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Why DNA Test is Not a Suicide Warrant for Nigerian Women

By
Mutiu Iyanda
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0

In the rich tapestry of cultures, marriage has been revered as a sacred institution, a covenant designed to fulfill the divine desire for humanity’s growth through reproduction. Yet, the complexities of human nature often challenge the sanctity of this union. In traditional African societies, remedies like the Yoruba Magun sought to deter extramarital affairs, primarily focusing on women, leaving a gap in addressing the actions of men.

As we navigate the modern era, the dynamics of relationships have evolved, and the traditional approaches are viewed with skepticism. The emergence of DNA tests, heralded as a revolutionary tool for establishing biological parentage, presents a contemporary alternative. However, recent trends in Nigeria have sparked concerns, revealing instances where unsuspecting men have unknowingly cared for children not biologically their own.

Since 2017 a number of DNA tests has been conducted across the country. From Lagos to Kano and Port-Harcourt to Abuja, organisations specialising in conducting the tests revealed startling results, which news media picked and reported using different frames that mostly described women as culpable.

Our analyst notes that the anxiety surrounding DNA tests has led to increased apprehension among Nigerian women. However, it’s crucial to dispel the notion that DNA testing is a potential “suicide warrant” for them. Instead, we must recognize the test as a tool for truth, transparency, and ultimately, empowerment.

Firstly, DNA testing should be embraced as a means to foster open communication within relationships. Rather than viewing it as a threat, couples can choose to undergo the test collaboratively, promoting trust and mutual understanding. In a society where extramarital affairs can strain marriages, transparency becomes a cornerstone for building stronger, more resilient relationships.

Secondly, the fear of DNA tests should not overshadow the importance of personal growth and self-awareness. Women should be encouraged to explore their identities beyond traditional roles, pursuing education, career aspirations, and personal development. This not only enriches individual lives but contributes to the overall strength of the marital bond.

Moreover, societal attitudes need a paradigm shift. Instead of stigmatizing DNA tests, we should create an environment that supports open conversations about fidelity, trust, and commitment. Education on the benefits and limitations of DNA testing can demystify misconceptions, fostering a culture where truth prevails without instilling fear.

While the introduction of DNA tests has raised concerns, it is essential to reframe the narrative. Rather than a threat, DNA testing can serve as a catalyst for healthier relationships, grounded in trust and mutual respect. By embracing transparency, promoting personal growth, and reshaping societal attitudes, Nigerian women can navigate the evolving landscape of relationships with confidence and resilience.

How to Fix Nigeria’s Economy and the Message from the Village President

By
Ndubuisi Ekekwe
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1

From your nation-village aspirational president: “Today, I just finished  a meeting with the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, to begin the process to transform Nigeria’s economy, through fiscal federalism. I do believe that if we do this, and accelerate innovation and intra-state competitiveness, our nation will rise. Nations rise on three principles: meritocracy, innovation and decency. I will pursue those principles on the pillar of fiscal federalism, executing the transformation with the fierceness of now, before Nov 2024”.

Yes, it is my believe that fiscal federalism is the core catalyst that will transform Nigeria as I noted in my speech: “As your President, I will institutionalize great moments across homes and communities, uniting all of us to a shared vision of a great nation that is open, dynamic, prosperous and hopeful. From the lagoons of Lagos to the mangrove of Calabar, from the savanna of Yola through the plateau of Jos, to the beautiful forests of Abakaliki, men and women, boys and girls and indeed all citizens will experience an unbounded optimistic future because we will serve.”

Fiscal federalism will bring regional comparative advantages and meritocracy across markets and sectors. Nigeria will win.

Fiscal federalism will enable a translation of our invention mindset to an innovation one, crystallizing pragmatism and execution. Industrial sectors will rise.

Fiscal federalism will push us towards reduction of wastes and that will help us to kill the demons of corruption. Without decency or honesty, we will fade as a people. Fiscal federalism will bring us to a better path.

