Governor of New Hampshire Chris Sununu faced criticism on social media after claiming Elon Musk's immense wealth makes him immune to conflicts of interest. Speaking to CNN’ s Dana Bash, Sununu argued that Musk’s infamous $450 billion net worth eliminates any financial motives in his dealings with government contracts or his influence in the Donald Trump administration . Sununu, who famously threw support and fundraising efforts behind Nikki Haley 's short-lived presidential campaign, said: “The guy’s worth 450 billion as of today in this month. So I don’t think he’s doing it for the money. He’s doing it for the bigger project and the bigger vision of America.” Bernie Sanders makes eerie Civil War comparison as MAGA meltdown ensues Steve Bannon criticizes Musk and Ramaswamy over immigration policies “He doesn’t need the dollars. He really doesn’t. So it’s not about, if I get involved in this, I’ll get another little contract here or there. That’s. That’s nothing to him," he spoke of Trump's cabinet pick for Department of Government Efficiency . “So I like the fact that he in a way, he’s so rich, he’s so removed from the potential financial influence of it.” BASH: One of the concerns is that Elon Musk has billions tied up in govt contracts. You don't see a conflict of interest? CHRIS SUNUNU: Everyone has a conflict of interest B: But that's a pretty big one SUNUNU: He's so rich he's removed from the potential financial influence pic.twitter.com/78VHFRUgRU — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) December 29, 2024 The comments sparked backlash, with many accusing Sununu of defending the Tesla CEO. A viewer wrote to X : “Where is the precedent for exempting the super-rich from conflict of interest laws or standards in government or business? Robber Baron era?” Others took direct aim at the governor himself. One said: “Sununu has learned that once you jettison all honor and integrity by digging a hole of relativism you might as well keep digging.” DON'T MISS: Furious Laura Loomer warns 'Trump will get impeached' due to Musk scandal [WARNING] Trump 'accidentally' posts cryptic begging message only meant for Musk to see [LATEST] Vivek Ramaswamy called 'con man' after H1-B backlash as he fails to deflect [BACKLASH] “I can’t tell if @ChrisSununu is a bigger bootlicker or partisan hack, but either way, this is embarrassing,” another posted about the governor's outlook on Musk . A third wrote: “Of all the smug, self-serving, disingenuous, lying politicians out there, Chris Sununu is one of the worst.” “ Sununu is such a clown,” a fourth critic blasted.AP News Summary at 11:07 p.m. EST
Expert Financial Consultant Martha Barrantes Shares Projections for SME Growth Amid Economic ShiftsBy Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, has urged global investors to utilise Nigeria’s geo-data digital platforms to access detailed information about the country’s rich mineral resources. In a statement by his Special Adviser, Kehinde Bamigbetan, Alake made the call during the annual Mines & Money Conference at the Business Design Centre, Islington, UK. He highlighted Nigeria’s adoption of digital technology to facilitate business inquiries and ensure transparent transactions in the mining sector. The minister introduced three key web platforms as essential resources for serious investors: the Nigerian Mineral Decision Support System (NMRDSS), Electronic Mining Cadastral (EMC+), and the National Geo-Data Centre. Describing the NMRDSS, Alake explained it as a dynamic web application providing read-only access to geo-scientific and geo-economic data, enabling users to analyse mineral locations and make informed decisions. “This resource allows investors to explore mineral occurrence environments while answering queries on hydrology, demography, geography, urban planning, and transportation,” he stated. On the EMC+, Alake highlighted its efficiency in administering mineral titles through an online, real-time system. “Investors can research and plan their title applications remotely, provided they have the required data,” he said. Alake assured the audience of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to expanding geological data acquisition and leveraging research from public and private institutions to enhance the value of these platforms. He commended African geoscientists for developing a new coding system to certify research reports, boosting the credibility of mineral data. He emphasised Nigeria’s emerging role in the supply of critical minerals such as lithium and rare earth elements, positioning the country as a key player in the global green economy transition. “Our deliberate investment in accurate geoscientific data underscores our commitment to sustainability and the global fight against climate change,” he added. The minister also stressed the importance of value addition in the downstream segment of the mining value chain, urging mining companies to collaborate with the government to unlock Nigeria’s vast mineral wealth. “The future of Nigeria’s solid minerals is brimming with promise... Our doors are open to partnerships, and we invite you to join us on this transformative journey,” he said. Among those present were Mark Bristow, President and CEO of Barrick; Mark Kristoff, CEO of Traxys; and Kate Southwell, General Counsel of Anglo American. Earlier, Alake engaged investors visiting the Ministry’s exhibition booth to discuss potential opportunities in Nigeria’s mining sector.
