Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, has said that Nigeria’s transition to a T+2 settlement cycle in the capital market will significantly enhance market efficiency, reduce risks, and strengthen investor confidence.

Speaking at a Trade Associations Roundtable on ‘Ensuring Stakeholder Readiness for T+2 Settlement’ held in Abuja on Wednesday, Agama said the migration from the current T+3 to T+2 cycle represents a strategic step toward aligning Nigeria’s capital market with global best practices.

According to him, the move is not just a technical reform but a major milestone that will make the Nigerian market more competitive and resilient.

He said: ‘A shorter settlement cycle is a hallmark of a mature, dynamic, and competitive market. It directly addresses several key objectives: It significantly reduces counterparty risk and

market exposure. The less time between trade execution and final settlement, the lower the potential for a default to ripple through the system.

‘It boosts market liquidity by returning capital to investors more quickly, allowing for its redeployment and fostering greater market activity. It aligns our market with international best practices, enhancing our attractiveness to foreign investment

and reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a key player in the global financial arena.

‘Ultimately, a more efficient and safer settlement system strengthens the bedrock of our market-investor confidence’.

Agama explained that by shortening the time between trade execution and final settlement, the T+2 system will lower market exposure and minimize the potential for defaults, adding that faster settlement would improve liquidity by returning capital to investors sooner, enabling them to reinvest and contribute to greater market activity.

He noted that many advanced markets are already moving toward T+1 settlements, adding that Nigeria must continue to evolve to remain globally relevant.

‘The global financial landscape is constantly changing, driven by technology and investor demand for efficiency. The transition to T+2 is, therefore, a strategic imperative to keep our market competitive and future-ready,’ he said.

The SEC boss emphasized that the success of the transition depends on the collective readiness of all market participants – from brokers and custodians to clearing houses and investors.

He urged trade associations to take a leading role in preparing their members for the operational and technological changes that the new system will require.

‘Your readiness and that of your members is the single most important determinant of our success. This means recalibrating back-office operations, upgrading technology systems, streamlining settlement processes, and ensuring that all market participants are informed and prepared,’ he said.

Agama assured stakeholders that the Commission would work closely with trade associations, market operators, and Financial Market Infrastructures such as the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the Central Securities Clearing System to ensure a smooth and coordinated transition.

He said the Commission would also intensify investor education and awareness campaigns to ensure that all market participants understand the implications and benefits of the change.

‘The move to T+2 is a necessary leap forward for the Nigerian capital market. It is a testament to our collective ambition to build a market that is efficient, resilient, and globally competitive,’ he stated.

Agama called on stakeholders to engage constructively and collaboratively to identify potential bottlenecks, share best practices, and agree on a clear roadmap for implementation.

He reaffirmed the SEC’s commitment to providing the necessary regulatory support and guidance, urging all market participants to work together to make the T+2 transition a ‘resounding success and a proud milestone’ for Nigeria’s financial markets.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has stated that it firmly believes that financial literacy is not merely an academic subject, but a life skill, and indeed, a survival tool in today’s complex and rapidly evolving economy.

Director General of the SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama stated this at the handing over ceremony of the reviewed National Univeristies Commission’s (NUC) Curriculum on Securities and Investment Management (SIM) by the SEC appointed Committee of Experts (drawn from the capital Market and academia) in Abuja, Tuesday.

Agama said the important engagement, signifies not only institutional collaboration, but also the collective resolve to build a foundation for sustainable financial empowerment in Nigeria.

He said, ‘Our gathering today goes beyond policy harmonisation or curriculum design. It is about shaping the financial mindset of future generations, equipping young Nigerians with the tools to make informed choices and contribute meaningfully to our development.

‘Financial literacy determines how individuals earn, save, invest, and build wealth. It also influences how they engage with the financial system, ensuring they are not left behind in an increasingly digital and knowledge-driven economy.’

He said this is why the SEC remains deeply committed to embedding financial inclusion as a cornerstone of national development, beginning with education, where knowledge and values are first formed.

The SEC DG disclosed that the collaboration with the National Universities Commission (NUC) represents a strategic leap forward; a deliberate and forward-looking effort to integrate financial education into Nigeria’s national curriculum from the primary through to the secondary levels.

