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6 Money Moves You Should Make Before the End of the YearWe’re counting down our top 10 stories of the year as they were covered in the pages of the Herald-Zeitung: 6. Tragic crashes claim lives of NB youth By Erica Wilson | The Herald-Zeitung The New Braunfels community mourned the loss of two local youths this year who died in vehicle accidents. Layne Adams was an eighth-grader at Oak Run Middle School. He died in January after a utility task vehicle accident, and his death was felt across the New Braunfels community. “He was one of our eighth-grade athletes and one of the most popular kids in the class, from a great family — a wonderful family,” said New Braunfels ISD athletic director Jim Streety following the accident. Hundreds of parents and students gathered at Unicorn Stadium, dressed in Unicorn blue, to mourn the loss in a moment of public grief on Jan. 7. “That’s what New Braunfels is,” Streety said. “That’s what our school and our school district is. That’s part of who we are. There’s a lot of love throughout our community.” A few months later in April, a 16-year-old New Braunfels boy died in a crash near Garden Ridge in Comal County. The crash occurred on Farm to Market Road 3009, about half a mile south of the intersection with FM 1863, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. A 31-year-old San Antonio man was driving a 2023 Isuzu box truck north on FM 3009 about half a mile south of FM 1863. The 16-year old New Braunfels boy was driving a 2010 Toyota Sienna minivan southbound on FM 3009. The truck lost control after going too fast on a wet road, according to a Texas Department of Public Safety investigation report. The truck was driving “at an unsafe speed for the road/weather conditions” on the wet two-way road, according to the crash report. The truck “lost control and slid into the southbound lane of FM 3009,” striking the minivan. The 16-year-old minivan driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The truck driver was treated at a hospital for serious injuries. 5. Growth sparks even more developments By Kaitlynn Hutchins | The Herald-Zeitung No. 5 on this year’s countdown is the plethora of neighborhood developments being built around Comal County. From groundbreaking on the Mayfair development off of I-35 in New Braunfels to approval of the 400-acre Canyon Ranch development in Spring Branch, the new communities and new developments being built kept popping up in the H-Z’s headlines. Growth in Veramendi has been underway for many years now, but this year, the Del Webb company broke ground on the active adult section of the development designed for homebuyers ages 55 and up. The Del Webb section will include amenities such as a fitness center, clubhouse and pool, as well as proximity to nearby medical complexes and other amenities throughout Veramendi. Del Webb is known for building active adult communities throughout the country, including the 4,750-acre Sun City Texas development in Georgetown. “Our vision for Del Webb Veramendi is to create more than just a place to live; it’s to cultivate a lifestyle that encourages wellness, connection, and enjoyment,” said Shawn Seaberg, division president at PulteGroup – San Antonio. “Whether you’re passionate about fitness, socializing, or simply enjoying nature, there’s something for everyone here. We offer more than a beautiful home; we offer a place to belong.” Down the road in an unincorporated portion of the county near Spring Branch, Comal County commissioners approved the first and second phases of the Canyon Ranch development. The development is situated on a plot of land totaling 400 acres, with the first phase offering 118 lots on 32 acres and the second phase offering 52 lots on 13 acres. Mayfair, a new community featuring homes, parks, a Canyon ISD middle and elementary school, a farmer’s market, retail space and more amenities, made several headlines this year. Paving of roads in the development has begun and the community held its inaugural Mayfest this year, a family-friendly event that included activities such as hot air balloon rides, a bier and wein garten and a petting zoo. “I think Mayfair is different than other communities, and we want to do things that are fun and we will have events throughout the year,” said Kristi Robinson, Southstar marketing and community relations director. “This will be our big festival that we’ll have annually, but we plan to have concerts, different activities, social clubs — everything.”
(NAPSI)—The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, but when the average American is spending nearly $1,000 on gifts, food, and decorations, they can also be the most stressful. For many, the pressure to create a picture-perfect holiday can stretch budgets a bit too far. Many of today’s shoppers seek advice from their favorite online influencers, sourcing creative hacks, recipes, DIY projects, and tips to keep the holidays magical without overspending. In fact, 69% of consumers say they value and actively seek out influencer recommendations. Now, questions don’t need to get buried in the comments. This December, TextNow is flipping the script on holiday stress by introducing the Holiday Hotline , a free resource to help you navigate the season, with advice a mere text away. Whether it’s finding affordable gifts, creating a festive dinner on a budget, or even learning how to save on your monthly bills, the Holiday Hotline can make things simpler, cheaper, and—perhaps most importantly—more joyful. TextNow Holiday Hotline: Expert Advice at Your Fingertips From December 5–10, TextNow’s Holiday Hotline connects you with relatable experts (aka some of your favorite influencers including social media creator and podcast host Remi Cruz, Kayla Savings, and Melissa Weiss) who will share their go-to tips for a budget-friendly holiday. Here’s what you can expect: • Holiday Budgeting 101: Learn simple ways to stretch every dollar and avoid those dreaded post-holiday bills. • Affordable Gift-Giving Ideas: Thoughtful, creative gifts that won’t break the bank. • Festive Decorating on a Dime: Transform your home into a holiday wonderland with budget-friendly hacks. • Stress-Free Holiday Cooking: Recipes and meal-planning tips to impress your guests. Need more advice? Just text the hotline at 310-299-3584, and you’ll get personalized, practical tips sent straight to your phone. Win $1,000 for Your Holiday Dinner As if free expert advice wasn’t enough, TextNow is also giving you the chance to win big this holiday season. Enter the $1,000 Dinner Giveaway for a shot at a $1,000 gift card to cover your holiday expenses—whether it’s for food, gifts, travel, or whatever else makes your season special. Entering is simple: 1.Head to TextNow’s Instagram . 2.Like the giveaway post. 3.Share your best holiday tip in the comments (bonus: share the post to your story for an extra entry). 