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My Response to Donna Haraway’s MAKING KIN, NOT BABIES Proposal for Slowing Global Population Growth

By
Mutiu Iyanda
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0

In God’s will, the essence of the continued existence of living and non-living things is practically hinged on production and reproduction. While He has the power to ensure the reproduction of living things through sexual intimacy between males and females, He gives human beings the opportunity to produce and reproduce non-living objects through their instincts. In recent times, the reproduction of human beings has been more questioned because of the rapid growth of the human population, which some scholars believe is impacting the environment, especially man-to-animal living relationships. Moreso, scholars are calling human attention to the fact that non-living things, especially animals, need to be accorded the same respect they are giving to themselves.

Donna Haraway is one of the scholars who has been following this school of thought for some time. This has led her to propose that “making kin, not babies,” is partially better to make society more beneficial for both humans and animals, where humans create more relationships with animals, fostering symbiotic connections with them with a view to practicing ecological and social responsibility rather than solely focusing on increasing the population through procreation.

Like Haraway, Dow and Lamoreaux challenge traditional notions of kinship and population issues by emphasising the complex relationships between humans and their environments; however, Dow and Lamoreaux do not align with Haraway’s view of a partial reduction of the human population by halting the production of babies. Indirectly, Haraway expects the world to reduce human production by strategically or systematically halting women’s reproductive capacity while efforts are deployed to create strong bonds with animals by seeing them as crucial to human sustained existence.

Haraway specifically points out that making kin, otherwise, not babies, so as to be part of, over the next couple of hundred years, moving human numbers down, radically down. But radically down where environmental justice is a means and not just an end, so that we pay serious attention to multispecies flourishing, including issues of race and class and region for human beings, as means of making kin, not babies.

Dow and Lamoreaux oppose this view with the concept of reproductive justice, which promotes individuals’ freedom from prejudice, coercion, and inequalities to make autonomous decisions about their reproductive lives. It includes the right to choose not to have children, access to reproductive healthcare, and social and economic circumstances. In my view, Dow and Lamoreaux cannot also be exonerated from the “less baby” production idea of Haraway because the scholars speak to the idea that humans have the right to decide whether they want babies or not. This aligns more with the idea of using rigorous family planning to reduce baby production. In this regard, Dow and Lamoreaux make the case for individual decision-making, which is most likely to be supported by a capitalist system. In another way, this has the tendency to contribute to Haraway’s depopulation idea.

In all these submissions, my position is that there is absolutely nothing humans can do to stop natural reproduction if God, who creates living and non-living things, wants it. Humans can only come up with different ideas or strategies for halting the natural growth of the human population and possibly using man-made methods of ensuring the extinction of certain animals that He has informed them (humans) to protect for their own social and environmental protections towards sustained healthy living.

While I agree with the fact that we need to protect animals and foster sustained relationships with them, we also need to be cautious of animals that are likely to negatively impact our lives. For instance, based on my cultural backgrounds and religious orientations, there are animals that I should not be rearing, playing with, or eating. This does not mean working against their reproductive capacity. After all, in an interview with Paulson, Haraway says, “Nobody can be kin to everything, but our kin networks can be full of attachment sites.” With this statement, It is clear that our kinship with animals, plants, and humans should be strong enough to make society livable for everyone without being keen on reducing natural population growth.

Google Introduces AI to Gmail to Make Search Easier And Faster

By
Ojukwu Emmanuel
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0

Giant tech company Google has introduced Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Gmail to make search easier and faster.

Google said via a blog post that the rollout of the feature will enable Gmail users to see a top results section when they search for old messages or attachments in their Gmail app.

The top results section will be assisted by Google’s machine learning algorithms, which the company said would use the search term, some recent emails, and other relevant factors to find what a user is searching for.

Google wrote,

“As part of our efforts to improve the search experience in Gmail on mobile, we’re introducing a feature that helps you find exactly what you’re looking for with less effort. When searching in Gmail, machine learning models will use the search term, most recent emails, and other relevant factors to show you the results that best match your search query.

“These results will now appear at the top of the list in a dedicated section, followed by all results sorted by recency. The highly requested feature gives you the most relevant information first, allowing you the more quickly and easily find specific emails or files. On your mobile device, navigate to the Gmail search bar and type in relevant keywords to return results that best match your search query”.