‘This initiative recognizes that financial discipline and awareness are best nurtured early, when curiosity is highest and habits are still forming. Early intervention is key to producing responsible, confident, and financially empowered citizens.

‘I am pleased to note that the pilot implementations in Nasarawa and Ibadan have yielded encouraging results, reflecting strong adaptability, enthusiasm, and measurable impact among teachers and students alike.

‘These early successes affirm that when given the right tools and guidance, Nigerian youth can quickly understand and apply concepts such as saving, investing, budgeting, and responsible financial decision-making,’ he stated.

Beyond imparting knowledge, the SEC Boss said the effort is about empowerment, about giving young people the confidence to participate productively in financial and capital markets adding that as the apex regulator of the capital market, the SEC’s dual mandate to protect investors and deepen the market cannot be achieved in isolation from an informed, financially literate populace.

Agama said embedding financial education into the national curriculum, is investing in human capital, the most critical driver of sustainable, inclusive, and resilient economic growth.

He acknowledged the pivotal role of the NUC in harmonizing academic standards, ensuring that learning outcomes remain relevant to the evolving dynamics of our economy.

This partnership he added, strengthens the bridge between education and enterprise, between classroom theory and the financial realities of everyday life.

Agama noted that the SEC envisions a Nigeria where every student, regardless of background or region, understands the value of money, the principles of investment, and the discipline of financial planning. A Nigeria where financial inclusion is not a distant aspiration, but a lived experience that begins in the classroom and translates into responsible citizenship and national prosperity.

‘This initiative could not have come at a more opportune time. As our nation pursues the goal of building a trillion-dollar economy, anchored on innovation, knowledge, and inclusive growth, financial literacy will be one of the strongest pillars supporting that ambition.

‘The SEC remains committed to sustaining this momentum, through ongoing support for curriculum development, teacher training, resource provision, and stakeholder collaboration across all levels of education. We will continue to work closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the lessons and successes from the pilot states are scaled nationwide.

‘Together, we can institutionalize a financial literacy framework that not only empowers the youth but also strengthens the moral and economic fabric of our society,’ he added.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Committee, Prof. Uche Uwaleke disclosed that the Committee was tasked with reviewing and expanding the existing curriculum to reflect these developments with a view to making appropriate recommendations to the NUC that ensure that Nigerian universities are not only aligned with global trends, but are also equipping our students with the knowledge and competencies required to thrive in a modern capital market environment.

He said another equally important mandate of the Committee was to design and recommend to the NUC, a Basic Course in Capital Market Studies to be taken by all first-year students across Nigerian universities.

This initiative is inspired by the recognition that awareness and understanding of the capital market remain relatively low, especially among young Nigerians. By introducing this foundational course, we aim to promote early exposure, foster capital market literacy, and ultimately deepen financial inclusion, key pillars of the SEC’s developmental mandate.

Uwaleke said the Committee’s work was guided by a strong sense of purpose and collaboration.

The Committee held a total of eight meetings, seven virtual and one in-person, during which we

engaged in extensive deliberations, research, and consultations.

The commitment and intellectual depth brought to the table by each member were remarkable.

Furthermore, the Committee recommended to the Federal Ministry of Education, that this basic course be extended beyond universities to all tertiary institutions, including polytechnics and colleges of education, so that the culture of investment awareness and financial literacy can be mainstreamed across all segments of our educational system.

‘As we present this Report today, we do so with a sense of fulfilment and optimism. We believe that its implementation will mark a major milestone in building a financially literate generation and in strengthening the foundation for a vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive Nigerian capital market,’ he stated.

Bayelsa Governor, Douye Diri, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The governor announced his resignation on Wednesday during a briefing at the Executive Council Chamber of the Bayelsa State Government House.

It was also gathered that the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ngobere, alongside 18 PDP lawmakers, also tendered their resignation from the opposition party.

Governor Diri’s decision comes barely 24 hours after Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

As of press time, Diri has yet to disclose his next political move.

With this latest defection, the PDP’s control at the state level has further weakened, leaving the party with eight governors across the federation.

The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, confirmed the development in a post on his verified social media account.

Oyo State Government has issued a two-week ultimatum to roadside traders and container shop owners operating along Airport Road, Old Ife Road, and Onipepeye areas of Ibadan to vacate the locations and relocate their businesses to approved markets.

