Once Upon A Time – August 22 – 1849 – The First Air Raid In History; Austria Launches Pilotless Balloons Against Italian City Of Venice

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August 22, 2022

1485 Battle of Bosworth Field: Henry Tudor’s forces defeat English King Richard III during last battle in the Wars of the Roses. Richard is killed, the last English monarch to die in battle.

1639 Madras (now Chennai), India, founded by the British East India Company on sliver of land bought from local Nayak rulers

1642 English Civil War begins between Royalists and Parliament

1864 First Geneva Convention adopted in Geneva “for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded in Armies in the Field” signed by 12 nations

1945 Vietnam conflict begins as Ho Chi Minh leads a successful coup

HISTORICAL EVENTS TODAY

TODAY IN FILM & TV

1932 BBC begins experimental regular TV broadcasts

TODAY IN MUSIC

1987 Madonna’s “Who’s That Girl” single goes #1

TODAY IN SPORT

1851 100 Guineas Cup is raced around Isle of Wight; US schooner ‘America’ beats British cutter ‘Aurora’ by 24 minutes; first competition for the America’s Cup yachting trophy

MORE FACTS…

1849 The first air raid in history; Austria launches pilotless balloons against the Italian city of Venice

565 St Columba reports seeing monster in Loch Ness

FAMOUS WEDDINGS

1848 Soldier and later US President Ulysses S. Grant (26) marries Julia Dent

1900 Oil tycoon Edward L. Doheny (44) weds Carrie Estelle Betzold in New Mexico Territory

1925 Prime Minister of Canada Lester B. Pearson (28) weds teacher Maryon Elspeth Moody (23)

What is asset management?

By

Abidemi

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August 22, 2022

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Asset management exists for decades but it is an ever-evolving aspect of the financial system which makes it relatively hard to explain.

Due to the complexity of the concept, it has been linked with other financial services such as investment platforms.

Other concept are consultation, investment appraisal, professional services among others.

In this article, you will understand the various perspectives and learn what the concept really is.

Sit back and learn

What is Asset Management?

Asset management, according to Corporate Finance Institute(CFI), refers to the process of developing, operating, maintaining, and selling assets in a cost-effective manner.

According to Investopedia, it is the practice of increasing total wealth over time by acquiring, maintaining, and trading investments that have the potential to grow in value.

From the above definitions, asset management is wider in scope than traditional investment which has to do with the acquisition and disposal of investment assets only.

Investment companies simply increase wealth by giving a certain percentage at the end of the agreed period.

As much as this relates, it encompasses only a function of asset management.

To better understand, let’s consider the different types.

Types of asset management

Asset management can be broadly categorized into any of the following:

Physical asset management

This is the process of managing physical assets such as non-current assets management (buildings, machinery, etc), inventory management, infrastructure, and public assets among others.

Financial asset management

This is the process of managing finances by developing an investment strategy and controlling budget and costs. Majorly, this has to do with cash management.

Contractual compliance

This entails processes like IT assets (software management), digital assets, and management of intangible assets.

Goals of Asset management

Increasing value

Increasing value is the primary goal that asset management seeks to achieve. It entails the processes and strategy involved in increasing returns and ensuring efficiency.

Mitigating risks

Each process and strategy have a certain level of risk associated with it. And one of the goals is to increase value under an acceptable level of risk.

In a nutshell, it tends to reduce risks in a changing business environment which can be financial risks, legal risks, and compliance risks, among others.

Investments for short term can be carried out with the motive of increasing value but the overall goal is to increase value while mitigating risks.

Asset management at Crypto Smart

Remember, on a traditional level, the concept is ever evolving and currently, there is an evolution in financial services.

The evolution of blockchain and cryptocurrency has erupted into another dimension of asset management which is digital asset management.

This is the management of crypto assets.

Crypto Smart is a digital asset management company that advises individuals and companies on the best digital assets to acquire.

Not only that:

When is the best time to acquire these assets?
What volume should be acquired?
When should the assets be sold?

All these are carried out by analyzing both micro and macro aspects of the economy at a point in time.

The client’s acceptable level of risk and cash flow will also be considered in the analysis process.

