None
DETROIT (AP) — If Donald Trump makes good on his threat to slap 25% tariffs on everything imported from Mexico and Canada, the price increases that could follow will collide with his campaign promise to give American families a break from inflation. Economists say companies would have little choice but to pass along the added costs, dramatically raising prices for food, clothing, automobiles, booze and other goods. The president-elect floated the tariff idea, including additional 10% taxes on goods from China, as a way to force the countries to halt the flow of illegal immigrants and drugs into the U.S. But his posts Monday on Truth Social threatening the tariffs on his first day in office could just be a negotiating ploy to get the countries to change behavior. High food prices were a major issue in voters picking Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris, but tariffs almost certainly would push those costs up even further. For instance, the Produce Distributors Association, a Washington trade group, said Tuesday that tariffs will raise prices for fresh fruit and vegetables and hurt U.S. farmers when other countries retaliate. “Tariffs distort the marketplace and will raise prices along the supply chain, resulting in the consumer paying more at the checkout line,” said Alan Siger, association president. Mexico and Canada are two of the biggest exporters of fresh fruit and vegetables to the U.S. In 2022, Mexico supplied 51% of fresh fruit and 69% of fresh vegetables imported by value into the U.S., while Canada supplied 2% of fresh fruit and 20% of fresh vegetables. Before the election, about 7 in 10 voters said they were very concerned about the cost of food, according to AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 120,000 voters. “We’ll get them down,” Trump told shoppers during a September visit to a Pennsylvania grocery store. The U.S. is the largest importer of goods in the world, with Mexico, China and Canada its top three suppliers, according to the most recent U.S. Census data. People looking to buy a new vehicle likely would see big price increases as well, at a time when costs have gone up so much that they are out of reach for many. The average price of a new vehicle now runs around $48,000. About 15% of the 15.6 million new vehicles sold in the U.S. last year came from Mexico, while 8% crossed the border from Canada, according to Global Data. Much of the tariffs would get passed along to consumers, unless automakers can somehow quickly find productivity improvements to offset them, said C.J. Finn, U.S. automotive sector leader for PwC, a consulting firm. That means even more consumers “would potentially get priced out of the activity” of buying a new vehicle, Finn said. Hardest hit would be Volkswagen, Stellantis, General Motors and Ford, Bernstein analyst Daniel Roeska wrote Tuesday in a note to investors. Stellantis and VW import about 40% of the vehicles they sell from Canada and Mexico, while it's 30% for GM and 25% for Ford. GM and Stellantis import more than half of their high-profit pickup trucks from the two countries, according to Bernstein. If Trump does impose the tariffs in January, the auto industry would have little time to adjust, putting operating profits at risk for the automakers, Roeska said in an email. “A 25% tariff on Mexico and Canada would severely cripple the U.S. auto industry,” he said. The tariffs would hurt U.S. industrial production so much that “we expect this is unlikely to happen in practice,” Roeska said. The tariff threat hit the stocks of some companies that could be particularly hurt, such as auto manufacturers and Constellation Brands, which sells Modelo and other Mexican beer brands in the United States. But the overall market held relatively steady near records as investors saw Trump’s proposal as more of an opening position for negotiations rather than as a definitive policy. It's not clear how long the tariffs would last if they are implemented, but they could force auto executives to move production to the U.S., which could create more jobs in the long run. But Morningstar analyst David Whiston said in the short term automakers probably won't make any moves because they can't quickly change where they build vehicles. To move to the U.S., they would have to buy equipment and revamp their parts supply chain, which can take years. “I think everyone is going to be in a wait-and-see mode,” Whiston said. Millions of dollars worth of auto parts flow across the borders with Mexico and Canada, and that could raise prices for already costly automobile repairs, Finn said. The Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. said tariffs on tequila or Canadian whisky won’t boost American jobs because they are distinctive products that can only be made in their country of origin. In 2023, the U.S. imported $4.6 billion worth of tequila and $108 million worth of mezcal from Mexico and $537 million worth of spirits from Canada, the council said. “At the end of the day, tariffs on spirits products from our neighbors to the north and south are going to hurt U.S. consumers and lead to job losses across the U.S. hospitality industry just as these businesses continue their long recovery from the pandemic,” the council said in a statement. Electronics retailer Best Buy said on its third-quarter earnings conference call that it runs on thin profit margins, so while vendors and the company will shoulder some increases, Best Buy will have to pass tariffs on to customers. “These are goods that people need, and higher prices are not helpful,” CEO Corie