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casino game online NEW YORK — I’ll get you, my pretty! And your little pygmy hippo, too! Forgive us the shameless attempt to link the fantasy hit “Wicked” to the delightful Moo Deng . But, hear us out — there’s something the two have in common as the year draws to a close. Escapism. Whether we found it on the yellow brick road, or in videos from a Thailand zoo, or perhaps in unlikely Olympic heroes , we gravitated toward fantasy and feel-good pop culture moments this year. There were new trends, as always. “Brat summer” became a thing, as did “demure, mindful.” And for some inexplicable reason, we became obsessed with celebrity lookalike contests. There were breakups — Bennifer is, again, a thing of the past — and reunions: Oasis, please try to stay together for the tour. Yet some things stayed, remarkably, the same: Taylor Swift and Beyoncé kept on breaking records and making history. So, after a year where much changed but some things held steady, here’s our annual, very selective trip down pop culture memory lane: Lily Gladstone poses in the press room Jan. 7 with the award for best performance by an actress in a motion picture, drama for "Killers of the Flower Moon" at the 81st Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. It starts as a cheery tweet from a beloved “Sesame Street” figure: “ ELMO is just checking in! How is everybody doing?” The answers hint at something deeper and more worrisome. “Not great, Elmo. Not great,” says one milder reply. Doing much better is the viral phenomenon called “BARBENHEIMER,” which makes its awards season debut at the GOLDEN GLOBES . But perhaps the most poignant moment comes from neither film: LILY GLADSTONE , first Indigenous winner of best actress in a drama for “Killers of the Flower Moon,” begins her remarks in the language of her tribe, Blackfeet Nation. Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) kisses Taylor Swift on Feb. 11 after the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in overtime during the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game in Las Vegas. Valentine’s Day — a perfect time to settle into a sweet love saga via TikTok. Only that’s not quite what we get with “Who TF Did I Marry?,” REESA TEESA ’s depressing, fascinating, 50-part account of her disastrous marriage with a man who lied about absolutely everything. Meanwhile, if you're looking for a single week that encapsulates peak SWIFT cultural dominance , try this: she begins with the Grammys in Los Angeles (becoming the first artist to win album of the year four times AND announcing a new album), then heads to Tokyo for four tour dates, then jets back just in time for the Super Bowl in Las Vegas — where she shares a passionate smooch with boyfriend TRAVIS KELCE on the field of victory. Ryan Gosling performs the song "I'm Just Ken" from the movie "Barbie" on March 10 during the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. “What was I made for?” BILLIE EILISH sings at the OSCARS, channeling BARBIE . And what was KEN made for? Not entirely clear — but it's clear RYAN GOSLING was made to play him. His singalong version of “I’m Just Ken” is one of the most entertaining Oscar musical moments in years. Still, Christopher Nolan's “OPPENHEIMER” prevails, a rare case of the top prize going to a blockbuster studio film. Will it happen again in 2025? CYNTHIA ERIVO and ARIANA GRANDE sure hope so; as presenters, they make a sly reference to their upcoming juggernaut, “WICKED.” Speaking of marketing, people are obsessed with that bizarre “DUNE” popcorn bucket. Beyonce And BEYONCÉ carves her space in country music with “Act II: Cowboy Carter,” which will make her the first Black woman to top the Billboard country chart. Taylor Swift performs June 21 at Wembley Stadium in London as part of her Eras Tour. Tennis, anyone? The game’s been around for centuries, but it’s having a cultural moment right now, helped mightily by “CHALLENGERS,” the sweaty romance triangle starring ZENDAYA, MIKE FAIST and JOSH O'CONNOR (40-love? More like 40-sex.) Elsewhere, a new era dawns: At midnight, SWIFT drops “THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT," then drops another 15 songs two hours later. The fascinating and disturbing “BABY REINDEER,” the story of a struggling comedian’s extended encounter with a stalker, debuts on Netflix. Ben Affleck, left, and Jennifer Lopez arrive Feb. 13 at the premiere of "This Is Me ... Now: A Love Story" at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. It’s MET GALA time — or as it's known in 2024, another early marketing moment for “WICKED.” ERIVO and GRANDE make fashion waves on the carpet and then musical ones at dinner, with a soulful performance of “When You Believe.” If the “Wicked” tour is in full force, another one stops in its tracks: JENNIFER LOPEZ cancels her summer tour amid reports of both poor ticket sales and trouble in her marriage to BEN AFFLECK . It’s been an eventful year for J.Lo, who's released an album and movie called “THIS IS ME ... NOW" — both reflections on her renewed love with Affleck. Welcome to BRAT SUMMER ! CHARLI XCX releases her hit “Brat” album , with its lime green cover, and