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Nigeria to Develop Indigenous Blockchain “Nigerium” for Data Security and National Sovereignty

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In a move to enhance national security and safeguard citizens’ data, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced plans to develop an indigenous blockchain technology, aptly named “Nigerium.”

This initiative comes in response to concerns over the control exerted by foreign developers on popular blockchain platforms like Ethereum, which may not prioritize Nigeria’s interests.

NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Abdullahi, highlighted the strategic importance of this project during a meeting with delegates from the University of Hertfordshire Law School in Abuja. Abdullahi noted that developing a homegrown blockchain would ensure that Nigeria retains full control over its data and can enhance national security.

The idea for the Nigerium blockchain was initially proposed by Chanu Kuppuswamy, leading a delegation from the University of Hertfordshire Law School. Kuppuswamy argued that a customized blockchain tailored to Nigeria’s specific needs would align better with the country’s laws and regulations.

She pointed out the potential risks associated with relying on foreign-made blockchains, using Ethereum’s recent unilateral changes as an example. These changes, made without user consultation, underscore the lack of control Nigeria would face with foreign blockchains.

Advantages of Nigerium

Developing an Indigenous blockchain like Nigerium promises several advantages, with some noted as follows:

  1. Data Sovereignty: Nigeria would have complete authority over its blockchain, ensuring data privacy and security.
  2. Customization: The technology can be tailored to meet Nigeria’s unique requirements and regulatory standards.
  3. National Security: A homegrown blockchain reduces the risk of external manipulation and cyber threats.

The Hertfordshire delegation also proposed the establishment of a Data Embassy. This concept involves hosting a server in a third-party country to ensure digital continuity and protect against natural disasters, cyber-attacks, and other threats.

Furthermore, the delegation recommended harmonizing blockchain technology across various government agencies to promote interoperability and enhance overall efficiency.

The Nigerium project will be a collaborative endeavor between NITDA and multiple stakeholders, including government agencies and private sector organizations. This collective effort aims, among other things, to bolster Nigeria’s data sovereignty and fortify national security.

Nigeria’s Struggle with Technology Adoption

Despite its potential, Nigeria has lagged in embracing and leveraging evolving technologies, particularly in the realm of blockchain and cryptocurrency. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has maintained a cautious stance on cryptocurrencies, which are inherently built on blockchain technology. This caution stems from concerns about the potential misuse of cryptocurrencies for illegal activities, as well as their impact on the national financial system.

Nevertheless, the Nigerian government has yet to develop a comprehensive regulatory framework to address its concerns about cryptocurrency. This regulatory vacuum has significant economic implications. Many Nigerian traders and businesses rely on cryptocurrencies for transactions due to their speed and efficiency. However, the lack of regulation has stifled this growing sector as the CBN’s stern view of the technology has prompted it to ban crypto transactions in the country repeatedly.

According to recent reports, Nigeria is one of the leading countries in cryptocurrency adoption globally, with over $400 million worth of transactions in cryptocurrencies occurring in 2021 alone, trailing only Russia and the United States.

In June, the director-general of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Emomotimi Agama, said that Nigeria’s cryptocurrency market is estimated to be worth over $400 million. He noted that a significant portion of the population is actively involved in cryptocurrency trading and transactions, underscoring the growing importance of digital currencies in the country’s financial industry.

Despite this high adoption rate, the lack of regulatory clarity has created uncertainty and hindered further growth.

However, the development of Nigerium is expected to set off a fresh disposition toward blockchain technology in Nigeria. By creating a national blockchain framework, the government is expected to address security and regulatory concerns while fostering innovation.

NITDA has previously announced initiatives to establish research centers focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain technology across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. These centers will drive research and development in emerging technologies, furthering Nigeria’s position in the global tech industry.

Nigerian Banks See 77.62% Decrease in Fraud Losses in Q1 2024

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Nigerian banks experienced a significant reduction in financial fraud losses in the first quarter (Q1) of 2024, with a 77.62% decrease compared to the previous quarter.

