CBN moves to prevent naira’s further fall …removes $250,000 weekly sales limit on BDC

The Central Bank of Nigeria has removed the $250,000 weekly foreign exchange sales limit placed on bureaux de change operators in the country, according to the latest information from the bank.

The development came one week after the Governor, CBN, Mr. Lamido Sanusi, vowed to address the widening gap between the naira-dollar exchange rates in the official market and parallel market.

The Monetary Policy Committee, which rose from a two-day meeting in Abuja last week, had raised the alarm over the widening gap between the naira-dollar exchange rates in both segments of the markets. Continue..

The committee expressed concern about the widening gap between the official and the BDC exchange rates, noting that this could precipitate speculations and round-tripping.

The CBN governor said though the BDCs represented a small component of the foreign exchange market, the widening spread appeared to have led to creeping increases in core inflation.

However, in a circular dated January 24 to all authorised foreign exchange dealers and BDCs, posted on the CBN’s website, the central bank stated that authorised dealers could now sell more than $250,000 weekly limit to BDC operators.

The circular, signed by the Director, Trade and Exchange Department, Mr. Batari Musa, reads, “Further to our circular dated September 26, 2013, we write to inform all authorised dealers and the general public that the provisions of paragraph one of the circular under reference has been reviewed with immediate effect.

“Consequently, the limit of $250,000 as the weekly foreign exchange sale to a BDC is hereby removed in order to shore up liquidity in that segment of the foreign exchange market.

“Authorised dealers are therefore free to sell foreign exchange to BDCs subject to compliance with the provisions of extant AML/FT laws and regulations in the disburse of forex.

“Furthermore, all transactions between authorised dealers and BDCs as well as the latter and end-users must be supported with an appropriate documentation. In addition, authorised dealers and BDC operators are to continue to render weekly returns on their transactions to the CBN and other regulatory agencies, failing which appropriate sanctions, including revocation of operating licences, shall be imposed.”

Dana Air announces resumption of normal business

WorldStage Newsonline-- Dana Air on Sunday announced that it has resumed normal business after undergoing operational audit by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

In a statement the airline said: " Dana Air is pleased to announce that it has resumed normal business following the successful outcome of its operational audit. Our flight schedules are being adjusted and normal flight operations will commence within the week.

 “Dana Air is the first Nigerian airline to successfully undergo NCAA's operational audit that was conducted by the Flight Safety Group (FSG) in partnership with Foreign partners."

Dana Air did not operate flights out of the domestic terminal two of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, (MMA 2) on Sunday as earlier planned.

While few personnel reported for duty, its ticket counters were empty.

It was learnt that the airline could not operate flights as promised because some personnel needed to be retrained on operational procedures after over three months’ closure.

Air Pollution From Chinese Factories Are Causing Problems On West Coast, Study Finds

New scientific research shows the bad air and smog from China manufacturing sites is traveling across the Pacific Ocean to the West Coast, The Washington Post reported.

The findings were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Monday and is the first study to identify the pollution coming over from China as being caused by U.S. production, The Post reported.

The study was conducted by nine scientist from three different countries, The Post reported. The lead author is Jintai Lin from Beijing's Peking University. The researchers claim nearly a quarter of the sulfate pollution on the West Coast can be tied to Chinese exports.

"We've outsourced our manufacturing and much of our pollution, but some of it is blowing back across the Pacific to haunt us," Steve Davis, a University of California at Irvine scientist and a co-author of the study, told The Post. "Given the complaints about how Chinese pollution is corrupting other countries' air, this paper shows that there may be plenty of blame to go around."

Though the United States has managed to make the air cleaner by moving production factories outside the country, the polluted are from China because of that is effecting the West, the study said, according to The Post.

Due to the nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide released into the air by the Chinese factories, the city of Los Angeles deals with at least one day a year where the bad air exceeds the federal ozone standards, The Post reported.

"When you buy a product at Wal-Mart," Davis told The Post, "it has to be manufactured somewhere. The product doesn't contain the pollution, but creating it caused the pollution."