4.The giveaway runs from December 5-12, with winners announced from December 13-16. Save More This Holiday Season TextNow is more than just a phone service—it’s a way to take control of your budget, not just during the holidays but year-round. • Free Phone Service: Unlimited calling and texting on the nation’s largest 5G network free. No gimmicks, no contracts. • Free Essential Data: Get free data for such essential apps as maps, rideshare, and email when you activate your SIM card. • Additional Flexible Data Plans: Add extra data only when you need it, with hourly, daily, or monthly passes. Getting started with TextNow is easy. Download the app to call and text for free over Wi-Fi or unlock free cellular service with a $4.99 SIM card. Learn More For more details, visit www.TextNow.com . Word Count: 491AGCO Co. ( NYSE:AGCO – Free Report ) – Analysts at Zacks Research issued their FY2024 EPS estimates for shares of AGCO in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, November 19th. Zacks Research analyst S. Deb anticipates that the industrial products company will earn $7.50 per share for the year. The consensus estimate for AGCO’s current full-year earnings is $7.32 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for AGCO’s Q1 2025 earnings at $1.37 EPS, Q2 2025 earnings at $1.63 EPS, Q3 2025 earnings at $1.03 EPS, FY2025 earnings at $5.94 EPS, Q1 2026 earnings at $1.83 EPS, Q2 2026 earnings at $1.74 EPS, Q3 2026 earnings at $1.25 EPS and FY2026 earnings at $6.83 EPS. AGCO ( NYSE:AGCO – Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 5th. The industrial products company reported $0.68 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.08 by ($0.40). AGCO had a net margin of 1.35% and a return on equity of 15.79%. The firm had revenue of $2.60 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $2.90 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $3.97 earnings per share. The business’s quarterly revenue was down 24.8% on a year-over-year basis. View Our Latest Analysis on AGCO AGCO Stock Performance Shares of AGCO stock opened at $98.41 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.87, a quick ratio of 0.72 and a current ratio of 1.53. AGCO has a one year low of $84.35 and a one year high of $130.26. The company’s 50-day simple moving average is $96.34 and its 200-day simple moving average is $97.88. The stock has a market capitalization of $7.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 43.54, a PEG ratio of 0.52 and a beta of 1.25. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Brooklyn Investment Group bought a new stake in AGCO during the third quarter worth approximately $29,000. LRI Investments LLC bought a new stake in AGCO during the first quarter worth approximately $30,000. Blue Trust Inc. boosted its holdings in AGCO by 102.4% during the second quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 344 shares of the industrial products company’s stock worth $34,000 after buying an additional 174 shares in the last quarter. Venturi Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in AGCO by 132.9% during the third quarter. Venturi Wealth Management LLC now owns 368 shares of the industrial products company’s stock worth $36,000 after buying an additional 210 shares in the last quarter. Finally, First Horizon Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in AGCO by 69.0% during the second quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 409 shares of the industrial products company’s stock worth $40,000 after buying an additional 167 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.80% of the company’s stock. AGCO Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 16th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 15th will be paid a $0.29 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 15th. This represents a $1.16 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.18%. AGCO’s payout ratio is currently 51.33%. About AGCO ( Get Free Report ) AGCO Corporation manufactures and distributes agricultural equipment and related replacement parts worldwide. It offers horsepower tractors for row crop production, soil cultivation, planting, land leveling, seeding, and commercial hay operations; utility tractors for small- and medium-sized farms, as well as for dairy, livestock, orchards, and vineyards; and compact tractors for small farms, specialty agricultural industries, landscaping, equestrian, and residential uses. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for AGCO Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AGCO and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) — Croatia’s incumbent President Zoran Milanovic has a sweeping lead in Sunday’s election and could win the five-year presidency in the first round, according to an exit poll released immediately after the voting. The poll by the Ipsos polling agency and released by the state HRT television showed Milanovic winning over 50% of the votes, while his main challenger Dragan Primorac, a candidate of the conservative HDZ ruling party trailed far behind with 19%. Milanovic thanked voters in a post on social networks. The first official results are yet to be published. Pre-election polls predicted that the two would face off in the second round on Jan. 12, as none of all 8 presidential election contenders were projected to get more than 50% of the vote. Left-leaning Milanovic is an outspoken critic of Western military support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. He is often compared to Donald Trump for his combative style of communication with political opponents. The most popular politician in Croatia, 58-year-old Milanović has served as prime minister in the past. Populist in style, he has been a fierce critic of current Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and continuous sparring between the two has lately marked Croatia’s political scene. Plenković, the prime minister, has sought to portray the vote as one about Croatia’s future in the EU and NATO. He has labeled Milanović “pro-Russian” and a threat to Croatia’s international standing. “The difference between him and Milanović is quite simple: Milanović is leading us East, Primorac is leading us West,” he said. Though the presidency is largely ceremonial in Croatia, an elected president holds political authority and acts as the supreme military commander. Milanović has criticized the NATO and European Union support for Ukraine and has often insisted that Croatia should not take sides. He has said Croatia should stay away from global disputes, though it is a member of both NATO and the EU. Milanović has also blocked Croatia’s participation in a NATO-led training mission for Ukraine, declaring that “no Croatian soldier will take part in somebody else’s war.” His main rival in the election, Primorac, has stated that “Croatia’s place is in the West, not the East.” His presidency bid, however, has been marred by a high-level corruption case that landed Croatia’s health minister in jail last month and featured prominently in pre-election debates. During the election campaign, Primorac has sought to portray himself as a unifier and Milanović as divisive. “Today is an extremely important day,” Primorac said after casting his ballot. "Croatia is going forward into the future. Croatia needs unity, Croatia needs its global positioning, and above all Croatia needs peaceful life.” Trailing a distant third in the pre-election polls is Marija Selak Raspudić, a conservative independent candidate. She has focused her election campaign on the economic troubles of ordinary citizens, corruption and issues such as population decline in the country of some 3.8 million. Sunday’s presidential election is Croatia’s third vote this year, following a parliamentary election in April and the European Parliament balloting in June.
