The Bold Leadership in Abia State and a Conversation with Mr. Governor

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November 2, 2023

Yesterday, I had a very great conversation with His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti, the Executive Governor of Abia State. I thanked His Excellency for his bold leadership, and most especially for what he is doing to fix the security challenges in the state.

Over the last few months, he has tried many playbooks and some of them are yielding results, like what we are seeing in the Lokpanta cattle market in Umunneochi LGA. For Abia State to thrive, security is key.

In Abia State, Mr. Governor is executing the playbooks. Of course, more work ahead because All ABIANS must rise with opportunities because we’re God’s Own People in a land of commerce and enterprise.

Abia Must Move Forward.
Nigeria Must Move Forward.
And Africa Must Move Forward.

Let’s make that happen.

Prof Ndubuisi Ekekwe

Co-Chairman, Abia State Economic Transformation Council

Comment on Feed Indicators

Comment is here.

Someone’s Response: I guess you are truly expecting unrealistic and magical miracle within this short space this current govt has been in power. I feel your expectations within this time frame is rather uninformed.

Were you expecting out of blue developments, performance, industries, employments, jobs and investors, name them, to be immediate without laying foundations for these things to happen?

So cleaning up of Abia State, massive road constructions and networks, provision of security and protection of lives and properties and topnotch policy frameworks etc are not enough indications of the strategic direction of the current govt of Abia State?

As an investor, can you choose Abia State as an investment destination if the state is not secured, lives and properties are not protected?

Meanwhile, the Governor is achieving all these things including prompt and regular payment of state workers salaries and repayment of past governments’ loans with the limited state govt revenue that has over the decades much dependent on Federal govt allocation of which the past governments gave excuses and the current govt is changing that.

Please, our assessments should be fair, right and informed so that they don’t mislead others.

Ndu bu isi

By

Ndubuisi Ekekwe

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November 2, 2023

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Yes, “Ndu bu isi” is “life is first”, not “life is head”, contextually. In Igbo etymology, there are many variables which make translations very difficult and challenging. (You can argue that “head” and “first” are equivalents when viewed from the order of events, things etc (like head, tail), but outside the contexts of body parts. Life cannot be head (the human part) since the head is a subset of life)

For example, “Okonkwo is a fox because he is cunning” could be poorly translated to ‘Okonkwo is “nkita ohia”…’ using the Igbo name for “fox”. If you do that, you will fail in WAEC because in Igbo translation, context matters. The right translation is actually ‘Okonkwo is “mbe”…’ because tortoise is the equivalent of fox in Igbo axioms, idioms and folklores. In other words, everything the English people assign to “fox” in culture, the Igbos give to the “tortoise”. In WAEC, you would be expected to change fox with tortoise in the translation because “fox” is alien in Igbo culture.

That said, the “isi’ in Ndubuisi means “first”. Yes, I want you to know the meaning of my name. The full unwritten form is “Ndu bu isi uwa” [ life is the first thing in anything we do or plan to do on this earth]. That is why some mothers will call their sons named Ndubuisi “Isu uwa”, acknowledging the absolute superiority of life to all visions and earthly aspirations!

President Biden Signs Executive Order on AI

By

Paul Ugbede Godwin

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November 2, 2023

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On October 27, 2023, President Joe Biden signed an executive order on artificial intelligence (AI) that aims to strengthen the U.S. leadership and competitiveness in this strategic domain. The executive order builds on the previous initiatives of the Trump and Obama administrations and outlines a comprehensive and coordinated approach to advancing AI research, development, deployment, and governance.

The executive order has four main objectives:

To promote trustworthy and responsible AI that respects human rights, civil liberties, privacy, and democratic values. To foster innovation and economic growth by investing in AI research and development, infrastructure, education, and workforce development. To enhance national and homeland security by leveraging AI for defense, intelligence, cybersecurity, and disaster response. To ensure global leadership and cooperation by engaging with allies and partners on AI issues and standards.

To achieve these objectives, the executive order establishes several mechanisms and actions, such as:

Creating an Interagency Policy Committee on Artificial Intelligence (IPC-AI) to coordinate AI policies and programs across the federal government. Launching a National Artificial Intelligence Initiative (NAII) to support and accelerate AI research and innovation in academia, industry, and non-governmental organizations. Establishing a National AI Advisory Committee (NAIAC) to provide advice and recommendations to the President and the IPC-AI on AI matters.