launches a thousand memes. Collins Dictionary defines “brat,” its word of the year, as “characterized by a confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude.” At the celeb-heavy SWIFT shows in London, we see PRINCE WILLIAM shaking it off, which is either charming or cringe, you decide. Even better: KELCE dons a top hat and tux and performs for one night. At another stadium across the pond, METS infielder JOSE IGLESIAS delights the crowd with his cheery number “OMG.” Stephen Nedoroscik is introduced June 29 at the United States Gymnastics Olympic Trials in Minneapolis. Bonjour, it’s OLYMPICS time! In Paris! An audacious opening ceremony along the Seine is punctuated by a fabulous CELINE DION , perched on the EIFFEL TOWER , singing her heart out — in the rain, too. Controversy swirls over a scene critics feel mocks Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” (organizers say it does not). Olympic stars are born — including French swimming superstar LEON MARCHAND , rugby player ILONA MAHER , and bespectacled “Pommel Horse Guy” gymnast STEPHEN NEDOROSCIK , who nets two bronze medals and comparisons to Clark Kent. Baby pigmy hippo Moo Deng plays with a zookeeper Sept. 19 in the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province, Thailand. Also capturing hearts: yep, MOO DENG , born this month. Her name means “bouncy pork.” Australia's Rachael Gunn, known as B-Girl Raygun, competes Aug. 9 during the Round Robin Battle at the breaking competition at La Concorde Urban Park at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. This is them ... now: BENNIFER is no more. After two decades, two engagements and two weddings, J.Lo files for divorce. One union dissolves, another returns: OASIS announces a reunion tour. Everyone seems to want to get in on TikToker JOOLS LEBRON 's “ DEMURE, MINDFUL ” act — even the WHITE HOUSE press team. Back at the Olympics, in the new sport of breaking, we meet Australia’s RAYGUN , arguably neither demure nor mindful with her “kangaroo” move. Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani brings his dog Decoy to the mound Aug. 28 before Decoy delivered the ceremonial first pitch prior to a baseball game between the Dodgers and the Baltimore Orioles in Los Angeles. Cute animal alert: SHOHEI OHTANI ’s perky pooch DECOY does a great “first pitch” in his Major League Baseball debut. Chappell Roan performs "Good Luck, Babe" on Sept. 11 during the MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y. One of the year’s biggest breakout artists, CHAPPELL ROAN , withdraws from a music festival after speaking out about frightening fan interactions. And more on the price of fame: In an excruciating moment, “Bachelorette” JENN TRAN , the franchise’s first Asian American lead, is forced to sit through a painful viewing of her proposal to her chosen suitor, after tearfully explaining how he’d later dumped her over the phone. Tran is keeping busy though — she’s announced as part of the new “Dancing with the Stars” lineup. Also on the list: rugby player Maher, and Pommel Horse Guy! Also, ANNA SOROKIN , dancing with an ankle monitor. Online fandom, meanwhile, is shaken when X is temporarily suspended in Brazil and celebrity stan accounts post tearful farewells, revealing to many across the globe that their favorite accounts are run by Brazilians. Miles Mitchell, 21, wins of the Timothee Chalamet lookalike contest Oct. 27 near Washington Square Park in New York. “Dune” Chalamets! “Wonka” Chalamets! Thousands gather in Manhattan for a TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET lookalike contest, and things really get interesting when Chalamet himself shows up. He doesn’t enter the contest, though, and with his mustache, he may not even have won. The trend continues with contests for JEREMY ALLEN WHITE, ZAYN MALIK and — in a very Washington version — Kennedy scion JACK SCHLOSSBERG , who's been gathering a following with some interesting social media posts. New York Liberty Kennedy Burke dances with the mascot, Ellie the Elephant, during an Oct. 24 ceremony after a parade in honor of the Liberty's WNBA basketball championship at City Hall in New York. Turning to basketball, who’s that dancing with USHER ? Why it’s ELLIE THE ELEPHANT , the now-viral NEW YORK LIBERTY mascot. Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, right, appears Nov. 2 with Maya Rudolph on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" in New York. MAYA RUDOLPH does a pretty good KAMALA HARRIS laugh on “Saturday Night Live,” but you know who does it better? HARRIS herself. The Democratic candidate makes a surprise cameo three days before the U.S. presidential election, following in the footsteps of HILLARY CLINTON , SARAH PALIN and others. Elsewhere in television, Bravo announces that “VANDERPUMP RULES,” the Emmy-nominated reality show that has lived through countless scandals, is entirely recasting its 12th season — apart from namesake LISA VANDERPUMP . As for MOO DENG , she doesn't have her own TV series yet, but our favorite pygmy hippo is generating plenty of merch . And THAT brings us back to ... Ariana Grande, left, and Cynthia Erivo pose for photographers Nov. 11 prior to the premiere of "Wicked" at Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City. “WICKED” ! Director JON M. CHU ’s emerald-hued fantasy remains very very popular, to quote one of its buzzy show tunes, dancing through life and defying gravity at the multiplex. Moviegoers also come for “GLADIATOR II” and, in a veritable tidal wave, Disney's “MOANA 2,” which beckons us back to the seas of Oceania. Once again, 2024 seems to be telling us: Give people some whimsy, a place to escape, maybe some catchy tunes — and no one knows how far they’ll go. The stories and images that defined 2024. Searching for something? From queries about U.S. politics to cricket in India, Wikipedia has become a source of information for millions of people across the globe. From the Paris Olympics to the Super Bowl. From Simone Biles to Shohei Ohtani. And, of course, Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift. These are the sp... AP photographers assembled a visual catalog of our civilization as life in 2024 hurtled directly at us at every speed and in every imaginable ... In 2024, photographers captured glimpses of humanity, ranging from a deeply divisive presidential election, to hurricanes and fires that ravag... Associated Press photographers captured voters with raw emotions of joy, excitement, contemplation or sorrow. See entertainment's biggest moments in 2024, through the lens of Associated Press photographers. It beat five other finalists: demure, slop, dynamic pricing, romantasy and lore. News anchors, politicians and other public figures in the U.S. struggled with these words the most this year. Is it any surprise Merriam-Webster's word of the year is "polarization"? Here are the other words that rounded out the top 10 for 2024. 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Payman launches attack on Hanson... Demand Accountability A group of energy advocates and socio-economic activists has condemned the collapse of the Port Harcourt Refining Company, just weeks after the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) claimed it had been restreamed. The Energy Reforms Advocates and Socio-Economic Activists, led by Dr Thomas Zion Godknows, at a press conference in Port Harcourt on Saturday, expressed their outrage over the failed rehabilitation project, which cost Nigerians $1.5 billion. According to the group, the refinery’s shutdown results from the NNPCL’s fraudulent conduct and blatant lies about the facility’s status. Godknows who described the the rehabilitation project as a scam accused the NNPCL of lying about the refinery’s status, claiming that it had been producing and distributing refined products when, in fact, it had stopped working altogether. The group also alleged that the NNPCL had converted the Port Harcourt Refining Company into a blending plant for passing off sanction-tainted crude oil from Russia, a claim the corporation had previously denied. “Recall that we categorically stated that the Port Harcourt Refining Company was no longer able to resume as a refinery because Mele Kyari, the Group Chief executive officer (GCEO) of NNPCL, with associates, has decided to convert it into a blending plant for passing off sanction-tainted crude oil from Russia,” the statement said. “The corporation again vehemently dismissed this fact as mischief. The actual mischief-maker became known when NNPCL put up a Nollywood show about reopening the refinery. Six trucks loaded residual or old stock, while NNPCL put up a Nollwood-worthy video production of 200 trucks loading petrol. “The shock from presenting residual stock as freshly refined products had barely settled on Nigerians before it emerged that the refinery was merely blending several concoctions to assuage Nigerians, who started asking questions. “The NNPCL floated the story about exporting refined products to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) the moment Nigerians started asking questions about the dangers that the blended concoction posed to their vehicles. “True to form, Kyari purged the concoction from Port Harcourt Refinery to Dubai-based Gulf Transport & Trading Limited (GTT), an entity conveniently set up by Adisu Aliyu, a proxy for Mele Kyari, who runs his syndicates. “The collapse of the Port Harcourt Refinery is a glaring reminder of the urgent need to reform NNPCL. It is also a wake-up call to insulate the other refineries from the ravages of NNPCL. “This is why we are now demanding full disclosure of Warri Refineries. Will Warri Refinery become another blending plant that will function for only 23 days and collapse? What tales by moonlight are we going to hear about the other refineries? “The lack of transparency in NNPCL’s operations is of grave concern. The public deserves clear and honest disclosure regarding the challenges and progress of something as critical as the Port Harcourt refinery to the nation’s energy security. The absence of detailed explanations and accountability measures only validates distrust among stakeholders.” The group, therefore, urged the Federal Government to conduct an independent audit of the Port Harcourt Refinery rehabilitation project to identify the root causes of the failures and ensure accountability for the mismanagement of funds.