DEFENDING Champions Woodland Steelpan Players, along with Samp Army Cocorico Cavaliers and Soca Kings have all but sealed their places in the playoffs of the sixth edition of the Dream 11 Trinidad T10 Blast following wins in their respective matches yesterday. First up, the Cavaliers held their nerve to clinch a two-run victory over the Scarlet Ibis Scorchers in the first match of a triple header at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. Meanwhile, the Kings secured a comfortable 52-run win over the Blue Devils in the second game and the Players closed out the day with a 24-run victory against Trillions Systems Strikers. In the first match, the Cavaliers posted 92 for seven off a reduced nine overs with Silus Cooper hitting 39. The Scorchers were restricted to 90 for five in reply, with Fatima College’s Zachary Siewah holding his nerve to defend 20 runs in the final over to seal the win. The medium pacer started with a wide and was struck for six by the well-set Dexter Sween, who was leading the charge for the Cavaliers at that stage. The Scorchers needed a further 11 off three balls and Sween just managed to clear the long-off boundary where fielder Jesse Bootan was unable to pull the ball back in, despite making a valiant effort to get a hand to it. Minutes later, Bootan took a brilliant diving catch running in from the boundary to dismiss Sween (45 off 23 balls) off the penultimate ball with four runs still needed for victory. It could have still ended in tears for Siewah who was bowling the final ball to one of top performers in T&T domestic cricket this season, Crystian Thurton. But the bowler held a wide line for the final delivery and Thurton couldn’t make contact as the Cavaliers held on to seal their fifth win of the campaign. In the second game, Tion Webster slapped six sixes and seven fours in an entertaining 75 off 29 balls while Shatrughan Rambaran hit four sixes and four fours in an unbeaten 53 off 23 deliveries as the Kings posted 152 for two. Webster returned with the ball, grabbing three wickets for nine runs to restrict the Blue Devils to 100 for eight. Meanwhile, the Players scored the highest total of the season, 159 for two, with Sidel Diaz continuing is good run of form in the tournament, hitting 76 not out off 27 balls. He struck eight sixes and four fours. The Strikers replied with 135 for six as they crashed to their sixth loss. The battle for the top spot continues today with the defending champions playing their final group stage game against the Cavaliers from 10 a.m. The second game today will see the bottom two teams, the Strikers and the Blue Devils, in action from 12.30 p.m. The Kings will square off against the Scorchers in the final game at 3 p.m. The final group stage game will be played tomorrow at 10 a.m. between the Cavaliers and the Kings while the Qualifier 1 is scheduled to bowl off at 12.30 p.m. and the Eliminator is set to start at 3 p.m. The Qualifier 2 will be played on Sunday at 12.30 p.m. with the final scheduled to bowl off at 3 p.m. The teams are vying for a first prize of $100,000 and a runners up purse of $50,000. Samp Army Cocrico Cavaliers 92-7 (9 overs) (Silus Cooper 39, Isaiah Rajah 21; Philton Williams 3/14, Andrew Rambaran 2/29) vs Scarlet Ibis Scorchers 90-5 (9 overs) (Dexter Sween 45; Shaaron Lewis 2/13) —Cavaliers won by two runs. Soca Kings 152-2 (Tion Webster 75, Shatrughan Rambaran 53 n.o.) vs Blue Devils 100-8 (Nicholas Sookdeosingh 52; Tion Webster 3/9, Jon-Russ Jaggesar 2/10) —Kings won by 52 runs. Woodland Steelpan Players 159-2 (Sidel Diaz 76 n.o., Daniel Williams 40) vs Trillions Systems Strikers 135-6 (Mbeki Joseph 63; Jyd Goolie 2/17, Rakesh Maharaj 2/34) —Players won by 24 runs. Today’s matches: Woodland Steelpan Players vs Samp Army Cocrico Cavaliers, 10 a.m. Blue Devils vs Trillions Systems Strikers, 12.30 p.m. Scarlet Ibis Scorchers vs Soca Kings, 3 p.m.5 top tech gifts for the holidaysMSI Unveils New Gaming Monitor With 80Gbps DisplayPort 2.1 - ChannelNews
NICOSIA, Cyprus , Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BC.GAME , a premier cryptocurrency i-Gaming platform, announced its decision to withdraw its license specifically from Curaçao. This move reflects Curaçao's increasingly hostile environment for operators in recent years. Despite ongoing efforts to modernize Curaçao's i-Gaming law, proper legal protection for all operators established in Curaçao is severely lacking, such as its bankruptcy law which dates to 1931 via the " Curaçao Bankruptcy Decree " which can easily be exploited by malicious actors and used against legitimate operators. Therefore, on 5 th December 2024, BC.GAME decided to officially withdraw its Curaçao license. This will in no way affect BC.GAME's wider international operations. Separately from Curaçao, BC.GAME holds gaming licenses in multiple other jurisdictions, and its international operations remain fully compliant with its applicable regulatory obligations. Adapting to industry trends As the global gaming industry faces an increasingly complex regulatory