Opinion

OF CONSPIRACY, CRITICISMS, AND WIKE’S AUDACIOUS ABUJA MAKEOVER

Published

1 year ago

April 27, 2024

ADMIN

OF CONSPIRACY, CRITICISMS, AND WIKE’S AUDACIOUS ABUJA MAKEOVER

BY GILBERT BWANSHAK

In what looks like a carefully guided, fiercely forceful, and well-oiled campaign, there has been determined, deliberate efforts with the mandate to “pull down” and rubbish the person and works of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The one-line objective whose mandate is to de-market and make him unpopular, has remained dogged from timing and approach in achieving political mileage before, during, and after the “all important” National Executive Committee meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party, which held in Abuja. The unabated advocacy seems to have assumed a life of its own as anything, everything humanly possible is exploited to get the projected result.

So, in the past weeks, the media has been awash with opinions, analysis, and commentaries geared towards “pulling down” Wike. In most cases, admixture of jaundiced, unconvincing, distorted, and contrived stories and reports are rolled out. Arguably, as a result of the consistency of these attacks and innuendos, Wike has become the most trending name on the regular and social media. Unfortunately, the deluge of theatrical narratives and juvenile falsehoods released by some jejune, puerile, and out-of-trend leaders, and imaginary, comical, and faceless groups has defied every logic of reasonable thinking and moral standard.

To a large extent, the campaign seems to be the most attractive “cash cow” in the polity. With the speed at which people join the fray may have confirmed talks that pecuniary benefit is the driving force and not conviction. There are stories that an embattled Governor is allegedly bank-rolling the campaign, which has some double-faced personalities, and lawmakers with history of mercenary credentials as the “arrow-heads.” The modus operandi is to daily make, and sometimes invent disparaging statements against Wike to convey a “we-are-working” message to their pay master.

Despite the velocity of incongruous conspiracies, insidious criticisms, and consistent visibility in the media, the campaign is yet to achieve it’s purpose of soiling Wike’s credibility and crashing his political stock-value. The viciously wicked desire of making him lose track of realizing President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda in FCT is not yielding results. Regardless the fiscal, physical, and human exertions, the table has not turned against the Ikwerre-born politician. Messages used are regurgitation of old, same and stale tales. Conveyers have believability and acceptability baggages. The concomitant result of this is continued failure.

Surprisingly, Wike is unruffled and unperturbed about the gale of attacks against him by political adversaries across the country, particularly from his home state. Like a battle-tested and war-veteran victorious general, he has stood up to every challenge. Often derided and deluded by political opponents who variously describe him as boastful, rabble-rouser, and crude but he has always shown, at the end of every battle that he is miles ahead of them. Not minding the coalition of forces, depth of controversies, and deep-seated animosity against him, Wike emerges triumphant. The ease, simplicity, and calmness he wins usually confounds dispassionate Nigerians, apolitical chroniclers of events, and objective opponents. How he has being able to combine these battles with the responsibilities of administering the FCT will make resourceful studies in political brinkmanship, hands-on leadership, and purposeful governance.

That his name featured on Tinubu’s ministerial nominees-list became subject of discourse among Nigerians. Some PDP members who still harbour the pains of losing the last presidential election which they attribute to “Wike’s intransigence” appeared worse hit. That he was deployed to the sought-after and heavily-coveted FCT generated bigger discourse within the polity. To some who see the portfolio as “birth right” largely due to unbroken appointments of their “sons” as successive ministers, Wike’s choice is classified an “anomaly and aberration.” Some members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, keeps wondering why a prominent member of an opposition political party is given such juicy and sensitive position. To some PDP faithful, his appointment portends danger for the party, and it’s continued relevance in Nigeria’s politics.

Somehow, the writer is flummoxed about such loss of historical memory among many Nigerians, particularly “celebrated” columnists, politicians, and analysts. Could it be deliberate falsehood, mischievous misinformation or early stages of senility? That Tinubu, who upon declaration as president-elect promised to run “a government of national competence” went ahead to name Wike a member of his federal executive council is not new. Obasanjo, in 1999 did same in his “government of national unity.” He appointed leading opposition members into his cabinet. Late Chief Vincent Ogboluafor, prominent member of the All Peoples Party; which later became All Nigeria Peoples Party became Minister of Economic Affairs (later Special Duties); Late Senator Mahmud Waziri, who was a senior member of APP (ANPP) was named Presidential Adviser on Inter-Party Relations; Late Chief Bola Ige of the Alliance for Democracy was Minister for Power (later Justice). Like Obasanjo did in 1999, Tinubu replicated by enlisting people with requisite competencies and proven capacities into his government. In achieving this, party affiliation and political lineage took back stage.

