#nigerian outlet

[afrotumble]

Nigeria’s Cafe Neo: Hoping to become the African Starbucks - PAN AFRICAN VISIONS

He said he was inspired by India, where Cafe Coffee Day has largely cornered the market, despite the increasing presence of international chains such as Britain’s Costa Coffee or Starbucks. “India is a fantastic example with Cafe Coffee Day,” he explained. “We aim at something similar. “We’re starting young right now and our aim is to grow as such that yes, Starbucks may come, but we want to be the choice of Nigerians, because there’s that affinity with something that comes from here, in Africa.” Produce and consume Neo has three cafes currently in Lagos and two others are scheduled to open early this year. There is another outlet in Kigali. All the cafes only serve 100% Rwandan arabica, which has become one of its main selling points. The chain is hoping to branch out across Africa and expects to have between 20 and 30 cafes in Lagos alone within the next four years.

[secular-jew]

6/7/2024 Nigeria (International Christian Concern) — Images of members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) executing three Christian men in Borno state, Nigeria, are circulating on social media.

One image, allegedly shared on June 4 by the Islamic State group (ISIS) through its propaganda outlet, Amaq News Agency, shows the Christian men kneeling with their arms tied behind their backs before three masked gunmen. Another image shows the bodies of the believers falling to the ground under a cloud of smoke from the Islamic extremists’ machine guns.

The Islamic extremists reportedly abducted the men from a vehicle traveling along a highway that runs through the northern Nigerian state on June 3. Muslim passengers were allowed to leave. The terrorists reportedly abducted a fourth passenger, but their condition is unknown at this time.

The Rev. Ibrahim Abako, secretary of the Yobe State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, confirmed the deaths in an interview with Leadership Media Group, a Nigerian news outlet.

“On behalf of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Yobe State chapter, we condemn in totality the killing of three Christian youth along Damaturu-Biu Road Federal Highway,” the Rev. said.

In January, ISWAP, which formed in 2016 from defectors of Boko Haram, conducted eight attacks against Christian communities in several villages in Nigeria. During the attacks, 12 Christians were killed while other Christians were forced to flee from their homes that ISWAP militants burned down. These attacks are part of ISIS’ call in January for its affiliates to “kill (Christians) where you find them.”

[solarpunkbusiness]

Solarpowered street food vendors

A young Nigerian graduate, Usman Dalhatu, invented solar-powered kiosks for fast food sellers who operate mostly at night.

These solar-powered kiosks are common in fast food hubs in the Northern region of the country, which replace the use of generators for the food vendors to run business at night.

source

[celticcrossanon]

Hi, Celta! Hope you’re well and protecting yourself from the toxic energies coming from many of these Sussex and Charles readings. Thank you for doing them! Re: that Instyle article about KC3 “and” William again discussing removal of the Sussex titles because of the Harkle faux royal Nigerian tour. Instyle is one of the pro-Sussex, pay-for-play US media outlets, along with People, US mag, etc, and “royal reporter” Tom Quinn is not to be trusted. I think we’ve all learned to read these planted PR articles with a jaundiced, critical eye, and the wording always gives Megs away! Phrases like “olive branch,” “sweet nod,” “compassion in action,” and other word salad baloney are Meghan red flags lol. Another is when Catherine is gratuitously mentioned and/or shaded in these Sussex PR articles. (Meghan just can’t help her jealous, mean girl self.) Well, sure enough, smack in the middle of the Instyle article - which has zero to do with C - is this little zinger:

“Even if Harry and Meghan were no longer able to use their titles, the public would more than likely continue to associate them with the royal family—much like how most people continue to refer to Kate Middleton as "Kate Middleton” and not Catherine, Princess of Wales or Duchess of Cambridge.“ …(ie, Harry and Meghan will always be thought of as royal, even if they aren’t…while Catherine, The Princess of Wales and the next Queen, will never be thought of as royal, even if she 100% IS!)

MM, through her PR, will grab any opportunity to (try to) diminish Catherine, here calling her "Kate Middleton.” I’m surprised they didn’t throw in “Waity Katie” as well! And (please correct me if I’m wrong) isn’t Catherine - as PoW - now The Duchess of Cornwall, with all that entails, including the billions from the Duchy of Cornwall? That must really stick in Meghan’s greedy craw, thus why she conveniently excluded it. Anyhoo…imho that American Instyle article was from the Harkles…in cahoots with KC3.

*

Hi Nonny,

I went and read the entire article after my kneejerk reaction to the headline, and I agree with you. I think it comes from the Sussex camp as well. The entire article read to me as ‘please don’t take our titles, but even if you do we will always be more popular and influential than you” which suggests to me that a) there is talk of removing the titles, and the Sussexes do not want that at all, and b) Harry and Meghan’s delusions about their popularity are as strong as ever.

A lesson for me - read the article before I make cynical comments based on the headline. :)

[saintmeghanmarkle]

Update/Progress: Project Cancel Harkles by u/MolVol

Update/Progress: Project Cancel Harkles Good News: Once Pro-Harkles outlet D.Mail is finally souring on them.Evidence: today's dissing, including (see green on image), 'Megs given the Nigerian name .. guessing they don't have a word for 'back-stabbing, money-grubbing royal hanger-on'. Megs - Not Duchess, or even MeganHuuuuuge slam re: the (better) name guess: "back-stabbing, money-grubbing royal hanger-on" ⬅ 🤭🤣 https://ift.tt/GxbihFn Notice (also highlighted in green) photo credit - The Archwell F© (short for The Archwell FOUNDATION) T.W. feels need to control pix - so brings along (and/or hires in-country) photogrpahers to work for HER, so she owns 100% of their pix - can then send to her expert Photoshop team, and then sell to the media digitally altered/improved photos that she thinks makes HER look good... post link: https://ift.tt/scFJHCy author: MolVol submitted: May 11, 2024 at 12:01AM via SaintMeghanMarkle on Reddit disclaimer: all views + opinions expressed by the author of this post, as well as any comments and reblogs, are solely the author's own; they do not necessarily reflect the views of the administrator of this Tumblr blog. For entertainment only.

[thoughtlessarse]

Cheap substitute ‘milk’ exported from Europe into West Africa is hurting the region’s local dairy industry. A collaborative investigation by Noteworthy and Nigerian news outlet Premium Times into Irish dairy in Nigeria has found that large volumes of cheap European exports into West Africa have outcompeted local milk on price. This, according to NGOs and traders, has pushed many Nigerian dairy farmers out of business. -Daniyan Abimbola, a commercial dairy farmer from Ondo State in the southwest of the country, said this competition is the reason “some dairy farms are forced to shut down less than five years after they are established.” Our investigation examined the export of fat-filled milk powder (FFMP). Though butter and cheese exports are more valuable, FFMP is Ireland’s largest dairy export in terms of volume. But, according to European Commission regulations, were it to be sold within the EU, it could not be labelled a milk product. The European Commission told Noteworthy that this product “can not bear the term ‘milk’ in their denomination” as according to EU regulations “milk products have to derive exclusively from milk”. Consumers in Nigeria seem unaware of that fact, according to market research Noteworthy has seen that was commissioned by An Bord Bia. The Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) told Noteworthy that “Ireland is committed to global rules-based international trade and is subject to EU agreements such as the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with West Africa”.

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Just another example of neocolonialism. Practices like this only increases the number of migrants heading to the EU. They join the migrants whose lives have been devastated by the climate crisis.