environment, this move by BC.GAME is essential in enhancing and maintaining its operational strategy to ensure continuity and to realign BC.GAME with suitably evolved and robust regulatory frameworks for the benefit of its international operations. Most importantly, it ensures the safety, reliability and security of service for BC.GAME users. Consistency in legal and financial obligations Contrary to recent rumours inaccurately circulated questioning BC.GAME's financial position, BC.GAME further reaffirms to its stakeholders and the public in general that its financial position remains in good health. All BC.GAME's international operations remain unaffected and BC.GAME will continue to fulfil all of its ongoing legal and financial obligations. About BC.GAME BC.GAME is a leading global cryptocurrency i-Gaming platform focused on providing users with a secure and diverse entertainment experience. BC.GAME offers a range of services, including sports betting, and electronic gaming whilst ensuring adequate player protection and an increased focus on preventing gambling addiction. With a strong emphasis on technological innovation and regulatory compliance, BC.GAME continues to expand its presence in international markets in maintaining its reputation of being the leading entertainment provider offering a wide range of gaming services. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2496049/BC_GAME_Logo.jpgState Band: This state will remain closed for 10 hours today, neither train nor vehicle will run
Good news for retirees from Social Security – Official announcement of this important upgradesimonkr/E+ via Getty Images Investment Thesis Back in July, I issued a Buy rating on Celestica Inc. ( NYSE: CLS ), a Canadian product design service provider and a manufacturer of electronic components that addressed a wide array of applications. The stock Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.5 top tech gifts for the holidays
Fuel cells generate electricity by electrochemically reacting hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water as a byproduct, which makes them a clean energy source. However, using perfluoro sulfonic acid polymers containing sulfonic acid groups—a type of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS)—in fuel cells has raised concerns. PFAS can accumulate in the environment and living organisms, increasing regulatory scrutiny in many countries. In contrast, phosphonic acid hydrocarbon polymers do not contain fluorine, making them less likely to persist in the environment. These polymers also offer moderate chemical stability under high-temperature and low-humidity conditions. However, their use is limited by poor conductivity and their hydrophilic nature, meaning they attract water. This can lead to dissolution in humid environments, restricting their potential in fuel cell applications. To overcome these challenges, a research group led by Atsushi Noro at Nagoya University in Japan has announced a novel design concept for fuel cell electrolytes. Their research uses a phosphonic acid polymer with hydrocarbon spacers. New electrochemical cell converts captured carbon into green fuel The team improved a phosphonic acid hydrocarbon polymer by introducing a hydrophobic spacer between the polymer backbone and the phosphonic acid groups. This modification made the polymer water-insoluble, chemically stable, and moderately conductive, even under high temperatures and low humidity. The hydrophobic spacer also helped repel water, preserving the material’s stability. The new polymer electrolyte membrane showed much higher water insolubility in hot water than a polystyrene phosphonic acid membrane without hydrophobic spacers and a commercially available cross-linked sulfonated polystyrene membrane. Noro said , “Under conditions of 120°C and 20% relative humidity, the conductivity of the developed membrane reached 40 times higher than polystyrene phosphonic acid membrane and 4 times higher than cross-linked sulfonated polystyrene membrane.” Understanding how fuel cells degrade over time A fuel cell that operates under low-humidity and high-temperature conditions offers several advantages, especially for fuel cell heavy-duty vehicles: According to the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), the proposed design concept marks a major contribution to developing next-generation fuel cells that support the shift to a net-zero carbon society. Journal Reference:BEIJING (Reuters) - A court in northern China handed lengthy prison terms to two teenagers for murdering their classmate with a shovel in March, state media said on Monday, in a case that triggered heated public debate on juvenile delinquency. The male suspects surnamed Zhang and Li were sentenced to life and 12 years in jail respectively for intentional homicide by a court in the city of Handan in the province of Hebei, CCTV said, but no motive was given. The court found the methods of the killing "were particularly cruel, and the circumstances were particularly heinous", it added. A