fb777com

Medical Bed Market Size: Strong Growth Ahead (2024-2032)By Chinenye Anuforo Nigeria , a nation rich in natural resources, faces significant challenges in ensuring reliable and affordable energy access. Professor Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, a leading expert in consumer advocacy and renewable energy, understands the potentials of renewable energy in transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape. As the Executive Director of the Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF), Professor Ndukwe-Okafor who has been at the forefront of driving sustainable energy initiatives. CADEF, in collaboration with Jacob’s Ladder Africa, is spearheading innovative projects like the Green Labs Incubation program to empower young Nigerians and foster green energy solutions. In this insightful conversation with Daily Sun recently, Professor Ndukwe-Okafor discusses the current state of Nigeria’s electricity sector, the potentials of Distributed Energy Resources (DER), and the importance of education and awareness in driving the transition to a sustainable energy future. How would you assess the current state of electricity in Nigeria compared to other countries? Nigeria’s electricity situation is a well-known challenge. We face significant power shortages, with demand far exceeding supply. This shortfall impacts both urban and rural areas, hindering industrial growth and economic development. Beyond making renewable energy knowledge accessible to everyone, what other gaps must we address to benefit the average consumer? We are well aware of the electricity deficit in both urban and rural areas, particularly in suburban and interior regions. This lack of power hampers industrial production. To fully harness renewable energy, we need to prioritize education and awareness. Our current curriculum, from secondary to tertiary levels, lacks the necessary focus on renewable energy technologies. We must cultivate a skilled workforce capable of maintaining and producing renewable energy solutions. By transitioning to a manufacturing economy, we can reduce reliance on imports and leverage our abundant natural resources. To achieve this, we must update our educational system to equip students with the knowledge and skills required for the renewable energy sector. Therefore, a significant gap lies in education and skill development. What is the goal of the DER initiative, and how can it benefit the average Nigerian consumer? Earlier today, we discussed Distributed Energy Resources (DER). The goal is to make electricity more accessible to the average consumer. The DER website is designed to empower people to make informed decisions about renewable energy, particularly solar power. By using the solar calculator and other resources on the website, individuals can avoid being misled by unscrupulous vendors. Our hope is that within the next three months, the website will attract 20,000 to 30,000 visitors. We want people to leave the site feeling informed and inspired, with at least 20% considering renewable energy as a viable option for their energy needs. Ultimately, we aim to spread awareness about the availability and benefits of DER across Nigeria.” What challenges have you encountered in implementing the DER initiative, and how are you addressing them? One significant challenge is the dissemination of information. We are actively collaborating with various agencies and organizations to reach a wider audience. Additionally, we’re working to overcome data silos and improve access to reliable information. What are the benefits of adopting green energy for the average Nigerian? Green energy offers numerous advantages for Nigerians. By switching to renewable sources like solar or wind power, individuals can: Reduce harmful emissions and air pollution, leading to better respiratory health. It can minimize noise disturbances from traditional generators. Lower long-term energy expenses, as renewable energy sources become more affordable over time. Green energy can also make you become less reliant on fossil fuels and fluctuating fuel prices as well as support environmental conservation and reduce carbon footprint. While the initial investment in green energy systems can be significant, the long-term benefits, including cost savings and environmental impact reduction, make it a worthwhile investment for the average Nigerian. Many people are interested in alternative energy solutions in the country. However, accessibility remains a challenge. What can be done to improve access to these solutions? On our website, we have some of the institutions that offer different types of loans. We hope to we will continue to increase as more, financing options are made available to us. We will add them to the list. But, also, that the government will also look into completely removing tariffs because most of majority of of renewable energy, materials are imported. So there is a need to remove tariffs in order to encourage more people to install it. If I install it in my office, there should be a tax incentive. Reduce their tax level taxes, to encourage them because they’re not providing their own energy. So, there should be tax incentives. VATs should be removed for installation to encourage people to sign up for renewable energy resources. So these are some of the things that governments would do could do. There are policies, already. There are existing policies in place that encourage this. But we should go from what your question is, more financial incentives to encourage