China's booming economy has created extreme environmental issues that have received criticism from all over the world, The Post reported. The researchers involved in this study hope their findings will move negotiations on clean-air treaties forward.

Chelsea clinch deal for Mohamed Salah, as Liverpool are beaten to Basle's Egyptian winger

Salah, dubbed the ‘Egyptian Messi’, is set to fly into London and undergo a medical on Friday ahead of formally signing for Stamford Bridge club.

Liverpool had hoped to sign 21-year-old Salah this month, but Chelsea made a swift move once Manchester United's bid for Juan Mata was accepted.

Salah scored against Chelsea in the Champions League this season and was the outstanding player for the Swiss team.
He has scored 17 goals in 27 games for Egypt, but only four in the league for Basle this season.

With £37m coming in for Mata, Chelsea have not ruled out making more signings over the final week of the transfer window and could yet re-launch a bid for Inter Milan midfielder Fredy Guarin, particularly if Michael Essien leaves.

Southampton left-back Luke Shaw and Everton midfielder Ross Barkley are long-term targets for Chelsea and Mourinho.

A statement on chelseafc.com read: "Chelsea Football Club can confirm an agreement has been reached with FC Basle for the transfer of their 21-year-old attacking midfielder Mohamed Salah.

"The move is subject to the Egyptian international agreeing personal terms and completing a medical examination."

Salah was Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers' primary January target. It now seems unlikely Rodgers will attempt to bring in anyone else before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

"Nothing as yet," was Rodgers' response to questions about transfers in a press conference on Thursday.

"There have been targets we have looked at but there is nothing at the moment."

Rodgers also revealed full-back Glen Johnson would be out for "an indefinite amount of time" after a series of injuries that have taken their toll on the England international.

"Glen has played a lot of the season and has had a number of injuries and he has struggled and it has not allowed him to be 100 per cent," Rodgers said.

My passion for acting killed my dream of becoming a female pilot — Oses Otoide

My name is Oses Otoide. I hail from Ishian in Edo State. I was born and brought up in Benin city.

osesI am the fourth child in a family of five. Well, talking about my upbringing, I was brought up by parents who were so protective of their wards in a way that we never had the chance to play or mingle with other kids in the neighbourhood.

Consequently, I grew up as a shy and reserved person. I have a B.Sc in Accounting from Igbinedion University, Okada. I would say that I had fun as an undergraduate.

During my final year, the whole story took a new twist when my family relocated to the United States in 2008. Having been close to my family, it was really not easy to live without them around me. After my university education, I came to Lagos in November 2009, where I got a job with one of the leading telecommunications companies, Globacom. But I resigned my appointment in June 2012, because of lack of job satisfaction.

Talking about my journey into Nollywood, I must be very frank with you. As a little child, I have never dreamt of becoming an actress.It happened by chance and I found myself doing what I am doing today. I started acting professionally, in March 2013. That was a year after I resigned from Glo.

I had always dreamt of becoming a pilot but, because of my passion for acting, I couldn’t actualise the dream. I was motivated to go into acting when I realised people would marvel or sometimes become emotional after reading what I have written.

I saw myself constantly interpreting these stories when I’m alone. I thought learning to deliver my lines wouldn’t be such a bad idea. Later, I delved into acting. I thought perhaps I had finally found something I could do effortlessly.

But my dream of flying an aircraft is still alive. I am still very hopeful that some day, I would have the skill and privilege to fly a plane as has been my biggest dream. Since my venture into the Nigerian motion picture industry, I have featured in a couple of movies which I cannot really remember all now. Though every role I played in a movie has been very challenging. Some are more challenging than the other. The moment you try to be what you are not just to ensure that you interpret a role well, you find out that it’s very challenging. So, every role comes with its challenges.

I put in so much effort to interpret a role. I would say that, my most challenging moment on set sometimes, could be working with established actors and actresses. It can be such a huge challenge working with people with many years of experience.

I must tell you the truth, I have not been sexually harassed in the industry. Many people have been talking about it but I believe that if you do not give room for it, you would never be sexually harassed.