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Une nouvelle controverse secoue la politique camerounaise suite aux accusations de fraude électorale lancées par Maurice Kamto, président du Mouvement pour la Renaissance du Cameroun (MRC), à l'encontre de l'ancien député Ali Bachir. Cette affaire met en lumière les tensions croissantes dans le contexte des élections Cameroun prévues en 2025. L'affaire débute le 19 décembre 2024, lorsque le leader de l'opposition camerounaise publie une déclaration concernant une photo devenue virale sur les réseaux sociaux. Cette image montrerait, selon lui, un militant du RDPC Cameroun en possession d'un stock important de cartes nationales d'identité, suggérant une possible préparation de fraude électorale. googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display('div-gpt-async-ad-inread-a');}); Dans sa réponse, Ali Bachir, membre du Comité central du RDPC, dénonce fermement ces accusations qu'il qualifie de non fondées. L'ancien député de la Vina souligne ses 34 années d'expérience politique et ses dix-sept ans de mandat électif, réfutant toute implication dans des activités frauduleuses. La controverse soulève des questions importantes sur la vérification des sources dans le débat politique camerounais. Ali Bachir critique notamment l'empressement de Maurice Kamto à porter des accusations graves sans vérification préalable de l'authenticité du document en question, qui ne présente selon lui aucun élément permettant d'identifier le lieu, la date ou le contexte de sa création. Le membre du RDPC rappelle l'engagement de son parti en faveur de la transparence et de l'équité, sous la direction du Président Paul Biya. Il souligne que les succès électoraux du RDPC dans la région de l'Adamaoua reposent sur un travail de terrain approfondi et des actions de proximité auprès des différentes couches sociales. Cette polémique intervient à un moment crucial, à l'approche de l'élection présidentielle de 2025 et des élections législatives et municipales de 2026. Elle met en évidence les tensions croissantes entre les différentes forces politiques du pays et soulève des questions sur la qualité du débat politique au Cameroun. Ali Bachir appelle à plus de responsabilité dans le débat public, critiquant une approche qu'il qualifie de populiste et qui, selon lui, ne sert qu'à polariser davantage l'espace politique camerounais. Il plaide pour un retour à la sérénité et à la cohésion sociale, essentielles au bon fonctionnement démocratique du pays. COMMUNIQUE DE PRESSE Dans une déclaration rendue publique le 19 décembre 2024, le président national du Mouvement pour la Renaissance du Cameroun (MRC) tente de m'associer à une vidéo devenue virale, selon sa propre description. Selon Monsieur Maurice Kamto, « cette vidéo scandaleuse montre un individu, vraisemblablement un militant du RDPC si l'on en juge par son accoutrement assis devant un important stock de cartes nationale d'identité ». Le président du MRC s'appuie sur le commentaire accompagnant la photo (en lieu et place d'une vidéo) en question pour m'indexer directement : « les commentaires qui accompagnent la vidéo font ressortir le nom d'un ancien député de la Vina, dans l'Adamaoua, Monsieur Ali Bachir, comme pouvant être celui qui, dans l'ombre, mettrait en place, avec les autorités de la police nationale... ce qu'il considère comme un « dispositif de fraude électorale ». Et de conclure sa déclaration avec légèreté, sans recul que devrait avoir une personnalité politique de sa trempe, à l'ouverture d'une enquête. « monsieur Ali Bachir, membre du Comité central du RDPC et Président de section de ce parti dans la Vina, dont le nom est cité dans la vidéo, doit être interpellé pour enquête », écrit-il. Il est regrettable que Monsieur Maurice Kamto n'ait pas pris la précaution préalable et élémentaire de vérification de l'authenticité d'une voix anonyme associée à une photo mise en circulation sur les réseaux sociaux et qui ne fournit aucun indice de lieu, de date et du contexte de son montage, encore moins de l'identité de la personne qui y apparaît et de la voix qui y est associée. Par ailleurs, on peut s'étonner de la facilité de Monsieur Maurice Kamto à crier à la préparation d'une fraude electorale, sans enquête préliminaire, d'un ancien député de la Nation sur la base d'une accusation lancée dans une photo qui m'est totalement étrangère et partagée sur les réseaux sociaux. Quoi qu'il en soit, je tiens à affirmer sans équivoque que je ne suis ni de près ni de loin concerné par cette photo que j'ai découverte sur internet, et ma pratique honorable de la politique depuis bientôt 34 ans, avec plusieurs mandats du peuple, m'éloigne des opérations scabreuses qui sont décrites dans ce montage grossier et insipide en circulation. Par la même occasion, je réaffirme mon attachement au RDPC, parti dont je partage les valeurs de transparence, d'équité et de justice. Grâce