Good People, Nigeria’s biggest challenge is not FX challenges, bad roads, lack of electricity, etc, but TRUST scarcity at the center. Many young people are disconnected from the national project because merit has died even as strategic corruption has scaled. One way to get them back is to provide a path where everyone becomes RESPONSIBLE at the local level. Only fiscal federalism will do for a multi-ethnic nation like Nigeria. Build up the banks in Lagos, as I build up the shoe-fashion in Aba, and Okon turns Calabar into a haven of  tourism as Benue feeds everyone, with Kano scaling commerce and trade across the Sahel regions of Africa, and more.

What is fiscal federalism? I produce my cocoa, you do your oil, and another her palm oil. We all sell and make money. Then, we pay taxes to Abuja. If I make no sales, I will struggle, but because I know that no one will come at the end of the money, I will get to work. Let’s do it because that is the root cause of why productivity has died in Nigeria!

Comment on Feed

Comment 1: “Many young people are disconnected from the national project because merit has died even as strategic corruption has scaled. One way to get them back is to provide a path where everyone becomes RESPONSIBLE at the local level. Only fiscal federalism will do for a multi-ethnic nation like Nigeria.” Yes, such disconnection resonates with the absence of ownership of leadership –largely responsible dearth of accountability. Until people are allowed to take ownership, the gap will continue to widen.

Fiscal federalism is pivotal to both growth and development just as the social contract between the government and the governed cannot be overemphasized.

Inaugural Address by Ndubuisi Ekekwe, President, LinkedIn Nation

Kenyan Parliament tasks Blockchain Association of Kenya (BAK) to draft plan for Virtual Asset Provider’s Bill as US Lawmakers bring CLARITY on Chinese Blockchain Firms

By
Paul Ugbede Godwin
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0

The Blockchain Association of Kenya (BAK) has been given the mandate by the Kenyan Parliament to draft a bill that will regulate virtual asset providers (VAPs) in the country. This is a significant step towards creating a legal framework for the emerging digital economy in Kenya.

Blockchain is a technology that enables the creation and transfer of digital assets, such as cryptocurrencies, without the need for intermediaries or central authorities. Blockchain has the potential to transform various sectors of the economy, such as finance, trade, agriculture, health, and education. However, blockchain also poses some challenges and risks, such as cybercrime, money laundering, tax evasion, and consumer protection.

In Kenya, blockchain and cryptocurrency are not legally recognized or regulated by any specific law or authority. Previously the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has issued several warnings to the public about the dangers of dealing with cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin. The CBK has also advised banks and other financial institutions not to provide services to cryptocurrency companies or individuals. However, the CBK has not banned or prohibited the use of cryptocurrencies in Kenya.

The BAK is a non-profit organization that promotes the adoption and innovation of blockchain technology and digital assets in Kenya. The BAK has been working closely with various stakeholders, including the Central Bank of Kenya, the Capital Markets Authority, the Communications Authority of Kenya, and the Kenya Revenue Authority, to develop policy recommendations and best practices for the VAP sector.

According to a report by TechCabal, Kenya’s cryptocurrency transactions reached nearly $20 billion (KES 3 trillion) between July 2021 and June 2022. This makes Kenya one of the leading countries in Africa and the world in terms of crypto adoption and activity. Despite this, Kenya does not have a clear tax framework or revenue guidelines for digital assets.

The Finance Act 2023 introduced a Digital Asset Tax (DAT) provision that requires crypto traders to pay 1.5% of their gross transaction value as tax. However, this provision has been opposed by the Blockchain Association of Kenya (BAK), which argues that it is unfair, unclear, and impractical.

The BAK has proposed key elements for such a framework, including:

A clear licensing framework that defines the types and categories of digital asset service providers and their obligations and responsibilities.

A tax framework that recognizes the different types of digital assets and their characteristics and provides clear and consistent rules for taxation.

A consumer protection framework that ensures the safety and security of digital asset users and their funds and provides mechanisms for dispute resolution and redress.

An anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) framework that prevents and combats the misuse of digital assets for illicit purposes and aligns with international standards and best practices.

A regulatory sandbox that allows for experimentation and innovation of digital asset products and services under a controlled environment and with reduced regulatory barriers.