Though, with several challenges in the industry, I have no regrets being an integral part of the industry. I have passion for acting,and I love doing it. For me, I will find it a bit difficult to tell you the part of my body that is sexually appealing.

I think the opposite sex are in a better position to say that. People are basically attracted to me because of my personality. I am single now, and in my opinion, love is an intense emotional attachment or an expression of affection.

If I am asked to say, I will simply define sex as a hot and passionate rendezvous.This year, I have promised myself that I would work hard and stay focused. I have no regrets in the past year. But this year, I hope to do bigger projects and to take on more challenging roles just like every other person that is very optimistic.

I enjoy chocolates. I have a strong obsession for kitkat.I have at least twenty bars weekly.

I despise drinking water, I could go an entire month without having a drop.I would rather prefer to have a malt drink. I’m not proud of my habit and I hope someday I will be able to develop a healthier life style and over come my addiction for anything sweet.

Etisalat Nigeria celebrates 17 million subscribers with new bundles

Etisalat Nigeria has celebrated reaching 17 million subscribers by announcing the introduction of three new bundles as part of its commitment to value delivery to its subscribers.

The company described the achievement, reached five years after beginning operations in Nigeria as a major feat, and said the new bundles were introduced in order to ensure that Etisalat Easyflex customers enjoy the best value from their packages.

The bundles are Flex 4000, Flex 10000 and Flex 20000. With these new offerings the company said it is offering its customers convenient plans and affordable tariff structures.

“The reloaded Easyflex offers the cheapest tariffs for voice, SMS and Pay As You Go data, and therefore serves as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for all voice and data needs of high value customers,” the company said.Matthew Willsher, chief commercial officer (COO) and acting chief executive officer (CEO) of Etisalat Nigeria, said the company is offering value and affordable tariffs that are of utmost benefit to its customers.

“The new Easyflex now comes with an exciting data bonus. Customers on any of the new bundles will receive 100 per cent bonus when they purchase any data plan from 1.5GB and above, within the next six months. If they activate at any Etisalat Experience Centre, they will receive two complimentary SIM cards, to share the same data plan on other devices like iPads, smartphones and modems.” he said.

“The new bundles were introduced to the Easyflex bouquet to ensure that esteemed customers can start off the New Year with one convenient and affordable communication package that caters to all their voice and data needs, and emphasized that the total bonus on the bundles is as much as 225 per cent”.

The network’s subscribers to subscribe any of the bundles by dialing the appropriate activation codes: *344*4000#, *344*10000#, 344*20000# for Flex 4000, Flex 10000 and Flex 20,000 respectively.

CHAN 2014: Jonathan lauds Super Eagles’ victory over Morocco

Nigeria defeated Morocco 4-3.

President Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria on their exhilarating come-back victory over their Moroccan counterparts Saturday evening in Cape Town in the quarter-final of the ongoing African Nations Championship.

The Super Eagles came down from a 3-goal deficit to win the match 4-3.

A press statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, said the President “applauds the indomitable spirit with which the Super Eagles fought back from being three goals down to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat and win a most memorable victory with almost the last kick of the match”.

The President also commended the courage, patriotism, determination and dedication to national service exhibited by the Super Eagles, to all other Nigerians.

He urged the team to maintain their exemplary commitment to national duty until ultimate victory in the continental soccer championship for home-based players is achieved.

“President Jonathan assures the team and its handlers that they will continue to receive the fullest possible support from the Federal Government and all Nigerians as they strive to add the African Nations Championship trophy to the African Nations Cup which Nigeria won last year,” Mr. Abati said.

Mr. Jonathan prayed for the success of the team in the competition.

Nigeria to train in Houston for World Cup

Abuja — African champions Nigeria will train in Houston in the United States for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, a top official has announced.
Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi had proposed the team train in either Miami or Houston for the World Cup, but top Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) official Chris Green said the country had settled on the Texas city.
"Nigeria will train for the World Cup in Houston," said Green, chairman of the NFF technical committee.
"We want to make a statement at our fifth World Cup and so we have to prepare adequately."
Nigeria, who will open the training camp on May 25, have reached the World Cup round of 16 twice, in 1994 and 1998.
The Super Eagles will face Mexico in a World Cup warm-up in Houston on March 5.
Green also said the team plan four other friendly matches before their first World Cup group match against Iran on June 16 in Curitiba.
Argentina and Bosnia-Herzegovina are the other teams in Group F along with the Eagles.

