Business
Elon Musk Introduces Posting Fee for New X Users to Combat Bots
In a bold move to tackle the persistent bot problem on X, (the social media platform formerly known as Twitter,) The CEO, Elon Musk has announced a new policy that will require new users to pay a fee to post.
According to him, this unprecedented step aims to reduce the number of fake accounts that have been flooding the platform and taking up valuable username space.
Musk, who took ownership of X, has been vocal about the challenges posed by bots and the misuse of the platform’s features.
In a recent response to a post discussing the policy, Musk emphasized that charging new users is a necessary measure to prevent bots from overwhelming the platform.
He pointed out that sophisticated AI and troll farms are now capable of easily bypassing traditional bot detection methods.
He explained that the issue of bots is not just a nuisance but also affects the user experience by limiting the availability of desirable usernames.
Musk explained, “The onslaught of fake accounts also uses up the available namespace, so many good handles are taken as a result.”
To mitigate the impact on genuine new users, Musk has proposed a grace period where they can post for free after three months.
On October 17, 2023, the fee structure was first tested in New Zealand and the Philippines, where new users were charged $1 per year for access to essential features like tweeting, retweeting, liking posts, and replying to posts.
X’s official stance is that the fee will help “reduce spam, manipulation of our platform and bot activity.”
Additionally, Musk said he had announced a cleanup operation to purge bot accounts and trolls, which may inadvertently affect some legitimate accounts.
Elon, however, said that the company is committed to identifying and taking legal action against those responsible for creating and operating these fake accounts.
Abdulwasiu Akintunde
In a country known for its conservative and deeply religious values, Nigeria’s sex toy industry is experiencing an unexpected boom Punch Newspapers reports.
Despite the taboo nature of discussing sex openly, sales of products like dildos are on the rise as citizens embrace new ways of exploring sexual satisfaction amid economic difficulties, reports Victor Ayeni.
For business owner Niniola (surname withheld), most days are spent catering to a diverse clientele visiting her adult entertainment store, which features a wide selection of intimate products, including lingerie, vibrators, and BDSM kits.
Niniola, who holds a degree in microbiology, started the business in 2020 after completing her National Youth Service Corps.
Operating from a discreet location in Ogudu, Lagos, Niniola has found success in providing anonymity to her customers.
“Many prefer online transactions,” she says, adding that orders placed via social media and messaging apps help maintain customer privacy.
Her clients include both married and single individuals, as well as those separated from their partners, all in search of the ultimate pleasure.
She regularly showcases the store’s offerings on her social media accounts, often encouraging potential buyers to connect with her privately for details and purchases.
The surge in demand for products like dildos and vibrators during the pandemic highlighted changing sexual behaviors in Nigeria.
“The lockdown period was our busiest time,” Niniola explains, noting how the absence of physical intimacy led many to seek alternatives for satisfaction. Today, sales remain strong, indicating that regardless of economic conditions, people prioritize sexual satisfaction.
For many, including Mrs. Bunmi Awoyemi (not her real name), using sex toys was initially a struggle due to cultural and religious reservations.
However, facing dissatisfaction in her marriage, she decided to try sex toys instead of considering infidelity. Her experience, shared with a media, reflects a broader trend in which both married women and single individuals turn to sex toys for fulfillment. For others, such as hairstylist Cynthia, dildos offer a safer option compared to casual sexual encounters.
The appeal of dildos goes beyond their practical use, as they have a rich cultural history. Evidence of their existence dates back thousands of years, with ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Greeks creating their versions for both ceremonial and sexual purposes.
Today, Nigeria’s market reflects a diversity of types, from basic models to those with advanced features like remote control.
Vendors across Lagos, including Sandra in Lekki and Faith in Surulere, highlight the wide range of products available and the profits being generated, despite the conservative climate.
“We sell millions in just a few months,” says Faith, emphasizing the demand from across social strata.
Globally, the sex toy market is projected to grow significantly in the coming years, with billions of dollars in revenue expected.
In the US, a 2022 survey showed 82% of female consumers owned a sex toy, especially popular among those aged 25-29.