[historyhermann]

Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire Spoiler-Filled Review

Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire, known as Kizazi Moto for short, is an Africanfuturist animated film anthology series. It is the second animated series produced by a South African animation studio, Triggerfish. It follows Kiya and the Kimoja Heroes, which premiered on Disney+ earlier this year. Peter Ramsey is the executive producer. Tendayi Nyeke and Anthony Silverston join him as supervising producers. Shofela Coker, Raymond Malinga, and Ahmed Teilab developed the series. As a warning, this review will discuss death, blood, suicide, and other related themes. This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, Kizazi Moto, being reviewed here, wouldn't exist.

Reprinted from Pop Culture Maniacs and Wayback Machine. This was the forty-third article I wrote for Pop Culture Maniacs. This post was originally published on August 6, 2023.

Unlike some other series, Kizazi Moto is a bit hard to describe. While each of the ten short films within this series clearly has an African perspective, told by one or more directors, the themes of each episode can be vastly different. The music, animation style, writing, and everything else can also differ. Sometimes, it feels like the sinew holding the series together is not as strong as it could be. Even so, each film stands on its own, with many providing a possible starting point for future animated series.

In order to understand where the series stands, it is important to have some background about the genre. This series is outwardly Africanfuturist. In the reporting, before the series released, some media outlets incorrectly described it as "Afrofuturist." These two genres are not the same. Afrofuturism, which is well-known as a genre, explores intersection of science and technology with the African diaspora, addressing concerns and themes of that diaspora. The term was coined in 1993 by White male cultural critic Mark Dery. This has led some to use broader terms like "Black science fiction" and "Black speculative fiction" or embrace the term "Africanfuturism".

Africanfuturism centers on fusion of African mythology, history, culture, technology, and point of view, within Africa itself. Nigerian-American writer Nnedi Okorafor coined the term in 2019. She described it as a sci-fi sub-category deeply rooted in "African culture, history, mythology and point-of-view" which does not center or privilege Western countries, while retaining optimistic future visions. It is also, in her description, written and centered on people who are of African descent, and rooted in Africa. As such, it can also include the African diaspora.

While there has been more Africanfuturist literature, and comics, in recent years, there are very few films. One such film put in the genre (by some) is Black Panther. Others have included Pumzi and Ratnik, along with Okorafor's Binti and Who Fears Death, which are getting live-action series adaptations. Even so, there are no currently ongoing Africanfuturist series. As such, Kizazi Moto may prove vital to the possibility of future series in the genre. It will only join the ranks of series in development, like Iwájú, created by a Pan-African British company, Kugali Media, in collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios.

As such, Kizazi Moto differs from My Dad the Bounty Hunter, the upcoming Dantai (produced by Idris Elba and Sabrina Dhowr). The still-in-production Iyanu: Child of Wonder (releasing in 2024) may include some Afrofuturist, or Africanfuturist, elements. More common examples of Afrofuturism include music of R&B/pop/funk/hip hop/soul musician Janelle Monáe and R&B/soul/hip hop musician Erykah Badu.

The first episode/film of this series, "Herderboy," features artful, colorful, and amazing animation. It is coupled with impactful voice acting and fitting music. The story of a wanna-be hero, Ndahura (voiced by Koona Blair Matthias "Wonders"), is typical. Some characters are speaking Yoruba (voiced by people in Benin, Nigeria, and Togo). The beast, a Nyamiyonga (voiced by Jon Olson), feeds off negative energy. Both are unique. It is unlike any other series I've seen. There aren't any simple naming conventions, like the original world of the Diamonds in Steven Universe called "Homeworld," rather than something more creative. The herding of cattle to gain crystals, known as chwezinite, to power their society shows the sci-fi nature of the episode. What really caps off this episode are the amazing action sequences and compelling characters.

The episode/film is directed, and written, by Raymond Malinga. Mpho Osei-Tutu does other writing. I was unfamiliar with any of the voice actors, either Florence Kasumba (voiced Ndahura's sister, Captain Katono), Idringi Patrick "Salvado" (voice of somewhat technology adverse Dushiime), or Omara Daniel (voiced of robot Isingoma).

The second episode/film of Kizazi Moto, "Mkhuzi: The Spirit Racer," is unlike the first. It focuses on racing. The episode/film is set in a futuristic city where some speak Zulu. The racing scenes are fluid. They fit with characters jumping across the screen, garnering the viewer's attention. Unlike the first episode/film, this episode/film focuses on the importance of family, culture (being Zulu), and ancestry. The themes of displacement, gentrification, and togetherness are key. The neighborhood where Manzo (voiced by Nasty C) and his mother Manomi (voiced by Carol Ofori) live, is almost demolished by Ogun (voiced by Hakeem Kae-Kazim). He is an intergalactic racing overlord. Manzo only saves it when he takes on his mother's garb as Mkhuzi and becomes all-parts Zulu.

The episode/film had nice upbeat rock music and well-done animation. It has none of the same directors and writers as the first one. Malcolm Wope directed and created it. Simangaliso "Panda" Sibaya was a fellow director. Leslie Pulsfier wrote the episode. Apart from the aforementioned voice actors, I was unfamiliar with Sandi Dlangalala, who voices racer Cosmizi. In some ways, this episode reminded me of Birdie Wing, but that anime is more wild with golf-obsessed Mafia, even more than The Phantom Menace, which has a well-known pod racing scene, or similar scenes in Star Wars Resistance.

When it comes to writers, each episode/film had distinct individuals. The animation and writing weren't done in the United States. As such, their studios aren't mentioned on a recently-circulated spreadsheet noting conditions within animation studios. However, their labor and economic conditions are worth noting. The entertainment industry remains highly profitable. Disney, brought in over $55 billion to the company's Media and Entertainment Distribution division in 2022 alone. They can clearly pay writers, and actors, what they deserve, and fulfill their demands in the recent strikes. It should be no issue for them at all.

The third episode/film of Kizazi Moto, "Moremi," took a quite different tact than the others, making it stand out. In part, this was because it had moderate violence. It artfully combined mystical magical, and sci-fi themes all in one. Like the first episode/film, the Yoruba language is spoken. In some ways, this episode reminded me of the episode in the far-too-short animeseque Yasuke in which the samurai, Yasuke, travels upstream with Saki. A fundamental difference between that series, focused on the Black experience, is that this episode has character development, depth, and no tonal shifts.

This episode/film focuses on the frailty of the human condition, family togetherness, and the value of one's soul. The protagonist Luo (voiced by Tolowanimi Olaoye), who must recharge himself every day to keep his heart functioning, learns a story from Moremi, the woman who saves him from soul-eating monsters. Moremi (voiced by Kehinde Bankole) tells him that in the past, the land of Ife was filled with the aforementioned monsters from another realm. She adds that woman built a machine which closed the inter-dimensional gateway between worlds. Of course, even though this woman made an oath to the Gods, she vowed to save her child by any means necessary, even if the monsters returned.

This Kizazi Moto episode/film has a touching ending, with Luo merging his life force with the child, Olu. As a result, the monsters depart, and Moremi, the woman from the story, finally can reunite with her child. I can't even think of a series in which a character gives up their soul to save another person. Rapunzel in Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure nor Steven Universe in the series of the same name has done anything like Luo. The only equivalent I can think of is what happens in the original Tokyo Mew Mew manga and the early 2000s anime. Masaya Aoyama uses the Mew Aqua inside of him to not only sacrifices his own life, but that of villainous Deep Blue. This does not happen in the reboot series, which has more of a "happy ending" than in the original series (or manga).

