2024 genie

Sowei 2025-01-12
The crypto scene is a whirlwind of ups and downs, with some coins struggling to keep up while others shine with promising growth prospects. The BNB price is fighting to maintain $721 after recent market corrections, causing concern about its future despite previous gains. On the other hand, the Polkadot price forecast looks promising, with expectations of reaching $24 by the first quarter of 2025. BlockDAG (BDAG) has become a highlight with its presale skyrocketing. It has amassed over $165.5 million in presale funds, and its miner sales have exceeded 14,800 units, bringing in $5.9 million. The upgrade to BlockDAG’s Keccak256 hashing has boosted the demand for its mining equipment, with crypto fans eager to get their hands on the X series miners before they sell out. Furthermore, the demand for BDAG coins is surging, with predictions setting its price at $20 by 2027, making BlockDAG one of the top crypto coins right now . BNB Price Struggles: Why? The BNB price climbed 10% last week to $721, fueled by strong market dynamics, but it recently faced a downturn, raising doubts about its future. Despite a rise in market confidence, BNB’s price fell by over 2% in the last day, reflecting a negative market mood. Decreasing social influence and mixed feelings hint at reduced excitement. However, some indicators provide a varied outlook. An increase in the long/short ratio suggests that some traders foresee a rebound, while a 33% fall in trading volume could signal stabilization before a potential uptick. Currently, the BNB price needs to stay above the $710 support level to avoid further losses. Breaking past the $744 resistance is critical for BNB’s next positive phase. Explore Polkadot Price Forecast The Polkadot price forecast remains upbeat despite potential short-term setbacks. After a rise to $11.65 in early December, technical signals like the RSI suggest a temporary consolidation is imminent. The Polkadot price forecast indicates the $10.5 mark is crucial; falling below could challenge the $8.4 support. Yet, strong purchasing activity and positive market sentiment suggest any downturn will be short-lived. Analysts are confident about Polkadot’s future, estimating a $24 price target by early 2025. Its increasing adoption and cross-chain capabilities continue to propel Polkadot’s ecosystem forward, making it a prime candidate for investment before the anticipated surge. BlockDAG Mining Rush: $5.9 Million Earned and Counting BlockDAG’s X series miners are flying off the shelves, with sales of over 14,800 units racking up $5.9 million to date. The shift to the more secure and efficient Keccak256 hashing algorithm has sparked a buying spree, as miners rush to grab their units before the stock is depleted. Offering models like the user-friendly X10, the robust X30, and the elite X100, these miners promise great profitability and scalability. Miners are jumping at the chance to secure their machines now, with BDAG’s price expected to hit $20 by 2027, potentially delivering life-altering returns to early participants. BlockDAG’s impressive presale numbers tell the tale of its soaring demand, having raised $165.5 million and sold over 17.2 billion coins at just $0.0234 in Batch 26. Early adopters have seen a 2240% ROI since Batch 1, highlighting the significant profit potential. While others like BNB and Polkadot also show promise, they don’t quite match BlockDAG’s rapid growth, miner rewards, high ROI, and buzz. With BDAG coins in high demand and miner stock dwindling, time is running out. For those eyeing the top crypto coins right now, now is the time to claim a stake in BlockDAG before it takes the lead in the market. Essential Insights: Spotlight on Top Crypto Coins Right Now The BNB price is at a critical point, needing to surpass $744 to spark a new wave of bullish enthusiasm. Conversely, Polkadot’s price forecast is bright, aiming for a $24 mark by 2025, supported by its expanding use and network. Both projects remain in the spotlight, but BlockDAG is the talk of the town among crypto enthusiasts and miners. With unstoppable momentum, $165.5 million raised, over 14,800 miners sold, and $5.9 million in sales from miners alone, BlockDAG’s progress is remarkable. The upgrade to the sophisticated Keccak256 hashing technology has triggered immense demand for BlockDAG’s X Series miners, setting miners up for unparalleled profitability as the BDAG price is anticipated to reach $20 by 2027. For those searching for the top crypto coins right now , BlockDAG’s rapid expansion and forward-thinking strategy position it as the top opportunity of the year. Presale: https://purchase.blockdag.network Website: https://blockdag.network Telegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetworkOfficial Discord: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp _____________ Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.2024 genie

Abdullah Abdin Ready Mix Concrete Becomes the First CSC-Certified Ready-Mix Concrete Company in the MENA region

