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T hree eminent Nigerians: First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and Governor Babagana Umar Zulum, yesterday bagged honorary degrees from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) during its 36th Convocation ceremony in recognition of their immense contributions to the development of education, the country and humanity. Also at the convocation, 632 students were admitted into the university’s post-graduate degree for fulfilling all the requirements. While Mrs Tinubu and Uzodimma were conferred with the honorary degree of Doctor of Management, Honoris Causa, Zulum got the honorary degree of the Doctor of Technology, Honoris Causa. In his welcome address, the Chancellor of the University, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Mohammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa, appreciated the efforts of the university management in dealing with multiple challenges and appealed to the Federal Government to step-up the funding of universities, especially FUTO to enable it cope with the prevailing debilitating and near crippling financial throes. The chancellor whose address was read by the Vice Chancellor, Prof (Mrs.) Nnenna Oti called on stakeholders like the Alumni, corporate bodies, captains of Industry, multinationals and multilateral linkages to assist the university to achieve its mandate in manpower and skills development to drive national economic development. In his message, the Visitor to the university, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulated the graduands and the awardees for their meritorious successes and service to the society that merited them the honour. President Tinubu who was represented by the Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, urged them to harness the potentials in the agricultural, vocational and information technology skills to add value to themselves and the nation at large, reminding them that henceforth, they are ambassadors of FUTO and should exhibit creativity, integrity, honesty and innovations as they go into the larger society. The president underscored the Federal Government’s commitment towards tertiary education that necessitated the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) dedicated to granting student’s fees and personal upkeep loans, and commended the management of FUTO for the various initiatives that have repositioned them as a choice university in the country. He urged FUTO and other public universities across the country to make entrepreneurship and skill development top priority so that the graduates nationally and globally will be competitive in emerging technologies and wealth creation. The president enjoined the Pro-Chancellor, the Vice Chancellor, members of the Governing Council and Senate, Principal Officers and indeed all staff of FUTO to serve the university with greater zeal, courage and patriotism and continue to ensure prudent use of resources at their disposal. In her welcome address, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Mrs.) Nnenna Oti welcomed all to the 36th Convocation ceremony and called for reawakening of the patriotic zeal to attend the critical mass required to join the league of developed nations. She highlighted several achievements of the university under her watch to include the accreditation of academic programmes, establishment of Centre of Excellence, and improved ranking of the university, among others, noting that “for the first time FUTO was mentioned in a global university ranking.” Other areas of achievements, Oti identified are physical infrastructure development, power infrastructure, expansion of ICT infrastructure, staff welfare and development, research development awards and many others. She identified some challenges which include: lack of staff quarters within the university campus, need for more students hostels, urgent and compelling need for perimeter fencing of the university land, construction of physical infrastructure for the new Teaching Hospital, College of Medicine and Health Sciences and the rehabilitation of internal roads and the major road/broken bridge linking Ihiagwa/other host communities. She, however, appreciated President Tinubu and Governor Uzodimma for their enormous support and assistance to the university that have continued to sustain their operations. In his address, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman 13th Governing Council of FUTO, Senator Jack Tilley-Gyado also singled out and thanked Governor Uzodimma for his personal interest in the university which he said has led to the protection of the university from encroachment and external attacks. He said the governor played more than 80 per cent role in getting the approval of the FUTO University Teaching Hospital, in addition to providing a lot in the areas of security to the university. Tilley-Gyado said: “Governor Uzodimma has a date with history and the FUTO,” and assured that the Council will continue to work closely with the university management to promote amity and good neighbourliness with the host community. He, therefore, enjoined the new graduands to carry the colours and flag of FUTO with pride and distinction wherever they find themselves. In their responses after the conferment of the honour, Uzodimma, Zulum and Mrs Tinubu appreciated the award and pledged their support for the university. Governor Uzodimma was the first to speak. His words: “The Federal University of Technology Owerri is very dear to all of us. That is why since my assumption of office as the governor of Imo State, I have done everything to give all possible support to the existence and well-being of this university. “Today, I’m indeed very glad that I’ve been singled out to be honoured by this great institution – an award which I will hold and cherish for a very longtime. “The difference between