Many Nigerians believed that between 2015 and 2023, many of the ministers in Buhari’s administration had low ratings in terms of service delivery in their respective areas of jurisdiction. However, Mohammed Musa Bello, immediate past FCT Minister may be in strong contention for the least performing minister award. Under his watch, the FCT experienced muted growth. The satellite towns were worse off. Lack of vision and negative political will largely contributed to the gargantuan infrastructural decrepit, inept bureaucracy, insecurity, and societal challenges that envelope the FCT. Some residents tend to believe that given his style of administration and body language, he may have exited as the worst occupier of that office.

Aware of the strategic position of Abuja in Africa’s leadership, and conscious of the need to make the city a befitting capital, Tinubu decided to do the right thing by posting Wike to the FCT. Also, given the glaring infrastructure deficit and multi-sectoral development challenges in Abuja, Tinubu may have settled for Wike, under whose tenure as Governor transformed Rivers to a modern, uniquely beautiful, and enticing state. Somehow,
the gregarious, sagacious, and indomitable spirit of Wike to assignments and relationship may have further worked in his favour. As the capital of Africa’s most-populous country, Abuja in dire need of transformation needed someone with experience and exposure to bring life to the city-centre and the satellite towns. That Wike ticks all the boxes is not in doubt. At every position; Local Government Chairman, Chief of Staff, Minister, and Governor his passion for hard work and commitment to effecting positive change has been obvious. He has always exhibited extraordinary skills, evolved uncommon leadership attributes, and recorded superlative strides at every juncture of his eminent public service career.

Drawing from his past experiences, Wike in few months has justified his five-star rating as “Mr. Project.” Abuja is now a huge “construction city” as numerous infrastructure works are going on simultaneously. Driving through the capital city, many construction firms are now involved with different projects. Unlike the comatose state under the last administration, the chain effect of this new development has been encouraging. Engineers, technicians, artisans, labourers, traders, drivers, food vendors and more now experience renewed activities and boost to their economic state and personal development. Residents and visitors to Abuja, on a daily basis see gradual transformation works on-going in Wuye, Asokoro, Berger, Wuse 2, Gwarimpa, Life Camp, Wuse, and other Districts. Bwari, Kuje, Abaji, Kwali, and other satellite towns and communities are not left out.

Prior to his assumption of office, the FCT was experiencing numerous security challenges. Kidnappings, violent robberies and negative occurencies became daily routine. From the city-centre to the satellite towns, people lived in fear, anxiety, and confusion. After weeks of planning, through the provision of security and surveillance systems, result-yielding synergies among security agencies, and requisite political will by Wike; with the huge support of Tinubu there is improved security in the FCT. His experience in education has also paid off in the sector. With special focus on capacity building, facilities and welfare, there is marked improvement in education. In addition to these, the massive promotion of staff, payment of outstanding allowances, arrears, and other emoluments, award of scholarship to over 130,000 indigent students, and on-going construction and upgrade of over 50 public secondary schools has energized the sector. Not forgetting the on-going facelift of Gwagwalada, Wuse, and Gwarimpa General Hospitals, just as Nyanya and Asokoro are expected to commence soon, and that of Utako will follow as every contractual infractions has been resolved.

It must be stated that the accelerated infrastructural upgrade and projects construction in the FCT is largely attributable to Wike’s ingenuity and wholesale-support of Tinubu. Replicating the Rivers model, he was able to convince and got presidential approval for the removal of the FCT from TSA, and commitment of FCT’s IGR to many of these projects. Also, he got Tinubu’s go-ahead to create the FCT Civil Service Commission; appointment of the Chairman and Board Members of the Commission; appointment of FCT’s Head of Service and 10 Permanent Secretaries. A legislation to these bureaucratic changes was said to have been passed in 2018 by the National Assembly but suffered implementation hiccups largely due to lack of political will by the previous administration. Through approvals of promotions; payment of outstanding allowances, bonuses and other emoluments and other staff-focussed initiatives, there is improved optimism, enhanced service delivery, and positive shift in the morale of the over 8,000 staff in the FCT.

