Since Nigeria’s Hilda Baci won the 2023 Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual in June with a time of 93 hours 11 minutes, displacing a previously set record of 87 hours 45 minutes by an Indian chef, Lata Tondon in 2019, many other Nigerians have been jumping on the GWR trend, proposing and attempting marathons in various endeavours including cooking and body massage, among other activities.
In the spirit of the trend, a proposed three-day “Kissing Marathon Event” called “Kiss-a-Thon” had been announced to take place in Ekiti state by a group identified as Sugartee to break the Guinness World Record for the longest kissing Marathon. The 72-hour Kiss-a-Thon was scheduled to run from Friday, July 7 to Monday, July 10.
However, the Ekiti State Government through the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism on Wednesday has issued a ban on the proposed event, warning the hoteliers’ association in the state against the activity which was described as not only unhealthy and immoral but inimical to the image of the state.
In a letter addressed to the Secretary, Ekiti State Hoteliers’ Association and signed by Adelusi A. L, for the Permanent Secretary, Dele Ogunsemoyin, the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Tourism, the government warned hoteliers against such unhealthy and immoral acts in their facilities.
The letter reads: “Kiss-A-Thon, as an event is not only absurd, unhealthy, immoral and capable of denigrating the image of the state, it is a programme that runs counter to the values of the people of the state and therefore capable of plunging our youths morally backward.
“The Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism hereby prohibits the hosting of such event or any other events like it in any facility that wishes to continue to operate lawfully in Ekiti State.
“You are hereby requested to convey the content of this notice to the members of Ekiti State Hoteliers’ Association to effectively monitor their outlets against being used negatively to cause embarrassment to the government and people of Ekiti State.”
There’s nothing more desired than being early on a cryptocurrency; the same goes for other financial markets, but the crypto market has been shown to give the highest returns. With hope building up towards a bull market, you want to get in on future opportunities early to secure profits on the way up. Here are three early cryptocurrencies to enter.
Apecoin (APE)
Apecoin (APE) is an Ethereum-based gaming token created by Yuga Labs as a utility token for its ecosystem. It’s referred to as a gaming token because it’s proposed as an in-game asset on the Yuga Labs game in development. The game is projected to launch this year, and Apecoin (APE) could enjoy some positive price action from the game launch. Apecoin backs the strongest community in the NFT landscape, which consists of collections like Bored Ape Yacht Club, Mutant Ape Yacht Club, and a few other highly valued collections. Apecoin (APE) launched as a drop to community holders of these NFTs, and users got up to $50,000 million worth of tokens. Apecoin (APE) launched very early into the bear market, and in Q1 of 2022, it had an impressive price trend which was suppressed by the dwindling market condition. However, it’s a prospective early cryptocurrency to get in on for the short term.
Arbitrum (ARB)
Arbitrum (ARB) is a top Ethereum layer-2 solution still in its early phase in the market. Although Arbitrum has existed in the market since 2021, its native token only launched in March 2023, and it has a lot of room to grow. In the little time ARB emerged, it has pushed market excitement to a new level especially powering some DeFi volume. Arbitrum is now the fourth largest network for DeFi and has established itself as the top alternative to Ethereum should the bull season return. ARB is in a good position for some market volume, and it’s still relatively early to load up on some tokens.
Uwerx (WERX)
Uwerx offers the earliest opportunity on this list as the project is still on presale. Presale offers you the lowest you’ll ever be able to get the token, and as such, it’s always a good low-risk play to go all in for solid projects like Uwerx. Uwerx is a new Ethereum-based freelance solution that creates a unique platform for the gig economy.
This is unlike anything the gig market has ever seen, and it offers some valuable solutions the industry desperately needs. Uwerx stands out with its 1% fee outbidding the industry average of 10% – 20%. In addition to low fees, it offers a number of blockchain-enabled features that allow users to retain more value.
Uwerx presale is an opportunity to get in very early as its Stage 5 presale is offering the token at $0.047725. The price will increase once Stage 5 is over, so you should take this opportunity quickly and not leave profit on the table.
This week, a functional prototype, featuring both freelancer and client registration pages, will be made available during the presale. The launch of the Uwerx Vault feature is also on the horizon, set for next week. Furthermore, we will be conducting a survey to decide on the date for the test airdrop.
Enter the Uwerx presale now and claim a 15% bonus on your purchase.
The Danish Financial Supervisory Authority (DFSA) has issued an order to Saxo Bank, one of the largest online brokers in Europe, to liquidate its cryptocurrency holdings by the end of the year. The order comes as part of a wider crackdown on crypto-related activities by the regulator, which claims that they pose significant risks to financial stability and consumer protection.
According to the DFSA, Saxo Bank has violated several rules and regulations regarding its crypto trading and custody services, which it launched in 2018. The regulator alleges that Saxo Bank has failed to comply with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) requirements, as well as to ensure adequate risk management and governance processes. The DFSA also accuses Saxo Bank of misleading its customers about the nature and risks of crypto assets, which are not regulated or supervised by the authority.