other awards and this particular one is that it is coming from an institution that both myself and my government has no influence on, and they were able to single me out for this honour. “On behalf of myself and my wife, the government of Imo State, we are indeed very grateful.” Uzodimma appreciated the First Lady, Governor Zulum and that of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti for being physically present to honour the invitation. He thanked FUTO for the wisdom in selecting the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, himself and the Governor of Bornu State for the award, and reiterated his gratitude to the president for the approval and support to the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri and asserted that “Imo people’s support to Mr. President and the wife is organic.” Uzodimma reassured the president that his administration will surely overcome all the challenges he is currently facing in his policies towards making Nigeria better saying, “it is not easy to see the light at the tunnel.” To the FUTO community, he promised to continue to help resolve all the problems faced by the university. In appreciation of the award, he promised to take one of the projects as enumerated by the university and fund it to completion. Governor Zulum commended the president, the Chancellor of the University, the Pro-Chancellor, Vice Chancellor and Management for finding him worthy of the award and said, “will never take the award for granted.” He said that in “partnership with the governor of Imo State” he will “support the university to grow and develop.” He commended the vice chancellor and her management for the several achievements. In her remarks, MrsTinubu said that she was dedicating the award to the girl child as she thanked the university on behalf of other awardees. She pledged to continue to support the university, noting that the award will inspire them to do more. The First Lady congratulated the graduands and charged them to own Nigeria in such a way that it will be a worthy inheritance for the future generation. According to her “Nigerians will reap what they invest in Nigeria.” She proceeded to announce her plan to launch the Green Environment Club where all Nigerians will participate in keeping the environment clean and ensuring proper disposal of waste. The First Lady disclosed that she had earlier donated N50 million as an endowment for the best graduating student and emphasised the need to support the girl child, the reason she dedicated the award to the girl child. The convocation ceremony was attended by the high and mighty within and outside Imo State.The moral betrayal of Gaza
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It’s been a long and winding road for Valve’s Steam Machines. First announced in 2013, these pre-built gaming PCs, designed to bring PC gaming to the living room, were met with a mix of excitement and skepticism. After a somewhat underwhelming launch and years of relative silence, many wondered if Valve had abandoned the project altogether. However, recent developments suggest that Valve’s grand vision for Steam Machines might finally be coming into focus, albeit in a different form than initially imagined. This article delves into the history of Steam Machines, exploring their initial goals, their struggles, and how Valve’s evolving strategy, particularly with the success of the Steam Deck, might be the key to finally realizing their initial ambition: to make PC gaming more accessible and widespread. The Rise and Fall (and Rise?) of Steam Machines What were they? Steam Machines were pre-built gaming PCs designed to run Valve’s SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system optimized for gaming. The idea was to offer a console-like experience with the openness and flexibility of PC gaming. Why did Valve create them? Valve aimed to bridge the gap between PC and console gaming, offering a user-friendly experience with access to the vast Steam library. They wanted to challenge the dominance of consoles in the living room. What went wrong? Several factors contributed to the lukewarm reception of Steam Machines: Where are they now? While Steam Machines never truly took off, the underlying technology and vision behind them continued to evolve. The Steam Controller, initially designed for Steam Machines, found a niche audience. More importantly, the development of Proton, a compatibility layer that allows Windows games to run on Linux, significantly expanded the SteamOS game library. The Steam Deck: A Turning Point The release of the Steam Deck in 2022 marked a significant shift in Valve’s strategy . This handheld gaming PC, powered by SteamOS, proved to be a massive success, showcasing the potential of Valve’s gaming ecosystem beyond traditional desktops. How the Steam Deck changed the game: The Steam Deck’s success has reignited interest in Steam Machines. With a mature SteamOS, a vast library of compatible games thanks to Proton, and a proven hardware design, the stage seems set for Valve to revisit the living room PC gaming concept. Valve’s Master Plan: An Evolving Ecosystem Valve’s approach to Steam Machines seems to have shifted from dedicated hardware to a more holistic ecosystem approach. They are no longer focused on selling specific devices but rather on expanding the reach of SteamOS and making it the go-to platform for PC gaming across various form factors. Evidence of this shift: This strategy allows Valve to leverage the success of the Steam Deck while enabling other manufacturers to contribute to the hardware side. This could lead to a diverse range of Steam Machines, catering to different needs and price points. The Future of Steam Machines: What to Expect While Valve hasn’t officially announced any new Steam Machines, the pieces are in place for a potential resurgence. Here are some possible scenarios: The success of this