wow 888 english Pitt QB Eli Holstein carted off with leg injuryPeter Dutton will use a private Coalition meeting to calm MPs fearful that Labor’s teen social media ban is a Trojan Horse for government control of the internet, ahead of a sitting week in which the major parties plan to ram the legislation through parliament. On Friday Coalition MPs were called to a Monday morning gathering in Canberra, party sources said, where Dutton and communications spokesman David Coleman planned to field questions about Labor’s proposed law to ban children under 16 from platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and communications spokesman David Coleman will face concerned MPs. Credit: Louise Kennerley Right-wing Coalition senators Matt Canavan and Alex Antic have been sharply critical of the bill’s potential to require Australians to give tech giants their IDs and the power it would give the eSafety Commission, which is a federal agency that will be charged with overseeing the ban. But doubts about the bill, which was only released last week, have expanded from the pair to more mainstream Coalition MPs, setting up the meeting as a test of the opposition leader’s authority after he hauled his party room into line on abortion earlier this month. On Sunday night, the MPs were informed Monday’s meeting was cancelled, with the conversation to take place on Tuesday as part of the Coalition’s party room meeting. The Coalition leadership remains confident of overwhelming support for the bill inside the party, according to several opposition sources speaking anonymously about internal dynamics. Dutton, whose office declined to comment, plans to hear out his concerned colleagues but ultimately expects the party to back the bill, allowing it to pass parliament this week. The opposition rode a wave of conservative and libertarian campaigning against Labor’s misinformation bill in recent months before the government dropped its plan to crack down on falsehoods online on Sunday. Some of the groups and people behind that campaign, including One Nation, the Libertarian Party and former Coalition MPs George Christensen and Craig Kelly, have launched an email crusade about the social media age barrier that has resulted in complaints flooding into MPs inboxes. They endorse the view of X owner Elon Musk, who wrote on the platform last month that the ban “seems like a backdoor way to control access to the internet by all Australians” because it could require users to prove their identities before accessing major online services. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland was asked about the need to hand over ID in a Labor caucus meeting last week and said her laws would not force people to give ID documents to social media giants, dismissing the prospect as a right-wing scare campaign. However, the government has not announced the technology that would be used to prove a user’s age. ‘A red flag’ LNP MP Garth Hamilton said Labor had rushed the legislation and sent mixed signals about details such as which platforms would be included. The Wiggles successfully lobbied to allow YouTube to remain while Snapchat will be banned, though both apps now also have a TikTok-style feed of clips. “The tests for this bill are that it should not be a proxy for digital ID [to be required to access the internet] and that it actually responds to parents’ needs,” Hamilton said.“I fully agree with Peter Dutton’s concerns about the impacts of social media, and they are long-held. But Labor has had a long time to get details right [and] the utter confusion on the detail is a red flag.” Coleman, who first proposed a teen ban in an April interview with this masthead at a time when Labor opposed such a change , told opposition MPs last week that the government could use a “double-blind tokenised approach” suggested by the eSafety Commission last year. That would allow a third party to verify a user’s age on a social media platform without revealing the identity information used to do so, while another option could force companies that operate app stores, such as Google and Apple, to take on the role. Labor announced the ban early this month after years of claims that social media was harming children’s mental health, much of which is disputed by the technology giants, and argued that it would bolster parents’ ability to reject pestering from kids to go online. But detractors including Ben Thompson, the boss of major Australian tech firm Employment Hero, said on X that bill would make it harder for children with special needs to make friends online. “Not to mention that it’s a Trojan Horse for digital ID and further censorship,” he said. On Sunday, Greens communications spokeswoman Sarah Hanson-Young called advocates for the ban well-intentioned, but said the bill was rushed compared to the government’s halting approach to gambling reform. “The government and the opposition are ramming through a ban on social media that was introduced on Thursday,” she said on ABC’s Insiders . “We’ve got a joke of a Senate inquiry for three days tomorrow. But they can’t do gambling ... Talk about priorities.” Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter .

《TAIPEI TIMES》Court releases Ko Wen-je on bail of NT$30mNigel Farage hints at legal action against Kemi Badenoch in Reform membership rowThe Shenandoah boys basketball team had the opportunity to get some of the rust off, taking the court on Saturday in a pre-season scrimmage against Elwood. This game was scheduled for five quarters, each with a 12 minute running clock. The score was reset after each quarter and each team was given more defensive freedom as the game progressed. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — No. 3 Nebraska finished with four individual champions and had finalists in seven of the 10 weight classes as the Huskers won the team title at the 12-team Navy Classic on Saturday. Nebraska finished with 150 points, while Oregon State was next with 130.5. Brock Hardy won a matchup of top-10 opponents at 141 pounds earned a 10-3 decision over ninth-ranked Joshua Koderhandt of Navy. NU’s other champions were Caleb Smith at 125, Antrell Taylor at 157 and Silas Allred at 184. Runners-up were Lenny Pinto at 174 and heavyweight Harley Andrews. At 165, Nebraska had both finalists in Bubba Wilson and Chris Minto. Nebraska is off until Dec. 6 when it competes in the Cliff Keen Invitational. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Eagles’ Jalen Hurts Limited in New Injury ReportButterball, a popular turkey company, is facing calls for a boycott ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday amid allegations of animal abuse that are circulating online . The claims about animal abuse stem from a video that People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), an animal rights organization, shared on its X and Instagram accounts in November. That video accuses Butterball employees of abusing turkeys. “Do you know what happened to your Butterball turkey before they were killed?” the videos’ caption says. A VERIFY reader texted us to ask if Butterball turkeys have been recalled amid the abuse allegations. Google Trends data show other people online are also wondering if there’s a recall on Butterball turkeys. THE QUESTION Have Butterball turkeys been recalled amid abuse allegations? THE SOURCES The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Food and Drug Administration Butterball spokesperson People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) THE ANSWER No, Butterball turkeys have not been recalled amid abuse allegations. WHAT WE FOUND There isn’t a recall for Butterball turkeys, a spokesperson for the company and federal government websites confirm. The video circulating online alleging animal abuse is nearly 20 years old. If any food products were recalled, federal health officials would post notices on their websites. But that hasn’t happened as of Tuesday, Nov. 26. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) websites do not list any recent recalls for Butterball turkeys. A Butterball spokesperson also confirmed to VERIFY that none of the company’s products are recalled. The video accusing Butterball employees of abusing turkeys that sparked recall concerns is almost 20 years old, the company spokesperson said. "We are aware of a video from nearly 20 years ago, which is being re-shared across social media. This video is not current and was taken prior to Butterball becoming a private company and prior to our engagement and certification through American Humane,” the spokesperson told VERIFY. “Eleven years ago, Butterball was the first, and remains the only, turkey company to be American Humane certified. That means we have yearly audits conducted by a third party to ensure compliance with our 200+ science-based standards of best practice for care of turkeys, well exceeding industry best practices,” they added. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has a longer version of the video alleging turkey abuse posted on its website. That webpage links out to an article where PETA details an undercover investigation into a Butterball slaughterhouse in Ozark, Arkansas, that occurred nearly 20 years ago, from April to July 2006. During the undercover investigation, PETA investigators “documented that Butterball workers punched and stomped on live turkeys, slammed them against walls, and worse,” the animal rights organization said. In response to the old video recirculating online, the Butterball spokesperson added that the company has a “zero-tolerance policy for animal mistreatment." Related Articles Safely thawing your Thanksgiving turkey: 5 VERIFIED tips Yes, the average Thanksgiving meal this year is more affordable than last year Claim that Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day needs context The VERIFY team works to separate fact from fiction so that you can understand what is true and false. Please consider subscribing to our daily newsletter , text alerts and our YouTube channel . You can also follow us on Snapchat , Instagram , Facebook and TikTok . Learn More » Follow Us YouTube Snapchat Instagram Facebook TikTok Want something VERIFIED? Text: 202-410-8808

The stock market is slumping today. Why is the 'Santa rally' over?The cost of policing the ceremony was £21.7 million with a further £50.3 million in costs racked up by Britain’s department for culture, media and sport. About 20 million people in Britain watched Charles crowned at Westminster Abbey on TV, substantially fewer than the 29 million who had watched the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from around the world, and a star-studded concert took place at Windsor Castle the following night. The annual report and accounts of DCMS, the lead department in Rishi Sunak’s government that worked with the royal household on the coronation, stated that the department “successfully delivered on the central weekend of His Majesty King Charles III’s coronation, enjoyed by many millions both in the UK and across the globe”. It described the coronation as a “once-in-a-generation moment” that enabled the “entire country to come together in celebration”, as well as offering “a unique opportunity to celebrate and strengthen our national identity and showcase the UK to the world”. Republic, which campaigns to replace the monarchy with an elected head of state and more democratic political system, described the coronation as an “obscene” waste of taxpayers’ money. “I would be very surprised if £72 million was the whole cost,” the Republic CEO, Graham Smith, told the Guardian. As well as the British home office policing and DCMS costs included in the figures, he said the UK’s ministry of defence, Transport for London, fire brigades and local councils also incurred costs related to the coronation, with other estimates putting the total cost at between £100 million and £250 million . “But even that kind of money – £72 million– is incredible,” Smith added. “It’s a huge amount of money to spend on one person’s parade when there was no obligation whatsoever in the constitution or in law to have a coronation, and when we were facing cuts to essential services. “It was a parade that Charles insisted on at huge expense to the taxpayer, and this is on top of the huge inheritance tax bill he didn’t pay, on top of the £500 million-a-year cost of the monarchy.” He added: “It was an extravagance we simply didn’t have to have. It was completely unnecessary and a waste of money in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis in a country that is facing huge amounts of child poverty. When kids are unable to afford lunches at school, to spend over £70 million on this parade is obscene.” - –Guardian