Ice Spice has been quiet on the music front since dropping her debut album in July. She has been plenty busy, however. The rapper has been touring the world, and keeping fans updated on her exploits via IG. She makes sure to post photos from each of her stops. Her latest batch of photos, has stood out from the rest. Ice Spice decided to turn up the heat during her recent stop in Dubai. She posted a ton of eye catching photos, and fans and artists alike flocked to the comment section with praise. Ice Spice posted a dozen photos from her stay in Dubai. Some of them including her riding dirt bikes and partying, while others saw her holding a baby tiger. But it was the thirst traps that definitely garnered her the most praise. "Cute, sexy, c**ty," Saweetie wrote in the comments. Tons of superstar artists also liked the post, including Tyga , GloRilla , Camilla Cabello and SZA . The glowing attention is a positive change of pace for Ice Spice, who has been the subject of intense scrutiny throughout 2024. Her album, Y2K , was considered a major disappointment in terms of sales . Read More: Ice Spice Transforms Into A Playboy Bunny For Halloween Performance The album only sold 28K in its first week, which led to widespread debate as to whether Ice Spice was the star that many touted her to be. She clapped back at the haters following the album's release, and made it clear she was proud of her sales. She also correctly pointed out that the album was sold more than her debut EP. "Thank u to everyone who supported me then & thank u to all the new supporters," she tweeted. "WORLD TOUR been so fun that these numbers are cool but b*tch u should of seen that Boston CROWD last night." Unfortunately, Ice Spice's streaming numbers have also gone down since the release of her album. AllHipHop reported that the rapper's monthly Spotify listens dropped from 47 million in August 2023 to 15 million in July. That's a decline of over 30 million. The rapper's star is not quite as bright as it was this time last year, but she's continuing to hustle and have fun. Her peers, some of which have been in the game for over a decade, appear to be in support.
Today, the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) stands as a hub for over 160 listed companies, with a total market capitalization of N58.91 trillion as of November 2024. Among these, only a select few surpass the $1 billion valuation milestone, showcasing the strength and resilience of Nigeria’s top-performing firms. Leading the market are giants like Airtel Africa, Dangote Cement, and BUA Foods, collectively valued at over N20 trillion, which represents nearly 40% of the NGX’s total market capitalization. Related Stories Nigeria’s Anthony Chiejina and others featured in ‘2024 world most influential communications executives’ Dangote Wins ECOWAS’ Manufacturing Brand of the Year Award Behind these billion-dollar companies are directors of marketing and communications. These leaders play a vital role in driving revenue growth, fostering industry partnerships, and ensuring their brands thrive in competitive and volatile markets. Their innovative strategies and ability to manage crises effectively have positioned their companies for sustained success while building trust among stakeholders. This article highlights 10 marketing and communications leaders who lead the expert teams reshaping Nigeria’s corporate landscape. From managing brand narratives to leveraging data-driven strategies, they have become the driving force behind some of the country’s most valuable and influential companies. Tolu Alero Ladipo- Group Head of Marketing/Corporate Comms UBA Market cap-N1.1 trillion Tolu Alero Ladipo is a seasoned marketing professional with extensive experience in corporate communications, marketing strategy, and customer experience. She is currently the Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at UBA Group, a role she has held since April 2023. Prior to UBA, she was the Executive Head of Marketing and Customer Experience at Old Mutual Nigeria, where she led marketing efforts from August 2018 to July 2023. Tolu has also worked in senior marketing roles at United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Smile Communications Nigeria, building brand strategies and executing impactful campaigns. Tolu holds a Master of Laws (LLM) in International Trade from the University of Essex (2001-2002), a Bachelor of Law (BL) from The Nigerian Law School (2004-2005), and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Northumbria, Newcastle (1998-2001). Her expertise spans strategic marketing, advertising, and customer relationship management. As of November 22, 2024, UBA’s market capitalization reached N1.1 trillion, fueled by strong Q3 2024 performance. Interest income, which accounted for 77% of gross earnings, saw notable growth. Despite a 19% decline in Q3, interest income from loans and advances contributed 40.4% of total interest income for the quarter and 37% for the nine-month period. Oyinade Adegite (Ogunade)- Chief Communications GTCO Market cap: N1.6 trillion Oyinade Adegite (Ogunade) is the Chief Communication Officer at GTCO Plc, a role she has held since July 2021. She is responsible for developing and implementing the brand and communication strategy for one of Africa’s largest financial services groups. With over 20 years of experience in banking, strategy, and communication, she is widely recognized as a leading growth strategist in the finance sector. From 2012 to 2022, Oyinade served as Head of Corporate Communication at GTBank, where she spearheaded marketing initiatives that drove significant revenue growth and customer acquisition across multiple African markets. Between 2009 and 2011, she worked at Stanbic IBTC as Global Markets Head, specializing in interest rate sales and structuring. Earlier in her career, she gained experience in treasury and upstream energy roles at GTBank between 2003 and 2006. Oyinade holds a Master’s degree in Finance and Management from Cranfield University (2006–2007) and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Lagos (1997–2000). She is passionate about leveraging strategic communication to enhance corporate reputation, foster trust, and deliver meaningful impact. GT Holding ranks ninth with a valuation of N1.60 trillion, representing 2.5% of the total equity market. The company’s stock saw a 7% price