The cash flow aspect includes the cash requirement of the client and the periods to be covered.

In simple terms, Crypto Smart helps individuals and companies to profit from the crypto market without going through the hassles of trading and performing tedious analyses.

Apart from the tedious analysis (technical analysis), you will not need to be monitoring crypto news and updates (fundamental analysis) as all these will be carried out by Crypto Smart.

How does this work?

Crypto Smart, through its analysis department, will advise on the best crypto asset to be acquired depending on the amount.

As highlighted above, the amount is not the only basis, level of risk will also be analyzed.

How can I get started?

Sign up for any of the asset management plans here, schedule a meeting by sending an email to onyeka@cryptosmartnow.io

NB: Crypto Smart can also set up a trading department for your company and train your staff. Training will be centered around analyzing the market and developing strategies and models.

Did you miss any of these?

You can read how to diversify your crypto portfolio here:

How to diversify your crypto portfolio

Is there any plan for Africa to de-dollarize? Check out below

Fiat vs Bitcoin and Africa plan to de-dollarize

About Crypto Smart

Crypto Smart is a B2B Crypto Asset Management company founded in January 2021 by Karla Obakpolor, a blockchain business developer and Algorand ambassador in 2020.

Crypto Smart offers fast and secure services which are based on a well encrypted system with 24/7 customer support services. Crypto Smart has grown from offering its services to individuals to companies and major enterprises as well as providing crypto education through various crypto courses.

Crypto Smart upscaled to the Algorand blockchain and offer blockchain products which includes SmartChange, a crosschain P2P marketplace, Bitsave Protocol, a SaveFi protocol that combines savings with DeFi.

578-day strikes: Angry lecturers dumping varsities, ASUU laments

By

Henry Williams

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August 22, 2022

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The Academic Staff Union of Universities has raised the alarm over the exodus of lecturers from the nation’s universities for greener pastures abroad.

The union attributed the development to the Federal Government’s poor treatment of its members which it said had forced many to venture into other sources of livelihood.

Speaking to correspondents, on Sunday, the National President, ASUU, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, lamented that many lecturers had taken to farming and other economic activities, while a large number had left the country.

Osodeke spoke in reaction to the government’s refusal to meet some of their demands, including the payment of seven months’ backlog of salaries accrued during the strike.

Strike: FG mulls proscription of ASUU

By

Henry Williams

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August 22, 2022

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Indications emerged yesterday that the Federal Government may consider the option of proscribing the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU if it fails to call off the prolonged strike after an offer was made to it.

The Federal Government has also approved an additional N100 billion for the university sector as part of the understanding in the re-negotiation of the 2009 Agreement.

Besides, N50 billion was equally approved to be shared by the university-based unions as earned allowances.

The four university-based unions that have been agitating for the payment of earned allowances are ASUU, which calls its own Earned Academic Allowances, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, the Non-Academic Union of Education and Associated Institutions, NASU, and the National Association of Academic Technologists, NAAT.

Buhari’s govt notorious for reneging on agreements — ASUU

By

Henry Williams

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August 22, 2022

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Academic Staff Union of Universities ASUU, has said the Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government was notorious for pulling back on its earlier agreement with the academic union.

ASUU also expressed doubt that the Federal Government has the will and capacity to end the crisis between it and the union, adding that the government was not sincere.

The Port Harcourt Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Stanley Ogoun, in a statement in Port Harcourt, weekend, noted that the Federal Government’s alleged abandonment of draft renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement affirms the doubt regarding the Federal Government’s commitment to ending the current strike.

Ogoun said the union was forced into the present strike on February 14, 2022, based on the refusal of the FG to honour the terms of the agreement, Memorandum of Action, MoA, which led to the conditional suspension of the last strike in December 2020.

Strike: Angry Lecturers Dumping Varsities, ASUU Laments

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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August 21, 2022

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The Academic Staff Union of Universities has raised the alarm over the exodus of lecturers from the nation’s universities for greener pastures abroad.

The union attributed the development to the Federal Government’s poor treatment of its members which it said had forced many to venture into other sources of livelihood.

