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The International Labour Organisation, in partnership with the Ondo State Government and the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, recently launched a programme aimed at promoting health insurance enrolment among cocoa farmers, informal workers, and vulnerable households at risk of child labour. The initiative, under the ILO’s Global Accelerator Lab project, funded by the United States Department of Labour, is among a series of awareness campaigns across 20 rural communities in Ondo State. According to a statement by ILO, 839 individuals were engaged across the 20 project communities. Ondo State is Nigeria’s largest cocoa-producing state, where many families depend on farming for their livelihood. However, poverty, limited access to healthcare, and child labour remain critical challenges. The Ondo State Contributory Health Scheme, including the “Orange Health Insurance Scheme” for informal sector workers and the “Basic Healthcare Provision Fund Programme” for vulnerable individuals, provides a unique opportunity to improve the well-being of these communities. During the four-day campaign, the ILO collaborated with the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, trade unions, community-based organisations, and the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission to deliver targeted messaging on the benefits of these health insurance schemes. Related News Ondo, Ekiti, others get new police commissioners Three cops killed in Ondo crash SWAN begs Aiyedatiwa to improve Ondo sporting facilities Community leaders, mobilisers, and healthcare officials contacted thousands of farmers and residents, providing information on enrolment procedures and healthcare benefits. The Director of the ILO Country Office for Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, Vanessa Phala, said, “Ensuring access to health insurance for vulnerable communities is a significant step towards eliminating child labour and improving livelihoods, this campaign exemplifies how collaboration between governments, workers’ representatives, and organisations like the ILO can foster real change.” The expected results of this activity include increased awareness and commitment to child labour elimination, improved capacity of cooperative societies, enhanced collaboration among stakeholders, and the development of effective strategies for elimination. Ultimately, the goal is to improve the livelihoods of cocoa farmers and their families, reducing their reliance on child labour. A beneficiary, Chief Akinola Akinwole, said, “I didn’t know my family could benefit from health insurance. Through this programme, I have learnt how to enrol and protect my children’s future. This knowledge will also help me focus on improving my farm without worrying about unexpected medical costs.” “The awareness campaigns aim to boost enrolment in health insurance schemes among community members in these areas. This initiative is expected to not only enhance access to healthcare but also reduce child labour by improving the well-being and productivity of cocoa farmers and other informal workers. By tackling systemic challenges and equipping families with social protection, the GALAB project is fostering safer, healthier, and more productive communities,” the statement added.The Atlanta Falcons re-signed linebacker Rashaan Evans to the practice squad on Tuesday. Evans played in two games for the Falcons earlier this season and received one defensive snap and five on special teams. He was on the roster Weeks 9-15 before being released Dec. 21. Evans, 29, was a first-round pick (22nd overall) in 2018 by the Tennessee Titans. He spent four seasons with the Titans before signing with the Falcons prior to the 2022 season. Evans stood out for Atlanta in 2022 with a career-high 159 tackles and two sacks. He played in nine games for the Dallas Cowboys in 2023. Overall, Evans has 485 tackles and five sacks in 87 career games (68 starts) over seven NFL seasons. Atlanta also signed defensive lineman Kyler Baugh to the practice squad. He was on the practice squads of the New Orleans Saints and New York Giants earlier this season. Baugh, 23, has not played in an NFL game. He originally was signed as an undrafted free agent by the New Orleans Saints following the 2024 NFL Draft. --Field Level MediaStock market today: Wall Street climbs as bitcoin bursts above $99,000

On the inaugural day of the opening Test against Australia, India faced significant challenges, reaching just 51 for 4 by lunchtime. The team decided to bat after winning the toss. Inexperienced pair Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal struggled in their debut matches, each failing to contribute to the scoreboard. Virat Kohli, noted for his batting prowess, was dismissed early, securing only 5 runs. Despite KL Rahul's earnest effort contributing 26 runs, the team still grappled to stabilize. Emerging players and debutants were put to test as seasoned bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc secured crucial wickets for Australia. (With inputs from agencies.)Larson Financial Group LLC Has $75,000 Holdings in MetLife, Inc. (NYSE:MET)Penn State rolls past Maryland, clinches berth in Big Ten title gameNC, UML to form task force soon to amend constitution

