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‘Paycheck to paycheck is not descriptive enough’: Workers struggle to survive on CU Boulder wagesThe holidays are a time for giving, celebrating, and spreading a little extra joy. This season, why not gift something that makes your loved ones feel their best? To help you find the perfect present, we asked our Haute Beauty experts to share their go-to recommendations for holiday gifting. Whether you’re shopping for a skincare enthusiast, a wellness lover, or someone who could use a little pampering, these expert-approved suggestions are guaranteed to charm everyone on your list. So, let the holiday shopping begin and make this season one to remember! Aesthetic Island NYC | Medical Spa | Brooklyn, NY SkinMedica by Allergan is my go-to recommendation for patients looking for holiday gift ideas. This medical-grade skincare line is known for delivering real results, making it a thoughtful and luxurious gift for anyone serious about their skin. At Aesthetic Island, we use SkinMedica products during our facial treatments because of their ability to enhance skin health and leave clients with a radiant glow. For the holiday season, we’ve curated the perfect gift set, which can be purchased directly from our office. It features three of SkinMedica’s most popular products: TNS Advanced+ Serum: A powerhouse anti-aging serum that smooths fine lines, firms skin, and improves texture. HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator: Delivers intense hydration and helps the skin retain moisture for a soft, plump finish. Instant Bright Eye Cream: Targets dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines for a refreshed, well-rested look. Whether you’re shopping for a loved one or treating yourself, these products are a must-have. Stop by and grab the gift set just in time for the holidays! For more information, visit Aesthetic Island NYC' s website , Instagram , or Facebook ! Dr. Jason Bloom | Face | Philadelphia, PA This holiday season, Trufacial is the gift that keeps on giving! This revolutionary beauty device delivers visible, wow-worthy results in just minutes, making it a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their skincare routine. Its fast, 3-step process transforms everyday self-care into a luxurious experience, giving the gift of smoother, brighter, more radiant skin. Whether you’re treating yourself or someone special, Trufacial is the ultimate way to feel pampered and party-ready this holiday season. Reasons to Gift Trufacial: Confidence Boost : Smooth, glowing skin anyone would love. Feel Pampered : Achieve professional-grade results at home in just 10 minutes. Now Available : Perfect for beauty lovers who crave the latest and greatest. Timeless Beauty : A gift that empowers loved ones to feel radiant all year long. This holiday, gift innovation, simplicity, and luxury with Trufacial—the beauty must-have of the season! “This is the first true professional grade device to deliver results at home.” For more information, visit Dr. Bloom's website , Instagram , or Facebook ! Dr. Marianna Farber | Smile | Midtown NY For a thoughtful holiday gift with a dental twist, consider electric toothbrush bundles. These bundles often feature top-notch brands and provide an easy, practical way to maintain oral health. Plus, they’re incredibly convenient, with refill options readily available to keep smiles bright all year long! For more information, visit Dr. Marianna Farber' s website and Instagram ! Heather Merlo, Sei Tu Bella Aesthetics | Medical Spa | Tampa, FL At Sei Tu Bella Aesthetics, we believe in the spirit of giving—and that includes giving to yourself! During the holiday season, it’s easy to feel guilty about self-care, but with our exclusive promotions, you can give the gift of beauty and wellness to others and enjoy some pampering, too. Medical-grade skincare like ZO Skin Health is perfect for both preventing and reversing skin damage, making it a thoughtful, lasting gift. Consider the impact of gifting experiences or a gift that improves quality of life rather than just items. Treat a loved one to a rejuvenating medical-grade SaltFacial, a powerful Lumecca Peak IPL treatment to reduce sun damage, or the gift of vaginal. Rejuvenation with VTONE, FORMA V, or MORPHEUS 8V to a mother struggling with conditions post childbirth or a premature menopausal woman forced to face her new symptoms post-breast cancer. You could even introduce a teenage grandchild to their first skincare experience. These treatments do more than offer immediate results; they foster self-confidence and a sense of empowerment. After all, the best gifts go beyond the tangible—they uplift, restore, and are felt deeply from the heart. This holiday season, give a gift that inspires self-love and radiance. For more information, visit Sei Tu Bella Aesthetics' website , Instagram , or Facebook ! Dr. Sarah Khan, ARA Med Spa | Medical Spa | Los Angeles, CA The winter holidays are the perfect time to gift packages of rejuvenating skincare treatments to your friends and family and treat yourself also! I recommend two procedures that can be performed for your face, neck, and hands to achieve the perfect winter holiday glow. As there is downtime with these treatments, schedule them a few days before any upcoming holiday events. Chemical peels are a topical solution applied to your skin intended to remove the top skin layers. The deeper skin underneath is then revealed, which is plump and youthful and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to some degree. There are several types of peels, a superficial peel involves just the removal of the outer layer or epidermis, whereas a medium peel works deeper through the dermis. Microneedling is a skin rejuvenation procedure that activates the natural skin healing process and can improve the appearance of acne scars and wrinkles. Firstly, microneedles create microchannels in the skin, which increase blood flow and remove toxins. Secondly, microneedling stimulates the production of granulation tissue with collagen proteins, which maintain the integrity of the skin matrix with results lasting up to 4 weeks. For more information, visit ARA Med Spa' s website , Instagram , or Facebook ! Malik Medical Aesthetics | Medical Spa | New Jersey As the holiday season approaches, it’s the perfect time to consider giving the gift of beauty and self-care. Here are some top recommendations for health and beauty products and treatments that will leave your loved ones glowing: For more information, visit Malik Medical Aesthetics' s website , Instagram , or Facebook ! Licensed Medical Esthetician, Celina Requejo, Careaga Plastic Surgery | Body | Miami, FL For the holiday season, I recommend two standout skincare products that make thoughtful and effective gifts for anyone prioritizing health and beauty. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is a must-have antioxidant serum suitable for all skin types. This potent vitamin C formula not only combats aging but also enhances skin radiance, providing a natural glow. Its ability to protect against environmental stressors while promoting a brighter complexion makes it an ideal gift for skincare enthusiasts. For those focused on anti-aging, P-Tiox is an exceptional choice. This wrinkle-modulating peptide serum visibly reduces the appearance of all nine contraction lines, refining skin texture and boosting radiance. It’s a powerhouse product that delivers a smoother, rejuvenated complexion, making it perfect for anyone seeking advanced skincare solutions. Both products are elegant, results-driven gifts that cater to a wide range of skin concerns, ensuring your loved ones feel pampered and glowing throughout the holiday season. For more information, visit Careaga Plastic Surgery's website , Instagram , or Facebook ! Victoria A. Cirillo-Hyland, MD, FAAD | Skin | Philadelphia, PA Be camera-ready this holiday season and gift a Hollywood Spectra Peel to yourself and your family and friends! It brightens uneven skin stones, gently exfoliates the skin, reduces sun damage, helps stimulate dermal collagen, reduces oil production, and softens skin tone and texture. This patented laser toning restores the natural glow and youthful appearance of your skin through gentle heating. The Hollywood Spectra Peel treatment takes approximately 20 minutes with minimal discomfort and no downtime. Foundation application after this treatment is smooth and effortless. Even Santa won’t know your secret! For more information, visit Dr. Cirillo-Hyland's website , Instagram , or Facebook ! Dr. Anna Chacon | Skin | Miami, FL When gifting beauty products for the holiday season, it's important to choose options that are not skin type-specific. I recommend opting for hydrating products that provide a glowing, dewy look for the winter season that don’t address deeper, more complex skin issues. Masks are a good option since they offer a little self-care with quick benefits and results. For a younger audience, sheet masks would be a fun stocking stuffer, while sleep masks are a great way to go for anyone needing some quick TLC, such as all of the mothers on your list. Opt for clean and simple ingredients to avoid gifting something that could cause irritation and avoid fragrances, as many people are sensitive to stronger scents, and preferences can greatly vary. An alternate idea to gifting a mask is wrapping up a couple of your favorite travel-sized products. Check and see if your favorite products are offered in smaller, travel-sized packaging. A good recommendation for a friend is generally a welcomed one, and what better way to personalize a gift this season than with a glowing recommendation? For more information, visit Dr. Chacon's website , Instagram , or Facebook ! Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg | Face | Long Island, NY A champion in the beauty space, Award Winning Celebrity Plastic Surgeon Stephen T. Greenberg, M.D., F.A.C.S., founder and medical director of Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, has been at the forefront of cosmetic plastic surgery for over 30 years. As a leading cosmetic plastic surgeon, Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg has built his reputation by developing and using only the most sophisticated techniques. An icon in cosmetic enhancement and correction, he meets the needs of patients from today’s top stars to the soccer mom next door. He has performed thousands of procedures ranging from breast augmentation, breast reduction, and breast lifts to tummy tucks, liposuction, facelifts, eyelid lifts, neck lifts, full body lifts, thigh lifts, rhinoplasty, vaginal rejuvenation, earlobe surgery, and injectable treatments. Dr. Greenberg is a proponent of combining cutting-edge technology with surgical procedures to provide the most effective outcomes. His favorite holiday season treatment combination is Jeuveau, a Neurotoxin to soften fine lines and wrinkles, and HydraFacial to keep skin clear and glowing. These are his top holiday beauty treatments and products to help you look and feel your best during the festive season: Skincare Treatments: At-Home Skincare Products: Example: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Example: Cosmetic Surgeon in a JarTM AM Brightening and PM Retinol Eye Creams Example: SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Example: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore Dr. Greenberg recommends investing in your skin; it’s going to represent you for a long time. For more information, visit Dr. Greenberg's website , Instagram , or Facebook ! Dr. Brannon Claytor | Face | Philadelphia, PA The gift of beautiful skin is on everyone's list. This year, OmniluxTM Red Light facial contour therapy is the perfect gift for all. This FDA-approved device stimulates collagen and helps to boost the healing process after surgery or injectables. It reduces fine lines and wrinkles and promotes a healthy, glowing complexion. It also helps with pigmentation and psoriasis by reducing inflammation. LED red light therapy has the additional benefit of improving mood and reducing stress levels. Shannon O'Brien, the medical esthetician at Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery in Bryn Mawr, PA, says, "Omnilux TM boasts the highest light wavelength approved by the FDA, producing significantly improved results. On top of that, it is all-natural, has no side effects and no downtime, and can be used on all skin types. My patients love this device, and it helps keep their skin fresh and glowing between skin care treatments." For more information, visit Dr. Claytor's website , Instagram , or Facebook ! Dr. Kian Karimi | Face | Los Angeles, CA As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and head & neck surgeon, I encourage my patients to embrace a holistic approach to health and wellness. That’s why I’m excited about HealMD’s Wellness Starter Pack — it’s a thoughtful, practical gift for anyone looking to stay on track with their health and wellness goals as they enter the new year. The holiday season, while joyful, can often be overwhelming, leaving many of us feeling drained as we approach January. The Wellness Starter Pack helps reset the mind and body, offering a natural alternative for those looking to enhance their skin health and manage pain and anxiety. This curated collection of medical-grade cannabidiol oils is designed to improve all areas of your well-being, with multiple products to support relaxation, reduce stress, and promote balance in the body, providing an excellent foundation for those with health-minded resolutions. Whether it’s a soothing CBD balm for post-workout recovery, tinctures to support restful sleep or supplements that enhance focus and clarity, this pack makes integrating wellness into daily routines seamless. The Wellness Starter Pack is more than a gift; it’s about showing you care for their well-being, and it’s an investment in health happiness, and it’s a reminder to prioritize self-care and start the year with a health-focused mindset. For more information, visit Dr. Karimi's website , Instagram , or Facebook ! Dr. Kiran Gill, Naples Aesthetic Institute | Body | Naples, FL As a plastic surgeon, I often recommend microneedling as a thoughtful and results-driven gift for those passionate about skincare. Microneedling, a minimally invasive procedure, promotes collagen production to improve skin texture, minimize fine lines, and address concerns such as scarring and hyperpigmentation. It’s an excellent choice for individuals seeking to rejuvenate their skin with clinically