Despite the booming business, the use of sex toys remains controversial in Nigerian society. Some public figures have embraced and even promoted them.
For instance, actress, Nkechi Blessing distributed dildos as event souvenirs, while media personality, Toke Makinwa openly advocates for vibrators as tools of sexual empowerment.
Experts also note the psychological and physical benefits of using sex toys. Medical practitioners like Dr. Olusina Ajidahun and James Lekwauwa have outlined how sex toys can aid in sexual therapy and release hormones like dopamine and oxytocin, enhancing overall well-being.
However, they also caution against potential risks, such as infection from shared use and over-reliance, which can affect natural sexual experiences.
Although attitudes toward sex toys are shifting, many people still grapple with societal stigma.
Mental health experts, such as Kelechi Okwaraji and Olubunmi Onipede, have raised concerns about the potential negative effects on social interaction and sexual health.
They urge users to be cautious about hygiene and to avoid unrealistic expectations in relationships.
Fawaz Adebisi
Hundreds of MTN subscribers stormed the company’s office in Osogbo, Osun State, on Monday protesting the sudden blockage of their SIM cards without prior notice.
Protesters, who gathered in front of the MTN office, expressed frustration and anger over the unexpected blockage, which they claimed had disrupted their businesses and personal activities.
In a viral video posted by Instablog9ja on X, users were seen lamenting and protesting.
“We were shocked to discover that our SIM cards had been blocked without any warning or explanation,” said one protester. “We demand that MTN unblock our SIMs and provide a clear explanation for this action.”
The protesters, in hundreds, demanded MTN to unblock their sim cards, and adding that it is their means of business.
The protest have also reached other branches of MTN in the country.
Recall that on Sunday, MTN blocked many of their users sim cards over not linking it to their National Identity Number, NIN.
However, many claimed that even those who have linked their NIN with the sim cards were affected without prior notice.
The lamentation began yesterday when users came online with abusive words against the network provider for their ‘abrupt act’.
Today, protest have broken out in Osogbo as protesters insisted that the company provide a more satisfactory explanation and immediate action to unblock their SIMs.
The protest caused a significant disruption in the area, with traffic and business activities affected.
As the protest continued, MTN officials are yet to respond to this. The protesters, however, vowed to continue their demonstration until their demands were met.
Fawaz Adebisi
The 2024 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) Report has revealed that over 1.5 billion people suffered hunger and severe food insecurity in 2023.
The report stated that 733 million people faced hunger in 2023 while more than 864 million experiencing severe food insecurity in the same year.
The report further added that, in 2023, 2.33 billion people faced moderate or severe food insecurity.
According to the report, one in eleven globally, and one in five in Africa faced hunger in 2023.
Also, the report stressed that more than 2.8 billion people were not able to afford healthy diet in 2022, with 71.5 per cent in low-income countries affected.
Speaking on exclusive breastfeeding, it said that progress had been made, with rates increasing to 48 per cent.
It, however, said that achieving the other global nutrition targets remained challenging.
In the same vein, on child malnutrition, the report said that stunting among children under five years was at 22.3 per cent, with stagnation in low birthweight prevalence and increased anaemia in women.
It also added that that adult obesity had risen to 15.8 per cent in 2022 from 12.1 per cent in 2012 with projections indicating 1.2 billion obese adults by 2030.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, SOFI Report is a collaborative effort by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, and other world organisations.
The others are the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the World Health Organisation, and the World Food Programme.
The report was made available to journalists by Mr Victor Aguayo, the Director, Child Nutrition and Development Programme Group, UNICEF, on Thursday in Lagos.
The report therefore called on all governments to increase investments in proven, sustainable and cost-effective interventions to prevent child malnutrition, focusing on the critical first 1,000 days.
It also urged governments to adopt fiscal and regulatory policies to promote access to nutritious, safe, affordable and sustainable foods for children and their families.
Also, it tasks governments to discourage production, marketing and consumption of nutrient-poor and ultra-processed foods and beverages.