ST. LOUIS, Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Marketing Alliance, Inc. MAAL ("TMA" or the "Company"), announced its financial results today for its fiscal 2025 second quarter ended September 30, 2024. Fiscal Q2 2025 Financial Key Items (all comparisons to the prior year period) Revenues were $4,928,950 compared to $4,891,830. The increase was primarily due to 10% revenue growth in the insurance distribution business that was offset by a decline in construction revenue Operating income from continuing operations of $486,639 compared to $591,187 in the prior year period Net income was $401,511 or $0.05 per share compared to $236,599 or $.03 per share in the prior year period Subsequent to the end of the quarter, on October 28, the Company announced its Board of Directors had authorized a share repurchase program to repurchase up to 800,000 shares of issued and outstanding common stock and decided to discontinue paying dividends effective immediately Management Comments Timothy M. Klusas, TMA's Chief Executive Officer, commented, "While our bottom-line results were similar to the second fiscal quarter last year, this quarter showed a 10% revenue increase in the insurance distribution business. The investments in the business we made, and continue to make, appeared to begin to result in growth. During this quarter the Company filled two key open leadership roles, introduced a new logo to reflect a more modern customer-centric company, and integrated new tools and technologies on to our insurance distribution platform for customers to save time, save expense, and in turn drive better outcomes for their customers. In the construction business we completed a large job that was initiated in the prior fiscal year. We continued to maintain a very disciplined approach to only undertaking jobs that were economically profitable with respect to our capabilities. We continued to believe this approach positions us to perform better and have capacity to undertake more suitable jobs." Mr. Klusas added, "Our general and administrative operating expenses increased this quarter due to a one-time $147,720 non-cash compensation expense. While we have worked very hard to reduce our expenses, we recognized that we may have to adjust these expenses to continue to perform at a high level. We continued to reduce debt and further strengthened our balance sheet by changing our position on dividends." On October 28 the Company announced its approval of a share repurchase authorization and its decision to discontinue the dividend. At the time, Timothy Klusas, the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "The share repurchase authorization represents our financial strength and commitment to enhance shareholder value, and the Board's willingness to change tactics to do so. The Board recognized, nor did it take lightly, that this action would be a significant change in our shareholder distribution strategy of paying dividends, which the Company has paid consistently since its founding in 1996. The Board arrived at this decision after monitoring the stock price while paying dividends and has concluded in its judgement that its dividend policy was not adequately reflected in the stock price." As of November 27, the Company has repurchased approximately 62,000 shares under this authorization. Fiscal Second Quarter 2025 Financial Review Revenues were $4,928,950 compared to $4,891,830, due to 10% growth in the insurance distribution business that was offset by a decrease in the construction business. Net operating revenue (gross profit) for the quarter was $1,367,731, compared to net operating revenue of $1,427,796 in the prior year fiscal period. While Net operating revenue was greater this quarter in the insurance business, it was offset by a decrease in the construction business versus the prior year quarter. Operating expenses increased to $881,092 compared to $836,609 for the prior year. The increase was due to a one-time non-cash expense of $147,720. The Company reported operating income from continuing operations of $486,639 compared to $591,187 in the prior year period, with differences due to factors discussed above. Operating EBITDA (excluding investment portfolio income) of $553,396 was less than the prior year quarterly EBITDA of $669,709. A note reconciling operating EBITDA to operating income can be found at the end of this release. Investment gain (loss), net (from non-operating investment portfolio) for the quarter was $61,203 as compared with ($129,263) during the same period the previous year. The Company has reduced its holdings of equity securities by 32% at the end of the quarter versus the prior year. Net income was $401,511, or $0.05 per share, compared to $236,599 or $0.03 per share. Common shares outstanding increased 100,000 pursuant to Director retention plans. Balance Sheet Information TMA's balance sheet on September 30, 2024, reflected cash and cash equivalents of $1.4 million; working capital of $6.1 million; and shareholders' equity of $6.4 million; compared to cash and cash equivalents of $1.8 million, working