au leadership de son Président National, Son Excellence Paul Biya, et porté par une dynamique sans cesse renouvelée, le RDPC a remporté haut la main et sans bavures de nombreuses compétitions électorales dans la Vina et la Région de l'Adamaoua. La fraude électorale par quelque moyen que ce soit n'est ni une méthode de mon Parti, ni un recours pour ses militants. A l'aube de l'élection présidentielle de 2025 et des Législatives et Municipales de 2026, le RDPC poursuit son travail de terrain dans ma circonscription électorale par des actions de proximité auprès des différentes classes sociales et de mobilisation de son électorat. C'est en oeuvrant ainsi que j'ai à mon actif dix sept ans de mandat électif en tant que élu du peuple et non par la tricherie ou la fraude électorale. Enfin, qu'il me soit permis de dire que les Camerounais attendent de nos acteurs politiques de la hauteur, de la classe et une certaine élégance dans leurs agissements et prises de position fussent-elles partisanes. La logique politicienne voire populiste ne sert qu'à polariser et à polluer un espace public qui a davantage besoin de sérénité, de bonne foi et de cohésion sociale. Lire l'article original sur Camer.be .Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday revealed that Nigeria returned about 10,000 of its citizens detained for sundry migration offences across Europe and America in 2024 alone. He also applauded what he described as the invaluable contributions of Nigerian immigrants to the global economy, saying Nigeria accounts for the highest of all diaspora remittances in West Africa. The Vice President spoke on Monday during the 10th Annual National Migration Dialogue with the theme, ‘Beyond Borders: Celebrating Migrants’ Legacy, Protecting Their Rights,’ at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communication, Stanley Nkwocha, revealed details of the closing ceremony in a statement he signed Monday titled ‘Migration: VP Shettima lauds Nigeria’s contributions to the global economy.’ Apart from diaspora remittances, Shettima said Nigerian migrants had become global ambassadors who excel in technology, medicine, sports, creative arts, and other human endeavours. Noting that Nigeria is both a country of origin and a destination for migrants, with over 1.3 million international migrants living within, he cautioned against the constant challenges of irregular migration. “However, we must acknowledge that irregular migration remains a persistent challenge. “In 2024, we have already returned and reintegrated no fewer than 10,000 Nigerians who had been detained for immigration offences in African and European countries. “These figures highlight the vulnerabilities that come with migration and emphasise the need for coordinated efforts to address these challenges while harnessing migration’s potential for economic growth and resilience,” the VP warned. The VP argued that migration is not a mere crossover from one geography to another. Rather, it is a critical driver of global and national development. Buttressing his point with figures, he said, “In 2022 alone, Nigeria accounted for $21.9bn in diaspora remittances, representing 64 per cent of all remittances in West Africa. This is a testament to the invaluable economic contributions of Nigerian migrants. “Beyond financial remittances, our migrants have become global ambassadors, excelling in fields such as technology, medicine, sports, and the creative arts. Nigerian startups founded by migrants attracted over $800m in investments in 2022, underscoring the transformative potential of our people across the globe.” Senator Shettima observed that while the Annual National Migration Dialogue coincides with the commemoration of International Migrants Day, the theme of the dialogue sparks solemn “reflection on the dual essence of migration—its remarkable contributions to society and the enduring need to safeguard the rights of those who undertake these journeys.” Nevertheless, VP Shettima affirmed that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to tackling the challenges of migration, a resolve he said the President reaffirmed at this year’s United Nations General Assembly. “The Federal Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu remains resolute in addressing migration challenges. Earlier this year, at the United Nations General Assembly, Mr. President reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration, a vital framework to ensure that migration benefits all while protecting the rights of migrants. “Our government’s response has been multi-faceted, involving several agencies and robust partnerships. The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, under the capable leadership of Honourable Federal Commissioner Tijani Aliyu Ahmed, continues to lead Nigeria’s migration coordination efforts. Related News Nigeria got $1.27bn capital from BRICS countries — Shettima Shettima