Developing a National AI Strategy (NAIS) to guide the implementation of the executive order and align with the national security strategy and the national economic strategy. Enhancing the AI regulatory framework by directing agencies to review and update their existing AI policies and regulations and issuing guidance on how to ensure trustworthy and responsible AI in the public and private sectors.

Expanding the AI talent pipeline by increasing funding for AI education and training programs, creating new scholarships and fellowships for AI students and researchers, and launching a National AI Service Corps to provide opportunities for civic engagement in AI projects. Strengthening the AI infrastructure by investing in high-performance computing, data, and network resources, as well as creating new testbeds and sandboxes for AI experimentation and evaluation.

Advancing the AI frontier by supporting cutting-edge research on topics such as explainable AI, trustworthy AI, human-AI collaboration, neuro-inspired AI, quantum AI, and biologically inspired AI. Promoting international collaboration on AI by participating in multilateral forums and initiatives, such as the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Principles on AI, and the United Nations activities on AI.

The objective is to foster innovation and economic growth by investing in AI research and development, infrastructure, education, and workforce development. This objective can benefit society by creating new opportunities for scientific discovery, technological breakthroughs, industrial competitiveness, and social welfare. It can also enhance the quality of life and well-being of people by improving their access to information, services, and resources.

The third objective is to enhance national and homeland security by leveraging AI for defense, intelligence, cybersecurity, and disaster response. This objective can benefit society by protecting the U.S. from external and internal threats, such as terrorism, espionage, sabotage, and natural disasters. It can also support the U.S. interests and values in the global arena by maintaining its strategic advantage and deterrence.

The fourth objective is to ensure global leadership and cooperation by engaging with allies and partners on AI issues and standards. This objective can benefit society by fostering a common understanding and vision for AI among different countries and stakeholders. It can also promote a peaceful and stable world order by addressing the global challenges and opportunities posed by AI, such as climate change, poverty reduction, human rights protection, and international security.

The executive order is a significant step forward for the U.S. in addressing the opportunities and challenges posed by AI. It demonstrates a clear vision and commitment to harnessing the potential of AI for the benefit of society, while ensuring its ethical and responsible use. It also signals a willingness to cooperate with other countries and stakeholders on developing common norms and standards for AI governance. The success of the executive order will depend on its effective implementation and evaluation, as well as on the sustained support from Congress, industry, academia, civil society, and the public.

Empowering Woxsen University MBA Students with Design Thinking for Sustainable Future

By

Mutiu Iyanda

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November 2, 2023

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In today’s VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) world, the role of university graduates, especially those equipped with an MBA, is more critical than ever. They stand on the cusp of a transformative future, one in which they can leverage their abilities, capabilities, and knowledge to create sustainable solutions for our ever-changing society. At a recent seminar hosted by Woxsen University in India, I had the privilege of addressing a gathering of bright young minds, and I emphasized the pivotal role they can play in shaping the world through the abilities and capacities acquired over the years.

The Power of Design Thinking

Design thinking is more than just a buzzword; it’s a mindset, a problem-solving approach that transcends traditional boundaries. It encourages graduates to empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test – a cycle that fosters innovation and creativity. In the VUCA world, where change is constant, design thinking becomes a powerful tool to adapt and thrive in the face of uncertainty.

Understanding Your Domain: SWOT Analysis

To chart a path toward a sustainable future in this VUCA environment, graduates must first understand their domain comprehensively. This begins with a SWOT analysis, a strategic tool that evaluates strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. In a world marked by volatility and ambiguity, a well-executed SWOT analysis provides a stable foundation for decision-making and adaptation.

Read: WHAT JOB SEEKERS MUST DO BEFORE APPLYING FOR JOBS IN NIGERIA

Navigating the Global Landscape: CAGE Framework

Today’s world is interconnected, and businesses are no longer confined by geographical borders. Graduates need to understand the global context in which they operate, especially in a VUCA world. The CAGE framework, which focuses on cultural, administrative, geographical, and economic factors, provides a structured way to assess the international landscape. This understanding is crucial in creating strategies that can sustain and thrive in the global arena, even in the face of complex and uncertain conditions.

Defining a Sustainable Future

A sustainable future is not just a distant goal; it’s a philosophy that can be applied in the next few minutes, hours, months, and years, even in a VUCA world. It revolves around the responsible use of personal and societal resources, ensuring that the value generated today doesn’t compromise the availability of those resources for future generations. In this volatile and uncertain landscape, it becomes even more critical to create and capture value responsibly.