The parliamentary committee has instructed the BAK to draft and submit a bill governing digital assets within two months. This is a unique opportunity for the BAK to partner with the government in shaping the future of blockchain and cryptocurrency regulation in Kenya. The BAK hopes that the bill will be adopted by parliament and enacted into law as soon as possible.

The BAK believes that blockchain regulation in Kenya is necessary and beneficial for both the government and the industry. Regulation will provide legal certainty, legitimacy, trust, and confidence for digital asset service providers and users. Regulation will also enable the government to collect revenue, protect consumers, prevent crime, and promote innovation. Regulation will also position Kenya as a regional and global leader in blockchain technology and adoption.

The VAP bill will aim to provide clarity and certainty for VAPs operating in Kenya, as well as protect consumers and investors from fraud and other risks associated with digital assets. The bill will also seek to foster innovation and competitiveness in the VAP sector, while ensuring compliance with international standards and obligations.

The BAK hopes to present the draft bill to the Parliament by the end of this year, after conducting extensive consultations and research with the VAP industry and other relevant stakeholders. The BAK believes that the VAP bill will be a milestone for Kenya’s digital transformation and economic development, as well as a model for other African countries to follow.

US Lawmakers introduces CLARITY act to prohibit Federal Officials from Engaging with Chinese Blockchain Firms

A group of US lawmakers has introduced a bill that would prohibit federal officials from engaging with Chinese blockchain firms or using their services. The bill, called the Clearing Local Authorities to Regulate and Inspect Technology from China and Yonder (CLARITY) act, aims to protect national security and prevent foreign influence on the US government.

The bill was introduced by Representatives Ted Lieu, Michael McCaul, and Tom Malinowski, who are members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. They said that the bill is necessary to prevent China from using blockchain technology to undermine US democracy and values.

The bill’s sponsors said that the bill is necessary to protect national security and prevent foreign influence on the US government. They said that China is aggressively pursuing blockchain technology to advance its authoritarian agenda and export its digital surveillance state. They said that the US must not allow China to weaponize this technology against us or our allies.

The bill would require federal officials to disclose any engagement with Chinese blockchain firms or their affiliates and prohibit them from using their services or products. The bill would also authorize the Department of State to impose sanctions on any foreign person or entity that provides blockchain services or products to the Chinese government or its affiliates.

The bill defines a Chinese blockchain firm as any entity that is incorporated in China, has its principal place of business in China, or is owned or controlled by the Chinese government or a Chinese national. The bill also defines a blockchain service or product as any software, hardware, platform, protocol, or application that uses distributed ledger technology or cryptography.

The bill’s sponsors said that the bill is a response to China’s efforts to develop its own digital currency and blockchain infrastructure, which could pose a threat to the US dollar and the global financial system. They also said that China’s use of blockchain technology could enable censorship, surveillance, and human rights violations.

The CLARITY act is not the only bill that addresses the issue of blockchain technology and national security. There are other bills that have been introduced in the Congress, such as the Blockchain Innovation Act, the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act, and the Digital Commodity Exchange Act. These bills aim to promote innovation and regulation of blockchain technology in the US, while also protecting consumers and investors.

However, the CLARITY act is different from these bills in that it focuses on the specific threat posed by China and its blockchain firms. The CLARITY act is more restrictive and punitive than the other bills, as it bans federal officials from engaging with Chinese blockchain firms and imposes sanctions on those who do. The CLARITY act also covers a broader range of blockchain services and products than the other bills, which mainly focus on digital assets and exchanges.

“China is aggressively pursuing blockchain technology to advance its authoritarian agenda and export its digital surveillance state. The US must not allow China to weaponize this technology against us or our allies,” Lieu said in a statement.

The bill would require federal officials to disclose any engagement with Chinese blockchain firms or their affiliates and prohibit them from using their services or products. The bill would also authorize the Department of State to impose sanctions on any foreign person or entity that provides blockchain services or products to the Chinese government or its affiliates.

The bill defines a Chinese blockchain firm as any entity that is incorporated in China, has its principal place of business in China, or is owned or controlled by the Chinese government or a Chinese national. The bill also defines a blockchain service or product as any software, hardware, platform, protocol, or application that uses distributed ledger technology or cryptography.

