INFORMED LENS MEDIA REPORT

UNICEF Nigeria has sounded the alarm over a diphtheria outbreak in the country that has claimed over 453 lives and led to more than 11,500 suspected cases, with over 7,000 confirmed cases, primarily affecting children. In a press statement signed by Dr. Rownak Khan, the UNICEF Nigeria Representative, the organization highlighted the pressing need for widespread vaccination to combat the outbreak effectively. To respond to this crisis, UNICEF Nigeria urgently requires an additional $3.3 million in funding by year-end. The statement emphasized that the majority of cases involve children aged between 4 and 15 years who have not received even a single dose of the essential vaccine, underscoring the critical need for comprehensive vaccination efforts in Nigeria. UNICEF is actively supporting the Nigerian government's response to the outbreak, with a key component being the procurement of vaccines. To date, UNICEF has supplied 9.3 million doses of diphtheria vaccines to affected states, ...

  ChatGPT, the popular AI chatbot, is now able to not only chat, but also see, hear, and speak. This is a major breakthrough in AI technology, and opens up new possibilities for how people can interact with AI. The new features, which will be rolling out over the next two weeks, will give users the ability to have voice conversations with ChatGPT on iOS and Android, and to include images in conversations on all platforms. ChatGPT's visual recognition capabilities are powered by multimodal GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 models, which can analyze images to interpret and understand them. This allows ChatGPT to recognize and identify objects in images, and to understand the context of images. ChatGPT's auditory capabilities are achieved through sophisticated algorithms that can interpret sounds and speech. This allows ChatGPT to understand spoken commands, interpret emotions in speech, and even translate languages in real-time. ChatGPT's speaking ability is powered by a text-to-speech model...

The Lagos Governorship Election Tribunal has made a significant ruling regarding the petition filed by Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour and the Labour Party (LP) against Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. This petition contested Sanwo-Olu's victory in the 2023 governorship election, claiming that he was not qualified to run. However, the tribunal has dismissed this petition, citing a lack of merit. DETAILS the Lagos Governorship Election Tribunal has delivered its verdict on the petition filed by Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour and the Labour Party (LP) against the incumbent Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. This petition challenged the legitimacy of Sanwo-Olu's victory in the 2023 governorship election, arguing that he did not meet the qualifications required to run for the position. The tribunal's decision, which came after a series of preliminary motions, is a significant moment in the post-election legal battle that has been ongoing. The tribunal stated that the petition lacked merit, effectively dis...

YouTube has introduced a new mobile app called "YouTube Create" designed to make video editing more accessible and user-friendly. The app is aimed at streamlining the video creation process on mobile devices, potentially encouraging more users to produce short-form videos similar to TikTok-style content. One of the driving factors behind TikTok's popularity is its ease of use in creating short videos. YouTube aims to offer a similar experience with the "YouTube Create" app, making it simpler for users to edit and publish content. The app is expected to cater to creators who want to produce high-quality videos without the complexity of traditional video editing software. Some key features of the "YouTube Create" app include: - Precision editing and trimming tools - Automatic captioning - Voiceover capabilities - Access to a library of filters, effects, transitions, and royalty-free music - Beat matching technology for synchronized music The app is curre...

 The Lagos State Police Command has completed the process of exhuming the body of the singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad. Subsequently, an autopsy will be conducted as part of the ongoing investigation. Mohbad's recent passing last Tuesday raised concerns, with accusations directed towards the Marlian Record Label's owner, Afeez Fashola, professionally known as Naira Marley. Additionally, there have been disputes among distant relatives regarding him in the days following his death. Many Nigerians questioned why he was buried in Ikorodu, Lagos, immediately after his demise, but his father explained that it was in accordance with Yoruba customs. Nigerian youths have organized peaceful protests demanding justice for him. Both the Nigerian police and the Lagos State Police Command have committed to investigating his death, and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has requested the Department of State Service (DSS) to join the investigation. On Thursday morning, ...

Wema Bank, renowned as Nigeria's most innovative bank and the pioneer of Africa's first fully digital bank, ALAT, has unveiled the Hackaholics Digital Summit 2023. This groundbreaking event is set to become Africa's largest congregation of innovators, disruptors, regulators, policymakers, investors, and customers in the digital arena. The Hackaholics initiative was introduced by Wema Bank in 2019, with a focus on youth and startups. Its mission revolves around providing a platform for entrepreneurs and innovators with transformative, tech-driven concepts to nurture their ideas and enhance their skills. The recently launched 4th edition of Hackaholics, in April 2023, entailed extensive outreach to top Nigerian universities to identify and nurture talented students with innovative ideas. The Hackaholics Digital Summit 2023 is scheduled to take place on October 6, 2023, in Lagos, Nigeria, under the theme "Re-Imagine: Disrupting the Ecosystem for Scale." This multifac...