Saxo Bank has expressed its disappointment and disagreement with the order, stating that it has always acted in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations, and that it has taken extensive measures to ensure the security and transparency of its crypto operations. The bank also claims that it has been in constant dialogue with the DFSA since 2018, and that it has never received any formal warnings or sanctions from the regulator before.
Saxo Bank has been offering its clients access to crypto trading since 2018, when it launched its SaxoTraderGO platform. The platform allows users to trade Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash and Ripple against 15 fiat currencies, as well as other asset classes such as stocks, bonds, forex and commodities. Saxo Bank claims that it has over 860,000 clients in 170 countries, and that its crypto trading volume has grown significantly in the past year.
However, the FSA has taken a different view on Saxo Bank’s crypto activities. In a letter dated June 30, 2023, the FSA stated that Saxo Bank must cease offering crypto trading services and liquidate its crypto holdings by July 31, 2023. The FSA argued that crypto assets are not regulated by any authority, and that they pose a high risk of fraud, theft, hacking and money laundering.
The FSA also said that Saxo Bank’s crypto exposure could harm its liquidity, solvency and reputation, and that it could undermine the trust of its clients and regulators. Saxo Bank has expressed its disappointment and disagreement with the FSA’s decision. In a press release issued on July 1, 2023, Saxo Bank said that it believes that crypto assets are a legitimate and innovative asset class that offers diversification and returns to its clients.
Saxo Bank also said that it has implemented robust security and compliance measures to ensure the safety and legality of its crypto trading services. Saxo Bank said that it will appeal the FSA’s decision and seek legal remedies to protect its interests and those of its clients.
Whether formal or informal, one needs to acquire knowledge for self-development and contribute to socioeconomic and political development by engaging in relevant activities. However, in the last 10 years, several reports and thoughts from professionals as well as experts in various academic fields and industries have indicated that skills for addressing social, economic, and political needs or problems will never remain static.
This has largely been premised on the fact that people’s behaviour and needs keep changing every day. Hence, the need for educational institutions to equip people with in-demand skills It is also necessary for stakeholders in industries to reskill and upskill their employees towards optimum performance. In its recent report on the Future of Jobs, the World Economic Forum notes that analytical thinking, creative thinking, AI, and big data will be the top in-demand skills by 2027. The global organisation states further that “leadership and social influence, curiosity, and lifelong learning are among other skills expected to see growing demand.”
As stated previously, these skills and social understanding cannot be acquired without passing through a structured educational system, consciously or unconsciously. Like the World Economic Forum and other think-tanks, our analyst notes that research, writing, organisation, teamwork, communication, and attention to details have been identified as skills that prospective university students need while applying to various courses or programmes.
Our analyst notes that before applying, it is important that prospective students conduct background research about the universities of their choice, paying specific attention to the entry requirements. It is also important that the written and oral aspects of the application process are approached efficiently and effectively. According to our analyst, this is achieved primarily when the applicants understand the nitty-gritty of managing time and available resources in a collaborative and iterative way.
Our analyst points out that this background and the outcomes of personal research led to the tour of Nigerian institutions in June and July 2023 by a team from the RUDN University in conjunction with the Centre for Research on Development of African Media and Society (CEREDEMS-Africa), an organisation that helps build a better Africa and information ecosystem through effective research and implementations.
From the University of Lagos to the University of Abuja and Kaduna State University, they engaged with the participants, especially students and partners, discussing experiences, challenges, and opportunities in the Nigerian-Russian media nexus.
The event at the University of Lagos, which was held on June 23, 2023, had education and scientific development, critical media literacy, information pollution ecosystem, emerging fields in journalism, and media technologies as the topics of discussion. At the event, Dr. Mustapha Muhammed Jamiu, Associate Professor Natalia Poplavskaya, and Dr. Joshua Orabiyi, representing RUDN University, and Faculty Members of the Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, discussed the dangers of people consuming only messages corresponding to their own point of view, retaining something corresponding to their attitudes, and processing information in ways that correspond better to their own beliefs.
Handshake: The Vice-Chancellor, Kaduna State University, Professor Abdullahi Ibrahim Musa, and Dr. Mustapha Muhammed Jamiu of RUDN University after the discussion of the MoU between the two universities.
On July 3, 2023, the team moved to Kaduna State University, where students were taught how to write research proposals for undergraduate and postgraduate theses. They were also walked through the process of developing critical media literacy skills and employing them in their daily consumption of news stories from the mainstream and new media, most importantly social media. From the video clips of the event, our analyst discovered that participants were happy that the event was organised in their university as it exposed them to critical aspects of their academic journey and gave them the opportunity to explore postgraduate studies at the RUDN University, Moscow, Russia.
Representatives of the RUDN University with participants in Abuja
The nature and pattern of the Kaduna event, according to our analyst, had already been organised at the University of Abuja, where students and other participants had the opportunity to reskill and upskill their research and resume development skills and improve their knowledge of identifying polluted messages such as fake news.