“China’s digital currency and blockchain initiatives are part of its broader strategy to challenge US leadership and values. We cannot let China use this technology to erode our democratic institutions, undermine our allies, or violate human rights,” McCaul said.

The bill has been referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee for further consideration. It is not clear if the bill has any bipartisan support or if it will advance in the legislative process.

What is the Blockchain Innovation Act and how does it compare with other bills?

The Blockchain Innovation Act is a bill that was introduced in the US Congress by Representative Darren Soto and co-sponsored by Representatives Brett Guthrie and Doris Matsui. The bill aims to promote innovation and regulation of blockchain technology in the US, while also protecting consumers and investors.

The bill directs the Department of Commerce (DOC), in consultation with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), to conduct a study and submit a report to Congress on the state of blockchain technology in commerce, including its use to reduce fraud and increase security. The bill also requires the FTC to report on its authority and activities related to unfair or deceptive acts or practices involving digital tokens.

The bill’s sponsor said that the bill is necessary to support the development and adoption of blockchain technology in the US, which could create new opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and competitiveness. He also said that the bill would provide clarity and guidance for businesses and consumers who use blockchain technology.

“The study mandated by the Blockchain Innovation Act is a starting point meant to give government agencies a chance to make recommendations before any bills pass with a regulatory effect. These recommendations will perform an educational function to Members of Congress and will pave the way for more actionable blockchain-focused legislation,” Soto said in a statement.

The Blockchain Innovation Act is one of several bills that address the issue of blockchain technology and national security. Another bill is the CLARITY act, which stands for Clearing Local Authorities to Regulate and Inspect Technology from China and Yonder, and which aims to prevent federal officials from engaging with Chinese blockchain firms or using their services.

The CLARITY act is more restrictive and punitive than the Blockchain Innovation Act, as it bans federal officials from engaging with Chinese blockchain firms and imposes sanctions on those who do. The CLARITY act also covers a broader range of blockchain services and products than the Blockchain Innovation Act, which mainly focuses on digital tokens.

The Blockchain Innovation Act was passed by the House of Representatives in September 2020 as part of a larger consumer safety package. It has been referred to the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee for further consideration. It is not clear if the bill has any bipartisan support or if it will advance in the legislative process.

Academic Referencing From Russian Perspective

By
Mutiu Iyanda
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0

I have previously worked on both academic and non-academic texts. In the case of academic texts, I produced content solely for the consumption of people and organizations within academia. These texts included writing literature reviews and synthesizing existing empirical findings with the aim of revealing similarities and commonalities among the findings. I have also produced technical reports in the form of whitepapers and case studies to provide a better understanding of grey areas in academia and industry.

On the other hand, non-academic texts encompass writing popular articles in the form of thought leadership pieces and social media posts, as well as micro-texts for promoting products, services, and brands. Since the nature of these texts is quite different, the writing style also varies. Writing academic texts requires following specific principles associated with producing knowledge in academia. For instance, literature reviews demand strict adherence to certain referencing styles, such as the Modern Language Association (MLA), the American Psychological Association (APA), and Russian GOST standards for documenting sources when producing theses or term papers.

While there are strict rules to follow when producing academic texts, I have had the opportunity to establish certain personal rules and procedures for developing non-academic texts. For example, creating social media posts and thought leadership articles requires using a funnel approach to capture the readers’ attention as quickly as possible. To produce both types of texts, I always leverage a combination of digital and non-digital tools. The digital toolkit includes Internet-enabled tools like Quill Bot, Canva, Zotero, headline analyzers, Gantt charts for scheduling writing tasks, and Grammarly. In contrast, the non-digital toolkit involves using a dictionary and double-checking by employing second and third draft approaches.

Are you diving into the world of academic thesis writing? Understanding the art of proper thesis design, especially according to Russia’s GOS standards, is a crucial step! Let’s explore key pointers for internal and external referencing to make your thesis shine:

In the realm of Internal Referencing, you’ll want to:
a. Master the art of direct and indirect quotes to support your arguments. Use author-year format (e.g., Ivanov, 2022) to acknowledge your sources.

b. Employ footnotes strategically for supplementary information, explanations, or asides. Keep them clear and concise.

c. Organize your evidence logically, making it easy for readers to follow your train of thought.

d. Use visual aids like tables, figures, diagrams, graphs, and formulas judiciously to enhance comprehension. Ensure they are well-labeled and integrated into your text seamlessly.

