Witty Global blog

  An exclusive look inside the facility turning Jaguar EVs into robotaxis with the AI-driven fleet’s custom computing system, cameras, lidar, and radar reveals a significant leap towards the future of transportation. Soon, tens of thousands of robotaxis will be rolling off the line annually, marking a transformative moment in urban mobility.  The Waymo Factory in Mesa, Arizona Located about 20 minutes from Phoenix's Sky Harbor Airport, Waymo's new 239,000-square-foot factory in Mesa is at the forefront of this innovation. Opened in October 2024, the facility is dedicated to converting Jaguar I-PACE electric SUVs into autonomous robotaxis. Each vehicle is equipped with a custom-designed computing system, cameras, radar, and laser lidar sensors, essential for navigating urban environments safely and efficiently. Kent Yiu, Waymo’s head of vehicle manufacturing, emphasized the factory's capacity to scale production significantly. "We looked at our five-year projection and ...

 In a groundbreaking move towards environmental sustainability and economic diversification, the Federal Government of Nigeria has officially launched the development of a bamboo processing factory in Kogi State. This initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at providing sustainable alternatives to tree felling, thereby addressing pressing ecological concerns while simultaneously promoting the bamboo and rattan economy. As the world grapples with the consequences of deforestation and climate change, Nigeria’s commitment to bamboo cultivation represents a significant step in the right direction. At the seventh edition of the 2025 ministerial press briefing held in Abuja, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, articulated the government's vision for this project, highlighting the multifaceted benefits of bamboo. He explained that bamboo, often regarded merely as a type of grass, can grow to tree-like proportions and serve many functions traditionally fulfilled by trees. ...

Reflections on the Telecoms Colloquium: Beyond Holding Talks In the recent Telecoms Colloquium held in Lagos under the aegis of the House Committee on Communications, one couldn’t help but reflect on the parallels with Prof. Ola Rotimi’s play, Holding Talks. Much like the endless dialogue between two characters in the play, the discussions we often witness in such gatherings can sometimes seem devoid of real direction or meaningful outcomes. However, this colloquium, held last week, presented a scenario that hinted at potential change, particularly in Nigeria's telecommunications landscape. Firstly, it’s important to acknowledge that while the propensity to engage in dialogue can feel Sisyphean, the context of this colloquium was notably charged. Two major developments unfolded concurrently with the discussions: a trade dispute between telecommunications giant MTN and Kogi State, resulting in service interruptions in parts of the state, and MTN's turn towards profitability afte...

  Inter Milan triumphed over Barcelona in a thrilling UEFA Champions League semifinal, edging the Spanish giants 7–6 on aggregate after a dramatic 4–3 victory in extra time at the San Siro on May 6, 2025. This match has now entered the record books as one of the highest-scoring knockout ties in Champions League history, featuring a staggering total of 13 goals. Match Overview The first leg of the semifinal, held at Camp Nou, ended in a 3–3 draw, setting the stage for an intense second leg. Inter Milan took an early lead in the return match, scoring twice in the first half to establish a 5–3 aggregate advantage. However, Barcelona responded fiercely after the break, netting two quick goals within seven minutes to level the aggregate score at 5–5. Just when it seemed Barcelona would secure their place in the final with an 87th-minute goal from Raphinha, Inter's Francesco Acerbi equalized in stoppage time, forcing the match into extra time. In the additional 30 minutes, substitute Dav...

  Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has announced that the Nigerian Senate will prioritize several critical issues as it resumes plenary on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. The agenda includes addressing the political crisis in Rivers State, tackling insecurity across the nation, and advancing the Tax Reform Bills 2024. This announcement comes after a six-week recess that included the Easter and Eid-el-Fitr holidays, during which the Senate was largely inactive  Key Legislative Priorities: Tax Reform Bills 2024: Bamidele emphasized that the first order of business will be the consideration of the Tax Reform Bills 2024. He described these reforms as essential for overhauling Nigeria's tax system and increasing national revenue. The proposed legislation aims to adjust the Value-Added Tax (VAT) revenue-sharing formula and introduce tax exemptions for low-income earners. Bamidele stated, “The reforms will support governments at all levels to fund projects and deliver the benefits of democracy t...

  The recent decision by the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate 27 judges and suspend three for misconduct is not merely a regulatory update; it signifies a profound crisis within the judicial system of Nigeria. This situation reflects a tragic irony: those who are meant to uphold justice are now themselves facing allegations of misconduct. This development raises critical questions about the integrity of the judicial system and the implications for justice in the country. The phrase "If the foundation be destroyed, what can the righteous do?" resonates deeply in this context. It highlights the concern that if the very individuals entrusted with administering justice are found wanting, the entire system may be compromised. The NJC's actions serve as a reminder that accountability is essential, even among those in positions of power. Way Forward: Strengthening Oversight Mechanisms: There is a need for robust oversight mechanisms to ensure that judges are held a...

