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Tesla Car Drives Self to Buyer, Marking Company’s First Fully Autonomous Vehicle Delivery

By
Samuel Nwite
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0

In what could prove more consequential than its much-hyped robotaxi rollout, Tesla has announced the first-ever fully autonomous vehicle delivery, completing a drive from its Austin Gigafactory directly to a customer — without anyone inside the car or remotely piloting it.

A video posted by Tesla on X (formerly Twitter) shows a Model Y navigating a varied route across highways, suburban neighborhoods, and residential streets before pulling up outside a customer’s apartment complex.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who had previously teased a June 28 debut, confirmed Friday that the feat was achieved a day earlier.

“There were no people in the car at all and no remote operators in control at any point. FULLY autonomous!” Musk wrote. “To the best of our knowledge, this is the first fully autonomous drive with no people in the car or remotely operating the car on a public highway.”

The buyer named Jose responded to the post saying: “That was me! So excited to have been a part of this thank you! @elonmusk @Tesla.”

A First? Not Exactly

Despite Musk’s claims, Waymo has already been operating fully driverless cars — including on highways — for over a year. The Google-owned autonomous vehicle unit currently runs freeway operations in Phoenix, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, though its access is limited to employees. While Tesla’s latest move is a significant technical and symbolic achievement, it’s not the industry’s first instance of true driverless highway navigation.

Why This Matters More Than Robotaxis

The announcement comes amid growing skepticism about Tesla’s robotaxi initiative, which launched earlier this week with in-vehicle safety monitors. Despite heavy promotion, several early tests captured incidents of poor driving behavior: crossing into oncoming lanes, abrupt braking, and awkward interactions at intersections.

Tesla has so far deployed 10 to 20 robotaxis, all Model Y vehicles fitted with Full Self-Driving (FSD) beta software. Human safety operators sit in the passenger seat with a kill switch, highlighting the cautious and still-supervised nature of the service.

The fully autonomous delivery, however, did not involve a human monitor or remote supervisor, making it a more confident demonstration of Tesla’s FSD progress. That said, it also raises regulatory and safety questions, as Tesla’s system still lacks the redundancies seen in competitors like Waymo and Cruise.

Tesla continues to rely solely on vision-based AI, using just eight cameras with no radar, no lidar, and no secondary steering or braking systems. By contrast, Waymo’s AVs are equipped with:

  • 5 lidars
  • 6 radars
  • 29 cameras
  • Plus multiple layers of redundancy in braking, steering, and onboard computing

This difference in design philosophy has fueled a long-running debate in the autonomous vehicle community. Musk has long dismissed lidar as a “crutch,” while some believe that Tesla’s approach is inherently less safe, particularly in poor lighting or weather conditions. Even Musk’s own AI chatbot, Grok, reportedly acknowledged that adopting lidar could reduce phantom braking and improve FSD’s performance at night and during sun glare.

Where It Leaves Tesla

This delivery does show Tesla inching closer to its long-promised dream of unsupervised, city-to-city autonomy. But it’s still far from commercial viability on a large scale, particularly when contrasted with Waymo’s slow but methodical rollout of robotaxi fleets with verified safety data and state-level regulatory approval.

Tesla has not disclosed whether it will scale autonomous deliveries or under what conditions they may become common. Nor has it provided data on how many disengagements occurred during the route — a standard metric in the self-driving world used to evaluate safety and performance.

Ultimately, this may be less about immediate commercial deployment and more about reputation-building, especially as Tesla heads into its highly anticipated AI Day 2025 and tries to assure investors that its autonomous bets aren’t stalling.

While the milestone is important, Tesla still has a long road ahead before Full Self-Driving matches the safety records and regulatory acceptance.

UN Urges Germany To Maintain Its Refugee Resettlement Program

By
Paul Ugbede Godwin
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0

The United Nations, through the UNHCR, has urged Germany to continue its refugee resettlement program, expressing concern over the country’s decision to temporarily suspend it in April 2025. Filippo Grandi, the head of UNHCR, voiced regret over the halt, which was prompted by coalition negotiations between the CDU/CSU and SPD, with the incoming government expected to adopt stricter immigration policies.