Barry said. Walmart also warned this week that tariffs could force it to raise prices, as did Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who talked with Trump after his call for tariffs, said they had a good conversation about how the countries can work together on the challenges they face. "This is something that we can do, laying out the facts and moving forward in constructive ways. This is a relationship that we know takes a certain amount of working on and that’s what we’ll do,” Trudeau said. Trump's transition team wouldn't comment on the call. Also Monday, Trump turned his ire to China, saying he has “had many talks with China about the massive amounts of drugs, in particular Fentanyl, being sent into the United States – But to no avail.” The Chinese Embassy in Washington cautioned on Monday that there will be losers on all sides if there is a trade war. Trump's threats come as arrests for illegally crossing the border from Mexico have been falling . The most recent U.S. numbers for October show arrests remain near four-year lows. But arrests for illegally crossing the border from Canada have been rising over the past two years. Much of America’s fentanyl is smuggled from Mexico. Border seizures of the drug rose sharply under President Joe Biden. The tariffs would also throw into doubt the reliability of the 2020 trade deal brokered in large part by Trump with Canada and Mexico, the USMCA, which replaced NAFTA and is up for review in 2026. Trump transition team officials did not immediately respond to questions about what authority he would use, what he would need to see to prevent the tariffs from being implemented and how they would impact prices in the U.S. Mexico’s Foreign Relations Department and Economy Department also had no immediate reaction to Trump’s statements. ___ Rugaber reported from Washington. AP reporters Dee-Ann Durbin in Detroit, Stan Choe and Anne D'Innocenzio in New York, and Rob Gillies in Toronto contributed to this report.In countries with a high restaurant index, eating out becomes a luxury reserved for the rich, alienating a sizable segment of the population. This could potentially reduce social interactions, particularly in metropolitan regions where dining out is a common cultural and social practice. As a result, many residents may miss out on the ease and fun of dining out. The exploration of various cuisines and inventive culinary offers is encouraged by reasonably priced meals. But when eateries only serve wealthy customers because they are expensive, it inhibits creativity and deters diversity in the food industry. Locals may not be able to afford traditional foods, which lowers their cultural prominence. A high restaurant index often indicates larger inflationary tendencies. Rising prices for materials, labor, and operations are passed on to customers, raising total living expenditures. This can have a knock-on impact on other areas of the economy, further squeezing household budgets and lowering discretionary expenditure. Aside from the internal consequences of a high restaurant index, there are also consequences to foreign revenue. Tourists frequently assess the worth of an area based on its cost of living, which includes dining costs. When restaurant rates are unreasonably high, tourists may choose more economical options outside Africa, harming the hospitality sector and local economies that rely on tourism. With that said, here are the 5 African countries with the lowest prices of eating out as per restaurant index which measures the prices of meals and drinks in restaurants and bars to those in NYC.
New CPEC playbook This is critical time for Pakistan to reconsider its growth trajectory and align with international trends Amidst global economic uncertainty, developing nations are striving to minimise long-term economic setbacks and foster recovery. To break free from the low-income trap and achieve sustained prosperity, these countries are prioritising productivity, technological advancement, and innovation as fundamental pillars of their economic strategies. Emerging economies in Asia, as highlighted by the McKinsey Global Institute, have positioned themselves as leaders in technological platforms, resource management, energy solutions, and capital development. Examining the economic impact of demographics across regions reveals that Asia’s urban population is expected to grow from 1.6 billion to 3.0 billion by 2030. A prime example of how geography, a sizeable population, and connectivity can drive economic success is China’s extraordinary rise. With trends like glocalisation, nearshoring, and friend-shoring reshaping the global investment landscape, Asia is poised to become the centre of the global economy by 2050. While these global trends offer opportunities, they also bring domestic political and economic challenges, including low productivity, into sharper focus. This is a critical time for Pakistan to reconsider its growth trajectory and align with international trends. Breaking the cycle of low income and setting the stage for a future centred on productivity and innovation will require gradual yet consistent advancements in the country’s industrial and economic structure, renewable energy initiatives, and technological adoption. Over the past decade, China has been Pakistan’s leading investor. Through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), it has not only helped address Pakistan’s energy shortages but also constructed critical infrastructure, including the Gwadar Port, a cornerstone of Pakistan’s Blue Economy. Gwadar’s strategic connectivity