third suspect surnamed Ma escaped with a sentence of "special correctional education", in line with the law, the broadcaster said. All three were aged 13 at the time of the murder. They were detained the day after the body of the 13-year-old victim, surnamed Wang, was found on March 10, buried in a shallow pit in an abandoned greenhouse on the city's outskirts, state media said. The court said Zhang bore principal responsibility for killing Wang with a shovel and initially devised the murder plan, while Li, his main accomplice, joined in the killing and subsequent burial. Ma followed the pair to the site of the murder and witnessed the killing, but did not participate. In 2021, China lowered the age of criminal responsibility to 12 from 14 for certain crimes, but kept minors exempt from the death penalty. Suspects aged 12 to 14 may face criminal responsibility for serious crimes such as intentional homicide if the top prosecutor approves the charges. At the time of the crime, state media said all four were the offspring of rural migrant workers who spend most of the year working in large cities, leaving grandparents and other relatives to care for their children. Census data from 2020 shows such "left behind" children, as they are called, number nearly 67 million. Academic studies show they are at higher risk of suffering mental health issues, becoming victims of bullying and criminal behaviour. At the time, some social media commenters and lawyers had demanded the death penalty, saying minors had received inadequate punishment for serious crimes in recent years. (Reporting by Laurie Chen; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)None
Northwest Pipe Co Stock Hits 52-Week High at $57.09 Amid GrowthBachelor's degrees in electrical and computer engineering and construction management designed to prepare graduates for growth economy SLIPPERY ROCK , Pa. , Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Engineering jobs are high paying and in high demand. More than 160,000 engineers were employed in Pennsylvania last year with 10,100 job openings. To address this growing need for highly skilled employees, Slippery Rock University is adding two new degree programs to its current suite of four engineering programs accredited by the globally recognized Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Starting in fall 2025, students at SRU can begin building their future with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical and computer engineering and a Bachelor of Science in construction management. Prospective students can learn more and start their application process at sru.edu . The electrical and computer engineering program develops students' practical skills in areas like digital electronics, communication systems, power systems, computer hardware and software and microelectronics. The construction management program prepares students to lead projects in residential, commercial, industrial and infrastructure construction. "These programs are designed to train students to be problem-solvers with skills in mathematics, creative design, leadership and communication, both verbal and written," said Michael Zieg , SRU provost. "Adding new programs is part of SRU's growth strategy, but more importantly, it is in line with our mission to support the evolving educational and professional needs of the people in our region." According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, engineers in Pennsylvania on average earn more than $100,000 per year and overall employment for engineers in the state is expected to grow by 4% from 2020 to 2030, a rate faster than all occupations. INNOVATIVE LEARNING SPACES SRU leads the way with a new trend in higher education where classrooms and laboratories are coming together in one space, known as the "class-atory," as noted in the ABET accreditation review. In addition to being an affordable option for students, this innovative approach embraces the opportunities for hands-on learning in the same spaces where class lectures and group discussions occur. SRU currently has six industry-leading labs that leverage modular equipment that can readily be reconfigured to meet teaching needs for experiments, demonstrations, testing, analysis and other vital opportunities for applied learning. THE SRU ADVANTAGE The focus of an applied education, lower tuition and one-on-one mentorship with SRU professors combine to build a stronger Pennsylvania with graduates prepared to immediately enter the workforce with a highly respected undergraduate degree at a lower initial cost. Additionally, engineering programs at larger research institutions tend to be more focused on theory and graduate-school preparation. SIX PROGRAMS, UNLIMITED IMPACT A total of 239 students are currently majoring in engineering at SRU, and there are more than 120 alumni who have earned engineering degrees since the University started its first engineering program in 2016. Those numbers will increase with the added programs. The six programs are: Mechanical Engineering