DD
MM
YYYY

PAGES

DD
MM
YYYY

spot_img

PAGES

Home Blog Page 1572

El-Rufai Laments Tinubu’s Failures, Says He Regrets Backing Him Despite Drug, Certificate Scandals

0

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has expressed deep regret over President Bola Tinubu’s governance failures, revealing that he and others supported his presidency despite being fully aware of his cocaine trafficking and certificate forgery scandals.

In a revealing interview with BBC Hausa, El-Rufai said he had high hopes for Tinubu’s presidency because of what the latter achieved in Lagos State but now feels disappointed by the way the government has turned out.

“What pains me is that the government we supported and had confidence in would do well because we saw what Tinubu did in Lagos despite his challenges,” El-Rufai lamented.

In a moment of unusual candor, El-Rufai acknowledged that he and others were fully aware of Tinubu’s past controversies, including his involvement in narcotics trafficking and his disputed academic credentials from Chicago State University (CSU).

“We all know about his issues in Chicago, but we thought if he could replicate his work in Lagos for Nigeria, let’s support him. However, he failed,” El-Rufai admitted.

This statement has reignited public outrage, with many Nigerians accusing El-Rufai of hypocrisy and selfishness.

Tinubu’s Cocaine Trafficking Scandal Resurfaces

El-Rufai’s reference to Tinubu’s “Chicago issues” is an allusion to the 1993 cocaine trafficking case, in which the Nigerian president forfeited $460,000 to the U.S. government after being linked to drug cartel operations and money laundering.

The case resurfaced during the 2023 election campaign, with many questioning how a man with such a history could be allowed to run for the highest office in Nigeria. However, El-Rufai and other Tinubu allies fiercely defended him, dismissing the allegations as political attacks.

Now, with Tinubu’s administration facing economic hardship, insecurity, and dwindling public trust, some of his former supporters, like El-Rufai, are openly criticizing him—a move many see as opportunistic.

The Certificate Forgery Scandal

El-Rufai also referenced Tinubu’s controversial Chicago State University (CSU) certificate, which came under scrutiny when opposition leader Atiku Abubakar sought legal action to compel CSU to release Tinubu’s academic records.

When the university finally responded, it failed to authenticate the certificate Tinubu submitted to Nigeria’s electoral commission (INEC), raising serious doubts about its legitimacy.

Backlash: Nigerians Slam El-Rufai as Selfish and Opportunistic

However, Tinubu’s campaign dismissed the controversy, branding it a non-issue, while El-Rufai remained silent at the time. Now, his sudden outburst against Tinubu has led many Nigerians to question his sincerity and motives.

El-Rufai’s comments have sparked outrage among Nigerians, with many accusing him of being a self-serving politician who only speaks out when things don’t favor him.

Many believe his frustration stems not from Tinubu’s failures but from his own exclusion from the government. El-Rufai had been widely expected to be appointed as a minister, but Tinubu’s administration dropped his nomination at the last minute, reportedly due to concerns about his handling of religious and ethnic tensions in Kaduna State.

Nigerians have also reminded El-Rufai of his role in legitimizing Tinubu’s presidency, especially his appearance at Chatham House in 2022, where he, alongside other APC leaders, answered questions on Tinubu’s behalf—a move that was widely criticized as evidence that Tinubu was unfit to govern.

Social media users and political analysts have pointed out that El-Rufai’s sudden change of tone is hypocritical, considering his past support for controversial leaders. His critics have described him as a politician who only aligns himself with power for personal gain, rather than for the good of the country.

El-Rufai, a founding member of the All Progressive Congress, recently resigned from the ruling party and joined the Social Democratic Party. Some political analysts predict that he may be laying the groundwork for his own presidential ambitions, possibly in 2027, by turning against Tinubu early enough to rebuild his political relevance.

Starlink Deepens African Expansion, Launches Service in Niger

0

Elon Musk-owned satellite internet service company, Starlink has deepened its African expansion with its launch of service in the Republic of Niger.

The West African country becomes the 18th African country that has embraced the use of Starlink to improve internet connectivity.

According to a tweet on X, announcing the launch, Starlink wrote,

“Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency internet is now available in Niger”.

The launch of Starlink in Niger comes after the military administration in the West African country, on October 2024, signed a pact with Starlink for its internet services in the country.

Nigerien communication and digital economy minister Sidi Mohamed Raliou said the agreement will allow Niger to benefit from a high-speed internet connection. The agreement aims to extend high-speed internet access to the entire nation while strengthening the country’s digital security.