This was revealed by the Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC) in its Q1 2024 report on Fraud and Forgeries in Nigerian banks. According to the report, Nigerian banks lost N468.42 million in Q1, down from N2.09 billion in Q4 2023. The total amount involved in fraud during the quarter was N2.99 billion, a 56.73% decline from the N6.91 billion recorded in the previous quarter.

Additionally, the FITC report highlighted a reduction in the number of reported fraud cases. In Q1 2024, there were 11,472 cases, compared to 12,405 cases in Q4 2023, marking a 7.52% decrease. The report identified computer/web fraud, mobile fraud, and PoS-related fraud as the most prevalent forms of fraudulent activity, consistent with trends observed in the previous quarter.

Part of the report reads,

“For Q1 2024, a total of eleven thousand, four hundred and seventy-two (11,472) cases were reported, and when compared to the twelve thousand, four hundred and five (12,405) cases reported in the Q4 2023, a 7.52 percent decrease. During Q1 2024, fraudulent activities were conducted through various channels, which included ATMs, online platforms such as web and mobile banking, bank branches, and point-of-sale (PoS) terminals.

“In the first quarter of 2024, cards were the only instrument for fraud that recorded an increase, while the use of cheques and cash recorded relatively lower fraudulent activities when compared to the previous quarter. Specifically, there was a 31.12% rise in fraud cases through the PoS channel, rising from 2,683 cases in Q4 2023 to 3,518 cases in Q1 2024. Similarly, the number of fraud cases through the Mobile Channel increased by 0.45% rising from 3173 cases in Q4 2023 to 3393 cases in Q1 2024”.

In the review of Q1 2024, an analysis of the ranking of fraud categories revealed that Mobile fraud had the highest ranking, accounting for N768.84 million (25.73%) of the total amount. It was followed by Computer/Web fraud at N680.75 million (22.78%). PoS fraud came next at N565.69 million (18.93%).

According to the report, staff involvement in fraud declined by 12.96%, decreasing from 54 cases in Q4 2023 to 47 cases in Q1 2024. However, 35 staff appointments were terminated in Q1 2024, and this is vastly significantly higher from Q4 2023 when we saw staff termination of 9 cases.

In a bid to ensure that fraud cases are reduced in banks, the FITC cited a rise in emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Robotics Process Automation (RPA), amongst others, that can be used to identify fraud patterns.

It noted that these technologies can help the staff of financial institutions to be ahead of fraudsters, thereby reducing the occurrences of fraud in their financial institutions. However, it emphasized that in adopting these emerging technologies, financial institutions must align with regulatory standards, to adopt transparent decision-making processes and ethical considerations.

Budgeting for Online Gambling

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Gambling can be a thrilling and entertaining pastime, but without proper financial management, it can quickly become a source of stress and financial strain. Effective budgeting is essential for anyone looking to gamble online responsibly. In this article, we’ll explore some effective strategies for setting and sticking to a gambling budget and introduce some tools and apps that can help manage gambling expenses.

URL: https://unsplash.com/photos/fan-of-100-us-dollar-banknotes-lCPhGxs7pww

Effective Strategies for Setting and Sticking to a Gambling Budget

1. Determine Your Disposable Income

Before you start gambling, it’s crucial to determine how much money you can afford to spend without impacting your essential expenses. Your gambling budget should come from your disposable income—the money left over after paying for necessities such as rent or mortgage, utilities, groceries, and other bills.

2. Set a Fixed Gambling Budget

Once you’ve identified your disposable income, allocate a specific portion of it for gambling. This should be a fixed amount that you can comfortably afford to lose. To help you make informed decisions, consult reviews of the best online casinos to find reputable platforms that offer good value for your money. Remember, gambling should be viewed as a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. Stick to this budget strictly, and avoid dipping into funds allocated for other purposes.

3. Use the Envelope System

The envelope system is a simple yet effective way to manage your gambling budget. Here’s how it works:

  • Allocate your gambling money into different envelopes based on time periods (daily, weekly, or monthly).
  • Only use the money in the current envelope for gambling.
  • If you run out of money in an envelope, stop gambling until the next period.