The program, active since 2012, facilitates the resettlement of vulnerable refugees—such as children, victims of torture, or those with urgent medical needs—who cannot remain in their first country of asylum. Germany had committed to resettling 13,100 refugees in 2024-2025, with 6,540 places allocated for 2024, primarily from countries like Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq, through the EU Resettlement Programme.

Despite the suspension, cases already in advanced stages are being processed, and UNHCR anticipates the program may resume once a new interior minister is appointed. However, the new coalition plans to end similar schemes and shift focus to labor market-driven immigration programs.

The suspension of Germany’s resettlement program, which targets highly vulnerable groups like children, torture victims, and those with urgent medical needs, could leave thousands stranded in precarious conditions in first-asylum countries (e.g., Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan). In 2024-2025, Germany planned to resettle 13,100 refugees, and halting these risks exacerbating their suffering.

Germany’s decision could influence other nations to scale back or suspend similar programs, weakening the global resettlement framework. In 2024, only 120,000 refugees were resettled worldwide, a fraction of the 26 million refugees needing protection, according to UNHCR data. The suspension reflects tensions within the new CDU/CSU-SPD coalition, formed after the February 2025 elections. The CDU/CSU’s push for stricter immigration policies clashes with the SPD’s more progressive stance, signaling potential governance friction.

Anti-immigration sentiment, fueled by parties like the AfD, has gained traction, with 17% of Germans favoring tougher border controls in a 2025 poll cited on X. The suspension aligns with this sentiment but risks alienating pro-refugee advocates and civil society groups. Germany’s halt undermines the EU’s collective resettlement efforts, which rely on member states’ commitments. This could strain relations with countries like Sweden or France, which continue to accept refugees under the EU framework.

The UNHCR’s public urging puts diplomatic pressure on Germany, potentially complicating its role in international forums where it has championed humanitarian causes. The coalition’s focus on labor market-driven immigration programs prioritizes economic migrants over humanitarian cases. This could reshape Germany’s demographic and economic landscape but may marginalize those fleeing persecution who don’t meet labor criteria.

The suspension reflects a polarized public. Pro-immigration groups, including NGOs and parts of the SPD base, argue for humanitarian obligations, citing Germany’s history of welcoming over 1 million refugees during the 2015-2016 crisis. Conversely, anti-immigration voices, amplified by the AfD and some CDU/CSU factions, prioritize national security and economic concerns, pointing to integration challenges and costs.

Urban areas like Berlin and Hamburg often support multiculturalism, while rural regions lean toward skepticism, fearing cultural and economic strain, as seen in X discussions on regional voting patterns in 2025. The UN’s call underscores a broader divide between wealthier nations like Germany, which have the capacity to resettle refugees, and developing nations hosting the majority of the world’s refugees (e.g., Turkey hosts 3.6 million Syrians).

The UNHCR emphasizes global responsibility, while Germany’s incoming government prioritizes national sovereignty and domestic priorities, reflecting a tension between international obligations and local politics. The shift toward labor-driven immigration highlights a policy divide between humanitarian resettlement and economic pragmatism. Critics argue this commodifies migration, sidelining those most in need.

The suspension may address immediate political pressures but risks long-term consequences, such as increased irregular migration or strained relations with asylum-hosting countries. Posts on X reveal polarized views, with some users praising Germany’s suspension as a defense of national interests, while others criticize it as abandoning moral responsibilities. Hashtags like #RefugeesWelcome and #CloseTheBorders trend alongside these debates.

Similar policy shifts are occurring elsewhere. For instance, posts on X mention tightened asylum policies in Denmark and the UK’s Rwanda plan revival in 2025, indicating a broader Western trend toward restrictive migration policies. Germany’s suspension of its resettlement program signals a pivot toward stricter, economically driven immigration policies, with significant humanitarian and diplomatic consequences.

AI Action Day: Trump’s AI Agenda Gains Momentum with Executive Orders, Action Plan, and High-Stakes Industry Summit

By
Samuel Nwite
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0

President Donald Trump is intensifying his drive to make the United States the global leader in artificial intelligence, setting the stage for a sweeping policy rollout aimed at accelerating the deployment of AI infrastructure, slashing regulatory hurdles, and rallying private investment.