this. What initiatives is CADEF undertaking to empower young people and encourage their involvement in the green energy sector? CADEF, in partnership with Jacob’s Ladder is currently running the Green Labs Incubation program. Over 81 young people applied, and 20 were selected to participate in a 5-week innovation challenge. The program is designed to help these young innovators develop not only great ideas but also the skills to turn those ideas into successful businesses. Over the next 9 months, they will receive training in areas such as mindset, finance, leadership, market research, and business development. In addition to the incubation program, CADEF is working with the Ministry of Environment to develop an awareness program for secondary and tertiary institutions. This program will educate young people about the green economy and encourage sustainable practices, such as recycling and conscious consumption.” What is your vision for Nigeria’s energy future, and how can CADEF contribute to achieving this? We aspire to become a nation admired for its economic progress. By investing in renewable energy, we can support industries and manufacturing. Nigeria is rich in natural resources, but to thrive as a manufacturing hub, we need reliable infrastructure, including a stable power supply. We aim to revive our manufacturing sector and reduce our dependence on imports, as we did in the 1970s. Our goal is to transition from being a net importer to a net exporter of goods and services.” What message do you have for young Nigerians who are passionate about making a difference in the energy sector? My message to young people is that we are in the 21st century, on the cusp of the 22nd. The future is driven by technology, sustainability, and human connection. Young people should focus on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and block chain, as well as sustainable practices in the green and blue economies. Ultimately, success lies in building strong communities and supporting one another.”The North Carolina Teaching Fellows Commission has selected 210 individuals to receive North Carolina Teaching Fellows awards for the Class of 2025 during its early-decision window. The Teaching Fellows program is a competitive, merit-based forgivable loan program providing tuition assistance of up to $10,000 a year for qualified students committed to teaching elementary education, special education, science, technology, engineering, or math in a North Carolina public school. The purpose of the program is to recruit, prepare and support future teachers who attend institutions of higher education in North Carolina. The award winners may attend any of the program’s 10 partner institutions pending admission: Appalachian State University; East Carolina University; Elon University; Fayetteville State University; North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University; NC State University; Meredith College; University of North Carolina at Charlotte; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; and University of North Carolina at Pembroke. In the early-decision window, the NCTF commission received 307 completed and screened applications. The commission considered grade point average, leadership and experience, awards and honors, written essays, educator recommendations, and video submissions to offer the 210 awards. Standardized test scores from SAT/ACT were optional to align with admission standards from participating colleges and universities. Students who did not receive an early-decision award were deferred to the regular application period, which runs until Feb. 28, 2025. Any potential teachers in the areas of elementary, STEM, or special education are encouraged to apply at www.ncteachingfellows.org during the regular application window. The comprehensive list of the Class of 2025 Teaching Fellows awardees will be finalized in March 2025. “Congratulations to these deserving winners chosen during our early-decision process,” Bennett Jones, director of the North Carolina Teaching Fellows program, said. “We look forward to their future careers in classrooms around the state. We are heartened by the continued growth of the program, and we are grateful for the support of lawmakers and education leaders as we continue to promote the teaching profession.” The 210 awards in the early-decision window represent a 61% increase in early-action awards from last year’s window. The early-decision awardees feature 134 high school seniors, 60 college transfer students and 16 licensure-only students. The early-award recipients hail from 126 different cities and towns representing 63 counties across the state. The early class of 2025 includes 30% minority recipients. Finally, 136 of the early-decision award winners intend to study elementary education, 45 are pursuing licensure in the areas of STEM education, and 29 are planning to be licensed in special education. The North Carolina Teaching Fellows Commission is comprised of four deans from educator preparation programs, a community college president, a beginning teacher, a principal, a member from business and industry, and a local school board member. The NC Teacher of the Year, Principal of the Year, Superintendent of the Year, Chair of the State Education Assistance Authority Board of Directors, and Director of the Teaching Fellows program all serve as ex-officio members of the commission. Concord — Julia-Madison Pacetti, Sydney Warren, Sydney Williams, and Sarah Wilson Granite Falls — Ava Aldrich and Emily Haas Hamptonville — Allie Reynolds and Mattie Tavano Hickory — Miriam Wood Lenoir — Emma Brown, Natalie Crump Lincolnton — Mary Franklin and Jadyn White Maiden — Madison Dellinger Mooresville — Sophie Baum, Isabel Gamble and Jovi Griffin Morganton — Laney Hodge Mount Pleasant — Ellie Shoe Olin — Stephanie Elkins Rutherfordton — Maytlin Bailey Statesville — Carter Kincaid, Taylorsville — Rebekah Winkler Troutman — Megan Macartney Valdese — Peter Skelton Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.PM Justin Trudeau’s crisis puts spotlight on succession rules for Canada’s liberals