Singapore has taken the top spot in the Economic Freedom of the World Index 2023, according to a report published by the Fraser Institute on September 19, 2023. This achievement comes as Hong Kong drops to second place due to restrictive Chinese government policies, resulting in a significant reshuffling of the rankings. The Economic Freedom of the World Index, which provides comprehensive data from 2021, indicates that Hong Kong's decline to second place, with a total score of 8.55 points, allowed Singapore to claim the highest position with a slight increase to 8.56 points. While Singapore's score remains similar to the previous year, it stands significantly higher than most countries worldwide. Since 1996, the report has tracked countries with open and growth-friendly policies, considering factors such as stringent property rights protection, effective anti-corruption enforcement, favorable tax rates, and transparent environments. Additionally, Singapore's embrace of glo...

The Kano Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has made a significant decision, ousting Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and declaring the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the victor in the March 18th election. Initially, Governor Yusuf, who ran on the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) platform, had been declared the election winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). His APC rival, Nasir Gawuna, graciously congratulated him, but the APC party opted to pursue legal action. In a recent development, the three-member tribunal panel ruled in favor of the APC, mandating the withdrawal of Governor Yusuf's certificate of return previously issued by INEC. Instead, the tribunal directed that a certificate of return be issued to Nasir Gawuna. The tribunal's decision hinged on the invalidation of 165,663 votes from Governor Yusuf's total count. These votes were deemed invalid as the ballot papers (165,663) were not stamped or signed, rendering them ineligible.

Singapore's Changi Airport, consistently ranked among the world's best airports, is poised to make travel even more seamless in 2024. Officials have announced plans to implement automated immigration clearance, allowing passengers to leave the city-state without needing passports, relying solely on biometric data. During a recent parliamentary session where changes to Singapore's Immigration Act were approved, Communications Minister Josephine Teo revealed that Singapore would be among the first countries globally to introduce passport-free immigration clearance. Although biometric technology and facial recognition are already in use at Changi Airport's automated lanes, these upcoming changes aim to further enhance convenience for travelers, reducing the need for presenting travel documents repeatedly. The innovation involves creating a "single token of authentication" using biometrics, which will be utilized at various automated touchpoints, including bag dro...

Following a teaser in a blog post on Tuesday, Substack has officially unveiled details about its revamped app on Wednesday, featuring a redesigned "Home" tab and various adjustments to the app's layout. The most significant change comes in the form of the "Home" tab, aimed at helping users discover content more easily by providing access to a wide array of stories, ideas, and creators on the platform. The top section features a carousel of prominent cards showcasing posts from users' subscriptions, which can be swiped through—similar to Apple's "Up Next" suggestions in its Podcasts app. Below these cards, users will find a feed resembling tweet-like Notes, sortable by "Explore" (recommendations) and "Following." In a blog post, Substack highlights that the card queue benefits not only readers but also writers. It claims that this design boosts writer retention by prioritizing new posts from paid subscriptions, saved content,...

Meta Platforms Now Allow Businesses to Obtain Blue Check Verification, Offering Enhanced Features and Priority Support In a recent announcement, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg introduced an expansion of the blue check verification system, allowing businesses on Meta platforms to acquire this coveted symbol. Previously, Meta had introduced Meta Verified for creators, a subscription service priced at $12 per month, providing creators with a blue check, priority customer support, and protection against impersonation. Businesses can now opt for verification on either Facebook or Instagram at a monthly cost of $22, or choose both platforms for $35 per month. This pricing represents an increase over the creator subscription, which ranges from $12 to $15 monthly. Testing for this feature will commence on Facebook and Instagram in the coming weeks, with WhatsApp also set to follow suit. Verified businesses will receive benefits similar to creators, including enhanced account security features and tr...

Rwandan President Paul Kagame's announcement of his intention to run for a fourth term in office has ignited a debate about the impact on democracy and human rights in the country. While his long tenure has seen remarkable economic and social progress, it has also raised questions about political freedom and dissent suppression. Kagame, who has been in power since 2000, benefited from a constitutional amendment in 2015 that allowed him to seek a third term and abolished presidential term limits altogether, making him eligible for a fourth term in the 2024 elections. Human rights organizations express worry about Kagame's decision, asserting that it signals a lack of commitment to democracy and a prioritization of personal power over the rights of the people. They cite Rwanda's troubled human rights record, including arbitrary detentions, allegations of torture, enforced disappearances, and restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly. The implications of Kagame's four...

New York City, September 20, 2023 - President Bola Tinubu, speaking at the 78th United Nations General Assembly, passionately urged UN member states to take concrete actions against illegal arms and mineral smuggling in Africa. He emphasized the need for global solidarity in tackling these issues and called for universal sanctions on companies and individuals involved in such illicit activities. In his address, President Tinubu expressed concern about the exploitation of mineral-rich areas in Africa, citing the ongoing suffering in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). He called attention to the billions of dollars meant for development that are being diverted into violent enterprises due to illegal mining. The President questioned whether this phenomenon was accidental or intentional and urged member nations to work together to deter their firms and nationals from pillaging Africa's resources.\ President Tinubu also discussed the challenges of attracting large-scale investme...