This physical separation of funds helps reinforce discipline and prevents overspending.

4. Set Win and Loss Limits

In addition to a budget, it’s wise to set win and loss limits for each gambling session. A win limit is the amount you’re willing to walk away with if you’re ahead, while a loss limit is the maximum amount you’re prepared to lose. Setting these limits helps you avoid chasing losses and ensures you leave the game while still ahead.

5. Track Your Gambling Activities

Keeping a record of your gambling activities can help you stay within your budget and understand your gambling behavior. Note down details such as the date, amount spent, type of game played, and outcomes. This record will help you identify patterns, recognize potential issues, and adjust your budget if necessary.

6. Take Regular Breaks

Taking regular breaks during gambling sessions can help you stay in control and avoid impulsive decisions. Set a timer or use an app to remind yourself to take a break. During these breaks, reassess your budget, reflect on your performance, and make necessary adjustments.

7. Avoid Gambling When Emotionally Distressed

Gambling while feeling stressed, anxious, or upset can lead to poor decision-making and increased spending. It’s important to gamble only when you’re in a clear and calm state of mind. If you’re experiencing emotional distress, take a break and seek support from friends, family, or a professional.

Tools and Apps to Help Manage Gambling Expenses

1. Budgeting Apps

Several budgeting apps can help you manage your gambling expenses effectively. Some popular options include:

  • Mint: Mint allows you to create budgets, track expenses, and monitor your spending in real-time. You can categorize your gambling expenses and set alerts to ensure you stay within your budget.
  • YNAB (You Need a Budget): YNAB focuses on proactive budgeting and helps you allocate funds to different categories, including gambling. It encourages you to plan your spending ahead of time and provides insights into your financial habits.
  • PocketGuard: PocketGuard links to your bank accounts and credit cards, giving you a clear overview of your finances. It shows you how much disposable income you have left after bills and essential expenses, making it easier to allocate funds for gambling.

2. Gambling-Specific Apps

Some apps are designed specifically to help gamblers manage their spending and stay within their budgets:

  • GambleAware: GambleAware provides tools and resources to promote responsible gambling. It offers a budget calculator, spending diary, and self-assessment tests to help you monitor and control your gambling habits.
  • BetBlocker: BetBlocker is a free tool that allows you to block access to thousands of gambling websites. You can set a restriction period to prevent yourself from gambling when you need a break or if you’re worried about overspending.
  • GamBan: GamBan is another blocking tool that restricts access to online gambling sites and apps. It’s a useful tool for those who want to take a break from gambling and focus on managing their budget.

3. Financial Tracking Tools

In addition to general budgeting apps, financial tracking tools can provide insights into your overall financial health and help you manage your gambling expenses:

  • Personal Capital: Personal Capital offers comprehensive financial tracking, including investment monitoring and budgeting. It helps you see the bigger picture of your finances and understand how gambling fits into your overall financial goals.
  • Tiller Money: Tiller Money integrates with Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel, allowing you to customize your budgeting and tracking spreadsheets. You can create a dedicated sheet for gambling expenses and monitor your spending closely.

Seeking Help and Support

If you find it challenging to stick to your gambling budget despite using these strategies and tools, it may be helpful to seek additional support. Organizations such as Gamblers Anonymous, GamCare, and the National Council on Problem Gambling offer resources, support groups, and counseling services for individuals struggling with gambling-related issues.

In conclusion, effective budgeting is crucial for responsible online gambling. By determining your disposable income, setting a fixed budget, and using tools and apps to track your spending, you can enjoy gambling as a form of entertainment without compromising your financial well-being. Remember to stay disciplined, take regular breaks, and seek support if needed.

Johns Hopkins Receives Additional $1 billion from Michael R. Bloomberg

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I just received an email from the Johns Hopkins University president, notifying the alumni community that Michael R. Bloomberg has donated an additional $1 billion to the University. With this, most students will attend tuition-free! I join the JHU community to THANK Bloomberg for his extra support of this university.