When it comes to External Referencing, remember to:
a. Compile a comprehensive list of references at the end of your thesis, following GOS guidelines for formatting.

b. Arrange your references in alphabetical order based on the author’s last name.
Include author names with initials (e.g., D. Petrov).
c. Mention the publication year of the cited works.

d. Accurately list the titles of books, printed periodicals, and electronic sources.

e. Proper referencing not only adds credibility to your thesis but also demonstrates your commitment to academic integrity. Make use of various sources, including books, printed periodicals, and both local and remote electronic sources, to strengthen your arguments.

Remember, the devil is in the details, so pay careful attention to citation and referencing throughout your thesis.

CV VC’s Africa Fund raises $20M, Stackr Secures $5.5M, CFTC Achieves Records; LHV Bank Founder Loses $472M in Ethereum

By
Paul Ugbede Godwin
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0

CV VC, a Swiss-based venture capital firm, has announced the launch of its Africa fund, which aims to invest in early stage web3 startups across the continent. The fund has raised $20 million from a mix of institutional and private investors and plans to deploy capital in sectors such as decentralized finance, non-fungible tokens, metaverse, and blockchain infrastructure.

The fund is led by a team of experienced African entrepreneurs and investors, who have a deep understanding of the local market and the potential of web3 technologies. The fund will also leverage CV VC’s global network of partners, mentors, and advisors, as well as its portfolio of over 50 web3 companies.

CV VC’s Africa fund is one of the first dedicated web3 funds in the region and reflects the growing interest and adoption of blockchain and crypto in Africa. According to a recent report by Chainalysis, Africa is the third-fastest growing crypto economy in the world, with a 1,200% increase in value received between July 2020 and June 2021.

The fund’s vision is to support the next generation of African innovators and entrepreneurs, who are building solutions that can transform the continent and the world. The fund will provide not only capital, but also mentorship, guidance, and access to a global community of web3 enthusiasts and experts.

CV VC’s Africa fund is currently open for applications from startups that are based in or have a strong focus on Africa. The fund will invest in pre-seed and seed stage companies, with ticket sizes ranging from $50,000 to $500,000. The fund is also looking for co-investors and strategic partners who share its vision and mission.

Stackr raises $5.5 millions to simplify crypto app development for web2 developer

Stackr, a platform that aims to make it easier for web2 developers to build and deploy decentralized applications (dApps) on top of various blockchain protocols, announced today that it has raised $5.5 million in a seed round led by Placeholder, with participation from Fabric Ventures, 1kx, and several angel investors.

The company was founded in 2022 by a team of experienced web2 developers who saw the opportunity to bridge the gap between the traditional web and the emerging web3 ecosystem. Stackr provides a suite of tools and services that enable developers to create, test, and deploy dApps without having to deal with the complexity and fragmentation of the underlying blockchain infrastructure.

Stackr’s platform supports multiple blockchain protocols, including Ethereum, Polygon, Solana, and Near, and allows developers to choose the best fit for their use case. Stackr also integrates with popular web2 frameworks and technologies, such as React, Next.js, GraphQL, and Firebase, to offer a familiar and seamless development experience.

Stackr’s co-founder and CEO, said in a statement: “We believe that web3 is the future of the internet, but we also recognize that there are many challenges and barriers that prevent web2 developers from embracing it. Our mission is to simplify and democratize crypto app development by providing a platform that abstracts away the technical hurdles and lets developers focus on building amazing user experiences.”

Stackr’s seed round will help the company expand its team, grow its community, and launch its platform to the public in early 2024. The company also plans to add more features and integrations to its platform, such as support for more blockchains, identity solutions, storage providers, and analytics tools.

Chris Burniske, partner at Placeholder, said in a statement: “We are impressed by the vision and execution of the Stackr team. They have built a platform that lowers the entry barrier for web2 developers to join the web3 movement and unleash their creativity. We are excited to back them and support their growth.”

