Bolt introduces electric tricycles in Lagos

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By Royal Ibeh

Bolt, the leading ride-hailing platform in Africa has introduced electric tricycles in Lagos, with a bold target of deploying 1,000 units by the end of 2025.

The initiative is part of the company’s broader vision to enhance urban mobility, empower drivers, and promote environmental sustainability in Nigeria’s most populous city.

The launch, which took place in Lagos, underscores Bolt’s commitment to offering transport solutions that reflect the economic and infrastructural realities of African cities. By targeting fuel cost reduction and long-term vehicle ownership for drivers, the company hopes to ease the burden of rising operational expenses in the country.

Central to the initiative is a “Lease-to-Own” model developed in partnership with SGX. Through this model, drivers can acquire brand-new electric tricycles without any upfront payment and own them outright after 24 months of consistent service. This model not only supports financial inclusion but also gives drivers more control over their livelihoods.

Drivers under the scheme will operate exclusively within SGX-managed fleets on the Bolt platform and will enjoy flexible lease terms, which vary based on weekly performance.

The electric tricycles also open up a lower-cost category for commuters, making transport more accessible in high-density and underserved areas of Lagos.

Bolt’s regional director of Rides Operations, Africa and International Markets, Caroline Wanjihia, at the launch event in Lagos, on Wednesday, said this initiative will transform how mobility works for the people who power Bolt’s platform, by giving them tools to reduce fuel spending, avoid upfront vehicle costs, and eventually own their tricycles.

“We are putting more control and earning potential directly into their hands. Nigeria, with its vast and dynamic population, is key to our strategy of making mobility economically viable and accessible for everyone,” Wanjihia averred.

The General Manager, Bolt Nigeria, Osi Oguah, added that the launch will address two critical challenges in Nigeria’s transport sector – driver income and commuter access.

“By introducing electric tricycles with flexible, lease-to-own options, we’re helping drivers save money, own their vehicles, and build sustainable livelihoods. At the same time, we’re offering commuters, especially in underserved areas, a more affordable and accessible way to move around their city. We have an ambitious target of having 1,000 electric tricycles by the end of 2025,” Oguah said.

Designed for maneuverability and affordability, the tricycles fill a critical mobility gap in parts of Lagos that are underserved by existing transport infrastructure.

This initiative aligns with Bolt’s goal to ensure inclusive mobility where access to affordable, reliable transport is not limited by location or income level.

LEADERSHIP

Elon Musk, other billionaires lose $300bn in Trump’s First 100 days

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The latest Forbes report has highlighted how Tech giants such as Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and America’s wealthiest individuals collectively lost more than $300 billion in the first 100 days of President Donald J. Trump’s second term.

Since January 20, Musk’s fortune has shrunk by more than $45 billion, the largest individual decline among U.S. billionaires.

The report said the U.S. stock market posted its worst start to a presidential term in 50 years.

S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average were down nearly 8% each amid a trade war fueled by President Trump’s renewed focus on tariffs.

Tesla, owned by Musk, has fallen 33% amid investor concerns about supply chain disruptions and his increasingly contentious political alignments.

The entrepreneur, who had once championed Trump’s initiative to streamline government operations, has since distanced himself from the administration, trading public barbs with senior trade adviser Peter Navarro on social media.

Among the top ten hardest hit are Amazon’s Jeff Bezos (down $34.8 billion), Google co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page (down $25.6 billion and $27.4 billion, respectively), and Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg (down $21.5 billion).

Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, a vocal Trump supporter and participant in a proposed $500 billion AI infrastructure plan, has seen his wealth tumble by $28.2 billion. Stephen Schwarzman of Blackstone, who reversed his initial decision to stay out of Trump’s 2024 campaign, is now nearly $11 billion poorer.

Despite the downturn, Warren Buffett, the chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, has emerged as the biggest winner of Trump’s early presidency.

With a record of $334 billion in cash and cash equivalents, Buffett’s holdings have weathered market turmoil, with his company’s shares up 13% and his fortune swelling by $19.6 billion.

Peter Thiel and Palantir CEO Alexander Karp have also gained, buoyed by lucrative federal contracts. The Walton heirs, Rob, Jim, and Alice, have each added over $3 billion as Walmart profits from inflation-driven consumer demand.

President Trump was also not spared, as his net worth dropped by $1.5 billion, largely due to a 35% plunge in the stock price of Trump Media & Technology Group, the parent company of Truth Social.

FORBES

CAPTAIN IBRAHIM TRAORÉ - AN ENVISIONED SERVANT AND COURAGEOUS LEADER

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By Yahaya Balogun

In a recent speech to Burkina Faso youths, Captain Ibrahim Traoré said to write an informative article on agriculture, science, and technology on social media. It will have fewer than one hundred likes, but posting women's nudity, disinformation, and misinformation stuff will garner over a million likes. Captain Ibrahim Traoré's statement cannot be farfetched in today's netizens' African social media dilemmas. 