capital of $6.1 million, and shareholders' equity of $6.5 million as of September 30, 2023. About The Marketing Alliance, Inc. Headquartered in St. Louis, MO, TMA provides support to independent insurance brokerage agencies, with a goal of integrating insurance and "insuretech" engagement platforms to provide members value-added services on a more efficient basis than they can achieve individually. Investor information can be accessed through the shareholder section of TMA's website at: http://www.themarketingalliance.com/shareholder-information . TMA's common stock is quoted on the OTC Markets ( http://www.otcmarkets.com ) under the symbol "MAAL". Forward Looking Statement Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may affect TMA's business and prospects. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding our expectations of growth based upon our investments in our business, our recently announced stock repurchase program, our plans to reduce expenses, and our ability to undertake more suitable jobs and generate earnings from our construction business. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release represent our estimates, expectations or intentions only as of the date hereof, or as of such earlier dates as are indicated, and should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any subsequent date. These statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, expectations of the economic environment, material adverse changes in economic conditions in the markets we serve and in the general economy; the ways that insurance carriers may react in their underwriting policies and procedures to the continuing risks they perceive from public health matters; the ability of our construction business to be engaged for projects and for those projects to commence on the anticipated timetable and with the anticipated profitability; our reliance on a limited number of insurance carriers and any potential termination of those relationships or failure to develop new relationships; privacy and cyber security matters and our ability to protect confidential information; future state and federal regulatory actions and conditions in the states in which we conduct our business; our ability to work with carriers on marketing, distribution and product development; pricing and other payment decisions and policies of the carriers in our insurance distribution business, changes in the public securities markets that affect the value of our investment portfolio; and weather and environmental conditions in the areas served by our construction business. While we may elect to update forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so. . Contact: The Marketing Alliance, Inc. -OR- The Equity Group Inc. Timothy M. Klusas, President Jeremy Hellman, Vice President (314) 275-8713 (212) 836-9626 tklusas@themarketingalliance.com www.TheMarketingAlliance.com jhellman@equityny.com CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Three Months Ended Six Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Insurance commission and fee revenue $ 4,315,325 $ 3,915,691 $ 8,582,736 $ 7,814,835 Construction revenue 592,270 944,139 689,722 1,124,941 Other insurance revenue 21,355 32,000 42,035 61,800 Total revenues 4,928,950 4,891,830 9,314,493 9,001,576 Insurance distributor related expenses: Distributor bonuses and commissions 2,852,956 2,598,684 5,874,359 5,158,737 Business processing and distributor costs 446,389 339,392 837,784 633,267 Depreciation 1,913 2,859 4,834 5,751 3,301,258 2,940,935 6,716,977 5,797,755 Costs of construction: Direct and indirect costs of construction 197,034 461,617 328,465 615,160 Depreciation 62,927 61,482 125,189 118,494 259,961 523,099 453,654 733,654 Total costs of revenues 3,561,219 3,464,034 7,170,631 6,531,409 Net operating revenue 1,367,731 1,427,796 2,143,862 2,470,167 Total general and administrative expenses 881,092 836,609 1,608,367 1,826,789 Operating income from continuing operations 486,639 591,187 535,495 643,378 Other income (expense): Investment gain, net 61,203 (129,263) 23,983 22,949 Interest expense (31,331 ) (50,625) (74,658 ) (97,320) Other income - - 4,938 - Income from continuing operations before provision 516,511 411,299 489.758 569,007 for income taxes Income tax expense 115,000 174,700 138,100 192,900 Net Income $ 401,511 $ 236,599 $ 351,658 376,107 Average Shares Outstanding 8,210,266 8,081,266 8,210,266 8,081,266 Operating Income from continuing operations per Share $ 0.06 $ 0.07 $ 0.07 $ 0.08 Net Income per Share $ 0.05 $ 0.03 $ 0.04 $ 0.05 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Sept 30, Sept 30, 2024 2023 ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,373,965 $ 1,764,444 Equity securities 2,768,917 4,054,377 Restricted cash 2,098,557 613,932 Accounts receivable 6,937,248 7,091,640 Current portion of notes receivable 541,860 120,921 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 172,557 130,159 Total current assets 13,893,104 13,775,473 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT , net 762,452 965,129 