appreciation. Olarewaju Daramola-General Manager, Commercial Aradel Holdings Market cap- N2.2trillion Olarewaju Daramola is a seasoned professional with over 31 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, holding senior roles across Nigeria, Australia, and the Netherlands. His expertise spans commercial operations, government relations, opportunity maturation, contracts and agreements, acquisitions, and divestment deals. He joined Aradel Holdings in September 2021, bringing his vast knowledge and leadership to drive the company’s commercial strategy and operational excellence. Daramola holds a First-Class Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, a Master’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Lagos, and an MBA from Rushmore University. Prior to Aradel, he served as Gas Planning and Optimisation Manager for Shell Nigeria, where he played a pivotal role in the development and implementation of the country’s gas strategy, business planning, and gas advocacy. He also served as Non-Operated Venture Manager, overseeing governance, marginal fields management, divestment transactions, and commercial agreements, solidifying his reputation as a transformational leader in the industry. Oyindamola Fashogbon- Head Brand Marketing/Corp Comms Transcorp Power Market Cap – N2.69 trillion Oyindamola Fashogbon is a distinguished marketing and communications professional, recognized as one of the Top 35 Under 35 Marketing and Communication Professionals. With over six years of experience spanning corporate communications, integrated marketing, and brand management, she has made significant contributions across industries, including technology, energy, and aviation. Before joining Transcorp Power in August 2024, Oyindamola worked at Quidax, Cavista Holdings, and Dataleum, contributing significantly to the success of brands like Airtel, Nokia, and Nestlé. Her extensive background also includes roles at Green Africa and Noah’s Ark Communications, where she developed and executed impactful marketing campaigns. Oyindamola holds a Postgraduate Degree in Business Administration from the National Open University of Nigeria, an Award in Applied Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (with distinction), and certifications in Brand Management and Data Science. She also has a Higher National Diploma in Estate Management from YABATECH. Transcorp Power, listed in 2023, represents 4% of the market capitalization with a stock price of N359, although it experienced a 19% decline in share price during the quarter. Yvonne Afe- Director External Affairs & Social performance Seplat Energy Market Cap– N3.3 trillion Yvonne Afe has over 24 years of extensive experience in marketing and communications across various industries, including telecommunications, FMCG, and financial services. She joined Seplat Energy in May 2023 as Director of External Affairs, where she is responsible for managing Seplat’s global reputation, external relations, and corporate social responsibility initiatives. Prior to Seplat, Yvonne held senior roles at Access Bank, where she served as Head of Marketing Communications from May 2022 to June 2023 and Group Head of Retail Marketing & Analytics from April 2019 to May 2022. Yvonne’s earlier experience includes serving as Head of Corporate Communications at Diamond Bank, Marketing Manager at MultiChoice, and Brand Manager at Cadbury Nigeria. She also worked as Senior Manager for Brand Assets and Activations at Airtel Nigeria and Senior Brand Manager at Coca-Cola Nigeria, where she developed and executed various brand strategies and consumer promotions. Afe holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Imperial College Business School and a Diploma in Direct Marketing from The Institute of Direct and Digital Marketing. She has a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in English/Language Arts Teacher Education from the University of Port Harcourt (1992–1996). Seplat Energy, with a market capitalization of N3.3 trillion , is a major player in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Its recent $1.28 billion acquisition of ExxonMobil’s Nigerian assets strengthened its market position, with its share price surging 146.75% year-to-date, reflecting strong investor confidence. Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka- Chief Marketing Officer MTN Nigeria Market cap –N3.6 trillion With over 23 years of experience spanning telecommunications, logistics, and education, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka is a business leader renowned for crafting innovative strategies, expanding markets, and fostering talent development. Her academic journey reflects a commitment to excellence, with an MBA in General Management from Alliance Manchester Business School (2008-2010) and a BSc in Geology from the University of Calabar (1994-1997). She has further honed her expertise through executive programs at Columbia Business School (Business to Business Marketing, 2014) and Harvard Business School (Strategic Negotiations, 2012). At MTN, Onyinye has made a significant impact by developing profitable business models for enterprise and digital initiatives, serving SMEs, large organizations, and multinationals. As General Manager, Enterprise Sales, she led nationwide efforts, achieving consistent year-on-year growth and driving market expansion. Her ability to oversee go-to-market models has nurtured emerging products into mature, revenue-generating engines. Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka is an accomplished international speaker on leadership, commercial strategies, and technology. She serves as guest faculty at Tekedia Institute and PearlMutual Academy, co-founded theOIEhub, and is a John Maxwell-certified leader. Additionally, she is on the boards of two Nigerian startups, a member of the Forbes Business Development Council, and a doctoral student at Cranfield University, UK. MTN Nigeria, with a market capitalization of $2.19 billion (N3.67 trillion), represents 6.21% of the equity market. Despite a $462.81 million (N713.63 billion) pre-tax loss due to naira devaluation, it generated $1.53 billion (N2.37 trillion) in service revenue in the first nine months of 2024, demonstrating strong resilience. Adewunmi Desalu – Group Head of Corporate Communications, BUA Foods Plc Market Cap – N7.10 trillion Adewunmi Desalu is a dynamic marketing and communications leader with over two decades of experience spanning the food production, financial services, luxury retail, and advertising industries. Currently serving as the Group Head of Corporate Communications at BUA Foods Plc, she oversees strategic initiatives that enhance brand visibility, reputation management, and stakeholder engagement for one of Nigeria’s leading food companies. Adewunmi’s career began with a foundation in public health, earning a Bachelor’s degree from Babcock University, where she served as President of the Department of Health Sciences and an advisor to the Student Association Executives. Her transition into marketing and communications saw her excel in the financial sector, where she contributed to innovative communication strategies and rebranding initiatives at Guaranty Trust Bank and Wema Bank, setting industry standards in customer engagement. At BUA Foods Plc, Adewunmi plays a core role in driving the company’s growth, ensuring it maintains its position as a market leader. Notably, BUA Foods is has a market capitalization of N7.10 trillion, representing approximately 13% of the market. Emeka Oparah-VP Corporate Communications & CSR at Airtel Africa Market Cap – N8.10 trillion With over 25 years of distinguished experience, Emeka Oparah is a crisis communication expert, rebranding veteran, and leadership transition strategist. As Vice President, Corporate Communications & CSR at Airtel Africa, he oversees media relations, government affairs, and impactful social investment initiatives. Emeka is renowned for his expertise in navigating complex transitions, having successfully managed seven leadership changes and six brand transformations at Airtel Nigeria, guiding the company through seamless rebranding phases from Econet Wireless to its current identity. His career spans journalism, advertising, public relations, and corporate social responsibility, with key roles in organizations like Cadbury Nigeria. Emeka holds a BA (Hons.) in Mass Communications from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he graduated top of his class, and a Postgraduate Diploma in International Public Relations. A member of professional bodies such as NIPR, IPRA, and APCON, he has honed his skills through global leadership and communications programs. Currently, Emeka collaborates with teams across Airtel Africa’s 14 markets, championing digital inclusion and educational access for underprivileged children. His passion for storytelling, sustainability, and strategic communication continues to position Airtel as a transformative force in Africa. Airtel Africa overtook MTN Nigeria in Q3 2024 to become Nigeria’s second most valuable company, with a market capitalization of N8.10 trillion. Anthony Chiejina- Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer Dangote Group Market Cap – N8.15 trillion Anthony Chiejina is an accomplished communications professional with a rich academic and career background. He earned a B.Sc (Hons) in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos in 1981, graduating with Second Class Upper honors. He furthered his education with an M.Sc in Industrial Relations & Personnel Management from the same university in 1984, followed by an M.A. in Organizational Analysis & Behaviour from the University of Lancaster, UK, in 1988, and an M.A. in Development Studies from the Institute of Social Studies (ISS) in The Hague, Netherlands, in 1994. Chiejina’s career spans journalism and corporate communications. He held editorial roles as Associate Editor and Deputy Editor at African Economic Digest in London and African Concord in Lagos before transitioning to banking. He served as Assistant General Manager at Zenith Bank Plc and Deputy General Manager at Oceanic Bank International Plc, where he led corporate communications. Currently, as Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer at Dangote Industries Limited, he drives strategic communication across the Group’s Pan-African operations. A Salzburg Fellow, Chiejina has received prestigious scholarships and academic honors. He is also a Fellow of the Oxford University Centre of Corporate Reputation and an active member of several professional organizations, including ASPN and the IoD. As of October 31, 2024, Dangote Cement is Nigeria’s second most valuable company, with a market capitalization of N8.15 trillion. Note: The personalities featured in this compilation have been carefully selected by a distinguished panel of editors, experts, and analysts at Nairametrics. It is important to note that none of the individuals listed have solicited their inclusion. While this list aims to be comprehensive, it is by no means exhaustive; numerous other contributors have played significant roles in advancing the marketing and communications sector in Nigeria. This compilation is exclusive to Nairametrics and may be updated periodically to reflect changes and advancements in the field. Feedback will be appreciated.(NAPSI)—The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, but when the average American is spending nearly $1,000 on gifts, food, and decorations, they can also be the most stressful. For many, the pressure to create a picture-perfect holiday can stretch budgets a bit too far. Many of today’s shoppers seek advice from their favorite online influencers, sourcing creative hacks, recipes, DIY projects, and tips to keep the holidays magical without overspending. In fact, 69% of consumers say they value and actively seek out influencer recommendations. Now, questions don’t need to get buried in the comments. This December, TextNow is flipping the script on holiday stress by introducing the Holiday Hotline , a free resource to help you navigate the season, with advice a mere text away. Whether it’s finding affordable gifts, creating a festive dinner on a budget, or even learning how to save on your monthly bills, the Holiday Hotline can make things simpler, cheaper, and—perhaps most importantly—more joyful. TextNow Holiday Hotline: Expert Advice at Your Fingertips From December 5–10, TextNow’s Holiday Hotline connects you with relatable experts (aka some of your favorite influencers including social media creator and podcast host Remi Cruz, Kayla Savings, and Melissa Weiss) who will share their go-to tips for a budget-friendly holiday. Here’s what you can expect: • Holiday Budgeting 101: Learn simple ways to stretch every dollar and avoid those dreaded post-holiday bills. • Affordable Gift-Giving Ideas: Thoughtful, creative gifts that won’t break the bank. • Festive Decorating on a Dime: Transform your home into a holiday wonderland with budget-friendly hacks. • Stress-Free Holiday Cooking: Recipes and meal-planning tips to impress your guests. Need more advice? Just text the hotline at 310-299-3584, and you’ll get personalized, practical tips sent straight to your phone. Win $1,000 for Your Holiday Dinner As if free expert advice wasn’t enough, TextNow is also giving you the chance to win big this holiday season. Enter the $1,000 Dinner Giveaway for a shot at a $1,000 gift card to cover your holiday expenses—whether it’s for food, gifts, travel, or whatever else makes your season special. Entering is simple: 1.Head to TextNow’s Instagram . 