proven results. When gifting a microneedling package, I suggest including a series of treatments (commonly 3–6 sessions for optimal outcomes) at a reputable medical spa equipped with FDA-approved devices. To enhance the experience, consider pairing the package with additional services, such as a hydrating facial or a nutrient-rich serum infusion, which complement the regenerative effects of microneedling. At Naples Aesthetic Institute, many of our patients purchase microneedling packages every year because they love the results they are achieving. Providing aftercare is also essential. Including products like a gentle, physician-recommended cleanser, a high-quality hyaluronic acid serum for hydration, and a broad-spectrum SPF can support healing and maximize results. This gift offers the perfect combination of luxury, care, and clinical efficacy—an ideal choice for the holiday season. For more information, visit the Naples Aesthetic Institute' s website , Instagram , or Facebook ! Dr. Sam Rizk | Face | Upper East Side In the skilled hands of NYC's renowned super-surgeon, the deep plane facelift is more than just surgery—it’s pure magic. Welcome to the world of luxury plastic surgery, a hidden gem on an unassuming stretch of Park Avenue, where Dr. Sam Rizk, a sculptor-turned-surgeon, reigns supreme. Here, newly lifted patients gaze at reflections they thought they’d lost, their youthful contours restored with the finesse of an artist and the precision of a surgeon. This is where scalpels become wands, time travel feels possible, and confidence—genuine confidence—becomes a power of its own. Dr. Rizk’s facelifts are meticulously tailored, honoring each patient’s unique cultural and anatomical nuances to deliver hypernatural results that rejuvenate without compromising facial harmony. To complete this bespoke experience, patients may recover in one of three luxury hotels—the Lowell, the Aman, or the Carlyle—ensuring complete pampering and privacy. In just two weeks, they’re ready to return to their lives, camera-ready and refreshed. An invitation into Rizk’s world is the ultimate gift of the season, a gateway to age-defying artistry and unparalleled refinement. For more information, visit Dr. Rizk's website , Instagram , or Facebook ! Dr. Aya Ahram, Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery | Skin | New York, NY Here are some great holiday gift ideas: The Rhode Kit : A curated set of Rhode essentials designed to deliver hydrated, glowing skin all year round. Qure or Omnilux Red Light Mask : These high-tech masks stimulate collagen production, plump and rejuvenate the skin, and soothe redness and inflammation—perfect for a radiant, refreshed complexion. Alastin Gentle Cleanser and Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer : Start with the Gentle Cleanser to remove makeup and environmental impurities, then follow up with the peptide-rich Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer to boost elasticity, support healthier skin, and reveal a radiant glow. These thoughtful gifts combine luxury and care, making them perfect for the holiday season! For more information, visit Dr. Ahram's website and Instagram ! Dr. Husam Almunajed | Smile | New York, NY As a dentist, I know flossing isn’t everyone’s favorite part of oral care. Many of my patients share their frustration with traditional floss, and I completely understand—it can be tricky and uncomfortable. That’s why I’m excited to introduce you to a wonderful alternative: the water flosser. Over the years, water flossers have evolved into an incredibly effective and user-friendly tool for maintaining healthy gums and a fresh smile. Having tried a few myself, I can confidently say they’re an excellent addition to your oral care routine at home. A water flosser uses a gentle stream of water to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and along the gumline. It’s simple to use and especially helpful if you struggle with traditional flossing. What’s more, water flossers offer a soothing experience. Unlike string floss, which can be awkward or harsh, the gentle water flow feels refreshing and leaves your mouth clean and invigorated. With regular use, you’ll notice healthier gums, fresher breath, and a confident smile—perfect for social gatherings, family events, or just everyday life. If you’re looking to elevate your oral hygiene or want a thoughtful gift for loved ones, a water flosser is a fantastic choice everyone will appreciate! For more information, visit Dr. Almunajed's website , Instagram , or Facebook ! Dr. Jay Arora | Vision | Scottsdale, AZ The holidays are a great time for gifts and spoiling the ones you love. And nowadays, with an increased emphasis on overall health, what better way to show those you love how much you care for their well-being than with products that promote healthy habits? For those dealing with dry