Captain Ibrahim Traoré was born March 14, 1988. He is a military officer from Burkina Faso who has served as the country's interim leader since the coup d'état in September 2022. This putsch removed the previous interim president, Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba. At 36, Traoré is recognized as the second youngest current head of state globally, following Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir. He is also the youngest president currently in office.

Ibrahim Traoré emerges as one of the youngest political figures on the international scene today. Since seizing control via a military coup, he has introduced a novel perspective to African governance, effecting a significant shift in the concept of participatory leadership within two years. His leadership has led to notable advancements in various sectors, including agriculture, oil, healthcare, private enterprise, and public administration, coupled with a renewal of military discipline and national identity. Captain Traoré is poised to confront Africa's governance challenges by promoting the continent's decolonization. As a symbol of optimism for Burkina Faso, this vibrant young leader seems determined to reveal and honor Africa's rich socio-cultural legacy.

Recently, sources reported that Captain Ibrahim Traoré turned down a proposal from Saudi Arabia's government to construct 200 mosques in Burkina Faso. The astute Traoré likely activated his keen awareness, recognizing the hidden motives behind the ambitions of the young authoritarian leader, Muhammad Bin Salman, of Saudi Arabia. Captain Ibrahim Traoré is emphatic that religious extremism should not align with the values of unity and progress that the revolutionary leader represents for the Burkinabe people. Instead, he fosters inclusivity and promotes shared ideals that strengthen his country.

In the tapestry of contemporary human history, Africa has etched a complex and distressing identity for itself—a label that has shrouded its sociopolitical terrain and cast the continent into a shadowy void of the past.

The political landscape across Africa has often fallen short of its aspirational goals, resulting in widespread disillusionment and a sense of neglect among its citizenry regarding governance. From the era of post-colonial independence to today, the lofty principles of democracy, prosperity, and equitable distribution of resources have frequently been compromised by various impediments, including corruption, authoritarianism, and ineffective leadership.

Instead of fostering an environment conducive to transparency, accountability, and meaningful citizen engagement in the political process, numerous governments have resorted to repressive tactics that suppress dissent and overlook the urgent needs of the populace. For many Africans, the aspirations for an improved quality of life—characterized by access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities—remain largely unfulfilled.

Consequently, a substantial portion of the population faces the harsh realities of poor governance, which often manifests in inadequate public services, pervasive poverty, and deficient infrastructure. The initial optimism for a brighter future has been eclipsed by disillusionment, as ruling elites tend to prioritize personal interests over the welfare of their constituents, exacerbating feelings of betrayal among the very individuals they pledged to support. In this milieu, the prospect of political transformation appears remote as citizens continue to strive for the fundamental rights and dignity they are entitled to in their everyday existence.

Captain Ibrahim Traoré is the modern embodiment of Thomas Sankara, a figure hailed as one of Africa's most remarkable leaders. Sankara's approach to leadership—marked by inclusivity and compassion—can potentially revolutionize Burkina Faso and Africa. However, the visionary life of this revolutionary figure was tragically cut short by betrayal from a friend turned foe. The young Captain Ibrahim Traoré is resolutely committed to reshaping and harnessing the timeless legacy of Thomas Sankara for the benefit of Burkina Faso.

The dawn of a new Africa seems just around the corner, thanks to the transformative vision of the bold leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré. If this visionary young man continues his transformational leadership, Burkina Faso may become the new China or America of Africa. Additionally, Captain Ibrahim Traoré's spontaneous and groundbreaking oratory holds the power to spark a wave of revolutionary fervor throughout the continent. To liberate Africa from the grips of corruption and neocolonialism, we must see a surge of passionate leaders like Captain Ibrahim Traoré emerge to champion the cause of African liberation and emancipation across Africa.

Pope Francis finally laid to rest at Santa Maria Maggiore basilica

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By Tina Adekorede

Pope Francis has been laid to rest at the Santa Maria Maggiore basilica.

The late pontiff’s entombment was a private event which allowed those close to him to pay their last respects.

Thousands of people, including world leaders and monarchs witnessed Pope Francis’ funeral mass at St Peter’s Basilica on Saturday.

From there, the coffin carrying the pontiff’s corpse was transported to Santa Maria Maggiore basilica where it was entombed.

Mourners queued up along the streets to witness as his corpse was moved from the Vatican to his final resting place.

The late Argentine is the first in over a century to be buried outside the Vatican.

Speaking during the funeral, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, said the Catholic pontiff “touched minds and hearts” and wanted to “build bridges, not walls.”

Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. In his final moment, the deceased suffered a stroke, coma, and a heart failure.

Pope Francis was admitted at Gemelli hospital in Rome on February 14 after suffering from pneumonia in both lungs. The Vatican, however, claimed that the Pope was making progress in recent days that followed.

Abiodun bags Visionary Leadership Award, says “we have made Ogun a haven of industries”

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SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA - Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has said that his administration has intensified efforts to provide basic infrastructure and create a conducive business environment, noting that more industries have flocked to the state in six years than in previous administrations.