I wasn't familiar with the episode's director, Shofela Coker, co-writer, Vanessa Kanu, or co-director, Andrew McNally. Coker even voices a character (Malimbe) in this episode/film. Coker is known for his animation and video game work and for feature films like Liyana. Kanu is a new screenwriter. He is a staff writer on Supa Team 4, reportedly the "first original African animated series" on Netflix. McNally is co-creator of Isaura, a South African animated film in development. It focuses on climate change and environmental conservation, and centers on Mozambique. The same company that made that film, Studio Lucan, also did the work on this episode. The episode/film, it is inspired by the real mythological story of Yoruba hero Queen Moremi/Moremi Ajasoro of Ife.

The fourth episode/film of Kizazi Moto, "Surf Sangoma", goes in another direction. It's about surfing and finding yourself. It begins in a dark place. The grandmother of the protagonist, Njabulo, is pulled under water by squids. This mortifies her grandson, who tries in vain to save her, but fails. Then, there is a flash forward to the present, where Njabulo is a surfing coach, and he talks to his friend, Mnqobi. In an almost ominous tone, an announcement declares that surfing beyond the wall, which protects the city, is illegal and deadly. Even the high water is said to have caused civil unrest. In a scene, which reminds me of the bike chases in the often-forgotten Tron: Uprising, Mnqobi and Njabulo race one another and find a spot which gets them "over the wall".

This is where the episode becomes horror-like. Locals talk to Njabulo (voiced by Mandisa Nduna) and Mnqobi (Omiga Mncube), declaring that they either have to surf or leave. Although Njabulo refuses to take part, with his grandmother's voice telling him to avoid the water, Mnqobi obliges. All of them have squids, from the water, attached to their heads. This is even worse than the brain slug in Futurama. It's more like the insidious brain worms in two episodes of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. To make matters worse, Mnqobi joins the local surfers and they beat up Njabulo, stealing his board, the last thing he has left of his grandmother.

With an undoubted lesson that people should confront their fears, the voice of Njabulo's grandmother tells him to return to the water. Although the local surfers taunt him, he continues onward. His grandmother saves him from the ravenous squid. She is now part of the ocean. One of the best animated sequences in the episode follows. Njabulo is chased by other surfers, with the music and pace fitting the action. In the end, he is able to rescue his friend.

Perhaps to indicate the world's cruelty, the surfer with malintent, Mlindos (voiced by Carlos Fonseca Mokgata), is brutally killed/subsumed by the squid. Although Njabulu and Mnqobi survive, a final scene, which shows a squid, in the water near the former city, roaring, implies a possible continuation. It also indicates that the city may be under direct threat.

This Kizazi Moto episode/film has to be one of my favorites. Not only do some of the characters talk in Zulu, but the animation is smooth, colorful, and unique, having its own flair. On the other hand, it is a bit like a horror film. It is, perhaps, the scariest of the lot, and it took some time to come around to it since I'm not a big fan of the horror genre, with some exceptions. I wasn't aware of any of the directors (Catherine Green, Nthato Mokgata, and Graham Gallagher), nor the creators (Nthato Mokgata and Terence Neale) or the writers (Nthato Mokgata, Catherine Green, and Phumlani Pikoli).

Similarly, I hadn't heard of Sabelo Gumede (who voices Mlindos' associate, Nsimbi), Tyson Ngubeni (who voices Mlindos' associate, Joko), or Krofaa Sani Sekyiamah (who voices a little surfer girl/Njabulo's student at beginning of the episode). Mokgata is part of a South African visual art duo and musician otherwise known as Spoek Mathambo. He has a distinctly and "socially-engaged" Africanfuturist perspective. Neale is known for music videos.

The other six episodes/films continue the show's "unique African perspective" and play to a big audience. This series may be a breakthrough for the animation industry in Africa. Disney has under-promoted this series, without question. This leaves it up to the individual creators to do the promotion on their own. Triggerfish, the animation studio primarily behind the series, was praised on Glassdoor. Comments described it as extremely organized, having a great company culture, inspirational, great upward mobility, and high-quality animation. The same comments criticized it for a messy production pipeline, low job retention, and low pay.

I was intrigued when I saw the title of "First Totem Problems," the fifth episode/film of Kizazi Moto. The colorful animated scenery and cheerful music pulled me in, as were the struggles of the protagonist. Sheba (voiced by Rene Setlhako) cannot get on a train because it doesn't identify her as an adult. Later, she attends a ceremony to get a totem, so she can become an adult. By accident, she ends up in a dimension where her ancestors are living, akin to the spirit world in Elena of Avalor.

She is determined to get a totem. She enters the totem printing room with that goal. Her ancestors tell her that a totem is connected to your community and can't be manufactured. This doesn't faze her. She makes her own totem and is verified as an adult; despite the damage her actions may have caused within the spirit world.

Honestly, this episode/film was the least favorite one. The message appears to be that someone's determination and smugness will help you achieve your goals. Not sure that is a good lesson. The episode could have done something similar to Hilda, where her arrogance causes her trouble and issues with others. I hadn't heard of the episode's writer/director, Tshepo Moche, nor Maame Boateng and Khadidiatou Diouf, who provided additional writing. The same went for the voice actors, like Tumi Morake, Lillian Dube, Rampepe Mohohlo, and Sne Dladla who voiced Momzo, Mimi, Malume, and Wewe respectfully.

My disappointment from the fifth episode/film of Kizazi Moto faded away when I watched "Mukudzei". This episode/film not only criticizes online culture and obsession with likes as hollow, but it has the lesson that togetherness and cooperation are more important than individuality. Muku (voiced by Pious Nyenyewa) realizes this firsthand, while he is spray painting the ruins. He is transported, due to a timeline glitch, to a future parallel universe, Muchadenga. In this universe, Great Zimbabwe was never colonized. A fellow scavenger named Rumbie (voiced by Genesis "Gigi Lamayne" Manney) saves him. Rumbie tells him this society has all sorts of technology and the most sophisticated justice system in the multiverse. A monster bird chases them and there is an intense, and well-animated, chase through a tunnel.

The biggest twist is not that Muku realizes he messed up or that Rumbie is also from the past, and saw her brother die in the ruins. It is the fact that the bird is trying to help them get back to the past! The bird even assists them in keeping open the portal so they can return to the present, where Rumbie meets her mother (voiced by Fungai Muzoroza), once again. Muku realizes that being #1 as a social media influencer doesn't matter. Rather, talking to his dad is more important. Preserving one's culture and history is another important theme.

Like the other episodes/films, I hadn't heard of the directors (Tafadzwa Hove and Pious Nyenyewa). While Hove was the writer, Nyenyewa also was the episode's creator and voice of Muku, one of the protagonists, as noted earlier. Hove describes himself as a "filmmaker". Nyenyewa is a Zimbabwean who leads the studio, Alula Animation. Manney is a South African rapper known as Gigi Lamayne. This series is the voice acting debut of her and Muzoroza.

The seventh episode/film of Kizazi Moto, "Hatima," was one of the strongest. And I'm not only saying that because I enjoy reading stories about merpeople like Mermaid Huntress (formerly named Ice Massacre), Mora in Disenchantment, Coral in High Guardian Spice, or Lettuce in Tokyo Mew Mew New (who can sometimes be a mermaid). The fact that this took place in an underwater society makes me think of the underwater battles in Star Wars: Clone Wars, the secret society of Atlantis in the 2000s Disney films (Atlantis: The Lost Empire and Atlantis: Milo's Return), the Gungan society in Star Wars, or the oft-appearing Atlanteans in Justice League, Justice League Unlimited, Young Justice, and other properties.