OTHER ASSETS receivable, net due to the allowance 63,614 565,186 Restricted cash - 1,893,097 Operating lease right-of-use assets 115,183 250,735 Total other assets 178,797 2,709,018 $ 14,834,353 $ 17,449,620 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts payable and accrued expenses 4,980,015 5,537,353 Dividends payable - 404,663 Line of credit payable - 675,000 Current portion of notes payable 2,604,804 920,898 Current portion of finance lease liability 119,946 35,509 Current portion of operating lease liability 76,956 130,285 Liabilities related to discontinued operations 677 677 Total current liabilities 7,782,398 7,704,385 LONG-TERM LIABILITIES Notes payable, net of current portion and debt issuance costs 291,174 2,831,359 Finance lease liability, net of current portion - 123,084 Operating lease liability, net of current portion 35,951 112,907 Deferred taxes 313,000 216,000 Other liabilities related to discontinued operations - - Total long-term liabilities 640,125 3,283,350 Total liabilities 8,422,523 10,987,735 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Preferred stock, no par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding - - Common stock, no par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized, 8,081,266 shares issued and outstanding September 30, 2023 8,210,266 shares issued and outstanding September 30, 2024 1,173,061 1,025,341 Retained earnings 5,238,769 5,436,544 Total shareholders' equity 6,411,830 6,461,885 $ 14,834,353 $ 17,449,620 Note – Operating EBITDA (excluding investment portfolio income) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended EBITDA Calculation September 30, September 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Operating Income from Continuing Operations $ 486,639 $ 591,187 $ 535,495 $ 643,378 Add: Depreciation/Amortization Expense $ 66,757 $ 78,522 $ 141,508 $ 151,283 EBITDA (Excluding Investment Portfolio Income) $ 553,396 $ 669,709 $ 677,003 $ 794,661 The Company elects not to include investment portfolio income because the Company believes it is non-operating in nature. The Company uses Operating EBITDA as a measure of operating performance. However, Operating EBITDA is not a recognized measurement under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, and when analyzing its operating performance, investors should use Operating EBITDA in addition to, and not as an alternative for, income as determined in accordance with GAAP. Because not all companies use identical calculations, its presentation of Operating EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies and is therefore limited as a comparative measure. Furthermore, as an analytical tool, Operating EBITDA has additional limitations, including that (a) it is not intended to be a measure of free cash flow, as it does not consider certain cash requirements such as tax payments; (b) it does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, its working capital needs; and (c) although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized often will have to be replaced in the future, and Operating EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements, or future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments. To compensate for these limitations, the Company evaluates its profitability by considering the economic effect of the excluded expense items independently as well as in connection with its analysis of cash flows from operations and through the use of other financial measures. The Company believes Operating EBITDA is useful to an investor in evaluating its operating performance because it is widely used to measure a company's operating performance without regard to certain non-cash or unrealized expenses (such as depreciation and amortization) and expenses that are not reflective of its core operating results over time. The Company believes Operating EBITDA presents a meaningful measure of corporate performance exclusive of its capital structure, the method by which assets were acquired, and non-cash charges and provides additional useful information to measure performance on a consistent basis, particularly with respect to changes in performance from period to period. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

The mystery surrounding at least one of the unexplained drones causing Americans to look toward the night sky in recent days was solved late Saturday evening, when Boston police arrested two men for flying their unmanned aerial device too close to Logan Airport. According to police, 42-year-old Robert Duffy of Charlestown and 32-year-old Jeremy Folcik of Bridgewater were arrested Saturday on Long Island, after officials noticed the drone on their monitoring systems. “The incident began earlier that evening, at 4:30 p.m., when a Boston Police Officer specializing in real-time crime surveillance detected an Unmanned Aircraft System operating dangerously close to Logan International Airport. Leveraging advanced UAS monitoring technology, the Officer identified the drone’s location, altitude, flight history, and