eyes or eye strain, preservative-free artificial tears or high-quality lubricating eye drops can offer much-needed relief. Warm compress eye masks, particularly those designed for dry eye therapy, are relaxing and effective. Blue light-blocking glasses can also be a valuable gift for individuals who spend long hours on digital devices, helping to reduce eye strain. For overall eye health, ophthalmologists may recommend omega-3 supplements, as they can support tear production and eye moisture. UV-blocking sunglasses are another stylish yet protective gift idea, shielding the eyes from harmful UV rays. Skincare products designed for the sensitive skin around the eyes, such as hypoallergenic creams or serums, can be appreciated by those interested in beauty and anti-aging. Lastly, humidifiers make excellent gifts for those with dry eyes, particularly during the winter months. These products not only promote eye comfort but also contribute to skin hydration and overall respiratory health, making them a versatile and thoughtful present. For more information, visit Dr. Arora's website , Instagram , or Facebook !
Ogun Emerges Best Overall Performing State In ICT
US President Joe Biden on Sunday said deposed Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad should be "held accountable" but called the nation's political upheaval a "historic opportunity" for Syrians to rebuild their country. In the first full US reaction to Assad's overthrow by an Islamist-led coalition of rebel factions, Biden also warned that Washington will "remain vigilant" against the emergence of terrorist groups, announcing that US forces had just conducted fresh strikes against militants from the Islamic State organization. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Get the latest need-to-know information delivered to your inbox as it happens. Our flagship newsletter. Get our front page stories each morning as well as the latest updates each afternoon during the week + more in-depth weekend editions on Saturdays & Sundays.
From Maui to the Caribbean, Thanksgiving tournaments a beloved part of college basketball
By EDDIE PELLS Indiana should be able to breathe easy this week. It has very little chance of making it into the Big Ten championship game. On the other hand, Georgia’s spot in the Southeastern Conference title game is so risky that if the Bulldogs lose they might have been better off sitting it out. Over the next two weeks, the warm familiarity of conference championship games, which began in 1992 thanks to the SEC, could run into the cold reality that comes with the first 12-team College Football Playoff. League title games give the nation’s top contenders a chance to hang a banner and impress the CFP committee, but more than ever, the bragging rights come with the risk of a season-wrecking loss — even with an expanded field. “I just don’t think it’s a quality conversation,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart said last week, sticking with the time-honored cliche of looking no further than the next weekend’s opponent. Those who want to have that talk, though, already know where Georgia stands. The Bulldogs (9-2) are ranked sixth in this week’s AP Top 25 and projected somewhere near that in the next set of CFP rankings that come out Nov. 26. They already have two losses and will have to beat No. 3 Texas or No. 20 Texas A&M in the SEC title game on Dec. 7 to avoid a third. How bad would a third loss hurt? The chairman of the selection committee insists that a team making a conference title game shouldn’t count against it. What that really means won’t be known until the games are played and the pairings come out on Dec. 8. “We’re going to let the season play out,” Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said. “But I think teams who make that championship game, the committee looks at them and puts them in high esteem.” All of which could be good news for Indiana in the unlikely event the Hoosiers find themselves playing for the Big Ten title. IU is coming off a flop in its first major test of the season, a 38-15 loss to Ohio State last weekend. After his team’s first loss of the season, coach Curt Cignetti took offense to being asked whether the Hoosiers were still a playoff-caliber team. “Is that a serious question?” he asked. “I’m not even gonna answer that. The answer is so obvious.” What might hurt Indiana, which dropped five spots to No. 10 in the AP poll, would be another drubbing. The Hoosiers would be at least a two-touchdown underdog in a title-game matchup against top-ranked Oregon. The odds of that happening, however, are slim. It would take a Michigan upset over No. 2 Ohio State on Saturday, combined with a Maryland upset over No. 4 Penn State and, of course, an Indiana win over Purdue (1-10). Because this is the first year of the 12-team playoff, there’s no perfect comparison to