In essence, a sustainable future is about finding the delicate balance between progress and preservation, even in the face of ambiguity and complexity. Graduates have the unique opportunity to explore their abilities and capabilities within the context of SWOT and CAGE framework analyses, crafting solutions that respect our world’s limited resources.

As university graduates, you are well-equipped to lead the charge towards a sustainable future in a VUCA world. Your academic journey, combined with the wisdom imparted by competent educators, has honed your skills and knowledge. Now, it’s your time to shine and make a difference. By embracing design thinking, analyzing your domain through the SWOT lens, and understanding the global landscape with the CAGE framework, you can contribute to the creation and capture of value that will not only benefit you but also society as a whole.

The future beckons and it’s a canvas waiting for your creative strokes, even in the midst of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. Embrace the power of design thinking, analyze your domain through the SWOT lens, and understand the global landscape with the CAGE framework. In doing so, you’ll be on the path to a sustainable future, one where your actions today echo positively for many years to come, even in this VUCA world. This is your moment; seize it and lead the way to a brighter and more stable tomorrow.

Invesco, Galaxy Digital Bitcoin spot ETF assigned ticker $BTCO on DTCC, VanEck resubmits Spot Bitcoin ETF

By

Paul Ugbede Godwin

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November 2, 2023

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A new exchange-traded fund (ETF) that tracks the price of bitcoin has been launched by Invesco and Galaxy Digital. The Invesco/Galaxy Bitcoin Spot ETF, which trades under the symbol $BTCO, is the first of its kind to use the actual cryptocurrency as its underlying asset.

The ETF is now officially listed by the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC), the world’s largest securities depository and clearinghouse. This means that investors can buy and sell shares of the ETF through their brokerage accounts, without having to deal with the technical challenges of owning and storing bitcoin directly. The ETF aims to provide exposure to the performance of bitcoin, minus fees and expenses, by holding bitcoin in a segregated custodial account.

The custodian, Galaxy Digital Asset Management, is a subsidiary of Galaxy Digital, a leading crypto-focused financial services firm founded by Mike Novogratz. The ETF also employs a network of market makers and authorized participants to ensure liquidity and price discovery. The Invesco/Galaxy Bitcoin Spot ETF is designed to appeal to both institutional and retail investors who want to gain exposure to the rapidly growing crypto market.

According to Invesco, the ETF offers several benefits over other bitcoin investment vehicles, such as lower costs, higher transparency, tax efficiency, and regulatory oversight. The ETF also has a competitive management fee of 0.95%, which is lower than some of the existing bitcoin trusts and funds.

The launch of the Invesco/Galaxy Bitcoin Spot ETF comes amid a surge in demand for crypto-related products, especially in the US market. Several other firms, including VanEck, Valkyrie, and ProShares, have filed applications with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to launch their own bitcoin spot ETFs, but none have been approved yet.

The SEC has been cautious about approving such products, citing concerns about market manipulation, fraud, and investor protection. However, the SEC has recently approved several bitcoin futures ETFs, which use contracts that track the future price of bitcoin, rather than the actual cryptocurrency.

Bitcoin is a volatile asset that has experienced significant price fluctuations over the years. However, despite the risks and uncertainties, there is a remarkable statistic that shows the resilience and profitability of this cryptocurrency: 82% of every Bitcoin holder is in profit.

What does this mean? It means that the majority of people who own Bitcoin have bought it at a lower price than the current market value. This implies that they have made a positive return on their investment, regardless of when they entered the market. This is a remarkable achievement, considering that Bitcoin has gone through several cycles of boom and bust, reaching highs of over $60,000 and lows of below $4,000.

How is this possible? One possible explanation is that Bitcoin has a limited supply of 21 million coins, which creates a scarcity effect and increases its value over time. Another possible explanation is that Bitcoin has a loyal and growing community of supporters who believe in its potential as a global store of value and medium of exchange. These supporters tend to hold on to their coins for the long term, rather than sell them at the first sign of trouble. This creates a strong demand for Bitcoin and reduces its volatility.

What are the implications? This statistic suggests that Bitcoin is a profitable and attractive investment for many people, especially those who have a long-term vision and a high tolerance for risk. It also suggests that Bitcoin has a strong network effect, where more users and adoption lead to more value and security.