renewed approach will depend on several factors, including the continued development of Proton, the performance and affordability of new Steam Machines, and the overall growth of the PC gaming market. My Personal Take As a long-time PC gamer and someone who eagerly followed the initial Steam Machine announcement, I’m cautiously optimistic about their future. The Steam Deck has proven that Valve can deliver a compelling gaming experience on a Linux-based platform. With the advancements in Proton and the growing SteamOS ecosystem, I believe Steam Machines have the potential to finally carve out a space in the living room. I remember being excited about the prospect of a console-like PC gaming experience, but the initial Steam Machines fell short of expectations. Now, with the Steam Deck paving the way, I’m hopeful that Valve can learn from the past and deliver a truly compelling Steam Machine experience that bridges the gap between PC and console gaming. Valve’s journey with Steam Machines has been a rollercoaster ride. While the initial launch didn’t meet expectations, Valve’s persistence and strategic shifts, particularly with the success of the Steam Deck, have breathed new life into the concept. With a more mature SteamOS, a vast library of compatible games, and a thriving ecosystem, the future of Steam Machines looks promising. Whether they will become mainstream remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Valve’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of PC gaming is unwavering.WASHINGTON — Donald Trump said he can’t guarantee that his promised tariffs on key U.S. foreign trade partners won’t raise prices for American consumers and he suggested once more that some political rivals and federal officials who pursued legal cases against him should be imprisoned. The president-elect, in a wide-ranging interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press” that aired Sunday, also touched on monetary policy, immigration, abortion and health care, and U.S. involvement in Ukraine, Israel and elsewhere. Trump often mixed declarative statements with caveats, at one point cautioning “things do change.” A look at some of the issues covered: Trump hems on whether trade penalties could raise prices Trump has threatened broad trade penalties, but said he didn’t believe economists’ predictions that added costs on those imported goods for American companies would lead to higher domestic prices for consumers. He stopped short of a pledge that U.S. an households won’t be paying more as they shop. “I can’t guarantee anything. I can’t guarantee tomorrow,” Trump said, seeming to open the door to accepting the reality of how import levies typically work as goods reach the retail market. That’s a different approach from Trump’s typical speeches throughout the 2024 campaign, when he framed his election as a sure way to curb inflation. In the interview, Trump defended tariffs generally, saying that tariffs are “going to make us rich.” He has pledged that, on his first day in office in January, he would impose 25% tariffs on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada unless those countries satisfactorily stop illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl into the United States. He also has threatened tariffs on China to help force that country to crack down on fentanyl production. ”All I want to do is I want to have a level, fast, but fair playing field,” Trump said. Trump suggests retribution for his opponents while claiming no interest in vengeance He offered conflicting statements on how he would approach the justice system after winning election despite being convicted of 34 felonies in a New York state court and being indicted in other cases for his handling of national security secrets and efforts to overturn his 2020 loss to Democrat Joe Biden. “Honestly, they should go to jail,” Trump said of members of Congress who investigated the Capitol riot by his supporters who wanted him to remain in power. The president-elect underscored his contention that he can use the justice system against others, including special prosecutor Jack Smith, who led the case on Trump’s role in the siege on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump confirmed his plan to pardon supporters who were convicted for their roles in the riot, saying he would take that action on his first day in office. As for the idea of revenge driving potential prosecutions, Trump said: “I have the absolute right. I’m the chief law enforcement officer, you do know that. I’m the president. But I’m not interested in that.” At the same time, Trump singled out lawmakers on a special House committee who had investigated the insurrection, citing Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., and former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo. “Cheney was behind it ... so was Bennie Thompson and everybody on that committee,” Trump said. Asked specifically whether he would direct his administration to pursue cases, he said, “No,” and suggested he did not expect the FBI to quickly undertake investigations into his political enemies. But at another point, Trump said he would leave the matter up to Pam Bondi, his pick as attorney general. “I want her to do what she wants to do,” he said. Such threats, regardless of Trump’s inconsistencies, have been taken seriously enough by many top Democrats that Biden is considering issuing blanket, preemptive pardons to protect key members of his outgoing administration. Trump did seemingly back off his campaign rhetoric calling for Biden to be investigated, saying, “I’m not looking to go back into the past.” Swift action on immigration is coming Trump repeatedly mentioned his promises to seal the U.S.