“Starlink satellites already cover all of Niger. Schools, economic actors, universities, health, and agriculture will be able to benefit from this technology. Indeed this equipment has sometimes been used by terrorist groups to communicate and coordinate their actions. The partnership with Starlink will allow the Nigerien government to put in place reinforced security measures to prevent any illegal use of this technology”, he said.

The launch of Starlink in Niger will drive significant internet connectivity in the country. According to report, Niger’s internet penetration rate stood at 22.4 percent of the total population at the start of 2023. Analysis indicates that internet users in Niger increased by 219 thousand between 2022 and 2023.

For perspectives these user figures reveal that 20.72 million people in Niger did not use the internet at the start of 2023, suggesting that 77.6 percent of the population remained offline at the beginning of the year.

By 2024, estimates suggest this had risen to around 32%, though still far below the global average. Most internet access occurs via mobile devices, with 14.59 million cellular mobile connections active in early 2023, equivalent to 54.7% of the population. However, fixed broadband remains scarce, with only 3,596 subscriptions reported in 2012, and median fixed internet speeds were measured at 4.47 Mbps in 2023, up from 3.38 Mbps in 2022. Mobile connectivity dominates, but 3G and 4G coverage are limited, estimated at 24.87% and 18.41% respectively in 2024.

The introduction of Starlink in Niger formalized through an agreement with the military government in late 2024, aims to address these gaps. The satellite internet service targets an ambitious average speed of 200 Mbps, a significant leap from current capabilities, and seeks to extend broadband coverage to 80-100% of the country’s territory.

Starlink’s Impact Across Africa

Starlink has rapidly expanded its presence across Africa, offering high-speed connectivity to regions previously underserved by traditional internet infrastructure.

This expansion has significantly impacted the continent’s digital landscape, influencing both consumers and existing telecommunications providers.

Starlink’s network of over 6,000 satellites enables it to deliver fast internet services to remote and rural areas, effectively bridging the digital divide. In Nigeria, as of the third quarter of 2024, Starlink emerged as Nigeria’s second-largest internet service provider, boasting 65,564 subscribers. This significant growth saw it surpass FiberOne Broadband Ltd, highlighting Starlink’s rapid expansion since its entry into the Nigerian market in January 2023.

Notably, the introduction of Starlink has disrupted Africa’s telecommunications market, prompting traditional providers to reassess their strategies. The service’s ability to offer high-speed internet in areas previously neglected by conventional providers has led telecom operators to expand their reach into rural regions. This shift aims to counter Starlink’s growing influence and address the longstanding issue of limited connectivity in these areas.

In several major African cities, the demand for Starlink’s services has been so high that the service has quickly reached capacity, leading to reports of it being “sold out.” This phenomenon underscores the significant appetite for reliable internet services across the continent and highlights the existing gaps in the current telecommunications infrastructure.

Starlink’s expansion across Africa represents a pivotal development in the continent’s quest for comprehensive digital connectivity. By providing high-speed internet to underserved regions, it has not only enhanced individual access but also spurred traditional telecom providers to improve their services.

However, the journey is fraught with challenges, including regulatory compliance and market dynamics, which Starlink must navigate to sustain its growth and impact in Africa.

Defi Dungeons TGE on $GOLD Token Set to Launch on 19th March

0

DeFi Dungeons has released the tokenomics for its $GOLD token in preparation for its upcoming Token Generation Event (TGE), scheduled for Wednesday, March 19, 2025. The $GOLD token is described as the core currency of the in-game economy for DeFi Dungeons, a blockchain-based game that integrates decentralized finance (DeFi) mechanics, allowing players to earn and trade cryptocurrency within the game. The token is intended for in-game activities, such as staking rewards, and is positioned as a collectible rather than an investment product, with disclaimers emphasizing its volatility and lack of investment value.

While specific details of the tokenomics—such as total supply, allocation, or vesting schedules—were not fully outlined in the available information, the release has generated significant community interest, as evidenced by posts on X highlighting the TGE and subsequent NFT minting events. The tokenomics are framed as the “lifeblood” of the game’s economy, suggesting a design aimed at fostering engagement and rewarding players, though the exact mechanisms remain unclear without further disclosure.

The $GOLD token is the native cryptocurrency of DeFi Dungeons, a blockchain-based game that integrates decentralized finance (DeFi) mechanics. It serves as the primary in-game currency, facilitating various activities within the game’s virtual economy. While comprehensive details of the token mechanics are not fully disclosed in the available information, the following outlines the known and implied mechanics based on the project’s announcements and typical DeFi gaming structures.