departs Nigeria for Côte d'Ivoire Tinubu opens 2024 Africa Military Games in Abuja “This includes the ongoing review of the National Migration Policy to align with global best practices. Additionally, the Nigeria Immigration Service has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to innovation in border management, adopting modern technologies and policies to streamline processes and enhance efficiency,” he explained. The VP further listed innovations aimed at addressing migration challenges including the “introduction of electronic gates at major airports to revolutionise the traveller experience and ensure faster, more secure clearance,” as well as “the rollout of e-passports, designed with advanced security features, facilitates seamless international travel while enhancing the integrity of Nigeria’s travel documents. “The NIS has also expanded access to Nigerian visas through online platforms, making it easier for travellers to apply and obtain visas. “This includes the Visa-on-Arrival policy, which has enhanced Nigeria’s attractiveness as a destination for business and tourism,” he added. The Vice President also cited partnerships with the International Organization for Migration and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, among other agencies, pointing out that they have been invaluable in advancing migration governance. He implored participants at the dialogue to come up with practical solutions that, instead, celebrate and advance the legacies as well as the rights of Nigerian migrants. Earlier in his welcome address, the Federal Commissioner of NCFRMI, Ahmed, said the dialogue has provided an invaluable space to reflect on the migration conversation, progress and formulating policies to address their challenges. He noted that this year’s theme aligns with the global theme of celebrating International Migrants’ Day, honouring the contributions of migrants and accepting their rights. He noted, “Over the years, the Commission has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to meeting the needs of all categories of migrants, including internally displaced persons, refugees, asylum seekers and returnees.” Also, the Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said the Nigerian diaspora represents the best of the world: hard-working, brilliant, intelligent, and developing world economies. “The key question is, do we reduce irregular migration? We want everyone to come together to make sure that Africans are not dying in the process of making their lives better,” Dabiri-Erewa said. On his part, the Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Professor Muhammed Ladan, in a keynote address, noted that migrants, by whatever classification, are human beings entitled to fundamental human rights. “Nigerians in diaspora have never been parasites on the economy of any nation because they are known to be highly educated with personal attributes of resilience, hard work, skills, and excellence. Also, the representative of the Head of Region, West Africa for the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, Mojisola Sodeinde, said Nigeria will take leadership of the Euro-African Dialogue on Migration and Development, also known as the Rabat Process, from January 2025. He said Nigeria’s headship of this migration dialogue body, a gathering of 57 countries, is an opportunity for the country to show its leadership role.

Post sports betting writer Dylan Svoboda is in his first season in the NFL Bettor’s Guide. Detroit Lions (-6.5) over CHICAGO BEARS The Lions are suddenly in a must-win scenario with the No. 1 seed in the NFC on the line. After the loss to the Bills last week, Detroit can’t afford a loss to the lowly Bears, who have lost eight straight. Good news for Dan Campbell & Co. The Bears appear to be imploding after a dreadful “Monday Night Football” loss to the Vikings. The Bears kept it close in their last matchup in Detroit, but that was a wonky, short-week Thanksgiving game that I’m not putting much stock in. It won’t be as close this week. This is the perfect bounce-back spot for the Lions. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-4) over DALLAS COWBOYS Coming off an impressive 40-17 win over the Chargers, the Buccaneers need a win to keep control of the NFC South. Baker Mayfield is playing some of the best football of his career, and the Cowboys may be a little overvalued after recent wins over the Giants and Panthers. Tampa Bay is a different animal. Betting on the NFL? The Bucs have been a strong 4-2 against the spread as a favorite and 9-5 overall. With the playoffs to play for, bet on a relatively stress-free win for the NFC South hopefuls. LAST WEEK: 0-2: Steelers (L), Panthers (L) SEASON: 4-10. Why Trust New York Post Betting Dylan Svoboda is a versatile writer and analyst across many sports. He’s particularly knowledgeable about the big three — MLB, the NFL and the NBA.