Indeed, residents of Abuja and regular visitors are impressed, wondering the strategies Wike has deployed in embarking on such infrastructural, institutional, economic and social architecture in Abuja, few months in office. With achievements recorded, thus far across the city-centre and satellite towns, he has clearly gone beyond the functions and responsibilities of the FCT Minister as enshrined in Section 302 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). To many people, Wike, in few months has out-performed his predecessors and enthroned new threshold of outstanding achievements that may be the necessary compass for assessing and evaluating those after him and the public service generally.

Demonstrating untiring gusto, inexorable fervour, and unapologetic passion in bequeathing residents and visitors with high-standard facilities, and re-positioning Abuja’s status as the true “Africa’s event-city” Wike has, in several ways confirmed that he is truly “Mr Project.” Tinubu deserves commendation for his choice of the Rivers-born enigmatic politician to the FEC but more importantly, posting him to the FCT. It is expected that Wike will continually justify the confidence and trust reposed in him by ensuring that he breaks new grounds, set higher standards of performance in the delivery of projects and services in the FCT, and remain an invaluable, reliable, and dependable asset in the Tinubu administration.

* GILBERT BWANSHAK, an Abuja based public affairs analyst

Opinion

CBN under Cardoso and $6.83 Billion balance of payments surplus in 2024 that signals economic resurgence

Published

4 days ago

April 24, 2025

ADMIN

By Ibrahim Modibbo

Since his appointment as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, in October 5, 2023, Olayemi Cardoso has continue to bring on board wide-range of macroeconomic reforms, stronger trade performance, and renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s economy, that were aimed at putting the country back to its economic footing, as a strong economy that is second to none in Africa.
As part of the ongoing reforms, the Central Bank of Nigeria recently announced a Balance of Payments (BOP) surplus of $6.83 billion for the 2024 financial year, marking a decisive turnaround from deficits of $3.34 billion in 2023 and $3.32 billion in 2022, according to a press statement from Mrs Sidi-Ali, Hakama, the Ag. Director, Corporate Communications of the apex bank.
CBN says “the current and capital account recorded a surplus of $17.22 billion in 2024, underpinned by a goods trade surplus of $13.17 billion. Petroleum imports declined by 23.2% to $14.06 billion, while non-oil imports fell by 12.6% to $25.74 billion. On the export side, gas exports rose by 48.3% to $8.66 billion, and non-oil exports increased by 24.6% to $7.46 billion.”
While “remittance inflows remained resilient, with personal remittances rising by 8.9% to $20.93 billion. International Money Transfer Operator (IMTO) inflows surged by 43.5% to $4.73 billion, up from $3.30 billion in 2023, reflecting stronger engagement from the Nigerian diaspora. Official development assistance also rose by 6.2% to $3.37 billion,” the statement added.
Nigeria recorded a net acquisition of financial assets totalling $12.12 billion. Portfolio Investment inflows more than doubled, increasing by 106.5% to $13.35 billion, while resident foreign currency holdings grew by $5.41 billion, indicating stronger confidence in domestic economic stability. Although foreign direct investment fell by 42.3% to $1.08 billion, the overall financial account posted notable gains.
The country’s external reserves increased by $6.0 billion to $40.19 billion by year-end 2024, bolstering its external buffer.
Notably, net errors and omissions narrowed significantly by 79.5% to negative $5.10 billion in 2024, down from $24.90 billion in 2023, reflecting substantial improvements in data availability and capture. This represents a major advance in data accuracy, transparency, and overall reporting integrity.
The 2024 BOP surplus highlights the effectiveness of Nigeria’s ongoing reform agenda. The liberalisation and unification of the foreign exchange market, a disciplined monetary policy approach to managing inflation and stabilising the naira, and coordinated fiscal and monetary measures have all contributed to enhanced competitiveness and investor sentiment.
“The positive turnaround in our external finances is evidence of effective policy implementation and our unwavering commitment to macroeconomic stability,” said the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. “This surplus marks an important step forward for Nigeria’s economy, benefiting investors, businesses, and everyday Nigerians alike,” the statement further noted.