The Detroit Lions will know how meaningful their matchup with the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night will carry before they step on the field. If Minnesota defeats Green Bay on Sunday, the Lions will still have to beat the Vikings in the regular-season finale to take the NFC North and gain the top seed in the NFC playoffs. If the Packers win, the Lions (13-2) can lock up the division and best record in the NFC with a victory in Santa Clara, Calif. In either case, Lions coach Dan Campbell plans to go all out to defeat the team that dashed their Super Bowl dreams in last season's NFC Championship game. Detroit led 24-7 at halftime but San Francisco rallied for a 34-31 victory. "I think that experience, as difficult as it was, served us well moving forward into this year," Campbell said. "You don't like to lose, so you've got an opportunity with a team that got the best of you, and so you just want to go out and find a way to get a win." With power back David Montgomery sidelined by a knee injury, Jahmyr Gibbs had 27 touches in a 34-17 win over Chicago on Sunday. He rushed for 109 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries and gained another 45 yards on four receptions. Montgomery is expected to return for the playoffs, but the Niners can expect to see plenty of Gibbs on Monday. Jared Goff surpassed the 4,000-yard passing mark against the Bears. He's thrown for 17 touchdowns, compared to one interception, over the last six games. San Francisco (6-9) has lost five of its last six games and was officially eliminated from playoff contention last weekend. Kyle Shanahan expects his team to handle that reality in a professional manner. "You've still got to go out there and perform the same way," Shanahan said. Goff expects a strong challenge, regardless of San Francisco's plight. "They're a good team, I don't care that they're eliminated," he said. "They have a lot of great players on that team that have played in big games and they're going to want to beat us, so we have to come out ready to go. It'll be hard on the road, good atmosphere -- I get a lot of family there, which will be nice, but it'll be a good one." With top running backs Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason out for the season, the Niners' offense has become increasingly reliant on quarterback Brock Purdy and tight end George Kittle. Purdy has passed for more than 300 yards in two of the last three games. Kittle has led the club in receiving yards four of the last five games. Purdy threw for 31 touchdowns last season, compared to 17 this year with McCaffrey sidelined most of the year and premier receiver Brandon Aiyuk sustaining a season-ending injury in the early going. "This year, just having a number of his guys down and things like that, it's been harder for (Purdy)," Shanahan said. "Usually, that stuff can make you better. He fought through it all year and he's got two more weeks to fight through it. "I think he's disappointed," Shanahan added. "He had high expectations this year, just like we all did. He hasn't ever been in a losing situation yet, so that's been very hard for him." San Francisco placed offensive tackle Trent Williams (ankle) on injured reserve. The Niners have also shut down linebacker Dre Greenlaw due to leg injuries. Running back Isaac Guerendo, who missed the Niners' 29-17 loss to Miami on Sunday, practiced on a limited basis on Thursday. Detroit cornerback Terrion Arnold missed Thursday's practice due to an illness. --Field Level Media

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MILWAUKEE - More than 3,200 people filled Veterans Park on a chilly Saturday morning to see the USS Beloit officially go into service. The visitors ranged from proud Beloiters and Fairbanks Morse Defense workers to military veterans of every service and even curious citizens from Milwaukee. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, obituaries, sports, and more.

Dr. Seinye Lulu-Briggs: Prioritising Quality Service, Impacting Humanity Dr. Seinye O.B. LULU-BRIGGS, Chairman/Chief Executive of Moni Pulo Limited (MPL), is not only an insightful and innovative businesswoman but also a leader whose milk of human kindness is ceaselessly flowing to the less-privileged and people of diverse ethnic groups and creeds. She has since 2019 been overseeing the activities of MPL, one of Nigeria’s most successful pioneer indigenous oil and gas exploration and production companies. Before rising to the head of her company, she was, since 2005, the Executive Vice Chairman, supporting the chairman to manage government relations, compliance and sustainability, as well as strategy and operations, which functioned at their peak, thereby created value to all stakeholders. She also led MPL in the acquisition and signing of production sharing contracts with Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for three additional oil and gas blocks. In line with MPL’s commitment to clean energy and to reduce the flaring of gas in Nigeria, she is leading a gas commercialisation project to bring MPL’s over 1TCF proven gas reserves in OML 114 to the market. Dr. Lulu-Briggs has invested immensely in youth and women owned micro, small and medium businesses, aside having served on several boards like Oasis Insurance, Flex and Transcorp PLC, among others, she serves as chairman of the fund for global Alliance of NGOs, CSOs of South South Cooperation (ANCSSC), The indefatigable and bighearted manager of resources is the Founder/Chairman of O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation, a leading NGO with a mission to enhance the wellbeing of the less-privileged through interventions in elder care, health, education, economic empowerment, water and sanitation, agriculture and humanitarian services. An ordained minister of Chapel of God International Worship Centre, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the multitasking boardroom czar has introduced the high-mindedness of her faith in her business and making the care for humanity her top priority. Revealing reasons for her passion in business and humanity, she said: “The passion that ignited my career as a businesswoman is rooted in my commitment to serve humanity — an approach I call ‘business for ministry.’ For me, succeeding in business goes hand in hand with honouring my faith, addressing unmet needs and uplifting the under-served in our communities. This drive stems from my upbringing. My parents, Ernest Francis and Darling Briggs, were both teachers with a deep commitment to service. My father became the first African principal of Kalabari National College. Our home in Port Harcourt was always open to those in need, reflecting my parents’ generosity and large hearts. “My mother eventually became a successful businesswoman. From my parents, I learned that success is meant to be shared and that every step forward should benefit others. They instilled in us a deep love for God, the importance of honesty, hard work, constructive thinking and optimism. Remembering her childhood years, the MPL CEO, disclosed that the Nigerian Civil War profoundly shaped her outlook in life, adding that her family was forced to return to their hometowns — Buguma and Abonnema —where, as a girl she became responsible for Nene, her grandmother. According to her, that experience taught her time management, discipline and respect for elders, stressing that it reinforced her Kalabari culture’s emphasis on public service. These values were also played up at Holy Rosary College, Port Harcourt, where she had her secondary school education. “Through evangelical work with fellow church members, my passion for community service grew, inspiring me to put faith into action in all aspects of my life,” she continued, “this drive was further shaped by my husband, High Chief O.B. Lulu-Briggs, now of blessed memory. He was a distinguished elder statesman, outstanding businessman and legendary philanthropist. His philosophy of using business to serve humanity, especially the most vulnerable, aligned perfectly with mine. Together, we believed that successful businesses should uplift communities, foster progress and inspire hope, especially in emerging markets like Nigeria. The O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation, which I established in 2001 to honour, give structure to and sustain his giving.” On the innovations that have sustained her businesses, she said technology has increasingly driven impactful innovation across all business sectors and with her background in ICT, she has consistently leveraged it to enhance business operations. She said, “By the time the pandemic began, all my businesses had already gone digital, significantly boosting our operational efficiencies. This preparedness allowed us to transit seamlessly to remote work during the lockdown, maintaining productivity without disruption. In manufacturing, at Moni Pulo data-driven decision-making (DDDM) has transformed our approach in oil and gas exploration and production, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing risks and costs. When we undertook the drilling of three exploration wells in 2018 and the two infill wells in 2019, data-driven insights played a critical role in the success of the projects. DDDM has also enabled real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, minimising downtime, optimising resource allocation and improving overall productivity. “Our commitment to data-driven safety protocols is equally impactful. Our exemplary safety record of achieving five million man-hours without lost-time injuries (as of September 2022) is a testament to our proactive approach to safety. By using data to anticipate and mitigate potential hazards, we maintain a safe and productive working environment, reflecting our commitment to industry-leading safety standards. “At La Sien Bottling Company, the manufacturer of La Sien Water, one of the Niger Delta’s most popular water brands, we deploy advanced technology to remain competitive. Our state-of-the-art facility in Port Harcourt, which operates an automated water production line at a capacity of 26,500 bottles per hour, complies with NAFDAC and SON water bottling standards. A new state-of-the-art plant with 45,000 bottles per hour is nearing completion. This high-tech setup gives us a competitive edge, enabling the team to uphold world-class operational standards, while consistently delivering quality,” she disclosed. Speaking about what government can do to accelerate economic growth and create wealth, Lulu-Briggs disclosed that inconsistent and insufficient electric power is a major challenge to many companies, saying manufacturers generating their own power contributes significantly to the increase in overhead costs and eroded the global competitiveness of locally produced goods. To overcome this challenge, she called on government to designate industrial zones as special energy-use areas to accelerate power development, and to prioritize the use of natural gas which is abundantly available in Nigeria. Others she noted included protection for indigenous companies, enhancing ease of doing business, reduction of interest rate on loans to businesspeople, granting tax relief or deductions for manufacturers and strengthening the ‘Made in Nigeria’ campaign. Noting that doing this, would further promote Nigerian products domestically and internationally. Commenting on philanthropy, the boardroom leader said: “The indomitable spirit of the Nigerian entrepreneurs will always throw up leaders who give back significantly to uplift communities and our citizens. Therefore, I believe we would only witness more and more community spirited CEOs emerging in the marketplace.” Never tried of learning, Lulu-Briggs has received executive training at Harvard Business School and she continues to routinely attend local and international training to up her knowledge in order to keep abreast of the latest trends in business. Her headgear is fully decorated with awards and laurels from different institutions within the country and across the globe. A fellow of the Institute of Directors, Nigeria, Dr Lulu-Briggs is also a member of the Institute of Data Processing and Management, London. Not ending there, the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, in 2015 honoured her with a Doctor of Science degree in recognition of her business acumen and philanthropy. Earlier this year she was honoured with the 2024 Special African Business Leadership