$GOLD is used for in-game transactions and activities, such as purchasing items, crafting, farming, foraging, and other gameplay features that contribute to the player’s progression and economic engagement. This aligns with DeFi Dungeons’ design as a play-to-earn game, where players can earn cryptocurrency through participation. The token is also integral to staking rewards, suggesting that players can lock up their $GOLD tokens to earn additional tokens or other benefits, a common DeFi mechanic to incentivize holding and reduce circulating supply.

The tokenomics, described as the “lifeblood” of the game’s economy, likely include mechanisms to balance supply and demand, such as token burns, rewards distribution, and possibly governance features, though specifics on total supply, allocation, or vesting schedules remain undisclosed in the available data. Given the emphasis on $GOLD as a collectible rather than an investment, the mechanics are designed to prioritize gameplay utility over speculative value, with disclaimers highlighting the token’s volatility and lack of investment purpose.

Play-to-earn (P2E) game models are a category of blockchain-based games that allow players to earn cryptocurrency, tokens, or other digital assets through gameplay. These models have gained significant traction in the gaming and blockchain industries, particularly with the rise of decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Below is a detailed explanation of P2E game models, their mechanics, economic structures, benefits, challenges, and examples.
Core Mechanics of Play-to-Earn Models.

Players earn native tokens (e.g., $GOLD in DeFi Dungeons) by completing tasks, quests, battles, or other activities within the game. Tokens serve as the primary currency for in-game transactions, such as purchasing items, upgrading characters, or accessing premium features. Tokens are typically blockchain-based, allowing them to be traded on decentralized exchanges (DEXs) or centralized exchanges (CEXs), giving them real-world value.

A blockchain game integrating DeFi mechanics, with a focus on in-game activities like farming, crafting, and staking. Uses $GOLD as the primary currency. Players earn $GOLD through gameplay and can stake it for rewards. NFTs (e.g., equipment, land) are likely part of the ecosystem, though specifics are unclear. Still in development, with its Token Generation Event scheduled for 19th March 2025, but aims to leverage DeFi for player engagement. P2E games are increasingly merging with metaverse platforms, creating immersive worlds where players can socialize, create, and earn.

The Trump’s Visa Bans and Nigeria’s Escape

0

Good People, many do not like the fact that I did a “small celebration” that Nigeria was not included in the potential US visa ban or restricted visa list. Please take it easy, and do not trivialize the matter. The fact is this, when the US restricts visas or bans visas, politicians are NEVER fully affected because they have diplomatic passports. Who are the victims? Ordinary citizens including families, students and businesspeople.

I like the angle some have pushed as the reason for the escape, including the fact that Trump’s daughter is married to a Lebanese whose parents have Nigeria as home. So, if he does ban visas from Nigeria, his extended in-laws may struggle to visit. Lol. And on that one, I have also asked the extended in-laws to ask for debt cancellations for Nigeria!!!

Who knows as in ancestral Igbo “ezi ogo bu ikwu ato” (a good in-law is a third kindred), connecting to that powerful name “Nneka” which means Mother is Supreme. When a man loses his home, and his kinsmen have kicked him out, the only refuge is the mother’s place and yes the in-law’s place, making it clear that marriage is communal in nature, and not a personal private contract between two people. By Trump’s daughter being married to a young man who has lived extensively in Nigeria, that “refuge” is ironclad like NATO’s article 5 because that is the African culture. Trump understands that, and he needs to be soft on Nigeria.

Good People, take it easy. Do not be offended that I am happy that Nigeria was not in a ban list.  This is not a trivial issue as I have three PhD students whose schools have informed their funding grants have been frozen, and if they cannot find alternative funds to pay their school fees, they would be dropped. Schools are rescinding admission offer letters. At least on travel visas, if a little refuge comes there, allow me to celebrate that.

As that happens, I will end as in my last post: “Good Call, Mr. President for not including Nigeria though I am not happy to see some African countries there. Remove them.”

Nice Sunday everyone.

4 High-ROI Cryptocurrencies That Will Outshine Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) and Turn $140 into $14000 in 5 Months

0

The search for high-ROI cryptocurrencies is more intense than ever as investors look beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum for the next explosive opportunities. While BTC and ETH remain market leaders, their massive size makes it difficult to deliver the rapid gains that smaller, high-potential projects can achieve. This article highlights four cryptocurrencies that can turn a modest $140 investment into $14,000 within five months.