to the hinterland via the coastal highway and its linkage to global markets through the recently operationalized Gwadar International Airport, funded by a $230 million Chinese grant, underscores its importance. Moving forward, it is imperative to focus on establishing processing and manufacturing industries within the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and the Gwadar Free Zone. This should be followed by a phase of maturity where endogenous mechanisms for sustainable growth are firmly in place. The development of Gwadar city infrastructure, as outlined in its master plan, will be crucial to realising the full dividend of the port city and addressing the genuine concerns of the local population. The next phase of CPEC may not involve mega-projects but should feature initiatives aligned with evolving global trends, regional needs, and Pakistan’s economic priorities. However, the emerging geopolitical landscape poses significant challenges to CPEC’s progress, notably in the form of security concerns and narrative-related issues such as recent terrorist attacks and debates surrounding anti-CPEC/BRI sentiments within the broader context of US-China rivalry. While discussing this new phase, it is essential to support and address the concerns of existing Chinese investors, who will play a pivotal role in attracting new private or state-owned enterprises to Pakistan. Regular engagement with these stakeholders is imperative. Strengthening security infrastructure through technology-driven solutions, particularly in critical areas like SEZs and mega energy projects, is equally important. Additionally, incremental investment and financing models must be adopted for large-scale projects like the ML1 railway project. Dividing such projects into manageable phases with clear milestones will help attract investment and ensure steady, measurable progress. There is also untapped potential for collaboration between Chinese Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Pakistani businesses, particularly in sectors such as engineering, automotive, IT, chemicals, textiles, and agro-based industries. Encouraging Chinese SMEs and start-ups to visit Pakistan through tailored tourism and academia initiatives could serve as a precursor to investment. Simultaneously, the Pakistani business community must be motivated to seize these opportunities. Establishing a High-Tech Education City under CPEC, through partnerships with Chinese universities and research institutions, could be a transformative step forward. Given Pakistan’s resource-constrained environment, Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) offer a viable model for financing large-scale projects. However, the government must enhance the capacity of officials engaged in PPP nodes, particularly at the provincial level. Offering realistic, non-financial incentives tailored to each region’s unique needs will further strengthen this model. It is essential to reflect on why Pakistan has struggled to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) at the same level as countries like Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, and Thailand, despite offering competitive incentives, a favourable geographical location, and a relatively large population. Furthermore, Pakistan’s investment-to-GDP ratio remains significantly lower than the regional average. Investors, whether domestic or foreign, private or state-owned, are drawn to Pakistan’s large market size and abundant human and mineral resources. What they need is a conducive environment characterised by pragmatic governance, financial security, and personal safety. The incentives required to attract investment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan cannot be the same as those for Punjab and Sindh, which benefit from superior infrastructure. Pakistan needs a tailored approach that acknowledges the heterogeneity of investment opportunities across the country and implements region-specific strategies to attract both domestic and foreign investments. A recurring challenge in Pakistan’s economic planning has been the gap between policy formulation and implementation. Incentive packages must not only be well-conceived but also reliably executed to build investor confidence. An incremental approach to economic development could involve targeting one SEZ, one Integrated Tourism Zone, one Mineral Zone, and at least one CPEC Agri-Tech Zone for 2024-25. These are achievable goals, provided the plans are kept straightforward and free of unnecessary complexity. The success of CPEC’s next phase will also depend on a meritocratic approach, where officials responsible for delays and inefficiencies in project development are held accountable. Talent development will play a critical role in ensuring Pakistan’s workforce is equipped to meet the demands of emerging industries, particularly in high-tech sectors such as electric vehicles (EVs), artificial intelligence (AI), and renewable energy. In this regard, the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has a crucial role to play. The road to recovery will undoubtedly be slow, but with confidence-building measures and a focus on sustainable development, Pakistan can still capitalise on emerging opportunities. Decisive action and a clear vision are essential for navigating the challenges ahead. The nation’s youthful population, strategic partnerships, and potential for innovation provide a unique opportunity to build a brighter and more prosperous future. By prioritising these efforts, Pakistan can position itself as a regional leader and a catalyst for sustainable growth and development. The time to act is now. The writer is a project management specialist and is a faculty member at various institutes/universities, while also having served as a diplomat in China and Vietnam. He can be reached at: hdb4049@gmail.com