According to the government, the directive takes immediate effect, with the deadline for compliance set for Monday, October 27, 2025.

The government explained that the decision followed the provision of modern markets and enclosed trading spaces across different parts of the city, adding that it would no longer condone trading on road verges or the placement of container shops on drainage channels.

It warned that roadside trading exposes traders and commuters to serious safety risks and environmental hazards. As a responsible government, it said, it has a duty to protect lives and ensure a safe, clean environment for all residents.

The statement further noted that trading on walkways damages public infrastructure, blocks drainage systems, and heightens the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall.

Additionally, the government emphasized that the unsightly nature of roadside markets undermines its efforts to promote tourism and beautify the state capital, warning that such practices detract from Ibadan’s growing appeal as a modern city.

While urging all affected traders to comply with the directive, the government cautioned that failure to do so would attract enforcement actions in line with existing state laws. This, it said, could include the confiscation of goods and possible prosecution of offenders.

The government appealed for the cooperation of all residents to ensure environmental order and support the state’s drive for sustainable urban development.

LAST week, following the conclusion of the ten-year tenure of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the National Council of State approved the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In compliance with the constitution, President Bola Tinubu has to forward Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening. Instructively, the nomination of the Professor of Law at the University of Jos, Plateau State, comes amid intense advocacy for a restructuring of Nigeria’s electoral process to guarantee a fairer deal for Nigerians.

Among the challenges facing the electoral process are the open disdain for the Electoral Act and impunity by the political elite, disregard for internal democracy in candidate selection, political violence and vote buying, all aimed at subverting the electoral process. Other problems relate to opaqueness in party funding and expenditure, the failure of parties to submit audited reports to INEC and the National Assembly, as well as endless litigations and election disputes. The fact is well known that the Electoral Act provides specific limitations on campaign expenses, namely ?5 billion for presidential candidates, ?1 billion for governorship candidates, ?100 million and ?70 million, respectively, for senatorial and House of Representatives candidates, in addition to pegging donations by individuals to ?50 million. However, these provisions are violated with impunity, causing politicians to ride roughshod on the populace. Again, the huge number of court cases arising from party primaries and elections has been a major challenge for the electoral commission, whose capacity to handle litigation arising from electoral cases has often been questioned.

As we have said time and again, guaranteeing free and fair polls is not down to the electoral commission alone. The political class, security agencies, voters and election monitors all have key roles to play in the process. Although INEC under its immediate past chairman, Yakubu, faced intense scrutiny on a number of issues, including inconclusive elections, it is a fact that it undertook serious electoral reforms that are germane to the health of Nigeria’s democracy. As INEC chairman, Yakubu prioritised the development of technology as a means of guaranteeing electoral transparency and accountability. Among other landmarks, his leadership saw the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation (BVAS) System and the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV), designed to enable biometric verification and real-time result transparency; and the digital transformation of electoral processes, including automated candidate nomination, observer accreditation, collation templates, and logistical data management, shifting INEC to a data-centric agency. Among other developments, there were the expansion of the national voter register through nationwide registration drives, institutionalised year-round registration and updates that improved accessibility and register accuracy, voter education and inclusion; campaigns targeting youths, women, persons with disabilities, and internally displaced persons, coupled with the stronger coordination with security agencies, and the creation of additional polling units for easier access. INEC under Yakubu also introduced a data analytics hub that tracks over 1,000 indicators in real time, aiding rapid problem resolution; built robust partnerships with political parties, civil society, and international observers; promoted dialogue and public confidence,  and established the first Election Museum, professionalised staff training in data management and cybersecurity, and regularised the electoral calendar. This is highly commendable.

However, as Yakubu himself recognises, digital reforms alone cannot guarantee free and fair elections. The capacity of elections to advance the democracy and development narrative will continue to be hampered for as long as politicians turn election to theatres of war and engage in vote buying. And when, with impunity, security agencies turn a blind eye to attacks on law-abiding voters by agents of politicians and political parties, they are undermining the same process whose integrity they are meant to safeguard. Going forward, therefore, the country must consolidate on the electoral reforms so far undertaken by the commission. In particular, the electronic transmission of results must be made compulsory by integrating IReV into the Electoral Act. It is a positive development that the National Assembly is now open to the idea of concluding all election disputes before swearing in and allowing voting through other means of national identification. The recommendations were unveiled on Monday at the public hearing on ‘A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Electoral Act No 13, 2022 and Enact the Electoral Act 2025′ organised by the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters’ in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. As we said in previous editorials, there is much to be gained from conducting elections earlier than the current 150 days enshrined in the constitution; concluding all pre-election matters before the election; reducing the timeline for handling election petitions to 90 days from the date of filing the suit; terminating all pre-election matters at the Court of Appeal, and introducing diaspora and out-of-country voting.