INEC Releases Time-Table for 2015 Elections! Presidential & governorship Elections To Hold In February

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) today released the time table for the 2015 Presidential and National Assembly elections. The presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on February 14^, 2015, while the governorship and statehouse of Assembly elections will take place February 28, 2015.
It also said the Ekiti Governorship election will hold on June 21, 2014 while the Osun Governorship election will hold August 9 2014.

14-Year Old Girl Stabs 11-Year Old Sister 40 Times Because She Wasn't Thankful

The late 11-year old girl

An 11-year-old Illinois girl was stabbed 40 times by her 14-year-old sister, police say, and the reason why has many in the small Chicago-area community of Mundelein reeling in disbelief.

Police found the 11-year-old girl unconscious and in need of medical attention in an upstairs bedroom of the dwelling Tuesday morning. She later died.

Because the sister, who called police, initially told officers an intruder was to blame for the attack, authorities briefly placed three schools on lockdown.

Nigerian Feared Dead After Expatriate Threw Him Down From Storey Building

A Nigerian, simply identified as Arinze, was feared dead on Thursday, 23rd January, 2014, after an expatriate working with the Arab  Contractors Construction Company (O.A.O) threw him down from the second-floor of a two-storey building undergoing construction at the new Enugu State Secretariat, Enugu.

Leadership Friday gathered that the expatriate, identified as Abdul Lateef, apparently from one of the Arab-speaking countries, allegedly pushed the deceased down from the building at about 11.30 a.m.

Cool Fm OAP Blasts Celebrites! Says They Wear Fake + He's Got Wristwatches Worth $200,000

Now when we see people in the entertainment world blast others, then it gets more interesting to us, lol. Here is what Freeze said, when he was asked how many wristwatches he owns by a reporter. He also spoke about how Nigerian celebrities wear fakes. 

"Not like how many, like how much.I have maybe $200,000 in wristwatches. What I am wearing now is a Rolex Daytona, I got it from Polo for Christmas. It cost about $30,000. Polo is Nigeria’s only authorised dealer, so I bought it from the company and I love it.

First thing first, for all the entertainers putting up pictures of their accessories on Instagram, can they please tweet the receipt from an authorised dealer. Trust me, I have seen too many celebs wear fake stuffs.

Monalisa Magazine 2nd Editor Also Leaves...

Even though people are yet to get over Kelvin Keshi’s resignation from Monalisa Chinda’s Fashion and Style Magazine, her new editor who took over when Kelvin left has also resigned. It’s believed that Estella Ogbonna left when the magazine publisher couldn't keep to her own part of the agreement. Estella resumed office just two months ago.

Lagos lawmakers condemn LASU students’ violent protest

Some students of LASU had protested against the school management on Thursday.

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, on Saturday condemned Thursday’s violent protest at the Lagos State University, LASU. Mr. Ikuforiji said steps would be taken to avoid a recurrence.

Mr. Ikuforij spoke at the school premises when he led some other members of the house on a visit to the institution to assess the level of damage done during the protest.

He said that the house, after its investigations into the crisis in the school, would come up with recommendations.

The university had been shut on Thursday just as examinations were about to begin after a violent students’ protest which led to destruction of property in the institution.

Some students of the institution protested following the closure of the portal for registration when they had not registered.

“The house will set up panel of inquiry that will investigate the incident and come up with recommendations,” the speaker said. “The house will also put a stop to violent crises in the Lagos State University.”

He said that the damage done to the administrative block of the school was scary and it was the grace of God that saved the school’s Vice-Chancellor, John Obafunwa when the students attacked the building.

“We are close to seeing the end of crisis in LASU.