Stoli vodka files for bankruptcy in the United States
NoneNo. 16 Cincinnati tests efficient offense vs. Alabama StateThe troubled chatbot company Character.AI appears to be mass-removing "Harry Potter"-themed AI characters from its platform — and users are in an uproar. The Reddit forum r/characterAI has been flooded since yesterday with posts from users claiming that chatbots based on the "Harry Potter" franchise had suddenly been deactivated at scale. When we took a look for ourselves, we found that droves of AI personas from the franchise — ranging from Harry Potter himself to Hermione Granger, Severus Snape, Draco Malfoy and others — indeed appear to have been culled. "REST IN PEACE LOVE OF MY LIFE, I WILL MISS YOU," wrote one X user who goes by the handle @severusluv. "Fuck you [Character.AI], you took away the only good thing in my life." They included a screenshot of a "Severus Snape" chatbot that, before its deletion, boasted 47.3 million user chats. REST IN PEACE LOVE OF MY LIFE, I WILL MISS YOU Fuck you character ai, you took away the only good thing in my life😭 pic.twitter.com/haXU0Z4GYD — layla (@severusluv) November 26, 2024 "Today we are all Draco's widows," said another X user, lamenting the demise of Draco Malfoy-themed Character.AI bots. Today we’re all Draco’s widows and it’s all character ai fault stupid ass app !!! pic.twitter.com/H83Tt5cmzs — cami tis the damn season (@karmaismycatz) November 26, 2024 "You didn't fix anything, you made it worse," another fan wrote in a Reddit post titled "Dear CharacterAI." Arguing that users will likely now leave the platform, they added: "Have fun slowly burning down." Some grievance was directed in part at Warner Bros. Discovery, the massive media conglomerate that owns the film rights to the "Harry Potter" franchise, with users suggesting that the bots may have been nuked over an intellectual property dispute between the media giant and Character.AI. "BRB, crying in the shower..." said one Redditor in a post titled "Warner Sucks." Not all "Harry Potter" - based chatbots were doomed in the crackdown, but that spottiness seems to be the result of patchy enforcement. While the majority of chatbots named "Severus Snape" seem to have been deleted, for example, bots like "Husband Snape" and "Dad Snape" remain live. In a similar vein, characters titled "Ron Weasley" mostly seem to be fine, but the majority of "Ronald Weasley" bots have been scrubbed. Other notable franchise characters appear to have escaped the culling entirely. Chatbots modeled after the beloved house elf character Dobby — of " free elf " fame — appear to be hanging on, as do "Tom Riddle" bots. In addition to its vast cinematic and theme park empire, the "Harry Potter" franchise spawned one of the world's largest and most lucrative fandoms, the term used to describe devoted fan bases that gather around specific pieces of media. And Character.AI is a deeply fandom-driven platform, with characters like "Husband Snape" being a perfect example of a user taking to Character.AI to artificially pen immersive, conversational fan fiction about — or, in a sense, with — their favorite fictional characters. Character.AI issued no public explanation for the removal of all the bots. But considering its fandom-heavy userbase and the popularity of Potterverse bots in particular, it's hard to imagine any incentive for Character.AI to remove Potterverse-themed chatbots from its platform other than outside pressure. Warner Bros. Discovery also owns several other fandom-heavy franchises including the HBO smash hit "Game of Thrones." That's a significant detail, as Character.AI was sued in October by the family of a 14-year-old in Florida who died by suicide after developing an intense emotional obsession with a Character.AI chatbot based on the "Game of Thrones" character Daenerys Targaryen, which engaged in romantic and sexual dialogue with the boy and, according to the family, at times encouraged him to take his life. (The lawsuit is ongoing, and also names Google, a significant backer of Character.AI , as a defendant.) Like Potterverse characters, "Game of Thrones" - based chatbots are extremely popular on Character.AI — and to that end, many "Game of Thrones" characters appear to have been abruptly removed from the platform as well. We reached out to both Character.AI and Warner Bros. Discovery to inquire about the character removals, but have yet to hear back from either. The pending lawsuit is just one of several piling controversies for Character.AI. The platform also came under fire in September for hosting a chatbot based on a murdered teenager , which was quickly deleted after public outcry, while Futurism has found concerning content on its service including suicide-themed chatbots , pedophile chatbots that groom users, and pro-anorexia chatbots that encourage disordered eating habits. More on Character.AI: Character.AI Is Hosting Pro-Anorexia Chatbots That Encourage Young People to Engage in Disordered Eating Share This Article
Stoli vodka files for bankruptcy in the United StatesSocial Democrats leader Holly Cairns doing ‘incredible job’ campaigning while pregnant
Trump’s lawyers rebuff DA’s idea for upholding his hush money conviction, calling it ‘absurd’