Other notable indicators to building strong economy by this policy include but not limited to a stronger trade performance, particularly in the current and capital accounts, with a surplus of $17.22 billion in 2024, has contributed to the balance of payments surplus. A goods trade surplus of $13.17 billion that will further strengthens the positive trend. The decline in petroleum and non-oil imports also contributes to a more favorable trade balance.
It will noteworthy to note that the CBN’s reforms have increased investor confidence, leading to higher foreign portfolio investment inflows. Portfolio investment inflows more than doubled in 2024, reaching $13.35 billion. This influx of capital indicates a stronger belief in the stability and growth prospects of the Nigerian economy.
The apex bank’s disciplined monetary policy and FX market reforms on the other hand are aimed at managing inflation and stabilizing the Naira, has contributed to a more stable financial system.
The liberalization and unification of the foreign exchange market have led to greater transparency and reduced distortions in the market.
The implementation of an Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System (EFEMS) further enhances transparency and efficiency in the FX market.
The reforms, including the unification of the exchange rate, have improved Nigeria’s competitiveness and attracted more foreign investment. Testament to this is the clearing of a $7 billion forex backlog which has also boosted the country’s image with foreign investors.
Also, the significant improvements in data availability and capture have led to a marked reduction in net errors and omissions in the balance of payments data. This enhanced data integrity provides a more accurate picture of the country’s economic performance and builds trust with stakeholders.
In conclusion, the combination of strong trade performance, renewed investor confidence, disciplined monetary policy, and improved data integrity, all facilitated by the CBN’s wide-ranging reforms, are key indicators of Nigeria’s economic resurgence. These developments demonstrate the positive impact of the reforms on the nation’s external finances and overall economic stability.

Dr Moddibo, a public analyst, wrote in from Abuja

Opinion

CBN leads financial dialogue with JP Morgan, NGX, others, in pre-spring meetings Forum

Published

4 days ago

April 23, 2025

ADMIN

By Dr. Ibrahim Modibbo

In anticipation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group (WBG) Spring meetings which commenced on Monday, April 21, 2025, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) partnered with J.P. Morgan, the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) and Africa Private Capital Association (AVCA) to host a high-profile global forum at Nasdaq MarketSite in New York on Thursday, April 17, 2025, according to press statement by Dr Ibrahim Moddibo.

The forum, titled “The Nigeria Investment Agenda: Pathways for Growth & Global Partnerships,” convened global investors, diaspora leaders, and senior financial stakeholders to examine Nigeria’s macroeconomic prospects and ongoing reform progress.During his commanding address, Governor Olayemi Cardoso outlined his comprehensive reform strategy encompassing monetary tightening, foreign exchange market transparency, and enhanced financial governance.

He emphasized that these initiatives are establishing the foundation for sustainable macroeconomic stability and heralding a new era of transparency and confidence.Governor Cardoso reaffirmed the CBN’s unwavering commitment to rebuilding credibility through orthodox monetary policy, transparency, and consistency.

“We inherited a crisis of confidence but chose a different path. We’re not turning back,” he stated decisively.In a powerful fireside chat between the Governor and Nobel Prize-winning economist Dr. James Robinson, Reverend Richard L. Pearson Professor at the University of Chicago, Governor Cardoso elaborated on his vision to reestablish the CBN as a credible, trusted institution – rooted in domestic excellence and respected internationally.Mr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, Deputy Governor for Economic Policy at the CBN, delivered a macroeconomic update highlighting sharp increases in foreign exchange turnover, emerging signs of disinflation, and strengthening external reserves. “With a market-determined exchange rate and a transparent, rules-based policy framework, confidence is gradually being restored in Nigeria’s economy,” he noted.

Welcoming participants to the forum, Dr. Nkiru Balonwu, Adviser to the CBN Governor on Stakeholder Engagement and Strategic Communication, framed the forum as a key moment in the Bank’s broader engagement strategy. “Today is more than a conversation,” she noted.

It’s about opening the books on the CBN’s transformation story under Governor Cardoso – sharing the facts, interrogating the progress, and looking ahead together at what more can be done to build sustainable partnerships and unlock long-term capital,” she explained.

Another key highlight of the event was the panel discussion entitled “Repricing Nigeria: Assessing the Scope for Sustained Change.” Moderated by Gavin Serkin, Founder of New Markets Media & Intelligence, the panel featured global financial luminaries: Joyce Chang, Chair of Global Research at JPMorgan Chase; Jason Rekate, Global Co-Head of Corporate Banking at Citi; Razia Khan, Chief Economist for Africa & Middle East at Standard Chartered; and Ahmad Zuaiter, Co-Founder & CIO of Jadara Capital Partners. Each panelist provided expert perspectives on Nigeria’s investment landscape, noting renewed international interest driven by improved fundamentals, strengthened governance, and clearer policy direction.