“The last few years have been better than the previous decades; there has been tremendous improvement in LASU.

“If the right thing is done, we will get scandalous events behind us in LASU,” the speaker said.

The lawmaker said that the assembly would ensure that necessary repairs were carried out in the school.

He condemned the damage done to the office of the vice-chancellor and the destruction of vital academic documents during the protest.

The speaker, however, said that efforts would be made to re-open the school soon.

Mr. Ikuforiji said that the issue of hostel accommodation for the students would also be considered.

“The purpose of not having hostels in the campus has been defeated.

“We have told the vice-chancellor to consider Private Public Partnership (PPP) arrangement for the hostels.

‘’We are sure hoodlums aggravated the violence; with hostel accommodation, the students would have been curtailed and it would have been difficult for the hoodlums to infiltrate them,” he said.

The vice-chancellor and other management staff led the speaker and other lawmakers round the areas affected by the incident.

Many of the lawmakers were dumbfounded on seeing the extent of damage done to property during the protest.

The legislators had on Friday summoned the school management, led by the vice-chancellor, and the Students Union Government of the school, led by Mojirade Hassan, over the issue.

The legislators, after listening to both sides, had condemned the students’ action and pleaded with the school’s management to open the portal for two days to give those who were yet to register a last chance.

Mr. Ikuforiji, who read the resolution, warned that such an issue would not be entertained next time and promised to raise a panel of inquiry on the matter.

NASA launching newest communication satellite

CAPE CANAVERAL: NASA's super-high-flying fleet of communication satellites is about to grow.

An unmanned rocket is set to blast off on Thursday night from Cape Canaveral with the latest, third-generation Tracking and Data Relay Satellite.

NASA uses the TDRS satellites to support the International Space Station and Hubble Space Telescope, among other craft. The network is 22,300 miles (35,890 kilometers) high and allows continuous two-way contact with the space station and i ..

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Cape Canaveral: NASA's super-high-flying fleet of communication satellites is about to grow.
An unmanned rocket is set to blast off on Thursday night from Cape Canaveral with the latest, third-generation Tracking and Data Relay Satellite.

This newest satellite is designated 'L' in the TDRS series NASA will rename it TDRS-12 once it's checked out in orbit, by late spring.
The satellite costs about $350 million. NASA launched its first TDRS in 1983 aboard a space shuttle.
Launch time is 9.05 p.m. (1405 GMT)

Nigeria: Top Rated Musical Video Vixens

Vixens are meant to be females foxes,bad-tempered women or beautiful women but this collection of girls who make robust living dancing for video shoots are anything but female foxes. They are rich, beautiful, sexy, chic and probably with a little attitude to bring to us sound in whimsical and captivating sights that could only make our day. Here are a list of some of the hottest, the richest and the most popular who have done top videos with the top artistes.
Cynthia Cinci Ezekiels:
She is our star girl and has done videos with virtually all the top artistes both locally and internationally. She has worked with Brandy, Mario, Chris Brown, Mary J Blige, Fat Joe, usher Tuface Idibia, D'banj, P-square, J. Martins, Iyanya, Timaya, Terry G ,VIP of Ghana, Omawumi, May D, Samklef, Burna Boy, Olamide and so many others. She was the luscious face in Tuface Idibia's 'Iheneme'.

Mimi Ubini:
This is a top rated video vixen who has done everything from modelling to acting. She now owns her blog 'Mimi Ubini Blog' which is
fast becoming a reference point in entertainment blogging. Beautiful, with a forget-me-not eyes, she featured in Brymo's Ara and 'Playboy' by Playboy
Tosin Pedro:
She is sassy and classy. She is a well-known video vixen locally and internationlly. One will remember her enchanting presence in 'Feel Alright' a video by Ice Prince featuring Davido
Carphee Azeez:
Carphee has a beauty that oozes sexiness that could get a priest in a twist. Lively and luxuriantly effervescent, Carphee dazzled in Durella's 'Club Rock'
Beverly Osu:
The Big Brother Africa Housemate girl has been a video vixen long before she tried her hand in the Big Brother Africa. Liberated and free-spirited, we have all seen what Beverly can do. She was the vixen in Ice Prince's 'Oleku'.
Lovette Shade Awode:
Lovette is beautiful, chic and sophisticated. One of her prominent videos include Wande Coal's 'Bumber to Bumber', and Duncan Mighty's 'Obianuju and Adanma' videos...

