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Ten African Rulers Have Collectively Ruled For A Total Of 333 Years.

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Ten African rulers have collectively ruled for a total of 333 years.

The most experienced leaders in African countries.Africa is home to a number of historical rulers who came to power through various means, including elections, military coups, and royal successions.

Among these ten rulers, Cameroon's President Paul Biya, aged 91, has been in power since 1982. Reports of Biya's health and whereabouts became a topic of discussion across Africa this week following rumors of his passing.

Biya's most recent public appearance was at the China-Africa Summit in Beijing in early September. His absence from the recent UN General Assembly in New York and a summit of French-speaking countries (La Francophonie) in France fueled the speculations.

Cameroon's ambassador to France affirmed that Biya was "in good health" in Geneva, a place he frequently visits. Moreover, Cameroon's government spokesman, René Sadi, officially refuted the rumors, ensuring that Biya would return home "in the next few days.

"Here are the ten longest-serving African heads of state:

1. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo (Equatorial Guinea) - 41 years in power.

2. Paul Biya (Cameroon) - 41 years in power.

3. Denis Sassou Nguesso (Congo) - a total of 40 years in power.

4. Yoweri Museveni (Uganda) - 38 years of leadership.

5. King Mswati III (Eswatini) - 38 years in power.

6. Idriss Déby (Chad) - 30 years in power until his demise in 2021.

7. Isaias Afwerki (Eritrea) - 31 years in power.

8. Ismail Omar Guelleh (Djibouti) - 25 years in power.

9. King Mohammed VI (Morocco) - 25 years in power.

10. Paul Kagame (Rwanda) - 24 years in power.These leaders have significantly influenced the political landscape of Africa for over a century.

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Investopedia

These Stock Analysts Are Bullish On Apple's IPhone 16 LaunchHere's Why

~1.6 mins read

Analysts are largely bullish Apple (AAPL) could see an AI-fueled upgrade cycle after the tech giant revealed the AI-charged iPhone 16 on Monday, though some warned a slow rollout of new AI features could hold back sales in the near term.

Most Apple analysts tracked by Visible Alpha hold a "buy" or equivalent rating for the stock after Apple unveiled its latest iPhone with AI-powered capabilities, along with new versions of its smartwatch and AirPods.

A number of analysts including those from JPMorgan, Jefferies, and Wedbush said Monday and Tuesday that they anticipate an AI-driven upgrade cycle following Monday's launch event. However, the lack of a "specific timeline" for the rollout of many AI features leaves some uncertainty around Apple's AI plans, JPMorgan analysts said, which could delay sales.

Jefferies analysts said the vague timeline for AI feature releases could turn the coming upgrade cycle into a multi-year cycle that includes releases of the iPhone 17 and beyond once more useful features are broadly available, rather than massive upgrades to the iPhone 16.

JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley analysts also said other improvements important to consumers like camera and battery life could drive upgrades, along with "attractive" trade-in offers from Apple and cellular carriers.

Several analysts said their focus has now shifted to pre-order data this Friday and early sales data following the Sept. 20 launch to provide insight into how consumers view the new phones.

Bank of America analysts added that health features of the new smartwatch and AirPods could broaden markets for the products, “driving more users” to Apple's ecosystem. The Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods Pro 2 both have features pending Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, with the watch offering a new sleep apnea detection program and the AirPods able to function as a hearing aid.

Given the connection Apple looks to foster between its products, Needham analysts said sales of the wearable products driven by the health updates could help boost future sales of iPhones once more definitive AI capabilities are added.

Apple shares were little changed at $220.49 in intraday trading Tuesday, and have gained over 14% since the start of the year.

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Instablog9ja

Hunger Protest: CAN Kn+cks Catholic Bishops For Backing Planned Protest

~2.2 mins read

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ekiti State chapter, has criticized Catholic Bishops for supporting the proposed nationwide protest, saying that their stance does not reflect the best interests of Nigerians.

The Catholic Bishops of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province had on Tuesday expressed concern over the anxiety the proposed protest scheduled to begin on the 1st of August, generated in the country, asserting that “protest is a normal phenomenon in a democratic setting because the right to protest is guaranteed in true democracies all over the world”.

They insisted that protests are organized to draw the attention of governments and authorities to the opinions or demands of people or groups in society. However, the State Chairman of the Association, Rev. Emmanuel Aribasoye, said the position of the Catholic Bishops ran contrary to the interest of Nigerians. Speaking at a press conference in Ado-Ekiti, on Wednesday, Aribasoye expressed concern over the impending nationwide agitation, urging Ekiti youths to engage in constructive dialogue with the government to address pressing issues such as hunger, insecurity, among others.

He acknowledged that protest is a legitimate means of expressing grievances to the government but urged youths to reconsider this path and seek dialogue as a way to achieve lasting peace.

The Chairman also commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his commitment to the development of the state and implored protesters to refrain from actions that may disrupt the peace and progress of Ekiti. He said, “The Bishops who supported the planned nationwide protest are not working for the interest of Nigerians. As the apex body of Christian organizations in Ekiti State, we are deeply concerned about the state of our nation and the proposed protest by some youths

“While we recognize that protest is a legitimate means of expressing grievances to the government, we appeal to the conscience of the people, especially the youths in Ekiti, to reconsider this path and seek dialogue and consultation as a way to achieve lasting peace. We believe in the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, who advocates for peace and tolerance in all circumstances. We commend the leadership of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and his commitment to the development of Ekiti State as well as his desire for shared prosperity for all. We urge all stakeholders to appreciate his efforts and refrain from actions that may disrupt the peace and progress in our state.

Ekiti is not immune to the challenges facing our nation, and it is crucial for all parties to engage in constructive dialogue to address the issues at hand. We acknowledge the willingness of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to listen to the concerns of the agitators and urge all government officials to work towards improving the lives of all citizens. Let us all come together in prayer for the peace and prosperity of our nation. May our leaders be guided by wisdom and compassion as they seek to address the needs of the people. Together, let us strive for a peaceful resolution to our challenges and build a better future for all Nigerians”.

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News_Naija

Cancel Your Homecoming, Police Warn Natasha

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The police have asked Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduagan to cancel her planned Sallah rally in Kogi State’s Central Senatorial District. Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, stated this in a statement released on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP William Aya. According to the statement, Dantawaye said the rally goes against the state government’s recent ban on political gatherings, which was announced on Monday. The statement reads, “Following the intelligence report on security threats in Kogi State and the subsequent ban on all forms of rally and procession by the Kogi State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, Kogi State Police Command has called on the organisers of planned rally at Okene to cancel such event in the interest of the peace in Kogi State. “The call for cancellation becomes necessary, noting that intelligence reveals that some hoodlums plan to hijack the process and cause disturbance of peace in the State. The Command cannot afford to jeopardize the existing peace the State is currently enjoying.” The police also warned against any attempts to defy the directive, saying, “In view of the security threat received on the planned rally, the Kogi State Police Command is therefore advising the organisers to cancel the event so as to avoid any breakdown of law and order in the State. As the Command will not hesitate to apply the full wrath of law on anyone who causes disturbance of peace and order in the State.” Despite the ban on political gatherings, which was announced on Monday, Akpoti-Uduaghan has insisted that she will go ahead with her “homecoming,” stating that she is only returning to the state to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr with her constituents.

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Ten African Rulers Have Collectively Ruled For A Total Of 333 Years.

These Stock Analysts Are Bullish On Apple's IPhone 16 LaunchHere's Why

Hunger Protest: CAN Kn+cks Catholic Bishops For Backing Planned Protest

Cancel Your Homecoming, Police Warn Natasha