the operators’ position on Long Island,” the Boston Police Department said in a Sunday statement. After rallying officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Massachusetts State Police, the Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Federal Communications Commission, and Logan Airport Air Traffic Control, the Boston Police Harbor Patrol Unit was dispatched to the Boston Harbor Islands, where they allegedly found Duffy and Folcik, along with another man on the closed Long Island Health campus. All three attempted to flee on foot, according to police, but the arrested pair were caught and a drone found in their possession. The third man, according to police, is “believed to have fled the island in a small vessel.” Police say that all three were engaging in seriously dangerous behavior. “Operators are prohibited from flying drones over people or vehicles and must be aware of airspace restrictions. Even small drones pose significant risks, including the potential for catastrophic damage to airplanes and helicopters. Near-collisions can cause pilots to veer off course, putting lives and property at risk,” they said. Both Duffy and Folcik will appear in Dorchester District Court on charges of trespassing, police said. This is a developing story and it will be updated.Insurgents reach gates of Syria’s capital, threatening to upend decades of Assad rule

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Cementing its position as an industry leader in sustainability and innovation TABUK, Saudi Arabia , Dec. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Abdullah Abdin Ready-Mix Concrete is proud to announce its achievement of the Concrete Sustainability Council (CSC) certification, a milestone that establishes it as a leader in sustainable construction in the MENA region. This recognition makes Abdullah Abdin Ready-Mix Concrete the first ready-mix concrete company in the MENA region—and the first outside Europe , South America , and Turkey—to receive this esteemed certification. The CSC certification highlights Abdullah Abdin's dedication to implementing advanced sustainability practices and setting a higher standard for environmental and social responsibility, reflecting its commitment to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and reinforcing its position as a forward-thinking leader in the construction sector. Launched in 2017 as a global initiative to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the concrete sector, the Concrete Sustainability Council (CSC) is the only globally applicable certification system for ready-mixed and precast concrete. With 1,288 active certified plants in 25 countries, CSC certification is recognized by leading green building labels such as LEED and BREEAM. To celebrate the achievement, an award ceremony took place today at the company's premises in Sharma, NEOM, where notable attendees from the industry and the company's partners gathered to mark this significant accomplishment, which is expected to inspire similar efforts across the region. "This milestone demonstrates our commitment to advancing Saudi Arabia's leadership in sustainable development," said Tariq Abdullah Abdin , CEO of Abdullah Abdin Ready-Mix Concrete. "As the first company in the region to achieve this certification, we aim to set the standard for environmentally responsible construction while contributing to the Kingdom's ambitious Vision 2030 goals and fulfilling the aspirations of our partners, particularly in Giga projects with NEOM leading the way." Cynthia Imesch , Coordinator and Sustainability Manager at the Concrete Sustainability Council, remarked: " Abdullah Abdin's achievement represents a significant step forward for the region's construction industry. By integrating sustainability into their operations, they exemplify the transformative role businesses can play in achieving global climate objectives. Their leadership paves the way for broader industry adoption of these critical standards." Rabih Fakih , Managing Director at Grey Matters, the regional system operator for CSC, added: "We are proud to support Abdullah Abdin in achieving this certification as it reflects the growing momentum for sustainable construction in the Middle East . This milestone not only highlights their leadership but also serves as an inspiration for other companies to adopt practices that align with the environmental aspirations of Vision 2030 and NEOM." In addition to achieving CSC certification, Abdullah Abdin recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with MENA region Cryo and CarbonCure Technologies. This collaboration focuses on deploying carbon capture and utilization technologies across its facilities, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance the sustainability of concrete production. By leveraging innovative solutions such as injecting captured CO2 into concrete mixes, the partnership aligns with Abdullah Abdin's broader mission to lead in eco-friendly construction practices and actively contribute to the Kingdom's decarbonization goals. For more information about Abdullah Abdin and its sustainability initiatives, please visit https://aabdin-sa.com/ . About Abdullah Abdin Ready Mix Concrete Founded in 1981 in the Tabuk region, Abdullah Abdin Ready-Mix Concrete has become a trusted name in construction materials, known for its quality, innovation, and sustainability. The company's contributions to major projects across Saudi Arabia underscore its reputation as a leader in building the Kingdom's future. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2581568/Abdullah_Abdin%C2%A0Ready_Mix_Concrete.jpgASML Deadline: ASML Investors with Losses in Excess of $100K Have Opportunity to Lead ASML Holding N.V. Securities Fraud LawsuitTexas, Georgia, Alabama top SEC and national recruiting rankings after early signingsTrudeau government splits contentious online harms bill in effort to get child safety guidelines passed into law

Global Fast-moving Consumer Goods Software Market Size, Share and Forecast By Key Players-Abel Software, SANeForce, FieldAssist, Uneecops Technologies, Infopulse

The Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Birmingham Chapter Mr. Prince Kwadwo Osei, has praised the leadership of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) for selecting Berekum Holy Family Hospital in the Bono Region as one of the facilities offering free dialysis sessions under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). In a statement issued from his base in Birmingham, Mr. Osei lauded the initiative ledChief Executive of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), led by Dr. DaCosta Aboagye, describing it as both strategic and timely. He highlighted the significance of the decision, emphasizing that it would alleviate the burden on patients with renal issues in the Bono Region who previously had to travel to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in the Ashanti Region for treatment. “The proximity of Berekum to Sunyani, the Bono Regional capital, makes this choice an excellent one, as it will serve patients not only within Bono but also in parts of the Ahafo and Northern Regions,” he noted. Mr. Osei, affectionately known as One-in-Town, acknowledged that when Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia announced the free dialysis policy under the NHIS, many dismissed it as mere campaign rhetoric. However, he pointed out that its successful implementation on December 1, 2024, demonstrates the government’s commitment to delivering on its promises. He further credited Dr. Bawumia’s leadership and vision, stating, “Social intervention policies like this are among the reasons why Dr. Bawumia stands out as the best choice for Ghana. His track record as the most performing Vice President in Ghana’s political history, coupled with his unblemished integrity, makes him the ideal candidate for the December 7, 2024, general elections.” Mr. Osei also confirmed that free dialysis sessions commenced smoothly at the Berekum Holy Family Hospital, with officials from the NHIA’s national office present to oversee the rollout. “This marks a significant milestone and the icing on the cake,” he remarked. He expressed optimism that such policies would continue to enhance healthcare accessibility and improve the lives of Ghanaians across the country.

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The Marketing Alliance Announces Financial Results for Quarter Ended September 30, 2024

The lawmaker representing Ilorin South in the Kwara State House of Assembly (KWSHA), Yusuf Maryam Aladi, on Sunday supported and empowered over 1,000 residents, including widows and artisans. She put the monetary worth of the exercise at well over N20 million. The lawmaker gave out 20 grinding machines, 20 chest freezers, 20 dryers, 20 catering equipment, 100 hair clippers, generating sets, 20 welding machines, 20 solar panels, 20 sewing machines, and cooking gas to male and female artisans. At the event held at the Bishop Smith Secondary School, Ilorin, the legislator also supported over 500 widows with cash and food items, including semovita, salt, and N10,000 each, as part of her widow support. According to her, no fewer than 100 pupils benefit from her education scholarships with due support and encouragement from Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. The guest speaker, Lawal Olohungbebe, urged the youths to be wary of their contributions to the nation’s economy. Speaking on the title “Contributions of artisans to nation building,” Olohungbebe charged artisans to utilize the trending technology to enhance their productivity. According to him, networking should be encouraged among artisans, as well as improved customer-relationship practices. “Your integrity in business is unequalled and unparalleled; it is supposed to be the pride of every artisan,” he urged, adding that promptness and dedication to duty matter in business activities. The chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sunday Fagbemi, while commending Aladi, said it is not always easy to give back to the source, describing the beneficiaries as the source. Fagbemi advised the beneficiaries not to sell the items, saying: “Please don’t, for the sake of the ravaging economic hardship, sell these items. Empower yourselves with them; the donor has good intentions for you to break the shackles of poverty.”OTTAWA - Here’s how notable Canadian politicians and business groups are reacting to U.S. president-elect’s threat to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all goods coming from Canada: “The fact is we need them, and they also need us. Canada is the largest market for the U.S. in the world, larger than China, Japan, the U.K. and France combined.” “This is a moment when Canada needs to be united. We need to be strong, and we need to be smart.” Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland ——— “I’m calling on Prime Minister Trudeau to put partisanship aside, and in the spirit of Team Canada, to accept that he cannot go ahead with quadrupling the carbon tax to 61 cents a litre.” “Next, he has to cancel all tax increases; tax increases on work, investment and making stuff in Canada.” “I don’t want to stop drug overdoses to please Donald Trump. I want to stop drug overdoses so that there’s not one more mother with her face buried in a pillow, sobbing that she just lost her kid.” Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre ——— “We want to have a strong Team Canada, Team Manitoba approach to incoming U.S. administration. This is our most important ally and our biggest trading partner by far.” “It would mean a recession for our province. We can’t have that happening, especially as we’re starting to make progress on health care, education and making a lot of good investments. We want to keep that momentum going.” “First and foremost, hitting that target of two per cent spending on defence. That gets us in the game just to be taken seriously as a security partner with the U.S. If we don’t do it, it’s going to become a trade problem.” Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew ——— “We buy more American stuff than France, than China and Japan and the United Kingdom combined. So, we are negotiating, I believe, from a position of strength. But also Americans are dependent on what we produce.” B.C. Premier David Eby ——— “It’s like a family member stabbing you right in the heart.” “To compare us to Mexico is the most insulting thing I’ve ever heard from our friends and closest allies, the United States of America.” “A message to president-elect Trump: there’s no closer ally, there’s no other country in the world that has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with our American counterparts, our friends, our family.” Ontario Premier Doug Ford ——— “The incoming U.S. administration has valid concerns related to illegal activities at our shared border. We are calling on the federal government to work with the incoming administration to resolve these issues immediately, thereby avoiding any unnecessary tariffs on Canadian exports to the U.S.” Alberta Premier Danielle Smith ——— “We have, from Quebec to (the) United States, $87 billion of exportation and only $43 billion of importation. So we cannot start a war and we have to do everything we can to not have these tariffs.” Quebec Premier François Legault ——— “Imposing tariffs wouldn’t just harm Canada’s economy — it would also hurt U.S. manufacturers by increasing their costs and disrupting the deeply integrated supply chains that make North American manufacturing globally competitive.” Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters ——— “Being America’s ‘nice neighbour’ won’t get us anywhere in this situation. President-elect Trump’s intention to impose 25 per cent tariffs signals that the U.S.-Canada trade relationship is no longer about mutual benefit. To him, it’s about winners and losers — with Canada on the losing end.” “We’re facing a significant shift in the relationship between longstanding allies. Canada’s signature approach needs to evolve: we must be prepared to take a couple of punches if we’re going to stake out our position. It’s time to trade ‘sorry’ for ‘sorry, not sorry.’” Candace Laing, Canadian Chamber of Commerce president and CEO ——— “The damage from such tariffs will not stop at the workplace. Families will feel the economic strain, and entire communities will suffer as good jobs disappear and opportunities shrink. This is not just a trade issue; it’s about protecting the future of workers and their families.” “In the long term, the government must focus on a new industrial strategy for Canada to protect our workers from the whims of any U.S. administration. We call on the government to send a clear message: we will not let our workers and industries become collateral damage, we will stand strong, act boldly, and prioritize Canadian workers.” Bea Bruske, Canadian Labour Congress president ——— This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 26, 2024.Albanian opposition supporters block the capital’s streets in an anti-government rally

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