"Hatima" has common themes like a father's death at the hands of an enemy. Being deemed unworthy to be a warrior, with someone holding you back from your potential is not a new concept. I liked that Mati (voiced by Nkosinathi Mazwai) is headstrong. He won't listen to the reasoning of his brother, Sana (voiced by Tshepo Howza Mosese). Sana doesn't understand Mati's anger, or wants to use a "weapon of war", the Hatima. In fact, he declares that the Hatima are only used by the "air-breathers" (i.e., the humans) and that they don't use them. The backstory begins almost innocently. Nhela (voiced by Mo Mjamba) works in her makeshift lab. Her sister, Alani (voiced by Tumela Candice Modiselle) helps her. She learns that sodium chloride causes the Hatima cells to grow instead of destroying them.

It predictably goes south. Their actions incur the disappointment of King of their society, and their father (voiced by Herald Khumalo). He takes away the Hatima. After Nhela mocks his decrees, Alani refuses to work with her. In a possible allusion to chronic illness, Nhela, who is near death, and coughing up blood, submerges herself in the Hatima. She has changed. But no one will accept her, even after her pleas that this substance can cure all sickness.

The worst betrayal is that Alani says they can "fix" and return her to normal, which is ludicrous. Does she want her sister to almost die, again? Unsurprisingly, she leaves the society, feeling shunned by everyone. This connects to Mati and the battle underwater. This whole story is in a memory orb, which reveals this backstory. It causes him to embrace his "enemy," Ntsako (voiced by Lebo Mochudi), and realize they are all related. In some ways, this resolution makes me think of the sirenas in Elena of Avalor, likely referring to the mythologic creature in Filipino culture, which is like a mermaid.

I was familiar with themes of acceptance, the "other," ancestry, and family. Even so, I hadn't come across a series where characters speak Afrikaans, a West Germanic language which evolved in the Dutch Cape Colony used by German, French, Dutch settlers, and those they enslaved. Due to this history, it makes sense that the "oppressors" are speaking this language. I can easily sympathize with what Mati and Nhela are going through, on some level.

This episode/video has extreme potential become a full animated series. Whether Terence Maluleke and Isaac Mogajane, who were the directors, with Maluleke as creator and Mogajane as writer, want to pursue a longer series, I'm not sure. Tatenda Mbudzi was also on the crew, helping with dialogue. I hadn't heard of Sekoati Tsubane (who voices Mati's father) or Kgomotso Kekana (who voices Young Mati), who are voice actors in this series. Maluleke is a digital artist, while Mogajane is director and writer.

The last three episodes/films of Kizazi Moto are unique, but also connect to others. The eighth episode "Stardust", is all about discrimination, realizing who you want to be, and your "destiny" mixed with magic, amazing 3-D animation, and well-fitting music. The protagonist, Nawara (voiced by May Elghety), wants to escape her hard life, and sees the Oracle as the answer. Despite the Oracle's guard saying that her "kind" isn't allowed, the Oracle (voiced by Laith Nakli) gives her a scroll. He says that it has what she deserves. When she learns there is nothing inside the scroll, she is enraged. She declares she will "take" her destiny by herself.

Not everyone likes the Oracle. He is the enemy of the Pallids. They want a magical star from him, even destroying his droid protector. Later, Nawara escapes with some scrolls. Even so, she feels bad after the Oracle is captured. She becomes friends with Riphi, the oxen-like beast who is the Oracle's animal companion. She goes on a typical hero's journey to the observatory. In a powerful scene, the Pallid boss (voiced by Mo Ismail) tells Nawara that she shouldn't waste her pride and ambition because people like her don't get to choose their destiny. Of course, she can't accept this. She fights alongside the Oracle and the Pallids are defeated. Comically, they are thrown out of the observatory.

The end of this episode/film implies that Nawara may stay with the Oracle, as she says that she wants to be "nothing, but this". The camaraderie between Nawara and the Oracle is one of the best parts of the episode/film. The same can be said for the voice acting by Elghety, Nakli, Ismail, Amir Hedayah, Rami El Ashram, and Nayra El Sheikh. The latter three voice the droid announcer, a Pallid man, and Pallid woman. Ahmed Teilab wrote and directed this episode/film. Kenyas screenwriter Voline Ogutu does additional writing. Their talents make "Stardust" that much more impactful.

The ninth episode/film of Kizazi Moto, "You Give Me Heart" shares some similarities with the previously mentioned episode/film, "Mukudzei". However, this episode/film, more than any of the others, criticizes the absurdity of online value. The protagonist, Sundiata "Sundi" (voiced by Sechaba Ramphele), has only two followers. This differs from Phefo and Moepi, voiced by Mhlangabezi Richard Mashiya and Lesego Vorster. He joins a show in which contestants are from a version of Earth called Oro Kotoko. Winners enter the land of the Gods, called Hodimo, and become the new God of creativity. In order to do so, they must convince Maadi, goddess of plenty, to favor them. If the judges are displeased, then a contestant can be rejected.

Luckily for Sundi, he ascends. The announcer, Tsbinki (Mukovhe Monyai), has it out for him, because Sundi embarrassed him by turning him into a clay hummingbird during the contest. Maadi is willing to help him. While he is happy for her help, he never gets close to the follower count he needs to truly ascend: one million followers. He admits to her that it is hard to get people to like you. When he sees the true form of Maadi (voiced by Pearl Thusi), he films her, and causes him to reach his goal.

This is at a cost. He embarrasses her. It results in her losing so many followers that her goddess status disappears. In the final part of the episode, he strikes back. Everything falls apart, with the help of Maadi, with each of the gods losing their forms, and the system overloads. Maadi and Sundi hold hands and tell the program, Jojoba (voiced by Simba Mudereri) to "delete" it all. They appear to die happy while this horrifying place disappears from existence.

"You Give Me Heart" was one of my favorite Kizazi Moto episodes/films. I thought the imagery of the Gods working in cubicles is apt. I've always thought that if a higher power was even possible (which it isn't), there would be a massive bureaucracy to manage everything. This is almost never depicted in fiction. I liked Tsbinki's character, to an extent, as she is very energetic and emphatic. Some of the designs reminded me of Gem fusions like Sunstone, Sugilite, and Sunstone in Steven Universe. The director/creator, Lesego Vorster, and writer, Nonzi Bogatsu, were both new names to me.

The final film/episode of Kizazi Moto, "Enkai", shares themes with "Hatima". The mother Goddess, Shiro, has fun with her child, Enkai. Both speak Swahili together. Despite this warmth, she insists that Enkai isn't ready to create new life, and is not ready to come with her to Earth. Understandably, Enkai worries about her mother. She is excited when she makes her first being. Curiously, she travels to Earth and walks through a slum in Kirinyaga Mega City. People there are rapping that the Euro-Kenya Corporation is exploiting a mountain. Her mom, who is trying to put out fires made by the corporation's robots, saves her, just in time.

Shiro's belief that the corporation won't destroy the sacred mountain is proven wrong. The corporate greed, of the humans, almost kills her. Not all hope is lost. Enkai (voiced by Stycie Waweru) creates a whole new world, using items from Earth over years and years, called Thayari. She tells her mom that humans can only save themselves now. She adds that isn't her mom's responsibility anymore, and heals her mother (voiced by Sheila Munyiva). In the final sequence of this episode/film, they both dance in this new world happily.

While the Earth is "left to die", Shiro did as much as she could. She almost died trying to protect Earth. This episode/film has the implication that humans have no one to look up to but themselves. In some ways, this is an atheist theme. This contrasts with many of the other episodes/films, which have almost religious, or religious themes. I wasn't familiar with the voice actresses for Enkai or Shiro, nor those for Awa (Kate Harbor) or Makanga (Varees Marko Lukyamuzzi). The director/writer, Ng'engo Mukii, was also new. She is a film director and Tufts University professor.