2.Like the giveaway post. 3.Share your best holiday tip in the comments (bonus: share the post to your story for an extra entry). 4.The giveaway runs from December 5-12, with winners announced from December 13-16. Save More This Holiday Season TextNow is more than just a phone service—it’s a way to take control of your budget, not just during the holidays but year-round. • Free Phone Service: Unlimited calling and texting on the nation’s largest 5G network free. 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The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . PISCATAWAY, N.J. (AP) — Trailing by one at the 40-yard line with 14 seconds to play and no timeouts, Illinois coach Bret Bielema sent in a play known as “church” to Luke Altmyer. The quarterback was to hit a receiver who was to go to the ground immediately. The offense would rush to the line of scrimmage and Altmyer would spike the ball to set up a potential winning field goal. Pat Bryant caught the pass at the 22 and then called his own split-second audible. Seeing a path to the end zone, the star receiver ran across the field on the way to the winning touchdown with 4 seconds left, sending the Illini to a wild 38-31 victory over Rutgers on Saturday. “Coach called a perfect play,” Bryant said. “A play we run all the time in our two-minute drill. I caught the ball and saw the sideline and saw nobody was over there. I had one guy to beat. I gave him a little move. I heard everybody jump and say ’Get out, get out,’ but I put trust in myself and scored a touchdown.” Bryant’s ninth TD reception of the season capped a roller-coaster finish to a Big Ten game that featured three lead changes in the final 3:07. RELATED COVERAGE Auburn wins 43-41, four-OT thriller over playoff hopeful No. 15 Texas A&M Murphy, Pancol combine for three TD plays as Duke beats Virginia Tech 31-28 Arnold, Robinson run for more than 100 yards as Oklahoma stuns No. 7 Alabama 24-3 Illinois (8-3, 5-3) was down 31-30 when it sent long kicker Ethan Moczulski out for a desperation 58-yard field goal. Rutgers coach Greg Schiano called for a timeout right before Moczulski’s attempt was wide left and about 15 yards short. After the missed field goal was waved off by the timeout, Bielema sent his offense back on the field. “Pat is so aware of his surroundings,” Bielema said after Bryant finished with seven catches for a career-high 197 yards. “He saw that corner and took off.” Schiano didn’t second-guess his timeout but said he should have called it well before Moczulski kicked. “They made one more play than we did,” Schiano said. Rutgers (6-5, 3-5) gave up a safety on the final kickoff return, throwing a ball out of bounds in the end zone as players passed it around hoping for a miracle touchdown. Altmyer was 12-of-26 passing for 249 yards and two touchdowns. He put Illinois in front with a 30-yard TD run with 3:07 to go. He passed to Josh McCray on the 2-point conversion, making it 30-24. Rutgers responded with a 10-play, 65-yard drive. Athan Kaliakmanis had a 15-yard run on fourth down. He passed to running back Kyle Monangai for a 13-yard TD with 1:08 remaining. Illinois then drove 75 yards in eight plays for the win. “That’s big-time football,” Monangai said. “They made a great play at the end of the game. I think we we played our hearts out to the end, to the very end, even that last play. Illinois did the same. They’re a great team. The chips fell their way today.” Kaliakmanis was 18 for 36 for 174 yards and two touchdowns. He also had 13 carries for 84 yards and two TDs. Monangai had a career-high 28 carries for 122 yards. Kaliakmanis found Ian Strong for a 2-yard touchdown in the final seconds of the first half, and he scored on a 1-yard run to lift Rutgers to a 24-15 lead early in the fourth quarter. Illinois responded with Aidan Laughery’s 8-yard TD run, setting the stage for the dramatic finish. The start of the second half was delayed because of a scrum between the teams. There were no punches thrown and the officials called penalties on both schools. Monangai’s day Monangai become the third player in Rutgers history to rush for 3,000 yards when he picked up 4 on a third-and-1 carry early in the second quarter. The defending conference rushing champion joins Ray Rice and Terrell Willis in hitting the mark. The takeaway Illinois: The great finish keeps the Illini in line for its first nine-win season since 2007 and a prestigious bowl game this season. Rutgers: The Scarlet Knights were seconds away from their first in-conference three-game win streak since joining the Big Ten in 2014. Up next Illinois: At Northwestern next Saturday. Rutgers: At Michigan State next Saturday. ___ AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll
No ex-president had a more prolific and diverse publishing career than Jimmy Carter. His more than two dozen books included nonfiction, poetry, fiction, religious meditations and a children’s story. His memoir “An Hour Before Daylight” was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2002, while his 2006 best-seller “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid” stirred a fierce debate by likening Israel’s policies in the West Bank to the brutal South African system of racial segregation. > Philadelphia news 24/7: Watch NBC10 free wherever you are And just before his 100th birthday, the Dayton Literary Peace Prize Foundation honored him with a lifetime achievement award for how he wielded "the power of the written word to foster peace, social justice, and global understanding.” In one recent work, “A Full Life,” Carter observed that he “enjoyed writing” and that his books “provided a much-needed source of income.” But some projects were easier than others. “Everything to Gain,” a 1987 collaboration with his wife, Rosalynn, turned into the “worst threat we ever experienced in our marriage,” an intractable standoff for the facilitator of the Camp David accords and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. According to Carter, Rosalynn was a meticulous author who considered “the resulting sentences as though they have come down from Mount Sinai, carved into stone.” Their memories differed on various events and they fell into “constant arguments.” They were ready to abandon the book and return the advance, until their editor persuaded them to simply divide any disputed passages between them. “In the book, each of these paragraphs is identified by a ‘J’ or an ‘R,’ and our marriage survived,” he wrote. Here is a partial list of books by Carter: “Keeping Faith: Memoirs of a President” “The Blood of Abraham: Insights into the Middle East” (With Rosalynn Carter) “Everything to Gain: Making the Most of the Rest of Your Life” “An Outdoor Journal: Adventures and Reflections” “Turning Point: A Candidate, a State, and a Nation Come of Age” “Always a Reckoning, and Other Poems” (With daughter Amy Carter) “The Little Baby Snoogle-Fleejer” “Living Faith” “The Virtues of Aging” “An Hour Before Daylight: Memories of a Rural Boyhood” “Christmas in Plains: Memories” “The Hornet’s Nest: A Novel of the Revolutionary War” “Our Endangered Values: America’s Moral Crisis” “Faith & Freedom: The Christian Challenge for the World” “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid” “A Remarkable Mother” “Beyond the White House” “We Can Have Peace in the Holy Land: A Plan That Will Work” “White House Diary” “NIV Lessons from Life Bible: Personal Reflections with Jimmy Carter” “A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power” “A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety”NoneScotland captain Sione Tuipulotu says Sunday’s Autumn Nations Series match against Australia is “massively special”, but does not feel he has anything to prove. Born and raised in Australia, Tuipulotu represented the Wallabies at under-20 level but left his homeland in 2018 for Japan after becoming frustrated at a lack of opportunities with Melbourne Rebels. Since arriving in Scotland in 2021, Tuipulotu has become a star for Glasgow Warriors and the national team, and he says he has no regrets about the way his rugby journey has panned out. “If you asked me that question three years ago or four years ago when I first left Australia, I had so much, I suppose, animosity or professional anger inside me because I felt my talent really wasn't looked after in Australia,” Tuipulotu said. “But to be honest, now I feel like I am where I'm supposed to be, here in Scotland. And I feel like all those things that happened early in my career were meant to happen because now I'm sitting here in the position that I am. “It's funny, you always want to play a lot harder against your mates, and I have a lot of mates in that Wallabies team, but I'm sure it's the same for them. “I'm trying to make it not bigger than it is really. It's just another test match for Scotland, so that's big in its own right.”
The state Building Code Council set out on a path Friday to ensure energy rules for new construction comply with provisions in the natural gas initiative Washington voters approved this month. But the council’s first step will not be to erase any current building codes when Initiative 2066 takes effect next month, setting the stage for a possible legal fight with sponsors of the measure. At a special meeting Friday, the council voted to have its technical experts review revisions made to the residential and commercial building codes earlier in the year that are targeted by the initiative and recommend any changes needed to true them up. Council members said they want to be deliberative and are cognizant that potential court challenges to the measure’s scope and legality could further alter the regulatory landscape. They view their approach as a “good faith effort” to comply without disrupting or creating uncertainty in regulation for the construction industry. The Building Industry Association of Washington, which led the effort to qualify and pass Initiative 2066, disagreed with the decision. It contends the new rules put in place nine months ago will be unenforceable upon certification of the election results on Dec. 5. Those rules offer builders permitting incentives for choosing electric heat pumps – which provide both heating and cooling in the same unit – instead of natural gas furnaces. Greg Lane, the association executive vice president, vowed action “to ensure the will of the people is carried out” and that the state energy code and its enforcement comply with the law when the measure takes effect. He said the council decision “makes it clear this un-elected body believes they are independent of any accountability and don’t have to follow state law.” Initiative 2066 takes aim at the state’s combination of regulations and laws to move swiftly away from natural gas toward technology like electric heat pumps. It was passing with 51.7% of the statewide vote on Friday. It would undo changes to the energy code approved by the state Building Code Council that went into effect in March. It also would repeal provisions in a state law, House Bill 1589 , intended to accelerate Puget Sound Energy’s transition away from natural gas. The measure, which is 21 pages long , requires utilities and local governments to provide natural gas to eligible customers. And it prevents approval of utility rate plans that end or restrict access to natural gas, or make it too costly. Opponents say Initiative 2066 will be invalidated by the courts because it violates a provision in the state constitution that limits the content of citizen initiatives to a single subject. They argue it deals with at least two different subjects – the law concerning future planning by Puget Sound Energy and the array of changes to the state energy code. They are expected to sue shortly after the measure is certified. Lane and BIAW attorneys have strenuously disagreed and said it was carefully crafted with such a challenge in mind. “All of it puts us in an uncertain and untenable position,” said Rep. Alex Ramel, D-Bellingham, an ex-officio member of the council who crafted the motion that passed unanimously on Friday. Council members decided to push ahead . Its technical advisory group will continue to work on updates to the 2024 energy codes, which may be unaffected by the initiative, while studying whether changes are needed in portions of the 2021 energy codes flagged in the ballot measure. “We’re taking this seriously. We’ve got technical experts working on it,” Ramel said. “We’re trying to figure it out.” The Washington State Standard is an affiliate of the nonprofit States Newsroom.None
