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10 World Richest Persons As Of January 2024

Published

2 years ago

January 4, 2024

Editor

The net worth of the 10 wealthiest individuals on earth has increased by $30 billion in just one month, reaching a total of almost $1.47 trillion as of January 1, Forbes reports.

Mark Zuckerberg made a significant jump in the rankings, moving up to the No. 5 spot from his previous position on December 1 as the 7th richest person in the world.

He has surpassed Bill Gates who held the title of the world’s wealthiest individual for a significant period.

Elon Musk continues to hold the title of the wealthiest individual globally, with a net worth of $251 billion.

The CEO of Tesla also holds stakes in SpaceX, a privately held rocket firm, and social media company X, formerly known as Twitter.

In December, the software tycoon behind Oracle, Larry Ellison, experienced a significant decline in his fortune.

With Oracle’s stock dropping by 10%, Ellison’s wealth plummeted by $11.2 billion, making him the biggest loser among the top ten. Ellison maintains his position as the fourth richest person, with a net worth of $135.3 billion.

Below is the full list of the richest individuals in the world as of January at 12:00 am. according to a Forbes report on Thursday.

1. Elon Musk

Musk serves as the CEO of Tesla, an electric car company, SpaceX, a rocket firm, and X, a social media company previously known as Twitter. With a significant stake in Tesla, he has strategically utilised his stock and options, even using some as collateral for loans. A significant portion of his wealth is attributed to the car company. In October 2022, he made a significant purchase of X, which was then known as Twitter, for $44 billion.

He is currently believed to possess approximately 74% ownership of this prominent social media company. However, according to Forbes, it is worth noting that the current value of the company is now less than half of what he initially paid for it.

2. Bernard Arnault

Bernard Arnault, the CEO and chairman of LVMH, has successfully established the largest luxury goods company globally, boasting an impressive portfolio of around 70 fashion and cosmetics brands.

Some of the most well-known brands include Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Moet & Chandon, and Sephora. In January 2021, LVMH made a significant acquisition by purchasing jeweller Tiffany & Co. for $15.8 billion.

3. Jeff Bezos

Jeff Bezos founded Amazon in 1994 and served as its CEO until July 2021, while continuing as chairman. In July of that year, he embarked on a space journey aboard a rocket developed by his private space exploration company, Blue Origin, which he has generously supported with substantial investments. In December 2023, his wealth increased by $5.8 billion due to a rise in the value of Amazon shares.

4. Larry Ellison

Larry Ellison co-founded software firm Oracle in 1977 and led it as CEO until 2014. Currently, he holds the position of chairman and Chief Technology Officer at the company. In recent years, Oracle has made a number of significant acquisitions, one of which was the acquisition of Sun Microsystems in 2010 for $7.4 billion.

5. Mark Zuckerberg

In 2004, Zuckerberg co-founded what is now known as Meta Platforms during his time as a student at Harvard University. With 3.88 billion monthly users, it has become the largest social network in the world. In addition to its platform, the company also has ownership of Instagram and WhatsApp, which were acquired and significantly expanded. Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, led the company to go public in 2012 and currently retains approximately 13% ownership.

6. Bill Gates

Gates was first recognised as a billionaire by Forbes in 1987. He held the title of the world’s richest person from 1995 to 2017, with the exception of 2008 and the years 2010 to 2013.

Due to his substantial contributions to the Gates Foundation, which amount to $59 billion, including a generous $20 billion gift in July 2022, he relinquished his title as the wealthiest individual in 2018, being surpassed by Jeff Bezos.

In 1975, Gates left Harvard to cofound Microsoft with his high school classmate Paul Allen, inventing one of the first personal computer software programmes. He served as CEO for 25 years and chairman until 2014. After leaving the board in 2020, he told Forbes in early 2023 that he still consults with Microsoft teams 10% of the time. He owns a lot of property in the U.S. and invests in dozens of firms, including Republic Services and Deere & Co.

7. Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett, often referred to as the “Oracle of Omaha,” has established himself as one of the most accomplished investors in history. He is the head of the investing conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway, which boasts a diverse portfolio of companies such as Geico, Duracell, and Dairy Queen. From a young age, he demonstrated a keen interest in financial matters. Being the son of a U.S. congressman, he had the opportunity to delve into the world of stocks at the tender age of 11. He even took the initiative to file his taxes at the remarkably young age of 13.

8. Larry Page

Page, along with Sergey Brin, co-founded the search engine Google in 1998. He held the position of CEO from 2001 to 2011 and again from 2015 to present. He currently holds a position as a board member of Google’s parent company, Alphabet, and maintains majority ownership.

9. Sergey Brin

Sergey Brin resigned from his position as president of Alphabet, the parent company of Google, in December 2019. However, he still holds significant control as a major shareholder and continues to serve as a member of the board. He and Larry Page became partners in 1998, when they crossed paths at Stanford University during their pursuit of advanced degrees in computer science.

10. Steve Ballmer

Ballmer, who was a classmate of Bill Gates at Harvard University, became the 30th employee to join Microsoft in 1980. He served as the CEO of Microsoft from 2000 to 2014.

