry, 22 operators have successfully completed the shutdown of their 3G networks, while another 41 operators have announced plans to dismantle their 3G technology by 2030. These findings were captured by GSMA Intelligence’s Spectrum Navigator, highlighting that the majority of these operators are based in Europe. According to Radhika Gupta, GSMA Senior Director and Head of Data Acquisition, many European operators are prioritizing the switch-off of 3G over 2G due to its perceived low impact on customer experience. Additionally, various public services, such as utilities and emergency networks, continue to rely on the…
In today’s data-driven world, the ability to analyze and visualize data is becoming increasingly important in the finance industry. As companies collect and generate vast amounts of data, professionals with strong skills in data analytics and visualization are in high demand. Whether you are a finance professional looking to enhance your skill set or someone interested in pursuing a career in finance, developing expertise in data analytics and visualization can open up a world of opportunities. Here are some steps to help you develop these essential skills. Gain a solid understanding of finance concepts: Before diving into data analytics and…