Bryce Thompson scores 17 points and Oklahoma State beats Miami 80-74 in the Charleston Classic

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australia’s House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill that would ban children younger than 16 years old from social media , leaving it to the Senate to finalize the world-first law. The major parties backed the bill that would make platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram liable for fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) for systemic failures to prevent young children from holding accounts. The legislation was passed with 102 votes in favor to 13 against. If the bill becomes law this week, the platforms would have one year to work out how to implement the age restrictions before the penalties are enforced. Opposition lawmaker Dan Tehan told Parliament the government had agreed to accept amendments in the Senate that would bolster privacy protections. Platforms would not be allowed to compel users to provide government-issued identity documents including passports or driver’s licenses. The platforms also could not demand digital identification through a government system. “Will it be perfect? No. But is any law perfect? No, it’s not. But if it helps, even if it helps in just the smallest of ways, it will make a huge difference to people’s lives,” Tehan told Parliament. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the Senate would debate the bill later Wednesday. The major parties’ support all but guarantees the legislation will be passed by the Senate where no party holds a majority of seats. Lawmakers who were not aligned with either the government or the opposition were most critical of the legislation during debate on Tuesday and Wednesday. Criticisms include that the legislation had been rushed through Parliament without adequate scrutiny, would not work, would create privacy risks for users of all ages and would take away parents’ authority to decide what’s best for their children. Critics also argue the ban would isolate children, deprive them of positive aspects of social media, drive children to the dark web, make children too young for social media reluctant to report harms they encountered and take away incentives for platforms to make online spaces safer. Independent lawmaker Zoe Daniel said the legislation would “make zero difference to the harms that are inherent to social media.” “The true object of this legislation is not to make social media safe by design, but to make parents and voters feel like the government is doing something about it,” Daniel told Parliament. “There is a reason why the government parades this legislation as world-leading, that’s because no other country wants to do it,” she added. T he platforms had asked for the vote on legislation to be delayed until at least June next year when a government-commissioned evaluation of age assurance technologies made its report on how the ban could been enforced. Rod Mcguirk, The Associated PressJamichael Stillwell scores 22 to lead Milwaukee to 69-65 victory over St. Thomas-MinnesotaYear in Review: 4 Singapore Stocks to Keep Your Eye On in 2025

Bryce Thompson scores 17 points and Oklahoma State beats Miami 80-74 in the Charleston ClassicZayn Malik paid a heartfelt tribute to his One Direction bandmate Liam Payne during the first show of his solo tour. Malik kicked off his Stairway To The Sky tour in Leeds’s O2 Academy on Saturday after rescheduling the original opening dates in Edinburgh due to Payne’s funeral on Wednesday. Advertisement The singer reunited with his fellow bandmates at the private service in Buckinghamshire to pay their final respects to Payne, following his death aged 31 in Argentina last month. Liam Payne died aged 31 in Argentina last month (Ian West/PA) Images shared on social media from Malik’s gig show a message was displayed on a large blue screen behind the singer which said: “Liam Payne 1993-2024. Love you bro” with a pink heart. Advertisement The 31-year-old previously postponed the US leg of his Stairway To The Sky tour over the “heartbreaking loss” of Payne. He later rescheduled the Edinburgh shows, planned for November 20 and 21, to December due to “unforeseen circumstances”. Following the death of Payne, Malik said he “never got to thank” his fellow bandmate for supporting him through some of the “most difficult” times in his life. “I lost a brother when you left us and can’t explain to you what I’d give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly”, he added in a statement shared to Instagram. Advertisement “I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever. “There is no words that justify or explain how I feel right now other than beyond devastated. “I hope that wherever you are right now you are good and are at peace and you know how loved you are. Love you bro.” Advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zayn Malik (@zayn) Advertisement The singer rose to fame alongside Payne, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan when Simon Cowell put them together to form One Direction on ITV talent show The X Factor in 2010. Malik left One Direction in 2015 before the group went on indefinite hiatus in 2016, with the members all going on to pursue their own solo careers. Payne died on October 16 of multiple traumas and “internal and external haemorrhage” after falling from a third-floor balcony of the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires, a post-mortem examination report said. Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, Harry Styles and Liam Payne were formed on ITV talent show The X Factor (Ian West/PA) An investigation has been launched into his death by prosecutors and three people have been charged in connection with the incident. Fans from across the globe have continued to hold vigils in memory of Payne. Malik is set to perform a string of dates in the UK, including shows in London, Wolverhampton, Newcastle and Manchester, throughout the final two months of this year before kicking off the US leg in January.