Rexas Finance (RXS): Revolutionizing Real-world Asset Investment

Rexas Finance (RXS) could be one of the highest-ROI cryptocurrencies this year, with its presale already creating a precedent. Rexas Finance has seen strong investors’ interest in its presale. So far, the project has raised $46.7 million, selling 453.7 million tokens. The presale price has also skyrocketed from $0.03 to $0.20, representing a 566% increase. This rise shows RXS’s strong breakout potential. This enthusiasm indicates that RXS is set for a major price rally when it hits major exchanges. Analysts predict that once it officially launches on June 19 at $0.25, the token could skyrocket by 10,000% more. This could turn a small $140 investment into $14,000 in just five months. Rexas Finance’s rapid rise can be attributed to its real-world asset (RWA) tokenization. Rexas Finance is enabling investors to access high-value assets such as real estate and commodities through the purchase of digital tokens which can be owned and traded.

This enables smaller scale investors that were previously kept out of these markets due to high costs to invest with ease. Beyond its price potential, the Rexas Finance ecosystem is built for long-term success. The Rexas Token Builder allows users to easily create and tokenize assets easily, while the QuickMint Bot enables instant token deployment via Telegram and Discord. The Rexas Estate feature brings fractional real estate ownership into crypto, giving investors a new way to earn passive income. These tools give RXS practical utility, separating it from hype-driven coins and ensuring sustained adoption. While BTC and ETH remain dominant, their massive market caps limit their ability to deliver fast, high-percentage gains. RXS, on the other hand, is in its early growth phase, meaning it has far more room to explode in value. With its innovative approach, growing investor interest, and strong fundamentals, RXS is shaping up to be one of the best-performing cryptos of 2025. Those who get in early could see life-changing gains, proving that RXS is a true high-ROI gem.

Pepe Coin (PEPE):  The Next Meme Coin Set for a Parabolic Rally

PEPE is preparing for a massive breakout, with analysts comparing its structure to Dogecoin’s explosive 2021 rally. Experts believe that if Bitcoin hits $150,000, PEPE could see a historic pump. This surge would see it achieve a $100 billion market cap.  Despite a recent 40% dip, whales are accumulating the token. This signals strong upside potential. If PEPE holds key support, targets like $0.21 and even $0.41 could be on the horizon. With market conditions aligning and major investors backing it, PEPE could turn small investments into life-changing gains.

Sonic (S): The Breakout Altcoin Gaining Massive Attention

S is proving to be a breakout altcoin, surging 140% since its transition from Fantom. Unlike major cryptos that saw losses, Sonic climbed to $0.903, with a market cap of $2.7 billion. A major boost came from reports that Binance may validate the Sonic network. This has fueled speculation about potential staking opportunities.   Additionally, Sonic’s partnership with Fjord Foundry will enhance its DeFi utility, attracting developers and increasing adoption. Analysts predict a possible surge to $1.475 or even $2, citing strong technical indicators and bullish chart patterns. With growing momentum, Sonic could deliver massive returns in 2025.

MANTRA (OM): The DeFi Powerhouse Surging to New Highs

OM has surged 130% this month, defying the broader market downturn. While major altcoins like XRP and SOL saw losses, OM hit a new all-time high of $8.90. MANTRA’s recent approval as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) in Dubai is a key factor behind this rally. This approval was able to boost investor confidence.  Analysts predict further gains, with targets of $10 and even $15. However, the token must break above the critical $9.59 resistance level. Strong technical indicators support the bullish momentum, but traders should watch for potential short-term pullbacks if the RSI signals overbought conditions.

Conclusion

While Bitcoin and Ethereum continue to dominate the market, the biggest opportunities for high returns lie in these four smaller projects with strong fundamentals and real-world utility. Rexas Finance (RXS) stands out as the most promising of the four cryptos highlighted. Its innovative approach to real-world asset tokenization and upcoming exchange launch position it for explosive growth. For investors seeking the highest potential ROI in 2025, Rexas Finance is the standout choice.

 

For more information about Rexas Finance (RXS) visit the links below:

Website: https://rexas.com

Win $1 Million Giveaway: https://bit.ly/Rexas1M

Whitepaper: https://rexas.com/rexas-whitepaper.pdf

Twitter/X: https://x.com/rexasfinance

Telegram: https://t.me/rexasfinance