I have further thoughts on Kizazi Moto before I end this review. The series was promoted badly. I only remembered it all thanks to some savvy users on social media. As such, the promotional campaign could have been better. Secondly, having all ten episodes/films drop one day is a recipe for having them disappear altogether, with people forgetting about them. The release of the episodes/films should have been spaced out along 10 weeks, or five weeks at minimum.

This series is unlike any other series I've seen, in part because it is an anthology. Each episode/film doesn't necessarily connect to the previous one. Even so, they all show the brilliance of African animation industry, whether through the writing, animation, or dialogue. Although I haven't seen any of the episodes of Star Wars: Visions yet, it has a similar feel, in terms of each episode standing alone and not necessarily connecting to those before it. At the same time, this series differs from other well-known sci-fi anthology series like Black Mirror, The Twilight Zone, The Ray Bradbury Theater, and Love, Death & Robots.

African stories are front and center in Kizazi Moto, just as Mexican stories are at the center of Victor and Valentino and Villainous. The fact that Ramsey, known for his co-direction of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, gives this series credibility. Unfortunately, many originally incorrectly labeled this as "Afrofuturist," despite the distinction as I noted earlier in this review, with some exceptions. With the premiere of Supa Team 4 late last month, My Dad the Bounty Hunter season 2  this month, and premieres for Iyanu: Child of Wonder, and Dantai, hopefully in 2024 or 2025, Black science fiction is moving to a broader audience.

Recently, Disney announced that The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder would be getting a third season. At the same convention, Annecy International Animation Film Festival, it was also revealed that The Sunnyridge 3, StuGo, Dragon Striker, and The Doomies will be going into production, along with a second season of Kiff, and future premiere of Primos sometime this year. All of this shows that Disney appears to recognize the value of diverse storytelling.

On the other hand, Disney continues to resist demands of striking writers and actors. Recently, newly-anointed Disney CEO, Bob Iger, denigrated striking writers and actors as "very disruptive". The former are asking for a ratified labor contract, a fair residual formula for streaming services, stronger regulation of self-tape auditions, preventing artificial intelligence from replacing actors, while the latter want to limit use of artificial intelligence in the writing process, size of writers' rooms, job security, and increased pay.

Due to Iger's statement, there's no guarantee Disney would pay them fairly or accept their demands at the present. However, it seems unlikely that the twin strikes by actors and writers will last long-term because, hopefully, the studio heads likely want to make a deal, even though some want to let things drag on until union members start "losing their apartments and...their houses." Furthermore, it is not known how this will impact Disney's push for diverse storytelling.

Kizazi Moto, along with various aforementioned series which are in production, those renewed, or those airing (Kiff, Hamster & Gretel, Moon Girl, and Hailey's On It!) is part of Disney's present course of action. Disney also has series in development such as Iwaju, Cookies & Milk, Tiana, or Moana: The Series. Clearly, the executives want to bring in, promote, and produce non-White stories. This was already clear with the Thai focus in Amphibia and various Black and Afro-Latina characters in The Owl House. It is even more evident with recent announcements.

I'm not sure where Kizazi Moto will go from here, but each has the potential to be expanded into their own series, or something more. I hope that they don't suffer the fate of the little-known web series, Recorded by Arizal, by Filipino creator Yssa Badiola. That series was ignored by Rooster Teeth, and not greenlit into a full series, despite the amazing potential of the four-episode prelude.

Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire can be watched on Disney+.

© 2023 Burkely Hermann. All rights reserved.

[darnellafrica]

Nigeria 🇳🇬 Senate Rejects War Request From President Tinubu

President Tinubu of Nigeria 🇳🇬 will not be leading troops into battle against Niger 🇳🇪 on Sunday after issuing his national neighbors an ultimatum.

Following the refusal of the coup leaders to backtrack, West African defence chiefs said they had drawn a plan for military action as part of which President Tinubu wrote the Senate for permission to involve Nigerian troops in the action.

However, at an executive session on Saturday, the senators rejected the request by the president.

According to a senator who attended the meeting, senators agreed to pass a resolution condemning the coup and to commend ECOWAS leaders on their efforts to restore constitutional order in Niger, but they ruled out military options.

Basically what will probably happen next is that Nigeria 🇳🇬 will increase sanctions while Niger 🇳🇪 will become more unstable as the nation battles terrorists with limited funds & limited electricity.

Residents living in the cities of Niamey, Maradi and Zinder have power for about an hour at a time before it is switched off for up to five hours.

Power cuts like these are unusual in Niger, which normally has regular and reliable supplies.

But the country is heavily dependent on its wealthier neighbour to the south, Nigeria, as its main supplier of electricity. In 2019, Nigelec's chief executive told the Ideas For Development outlet that Niger relied on Abuja for up to 70% of its electricity supply.

What will probably happen is the situation in Niger 🇳🇪, along with Burkina Faso 🇧🇫 & Mali 🇲🇱 will continue to deteriorate, & over the next few years will will witness millions of refugees from these nations attempt to enter neighboring countries.

With the threat of military intervention unofficially off the table, we could witness more African nations that were previously oppressed by France 🇫🇷 reject democracy in favor of an autocratic military government (which does not bode well for civil liberties).

Discovered via:

[nexbynecca]

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[hopeonmyphone]

BTS J-Hope's enlistment, ABC, BBC, Egypt TV, etc. 300 overseas media coverage "World attention"

Jhope joined the 36th Army Recruit Training Center in Wonju, Gangwon-do on the 18th, and more than 300 media outlets around the world reported on it and showed great interest. .

The world's three major news agencies, the AP of the US , Reuters of the UK, and AFP of France, introduced that "BTS has become a global cultural phenomenon by contributing billions of dollars to the Korean economy and building an international fan base "

Special exemption from military service is provided to traditional musicians, ballet and other dancers if they have won a top prize in a particular competition and are judged to have increased national prestige, but K-pop stars and other entertainers are not subject to the privilege.” ABC , CBS , NBC , Fox News, and UPI, the three major American terrestrial broadcasters , also reported on the enlistment news. NBC and CBS also reported on entertainment news programs such as Access Hollywood and Entertainment Tonight.

CNN reported on the news of their enlistment, saying, " BTS have become global superstars, such as being nominated for a Grammy, and with sales of $4.9 billion in 2019, they account for 0.3% of the country's gross domestic product and have become an important part of the Korean economy."

Major media such as Time, Forbes, Washington Times, Washington Post, USA Today, People, Variety, music media such as Billboard, Rolling Stone, Consequence of Sound, American Songwriter, radio networks such as iHeartRadio and Ohda, and entertainment Tonight, Teen Vogue, EFE , and IBTIMES also reported the news.

In the United States, even local media such as New York Daily News, SCNOW , Gadget Times, Montana Standard, laprensalatina , Fox LA , and Massachusetts Radio joined the ranks of reporting and showed keen interest. Canada's ET Canada also broke the news.

Brazil's OFuxico , Mexico's daily Diario de Yucatan , la verdad noticias, Peruvian daily la republica , Aristegui Noticias , news es euro , TV channel latina pe , and Chilean publimetro , etc.

Britain's public broadcaster BBC reported on the situation in South Korean politics, saying, "There has been discussion for years about whether BTS should serve compulsory service or whether they should be exempted for their contribution to the arts, but the Ministry of Defense has ruled that they must serve . " "When J-Hope released a photo of his shaved head, fans cheered by clicking more than 8 million likes," the report said.

Daily Mail, a daily newspaper in the UK, NME , a music media outlet , Metro Entertainment, and Forcenet, which delivers news related to defense around the world, also reported news.

In France, news of J-Hope's enlistment was reported by 24-hour news channel BFM TV , state-run international news TV network France 24, and weekly news magazine Paris Match.