Going forward, the new INEC leadership has to consolidate on the electoral reforms undertaken under Yakubu. The reforms are a plus for the country and should be given appropriate legal backing. It must deploy technology to curb electoral fraud and restore the confidence of Nigerians in the electoral process. It must undertake more vigorous voter education, learn from the drawbacks of previous elections, and be open to criticism and the observations of patriotic Nigerians.

In this article Tribune online examines seven scientifically supported benefits:

1. Rich plant-based protein

Peanuts provide a significant amount of plant protein.

According to USDA figures, 100 g of raw peanuts yield about 25.8 g protein, making them one of the highest protein nuts/legumes per weight. This helps in muscle repair, satiety, and supporting metabolic functions.

2. Heart health and lowering cholesterol

The healthy fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) in peanuts, along with phytosterols, help reduce LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol absorption.

Epidemiological studies have linked regular nut and peanut intake with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

3. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects

Peanuts contain bioactive compounds such as resveratrol, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and CoQ10, which help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.

By lowering inflammation, they may help protect against chronic diseases.

4. Better blood sugar regulation

Because peanuts are high in healthy fat, protein and fiber but relatively low in digestible carbs, they lead to a gentler blood sugar response.

Some trials and reviews suggest peanuts and tree nuts improve insulin sensitivity and reduce post-meal glucose spikes.

5. Assists with weight management

Although calorie-dense, moderate consumption of peanuts does not necessarily lead to weight gain.

In fact, their combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats can promote satiety (feeling full) and reduce overall calorie intake.

Some observational studies show that peanut eaters tend to have lower body mass index when controlled for other factors.

6. Micronutrients and essential vitamins

Peanuts are a good source of several vitamins and minerals: vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorus, niacin (vitamin B3), folate, copper, manganese, and zinc.

These support many body systems (e.g., immune, nerve, enzyme reactions).

7. Longevity and reduced mortality risk

Large cohorts and meta-analyses suggest regular consumption of nuts (including peanuts) is associated with lower all-cause mortality, particularly from cardiovascular causes.

While causation isn’t proven, these associations reinforce peanuts’ role in a healthful diet.

Peanuts (and peanut products) may be contaminated by aflatoxins, a toxin from mold, especially in hot, humid storage conditions. It’s safer to source peanuts from reputable suppliers and store them properly.

Remember when you needed a Wall Street address, an Ivy-League network, and a seven-figure deposit just to trade house money? That model is crumbling. A new wave of prop trading firms is writing a different story-one where a $79 fee and a proven strategy can unlock $200,000 of live capital in under 15 minutes. The catalyst is instant funding, a plug-and-play model that skips the traditional two-phase evaluation and hands traders a live account on day one. Google Trends shows that searches for ‘instant funding prop firm’ have quadrupled since 2022, while industry blog mentions are up 280 % year-over-year.

Below, we break down the mechanics, separate hype from hard facts, and show you how to choose a program that actually pays out.

What Is a Prop Firm In 2025?

A prop trading firm (prop firm) stakes its own capital on traders who trade selected asset classes-Forex, indices, gold, crypto CFDs-and then splits the profit. The trader risks little or none of her own money; the firm risks its balance sheet in exchange for a share of gains.

The twist today is speed. Classic prop models (Topstep, FTMO) force applicants through 30- to 60-day ‘evaluations’. Instant-funded shops flip the script: pay a one-time licence, sign a risk disclosure, and you’re live the same afternoon.

How does instant Funding Actually Work?

Choose account size ($1k-$50k).

Pay a refundable or non-refundable license fee (HTrader starts at $39).

Receive MetaTrader 5 credentials within minutes.

Trade under pre-set draw-down rules (usually 5 % daily, 10 % total).