Commendation Award and inducted into the prestigious African Business Leadership Council by the UK-based African Leadership Organization. She has also received several business awards including the Centre for Economic and Leadership Development’s Global Inspirational Leader award; the Africa-Middle East-Asia Amazons Global Inspirational Leadership award; Special Legislative Commendation by the Georgia State General Assembly award. Others are: National Network Newspapers, 2024 Woman of the Year; African Leadership Organisation award; UK, Special African Business Leadership Commendation award; African Women Lawyers Special Recognition; BusinessDay: Outstanding Woman of the Year award; Silverbird Group: Extraordinary Achievement award; Rotary Club International Paul Harris Fellow; Fellow, Baptist College of Theology, Obinze; Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Leadership award; Kalabari Icons award, among many others. How unwavering commitment to professionalism, innovation, integrity, drive UM Nigeria’s excellence, success, by Fayemi She is a combination of brawn, beauty and brain. Bimpe Fayemi, an astute media strategist with over 15 years’ experience in strategic and disruptive marketing communications, as well as brand investments, began her career as a Media Executive at the prestigious creative agency STB McCann, where she managed media planning and buying for high-profile clients including UBA PLC, British Airways, UNICEF, Kaneka Corporation Japan. Bimpe’s expertise spans various leadership roles and currently she is the Managing Director/CEO, Universal McCann Nigeria – an affiliate of IPG Mediabrands and a global leader in Advertising, with 18,000 Media and Marketing Specialists across 130 countries. Since her career at Universal McCann, she has been instrumental in expanding the agency’s client base, setting strategic goals, and overseeing financial performance to ensure profitability and growth. Under her sterling leadership, she has managed prominent global and local accounts, delivering tailored media strategies that have significantly impacted the brands’ success in the Nigerian market and beyond. Known for her decisive leadership style, Bimpe’s ability to foster innovation within her teams and strategic approach to decision-making, is exceptional. These have all contributed to her success in growing the agency’s portfolio and influence across West Africa. Having in view an MBA at the Metropolitan School of Business and Management UK, Bimpe Fayemi continues to build on her extensive media expertise and business acumen and has thus been recognised by The Guardian as one of “Integrity-Driven Fifty (50) Female Achievers In Corporate Nigeria”. While responding to the issue of patriarchy whereby most women are said to be unjustly treated in terms of individual rights and benefits, the astute media strategist said “Regarding gender dynamics, I have not felt a distinct pressure from working in a male-dominated field. The advertising industry in Nigeria has evolved, with more women occupying prominent leadership roles due to their track record of excellence. This shift has fostered a more inclusive environment, one where leadership is increasingly based on merit and results. However, I acknowledge that as a woman, I had to prove that my experience and skills qualified me for this role. My leadership style is centered around empowering my team members. I believe in giving them the autonomy to take charge of their work, avoiding micromanagement, and ensuring that they receive credit for their achievements. This approach not only fosters growth but also instils a sense of ownership and pride among my team. By lifting them up, I believe we create a stronger, more unified team capable of overcoming challenges together. I am proud to be part of an industry that is gradually recognizing the contributions of women and fostering pathways for their growth. It’s inspiring to witness and contribute to this progress, and I’m committed to continuing to support and mentor others, especially young women entering this field. However, in the last few months as CEO of Universal McCann Nigeria, my primary challenge has stemmed from the economic downturn, which has impacted advertising budgets across the industry. This financial strain has required a shift in strategies to maintain client relationships and demonstrate value, even as budgets tighten. Navigating this situation has called for adaptability and resilience, for me and my team.” Highlighting Universal McCann’s set objectives, milestones, innovation and other remarkable achievements, she noted that “As the CEO of Universal McCann Nigeria, I am proud to lead an agency with a bold vision that puts people first while adapting to the dynamic shifts in our industry. Our primary focus is empowering brands to reach their full growth potential, which we achieve by leveraging patterns and embracing a people-first approach in this new era of intelligence. At UM, we believe that media is interdependent and ever-present. This understanding helps us unlock our clients’ full potential by fostering strategic connectivity that enables human ingenuity to harness the power of AI, focusing on efficacy as much as efficiency. One of our greatest recent accomplishments has been the successful launch of Spotify and Amazon Prime Video in the Nigerian market, both of which were strategically executed with deep local insights. Our Breathe of Life campaign, which drove tremendous awareness for the movie, is a personal highlight and has garnered multiple awards at the 2024 Africa Magic Viewer’s Awards. These milestones reinforce UM Nigeria’s capability to drive impactful campaigns that resonate with audiences while setting benchmarks for excellence in the industry. In terms of economic contributions to national development, UM Nigeria is committed to fostering the growth of Nigerian brands. Recognising the resilience of the “Naija spirit,” we see immense potential for these brands to gain international recognition. This focus is part of our commitment to national development. Additionally, as part of our corporate responsibility, we support educational initiatives for underprivileged children through partnerships with select NGOs, contributing to societal progress by fostering education. Meanwhile, Innovation is at the heart of our strategy. Through IPG Mediabrands’ proprietary tool, Growth Accelerator, we bring the power of tailored, data-driven media strategies to our clients. This tool, customised to the Nigerian market through local research, enables us to make precise and impactful decisions in planning, buying, and executing media strategies. We maintain our