Genevieve Seals Etisalat’s N100m Deal

Nigeria’s screen idol, Genevieve Nnaji was on Wednesday officially announced as the newest ambassador for Etisalat Nigeria. Sources said the deal is worth over N100 million.
In a surprise deal made public late afternoon via the social media, the telecoms company announced the coming on board of the superstar actress as one of its brand ambassadors.
“We officially welcome @GenevieveNnaji1 as an Etisalat Ambassador for the #Easyflex. We do quality not quantity,” the message was posted both on Etisalat Twitter and Instagram pages.
While the officials of the telecoms company P.M.NEWS spoke to declined to disclose how much the actress was paid as it brand ambassador, other sources said what Genevieve got was huge and the biggest figure ever paid any ambassador by the company.

And the actress has been so excited about the deal as she shared on her Instagram page a picture of herself and British-Nigerian actor Hakeem Kae Kazim, also an Etisalat brand ambassador at one of the company’s events with the caption: “@GenevieveNnaji1: #etisalat #goinggreen”.
The 34-year old screen star was said to have begun talks with the company weeks ago and has concluded the deal which will see her act as an ambassador for one of their brands Etisalat EasyFlex – a product which targets only high value customers.
She is expected to feature in the brand’s campaigns and activation alongside Kae Kazim.
The pair, we learnt, have already shot some television commercials, TVCs, for the brand and it will soon be released.
The telecoms giant first dropped a teaser via its Twitterhandle @etisalat_9ja early Wednesday evening with “We have just launched a new product! Can you Guess? Can you guess????? #TeamEtisalat”. An hour later, it unveiled Genevieve.
“This is the wisest move you have made,” one excited fan tweeted to congratulate the actress.
She will join the likes of music stars Ice Prince, Olamide, Sasha and Seyi Shay who have pitched their tents with the Etisalat brand.
Genevieve has had successful brand deals in the past. The pretty actress was one time ‘Face of Lux’ and the face of MUD Cosmetics. Her biggest brand deal prior to the latest one was in 2012 when she emerged the brand ambassador of Range Rover SUV brands in Nigeria.
In that bumper deal, the single mother of one got about $400,000 a year deal.
She was also given a special edition of the SUV by Cosmas Maduka, the President of Coscharis Group during her unveiling in Lagos then.

Etisalat grows subscribers to 17m

The Chief Commercial Officer and Acting Chief Executive Officer of Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher, has said in spite of the harsh operating environment, the telco has grown its subscriber base to 17 million.
Telecoms analysts have praised the feat achieved by the young telco which did not enjoy the incentives like tax holidays and waivers extended to early starters like MTN and Airtel.
Speaking at the launch of three newly introduced data bundles in Lagos this week, Willsher said the telco would not relent in offering its customers, who are predominantly the youth segment of the market, innovative services and products.

The three new bundles unveiled are Flex 4000, Flex 10000 and flex 20000, to the Easyflex bouquet.
According to the telco, the new bundles were announced at an event organised to celebrate its 17 million subscriber milestone, which has been described by industry stakeholders as a remarkable success since the company is only in its fifth year of operation in Nigeria.
According to the company, the three new bundles were introduced to ensure that Etisalat Easyflex customers enjoy the best value from their flex packages. The reloaded Easyflex offers the cheapest tariffs for voice, SMS and Pay As You Go data, and therefore serves as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for all voice & data needs of high value customers.
Speaking on the new development, said the company is not only committed to unveiling new products and services, but also offering value and affordable tariffs that are of utmost benefit to its customers.
“The new Easyflex now comes with an exciting data bonus. Customers on any of the new bundles will receive 100% bonus when they purchase any data plan from 1.5GB and above, within the next six months. If they activate at any Etisalat Experience Centre, they will receive two complimentary SIM cards, to share the same data plan on other devices like iPads, smartphones and modems.” He said.
Willsher added that the new bundles were introduced to the Easyflex bouquet to ensure that esteemed customers can start off the New Year with one convenient and affordable communication package that caters to all their voice and data needs, and emphasized that the total bonus on the bundles is as much as 225%”. Customers can access the new bundles by dialing the following activation codes, *344*4000#, *344*10000#, 344*20000# for Flex 4000, Flex 10000 and Flex 20,000 respectively.