However, it is important to note that past performance is not a guarantee of future results, and that Bitcoin still faces many challenges and uncertainties, such as regulation, competition, innovation, and security breaches. Therefore, anyone who wants to invest in Bitcoin should do their own research, understand the risks, and only invest what they can afford to lose.

These products have attracted billions of dollars in assets under management since their debut in October. The Invesco/Galaxy Bitcoin Spot ETF is expected to face less regulatory hurdles than the futures ETFs, as it does not involve derivatives or leverage. The ETF also complies with the Investment Company Act of 1940, which sets standards for mutual funds and other investment companies.

The Invesco/Galaxy Bitcoin Spot ETF is a milestone for the crypto industry, as it marks the first time that US investors can access bitcoin through a spot ETF. The ETF could also pave the way for more innovation and adoption of crypto assets in the mainstream financial system.

VanEck has resubmitted Spot Bitcoin ETF request to the U.S. SEC for consideration

VanEck, a leading investment management firm, has announced that it has filed a new application for a spot Bitcoin ETF with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm had previously withdrawn its previous proposal in September 2023, after facing several delays and rejections from the regulator.

A spot Bitcoin ETF is a type of exchange-traded fund that tracks the price of Bitcoin directly, rather than through derivatives or trusts. This means that investors can gain exposure to the cryptocurrency without having to buy, store, or secure it themselves. A spot Bitcoin ETF would also provide more transparency, liquidity, and efficiency to the Bitcoin market, as well as lower fees and risks for investors.

VanEck is not the only firm that is pursuing a spot Bitcoin ETF in the U.S. Several other companies, such as Valkyrie, WisdomTree, and NYDIG, have also submitted similar applications to the SEC, hoping to be the first to launch such a product in the country. However, none of them have received approval yet, as the SEC has been cautious and skeptical about the potential benefits and risks of Bitcoin ETFs.

The SEC has expressed concerns about the volatility, manipulation, fraud, and cybersecurity issues that may affect the Bitcoin market and harm investors. The regulator has also stated that it needs to see more progress in the regulation and surveillance of the cryptocurrency industry before it can approve a spot Bitcoin ETF. The SEC has set a deadline of February 14, 2022, to make a decision on VanEck’s latest application.

VanEck is confident that it can address the SEC’s concerns and demonstrate that a spot Bitcoin ETF is consistent with the public interest and the protection of investors. The firm has argued that Bitcoin is a legitimate asset class that deserves to be accessible to mainstream investors. VanEck has also pointed out that several other countries, such as Canada, Brazil, and Germany, have already approved and launched spot Bitcoin ETFs, without any major issues or negative impacts.

However, a spot Bitcoin ETF is also a controversial and elusive product in the U.S. market. Despite the growing demand and interest from investors, the SEC has not approved any spot Bitcoin ETFs yet, citing various concerns and challenges. In this blog post, we will explain why Bitcoin ETFs are controversial and what are the main obstacles and opportunities for their approval.

What are the benefits of a spot Bitcoin ETF?

Some of the main benefits are:

Transparency: A spot Bitcoin ETF would reflect the actual price of Bitcoin in the market, without any premiums or discounts that may occur in other products that use derivatives or trusts. A spot Bitcoin ETF would also disclose its holdings and operations regularly, ensuring that investors have accurate and timely information about their investment.

Liquidity: A spot Bitcoin ETF would trade on a regulated and established exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange or Nasdaq, where investors can buy and sell shares easily and quickly. A spot Bitcoin ETF would also have a large and diverse pool of buyers and sellers, reducing the risk of price slippage or illiquidity.

Efficiency: A spot Bitcoin ETF would eliminate the need for investors to deal with the complexities and costs of buying, storing, and securing Bitcoin themselves. Investors would not have to worry about setting up a wallet, finding a reputable exchange, paying transaction fees, or protecting their private keys from hackers or loss. A spot Bitcoin ETF would also simplify the tax reporting and compliance process for investors.

Lower fees and risks: A spot Bitcoin ETF would charge lower fees than other products that use derivatives or trusts, such as futures contracts or Grayscale’s Bitcoin Trust (GBTC). These products often have higher management fees, trading fees, or premiums that erode the returns of investors. A spot Bitcoin ETF would also reduce the counterparty risk and operational risk that may arise from dealing with intermediaries or third parties.