competitive edge through innovations like these, and they are a testament to our commitment to continuous improvement.” Speaking further on the level of professionalism and integrity involved in handling Universal McCann’s business operations, she affirmed that “At Universal McCann (UM), our commitment to professionalism and integrity is foundational to everything we do. We firmly believe that values shape behavior and drive performance, and this ethos resonates through our strong community and culture of care. Our core values—Respect for All, Accountability to Excellence, Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Collaboration Through Trust, and Responsibility to our Communities and Our Future—guide us in every client engagement, every campaign, and every internal decision. These values aren’t just statements; they’re standards we hold ourselves accountable to across all operations. Professionalism at UM extends to our investment in talent development. Our team is the lifeblood of the agency, and we prioritize their growth through continuous, industry-specific training programs as well as diverse opportunities to support a balanced work-life dynamic. Certifications, like the ARCON certificate, are a minimum requirement for joining the team, and our investment in learning never stops there. By equipping our people with the latest knowledge and resources, we empower them to lead with confidence and integrity. Integrity is at the heart of UM’s approach to client relationships. We pride ourselves on being “the big boutique”: we leverage our global reach while delivering a uniquely tailored, client-focused approach. For us, transparency and honesty are essential; one of our core principles is simply to “Never lie to a client.” This commitment has allowed us to foster long-lasting relationships based on trust and mutual respect. Our clients know that they can rely on us for straightforward guidance, consistent accountability, and a dedication to doing what’s right.” Olufunke Okoro: Award-Winning Leader in Procurement and Merchandising Olufunke Okoro is a distinguished figure in the procurement and merchandising industry, celebrated for her exceptional expertise, innovative approach and leadership. With over 15 years of experience in sourcing and procurement, she has successfully managed a diverse portfolio of projects for clients across the globe. Her expertise spans a wide range of procurement in manufacturing, energy, agriculture, construction and oil and gas industries showcasing her versatility and depth of knowledge in the field, and solidifying her status as an award-winning industry leader. Olufunke’s academic journey began at the University of Ibadan, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. This foundation in psychology has been instrumental in her career, allowing her to understand clients’ needs and foster meaningful relationships with suppliers. She later pursued a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Middlesex University Business School UK, equipping her with strategic insights that enhance her procurement practices. As the Managing Director of Dumare Ltd, Olufunke has built the company into a leading procurement firm that has carved a niche as the go-to company for major players such as NNPC, Total Energies, Zenith, UBA, Oando, Stanbic IBTC, MTN, 9Mobile, ATC Nigeria, Pernod Ricard, Bank of Industry, and KPMG amongst others. Her ability to forge strong partnerships with these organisations is a testament to her strategic acumen and unwavering commitment to excellence. Olufunke’s procurement capabilities extend beyond mere transactions; she is known for her innovative approach to sourcing that emphasises quality, efficiency, and sustainability. By leveraging advanced technologies and data-driven strategies, she has optimised supply chains and reduced costs for her clients, ensuring they receive the best value for their investments. Her dedication to ethical sourcing practices has positioned her as a thought leader in the industry, advocating for responsibility and transparency in procurement. In addition to her operational achievements, Olufunke is passionate about mentorship and empowering the next generation of procurement professionals. She actively engages in training programmes and workshops, sharing her insights and experiences to inspire others. Her commitment to fostering talent within the industry has cultivated a new wave of skilled professionals who are eager to learn from her expertise. Olufunke is a Fellow of the Chartered institute of logistics and supply chain management and Chartered Institute of Human Resource Management, and she sits on a few company boards. Isi Igenegba: On A Mission To Reshape Africa’s Energy Sector, Empower Women, Impact Communities Isi Igenegba is the co-founder and Director, Human Resource Management and Administration of Strom Global Services Ltd. Aside this, the workaholic business head is also the founder and lead coach, Isi Benedicta Institute; Global Lead, Mantle of Deborah; Convener, The Builders’ Summit; Director of Strategy, METSCO, Africa; and Lead, A Million Women Africa. Beyond her organisational and leadership acumen, innovative business head is committed to environmental sustainability, spearheading initiatives that support the restoration and remediation of polluted communities across Africa. As the Director of Strategy, METSCO Africa, she has been instrumental in guiding the company through strategic initiatives that focus on providing cutting-edge energy solutions across Africa. Her role involves overseeing the development of long-term strategies, streamlining business processes and ensuring the alignment of METSCO’s operations with its goals in the energy sector. Isi’s contributions have helped the engineering company to become a leading electrical outfit, procurement and construction (EPC) company in Africa, especially in the field of electrical distribution, transmission and generation. Successful in the corporate world, Isi realised that true transformation in both business and society requires visionary leadership and effective change management. Motivated by a desire to empower others, in 2020, the dynamic administrator founded the Isi Benedicta Institute, a platform dedicated to leadership development, change management and personal effectiveness. Through this initiative, she has made a profound impact on hundreds of people across Africa and beyond. The institute’s mission is to provide professionals and organisations with tools, strategies and mindset needed to achieve transformative success. Through the Builders’ Summit, a bespoke leadership mastermind, Isi Igenegba has in four years