Long Island Healthcare Directives Lawyer Seth Schlessel Offers Guidance on Healthcare Directives in Latest Article 12-02-2024 11:24 PM CET | Politics, Law & Society Press release from: ABNewswire Long Island healthcare directives lawyer [ https://www.schlessellaw.com/long-island-healthcare-directives-lawyer/ ] Seth Schlessel of Schlessel Law PLLC has released an informative article discussing the importance of healthcare directives in Long Island, New York. The article emphasizes how these legal documents, including living wills and healthcare proxies, empower individuals to communicate their medical treatment preferences in situations where they may be unable to make decisions for themselves. "Healthcare directives give individuals a voice when they can no longer speak for themselves," said Long Island healthcare directives lawyer Seth Schlessel. "They help ensure that wishes are respected and provide peace of mind for both the individual and loved ones during challenging times." The article provides an in-depth explanation of healthcare directives in New York, highlighting their role in reducing family disputes, guiding medical professionals, and preventing unwanted treatments. The Long Island healthcare directives lawyer outlines the various types of advance directives, such as living wills and healthcare proxies, and how they work together to safeguard an individual's healthcare preferences. Healthcare directives are legal tools that allow individuals to document their medical treatment preferences or designate a trusted agent to make healthcare decisions on their behalf. These directives are especially important in situations where someone becomes incapacitated due to illness or injury. The article explains two primary types of healthcare directives recognized in New York: living wills and healthcare proxies. Living wills allow individuals to outline their preferences for end-of-life care, detailing treatments they wish to receive or avoid. Healthcare proxies, on the other hand, let individuals designate a trusted person (a proxy or agent) to make medical decisions for them if they become unable to make decisions themselves. "Both living wills and healthcare proxies play a vital role in honoring healthcare preferences," said Seth Schlessel. "A healthcare proxy provides flexibility for real-time decisions, while a living will serves as a written guide for wishes. Together, they form a comprehensive plan." Without a healthcare directive, medical decisions are often left to family members or healthcare providers, which can lead to confusion, conflict, or decisions that may not align with the patient's wishes. Schlessel points out that healthcare directives not only protect an individual's autonomy but also relieve family members of the emotional burden of making difficult medical decisions without guidance. The article emphasizes that creating a healthcare directive is a highly personal process that requires careful consideration of one's medical values and preferences. In New York, specific legal requirements must be met for these documents to be valid. For instance, both living wills and healthcare proxies must be signed in the presence of two adult witnesses. Schlessel advises individuals to think deeply about their values when drafting a living will, including what quality of life means to them and which life-sustaining treatments they would accept or decline. He also underscores the importance of choosing a healthcare proxy who understands their wishes and is prepared to advocate on their behalf. Life circumstances, such as marriage, divorce, or changes in health, may necessitate revisions to healthcare directives. The article encourages individuals to review their directives periodically to ensure they still reflect their current wishes and comply with New York laws. Healthcare directives are an integral part of estate planning, and the article highlights the value of working with a knowledgeable Long Island healthcare directives lawyer to create these documents. Legal professionals can help ensure that directives are clear, legally enforceable, and tailored to the individual's unique circumstances. The article provides valuable insights into the importance of healthcare directives, how they work, and the legal requirements for creating them in New York. It addresses considerations such as choosing a healthcare proxy, outlining medical preferences, and keeping directives updated, empowering individuals to take control of their healthcare decisions. About Schlessel Law PLLC: Schlessel Law PLLC is a Long Island-based law firm focused on estate planning, elder law, and healthcare directives. Led by attorney Seth Schlessel, the firm is dedicated to helping individuals and families plan for the future with confidence and clarity. Through personalized legal services, Schlessel Law PLLC assists clients in addressing healthcare planning and developing comprehensive strategies that honor their values and protect their rights. Embeds: Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cV6TTHZbG8I GMB: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=7387587768064061142 Email and website Email: seth@schlessellaw.com Website: http://www.schlessellaw.com/ Media Contact Company Name: Schlessel Law PLLC Contact Person: Seth Schlessel Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=long-island-healthcare-directives-lawyer-seth-schlessel-offers-guidance-on-healthcare-directives-in-latest-article ] Phone: (516) 574-9630 Address:34 Willis Ave Suite 300 City: Mineola State: New York 11501 Country: United States Website: https://www.schlessellaw.com/ This release was published on openPR.