After leaving Microsoft, Ballmer made headlines by acquiring the Los Angeles Clippers team for $2 billion, setting a new record for the highest purchase price of an NBA team. According to recent reports, the team’s value has been estimated at $4.65 billion by Forbes.
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26-year-old Nigerian Fatally Stabbed In London

Published

12 hours ago

August 5, 2025

Editor

Two individuals have been charged in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 26-year-old Nigerian, Ayowale Aladejana, in New Cross, southeast London.

The Metropolitan Police reports that detectives investigating the fatal stabbing of Ayowale charged a man and woman with murder.

“Ben Wazabanga, 23 (24.10.2001) of Fairfax Road, Bedford was charged with murder and possession of a knife on Monday, 4 August. He was remanded in custody and will appear at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 4 August.

“Ronique Belfon, 23 (10.05.2002) of Morinsbury Road, Bedford was charged with murder on Monday, 4 August. She was remanded to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 4 August,” the report read.

Speaking on the incident, Detective Chief Inspector Lucie Card, who is leading the investigation, was quoted as saying, “Our thoughts are with Ayowale’s family and friends at this difficult time.

“I understand this incident will be concerning and we are carrying out a fast-paced and thorough investigation to establish the circumstances. I would encourage anyone who has not yet spoken to us.”

The investigation was reportedly launched after officers were called to reports of a man with stab wounds at a residential address in Monson Road, New Cross, at 19:26hrs on Saturday, August 2.

The officers were said to have responded alongside the London Ambulance Service and medics from London’s Air Ambulance, however, Ayowale died at the scene despite efforts to save him.

The report added that a post-mortem examination conducted on Sunday gave a preliminary cause of death as stab wound to the chest.

Ayowale’s family are also reportedly being supported by specially trained officers.

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Trump Threatens 250% Tariffs On Foreign Pharmaceuticals

Published

13 hours ago

August 5, 2025

Editor

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that upcoming tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals could reach 250 percent, after starting at a lower level, while adding he plans to also unveil fresh duties on foreign semiconductors.

“We’ll be putting (an) initially small tariff on pharmaceuticals, but in one year, one-and-a-half years, maximum, it’s going to go to 150 percent,” Trump said in an interview on CNBC.

“And then it’s going to go to 250 percent because we want pharmaceuticals made in our country,” he added.

In the same interview, Trump said he expects to raise the US tariff on Indian imports “very substantially over the next 24 hours” due to the country’s purchases of Russian oil.

While Trump has aimed at products from different countries with varying tariff rates after imposing a 10-percent levy on almost all trading partners in April, these have excluded certain products he planned to target separately.

These sector-specific tariffs have generally come after government investigations that look into the national security concerns surrounding certain imports.

After earlier embarking on probes on imported semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, the Trump administration has signaled plans to wrap up these studies, which could lead to new tariffs.

Already, Trump has slapped steep tariffs of 50 percent on imported steel and aluminum, and also rolled out a separate but lower duty on autos and parts.

AFP

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UK Opens Application For Chevening Scholarships

Published

17 hours ago

August 5, 2025

Editor

The United Kingdom on Tuesday announced that applications for its Chevening Scholarships are officially open, with prospective scholars encouraged to apply between August 5 and October 7, 2025.

The Chevening programme offers fully funded one-year master’s degrees at UK universities to individuals with demonstrated leadership potential and a strong commitment to driving positive change in their home countries and globally.

In a statement released by the British High Commission in Abuja, the Head of the Scholarships Unit at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Emma Hennessey, described the programme as highly competitive, selecting only the most outstanding candidates from across the world.

“Chevening’s highly competitive selection process ensures that those chosen to become Chevening Scholars or Fellows represent the brightest and most driven individuals from around the world.

“Chevening Alumni use their world-class education, global networks, and confidence gained in the UK to create meaningful, lasting change when they return home, whether by tackling global challenges or making a tangible impact in their own communities.

“If you can clearly demonstrate the skills needed to join them — outstanding leadership, influence, and networking skills — I strongly encourage you to apply.

“If you’re not quite there yet, I encourage you to take the time to build the experience that will make your application competitive,” Hennessey noted.

According to the statement, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, urged Nigerians with leadership potential to take advantage of the opportunity.

“Chevening is more than a scholarship — it is a gateway to a global network of leaders, innovators, and changemakers,” he said.

“Whether your aspirations lie in shaping public policy, launching a business, or addressing the world’s most pressing challenges, the Chevening Scholarship offers a unique opportunity to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in the United Kingdom to advance your knowledge and skills.

“While there is no ‘typical’ scholar, we seek individuals with the passion, ideas, and influence to drive meaningful change in Nigeria and beyond.

“Our alumni network includes dynamic professionals across diverse sectors who are making significant contributions in their fields.

“If you have the potential to lead positive change in your community, Nigeria, or globally, I encourage you to submit your application before the 7 October 2025 deadline.

“Apply today and take the first step toward this life-changing experience,” he said.

Applications must be submitted online via chevening.org/apply.

Interested applicants are also encouraged to review available guidance at chevening.org/guidance to determine their readiness for the competitive application process.

Since its launch in 1983, the Chevening programme has supported over 60,000 professionals from over 160 countries and territories.

The scholarship is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and partner organisations.