“Johns Hopkins has received $1 billion in new funding to support financial aid for students in our university’s graduate schools. This remarkable gift comes from Bloomberg Philanthropies and builds on the landmark commitment made by Michael R. Bloomberg, Engr ’64, in 2018 to provide financial aid for our undergraduate students—which allows us in perpetuity to accept incoming students without regard for their ability to pay and without requiring them to take out loans for their education.

“As a result of this latest transformative gift, beginning in fall 2024, our School of Medicine will be tuition-free for students from families earning under $300,000, and students from families earning up to $175,000 will receive a full ride, support that includes both tuition and living expenses” – Johns Hopkins University.

The Best Tips To Improve Your Slot Gaming

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The games players look out for the most in casinos are the slot games. This slot machine game operates based on players entering coins into slots and then pulling a handle to cause a set of wheels with spinning symbols to come on. Many online casino players are aware of these games because they provide the dual benefits of maximum fun and large profits. These games have always played a significant part in online casinos.

Online slot gaming is pervasive and full of varieties such as high volatility slots, mobile slots, classic slots, and many others. These games all have simple gameplay with specific symbols and features separating them apart.

Because they don’t require a lot of technical expertise and gaming strategy, players love to explore them. Even with how easy it is to play them, it’s heavily dependent on luck. But with some exciting features, your odds of winning are increased.

How To Improve Your Chance Of Winning A Slot Game

There are no special rules or abilities that may be utilized to outwit slot games since they are primarily a game of chance with little to no strategy needed. Luckily, through lots of trial and error, some tips have been found beneficial to improve your chances of winning when playing online slots UK.

What are these tips that improve your chance of winning a slot game? Let’s go through them.

Practice using free games

One of the best ways to become better at a slot game and improve your winning chances is by practicing the demo. Online casino customers will know that most casinos offer slot games in free mode. This free mode can help you as a new player to get familiar with how a game works and can help you get better at the game. The free mode is also fun because of no financial commitment. The more you play, the better you become. So start with the free mode and get better before trying to play with real money. This improves your chances of winning your slot game.

Choose your Slot Carefully

Players need to understand that no two slot games are similar. They come with different and unique features. The theme, storyline, soundtrack, Return To Player rates, and symbols are all very different. Remember that the RTP is important and you should choose a game with a high one. The higher the game’s RTP, the better. Other features are also important, so you have to be careful when choosing.

Study The Pay Table

All slot games have their unique play table, and all users need to study the pay table of the game they want to play. The pay table tells you the value of each symbol and lets you know the ones that are the most valuable of the symbols. Locating this pay table is dependent on how the game is laid out.

Look For Slot Machines That Pay Big

To be more selective about your choice of slots, you have to look for machines that give big payouts. Well, everyone has their choice. Some players tend to avoid big payout slot machines because they believe they might not get lucky enough to receive such payouts. But the truth is, most well-paying machines end up paying hugely, therefore you should always consider them.

Stick To your budget and start at the lowest possible denomination

Before you begin playing any slot game, you must have made up your mind on the maximum amount of money you want to spend. This makes you spend wisely and lets you know when to stop when you reach the maximum amount. Also, start playing from the minimum amount possible. This will help you determine the volatility of the game.

Use The Casino Bonus

Most online casinos offer exciting rewards and benefits. This helps the customer because they can use these rewards to explore and play a lot of games without risking their real funds. So always watch out for bonuses when you play and make sure you grab them.

Aim For Smaller Jackpots

It is well known that everyone wants to win big but also, it is important to note that the big jackpots in casinos are more often than not, more risky. To keep the winning odds high, stick to the smaller jackpots. you have a higher probability of winning smaller jackpots than the bigger ones.

Conclusion

Applying these tips will help you maximize your chances of winning online slots. Instead of just going in blindly because they do not require expertise, you can study each game, practice, and follow all these tips. Doing so will make you more conversant with the slot games and increase your knowledge about them. And with these, your chance of winning is increased.