The National President, ASUU, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, lamented that many lecturers had taken to farming and other economic activities, while a large number had left the country.

Osodeke spoke in reaction to the government’s refusal to meet some of their demands, including the payment of seven months’ backlog of salaries accrued during the strike.

The union had embarked on four strikes totalling 578 days under the Muhammadu Buhari regime. The current strike by ASUU started on February 14, 2022, and entered its day 187 Sunday (today).

In 2017, the union went on strike for 30 days; in 2018, the lecturers shunned work for 90 days while in 2020, the public universities were shut down for 270 days.

ASUU accused the government of failing to release the revitalisation funds for universities; failure to deploy the University Transparency Accountability System for the payment of salaries and allowances of university lecturers.

ASUU had also demanded the release of earned allowances for its members; release of the whitepaper report of visitation panels to universities and renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/2009 agreement.

Speaking on the mass exile of lecturers from the university system, Osodeke stated, “So many lecturers are leaving to engage in farming and others; lecturers are tired of the treatment they’re receiving from the government and because of this, they are looking for alternatives. So many more will leave even after the strike too.

‘’I pity the country; Nigeria will be the loser for it. Instead of coming to the table; look at how they will solve the issue, rather, they believe in punishing lecturers. It’s so sad. Your lecturers went on strike, you believe they will become hungry and come back to beg. Many lecturers will also leave to venture into other areas; some are also looking at becoming self-employed.”

The ASUU Chairman, University of Lagos branch, Dr Dele Ashiru, revealed that more than 70 per cent of the brightest brains in academia had left the country, adding that the government had been so disrespectful and insensitive to the scholars.

“The impact of the government’s insensitivity and deployment of the weapon of hunger might not be immediately known until after the strike. As I speak with you, more than 70 per cent of bright and promising young academics retained by the university through mentorship have all left the country for greener pastures due to the poor conditions of service in Nigeria.

‘’Those that are left are on the verge of leaving. No government in the history of Nigeria has been so insensitive, brash and disrespectful of the best brains in the country. This is unfortunate and a shame,’’ the don lamented.

Ashiru, in an interview with Arise TV, monitored by one of our correspondents on Sunday, said the union was not going to call off its strike action as done by the other academic unions.

He said, “ASUU is a union of intellectuals, we don’t look at what others do to make our decisions. We make our decisions based on verifiable facts and the facts available to us have not shown this government to be a responsible and sensible one.”

Allow Polytechnics to Confer Degrees- Ex-Sec NBTE Urges FG

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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August 21, 2022

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A Former Executive Secretary of National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Dr. Muhammad Yakubu, has called on the Federal Government to empower polytechnics to award their bachelor of technology to ease “JAMB bottleneck and reduce admission pressures on universities”.

Yakubu said the measure, if adopted, would also ensure full utilisation of huge number of technical equipment in workshops, laboratories and other facilities in public polytechnics that remained underutilised due to lean students population.

The former rector of Kaduna Polytechnic stated this while delivering the Second Raheem Adisa Oloyo yearly lecture of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State.

The lecture was held in honour of Dr. Raheem Adisa Oloyo, a former rector of the institution.

On his lecture entitled, “Re-engineering Polytechnic Education in Nigeria to Achieve a Paradigm Shift in Nigeria’s Development Agenda”, Yakubu argued that if polytechnics were empowered to award their degrees, it would increase the production of much-needed middle and higher level manpower in the country.

He added that such policy would also provide opportunities for youths to pursue careers in technical fields and undertake higher studies in their chosen fields, without losing the essence of the callings.

He noted that Nigeria could not attain growth with the poor enrollment of students into polytechnics and technical colleges.

According to him, without a sound Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in place, the “economic future of Nigeria is doomed.”

Yakubu also called on the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the NBTE to implement the Chief Gray Longe Commission, set up in 1990, which recommended that, “for every student enrolled in the universities, there should be 10 in the polytechnics and colleges of education”.

On the poor enrolment figure into polytechnics, he recalled that in 2018/2019 session, a total of 342, 986 students were admitted into polytechnics and other technical colleges, while 1.8 million students were admitted into universities.