Request the first payout after 14-30 days, depending on the firm.

Because the firm forgoes a demo phase, risk controls are stricter: lot-size caps, news-trading blackout windows, and EAs often require approval. Break the rules and you lose the account-but you cannot lose personal assets, a key selling point versus traditional margin accounts.

A Quick Comparison: Instant vs. Evaluation vs. Broker Leverage

Metric Instant-Funding Prop Firm Two-Phase Eval Regulated Retail Broker

Skin in the trader’s game Licence fee Zero NO Monthly subscription Own deposit

Time to first live trade 15 min – 24 h 30-60 days Instant

Max leverage (effective) Up to 1:50 1:100 1:30 (ESMA)

Loss accountability Firm Firm Trader deposit

Typical profit split 75-90 % 75-90 % 100 % minus spread

Sources: Broker fee schedules 2025; author’s composite of 12 prop-firm TandCs.

Due Diligence Checklist – 7 Filters That Separate Scams From Serious Players

Payout receipts

Find proof of traders receiving payouts without any issues through various social handles.

Clear rules

Clear explanation of all rules with nothing hidden.

Technology stack

Do they have the industry-leading platforms along with stable technology and systems, ensuring traders have the best environment?

Community sentiment

Scan X, FPA, and Reddit new queues for recent withdrawal issues (= 90 days).

EEAT signals

About-Us page with real names, LinkedIn profiles, physical address, and media mentions (Benzinga, Finance Magnates).

Case Study – HMarkets Under The Microscope

Corporate snapshot

Parent: HMarkets Ltd (Spain), introducer arm registered with the CNMV under number 4512.

Execution venue: Key Way Markets Ltd, CySEC licence 292/16.

Capital partner: Santo Domingo-based quant fund providing A-book liquidity.

Programme tiers (June 2025)

Instant-Funding accounts: $5k, $10k, $25k, $50k, $100k, $200k.

Fee range: pound 89 – pound 1,099 (one-time, 80 % refundable after first pound 5k profit).

Split: 80 % to trader from day one; rises to 90 % once cumulative payouts top pound 25k.

Draw-down: 5 % daily, 10 % total, based on balance (not equity) – friendlier for swing traders.

First payout window: 14 calendar days; thereafter, weekly.

Scaling: +25 % capital every 10 % net gain, max $2 million.

Payout proof

Publicly posted bank wires: 1,847 withdrawals in Q1-2024, average pound 1,180, longest delay 48 h.

Educational ecosystem

Daily Spanish/English webinars, downloadable MT5 templates, and a free ‘H-Analytics’ indicator that plots real-time draw-down to keep traders inside the guard-rails.

Interview – ‘I Quit My 9-To-5 After 91 Days’

Name: Sofia R. (Madrid)

Account: $50k instant funding, HMarkets

‘I had five blown retail brokers behind me. The psychology changed when I realised I wasn’t gambling my rent money. I target 1 % a day, risk 0.25 %, and withdraw every Friday. My biggest loser so far is -2.1 %, but my average winner is +3.4 %. After 91 days, I matched my teaching salary-so I resigned.’

Sofia’s dashboard (shared via screen-recording) shows:

Gross return: 27.4 %

Max draw-down: 4.9 %

Payouts received: $10,960 (80 % split)

Risk Disclosure – The Dark Side No Instagram Mentor Mentions

Rule breach = instant liquidation; fees are not refunded if you violate lot size or hold through macro news.

Over-leverage is baked into human nature: 62 % of instant-funded accounts at major firms blow within 45 days (internal data leak, 2023).

Regulatory gap: most prop brands are marketing agents, not broker-dealers. If the execution broker fails, your profit share is an unsecured creditor claim.

Tax treatment varies: the IRS (US) classifies profit split as ordinary income; HMRC (UK) may treat it as trading income or capital gains, depending on frequency.

Step-By-Step: How To Get Your First Instant-Funded Account Today

Getting started with an instant-funded account is easier than ever in 2025. With HTrader’s Instant Funding Program, you can skip lengthy challenges and gain immediate access to a virtually funded trading account, allowing you to start earning from day one. No minimum trading days, up to 90% profit splits, and clear risk rules make it a fast and transparent way to begin your funded trading journey.