The feature will be available to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google accounts, and it will be available to all mobile users in the coming weeks. This is the latest string of AI features that Google has announced for its range of products and services. The tech giant has continued to update its Gmail to enhance users’ experience.

Google has so far updated the Gmail app, turning it from just an email app into a full productivity suite. It has even changed the name of the service from Gmail to Google Workspace. With the Gmail update now being part of the Google Workspace moniker, Google is trying to turn it into a complete productivity suite.

According to a report, Gmail has cornered 34.95% of the email market. Given Google is lagging behind some of its competitors in the remote collaboration space, like Zoom and Slack, it’s utilizing its massive advantage in the email market to push its other services like Google Meet.

By turning Gmail into an all-in-one communication and collaboration tool and integrating its other services, Google could entice people to use Google Workspace and the Google Docs Suite as their primary means of productivity.

On the other hand, Google plans to use AI to make its products and services even more personalized, relevant, and helpful. The potential benefits of using AI in Google products and services are numerous. The company is also working on improving the accuracy of its translation service, making its maps more helpful, and making its photos more creative.

Google’s foray into generative AI comes after  OpenAI introduced ChatGPT, the darling chatbot of Silicon Valley that launched a furious funding race among would-be competitors.

The rollout of OpenAI’s chatbot ChatGPT in November has no doubt sparked a flurry of developments and integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) features into different tech products.

Nigerian Government Bans Pupils Under the Age of 11 Years From Writing the Common Entrance Examination into Unity Schools

By
Tiamiyu Ismail
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0

Federal Government has banned students under the age of eleven years from participating in the National Common Entrance Examination for admission into the Unity Schools across the country.

The government has therefore directed the National Examination Council (NECO) to put stringent measures in place to prevent underage persons from registering for the examination and also make birth certificate a compulsory requirement for registering for the examination.

According to the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr David Andrew Adejo, who gave this directive on Saturday in Abuja, students who are less than eleven years old are not allowed to write the examination. He also said Airforce Schools, among others, do not accept candidates less than twelve years for admission into their schools.

Adejo noted that to get into secondary schools, a candidate should be at least 12 years, adding that one could be eleven plus during the examination and by September, such a person would have attained the age of 12 years.

The Permanent Secretary lamented the rate at which underage pupils enter for the common entrance examination, noting that parents who push their wards to circumvent process in order for them to have early education are major cause of this problem.

His words: “This year, I have advice for parents and I beg you, take this advice to any single home you know. We are killing our children by allowing underage children to write the Common Entrance Examination.

“I saw children that I know that are not up to 10, and three of them accepted that they are nine years old. We are doing many things; one, we are teaching the children the wrong values. Education is not about passing exams. Education is teaching, learning and character formation

“I beg the parents, let these children do the exams when they should. We don’t get value by pushing our children too far. Most of the time if a child starts too early, he or she will have problems later in life.

“Education is designed in such a way that at any particular stage in life, there are messages your brain can take and understand and be able to use. We are moving from education that is reliant on reading textbooks and passing exams.

“We are getting to a stage where education is what can you use your knowledge to do for society. You put a small child to go through all the rigours, and by the time he finishes secondary, getting to University becomes a problem. I had that experience with a friend. To date that friend did not get into a University, simply because he was put into school earlier than the age that he was supposed to be put into school.

“Let our children get to the appropriate age before writing this exam and we are going to make sure NECO put in place appropriate checks. We didn’t want to get to where we will say bring birth certificate but that is the stage we are going to now. In registering also upload the child’s birth certificate, so that at our own end, we are able to cut some of these things,” Adejo said.

It is reported that a total of 72,821 candidates sat for this year’s national common entrance examination nationwide for admission into 110 Federal Government Colleges on Saturday.

The United States’ Business Diplomacy to China

By
Ndubuisi Ekekwe
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1

If you watch most American TV networks, you will see an extremely high voltage animosity between America and China. The politicians are scoring points against China. The media is feeding the frenzy. (I expect the same for Chinese TV networks  in China). But flip to what leading American business people like Tesla’s Elon Musk, JPMorgan’s Jamie Dimon and Starbucks’ Laxman Narasimhan are doing, you see an entirely different episode.