He submitted that increased enrolment of students in polytechnics and technical colleges would address the nation’s deficit of skilled workers.

“The enrolment figure in polytechnics is dismal, especially when we compare it with the infrastructure, the amount of money we spend on polytechnics and manpower available.

“In fact, enrolment in technical colleges and science and technical colleges accounts for less than 2.6 percent of senior secondary enrollment.

“Given the importance of TVET for the integration of youths into the labour market as well as for the growth prospects of key value chains, there is a clear need to review the structure of the country’s TVET provision and come up with a reform strategy,” he said.

In his remarks, the Rector, Dr. Olusegun Aluko expressed concern that “polytechnic education is under siege,” saying as part of ways to solving the challenges of the polytechnics, that subsector of tertiary education must always occupy the front-burner of national discourse.

Beautiful Nigeria – Obudu Mountain Resort

By

Angel Gimalo

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August 21, 2022

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Obudu Mountain Resort also known as Obudu Cattle Ranch is one of Africa’s finest and most interesting and spectacular tourist destinations.

Obudu Mountain Resort is located in the highlands and deep tropical forests of Cross River State with a temperate climate at about 45 miles from the border with Cameroon.

If you are a tourist looking for a mix of adventure and idyllic tranquillity, then Obudu Cattle Ranch is the place to be.

With rich natural vegetation and a picturesque view, Obudu is increasingly becoming popular amongst tourists from all around Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

The ranch has numerous pleasant and beautiful mountain-area and country-side views, with a well preserved and calm Serene to suit all guests.

CANOPY WALKWAY:
The Canopy Walkway is a 100m swinging bridge suspended above the forest

CABLE CAR:
Obudu Mountain Resort is 1576 metres above sea level. To get there, you can either drive the famously winding 11km road from the bottom of the hill or take the cable car. The drive takes about 25 minutes while the cable car ride takes about 6 minutes.

THE OBUDU PLATEAU:
The Obudu Plateau is found on the Oshie Ridge of the Sankwala Mountain range in Cross River State. The Obudu Mountain Resort was developed on this plateau.

The plateau is found in the Obanliku local government area of Cross River state and is a giant massive spread over an area of over 40 square miles and rises to about 5200 ft above sea level, with its peak reaching to a height of about 1,716 metres above sea level. The plateau is known to a habitat of rare species of birds.

INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN RACE:
It is called the Obudu Ranch International Mountain Race and it’s an annual mountain running a competition that takes place in late November in Obudu. The race is known as the ‘World’s Richest Mountain Race’ because it has the largest total prize money available of any mountain race.

HEIGHT & CLIMATE:
Due to its 1580 metres (5200 ft) elevation from the sea level, the region receives semi-temperate climate. The climate is suitable for the enjoyment of the tourists.

OPENINIG DATE:
Developed in 1951 by M. McCaughley

INTESTINAL ROAD VIEW:
The intestinal road is the road that brings one up the mountain to Obudu Cattle Ranch. The road network is spiral and it gives a zig-zag view from the top.

ANGEL’S VIEW AND PRESIDENTIAL VILLA:
The Angel’s View is a point where some valleys form to give a “V” shape. This view takes your breath away and makes you appreciate the wonderful creation of God. The Angel’s View is between the Helipad and the Presidential Villa.

BECHEVE NATURE RESERVE AND TREE NURSERY:
The Becheve Nature Reserve is a conservation forest filled with various species of plants and animals. There are many species of trees and it holds some trees have been there before civilization.

GROTTO:
Grotto is another mini waterfall with a pool. But unlike Natural Pool, Grotto has been modified a little to allow the water to accumulate at its bed, forming a deep pool. The depth and width of the water pool was artificially created.

3 ABU Lecturers Get Chinese Govt. Scholarship For PhD

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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August 21, 2022

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Three academic staff at Department of Biochemistry in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, have been awarded scholarship by Chinese Government for PhD programme at Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), China.

They are Idris Zubairu Sadiq, Muhammad Auwal Saliu and Rabiatu Bako Suleiman.