make. For instance, this is the first time Power Four conference champions are guaranteed a spot in the playoff. But 2017 provides a textbook example of how a team losing its conference title game suffered. That year, Alabama had one loss (to Auburn) and didn’t play in the SEC title game, but made the four-team field ahead of Wisconsin, which was 12-1 after a loss to Ohio State in the Big Ten championship game. Ohio State didn’t make it either — two losses didn’t get teams into a four-team field. Neither did undefeated UCF. The Nov. 23 results made things a little more clear for the rest of the conferences: • In the Big 12, winning the title game will probably be the only way for Arizona State (9-2), BYU (9-2), Iowa State (9-2), Colorado (8-3) or anyone else to earn a spot in the 12-team playoff. None are ranked higher than 14th in the AP poll. • The Atlantic Coast Conference could get multiple bids. Miami (10-1), SMU (10-1) and Clemson (9-2) all finished in the top 12 of this week’s AP poll. They were cheering the loudest when both Alabama and Ole Miss suffered their third losses of the season. • The Mountain West would be a one-bid conference, but that’s only a sure thing if Boise State wins. A loss by the Broncos could open the CFP for Tulane or Army of the American Athletic. Both the MWC and AAC title games take place at 8 p.m. on Dec. 6. • Where the committee places Alabama and Ole Miss on Nov. 26 will be an indicator of what it thinks of teams with three losses that played very strong schedules. • It could also set the stakes for Georgia, which faces the prospect of loss No. 3 in the Dec. 7 title game, assuming the Bulldogs beat rival Georgia Tech this week. • Clemson has been steadily climbing. Its 34-3 loss to Georgia came on Aug. 31. Is it ancient history to the committee, though? • Indiana’s status as a playoff team — in, out, nervous? — will become apparent. The Ohio State game was Indiana’s first against a top-flight opponent. Then again, it is the Hoosiers’ only loss and their weak Big Ten schedule is not their fault.
U.S. Air Force Again Selects Gulfstream for Fleet SupportDozens of drones trailed a Coast Guard vessel off New Jersey: US lawmaker
Luke Humphries retained his Players Championship trophy by beating rival Luke Littler 11-7 in a final marred by whistling. 'Cool Hand Luke' survived a scare in Minehead on Sunday night to scoop his seventh major title. Humphries threatened to run away with the final after stumbling to a 4-1 lead, before Littler fought back to make it 8-7 in the former's favour. But Humphries reeled off three consecutive legs to show to fans why he is the world No.1 and one of the favourites for the PDC World Championship last month. However there can be no rematch between the defending champion and Littler in the final again with the duo both drawn in the same half, meaning a mouthwatering semi-final could be on the cards. And should that happen, the duo will be desperate for fans to behave themselves - unlike a select few in the Players Championship final. Some supporters in attendance could be heard whistling as Humphries prepared to throw, with it obvious that it was affecting his rhythm. As the whistles got louder and more consistent when Humphries approached the oche, referee Charlie Corstorphine intervened in the 14th leg to deliver a message to the crowd. Loudly, he simply announced: "Stop whistling, thank you." That appeared to do the trick, as whistles soon turned to cheers, with fans treated to a world class affair. Social media was quick to applaud Corstorphine for how he handled the incident which restored order in the final. Taking to X, one fan posted: "Lot of respect for Charlie Corstorphine there." Another messaged: "Fair play Charlie Corstorphine telling them d***heads whistling to shut up." A third added: "Charlie Corstorphine showing some serious b******* calling out to the crowd, how it should be done every single time, if continues take players off the stage until security chuck the t****** out." Meanwhile this user simply stated: "Big up Charlie Corstorphine." Humphries, who has now won five TV titles in 2024, was jubilant in his post-match interview after banking the £120,000 winners' cheque. He told ITV: "This [trophy] was in my living room a couple of months ago and now I have it back! “I didn’t feel myself this weekend. I was a dart behind. “Luke drives me on, he makes me want to be a better player. I enjoy playing him. “I am proud that I didn’t take my foot off the gas. It was a fantastic game again with Luke, he’s a special talent. “Luke is probably the best player in the world right now. “I told him I have to win these trophies before he starts to do so. “These big games are what I live for, dream of, and to be a champion is why I do this, why I travel the world. “I never give up. I know I can beat Luke. This is the best way to go into the worlds.”