Civil Engineering Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering Industrial and Systems Engineering Construction Management (coming fall 2025) Electrical and Computer Engineering (coming fall 2025) The four-year cost of tuition and fees for engineering at SRU is less than half the average cost of engineering programs at 15 schools within a two-hour driving radius of Slippery Rock at $48,122 . SRU's costs don't factor in the scholarship and financial aid packages that are available to students. Approximately 85% of SRU students receive some type of aid. ABET ACCREDITED SRU's four current engineering programs meet the rigorous ABET standards. The ABET accreditation ensures program excellence and this accreditation is expected for the two new programs with the first graduating class. An ABET accredited program means that it has passed third-party examination to assure that graduates are ready to enter critical technical fields that are leading the way in innovation and emerging technologies and anticipating the welfare and safety needs of the public. SRU's programs were found to contain "no deficiencies." BACKGROUND SRU is a nationally ranked regional public university 50 miles north of Pittsburgh . The two recently state-approved programs, one in electrical and computer engineering and one in construction management, complement the ABET-accredited offering within its College of Engineering and Science, giving students six unique pathways to enter the job market. Both programs were approved by the Office of Chancellor of Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education in October 2024 . More information about SRU's engineering programs is available on the University's website . Media Contact: Justin Zackal [email protected] SOURCE SLIPPERY ROCK UNIVERSITY*Nigeria needs to mobilise $8.82tn to hit planned $4tn economy by 2035, says NESG *Seeks export diversification, digital transformation *Says rising inflation limiting nation’s capacity to save *Avers Nigerians currently spending 80% of earnings on food, transport Deji Elumoye and Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, yesterday disclosed that Nigeria’s recent economic diplomacy efforts to Saudi Arabia had started yielding reasonable benefits, including investments, foreign exchange inflows, and job creation for the country. Edun had led a high-level delegation to Saudi Arabia to follow up on the president’s earlier engagements with the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman. Edun, who spoke with newsmen after a brief meeting with President Bola Tinubu, stressed “What we have brought back is investment. What we have brought back is foreign exchange. What we have brought back are jobs for Nigerians” These efforts, the minister explained, are part of the administration’s broader strategy to attract foreign direct investment, trade partnerships, and financial collaborations. Highlighting a key achievement, Edun referenced the Saudi Agricultural Livestock Investment Company’s (SALIC) recent $1.2 billion investment in Olam Agri Holdings, which he described as a testament to the president’s reforms and the stabilisation of Nigeria’s macroeconomic environment. He added: “This type of transaction reflects the success of Mr. President’s strategy. It demonstrates the confidence global investors have in the steps being taken to attract and encourage such investments”. Besides, Edun stressed that the investments translate into direct job creation for Nigerians, as Saudi Arabia’s focus on investing abroad does not include exporting its own labour force. “Clearly, where they invest, that is jobs for Nigerians,” he maintained. He also stressed the government’s ongoing efforts to reduce inflation, particularly food inflation, through initiatives like dry-season farming, aimed at ensuring a bountiful harvest and lower food prices. “Every effort is being made to bring down the price of food and the cost of living for the average Nigerian,” Edun stated. The delegation to Saudi Arabia included representatives from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, and the Presidential Economic Coordination Council. The visit built on the president’s economic diplomacy efforts, which have taken him to various global capitals, including Brazil, China, India, Germany, and France. According to Edun: “The proof of the pudding is in the eating. When you see jobs being created and Nigeria’s foreign reserves being added to, that is success all Nigerians can understand.” The visit is expected to further strengthen Nigeria’s burgeoning relationship with Saudi Arabia and unlock more opportunities for economic growth and collaboration. Also, the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), one of the country’s foremost economic think-tanks, has proposed that if Africa’s most populous nation must achieve its proposed $4 trillion nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2035, it must mobilise a total of $8.82 trillion. The organisation stated this in its H2, 2024 Economic and Policy Review (EPR) tagged: “ Achieving Economic Transformation in Nigeria.” Besides, the group noted that the ambition to hit $4 trillion in nominal GDP by 2035 in Nigeria should serve as a bedrock to achieving a sustained double-digit real GDP growth rate over the next decade until 2035, which should be in the range of 10 per cent to 15 per cent per annum. It argued that Nigeria remains at a crossroads, brimming with potential, yet grappling with the complexities of its historical socio-economic performance, stressing that although endowed with abundant human capital and vast economic resources, Nigeria’s current position on critical socio-economic indicators has not been impressive. By 2035, the NESG pointed out that Nigeria’s economy is poised to rank among the top 15 global economies, with a per capita income of $14,041.5, thereby propelling the country into the high-income category globally. Endowed with substantial human capital and economic resources, Nigeria, it said, has historically faced suboptimal socio-economic performance, with critical macro-economic and social indicators underscoring the compelling need for a thorough and all-encompassing rejuvenation of the economy. According to the NESG, the impetus behind achieving a $4 trillion economy by 2035 is rooted in the acknowledgement of Nigeria’s immense potential, abundant resources, and the necessity to expedite economic development to meet the burgeoning demands of its populace. “Expanding from less than a $500 billion economy to a $4 trillion GDP by 2035 has cost implications. Over the next 10-13 years, the Nigerian economy needs to mobilise a cumulative total of $8.82 trillion. “This comprises 18.8 per cent or $1.66 trillion of investment directly from the government, specifically on capital and infrastructure investment. The remaining 81.2 per cent or $7.16 trillion will be mobilised through the private sector, comprising existing and new capital accumulation and domestic and foreign investment flow. “As such, the government needs to spend $185.16 billion and mobilise $841.00 billion in private investment over the next four years (2024-2027) to set the pace for a transformed economy. Subsequently, the government needs to spend $501,46 billion and mobilise $2.24 trillion in private investment between 2028-2031. In the following cycle (2032-2035), the government must spend $957.04 billion while mobilising $4,05 trillion in private investment. “On average, the government has to spend $138.49 billion annually to achieve the envisioned $4 trillion GDP by 2035. With a cumulative funding need of $8.82 trillion within the next 10-13 years and an average of $737,16 billion annually, financing Nigeria’s $4 trillion GDP by 2023 appears daunting, however, not impossible,” it stated in the report. In an era characterised by rapid global economic changes, digital disruptions, and evolving geopolitical dynamics, Nigeria’s vision for 2035, NESG stressed, is set against a backdrop of formidable challenges and unparalleled opportunities. The global community’s commitment to sustainable development and the imperative of economic inclusion, the economic think-tank further said, underscores the significance of the pursuit. According to the group, the proposed pathways are intrinsically linked to the strategic objectives outlined in the President’s eight-point agenda, Nigeria Agenda 2050 and the African Union’s Africa Agenda 2063. “This is achievable considering the historical experience of Nigeria’s aspirational peers, such as China. The policy priority for the government includes developing a framework for the inter-governmental economic relationship, inter-state infrastructural development, establishing regional economic commissions, developing regional shared services and clustering, and strengthening regional value chain development. “During the initial stage of its economic transformation, China maintained an average real GDP growth rate of 10.3 per cent (from 1982 to 2011). Similarly, Japan and Germany maintained average growths of 10.5 per cent (1956 to 1973) and 9.2 per cent (1951 to 1960), respectively. “While the strategic paths aim to achieve a $4 trillion economy by 2035, they are also expected to drive improvement across socio-economic indicators. Irrespective of the strategic path, this study anticipates specific mutations in the fundamental structure of the economy that accompany a transforming economy,” the NESG noted. Moving towards the $4 trillion economy, and based on the country’s political cycle, the Nigerian economy, it maintained, could cross critical milestones of $1 trillion, $2.5 trillion, and $4 trillion by 2027, 2031, and 2035, respectively. “Furthermore, Nigeria’s per capita income is expected to cross $5,000, $10,000, and $14,000 by 2028, 2032, and 2035, respectively. Nigeria needs to massively mobilise savings to drive investment, as is the case for most countries that have experienced economic transformation over the past five decades. “But then, the continual erosion of the value of earnings due to the persistent