  Special Media Report: Asisat Oshoala Scores on Opening Day of La Liga F Nigerian international Asisat Oshoala got off to a flying start in the new La Liga F season, scoring FC Barcelona's second goal in a 2-0 victory over Madrid Club on Saturday. The reigning African Women's Footballer of the Year struck in the 84th minute to seal the win for Barcelona, who are the clear favorites to retain their La Liga F title this season. Oshoala's goal was a timely reminder of her quality and importance to Barcelona. She is one of the most prolific strikers in women's football and will be key to Barcelona's success this season. Oshoala's goal was also a significant moment for Nigerian football. She is the first Nigerian woman to score in the opening day of La Liga F, and her achievement is sure to inspire other young Nigerian girls to pursue their dreams of playing professional football. The new La Liga F season promises to be an exciting one, and Asisat Oshoala is sure to...

Desire Ugochi Oparanozie Announces Retirement from Professional Football for Club and Country Lagos, Nigeria  -  Nigeria's Super Falcons forward, Desire Ugochi Oparanozie, has made the heartfelt decision to retire from professional football, bidding farewell to both her national team and club career at the age of 29. Oparanozie, a prominent figure in women's football, shared this announcement in a post on her social media platform on Wednesday. In her post, Oparanozie expressed her gratitude to her fans, family, and friends for their unwavering love and support throughout her illustrious career. She stated, "It's time to take a bow, as I believe there's no better time than now. I'm officially announcing my retirement from professional football for both club and country." Desire Ugochi Oparanozie's journey in professional football has been marked by remarkable achievements and contributions to the sport, both at the national and international levels. Sh...

Super Falcons Defender Ashleigh Plumptre Joins Al-Ittihad Ladies in Saudi Arabia Lagos, Nigeria  -  Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre has made a significant move in her football career by signing with Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad Ladies on a free transfer, following her departure from Leicester City Women. Ashleigh Plumptre, a 25-year-old football talent, showcased her exceptional skills at the Women's World Cup, where she played an instrumental role in Nigeria's journey to the round of 16, leaving a lasting impact on fans and fellow players alike. In a statement shared on social media, Plumptre expressed her enthusiasm for joining Al-Ittihad and their project, stating, "Grateful to have signed for Al-Ittihad. Excited to start this journey alongside some incredible human beings. My journey of stepping into more of myself continues. It’s more than football." She further emphasized her belief in the power of football to connect people, both on and off the pitch,...

Vice President Shettima to Represent President Tinubu at G77+China Leaders’ Summit in Havana, Cuba  In a statement released by Olusola Abiola, Director of Information, Office of the Vice President., The Vice President of Nigeria Sen. Kashim Shettima is set to represent President Bola Tinubu at the G77+China Leaders’ Summit in Havana, Cuba, scheduled for September 15th to 17th, 2023.  This blog post provides an overview of this important event and its implications. The G77+China Leaders’ Summit: The G77+China Leaders’ Summit is a global gathering of leaders from developing nations, aimed at addressing critical development issues, particularly those faced by countries in the global south. The summit provides a platform for these nations to collaborate and explore innovative solutions to boost socio-economic growth. The G-77 is also the largest intergovernmental forum of developing countries in the United Nations System, and as such it provides the means for the countries of the ...

 BREAKING!!!!!! Lagos, Nigeria September,  -  National Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal Orders Election Rerun in Eti Osa Federal Constituency The National Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal, sitting in Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos State, has issued a landmark ruling invalidating the election victory of Thaddeus Atta from the Labour Party as the duly elected representative for Eti Osa Federal Constituency. In a late-night judgment delivered on Monday, the tribunal declared the elections inconclusive, prompting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a supplementary election within 90 days in all polling units where voting did not take place. This decision comes in response to petitions filed by Nigerian singer and actor, Bankole Wellington, popularly known as Banky W, of the Peoples Democratic Party, and the All Progressives Congress candidate, Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro, challenging the election results. The initial results had declared Thadde...

 American teenager Coco Gauff mounted an incredible comeback to secure her first-ever Grand Slam title by defeating Aryna Sabalenka from Belarus. Gauff, at the age of 19, delivered a determined performance on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court, triumphing with a scoreline of 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 in a thrilling 2 hours and 6 minutes. This remarkable victory marked a fairy-tale transformation in her season's journey. Entering the final as the sixth seed and the perceived underdog against the formidable second seed Sabalenka, who was set to become the world number one in the upcoming rankings, Gauff displayed unwavering composure when it mattered most. Despite both players making numerous errors in an error-filled final, it was Gauff who maintained her poise and secured a well-deserved triumph.

  Sean Strickland defeated Israel Adesanya by unanimous decision to become the new UFC middleweight champion. The fight took place at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, and went the full five rounds. Strickland was the aggressor throughout the fight, and he knocked Adesanya down in the first round. He won the judges' scorecards by 49-46, 49-46, and 49-46. This is Adesanya's third loss, and it brings his record to 24-3. Strickland improves to 28-5 with the win.