HAINES CITY, Fla. — Not long ago, Polk County’s biggest draw was citrus instead of people. Located between Tampa and Orlando, Florida’s citrus capital produces more boxes of citrus than any other county in the state and has devoted tens of thousands of acres to growing millions of trees. But last year, more people moved to the county than to any other in the United States, almost 30,000. Bulldozed citrus groves in recent years made way for housing and big box stores that could one day merge the two metropolitan areas into what has half-jokingly been dubbed, “Orlampa.” The migration — and property sprawl — reflects a significant kind of growth seen all over the country this decade: the rise of the far-flung exurbs. Outlying communities on the outer margins of metro areas — some as far away as 60 miles (97 kilometers) from a city’s center — had some of the fastest-growing populations last year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Those communities are primarily in the South, like Anna on the outskirts of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area; Fort Mill, South Carolina, outside Charlotte, North Carolina; Lebanon outside Nashville; and Polk County’s Haines City. For some residents, like Marisol Ortega, commuting to work can take up to an hour and a half one-way. But Ortega, who lives in Haines City about 40 miles (64 kilometers) from her job in Orlando, says it’s worth it. “I love my job. I love what I do, but then I love coming back home, and it’s more tranquil,” Ortega said. A pandemic exodus and more The rapid growth of far-flung exurbs is an after-effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Census Bureau, as rising housing costs drove people further from cities and remote working allowed many to do their jobs from home at least part of the week. Polk County’s Hispanic population has grown from one-fifth to more than one-quarter of the overall population over the past five years, driven by Puerto Rican migration from the island after 2017’s Hurricane Maria and then from New York during the pandemic. The county has grown more diverse with the share of non-Hispanic white residents dropping from 61% to 54%, and it has also gotten more educated and wealthier, according to the Census Bureau. Despite the influx of new people, the county’s Republican leanings have remained relatively unchanged. Yeseria Suero and her family moved from New York to Polk County at the start of the decade after falling in love with the pace of life and affordability during a visit. Still, there were some cultural adjustments: restaurants closing early, barbecue and boiled peanuts everywhere, strangers chatting with her at the grocery store. Suero is now involved with the tight-knit Hispanic community and her two boys are active in sports leagues. “My kids now say, ‘Yes, ma’am,’” she said. Recent hurricanes and citrus diseases in Florida also have made it more attractive for some Polk County growers to sell their citrus groves to developers who build new residences or stores. Over the past decade, citrus-growing there declined from 81,800 acres (33,103 hectares) and almost 10 million trees in 2014 to 58,500 acres (23,674 hectares) and 8.5 million trees in 2024, according to federal agricultural statistics. “It hasn’t been a precipitous conversion of citrus land for growth,” said Matt Joyner, CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual, a grower’s group. “But certainly you see it in northern, northeastern Polk.” An exurb of an exurb Anna, Texas, more than 45 miles (72 kilometers) north of downtown Dallas, is seeing the same kind of migration. It was the fourth-fastest growing city in the U.S. last year and its population has increased by a third during the 2020s to 27,500 residents. Like Polk County, Anna has gotten a little older, richer and more racially diverse. Close to 3 in 5 households have moved into their homes since 2020, according to the Census Bureau. Schuyler Crouch, 29, and his wife wanted to buy a house in a closer-in exurb like Frisco, where he grew up, so they could settle down and start a family. But prices there have skyrocketed because of population growth. In Anna, they fell in love last year with a house that was more reasonably priced. They both work in Frisco, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) away, and it has become their go-to for eating out or entertainment instead of downtown Dallas, even though not long ago Frisco itself was considered a far-flung outpost of the metro area. Still, Crouch said he has noticed the exurbs keep getting pushed further north as breakneck growth makes affordable housing out of reach in neighborhoods once considered on the fringes of the metro area. “The next exurb we are going to be living in is Oklahoma,” he joked.

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Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, architect of India’s economic reforms, passes away at 92Grandmother shut out of Christmas celebrationsBENIN – Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has said that Christmas represents the values that unite us as a people, regardless of tribe, religion and politics. Governor Okpebholo made the declaration while delivering his message at the Edo Christmas Carol, 2024, held at the Lawn Tennis Court of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City. Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; the Secretary to Edo State Government, Barr. Musa Ikhilor; former Speakers of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Justin Okonoboh and Francis Okiye; Head of Service (HOS), Anthony Okungbowa; other top government officials, party leaders, religious and traditional rulers, Permanent Secretaries, civil servants, among others. Governor Okpebholo noted that Christmas is a season of love and hope, as it reminds everyone of the importance of compassion, generosity and peace. He noted that the event was more than just singing, but represented the values that unite the people regardless of tribe, religion and politics. “It is with great joy that I welcome all of you to this beautiful Christmas Carol as we gather to celebrate our Lord Jesus Christ. “It is particularly memorable for me because this is the first time I have the honour of standing before you as Governor during such an event. “Christmas is a time of love, hope, and unity. It is also a season that reminds us of the importance of compassion, generosity and peace. “This Carol symbolizes much more than singing and entertainment; it is a testament to the values that bind us as one people, regardless of tribe, religion and political differences. “As we listen to the wonderful voices tonight, let us remember that our strength as a people lies in our diversity. “To our children, may the joy of tonight inspire you to dream big and grow with love and kindness in your hearts. Together, we can build a brighter and more inclusive tomorrow. “On behalf of the entire leadership of our beloved State, I wish you all a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.” Governor Okpebholo in his quest for Edo people to celebrate a unique Christmas, instituted a raffle draw for winners to go home with a mini bus, tricycle, generating sets, sewing and grinding machines, among other items. There were melodious rendition by choirs from various denominations, including the Living Faith Church, Miracle Assembly, Blessed Virgin Mary, Church of God Mission and EL Excess Band. The event also saw a special performance by the Theatre Arts Department from the University of Benin (UNIBEN) and Leetu Man. Bible lessons were read in pidgin and English languages by various personalities which included the administrator, office of the First Lady of Edo State, Edesili Anani-Okpebholo, representative of wife of Deputy Governor and Edo South representative on the board of SUBEB, representative of vegetable sellers, a returnee and a bus driver, among others. Highpoints of the event was the presentation of prizes to winners in the raffle draw.