CFTC achieves record-breaking enforcement milestones in 2023 amid LHV Bank founder losing $472M in Ethereum

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has announced that it has reached unprecedented levels of enforcement actions and penalties in the digital asset sector in 2023. The agency, which regulates the derivatives markets in the US, has been actively pursuing cases involving fraud, manipulation, registration violations, and other misconduct involving cryptocurrencies and other digital assets.

According to the CFTC’s annual report, the agency filed 32 enforcement actions related to digital assets in 2023, more than double the number of cases filed in 2022. The agency also obtained more than $1.5 billion in monetary relief, including civil penalties, disgorgement, and restitution, from digital asset defendants. This amount represents a 300% increase from the previous year and the highest ever for the digital asset sector.

Some of the notable cases that the CFTC resolved in 2023 include:

A $200 million settlement with BitMEX, one of the largest cryptocurrency derivatives platforms, for operating an unregistered trading platform and violating anti-money laundering and customer identification rules.

A $100 million settlement with Tether, the issuer of the largest stablecoin, for making false and misleading statements about its reserves and liquidity.

A $50 million settlement with Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, for facilitating illegal transactions and failing to implement adequate controls and compliance programs.

A $25 million settlement with Coinbase, the largest US-based cryptocurrency exchange, for engaging in wash trading and market manipulation on its platform.

A $10 million settlement with Ripple, the developer of the XRP token, for offering and selling unregistered securities and failing to disclose material information to investors.

The CFTC’s acting chairperson, Sarah Raskin, stated that the agency’s enforcement efforts reflect its commitment to protecting investors and ensuring market integrity in the rapidly evolving digital asset space. She added that the CFTC will continue to work closely with its domestic and international counterparts to coordinate regulation and enforcement of digital assets.

The CFTC’s report also highlighted some of the challenges and opportunities that the agency faces in regulating digital assets. These include:

Developing a clear and consistent regulatory framework that balances innovation and consumer protection. Enhancing data collection and analysis capabilities to monitor market activity and identify emerging risks. Increasing staff expertise and resources to keep pace with the growth and complexity of the digital asset sector.

Educating investors and market participants about the benefits and risks of digital assets. Fostering cooperation and collaboration with other regulators, law enforcement agencies, industry associations, and academia.

The CFTC’s report concluded that digital assets are a transformative force that have the potential to create new markets, products, and services, as well as to improve efficiency, transparency, and inclusion in the financial system. The agency stated that it will continue to pursue its mission of fostering open, transparent, competitive, and financially sound markets for digital assets, while protecting investors and the public interest.

LHV bank founder Rain Lohmus loses access to ether worth $472 millions.

In a shocking turn of events, the founder of LHV bank, Rain Lohmus, has reportedly lost access to his digital wallet containing 40,000 ether, worth about $472 millions at the current market price. According to a statement released by Lohmus, he forgot the password to his wallet and has exhausted all the possible recovery options.

Lohmus, who is a prominent figure in the Estonian banking and fintech sector, had invested in ether since 2015, when the cryptocurrency was still in its infancy. He had stored his ether in a hardware wallet, a device that allows users to securely store their private keys offline. However, he claims that he misplaced the paper where he had written down his password and could not remember it.

“I deeply regret this unfortunate situation and I apologize to all my investors and partners who trusted me with their funds. I have tried everything in my power to recover my wallet, but I have failed. I have accepted the fact that I have lost my ether forever,” Lohmus said in his statement.

Lohmus added that he still believes in the potential of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies, and that he will continue to support the development of the industry. He also urged other crypto investors to be more careful with their passwords and backup methods, and to use reputable custodial services if they are not confident in managing their own wallets.

The incident has sparked a lot of reactions in the crypto community, with some sympathizing with Lohmus and others criticizing him for his negligence. Some have also speculated that Lohmus may have staged the loss as a way to avoid taxes or legal issues, but there is no evidence to support this claim.

Ether is the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, after bitcoin. It is the native currency of the Ethereum network, a decentralized platform that enables smart contracts and decentralized applications. Ether has seen a massive surge in value this year, reaching an all-time high of over $1,800 in November.

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