The RUDN University and the University of Abuja teams after the discussion of the MoU between the two universities.
Part of the highlights of the tour was the discussion of areas of collaboration between the visited Nigerian universities and the RUDN University. Our analyst also notes that the team took a tour of some tourist sites in Lagos to have a memorable experience.
The University was founded on 5th February, 1960 by the USSR Government. On 22nd February, 1961, the RUDN University was named after Patrice Lumumba — one of the symbols of the African peoples’ fight for independence. Students and academics could be free to pursue their learning, teaching, and research activities without being subject to political context, but firmly directed to the grand principles of friendship and mutual support.
In the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrencies, NFTs are transforming digital ownership and driving blockchain technology to unprecedented heights in preparation for the Web3 era. Gen Z and millennial investors have shifted their attention from traditional assets to digital ones, with meme coins that offer real-world utility gaining significant popularity. One notable trendsetter in this space is the Bored Ape Yacht Club, whose native token is ApeCoin ($APE). The existence of FOMO is undeniable, as reflected in the current valuation of Bored Ape Yacht Club NFTs – a staggering $767 million. Excitement among investors is building as they eagerly await the launch of the top meme coin, Big Eyes Coin ($BIG) NFTs alongside the unexpected entry of Skoda Auto NFTs.
Skoda Auto’s NFT Platform: Blending Innovation With Sustainability
Skoda Auto, a renowned Czech automobile conglomerate, made a remarkable entry into the NFT space with the launch of Škodaverse India. In collaboration with Near Protocol, the platform promises low gas fees, interoperable NFTs, and eco-friendly yet scalable tokenization. By minting NFTs on carbon-neutral blockchains, Skoda Auto showcases its commitment to sustainable practices. This move aligns with the wider trend of legacy industries embracing blockchain technology and NFTs to offer unique experiences to customers while promoting environmental consciousness. As a major player in Central and Eastern Europe’s automobile market, Skoda Auto’s foray into Web3 reflects the growing influence of digital ownership and NFTs on traditional industries.
ApeCoin’s NFTs: Fostering Community-Driven Growth
ApeCoin DAO’s approval of AIP-209 marked a significant step in strengthening the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) NFT collection and other ApeCoin-based projects. The introduction of the Ape Accelerator empowers community members to play an active role in the incubation and launch of initiatives that boost the value of ApeCoin tokens. As initiators, voters, and participants, community members contribute to a collaborative ecosystem that embraces the true spirit of Web3. By encouraging participants to support approved projects through NFT purchases and other means, ApeCoin fosters an inclusive environment that emphasizes community-driven innovation. This approach reflects the power of NFTs in uniting individuals.
Big Eyes Coin NFTs: A Memetic Powerhouse With Utility
Big Eyes Coin ($BIG) has emerged as a leading meme coin with a twist: it offers real-world utility. The success of its presale, which raised an impressive $46 million, speaks volumes about investor confidence in the project’s potential. Scheduled to launch the Big Casino platform on August 29th, Big Eyes Coin opens the door to over 4,000 Play-2-Earn (P2E) opportunities. These $BIG powered experiences present users with exciting ways to utilize their meme coin, adding value and stability to the Big Eyes Coin ecosystem.
The allure of Big Eyes Coin’s NFTs lies in the unique blend of investment opportunities they offer. The impending launch of Sushi Crew NFTs during the 3rd stage further enhances the project’s memetic value, granting owners exclusive access to community events and perks. Big Eyes Coin has effectively tapped into the meme culture and transformed it into a powerful tool for financial growth and engagement.
The concept of NFT drops has become a defining characteristic of the meme economy, triggering widespread excitement and frenzy among investors and collectors alike. As projects like Big Eyes Coin prepare for their NFT drops, the demand for unique digital assets continues to soar. NFT drops represent a pivotal moment for any meme coin’s journey, as they will lead to a surge in interest, investment, and long-term value appreciation, as demonstrated by the Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT collection.
Embrace The Meme Revolution And Ride The $BIG Wave!
As NFTs and blockchain technology reshape the digital economy, meme coins with a utility like Big Eyes Coin ($BIG) are becoming a dominant force in the cryptocurrency space. Skoda Auto’s NFT platform and ApeCoin’s community-driven growth demonstrate the broadening influence of NFTs beyond art and collectables. For meme coin lovers and investors seeking meaningful participation in projects with real-world applications, the opportunities presented by these projects are simply too compelling to ignore.
With the imminent launch of Big Casino and the exciting NFT drops, the memetic frenzy is set to reach new heights. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to invest in the next top meme coin, Big Eyes Coin ($BIG). Visit their website post-launch and ride the wave of the meme revolution! As the digital economy continues to evolve, embracing the potential of meme coins and NFTs is a pathway to unprecedented financial growth and engagement. Join the movement, and let the power of NFTs shape your investment journey!