In other words, the US business community to a large extent seems bent on pursuing opportunities in China even as politicians and the media have different playbooks. When your revenue is not determined by political contacts, you have freedom as a company.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk recommitted to China during his first visit in three years, based on a statement by Chinese officials. Musk met with the country’s foreign minister on Tuesday, and he was quoted as saying U.S. and Chinese interests are linked, and that Tesla is against “decoupling” the nations. China houses Tesla’s largest production facility, and Musk suggested that he intends to expand operations there. He is the latest chief executive to travel to China now that its zero-COVID policy has been revoked, with JPMorgan’s Jamie Dimon and Starbucks’ Laxman Narasimhan also visiting this week. (LinkedIn News)

In your business, do not do “herding” where everyone does the same thing, and see. If you herd, as I noted in Tekedia [check this piece I wrote in Harvard Business Review on the same topic for a special issue on Failure. …This post is part of HBR’s special issue on failure. … As humans, we fear failure. That affects our appetite to take risks. We herd, follow others, miss opportunities to lead. By not taking risk because of exposure to failure, we become less inventive], a new entrant needs just one strategy to annihilate your industry. Yes, since everyone is doing the same thing, conquering the market is easier by a newcomer. 

With America showing different signs to China, the politicians sending high voltage verbal attacks and the businessmen going with flowers and byte-loads of cash (Tesla $2 billion investment), these two countries may just be protecting their castles out of the crosshairs of other countries for a really long time. You do not put $2b when you think someone can blow up that area!

JPMorgan’s Jamie Dimon said on Wednesday there needs to be “real engagement” between the U.S. and China in order to move on from security and trade disputes, which are “resolvable.” In his first visit since expressing regret in 2021 for his comments about China’s ruling party, Dimon is the latest chief executive to travel to the country after its zero-COVID policy was revoked. He is in Shanghai, attending the JPMorgan Global China Summit, as the bank seeks to increase its presence in China, says CNBC. Dimon’s visit comes a day after Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s first trip there in three years.

  • The “growing antagonism” between D.C. and Beijing “contrasts sharply with business leaders who hope to showcase China’s importance to economic growth,” according to Axios.

  • On Tuesday, Musk met with China’s foreign minister and was quoted as saying U.S. and Chinese interests are linked, much like “conjoined twins.”

How to Accelerate Entrepreneurship Using Innovation: The Osun Experience through Opolo’s Stakeholder Buy-In Dialogue

By
Mutiu Iyanda
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0
political structure of Osun government for administrative purposes

During the maiden edition of the Innovation Stakeholders’ Dialogue held at the Opolo Global Innovation Hub, UNIOSUN Campus, Osogbo, on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, stakeholders charged the Osun State Government to collaborate with the private sector in order to achieve its innovation plans for the state.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Kayode Jimoh noted the state government’s belief in innovation and entrepreneurship as key tools in tackling the problems of unemployment, climate change, health, education and social inclusiveness. Jimoh further highlighted the different efforts of the state government to support innovation in the state. These include creating supportive policy and legal framework such as the domestication of the Start-up Act, Osun State Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (OSSTIP); Osun State Information and Communication Technology and Digital Economy Policy as well as the Osun State Startup Bill (a domestication of the Start Up Act). He also averred that the government is working towards improving internet penetration, establish local hubs and stimulate networking and collaboration among innovators and entrepreneurs in the state.

In his opening speech, Dr. Rasheed Adebiyi, Head of Branding and Strategic Communication stated that the essence of the Innovation Stakeholders’ Dialogue is to create a platform for meaningful conversation between critical stakeholders for the advancement of issues on innovation, entrepreneurship and   youth development. He noted that the first edition was to x-ray the innovation plans of the government with the aim of exposing collaboration, partnership and other opportunities in the innovation sector in the state. He said it is a monthly session that will focus on issues that matter in innovation, enterprise, and youth development.

Starting from the definitions of innovation and entrepreneurship, the Permanent Secretary walked established entrepreneurs, potential ones, and other stakeholders who are playing key roles in the state entrepreneurship ecosystem. His views, which suggest policy directions of the state government, are reproduced below.