In January, Trump ordered his administration to produce a national AI Action Plan, declaring his intent to make “America the world capital in artificial intelligence.” The final version of that plan is due on July 23, and the White House is reportedly considering designating the date as “AI Action Day” to draw national attention and underscore the administration’s commitment to expanding the AI industry.

The upcoming report, expected to carry input from the National Security Council and other federal agencies, is being positioned as the strategic blueprint for both federal coordination and private sector engagement in the AI economy. Trump’s broader goal is to dismantle what he views as bureaucratic and ideological constraints imposed during previous administrations, replacing them with fast-track policies to boost innovation, infrastructure, and competitiveness.

Executive Orders to Power AI’s Growth

According to policy details obtained by Reuters, Trump is preparing a series of executive actions designed to eliminate key bottlenecks in the energy and permitting systems that support AI infrastructure. Among the proposals are:

  • A nationwide Clean Water Act permit that would simplify environmental clearances for AI-related construction projects such as data centers and power facilities.
  • The prioritization of transmission projects that are already “shovel-ready,” particularly those critical to AI infrastructure.
  • Use of federal land overseen by the Departments of Defense and Interior for rapid deployment of AI-supporting assets.

The executive orders, expected in the coming weeks, align with internal White House assessments that America’s grid and permitting system are woefully unprepared for the energy needs of the AI economy. Trump aides say that current regulatory barriers “risk surrendering the AI future to foreign rivals like China.”

AI and Energy Summit: Trump to Rally Support in Pennsylvania

As part of the administration’s AI offensive, President Trump is scheduled to headline an AI and energy summit on July 15 at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, hosted by Senator Dave McCormick. The event is expected to bring together leaders across AI, energy, and industry, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, Microsoft’s Satya Nadella, Alphabet’s Sundar Pichai, and other tech and infrastructure executives.

The summit will focus on the interdependence of artificial intelligence and energy infrastructure, as well as the policies needed to accelerate data center growth and digital innovation. McCormick’s team has confirmed that the summit is not just a symbolic gathering but a prelude to coordinated state-federal action on AI.

The timing coincides with a major corporate investment in the state. Earlier this month, Amazon announced a $20 billion investment to build data centers in two Pennsylvania counties, underscoring the region’s strategic importance as an energy-AI hub.

The AI Action Plan

The AI Action Plan due on July 23 will likely serve as a roadmap for the next decade of U.S. AI policy. According to reporting by Reuters and Axios, the plan will:

  • Emphasize AI’s role in national security and global competitiveness.
  • Prioritize permitting reform and public-private partnerships.
  • Outline training and workforce adaptation strategies for the age of digital labor.

The Office of Science and Technology Policy, alongside the National Security Council, is expected to lead the coordination of the plan, supported by senior administration officials and a new industry advisory council.

Trump’s January executive order, EO 14179, reversed many elements of the Biden administration’s more cautious AI approach. The order emphasized deregulation, free-market competition, and the need to prevent “ideological bias” in federally funded AI systems.

The Scale of AI’s Future—and Its Stakes

In recent remarks, Trump officials have warned that AI will soon become the largest driver of electricity demand in the country, outpacing electric vehicles and industrial growth. Some estimates project that AI-driven energy usage could double U.S. power demand within the next five years, especially with the rise of generative models and autonomous systems.

The administration believes this presents both a risk and an opportunity: unless grid and permitting challenges are resolved, the U.S. risks falling behind countries like China that are aggressively funding national AI systems.

With the July 15 summit and the July 23 report on the horizon, Trump is aligning political, financial, and institutional forces behind an AI-first strategy. Aides say the administration sees AI not just as a technology category but as a pillar of 21st-century geopolitical power.

It is not clear whether Congress will support these efforts, especially as lawmakers begin reviewing the forthcoming AI Action Plan. However, with major companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Oracle expanding their AI footprints and backing state-level infrastructure investments, Trump’s strategy is quickly moving from policy outline to industrial reality.

In essence, the U.S. is now preparing for an AI race powered by silicon, steel, and deregulation—and Trump wants to be the one driving the charge from Washington.