What are the challenges of a spot Bitcoin ETF?

Despite the potential benefits of a spot Bitcoin ETF, the SEC has been reluctant and hesitant to approve such a product in the U.S. market. The regulator has expressed several concerns and challenges that may affect the viability and suitability of a spot Bitcoin ETF. Some of the main challenges are:

Volatility: The SEC has stated that the Bitcoin market is highly volatile and unpredictable, which may pose significant risks to investors. The price of Bitcoin can fluctuate dramatically in a short period of time, due to factors such as supply and demand, news events, market sentiment, technical issues, or manipulation. The SEC has also noted that the volatility of Bitcoin may affect the liquidity and valuation of a spot Bitcoin ETF, making it difficult for investors to trade or redeem their shares.

Manipulation: The SEC has argued that the Bitcoin market is susceptible to manipulation and fraud, which may harm investors. The regulator has pointed out that the Bitcoin market is largely unregulated and decentralized, with no central authority or oversight. The SEC has also highlighted that there are many instances of hacking, theft, or misconduct in the cryptocurrency industry, such as the Mt. Gox scandal, the Bitfinex hack, or the Bitconnect scheme. The SEC has claimed that it needs to see more progress in the regulation and surveillance of the Bitcoin market before it can approve a spot Bitcoin ETF.

Cybersecurity: The SEC has raised concerns about the cybersecurity issues that may affect the Bitcoin market and a spot Bitcoin ETF. The regulator has stated that there are many technical challenges and risks involved in storing and transferring Bitcoin securely, such as hacking, phishing, malware, or human error. The SEC has also questioned whether a spot Bitcoin ETF can ensure the safety and custody of its assets, as well as prevent unauthorized access or loss.

What are the opportunities for a spot Bitcoin ETF.

Despite the challenges and obstacles that a spot Bitcoin ETF faces in the U.S. market, there are also some opportunities and developments that may increase its chances of approval. Some of the main opportunities are:

Innovation: The SEC has acknowledged that it is open to innovation and new products that may benefit investors and markets. The regulator has stated that it is willing to engage with applicants and stakeholders who can address its concerns and demonstrate that a spot Bitcoin ETF is consistent with the public interest and the protection of investors. The SEC has also indicated that it is monitoring the evolution and growth of the cryptocurrency industry, as well as learning from other jurisdictions that have approved or launched spot Bitcoin ETFs.

Demand: The SEC has recognized that there is a strong and growing demand for Bitcoin and cryptocurrency products from investors, especially from institutional and accredited investors. The regulator has noted that investors are seeking more exposure and diversification to the digital asset space, as well as more choices and alternatives to access the market. The SEC has also observed that investors are increasingly using other products that use derivatives or trusts, such as futures contracts or GBTC, which may have higher fees and risks than a spot Bitcoin ETF.

Competition: The SEC has admitted that it is aware of the competition and pressure from other countries that have approved or launched spot Bitcoin ETFs, such as Canada, Brazil, or Germany. The regulator has stated that it is interested in understanding the experiences and outcomes of these jurisdictions, as well as the implications and consequences for the U.S. market. The SEC has also suggested that it may consider the global context and standards when evaluating a spot Bitcoin ETF application.

VanEck, a leading investment management firm, has filed a new application for a spot Bitcoin ETF with the U.S. SEC, hoping to be the first to launch such a product in the country. A spot Bitcoin ETF is a type of exchange-traded fund that tracks the price of Bitcoin directly, rather than through derivatives or trusts. A spot Bitcoin ETF would offer several benefits to investors, such as transparency, liquidity, efficiency, lower fees and risks. However, a spot Bitcoin ETF is also a controversial and elusive product in the U.S. market, facing several challenges and concerns from the SEC, such as volatility, manipulation, cybersecurity.

Despite these challenges, there are also some opportunities and developments that may increase the chances of approval for a spot Bitcoin ETF, such as innovation, demand, competition. The SEC has set a deadline of February 14, 2022, to make a decision on VanEck’s latest application.

If VanEck succeeds in obtaining the SEC’s approval for its spot Bitcoin ETF, it would be a historic milestone for the Bitcoin industry and the broader crypto space. It would also open the door for more innovation and adoption of digital assets in the U.S. market. However, if VanEck fails again, it would be another setback for the Bitcoin ETF hopefuls and a sign of continued regulatory uncertainty and resistance.