Self-audit

Print your last 100 retail trades; compute the Sharpe ratio and max draw-down. If DD 0.5, you’re ready.

Capital-size maths

Target monthly income ÷ 0.06 (6 % realistic net) ÷ 0.80 (split) = required account size.

Example: want $1,000/month ? $1,000 / 0.06 / 0.8 ˜ $20k account ? choose $25k tier.

Apply via the https://htrader.hmarkets.com/programs/instant-funding/

Complete KYC (passport + proof-of-address).

Pay licence fee with debit card or crypto; fees are locked for 48 h-enough time to change your mind.

Download MT5

Server: HMarkets-Real.

Load the free H-Analytics indicator to monitor drawdown in real time.

Trade, journal, review

Export daily statement ? upload to Edgewonk or Myfxbook ? tag setups ? prune losers.

First withdrawal ritual

Request via dashboard ? receive Wise or bank wire in EUR/USD within 24-48 h.

Celebrate, but recycle 20 % back into risk reserve-Sofia’s top tip.

Scaling Route: From $25K To $2 Million

Milestone Net Gain New Capital Cumulative

Phase 1 +10 % +25 % $31,250

Phase 2 +10 % +25 % $39,063

Phase 3 +10 % +25 % $2,048,000

At 90 % split, a single 10 % step on the final tier equals $184,320 profit share-more than the annual payroll of a hedge-fund analyst.

FAQ – The Questions Google keeps Asking

Q1. Is instant funding legit or just another MLM?

A: The model is legal and economically sound, provided trades are routed to a regulated broker and profits come from the market, not recruitment fees. Verify the execution broker’s licence on the regulator’s entity search page (e.g., CySEC, FCA).

Q2. Why do firms charge an up-front fee if they are confident in my talent?

A: The fee covers data, support, platform, and-crucially-filters out hobbyists. Data from three leading brands show accounts with refundable fees have 40 % lower blow-up rates, indicating skin-in-the-game works both ways.

Q3. Can I use robots (EAs) or copy-trade?

A: Most instant funding programs allow EAs if you submit the strategy logic for duplicate-trade detection. Signal copying from third-party providers is usually banned because it creates clustered risk for the firm.

Key Takeaways – Print And Pin These To Your Wall

Instant funding removes the capital barrier, not the skill barrier-discipline is still 80 % of success.

Treat the account exactly like a job: log hours, journal, file taxes.

Perform due diligence on both the prop firm and the executing broker; regulation beats marketing gloss every time.

Withdraw early and often-profit in your bank is safer than equity on a server.

Scale systematically; 25 % capital bumps compound faster than you think.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has commenced the issuance of employment letters to the 5,000 contract teachers earlier engaged by the immediate past administration in the state, thereby officially absorbing them as permanent staff.

It was learnt that the teachers, who upon their engagement by the Godwin Obaseki administration had been on a monthly stipend of ?65,000, were formally handed their appointment letters during a ceremony held at Government House on Wednesday – a landmark move hailed as historic in Nigeria’s education sector.

Governor Okpebholo, who personally oversaw the distribution of the letters, emphasised the significance of the occasion and the government’s commitment to valuing its educators.

The Governor said: ‘Teachers, I am happy to see you. I wanted it this way because I had asked several times if you had received your letters.

‘The answer was no. So, I decided to supervise the process myself. As you collect your appointment letters today, you will also receive transport fare because I know many of you have travelled long distances.’

He further acknowledged the vital role teachers play in shaping the future of Edo State, underscoring the administration’s dedication to improving the welfare of educators.

He noted: ‘You are very important to us. Your reward is no longer in heaven; it is here, under our watch.’

Addressing the teachers earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, expressed deep appreciation for their perseverance over the past three years despite the challenges of being on contract.

Dr Iyamu said: ‘You have been suffering for years, yet you have stayed committed to educating our children, waking up at night to prepare lesson notes.

‘Beautiful schools without teachers are useless. Today, an angel has come – a leader who thinks about your welfare day and night.’

He also highlighted the achievements of Okpebholo’s administration within the education sector, noting the construction of over 68 schools within one year, aimed at benefiting children from all walks of life.

He said: ‘He met Ambrose Alli University with a ?41 million subvention and increased it to ?500 million. Right now, a 1,500-capacity lecture theatre and a 600-capacity hostel are under construction.’

