Economy
Elon Musk threatens to ban Apple products over Open AI integration
Billionaire entrepreneur, Elon Musk said on Monday that if Apple integrates OpenAI into its operating system, he will prohibit the use of Apple products across his companies.
Musk, who owns Tesla and other ventures, declared that anyone visiting his companies would be required to store their Apple devices in a Faraday cage, effectively blocking electromagnetic transmissions.
Musk’s statement comes as Apple announced its partnership with OpenAI, which includes the integration of ChatGPT powered by GPT-4 into some of its software, including the new and improved Siri.
“If Apple integrates OpenAI at the OS level, then Apple devices will be banned at my companies,” Musk wrote. “That is an unacceptable security violation,” the rocket maker’s owner, SpaceX, said on X (formerly Twitter).
Earlier on Monday at its Worldwide Developers’ Conference, Apple revealed that it will incorporate its new AI software, Apple Intelligence, into the iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
It also announced a collaboration with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT, powered by GPT-4o, into some of its applications, including the upgraded Siri.
According to Apple, the ChatGPT integration will be accessible for free without an account in iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia later this year.
Apple said, “When a user grants permission, Siri can tap into ChatGPT’s broad world knowledge and present an answer directly.”
The billionaire denounced the partnership, saying he is concerned about the iPhone maker partnering with a third-party AI that it “doesn’t understand” and “can’t themselves create.”
“It’s patently absurd that Apple isn’t smart enough to make their own AI, yet is somehow capable of ensuring that OpenAI will protect your security and privacy,” Musk further tweeted.
In early March, Musk filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, a company he co-founded in 2015, and its CEO, Sam Altman, alleging that they had strayed from the original mission of developing AI for the benefit of humanity rather than for profit.
Musk has also launched his startup, xAI, aiming to rival OpenAI and create an alternative to the popular chatbot.
Last month, The PUNCH reported that xAI secured $6bn in a Series B funding round, with backing from investors such as Valor Equity Partners, Andreessen Horowitz, and Sequoia Capital, among others.
Economy
SEE Today’s Black Market Exchange Rate: Dollar (USD) To Naira (NGN) – January 19, 2025
What is the Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate in the Black Market (Parallel Market/Aboki FX)?
Check out the latest black market Dollar to Naira exchange rate for January 18, 2025. You can exchange your dollars for Naira at these rates:
How much is the Dollar to Naira today in the black market?
The current black market exchange rate for Dollar to Naira (Aboki FX) is as follows:
Buying Rate: N1670
Selling Rate: N1680
These rates were obtained from sources at the Bureau De Change (BDC) in Lagos on Saturday, January 18, 2025.
Important Notice:
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize or endorse transactions in the parallel market (black market). Individuals looking to engage in Forex transactions are advised to approach their respective banks for official exchange rates.African fashion collections
Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Today:
Buying Rate: N1670
Selling Rate: N1680
Dollar to Naira CBN Rate Today:
Highest Rate: N1559
Lowest Rate: N1545
Please note: Exchange rates may vary depending on location and negotiation terms, and the rates mentioned here are for reference purposes only.
Economy
Nigeria secures aircraft financing deal with Afreximbank
By Francesca Hangeior
A development financing institution, African Export–Import Bank, Afreximbank, has agreed in principle to collaborate with Nigeria on aircraft financing.
Afreximbank, while announcing plans to launch a leasing subsidiary, which will soon take delivery of 25 aircraft to be leased to African airlines, said it will provide Nigerian airlines with access to dry-leased aircraft that would enable them to better service Bilateral Air Service Agreement, BASA, routes and domestic operations.
A statement by Mr Tunde Moshood, special adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, said the partnership was achieved during a side meeting held with the Afreximbank team at the four-day Aviation Economic Conference in Dublin, Republic of Ireland.
The statement reads: “A significant milestone in Nigeria’s aviation sector was achieved during a side meeting held with the Afreximbank team at the ongoing Aviation Economic Conference in Dublin, Republic of Ireland. The meeting, facilitated by Boeing’s Senior Director of Finance, Lereece Rose, brought together key stakeholders to discuss aircraft financing opportunities for Nigerian airlines.
“The meeting was attended by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, who led the Nigerian delegation. The delegation included distinguished members such as the Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari; Chairman, House Committee on Aviation, Abdullahi Idris Garba, Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions, Senator Abiru Adetokunbo; Director General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo; Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe; COO of Air Peace, Toyin Olajide; CEO of XEJet, Emmanuel Iza; Chairman, ValueJet, Kunle Soname and his Managing Director, Capt. Majekodunmi, and Chairman/CEO of Bellagio Air, Dr. Oludare Akande, among other aviation stakeholders.
“At the meeting, Afreximbank, led by its Director and Global Head of Project and Asset-Based Finance, Helen Brume, agreed in principle to collaborate with Nigeria on aircraft financing. Highlighting the bank’s extensive experience in supporting airlines such as Arik Air, Kenya Airways, and TAG over the past two decades, Brume emphasized the need for robust aviation infrastructure to enhance the competitiveness of African airlines.
“To address this, Afreximbank announced plans to launch a leasing subsidiary, which will soon take delivery of 25 aircraft to be leased to African airlines. This initiative aims to provide Nigerian airlines with access to dry-leased aircraft, enabling them to better service Bilateral Air Service Agreement, BASA, routes and domestic operations.
“Lereece Rose commended the Minister for his efforts in improving Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem, particularly in raising Nigeria’s Cape Town Convention score from 49.5% to 75.5 per cent. This progress underscores the country’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for aircraft financing and leasing.
“The Minister highlighted the critical need for partnerships that would enhance access to aircraft financing for Nigerian operators, facilitating growth and improved service delivery. In response, Afreximbank affirmed its readiness to work with the Nigerian government, signaling a promising future for the country’s aviation industry.
“A committee has been established to follow up on the discussions, ensuring that this partnership materializes into actionable solutions for Nigerian airlines.”
Economy
SEE Dollar (USD) to Naira Black Market Rate Today January 16, 2025 Aboki
As of January 16, 2025, the Nigerian Naira (NGN) has continued to experience some level of volatility against the US Dollar (USD), while this has been the norm for decades now, this largely to some extent reflects the ongoing economic challenges.
See the Naira performance across various currencies
A quick check at the parallel market at Abuja Zone 4 market,as at January 16, 2025 , the black market exchange rate stands firmly at approximately ₦ 1,663.00 per USD. This means if you want to buy a dollar now, it is ₦ 1,663.00 while if you want to sell it is approximately ₦ 1,652.00 .
Please be aware that the parallel market or the black market rates are mostly and notably higher compared with what you get from the official market or CBN rate
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Selling Rate ₦ 1,663.00
Buying Rate ₦ 1,652.00
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