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Britain, Germany, France, Italy and several other European countries said Monday they would freeze all pending asylum requests from Syrians, a day after the ouster of president Bashar al-Assad. While Berlin and other governments said they were watching the fast-moving developments in the war-ravaged nation, Austria signalled it would soon deport refugees back to Syria. Far-right politicians elsewhere made similar demands, including in Germany -- home to Europe's largest Syrian community -- at a time when immigration has become a hot-button issue across the continent. Alice Weidel, of the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany, reacted with disdain to Sunday's mass rallies by jubilant Syrians celebrating Assad's downfall. "Anyone in Germany who celebrates 'free Syria' evidently no longer has any reason to flee," she wrote on X. "They should return to Syria immediately." World leaders and Syrians abroad watched in disbelief at the weekend as Islamist-led rebels swept into Damascus, ending Assad's brutal rule while also sparking new uncertainty. A German foreign ministry spokesman pointed out that "the fact that the Assad regime has been ended is unfortunately no guarantee of peaceful developments" in the future. Germany has taken in almost one million Syrians, with most arriving in 2015-16 under ex-chancellor Angela Merkel. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said many Syrian refugees "now finally have hope of returning to their Syrian homeland" but cautioned that "the situation in Syria is currently very unclear". The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees had imposed a freeze on decisions for ongoing asylum procedures "until the situation is clearer". She added that "concrete possibilities of return cannot yet be predicted and it would be unprofessional to speculate in such a volatile situation". Rights group Amnesty International slammed Germany's freeze on asylum decisions, stressing that for now "the human rights situation in the country is completely unclear". The head of the UN refugee agency also cautioned that "patience and vigilance" were needed on the issue of refugee returns. In Austria, where about 100,000 Syrians live, conservative Chancellor Karl Nehammer instructed the interior ministry "to suspend all ongoing Syrian asylum applications and to review all asylum grants". Interior Minister Gerhard Karner added he had "instructed the ministry to prepare an orderly repatriation and deportation programme to Syria". "The political situation in Syria has changed fundamentally and, above all, rapidly in recent days," the ministry said, adding it is "currently monitoring and analysing the new situation". The French interior ministry said it too would put asylum requests from Syrians on hold, with authorities in Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway announcing similar moves. Britain's interior ministry said it was taking the same measure "whilst we assess the current situation". The Italian government said late Monday after a cabinet meeting that it too was suspending asylum request "in line with other European partners." The leader of the far-right Sweden Democrats, a coalition partner in the government, said residence permits for Syrian refugees should now be "reviewed". "Destructive Islamist forces are behind the change of power" in Syria, wrote their leader Jimmie Akesson on X. "I see that groups are happy about this development here in Sweden. You should see it as a good opportunity to go home." In Greece, a government spokesman voiced hope that Assad's fall will eventually allow "the safe return of Syrian refugees" to their country, but without announcing concrete measures. In Germany, the debate gained momentum as the country heads towards February elections. Achim Brotel, president of a grouping of German communes, called for border controls to stop fleeing Assad loyalists reaching Germany. The centre-right opposition CDU suggested that rejected Syrian asylum-seekers should now lose so-called subsidiary protection. "If the reason for protection no longer applies, then refugees will have to return to their home country," CDU legislator Thorsten Frei told Welt TV. CDU MP Jens Spahn suggested that Berlin charter flights to Syria and offer 1,000 euros ($1,057) to "anyone who wants to return". A member of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats criticised the debate as "populist and irresponsible". Greens party deputy Anton Hofreiter also said "it is completely unclear what will happen next in Syria" and deportation talk was "completely out of place". Many Syrians in Germany have watched the events in their home country with great joy but prefer to wait and see before deciding whether to return. "We want to go back to Syria," said Mahmoud Zaml, 25, who works in an Arabic pastry shop in Berlin, adding that he hopes to help "rebuild" his country. "But we have to wait a bit now," he told AFP. "We have to see what happens and if it is really 100 percent safe, then we will go back to Syria." burs-fz/rlp/phz/gv/givAP Sports SummaryBrief at 3:16 p.m. EST