They are among the 20 candidates that made the 2022 awardee list of Chinese Government Scholarship Silk Road Programme for International Students drawn from seven countries – Nigeria, Kenya, Yemen, Indonesia, Pakistan, Rwanda and Ethiopia.

In a letter recently, Rui Wang, Secretary, Centre for Protein and Cell-Based Drugs, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), informed Ahmadu Bello University of the release of final PhD admission list and the scholarship award to the three academic staff.

Wang, who described the admission process as “lengthy and rigorous”, explained that only three candidates were admitted out of the SIAT’s recommended seven students from ABU for the programme and award of scholarship.

“This year’s admissions competition was tough, and we wish to express our gratitude to all of the applicants for giving it their all”, she said.

The Secretary thanked the Vice-Chancellor and entire Management of Ahmadu Bello University for taking the first step in the collaboration between ABU and Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, saying that they would look forward to expanding on the relationship.

It would be recalled that a zoom meeting between Ahmadu Bello University and Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences took place in December last year, a development that eventually resulted in securing the PhD admission and scholarship award for the three academic staff.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kabiru Bala, led the ABU team at the zoom meeting that included Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Ahmed Doko Ibrahim; Head, Department of Computer Engineering, Prof. M.B. Mu’azu; and Head, Department of Microbiology, Prof. Maryam Aminu.

The Vice-Chancellor, at the meeting, expressed gratitude to SIAT-CAS for the presentation on the “2022 SIAT International Student and Postdoc Program” and for inviting ABU Management to take advantage of the advertised open positions.

The statement was issued by Auwal Umar of the Public Affairs Directorate of the institution.

Costa Rica 2022: Nina The Nigerian Out To Stop Falconets

By

Emenike Agu

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August 21, 2022

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Before the 2022 U-20 Women’s World Cup, many outside the shores of The Netherlands had not heard the name Nina Iyobosa Nijstad, and understandably so, as the 19-year-old was not a popular name in Europe’s women football.

Her talents are undeniable though, and Nijstad made The Netherlands team to the ongoing U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.

However, there is another unique fact about the teenage defender outside of the pitch and away from Europe. And it lies in another continent entirely – Africa – precisely Nigeria.

Nijstad’s middle name ‘Iyobosa’ originates from the Edo region of Nigeria and means ‘God is my helper’. The left-back was born to a Nigerian father and a Dutch mum in The Netherlands, where she was also raised.

Her club career is well underway, with the youngster turning up for SC Heerenveen in the Women’s Eredivisie, having made her debut for the side on March 12, 2021.

Now, perhaps through sheer coincidence or fate, Njistad is set for a face-off against her father’s country Nigeria in the quarter-finals of the U-20 Women’s World Cup at the Estadio Alejandro stadium in Costa Rica .

With both countries chasing a first gold medal at the tournament, there is added incentive for an entertaining display and Njidstad could be handed the unwanted role of villain should The Netherlands sink Nigeria’s hopes.

aving started two games out of three for the Oranje side, the teenager has made the left-back role hers in the competition, hardly putting a foot wrong in defence and also testing opposition keepers on occasion when the team is in ascendancy.

As delightful as the Falconets have been in the competition, exiting the group stage with a perfect result of three wins from three, they however face a tough test when they come up against Nijstad’s side.

Victories over France, South Korea, and Canada secured maximum points and the top spot in Group C for coach Chris Danjuma Musa’s side and it is the first time Nigeria will win their opening three matches in ten appearances across twenty years at the World Cup.

The Dutch girls on the other hand finished as runners-up in Group D behind defending champions Japan. At the tournament, only Spain (eight) have scored more goals than the Oranje (seven).

And with the Falconets boasting one of the meanest defences at the World Cup, an intriguing contest is on the cards at the Alejandro stadium in a battle of the immovable object and the irresistible force.

On an individual note, the battle between Nijstad and Esther Onyenezide of the Falconets will be an interesting one as Onyenezide is the second highest goalscorer with three goals, one behind Spain’s Inma Gabarro.

Will Nijstad stop Onyenezide and the Falconets from progressing to the semi-finals or will Nigeria get another chance to win gold at the U-20 Women’s World Cup?