-Mexico border and deport millions of people who are in the U.S. illegally through a mass deportation program. “I think you have to do it,” he said. He suggested he would try to use executive action to end “birthright” citizenship under which people born in the U.S. are considered citizens — although such protections are spelled out in the Constitution. Asked specifically about the future for people who were brought into the country illegally as children and have been shielded from deportation in recent years, Trump said, “I want to work something out,” indicating he might seek a solution with Congress. But Trump also said he does not “want to be breaking up families” of mixed legal status, “so the only way you don’t break up the family is you keep them together and you have to send them all back.” Trump commits to NATO, with conditions, and waffles on Putin and Ukraine Long a critic of NATO members for not spending more on their own defense, Trump said he “absolutely” would remain in the alliance “if they pay their bills.” Pressed on whether he would withdraw if he were dissatisfied with allies’ commitments, Trump said he wants the U.S. treated “fairly” on trade and defense. He waffled on a NATO priority of containing Russia and President Vladimir Putin. Trump suggested Ukraine should prepare for less U.S. aid in its defense against Putin’s invasion. “Possibly. Yeah, probably. Sure,” Trump said of reducing Ukraine assistance from Washington. Separately, Trump has called for an immediate ceasefire. Asked about Putin, Trump said initially that he has not talked to the Russian leader since Election Day last month, but then hedged: “I haven’t spoken to him recently.” Trump said when pressed, adding that he did not want to “impede the negotiation.” Trump says Powell is safe at the Fed, but not Wray at the FBI The president-elect said he has no intention, at least for now, of asking Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to step down before Powell’s term ends in 2028. Trump said during the campaign that presidents should have more say in Fed policy, including interest rates. Trump did not offer any job assurances for FBI Director Christopher Wray, whose term is to end in 2027. Asked about Wray, Trump said: “Well, I mean, it would sort of seem pretty obvious” that if the Senate confirms Kash Patel as Trump’s pick for FBI chief, then “he’s going to be taking somebody’s place, right? Somebody is the man that you’re talking about.” Trump is absolute about Social Security, not so much on abortion and health insurance Trump promised that the government efficiency effort led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will not threaten Social Security. “We’re not touching Social Security, other than we make it more efficient,” he said. He added that “we’re not raising ages or any of that stuff.” He was not so specific about abortion or his long-promised overhaul of the Affordable Care Act. On abortion, Trump continued his inconsistencies and said he would “probably” not move to restrict access to the abortion pills that now account for a majority of pregnancy terminations, according to the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights. But pressed on whether he would commit to that position, Trump replied, “Well, I commit. I mean, are — things do — things change. I think they change.” Reprising a line from his Sept. 10 debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump again said he had “concepts” of a plan to substitute for the 2010 Affordable Care Act, which he called “lousy health care.” He added a promise that any Trump version would maintain insurance protections for Americans with preexisting health conditions. He did not explain how such a design would be different from the status quo or how he could deliver on his desire for “better health care for less money.”
Build rail link: MayorsAccor SA ( OTCMKTS:ACRFF – Get Free Report ) saw a significant decrease in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 306,800 shares, a decrease of 24.1% from the November 30th total of 404,300 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 800 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 383.5 days. Accor Stock Performance Shares of ACRFF stock opened at $48.09 on Friday. Accor has a 12-month low of $35.64 and a 12-month high of $48.96. The firm’s 50 day moving average is $46.28 and its 200 day moving average is $43.00. Accor Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Read More Receive News & Ratings for Accor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Accor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
The NFL issued a security alert to teams and the players’ union on Thursday following recent burglaries involving the homes of Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo obtained by The Associated Press, the league says homes of professional athletes across multiple sports have become “increasingly targeted for burglaries by organized and skilled groups.” Law enforcement officials noted these groups target the homes on days the athletes have games. Players were told to take precautions and implement home security measures to reduce the risk of being targeted. Some of the burglary groups have conducted extensive surveillance on targets, including attempted home deliveries and posing as grounds maintenance or joggers in the neighborhood. Burglars have entered through side doors, via balconies, or second-floor windows. They’ve targeted homes in secluded areas and focus on master bedrooms and closet areas. Players were warned to avoid updating any social media with check-ins or daily activities until the end of the day. Posting expensive items on social media is discouraged. The homes of Mahomes and Kelce were broken into within days of each other last month, law enforcement reports show. The break-ins happened just before and the day of Kansas City’s 26-13 home victory over the New Orleans Saints on Oct. 7, where Kelce’s superstar girlfriend Taylor Swift watched from the stands. No injuries were reported in either case.