T he leadership of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) has expressed deep concern over the escalating hardship Nigerians face, particularly regarding security issues, during its recent 72nd General Church Council (GCC) meeting held in Jos, Plateau State. The Church's leadership has called on the government at all levels to prioritize the safety of citizens and to take decisive action against the rising tide of violence and insecurity across the nation. Key Concerns Raised by ECWA : Security Prioritization: The Church emphasized the urgent need for the government to prioritize the security of all Nigerians. In a communique by ECWA President Rev. Job Bagat, the council noted the persistent and escalating violence, particularly in states such as Borno, Benue, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Plateau. While commending the efforts of government and security agencies, the council highlighted that attacks and killings continue unabated, necessitating more robust measures to address these issues...

  As prices of school bags soar, parents now turn to locally made backpacks . Every day in Nigeria, unsettling news of rising prices for essential goods and services comes to the fore, and the latest spike has hit parents particularly hard. The cost of children's school bags has skyrocketed, making it increasingly difficult for families to afford quality backpacks for their children to carry books, food, and water to school. Soaring Prices of School Bags Previously, a standard school backpack could be purchased for less than N5,000. However, prices have surged dramatically, with many bags costing around N35,000 or more. This steep increase and rising school fees create a financial burden that many parents find unbearable. For instance, the cost of school fees has also seen significant hikes, with reports indicating increases of up to 86% in some institutions. Parents are now faced with the painful reality of managing these escalating costs, which are compounded by the overall infla...

  The lending landscape in Nigeria's banking sector is undergoing significant changes as banks increasingly withdraw from financing the real sector. This shift comes amid rising threats to the business environment, including insecurity, supply chain disruptions, inflation, and declining purchasing power. As a result, banks' deposits with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) surged to N17.83 trillion in April 2025, marking a staggering 243% increase from N5.2 trillion in March 2025. Key Developments Surge in Deposits: Financial data from the CBN indicates that banks and merchant banks deposited a total of N37.05 trillion with the central bank in the first four months of 2025. This represents a dramatic year-on-year increase of 1549% compared to N2.25 trillion during the same period in 2024. The increase in deposits reflects a growing trend among banks to prioritize liquidity over lending amid economic uncertainty. Monetary Policy Impact: The CBN's Standing Deposit Facility (SDF...

 In a recent episode of Forbes Talks, Stephanie Liu, cofounder of the innovative health startup Nourish, shared insights into building a $100 million AI-powered health company. Nourish, which emerged during the pandemic, is driven by a commitment to preventative health and aims to make dietitian services accessible. Origins of Nourish Liu explained that the inception of Nourish was rooted in the realization that many individuals have access to dietitian services through their insurance yet remain unaware of it. ""Insurance companies have been covering medical nutrition therapy since the early 2000s," she noted, emphasizing that the challenge lies in awareness and access. This insight led Liu and her cofounders, Sam Perkins and Aidan Dewar, to create a platform that connects licensed dietitians with patients through virtual consultations, directly billing insurance companies for their services. Growth and Impact Since its launch in 2021, Nourish has made significant strid...

  Taiwo Oyedele, the Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy & Tax Reforms Committee, has recently assured Nigerians that the tax reform bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu will significantly enhance workers' net income and alleviate the financial burdens many face. In a message shared on his X account to commemorate Workers' Day, Oyedele emphasized that these reforms are designed to benefit Nigerian workers and should be supported by all stakeholders, including organized labour groups like the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Key Features of the Tax Reform Bills Increased Disposable Income: The proposed reforms aim to lower taxes, increasing workers' disposable incomes. Notably, the bills include a full exemption from the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax for workers earning up to ₦1.3 million annually (over ₦100,000 per month), representing about 35% of all public and private sector workers. Additionally, armed forces members will benef...

  Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, the political landscape has been tumultuous. The suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu, and the entire legislative arm has raised concerns about the state's governance and economic stability. This emergency rule, which was implemented to address what Tinubu described as "months of intense political instability," has led to a significant power vacuum and unrest in the region. Political Dynamics and Attempts at Reconciliation In the wake of his suspension, Fubara has actively sought to mend fences with his political mentor, Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Reports indicate that on April 18, Fubara met with Wike in Abuja, accompanied by notable Yoruba political leaders, including Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and former Governor Segun Osoba. This strategic choice to involve Yoruba leaders rather than loca...

  As the political landscape in Nigeria heats up ahead of the 2027 elections, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai have emerged as prominent figures, drawing significant media attention for their controversial statements and actions. Their recent manoeuvres reflect a complex interplay of ambition, rivalry, and the quest for political relevance in a rapidly changing environment. Atiku Abubakar's Coalition Aspirations Atiku Abubakar, who has faced challenges in consolidating a coalition since his defeat in the 2023 presidential election, is actively seeking alliances to strengthen his political position. His recent efforts to form a coalition with other opposition leaders, including el-Rufai, have been met with scepticism. Critics, including former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, have questioned the credibility of such alliances, arguing that many involved lack the integrity necessary to drive meaningful change. Sowore's rema...