What is Innovation?

This is a new idea, method, strategy, or an act of introducing something new. This can be a new business models, products, services, any form of a new idea or process. For example, introducing a new technology that can reduce the rate of electricity consumption is an innovation. However, it does not have to mean the creation of something totally new. Improvements upon existing products, services, or ideas are also regarded as innovations. Innovation disrupts the status quo. In fact, it creates change but does not automatically translate to new business or entrepreneurship.

Innovations need new thinking and creativity. However, innovation does not mean invention. It can create change and add value to existing products or services. The sources of innovation are new markets, new knowledge, technological changes, economic changes, etc. These factors make a person think of new business processes, services, and products. Innovation help organizations to remain relevant and stay competitive in the industry. There is no risk involved in innovation.

What is Entrepreneurship?

This is the willingness of an individual, group of people or organisation to take risks and organise or develop business opportunities from ideas in an ever-evolving market. Business Entrepreneurs are leaders, innovators, pioneers, and inventors. They are at the forefront of economic, technological, and social movements in their field. Entrepreneurship involves turning great ideas into business opportunities by taking risks. So, a business entrepreneur understands the business opportunity for the great ideas innovated and adds value and creativity to the innovation. Entrepreneurs always search for innovation sources and do not limit themselves to just one type of innovation. They set up business on the opportunity identified and run it profitably. Entrepreneurs need to be risk-takers, motivators, leaders, managers, decision-makers, and planners. Successful entrepreneurship is always a result of risk-taking, commitment, and hard work.

Relationships between Innovation and Entrepreneurship

These are two different concepts having entirely different meanings. However, there is a striking relationship between innovation and entrepreneurship which sometimes causes confusion. The main difference between innovation and entrepreneurship is that innovation involves introducing something new. This can be a new business model, product, idea, or service. On the other hand, entrepreneurship involves turning a great idea into a business opportunity. Therefore, entrepreneurship begins with innovation. Moreover, there is a risk component in entrepreneurship that is not there in innovation.

The Osun State Government knows that Innovation and entrepreneurship are the heart of economic growth and job creation which can transform productivity and efficiency and address many of the State’s longstanding and emerging challenges, such as employment opportunities, climate change, health, education and social inclusiveness, etc. In view of this, the State Government has a solid plan for the accelerated growth of Innovation and Entrepreneurship using the following methods:

Creation of Supportive Legal Framework

It is quite impressive to inform this gathering that the Osun State Government under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke on assumption of office place a premium priority on the issues of youths and social development by making use of technology as a tool for the execution of the innovative ideas of the youths and the Osun State citizens in general. The Osun State Government knowing fully well that supportive legal framework is essential for innovation and entrepreneurship to flourish. The State Government has set machinery in motion for the creation of a favourable legal environment for innovators and entrepreneurs by simplifying the business registration process, protecting intellectual property rights, reduction of charges and taxes on Startups and enforcing contracts. On assumption of office, the Osun State Governor, His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke has successfully laid a solid legal framework for the accelerated development of Innovative and Technological ideas by development of three major legal documents for the State viz:

  1. Osun State Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (OSSTIP);
  2. Osun State Information and Communications Technology and Digital Economy Policy (OSICT & DE); and
  3. Osun State Startup Bill.

These documents were launched on the 6th March, 2023 by the State Governor His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke. These documents have provided the needed roadmap for the would-be investors in the State. With the existence of this documents, Innovation and Entrepreneurship activities will be boosted because the investors will leverage on these documents for the establishment and expansion of their businesses which will in-turn impact positively on the State’s economic development.

Organise and Facilitate Local Hubs

The State Government has made it as a matter of policy to establish at least one Techno-Innovation hub per Local Governments Areas across the State. It also encourages the would-be private investors to do same in any location of their choice in the State of which the Government is ready to implement some waivers that will make it easier for them to operate in the State without hindrances. Also encouraged by the State Government in this direction is the Private Public Participation (PPP) for the establish of new hubs and supporting the existing ones in their operations by creating an enabling environment for them to thrive.