Germany's wochenschau , Italy's TV news channel Sky TG24 , Netherlands' TV channel RTL Boulevard , Spain's national daily sports newspaper Marca, Portugal's national newspaper publico , and Russia's Orsk Today also joined in the reporting.

In Africa, Egyptian TV channel Sada El Balad , Egyptian radio channel Nile FM , Nigerian news agency Peoples Gazette , and Jordanian mediaAl Bawaba et al reported. UAE daily Khalij Times and Gulf News reported the news.

In India, many media such as The Telegraph, India TV , NDTV , Hindustan Times, East Mojo, Fun Times, Delhi Times, Glasham, and Bangalore Times showed interest.

Japan's Oricon News, Billboard Japan, The Japan News, Hong Kong's South China Morning Post Lifestyle Asia, Singapore's Straits Times, Philippine daily Inquirer, CNN Philippines Philstar, ABS-CBN, Indonesia 's CNN Indonesia , Thailand 's Reports from Asian countries followed, including thethaiger daily , Malaysian Insight, Pakistan's Global Village Space , and Vietnam's daily thanh nien .

It is estimated that hundreds of millions of viewers and readers around the world heard the news of J-Hope's enlistment through such news reports. Meanwhile, J-Hope performed ' HUH', a song from Suga's solo album released on the 21st.?!' as a lyricist/composer and featured in the song, giving fans a song gift. J-Hope's scheduled discharge date is October 17, 2024.

Source: Herald Economy

[afrobeatsindacity]

JOEBOY ANNOUNCES FIRST UK HEADLINE TOUR

From West Africa to London to Latin America, Joeboy has been making serious waves across the world in recent years. Now the Nigerian hitmaker has announced a mini headline tour of the UK, taking in dates in London, Manchester and Birmingham in May and June 2023.

With a UK fan-base hungry to see him perform live, tickets are expected to go quickly - so with this in mind Joeboy’s team have shared a registration link for fans to sign up for priority access to avoid any disappointment - here.

“I wanted to give all my UK fans access to my upcoming shows, I felt sharing a sign up link ahead of the tour would be the most fair option for this.” Joeboy says “I love my UK fans and I can not wait to bring my live show to London, Manchester and Birmingham.”

The Afropop star will be performing tracks from his upcoming album, Body & Soul. Dropping in April, the 14 track LP boasts tracks full of love, good vibes and happiness - filled back-to-front with Joeboy’s trademark free-flowing lyricism and radiant riddims, and featuring contributions from a wealth of Nigerian talent.

Having established himself as one of Afrobeats' biggest hitmakers, Joeboy has accrued over three billion streams, working with cohorts such as Diplo, CKay and Mr Eazi. Known for penning love songs which pull from African and Caribbean vibes, his music has garnered global media support from outlets such as Rolling Stone, COLORS, Vice, Billboard, Complex, and The FADER.

The Lagos native released his debut EP Love & Light in November 2019 and appeared on the #1 single in 2020 ‘Nobody’ with DJ Neptune and Mr Eazi. He followed this early success with 2021’s debut album Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic. The 14-song LP received rave reviews, with Rolling Stone declaring it as "one of the year’s best albums''. It was just the beginning for Joeboy as his next track ‘Sip (Alcohol)’ became his biggest single to date, fast approaching 700 million streams worldwide. With the track topping Apple Music’s streaming chart in 17 countries, Joeboy would finish 2021 as the year’s most streamed artist worldwide on Audiomack. 

Bringing his good time vibes to UK shores is the next step for an artist making his mark on a flourishing global Afrobeats scene. Sign up for tickets here.

[afrotumble]

Nigeria’s Cafe Neo: Hoping to become the African Starbucks - PAN AFRICAN VISIONS

He said he was inspired by India, where Cafe Coffee Day has largely cornered the market, despite the increasing presence of international chains such as Britain’s Costa Coffee or Starbucks. “India is a fantastic example with Cafe Coffee Day,” he explained. “We aim at something similar. “We’re starting young right now and our aim is to grow as such that yes, Starbucks may come, but we want to be the choice of Nigerians, because there’s that affinity with something that comes from here, in Africa.” Produce and consume Neo has three cafes currently in Lagos and two others are scheduled to open early this year. There is another outlet in Kigali. All the cafes only serve 100% Rwandan arabica, which has become one of its main selling points. The chain is hoping to branch out across Africa and expects to have between 20 and 30 cafes in Lagos alone within the next four years.

[gossipinfo]

Serie A: AC Milan Chief Ibrahimovic Declines to Comment on Last-Minute Bid for Osimhen

AC Milan senior advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic declined to comment on whether the club made a last-minute bid for Victor Osimhen from Napoli. Osimhen recently joined Turkish Super Lig champions Galatasaray on a season-long loan. Leading up to the transfer deadline, Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli and Chelsea were the prominent contenders for the Nigerian striker. Italian news outlet AS Tuttosport…

[ejesgistnews]

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has recently announced new petrol pump prices, leading to significant reactions from oil marketers and consumers alike. Here’s a detailed look at the current petrol prices across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Current Petrol Prices Across Nigeria: A State-by-State Breakdown Here are the current petrol prices across Nigeria as announced by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd): Abia State: ₦960.22 per litre Adamawa State: ₦1,019.22 per litre Akwa Ibom State: ₦980.22 per litre Anambra State: ₦960.22 per litre Bauchi State: ₦1,019.22 per litre Bayelsa State: ₦980.22 per litre Benue State: ₦999.22 per litre Borno State: ₦1,019.22 per litre Cross River State: ₦980.22 per litre Delta State: ₦960.22 per litre Ebonyi State: ₦960.22 per litre Edo State: ₦960.22 per litre Ekiti State: ₦950.22 per litre Enugu State: ₦960.22 per litre Gombe State: ₦1,019.22 per litre Imo State: ₦960.22 per litre Jigawa State: ₦999.22 per litre Kaduna State: ₦999.22 per litre Kano State: ₦999.22 per litre Katsina State: ₦999.22 per litre Kebbi State: ₦999.22 per litre Kogi State: ₦960.22 per litre Kwara State: ₦960.22 per litre Lagos State: ₦950.22 per litre Nasarawa State: ₦999.22 per litre Niger State: ₦999.22 per litre Ogun State: ₦950.22 per litre Ondo State: ₦950.22 per litre Osun State: ₦950.22 per litre Oyo State: ₦960.22 per litre Plateau State: ₦999.22 per litre Rivers State: ₦980.22 per litre Sokoto State: ₦999.22 per litre Taraba State: ₦1,019.22 per litre Yobe State: ₦1,019.22 per litre Zamfara State: ₦999.22 per litre Federal Capital Territory (FCT): ₦992.22 per litre. Reactions from Oil Marketers The announcement has sparked a range of reactions from various oil marketing associations: Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN): MOMAN has expressed concerns that the high price of petrol sourced from the Dangote Refinery could lead to increased importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). They predict price variations at filling stations, ranging from ₦950 to ₦1,200 per litre, depending on location. Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN): IPMAN, representing a majority of petrol stations, has questioned the rationale behind higher prices for domestically produced fuel. National Welfare Officer John Kekeocha emphasized that the pricing strategy for locally refined petrol should benefit Nigerians by offering more affordable options. Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN): PETROAN President Billy Gillis-Harry described the petrol prices as “terrifying.” While acknowledging NNPC’s transparency in the price breakdown, he noted that the national oil company did not disclose its profit margin from Dangote’s selling price. The new petrol prices reflect the complexities and challenges facing Nigeria’s fuel market. As stakeholders navigate the implications of the new pricing strategy, consumers are left to cope with the varying costs across different states. The reactions from MOMAN, IPMAN, and PETROAN highlight the ongoing debate about the best approach to ensure affordable and sustainable fuel pricing in Nigeria. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story. If you have any thoughts or experiences to share about the new petrol prices, feel free to leave a comment below.