The CBN Board and Monetary Policy Committee were represented by US-based diaspora members Mr. Robert Agbede, Prof. Melvin Ayogu, and Dr. Aloysius Ordu, underscoring the Bank’s global engagement and commitment to leveraging Nigerian talent worldwide. Temi Popoola, Group CEO of NGX, moderated the Q&A session, while Dr. Olubukola Akinniyi Akinwunmi, Director of Banking Supervision at CBN, delivered the closing remarks.The forum focused on substantive discussions and future prospects: engaging critical voices, evaluating progress, and identifying requirements for building lasting partnerships and attracting long-term capital. Central to this endeavor is a clear objective: reestablishing the CBN as a credible, trusted institution respected globally and dedicated to excellence at home.

Dr. Ibrahim Modibbo, a public affairs analyst writes from Abuja.

Opinion

Instagram , WhatsApp troubled by antitrust laws

Published

5 days ago

April 23, 2025

Admin

By Sonny Aragba-Akpore

While we are yet to grapple with the fate of Tik Tok which President Donald Trump had asked its parent company Byte Dance of China to divest from it’s American operations or be banned, Meta Group, owners of Instagram and WhatsApp, is troubled over antitrust concerns.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken the group to court over anti competition issues.

Specifically, the FTC wants Meta to divest from its two biggest companies in an antitrust trial that could redefine the future of social media.

And so Meta’s world is troubled as Mark Zuckerberg’s company could be forced to sell Instagram and WhatsApp if it loses the lawsuit that has just begun in the U.S.

The FTC has accused Zuckerberg’s company of having bought both platforms to eliminate competition and maintain a monopoly on social media.

If the court rules against them, it would be a historic blow to the tech giant.

Zuckerberg acquired Instagram in 2012, and then, two years later,(2014) completed his trio by buying WhatsApp.

Facebook is the third leg of the trio and this easily makes the group the largest tech owner in the world.

Although these acquisitions were approved by the FTC itself at that time ,but now this lawsuit seeks to reverse that approval, arguing that the purchase was not for innovation but to “neutralize” emerging rivals like Instagram which was acquired in 2012 and thus take control of the entire market.

The FTC claims that Meta has used its financial muscle to block competition, buying up emerging apps instead of competing with them, and it has been doing this since 2008! Everything is based on 2012 emails where Zuckerberg had expressed concern about Instagram’s rapid growth compared to Facebook’s performance (which was his only app at the time). In those emails, Zuckerberg admitted it was better to buy than to compete. And so he did, acquiring the app years later.

“On the other hand, he also bought WhatsApp, and of course that reinforces the FTC’s accusation. Meta strengthened its control over the digital system, keeping these apps as separate platforms but under the same power structure” analysts reason.

Meta has not denied the purchases, even though it rejects having acted in an anti-competitive way, calling the case a “weak lawsuit that ignores reality,” since they believe they face strong competition from platforms like TikTok, YouTube or X among many other apps.

During the trial, Zuckerberg claimed he bought Instagram for its camera technology, not because the social network was on the rise, but the 2012 messages don’t seem to support that statement very well.

In the likelihood that FTC wins this case, Meta could be forced to sell Instagram, WhatsApp, or both. This wouldn’t necessarily mean an immediate change for users, but it would shift the balance in the digital market, according to experts.

Digital sociologists think that Meta would make it easier to regulate social networks individually by the FTC.
One of the major implications will be on things like content moderation, privacy, or the use of personal data.

“If it gets split, it would be easier for lawmakers, ensuring proper service to users” digital sociologists admit.
There are however fears of who buys if it gets to that .

For instance If a controversial figure like Elon Musk or an investment fund takes control of Instagram, like what happened with Twitter (now X), it’s possible that many users would leave in large numbers for new alternatives that may emerge, like BlueSky.

“But if it falls into the hands of a discreet company, without major visible changes, it’s likely that most people will keep using it as they always have.”

Although Meta does not reveal exactly how much it earns from each app, it is estimated that Instagram generates around $37 million a year, surpassing Facebook’s revenue according to analysts.

“So of course, Zuckerberg’s eagerness to get out of this case is clear: they can’t afford to lose that income because it would be a catastrophe for Meta” another analyst submits.