Stimulate Networking and Collaboration

Entrepreneurs and Innovators often need to network and collaborate with other entrepreneurs, innovators, investors and experts to succeed. Governments has foster networking and collaboration by creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to meet and exchange ideas through the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (MIST) who has as one of its core mandates to advise the State Government on Innovation and Technological matters. The Osun State Government is in collaboration with the existing accelerators and incubators in the State on the programmes that provide mentorship, training and resources to early-stage start-ups. This also provide a network of entrepreneurs, innovators, investors and experts that can help start-ups grow and succeed.

Provision of Access to Funding

One of the biggest challenges facing entrepreneurs and innovators is access to capital. Many entrepreneurs and innovators have great ideas but lack the financial resources to turn them into reality. Realising this predicament, the State Government is in talks with International and Local bodies/Donors who can partner with the State Government by providing funding through grants, loans and other financial incentives for the entrepreneurs and innovators that are already existing or willing to establish in the State. Ladies and Gentlemen, it is at this juncture I want to salute the efforts of the Executive Governor of Osun State, His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke for his magnanimity within his short period in office for establishing talks with the African Development Bank (AfDB) on the means by which the Startups in the State can benefit from the numerous grants and loans that are in the AfDB. I wish to inform you that this talk has paid-off as the AfDB has yielded to the request of the Osun State Government and processes has reached an advanced stage on the deployment of this fund through the Central Bank of Nigeria and Osun State Government to the qualified Startups beneficiaries in Osun State.

Deployment of ICT Infrastructure

Another giant stride recorded by the administration of His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke within his 100 days in office, is the plan to improve the internet penetration to all the urban and rural areas in the State through massive deployment of fiber optics. This was achieved by signing of Easement Agreement between Osun State Government and O’odua Infraco Resources Limited. The State Government also waived the right of way for the company for the deployment of optic fiber across the nook and crannies of Osun State. With this singular act, there will be tremendous improvement in the internet penetration especially 5G broadband that is in vogue and reduce the cost of internet bandwidth subscription in the State upon completion of this giant project. The State Government recognises that robust ICT infrastructure is essential tools for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. This made the State Government to be in partnership with the company as part of the plan to expand broadband connectivity and improving network infrastructure. By creating a conducive environment for ICT development, the State Government seeks to attract technology-driven businesses and entrepreneurs to Osun State.

STAKEHOLDER BUY-IN FOR SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION

Collaboration with Educational Institutions

Engaging educational institutions, such as Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of Education and technical schools, is crucial for the success of the ICT innovation plan. The State Government will collaborate with these institutions to develop relevant ICT curriculum, establish technology research centers, and promote entrepreneurship programs. This collaboration ensures that students are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute to this sector.

Engaging the Private Sector

Involving the private sector is essential for the successful implementation of the innovative and entrepreneurship plan in the State. The State Government is ready to engage technology companies, ICT startups, and industry associations to gain insights, access funding opportunities, and leverage on existing networks. Collaboration with the private sector can facilitate the development of innovative solutions, promote entrepreneurship, and stimulate job creation.

Fostering Collaboration and Networking

Creating platforms for collaboration and networking is vital for the growth of the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem. The State Government as part of her plan wish to organize innovation challenges, summits, conferences and industry events to bring together stakeholders from academia, industry, and Government. These platforms will facilitate knowledge sharing, promote partnerships, and encourage the exchange of ideas among entrepreneurs and innovators professionals.

Ensuring Continuous Evaluation and Adaptation

Regular evaluation and feedback mechanisms are essential to assess the effectiveness of the entrepreneurship and innovation plans. The Osun State Government will also establish channels for stakeholders to provide input, share concerns, and suggest improvements through Radio and Television programmes and various social media platforms. By actively seeking feedback and adapting the plan accordingly, the State Government will ensure its relevance and address the evolving needs of the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem.

Conclusion

The Chairman of the Occasion, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am of the opinion that with all I am able to explain to this gathering we shall all belief and support  Osun State Government’s visionary plans for the entrepreneurs and innovators development in the State under the visionary leadership of  His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke’s robust plans for the accelerating innovation and entrepreneurship in Osun State as well as successful implementation and stakeholder buy in. Together we shall succeed.

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