brought together over 2,000 leaders, entrepreneurs and executives in Africa, including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and Uganda. The summit provides a unique platform for cross-border networking, leadership training and the exchange of innovative ideas. As head, Mantle of Deborah Conferences, Isi has directly impacted over 7,000 women across 15 African countries, including Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda, among others. The conferences focus on equipping women with the skills to excel in leadership roles, empowering them to become influential decision-makers in their industries. Participants are in diverse businesses, calling the shots and positively impacting their communities. Always willing to share her knowledge, the innovative leaders on October 12, 2024 through “A Million Women” rallied thousands of women from 40 African countries for the first edition of A Million Women’s Day of Prayer. The event brought together diverse women’s groups to unite in prayer, reflect on their countries and solidarity for the transformation of Africa. The prayer meeting did not only provided a spiritual platform for women, but also encouraged them to engage in collaborative efforts to foster peace, prosperity and growth in their communities. Isi heading this initiative is a testament to her dedication at advancing women’s roles in Africa’s development and also her commitment to fostering unity and collective action among women across the continent. Her works with Mantle of Deborah and Isi Benedicta Institute have in no little ways touched individuals from over 40 countries across Africa, Europe, North America and the Middle East for good. Her programmes have helped organisations enhance their operational efficiency, implement sustainable growth strategies and led with a vision focused on long-term impact. The boardroom tigress envisions a future where leaders across Africa and beyond are equipped with the tools, mindset and resources to drive meaningful and sustainable change. Founding Strom Global Services Ltd., Lagos, Nigeria, in 2015, the company has since grown to register its presence in Canada and Texas, USA. Through effective and efficient leadership, the company has being able to provide offshore and onshore support for efficient maritime operations, which has enabled the company to achieve annual turnover exceeding $5 million, reflecting consistent business growth. Apart from this, the company is also helping clients to optimise performance through skill-building programmes and collaborative business efforts. Aligning with Nigeria’s federal power roadmap to support national development, the company is known for delivering high-quality and innovative energy solutions. Established alliances with world-class manufacturers and industry leaders to enhance service delivery, METSCO have successfully executed numerous projects, including the installation and commissioning of heavy power equipment for various clients. It has helped clients optimise their energy systems through tailored consultancy and advanced technical solutions. I STRIVE TO REACH NEW MILESTONES WITH EVERY OPPORTUNITY I GET-NWABUOGO MBANEME, HEAD, PRODUCTION, MAY & BAKER Plc A very cerebral woman, Dr Mrs Nwabuogo Mbaneme is an egghead who holds a Ph.D in Pharmaceutics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Her research interests are in the areas of pharmaceutical bioequivalence studies, drug development and regulatory pharmacy. Not only is she an academic, she is equally a certified supply chain analyst and in a bid to improve the dynamics of supply chain in medicine production and distribution, she underwent training at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA, obtaining high passing grades in five supply chain courses. In terms of professional experience, her career cuts across various sections both locally and internationally in capacities that encompass quality management system, pharmacovigilance, research and drug development, production, community and regulatory pharmacy. She is today the Head of Production for the foremost pharmaceutical firm in Nigeria, May & Baker Plc. QUE: Can we have an insight into your background? ANS: I am happily married with children and hold a bachelor degree, B. Pharm, from University of Lagos. Masters, M.Pharm, degree specializing in Technology of Formulation from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Another Masters degree in Drug Development and Regulatory Pharmacy from the University of Ibadan. Also, PDDDP degree in Drug Discovery, Development and Production from Howard University Washington D.C USA and Kilimanjaro School of Pharmacy, Tanzania, with best result in the practical exams at the UNIDO sponsored, Regulatory /Quality Compliance & Seminar & Directed Readings Advanced Training. Demonstrating a relentless intent for learning and my strong passion to create new science and increase global access to affordable good quality medicines, I gained a Doctor of Philosophy, Ph.D, in Pharmaceutics from the University of Nigeria. I am a certified supply chain analyst, CSCA, Cleveland, Ohio, USA. I also trained at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA, obtaining high passing grades in five supply chain courses (CTL.SC0x – CTL.SC4x) in a bid to improve the dynamics of supply chain in medicine production and distribution. QUE: Can you take us through your career trajectory? ANS: My professional experience spans various sections locally and internationally in capacities that encompass quality management system, pharmacovigilance, research & drug development/production, community and regulatory pharmacy. My research areas of interest are pharmaceutical bioequivalence studies, drug development and regulatory pharmacy. I am an active member of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Group-Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, PMG-MAN, where i served as a member of the Industry Capacity Data Collection Committee for Nigeria, member of Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria, PCN, International Supply Chain Education Alliance, ISCEA, Association of Lady Pharmacists, ALPS, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, PSN, Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria, NAIP, and Nigerian Red Cross Society, NRC. I am currently the Head, Production of May & Baker Nigeria Plc. Prior to my appointment here, I worked with NEMEL Pharmaceuticals as Head, Quality Management System, QMS, & Pharmacovigilance. I also worked together with CHI Pharmaceuticals team to achieve a WHO current Good Manufacturing Certification. I also worked as Head of Production & Regulatory