[mynewshq]

Petrol crisis: Trucks stranded at depots as NNPCL, Dangote tango over pricing

Oil marketers have yet to commence the loading of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, despite assurances by the Federal Government that the commodity will be available this weekend. News HQ gathered that though some PMS vessels had arrived in the country at the NNPC’s Apapa and Port Harcourt depots, loading by independent marketers had yet to begin. As a result, petrol queues in major cities persisted on Friday despite the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, earlier promising that the product would be massively available before the weekend. But the National Operations Controller of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Mustapha Zarma, said on Friday that the loading of products at depots had yet to commence, stressing that the queues could last till Monday. “Maybe the improvement in supply will start tomorrow or Sunday but as of yesterday (Thursday) and today (Friday), there has not been much loading of products. And even if there has been loading today, I don’t think it is much. “That is why the queues are still visible. We cannot confirm the massive release of products as announced by the minister until maybe Monday,” Zarma stated. On whether the petrol being expected was the one from the Dangote refinery, Zarma replied, “I am not in a position to answer that. It is NNPC that should answer that.” NNPC earlier stated on Thursday that it would start lifting products from the Dangote refinery on September 15, 2024. Zarma had told our correspondent on Thursday that about 2,000 petrol tankers were still at various NNPC depots waiting to lift products. He said, “The queues in Abuja are heavy. Nobody is loading. Right now, most of the tickets of independent marketers, which had been paid for since the last three months have not been cleared to load.” The President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, Billy Gillis-Harry, also confirmed that marketers had yet to start lifting petrol as required. “We are aware of what the minister said, but we don’t have products yet. We have not started lifting the product as it is supposed to be and that is why the cost is very high in filling stations that have it. “People struggle so much to get the product to sell to keep their businesses running. Once the products are readily accessible, the price will stabilise and the queues will clear. That is the situation.” Presidential aide attacks Dangote Meanwhile, a presidential aide said the Dangote Refinery was running away from pricing in order not to look bad to Nigerians. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, noted that the refinery was the sole determinant of pricing, adding that it could not sell fuel below its cost price. “The petrol price cannot be less than N1,000; that was why Dangote decided to push it to the government. So, if the price is determined by the Federal Government, people can attack the government. How does a private company ask the government to fix its price?” the official stated. In a statement on Thursday, the Dangote Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, had said the PMS market in Nigeria was strictly regulated and the refinery would wait for relevant government agencies for the price. He said, “The PMS market is strictly regulated, which is known to all oil marketers and stakeholders in the sector, hence we cannot determine, fix, or influence the product price, which falls under the purview of relevant government authorities.” However, the NNPC, in another statement by its spokesman, Olufemi Soneye, made a contrary claim about the price. The company held that the PMS market had been deregulated and market forces would determine the price of the product. Soneye was quoting the Executive Vice President of Downstream, NNPC, Adedapo Segun, saying Section 205 of the Petroleum Industry Act, which established NNPC Ltd, stipulated that petroleum prices were determined by unrestricted free market forces. “Additionally, the exchange rate plays a significant role in influencing these prices,” the NNPC submitted. Market forces Experts told our correspondent that if the NNPC and the Federal Government allowed market forces to determine the price of Dangote petrol, it might be as high as N1,000 per litre. “Can Nigerians buy petrol at N1,000 or N1,100?” a depot operator queried, asking the government to intervene to ensure affordable energy for Nigerians. Speaking with our correspondent, an energy consultant and expert, Henry Adigun, said the cost of producing a litre of PMS is an average of N750, without any additional cost. According to Adigun, this could rise to N800/litre when other margins are added, which will also increase when it gets to the filling stations. He stated that the NNPC could decide to buy from Dangote and sell at a subsidised rate to the masses. The consultant, however, called for transparency in the entire process. “Anybody that is expecting N400 or N500 petrol is just wasting his time. It won’t happen,” Adigun added. Similarly, Professor Emeritus, Wumi Iledare, held that the PIA did not empower anyone to set the price of petrol, saying it should be determined by the forces of demand and supply. Iledare stated that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority had the responsibility to ensure there was no price gouging. The don advocated for a willing seller, willing buyer arrangement, saying the NMDPRA should not allow the NNPC to be the sole buyer of Dangote PMS. He rejected the payment of shortfalls on PMS, nothing that the sale of petrol to all marketers in naira would crash the price. Until the market becomes fully deregulated with many participants, Iledare suggested that Nigeria should practise what he called price modulation with a committee looking at important determinants of demand and supply to agree on a price to be reviewed as the situation changes. He also said the price of diesel in Ghana was one cedis higher than that of petrol. OPS warns NNPC The Organised Private Sector on Friday warned that allowing market forces to determine the prices of fuel would bring about more volatility in the sector. In a statement made available to News HQ, the National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, Dele Oye, said the chamber condemned the recent announcement by the Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri, that the Federal Government would no longer interfere in the pricing of PMS in the country. He said NACCIMA was particularly alarmed by the potential impact of this decision on businesses, consumers, and the overall economic landscape, adding that the deregulation of PMS prices, coupled with the influence of foreign exchange illiquidity, was likely to result in significant volatility and unpredictability in fuel prices. “The possibility of a sharp increase in fuel prices, potentially exceeding the initial rise from N600 to N800 at NNPC stations is a grave concern. This will undoubtedly lead to a surge in inflationary pressures, eroding the purchasing power of consumers and putting immense strain on businesses already struggling to navigate the challenging economic environment. “A more gradual and well-planned approach to PMS pricing is essential to ensure stability, predictability, and sustainable economic growth in Nigeria,” he stated. In an interview with our correspondent, the President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Francis Meshioye, said the Federal Government should examine the underlying factors causing the price hikes before attempting to address the problem, noting the need to devise long-term solutions. He said, “The effort to control fuel prices has been largely sabotaged, and the cost of goods has also increased. The government should take the time to examine the root of the issue. There are underlying factors causing these problems, and they cannot be addressed without tackling the fundamental issues that led to the price hikes. It’s time to stop with superficial solutions; what we need are quick and effective measures. They must identify what triggered the increases and devise a strategic plan to address the underlying problem. The key concern is that the government should focus on long-term solutions because energy supply is crucial to manufacturers.” Meshioye added that the inconsistencies in the energy sector were adversely affecting the operational strategies employed by manufacturers, as they were constantly required to plan in alignment with the current economic realities in the country. According to the MAN boss, the Federal Government should engage the services of patriotic experts and stakeholders in the energy sector, whose recommendations would be adopted for implementation after brainstorming on how to get lasting solutions to the problem. Also, the Director of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, Dr Muda Yusuf, said fuel scarcity results in profiteering, and the only way the government can stop it is to ensure the availability of the product and promote competition. “Generally, three critical factors determine the prices of petroleum products: procurement costs, logistics costs, and product availability. The different prices we are currently witnessing are consequences of these factors. If the conditions around these variables improve, we would see a moderation in prices as well as less variability. It is product scarcity that results in profiteering. The way to tackle this exploitative practice is to ensure product availability and promote competition,” he stated. TUC considers strike The Trade Union Congress criticised the increase in fuel prices, saying it undermined the new minimum wage of N70,000. The TUC revealed that it would convene to discuss potential strike action, noting that “with the current situation, anything can happen.” In an interview with News HQ, the National Deputy President of the TUC, Tommy Etim, expressed concerns that the hike would lead to higher costs for goods and services. He stated, “Our focus right now isn’t just on whether we are considering a strike. Given the current circumstances, anything is possible. It may not even originate from us. For instance, the #EndBadGovernance protest wasn’t initiated by us, it was a response to pressing economic issues.” Etim emphasised that any decision regarding a strike would depend on the positions taken by individual labour centres. “Once the various labour  unions have made their decisions, we will formulate a unified stance for organised labour,” he added. But the Nigeria Labour Congress reiterated that it would meet to give direction on how to engage the Federal Government on the fuel hike. Spokesperson for the NLC, Benson Upah, said the appropriate organs of the body would meet and take decisions. Nigerians trek, ride bicycles Following the hike in fuel prices, which has increased the cost of transportation across the country, some Nigerians have resorted to the use of bicycles for interstate movement. Our correspondents, who travelled to major cities in the country on Friday, reported that some Nigerians opted for trekking and cycling. Some residents of Ogun State said they had abandoned their cars in favour of public transport, coupled with trekking, to cope with the unbearable hardship caused by the fuel crisis. A senior health worker in the state, Mrs Fauziyah Adesola, said she had dropped her car and cut down on unnecessary journeys. “With the fuel subsidy removal and the price rising from N200 to N600 per litre, I initially tried to stubbornly use my personal car, but I found out that it was a battle I couldn’t win. I was burning so much on fuel, children’s school bills were skyrocketing, and the cost of food and many other things were rising, yet the salary remained unchanged. “So, I switched to using public transport when going to my workstation outside Abeokuta, and I added a bit of trekking. I have since found peace. I have also cut down on unnecessary journeys and social engagements,” she lamented. Another resident, Mr Kola Adio, said he had also parked his car and embraced public transport and trekking to manage the burdensome cost of transportation. He said, “I stopped taking my car to work in January, and I have noticed that many people in my neighborhood have done the same. I now use public transport to work, which costs me an average of N2000, compared to the N10,000 I was spending daily.” A man, David Michael, said he now uses commercial motorcycles, popularly called okada, to get to work. He said, “Is it not better to spend N1,200 on a bike to work daily than about N5,000 or even more driving myself? It is common sense. What I do now is just to take my car to church when the whole family is involved. “I have also learnt to trek for at least 10 minutes from my house to the junction to get a bike to my work station. Many people are doing the same because this economy is harsh. It is terrible. None of us prepared for this situation, but God will see us through.” In some parts of Delta State, a similar trend is observed as some Nigerians in Asaba trekked to work, while others used bicycles for movement within the state capital on Friday. A resident in the city, Mr Monday Iwu, said he resorted to using a bicycle because he could not afford to buy fuel at the exorbitant price. “I have a car, but since the fuel hike, I have parked my car and have been using a bicycle to work. However, our problem is the road. There are no proper roads, and cars, trucks, and even tricycles don’t allow us on the road; they harass us with their big vehicles. That’s our only fear, but we have no other options.” Speaking with our correspondent, a young woman residing in the Ekeki axis of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Tarindo Mike, said she had reduced her movements due to the increase in transportation fares caused by the fuel price hike. He said, “I’m just managing. Like today, where I used to pay N100, they now charge N150. I waited for two or three Keke before the last one carried me, and the rider said, ‘You know that fuel is high, and I’m just carrying you for N100. “The situation is depressing. As a seller, I sample the prices of intend to buy the next day, but when I go with the money, I’m told the price has increased, and it makes me sad.” In Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, a middle-aged woman” who identified herself only as Funke, said she trekked from Ring Road to the Challenge area of the city on Friday because she could not afford the high fares that motorists demanded due to the fuel price hike. Similarly, a resident in the Odo-Ona Elewe area of Ibadan, who simply gave his name as Mr Luku, said, “Most of the people living in this community often trek long distances to major roads where they can then board Keke Maruwa (tricycle) or Micra taxi cabs when they have business in other areas of Ibadan. “This is how we have been trying to cope with the fuel situation since Tinubu removed the subsidy on petrol. Many people in this community don’t go out except for important reasons.” Also, a commuter in Abia state, said, “We have decided to trek so that instead of paying N400, we can now pay N300. Honestly, this fuel hike is changing the attitude of residents of the state. We now engage in trekking to cushion the effect of the hike.” When our correspondent spoke to a bicyclist, he said, “I decided to fix my abandoned bicycle so I wouldn’t need to pay N400 from Douglas Road to Orji. Did you notice that passengers have resorted to trekking? There’s always a way out.” Read the full article