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Learn about what makes Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte controversial to the Philippine people. Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte shockingly declared Saturday that she had contracted an assassin to kill the president, his wife and other top officials should she meet an untimely demise. Duterte warned in an online press conference that she is deadly serious and not joking about her threat to have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. killed if something happens to her first. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin referred the "active threat" against the president to an elite presidential guard force "for immediate proper action." The Presidential Security Command said it has "heightened and strengthened" Marcos' security protocols. "We are also closely coordinating with law enforcement agencies to detect, deter, and defend against any and all threats to the President and the First Family." Security officials are treating the threat – "made so brazenly in public" – with the "upmost seriousness." PHILIPPINES DEPLOYS NEW COAST GUARD SHIP TO SABINA SHOAL, DEFYING CHINA'S DEMANDS FOR WITHDRAWAL Philippine Vice President-elect Sara Duterte, daughter of outgoing populist president of the Philippines, delivers her speech during her oath-taking rites in her hometown in Davao city, southern Philippines, on June 19, 2022. (AP Photo/Manman Dejeto) "We consider this a matter of national security and shall take all necessary measures to ensure the President’s safety," the command said. It is unclear what action, if any, will be taken against the vice president. Marcos and Duterte ran on the same ticket in the May 2022 elections and both were elected with landslide majorities after campaigning on national unity. But divisions over policy towards Chinese aggression in the disputed South China Sea and other key issues interrupted the honeymoon and led to a falling out between Marcos and Duterte. A TIMELINE OF CLASHES BETWEEN CHINA AND THE PHILIPPINES IN SOUTH CHINA SEA, FOLLOWING LATEST SHIP COLLISION Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. answers questions during a forum of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines on Monday, April 15, 2024, in Manila, Philippines. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila) Duterte, a populist, is the daughter of the equally controversial former President Rodrigo Duterte , a well-known critic of Marcos, his wife Liza Araneta-Marcos and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, the president's ally and cousin. Duterte has accused them of corruption, incompetence and political persecution of her family and supporters. Her threat to have Marcos killed came after House members allied with Romualdez and Marcos detained her chief of staff, Zuleika Lopez, who was accused of hampering a congressional inquiry into the possible misuse of her budget as vice president and education secretary. Lopez was later transferred to a hospital after falling ill, and wept when she heard of a plan to temporarily lock her up in a women’s prison, the Associated Press reported. Furious, Duterte held an online press conference Saturday and accused Marcos of incompetence as president and of being a liar, along with his wife and the House speaker, throwing several expletives at them in her remarks. When asked about concerns over her security, the 46-year-old lawyer suggested there was an unspecified plot to kill her. "Don’t worry about my security because I’ve talked with somebody. I said 'if I’m killed, you’ll kill BBM, Liza Araneta and Martin Romualdez. No joke, no joke,’" the vice president said without elaborating and using the initials that many use to call the president. EX-PHILIPPINE LEADER RODRIGO DUTERTE LAUNCHES ALLEGATIONS AT SUCCESSOR, SPARKING POLITICAL RIFT Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte gestures during his fourth State of the Nation Address at the Philippine Congress in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines July 22, 2019. (REUTERS/ Eloisa Lopez) "I’ve given my order, ‘If I die, don’t stop until you’ve killed them.’ And he said, ’yes,’" the vice president said, per the AP. Philippine law criminalizes public remarks that may constitute a crime of threatening to inflict a wrong on a person or his family, which is punishable by jail time and a fine. In light of the chaotic political divisions, military chief Gen. Romeo Brawner put out a statement that pledged the 160,000-member Armed Forces of the Philippines would remain nonpartisan "with utmost respect for our democratic institutions and civilian authority." "We call for calm and resolve," Brawner said. "We reiterate our need to stand together against those who will try to break our bonds as Filipinos." CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Duterte's father Rodrigo Duterte presided over polcie-enforced anti-drugs crackdowns when he was a city mayor and later president tthatleft thousands of drug suspects dead in killings the International Criminal Court has been investigating as a possible crime against humanity. The former president has denied authorizing extrajudicial killings under his anti-drug crusade, but some of his public statements have contradicted his denials. He told a public Philippine Senate inquiry last month that he had maintained a "death squad" of gangsters to kill other criminals when he was mayor of southern Davao city. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Chris Pandolfo is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital. Send tips to chris.pandolfo@fox.com and follow him on Twitter @ChrisCPandolfo.
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