Implications of U.S. Q1 2025 GDP Miss and High Odds of Rate Cuts

By
Paul Ugbede Godwin
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0

The U.S. Q1 2025 GDP contracted at an annualized rate of 0.5%, below the expected -0.2% and a sharp decline from Q4 2024’s 2.4% growth, driven by a surge in imports and reduced government spending. This marks the first negative GDP reading since Q1 2022, raising concerns about economic slowdown and potential recession risks, though analysts note a single quarter of contraction doesn’t confirm a recession.

The reported 94% odds of Federal Reserve rate cuts by September 2025 align with market sentiment reflected in fed funds futures, which have priced in a high probability of easing due to weaker growth and rising inflation pressures (core PCE at 3.5% vs. 3.2% expected). Posts on X and economic forecasts suggest tariffs and policy uncertainty are fueling stagflation risks, prompting expectations of one or two 25-basis-point cuts by year-end, with some analysts eyeing July as a possible start. However, the Fed may delay cuts if inflation remains elevated, as tariffs could push prices higher.

A negative GDP print, the first since Q1 2022, signals potential economic weakness. While one quarter of contraction doesn’t confirm a recession (typically requiring two consecutive quarters), it heightens concerns, especially with slowing consumer spending (down to 1.8% growth from 3.1% in Q4 2024) and reduced government expenditure. Imports surged (contributing to the GDP decline), reflecting trade imbalances possibly exacerbated by tariff expectations, which could further dampen growth if sustained.

The 94% odds of rate cuts by September (likely one or two 25-basis-point reductions) stem from fed funds futures reflecting market bets on monetary easing to counter slowdown risks. Some X posts suggest markets are eyeing July for a potential cut if Q2 data weakens further. However, persistent inflation (core PCE at 3.5% vs. 3.2% expected) and potential tariff-driven price increases create a stagflation risk, complicating the Fed’s decision. Cutting rates too soon could fuel inflation, while delaying cuts risks deeper economic contraction.

Weaker GDP growth typically pressures stock markets, particularly growth-sensitive sectors like technology and consumer discretionary. X posts highlight mixed sentiment, with some investors betting on defensive sectors (e.g., utilities, healthcare) as growth slows. Treasury yields may decline as rate cut expectations rise, with the 10-year yield already softening post-GDP release (check Bloomberg or Reuters for real-time data). However, tariff-driven inflation could push yields higher if price pressures intensify.

A dovish Fed outlook weakens the USD, though tariff policies could bolster it by increasing import costs. FX markets are volatile, per recent X discussions. Proposed tariffs (e.g., 10-20% on imports) under discussion in policy circles could raise costs, further slowing growth while pushing inflation higher. X posts reflect fears that tariffs could negate rate cut benefits, creating a stagflationary environment.

Business investment, already soft (contributing to the GDP miss), may remain subdued amid uncertainty over trade policies and Fed actions. Some economists and investors argue that rate cuts will stimulate growth, particularly in housing and consumer spending, preventing a full recession. They point to strong labor markets (unemployment at 4.1% in recent data) and resilient corporate earnings as buffers. X posts from this camp emphasize the Fed’s ability to “soft land” the economy.

Others warn that rate cuts may be ineffective or premature given sticky inflation and tariff risks. They argue that easing could weaken the USD and fuel price pressures, especially if supply chain disruptions worsen. X discussions highlight fears of 1970s-style stagflation, with some users citing rising commodity prices (e.g., oil, metals) as warning signs. Some investors see rate cuts as a catalyst for equity rallies, particularly in rate-sensitive sectors like real estate and small caps. They argue that the GDP miss is a one-off, driven by temporary factors like import surges.

Others predict prolonged market volatility, pointing to declining consumer confidence (e.g., Conference Board index at 66.8, below expectations) and tariff uncertainty. Bears on X argue that valuations remain stretched, and a recession could trigger a deeper correction. Some policymakers and X users support tariffs to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce trade deficits, arguing that short-term pain (higher prices, slower growth) is worth long-term gains.

Others, including economists and business leaders, warn that tariffs will raise costs, hurt consumers, and exacerbate the GDP slowdown. X posts from this group emphasize global trade retaliation risks, citing Canada and EU responses to past U.S. tariffs.