The state, Abiodun noted, is one of the six states where Special Agro Processing Zones were created in the country in collaboration with the Federal Government, African Development Bank, African Export-Import Bank, and Islamic Bank, adding that his administration decided to partner with private sector players for the prompt take-off of the zone.

Abiodun stated this while receiving the Distinguished Visionary Leadership Award by the Foreign Investment Network (FIN) for his unique leadership style and untiring efforts in opening up more business frontiers in the state at his office in Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.

Speaking on the steps taken to promote the ease of doing business in the state, the governor said that apart from establishing a Business Environment Council to act in collaboration with the State Investment and Facilitation Agency as a one-stop shop, tax payment has been computerized to eliminate multiple taxation.

He said: “This administration has improved the transportation sector by constructing over 1,200 kilometers of roads in six years. We have built the best-equipped airport in Nigeria, and this airport is centrally located.

“We have adopted a multimodal transport system that incorporates air, road, sea, and rail lines. We are extending a rail line that stopped at Agbado to Ogun State,” he said.

The state, Governor Abiodun further explained, is blessed with a large population and natural resources, and it is strategically located to take advantage of the biggest market in the country. He disclosed that the government is working to ensure that the state has the cheapest electricity for industries and the people.

While calling on investors to take advantage of the numerous opportunities that abound in agriculture, power generation, manufacturing, and other sectors, the state helmsman urged the Foreign Investment Network (FIN) to intensify efforts in showcasing the state’s potential to the outside world and assured that the organization would be involved in planning the proposed State Economic Summit to make it a grand event.

Earlier, while presenting the Distinguished Visionary Leadership Award to the governor when she led a business delegation to the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the Chairperson of the organization, Dr. Olayinka Fayomi, said the state had witnessed tremendous economic development in the last six years of the administration.

She said: “The governor has done well. Two years ago when we saw what the governor had accomplished, we decided to promote him further. This award is to acknowledge his efforts in expanding business frontiers in the state.

“Investors outside are noting what Ogun is doing, especially in health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure. The governor has made the state a significant business destination. We are attending a business summit in Oman, where we will present the business opportunities that exist in Ogun State.”

Fayomi noted that apart from promoting and facilitating investments in African countries, especially Nigeria, over the last 45 years, her organization is also involved in magazine publication in English, French, and Chinese, to expose business opportunities on the continent to the outside world.

Responding, Governor Abiodun expressed appreciation to the Chairperson of FIN for the award, emphasizing that it was an indication that the modest efforts of the administration in developing the state are being recognized, and he called on the organization to continue to attract more investors to come and do business in the country.

DAILY POST

‘Social media is a terrorist organisation’ – Sultan of Sokoto

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The head of Nigeria’s Northern Muslims and the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has claimed that social media is a “terrorist organization”.

He stated this while citing social media’s role in spreading false information and inciting unrest.

The sultan, while speaking during the 7th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council in Maiduguri, Borno State, called on security agencies to treat social media platforms with the same seriousness as other threats to national security.

“Somebody can sit in the comfort of their home and formulate stories and you will consider that it is true. Social media is a terrorist organisation that we must deal with. Security agencies must deal with this terrorist organisation called social media.” He stated. 

The sultan also condemned the ongoing violence and killings in Plateau and other parts of the country. He urged political leaders and security agencies to take urgent and decisive action.

Daily Post

Breaking: Pope Francis, first Latin Pope dead at 88!

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Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff who ministered with a charming, humble style and sincere care for the poor, has died at the age of 88. 

Francis had been ill recently but emerged on Easter Sunday, a day before his death, to bless thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square and treat them to a surprise popemobile romp through the piazza, drawing wild cheers and applause.

Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the eldest of five children, to Italian immigrant parents on Dec. 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

May his soul rest in peace. 

Zelenskyy warned against accepting mineral deal with the Trump administration

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A senior economist with the Center for Economic Strategy in Kyiv, Volodymyr Landa, has said that the Minerals Deal between the United States of America and Ukraine has gone through “multiple iterations”.

According to him, as quoted by media reports, “It’s hard to say what’s inside.”

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine is keen to improve relations with the US President Donald Trump administration. The Ukranian leader has so far turned down America’s demand that revenue from the new joint fund is used to cover the cost of weapons deliveries provided by the Biden administration.

Recall that President Trump had announced previously that Kyiv “owes” the US $300bn (£226bn).

However, Zelenskyy maintained that America’s assistance to his country came in the form of a grant, not as a loan, with Republicans and Democrats approving it in Congress.

Zelenskyy said that going forward partnership has to be based on “parity”, and should benefit both countries.

Landa said he did not expect Kyiv to accept that previous “non-refundable military aid” was now “debt”.

“That’s not only unfair and unrealistic, but may also negatively affect the full global financial system.

“If it suddenly turns out that countries and organisations can demand payments for aid given unconditionally in previous years, it will make recipients more cautious, and could reopen difficult issues from previous decades around the world.”

The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene Animated Book Summary - All laws explained

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The African Origin of Humanity and Civilization

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