inflationary pressure has limited Nigeria’s capacity to mobilise adequate savings. “Recent fuel subsidy removal and the exchange rate devaluation accompanying the unification of the foreign exchange markets have nearly wiped out the middle class, as most people spend over 80 per cent of their earnings on food and transport with little to zero room for savings. Hence, the government must attract capital from diverse sources to drive investment,” it added. With a visionary alignment of policies and strategic optimism, Nigeria’s economy, NESG said, possesses the potential to soar to $4 trillion within the same time frame, explaining that such growth promises expanded access to economic opportunities, uplifting millions from the depths of poverty. “According to the World Bank Group (2024), more than half of Nigeria’s population is living in poverty as of 2024. Meanwhile, as Nigeria navigates its path towards a $4 trillion economy, poverty would recede by an average of 10 million individuals annually,” the group stated. Therefore, the NESG proposed an export diversification and sophistication strategy for Nigeria to become a global export hub and regional integration champion of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a free trade agreement that aims to create a single market for goods and services across the continent. It further called for innovation and digital transformation strategy in order to become a central global innovation hub and exporter of knowledge products to the world. Besides, the economic think-tank urged the country to embrace a subnational economic integration strategy to develop competitive and viable regions/sub-national economies.
(BPT) - The holidays are almost here! It means parties and events, hustle and bustle ... and figuring out what to buy for everyone on your list. Sometimes it's hard to get inspired with great ideas that your nears and dears will love at a price you can afford, right? The good news? Inspiration + savings are covered this year. One of the top gifts of Holiday 2024 is technology, and there are a lot of deals out there right now. Done and done! Here are 5 ideas for hot tech gifts for everyone on your list. Smartphones for the family T-Mobile is running a hot deal right now. Get four new smartphones at T-Mobile — this includes Samsung Galaxy S24 and other eligible devices — and four lines for just $100/month . It doesn't get better than that! These new Galaxy phones are tech-tastic, too, with features like AI, Circle to Search with Google, which can be used to help solve math problems and translate entire pages of text in a different language, and Note Assist with Galaxy AI, which lets you focus on capturing your notes and then Note Assist will summarize, format and even translate them for you. High tech spiral notebook for students We've got to admit, this is pretty cool. The Rocketbook looks (a bit) like a regular spiral, paper notebook. Here's the high tech twist: You can take notes, capture ideas, brainstorm, draw — whatever you do on paper — on the pad, and the Rocketbook digitizes your doodles and saves to the cloud device of your choice. Then you simply wipe the pad clean and it's good to go. Look for Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales at your favorite online retailer. Wrist-worthy smartwatches for athletes (or those who want to be) Everyone loves smartwatches (if you're not already tracking your sleep and heart rate, where have you been?) and the Google Pixel Watch 3 (41mm & 45mm) takes it to the next level with features for athletes or anyone who may be setting fitness goals for the coming year. The watch has workout prompts like Real Time Guidance — audio and haptic cues for when to sprint, cool down or maintain pace. It gives you the ability to program your workouts and even monitors your cadence and stride. It also has Offline Maps, with driving navigation, search and maps. Here's the deal of the century: Get it for free at T-Mobile when adding a qualifying watch line. Cute wireless keyboard for people who are all thumbs Who else is annoyed by typing email or texts or social posts on a smartphone? The Logitech Multi-Device Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard solves that problem with style! It comes in sweet colors like lavender, it's wireless, it's small and portable, and it works with just about any device. Pop it into your backpack or purse and you'll never have to thumb-out a message again. Speakers perfect for hosting and giving Have a music lover in your life or need the perfect hosting gift? T-Mobile has you covered. For a limited time, you can get the JBL Clip 5 for free when you pick up a Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 . The JBL Clip 5 is an ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker perfect for those on the go and the Onyx Studio 9's sleek design and booming sound will take care of all your holiday hosting needs. For more tech-tastic holiday gift inspiration, check out T-Mobile's holiday gift guide at t-mobile.com/devices/tech-gifts .