Nigeria’s Banking Sector Sustained Upward Trajectory in 2024, Bolstered by Technological Advancements

By
Ojukwu Emmanuel
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0

Nigeria’s banking sector continued to grow in 2024, driven by the rapid adoption of digital technologies like mobile banking, fintech innovations, and AI-driven services, which enhanced efficiency and customer experience.

According to “The State of Enterprise 2025 Report” by EnterpriseNGR, which provides an in-depth analysis of Nigeria’s Financial and Professional Services (FPS) Sector, collectively, financial institutions, including banks, accounted for 5.8% of Nigeria’s GDP, climbing 30.9% year-on-year to ?4.58 trillion.

Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) significantly scaled their asset base by 39.6% to ?170.02 trillion, equivalent to 63.1% of nominal GDP. Financial and insurance activities, which include banks and other financial institutions, were the primary contributor to corporate income tax (?570.91 billion as at Q3, projected to

reach ?825.92 billion for full year) and the fifth largest contributor to VAT (?223.69 billion as at Q3, projected to reach N409.98 billion for full year), underscoring their fiscal relevance.

Rapid digitalisation and technology-driven service delivery models continue to redefine banking access and efficiency. This transformation has changed how banks interact with customers, accelerated innovation, and the launch of new banking products.

It has also enabled significant internal banking process automation, leveraging new technologies, facilitated data-driven sales, improved customer experience, and enhanced flexibility in the provision of

banking services. For Nigerian banks, key impacts have been the migration of customers to digital channels without extensive marketing investments and a significant upsurge in customer-initiated electronic transactions.

The inability of customers to move around and access these products and services physically due to the restriction on movement forced the drive to seek alternative ways of accessing financial products and services.

In April this year, reports revealed that Nigeria’s top banks ramped up their investments in technology infrastructure in 2024, collectively spending N518.5 billion to modernize their operations. This marks a 109% increase compared to the N248 billion they spent in 2023, according to the audited financial statements of eight banks.

Below is an overview of notable Nigerian banks and their adoption of digital technologies:

Sterling Bank

Sterling Bank has embraced fintech innovations through its digital platform, OneBank, which combines banking, payments, and lifestyle services in a single app. OneBank offers features like instant transfers, bill payments, and investment options, targeting younger, digital-native customers.

Also, Sterling Bank has been active in the fintech space, partnering with startups to provide solutions like digital lending and payment gateways, enhancing its competitiveness.

Access Bank

Access Bank has focused on digital transformation through its AccessMore app, which integrates AI-driven personalization and advanced security features like biometric authentication.

The AccessMore app allows customers to perform transactions, access loans, and manage investments, contributing to the bank’s goal of reaching underserved populations.

GTBank

GTbank has been recognized for its innovative digital platforms, including its mobile banking app, GTWorld, which offers a user-friendly interface for transactions, savings, and investments.

GTWorld supports features like cardless withdrawals, instant account opening, and digital lending, making it a popular choice among tech-savvy Nigerians.

Zenith Bank

Zenith Bank has invested heavily in digital infrastructure, including AI and machine learning for fraud detection and customer service. The bank has also adopted blockchain technology to enhance transaction security and transparency.

Zenith’s mobile app provides robust features like instant loan access, investment options, and real-time transaction monitoring, contributing to its strong digital banking presence.

Several other Nigerian banks, such as Fidelity Bank, Ecobank, and Wema Bank, have also adopted digital technologies, including mobile banking apps and fintech partnerships, to enhance service delivery. For instance, Wema Bank’s ALAT platform is one of Nigeria’s first fully digital banking platforms, offering online account opening and digital loans.

Notably, the wave of tech investment comes as traditional banks face heightened pressure from agile fintech competitors like OPay, PalmPay, and Moniepoint.

Looking Ahead

From sweeping core banking software upgrades to rolling out AI-powered platforms and improving mobile apps, the surge in adoption of technology and increased spending by traditional Nigerian banks, reflects a strategic shift.

This shows that digital banking is no longer a feature, it’s the backbone of financial services.

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