Arne Slot ’s Liverpool have enjoyed a sensational start to the season, winning 16 of their first 18 games to dominate both the Premier League and the Champions League. Having dropped just five points so far, the Reds now face a true test of their resolve with back-to-back clashes at Anfield against Real Madrid on Wednesday in the UCL and Manchester City on Sunday. Liverpool are reportedly monitoring Sunderland talent Trey Ogunsuyi and may prepare a bold January move for the Black Cats prospect. His potential arrival could coincide with the departure of one of Liverpool’s own young strikers. With the January transfer window nearing, the Reds have an opportunity to strengthen their squad as they aim to contend for four trophies in the second half of the season. Slot eyes Sunderland striker as Jayden Danns set for Anfield exit According to the Sunderland Echo , Liverpool are focusing on long-term planning and have shown a strong interest in 17-year-old Sunderland prospect Trey Ogunsuyi. The Belgian youth international, yet to make his senior debut, has been named on the bench three times this season under Regis Le Bris, including during Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Millwall. With Ogunsuyi’s contract running until the summer of 2026 , Liverpool are reportedly considering a move for the teenager. It remains unclear whether they will act in January or wait until the summer, but success this time would mark redemption for the Reds after narrowly missing out on signing him as a scholar. Belgian striker Trey Ogunsuyi is making a name for himself at academy level, and he could be the next hot prospect off the Sunderland production line! @PaddyHollis123 #HawayTheLads // #SAFC https://t.co/znxOO6rl3n Liverpool forward set to be loaned out Liverpool may look to sweeten a potential deal for Trey Ogunsuyi by offering Sunderland the chance to take 18-year-old forward Jayden Danns on loan for the remainder of the season. Danns played five times for Liverpool’s senior side last season , catching attention with a brace in a 3-0 FA Cup win over Southampton, and will temporarily leave Anfield in January. While injuries have disrupted his progress this season, Danns recently returned to action, prompting Liverpool to consider a loan move to aid his development. The Reds favour sending him to a Championship side, inspired by the impressive strides Ben Doak has made during his loan at Middlesbrough. Privileged to have signed a new contract with this incredible club @LFC pic.twitter.com/Ne92KiWBa5 Anfield could serve as the perfect platform for Sunderland’s Trey Ogunsuyi, offering him the ideal environment for development. The young striker has received glowing praise, raising the possibility of him earning a place in Liverpool’s first team in the future. For Jayden Danns, a loan move appears to be the most sensible path forward. A recent return from injury positions him perfectly for a stint at a Championship club, offering the opportunity to gain first-team action. This article first appeared on The Kop Times and was syndicated with permission.Australia is banning social media for people under 16. Could this work elsewhere — or even there?

Until now, Ms Weinstein has been the US firm’s vice president and managing director in the UK and Ireland, having previously worked at Unilever. She said her focus will be on “unlocking AI-powered growth for everyone”, calling the current AI boom a “pivotal” time for the tech giant. Google has joined many of its rivals in launching a string of high-profile generative AI products in recent times, led by the firm’s generative AI-powered assistant, Gemini. “Europe, the Middle East and Africa is an amazingly diverse and varied region, but the enormous growth opportunity that AI can create is universal,” she said. “My focus will be on unlocking that AI-powered growth for everyone – users, businesses, partners and governments across every part of the region. “I’m excited to be stepping into this role at a pivotal time, in a company where I’ve spent the last ten years and leading a region where I’ve spent much of my life.” Google employs more than 29,000 people across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with 56 offices across 35 countries in those regions working on many of the firm’s largest products, including its search engine, the Android mobile operating system and its Chrome web browser. Its AI research arm, at Google DeepMind, is also led from London. Philipp Schindler, Google senior vice president and chief business officer, said: “This is the AI era and we are only just beginning to see its transformative impact on business and society. “In such a pivotal moment for technology, I’m thrilled we’ve appointed a visionary leader to be our President of Google EMEA. “Debbie brings a track record of unlocking growth that benefits everyone, alongside the passion and focus needed to help our customers succeed, as we bring the best of Google’s Gemini-era to everyone across EMEA.”