'Facebook could lose 80pc of users by 2017'

Researchers at the Princeton University predict that Facebook's popularity will plummet in the coming years

Facebook's growth is set to come to an abupt halt, just as an infectious disease spreads rapidly and suddenly dies, according to a new report.

Researchers at Princeton University in the United States predict that Facebook will undergo a rapid decline in the coming years, losing 80pc of its peak user base between 2015 and 2017.

This conclusion has been reached by comparing the adoption and abandonment dynamics of social networks to the dynamics that govern the spread of infectious disease.

"Ideas, like diseases, have been shown to spread infectiously between people before eventually dying out, and have been successfully described with epidemiological models," the reserachers wrote in their paper.

"Ideas are spread through communicative contact between different people who share ideas with each other. Idea manifesters ultimately lose interest with the idea and no longer manifest the idea, which can be thought of as the gain of 'immunity' to the idea."
The researchers used MySpace as an example of how adoption and abandonment of a social network can mimick the spread of infectious disease. MySpace, founded in 2003, reached its peak in 2008 with 75.9 million unique monthly visits in the US before subsequently decaying to obscurity by 2011.
Using Google search query data as a proxy for social network usership, the researchers produced the following graph, illustrating the rise and fall of MySpace and Facebook respectively:

Samsung posts steep drop in Q4 operating profit

Seoul — South Korea's Samsung posted Friday an 18 percent drop in operating profit in the fourth quarter, due to a one-off bonus and slowing sales of the electronic giant's high-end smartphones.
Operating profit stood at 8.3 trillion won ($7.8 billion), down 18 percent from the July-September period, marking the company's first quarterly profit decline in two years.
The fourth quarter figure was also down 6.0 percent from a year ago.
The world's top maker of mobile phones and TVs said earnings were hit by a "negative currency impact" of 700 billion won and a one-off 800 billion won employee bonus to mark the 20th anniversary of a marketing strategy by Chairman Lee Kun-Hee that laid the groundwork for the company's recent success.

"For the first quarter it will be challenging for Samsung to improve its earnings as the weak seasonality of the IT industry will put pressure on demand for components and TV products," the company said.
The latest earnings result ended the company's long run of record quarterly profits on the back of surging sales of its flagship Galaxy series smartphones.
The mobile division posted a quarterly operating profit of 5.47 trillion won, down 2.8 percent from the third quarter.
The company statement said the division's earnings were down due to seasonally increased marketing costs, as well as the one-off bonus.
The strength of the Korean won against other currencies also weighed on performance, inflicting foreign-exchange losses and making Samsung less price-competitive in the global market.
Operating profit for the whole of 2013 was 36.8 trillion won, up 27 percent from the previous year.
Samsung had a leading share of 38.8 percent in the global smartphone market as of the third quarter of last year, followed by arch-rival Apple's 13.1 percent, according to the industry research firm IDC survey.
But its bottom line has been hit by competition from budget handset makers, especially from China, and the company faces a fresh challenge this year after Apple struck a distribution deal with China Mobile Ltd., the world?s biggest carrier by users.
Samsung commanded more than an 18 percent share of China's smartphone market as of the third quarter last year, according to Chinese consultancy Analysys International, while Apple sat in eighth place with just 3.5 percent.
Samsung?s display division, which dominates the global market for LED panels, posted an operating profit of 110 billion won in the fourth quarter, down 90 percent from the previous year.
Slowing Galaxy S4 smartphone sales increased the inventory of unsold displays, while weaker TV sales also impacted the division.