The expectations are dicey because the court’s decision will not only affect Meta, but could also open the door to more lawsuits against other big platforms for similar monopoly practices. And at a time when the control of social networks is more questioned than ever, this case could define the future of the digital system in terms of free choice and regulations.

Instagram and WhatsApp which were acquired over a decade ago have become social powerhouses and easily the biggest platforms in that genre.

This looming antitrust trial will be the first big test of President Trump’s Federal Trade Commission’s ability to challenge Big Tech.

The lawsuit was first filed against Meta — then called Facebook — in 2020, during Trump’s first term. It claims the company bought Instagram and WhatsApp to squash competition and establish an illegal monopoly in the social media market.

FTC contends that Meta has maintained a monopoly by pursuing CEO Zuckerberg’s strategy, “expressed in 2008: ‘It is better to buy than compete.’ True to that maxim, Facebook has systematically tracked potential rivals and acquired companies that it viewed as serious competitive threats.”

U.S. antitrust laws are enforced by both the FTC’s Bureau of Competition and the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice. The agencies consult before opening any investigation. The Antitrust Division handles all criminal antitrust enforcement.

The FTC,s Bureau of Competition enforces the nation’s antitrust laws, which form the foundation of a free market economy.

The antitrust laws promote the interests of consumers; they support unfettered markets and result in lower prices and more choices.

The Federal Trade Commission Act and the Clayton Act, both passed by Congress in 1914, give the Commission authority to enforce the antitrust laws.

These laws prohibit anticompetitive mergers and business practices that seek to prevent hard-driving competition, such as monopolistic conduct, attempts to monopolize, and conspiracies in restraint of trade.

The Bureau of Competition investigates potential law violations and seeks legal remedies in federal court or before the FTC’s administrative law judges. The Bureau also serves as a resource for policy makers on competition issues, and works closely with foreign competition agencies to promote sound and consistent outcomes in the international arena.

WhatsApp (officially WhatsApp Messenger) is an American social media, instant messaging (IM), and voice-over-IP (VoIP) service owned by technology conglomerate Meta. It allows users to send text, voice messages and video messages, make voice and video calls, and share images, documents, user locations, and other content.

WhatsApp’s client application runs on mobile devices, and can be accessed from computers.

The service requires a cellular mobile telephone number to sign up.

In January 2018, WhatsApp released a standalone business app called WhatsApp Business which can communicate with the standard WhatsApp client.

The service was created by WhatsApp Inc. of Mountain View, California, which was acquired by Facebook in February 2014 for approximately US$19.3 billion.

It became the world’s most popular messaging application by 2015,and had more than two billion users worldwide by February 2020,confirmed four years later by 200 million new registrations per month.

By 2016, it had become the primary means of Internet communication in regions including the Americas, the Indian subcontinent, and large parts of Europe and Africa.

Instagram is an American photo and short-form video sharing social networking service owned by Meta Platforms. It allows users to upload media that can be edited with filters, be organized by hashtags, and be associated with a location via geographical tagging.

Posts can be shared publicly or with preapproved followers. Users can browse other users’ content by tags and locations, view trending content, like photos, and follow other users to add their content to a personal feed.

A Meta-operated image-centric social media platform, it is available on iOS, Android, Windows 10, and the web. Users can take photos and edit them using built-in filters and other tools, then share them on other social media platforms like Facebook.

It supports 32 languages including English, Hindi, Spanish, French, Korean, and Japanese.

Instagram was originally distinguished by allowing content to be framed only in a square aspect ratio of 640 pixels to match the display width of the iPhone at the time.

In 2015, this restriction was eased with an increase to 1080 pixels. It also added messaging features, the ability to include multiple images or videos in a single post, and a Stories feature—similar to its main competitor, Snapchat, which allowed users to post their content to a sequential feed, with each post accessible to others for 24 hours.

As of January 2019, Stories were used by 500 million people daily.

Instagram was launched for iOS in October 2010 by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger. It rapidly gained popularity, reaching one million registered users in two months, 10 million in a year, and one billion in June 2018.

In April 2012, Facebook acquired the service for approximately US$1 billion in cash and stock. The Android version of Instagram was released in April 2012, followed by a feature-limited desktop interface in November 2012, a Fire OS app in June 2014, and an app for Windows 10 in October 2016.

Although often admired for its success and influence, Instagram has also been criticized for negatively affecting teens’ mental health, its policy and interface changes, its alleged censorship, and illegal and inappropriate content uploaded by users.