[saintmeghanmarkle]

A little info and PSA about ChatGPT and the other AIs (and how it relates to MM) by u/Larushka

A little info and PSA about ChatGPT and the other AIs (and how it relates to MM) Hi fellow sinners. Since TRGs very excellent video on how Meghan seems to be gaming the system with the Nigerian fiasco, I noticed some confusion in the threads and thought I’d give those who would like it a little guidance as to how current AI works.I’m an IT tech and educator (started with Apple in ‘80) and have been working extensively with AI and specifically ChatGPT for the past year. So, this is a simplified-ish explanation….All these new artificial intelligence programs that have surfaced in the last year - ChatGPT/Gemini/Bard/Claude/CoPilot et al - are what we call LLMs = large language models. The way they ‘learn’ is by being fed pretty much everything that is legally, and maybe not so legally, available to them online. This is literally millions of articles, threads, blogs, social media etc. Billions of words. Interestingly, as of very recently, this now includes Reddit. So everything we write here will be sucked up too!! They assimilate all this data and ‘learn’ from it, which sort of means that they learn patterns and anticipate what comes next. And while they are mostly getting remarkably good at it, sometimes they don’t know the correct answer and make stuff up, which we call hallucinating. Always check what it tells you. ALWAYS. Especially if it’s important or you’re going to be repeating it.When you ask a question, known as a prompt, what the LLM is actually doing is rapidly searching this vast database in its memory, and using the patterns its learned, pulls out the most relevant words that it thinks will answer your question. Up until last year, the data wasn’t current. More recently, the LLMs have the ability to search the web in real time. And the LLMs can now also access youtube video transcripts, and interpret photos. This is where the problem happens. You can actually skew search results with something called SEO - search engine optimization. This is something you can pay for and has been around forever. . It’s what pushes certain links to the top when you do, e.g. a google search. Again, simplistically, you can post articles, or submit them to mainstream media (MSM) linking ideas/people etc. So for example, Meghan and her paid PR can flood MSM with “Meghan Markle at Beyoncé concert”. Now although we all know that she was just there in the audience, but if the article gets repeated enough times by other media outlets, when you Google “Meghan Markle”, she will now be associated with Beyoncé. ChatGPT takes that further by creating its response using what it finds most of. So if its search discovers a gazillion articles on how wonderful Meghan is, then that’s what it’s going to tell you back. It’s technically not a bias of the program, or its programmers, but a reflection of the data its found in abundance. You cannot pay to change this apparent bias. The AI programmers don’t decide what information gets included in your answer. However, they do program safeguards into the AI (this is what the huge deal is right now about AI - safety - but thats another issue).So in summary:G=Generative=it’s generating output, based on P=Pretrained=its been fed data to learn with, and T=Transformer=it takes that data and transforms it according to your request.Hope that helps. post link: https://ift.tt/0dsnjLT author: Larushka submitted: June 04, 2024 at 08:44AM via SaintMeghanMarkle on Reddit disclaimer: all views + opinions expressed by the author of this post, as well as any comments and reblogs, are solely the author's own; they do not necessarily reflect the views of the administrator of this Tumblr blog. For entertainment only.