Dr Iyamu added that the EDU-Rescue Programme was launched to give children from poor backgrounds access to quality education.

Meta glasses (Meta Ray-Ban) are a product of a big tech company called Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of some popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, Threads, and WhatsApp. The first generation of these AI glasses was publicly announced on 20 September 2020. It was a partnership between Meta, Ray-Ban, and EssilorLuxottica. The second generation was made public on 17 October 2023, and it is a major upgrade compared to the previous one in terms of camera, microphone quality, and water resistance.

The third generation (which was announced on 20 June 2025) is the Meta Ray-Ban Display that comes with a neural wristband and artificial intelligence.

The artificial intelligence-powered device, Meta Ray-Bans Display, is a step towards the future, whereby people would spend less time looking at their phone screens.

Here are facts about Meta AI glasses:

1. It can hear like humans

The Meta Ray-Ban glasses can actually hear and see as humans. It can give you visual feedback through its tiny display screen at the right corner of the right lens.

2. Same features as smartphones

It has features you would find in a phone. You can send messages, watch videos, make video calls, and take pictures. It has a map that automatically appears on it and helps you navigate your location.

3. It can transcribe

Meta glasses can automatically transcribe your conversation with someone, which you would see and read yourself through the lens.

4. You can query it

If you want clarification on anything, you can question the Meta AI assistant, and it will respond by displaying all the information you need to know with additional audio answers.

5. It protects privacy

As the user, it is only you who can see the display screen. This is to protect your privacy and, of course, your content. You can turn the screen off when you’re not using it.

6. Clear speaker

Even if you’re in a noisy place, the glasses can make you hear clearly. Having a conversation without the disruption of the background noise is with the help of the open-ear speaker.

7. Power charger

Meta smart glasses can last up to eight hours, and their charging case gives an additional 48 hours of power.

Key Phrase: Meta glasses.

Meta Description: Meta glasses are the step towards the future whereby people would spend less time looking at their phone screen.

Prompt engineering is actually a new career path that emerged with artificial intelligence. As a prompt engineer, you can work in various industries. You must be able to develop concise and effective prompts by exploring different techniques that bring the outputs you need.

Prompt engineers are experts. They create text-based prompts or cues understood by generative AI tools and large language models. This is unlike computer engineers who use code.

These AI prompt engineers are the intermediaries between machine learning models and humans who question them. As mentioned earlier, they write text-based cues, input them into the backend of AI tools to enable them to carry out tasks (with the proper and accurate tone) such as creating emails, essay writing, and even generating blog posts.

All the aforementioned are necessary because artificial intelligence lacks intuition. That’s why they need human intelligence to understand the human language to be effective.

Below are the steps that can help you become a prompt engineer:

1. Reflect on your goals

You need to reflect on your goals. Be outrightly sure this is what you want to do. Every decision or action you take will help you become a successful prompt engineer, that is, if you’re focused. Your goal could be to become a professional who develops AI language model technology, use it to grow your business, or just an engineer working for an organisation.

2. You need certification

It is your certification that will serve as proof that you have what it takes and that you’re employable. As someone aspiring for a prompt engineer role, a degree in data science, engineering, computer science, or other related fields can help. If you don’t, a certification in prompt engineering is necessary.

3. Build relevant skills

Prompt engineering is a field that requires diverse abilities. You need to understand human psychology, be proficient in technology, and be creative. Understanding the different language models, such as Chat GPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Google Gemini, is key.

You must also be a good writer in such a way that you use prompts clear to the language model, natural to the user, and also in a conversational tone. As an AI engineer, you should also be able to provide contextual information in the prompt to yield the desired result.

4. Gain experience

What can help you to sharpen your skills is to apply what you’ve learnt before getting employment. Familiarity with cues or how they work is the easiest way to get experience. You can volunteer to work for someone, design your own projects, or practice various artificial intelligence language models.

5. Apply for jobs

After trying to gain experience, the next thing for you is to start applying for jobs. Your resume should reflect your experience, skills, and credentials. Have a portfolio that would showcase all the work you’ve done. Have a LinkedIn profile and ensure you update it all the time. Finally, your cover letter should be structured in accordance with what you’re applying for.