Experts have stressed the need for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to deploy available Infrastructure technology and Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) to tackle delay in the verification of banks’ offers and ensure speedy conclusion of the process. Managing Director Cowry Assets Management, Mr Johnson Chukwu, said the delay in the apex bank’s verification process has continued to raise concerns among investors, especially as it has not been able to conclude any almost four months after the closure of some offers. Chukwu said the deployment of a high level of IT available at the CBN and the use of the BVN would fasttrack the process of accepting or rejecting offers and enable investors to get their allotment or deploy their funds in other profitable economic activities. Chukwu said this at the yearly workshop of the Capital Market Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CAMAN) with the theme: ‘Banks’ Recapitalisation: Bridging the Gap Between Investors and Issuers in the Nigerian Capital Market’ held in Lagos at the weekend. He argued that while the apex bank’s role in verifying the source of the capital invested is important, the longer period for completion of the verification process is dampening investors’ confidence. According to him, this is particularly worrisome for investors whose funds may be returned where the offers may be oversubscribed given the missed reinvestment opportunities. Chukwu also stated that the current CBN requirements for investors investing in banks shares are seen by many as overly stringent and creating barriers for both issuers and investors. He cited the provision of three-year audited financial statements, board resolution authoring the investment and tax clearance certificates for the past three years for corporate investors, noting that these requirements are disincentive to investment in the capital market. He added that while regulation is necessary for maintaining the stability and integrity of the financial system in ensuring that unqualified capital is not invested in the banks, there is need to leverage on existing customer information in the banking system to avoid imposing onerous conditions on investors. Chukwu, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Cowry Asset Management Limited, described banks’ recapitalisation as a key strategy for strengthening the Nigerian banking sector and fostering economic growth. He, however, argued that the success of these efforts hinges on effectively bridging the gap between investors and issuers in the capital market. Outlining the role of the capital market in the recapitalisation exercise, Chukwu noted that when banks access the capital market and demonstrate their ability to raise capital through successful IPOs, rights issues and bonds, it strengthens investors’ confidence and sends a positive signal to the broader financial market. This is because a well-capitalised bank is perceived as financially stable, reducing risk for investors and enhancing market confidence. Chukwu added that this encourages further investment in the banking sector, which is essential for the sustainable growth of the industry. He, however, called for concerted efforts from both banks and investors, supported by regulators in ensuring that the Nigerian banking sector remains resilient, competitive, and capable of driving the country’s economic growth for the future. Chukwu also urged the CBN and other regulatory bodies to work together in creating a more predictable regulatory environment for banks and investors. “The frequency of regulatory policy changes needs to be moderated to allow for better planning for both banks and the investing public as well as reduce the regulatory and operational risks associated with these frequent changes. “Banks must commit to improving their transparency and disclosure standards. This includes the publication of detailed and accurate financial statements, risk disclosures, and forward-looking guidance. “By addressing the challenges of information asymmetry, regulatory uncertainty, and liquidity, while improving transparency, corporate governance, and financial innovation, the Nigerian capital market can unlock new opportunities for bank recapitalisation,” he said.Vikings have ruled out tight end Josh Oliver. What does that mean for the running game?