in A.C Drugs, Enugu. I also had a brief experience in hospital pharmacy at the National Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu. I had my community pharmacist working experience with Caarale Pharmacy, Lagos. QUE: Who and who would you say have been most influential on your life and career? ANS: In my personal life, my mother Pastor Clementine Ricketts, and my husband, Uche Mbaneme have both been the most influential people. In my career, Professor Joseph Fortunak, Prof. K. C. Ofokansi and Prof. E. C. Ibezim have been God’s instrument to guide me professionally. QUE: Can you recall some memorable experiences that you have had in the course of your professional journey? ANS: I remember when we were working towards achieving the WHO prequalification for CHI Pharmaceuticals, I learnt a phrase that has helped me in life and my career as a pharmacist. “A chain is as strong as its weakest link”. This symbolizes that team work and dedication allow people learn from one another to improve efficiency and productivity leading to an expanded sense of accomplishment. This became my slogan everywhere I had a chance to work or head a team because developing teamwork skills is worth everyone’s investment, not just the leader. QUE: What are the challenges you’ve faced in your professional journey and how have you been able to tackle them? ANS: The pharmaceutical industry is driven by innovation, with new discoveries and technologies constantly reshaping the world, thus the knowledge requirements in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals are quite extensive. Firstly, I stay up to date with the current practices, so instead of letting challenges discourage me, I acknowledge and recognize them. Then I reframe them as learning opportunities to improve the quality of health and life of people. I strongly believe that “without continual growth and progress such words as improvement, achievement and success have no meaning”. This ideology is what fueled my inner drive to constantly strive to reach new milestones with every opportunity I get. QUE: What advice do you have for aspiring female professionals? ANS: For aspiring female professionals, have it in mind that being a female should never stop you from achieving anything you want in life. You should know what exactly you like about the profession you choose in life and pray to GOD for guidance. Do a career research because it will guide you in the long run and most importantly save you from getting into a career that you will dislike for the rest of your life. If you can do industrial training, do it and learn as much as you can. This will help you to discover your passion and work in it. There are many aspects of many professions, for example, in pharmacy, there is hospital, community, manufacturing, regulatory, wholesalers / distributors and the academia. When you choose your career, make sure this is what excites you and will make you want to show up at work every day. Then you could pick a mentor early in life and take it one step at a time. Extracurricular activities is also another great part of life that will boost your academic performance, develop your unique skills and personality. You don’t have to do anything and everything underneath the sun, just pick a few things that really showcases who you truly are and follow your dreams.Climate finance's 'new era' shows new political realities

Percentages: FG .373, FT .667. 3-Point Goals: 4-15, .267 (Lee 1-2, Shogbonyo 1-3, Akins 1-4, Addo-Ankrah 1-5, Pickett 0-1). Team Rebounds: 3. Team Turnovers: None. Blocked Shots: 2 (Lopez-Sanvicente 2). Turnovers: 11 (Shogbonyo 3, Craig 2, Akins, Bowen, Lee, Lopez-Sanvicente, Mani, Pickett). Steals: 5 (Lee 5). Technical Fouls: None. Percentages: FG .431, FT .833. 3-Point Goals: 4-16, .250 (Gonsalves 2-6, Bieker 1-1, Riley 1-1, Rainwater 0-1, Turay 0-1, Berrett 0-3, Byrd 0-3). Team Rebounds: 8. Team Turnovers: None. Blocked Shots: 4 (Ariyibi, Berrett, Rainwater, Riley). Turnovers: 9 (Byrd 3, Ariyibi 2, Rainwater 2, Riley, Schenck). Steals: 6 (Gonsalves 3, Hutchings, Riley, Turay). Technical Fouls: None. A_102 (4,779).

Sources: Struggling Kings fire Mike BrownLegendary Arab singer Fairuz, whose ballads have told of love, her native Lebanon and the Palestinian cause, turned 90 on Thursday as her conflict-weary country is wracked by the Zionist entity-Hezbollah war. Social media users lit up the Internet with her songs and tributes to the Lebanese star, who has seldom been seen in public in recent years but remains a rare symbol of national unity in the crisis-hit country. In one for her most well-known songs, which came out during Lebanon’s civil war, Fairuz crooned: “I love you, oh Lebanon, my country, I love you.” In a post on Instagram, French President Emmanuel Macron said Fairuz “embodies the soul of this region with dignity”. She “watches over the hearts of many Palestinians and Lebanese who are deprived of the peace they deserve”, Macron said. Composer and oud player Marcel Khalife, in a tribute on social media platform X, wrote: “My homeland is Fairuz’s voice.” Born Nouhad Haddad in 1934 to a working-class Christian family in Beirut’s Zuqaq al-Blat district, Fairuz - a stage name that means “turquoise” in Arabic - studied at the national music conservatory as a teenager. She shot to fame after her first performance at the Baalbek International Festival in 1957. On Monday, Zuqaq al-Blat was the target of a deadly Zionist strike, while Baalbek’s ancient ruins, where the music festival is still held annually, were granted “provisional enhanced protection” by UNESCO amid the Zionist entity-Hezbollah conflict. Fairuz, her composer husband Assi Rahbani and his brother Mansour revolutionized traditional Arabic music by merging classical Western, Russian and Latin elements with eastern rhythms and a modern orchestra. Fairuz worked closely with her eldest son Ziad, known as the “enfant terrible” of the Lebanese stage and song, who composed Arabic music for her with a jazz influence. Fairuz’s reign as the queen of Arabic music was partly thanks to her championing the Palestinian cause, including “Sanarjaou Yawman” or “We Shall Return One Day”, an elegy to Palestinians exiled by the creation of the Zionist entity in 1948. She won national acclaim for remaining in Lebanon throughout the country’s 1975-1990 civil war, and for refusing to side with one faction over another. In 2020, France’s Macron kicked off a trip to Lebanon by calling on Fairuz, awarding her France’s Legion of Honour. It was a rare public appearance for the ageing star that delighted the country, which at the time was reeling from a catastrophic explosion at Beirut’s port. — AFP