The China Fund, Inc. Declares DistributionsLagos State Government remains committed to intensifying collaborative efforts with captains of industries, the private sector and artisans, as a way to create employment opportunities for graduates from its five Technical Colleges. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu stated this on Monday at The-Blue Roof, Agidingbi, Ikeja, the venue of the graduation ceremony of over 2000 students of its Technical Colleges, which was coordinated by the Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB). He also stressed that by investing in the skills and capabilities of youths, the state is building the foundation for a prosperous, inclusive, and self-reliant society. According to a statement by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, the event is in line with the administration’s commitment to education and technology. In his speech during the event, the Governor urged the graduates to look beyond present challenges and strive for excellence using the skills garnered to compete favourably with their global counterparts in various vocational skills. He said, “Today, we celebrate not just the academic and technical achievements of over 2,000 graduates but also the remarkable potential they represent for the future of Lagos State and Nigeria. “The significance of technical and vocational education cannot be overstated. Institutions like LASTVEB equip young people with practical, industry-relevant skills that meet the demands of an evolving economy. Across trades such as engineering, construction, ICT, business, and the creative arts, our graduates have acquired the tools not just to participate in the workforce but to transform it through innovation and dedication. “This achievement aligns perfectly with our administration’s commitment to the Education and Technology pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda. By investing in the skills and capabilities of our youth, we are building the foundation for a prosperous, inclusive, and self-reliant society. “Beyond these individual accomplishments, technical and vocational education drives community development, reduces unemployment, and ensures our graduates are competitive globally. “For instance, technical education has been shown to increase graduation rates, improve employability, and foster entrepreneurship. Many of our graduates today will step into the world as job creators, while others will fill critical roles in high-demand industries, bolstering Lagos State’s economic standing both nationally and internationally. “This event also underscores the importance of collaboration between government, industries, and educational institutions. Through our partnerships, we have been able to ensure that the curriculum remains aligned with current industry standards and that our students receive hands-on, experiential learning.” Governor Sanwo-Olu, while congratulating the graduating students, urged them to use their skills for societal transformation. He said, “As you step into the next phase of your lives, remember that your skills are powerful tools—not only for personal success but for societal transformation. “I congratulate all our graduates and thank the management and staff of LASTVEB, parents, and stakeholders for their tireless contributions to this achievement. Together, we are shaping a future where technical education is celebrated and valued as a cornerstone of sustainable development.” Speaking earlier, Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Tolani Alli-Balogun, urged the graduating students to think deeply, aim higher and strive for excellence in their career path and help in stimulating the economic growth of the country, noting that no nation develops without an adequate and robust technical education for the advancement of skills, knowledge development. “I know that turning your dreams into reality is not always easy. It requires hard work, dedication, and perseverance. It demands that you be focused, disciplined, and committed to your goals. It necessitates that you be willing to take risks, to face your fears and overcome them, and to push beyond your comfort zones. “Our ever-dedicated, amiable Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has created leverage through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and Ministry of Wealth Creation to further empower you to greater heights in your career path. So that you can fit into the labour market, be self-employed, and eventually become employers of labour,” the commissioner said. Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB), Ms. Moronke Azeez, noted that Sanwo-olu’s administration is tackling unemployment challenges through different initiatives, producing skilled technicians for technical development to create more employment for youths and make them self-reliant. Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Miss Daniella Okpako, thanked Lagos State Government for its unwavering commitment to advancing technical education in the State and advocated scholarship for deserving students to further their education and build on the skills acquired. During the event, David Uchendu, who majored in Mechanical Engineering Craft Practice from Government Technical College, Ikotun, emerged as Best Overall, while Daniel Salami from Government Technical College, Agidingbi, who studied Instrument Mechanic Works emerged as Best in Innovation. Ifeoma Abalogun, from Government Technical College, Epe, who majored in Painting and Decoration, and Daniel Okpako, who studied Blocklaying, Bricklaying and Concreting from Government Technical College, Ikotun, were also honoured as Best Female in Construction. Benedict Wisdom (Electrical Installation and Maintenance Works), Oluwapelumi Adedeji (Garment Making), Babatunde Boyejo (Electrical Installation and Maintenance Works), Moyosore Odofin (Instrument Mechanic Works), and Grace Arebisola (Garment Making) were also recognised as Best Students from the five Government Technical Colleges in Ado-Soba, Agidingbi, Epe, Ikorodu and Ikotun respectively.None
Who is FBI Director Christopher Wray?