Month: October 2024

Emmanuel Addehin Abuja

In a recent push for greater gender equality in Nigeria’s mining sector, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has called for increased women’s inclusion, emphasizing the importance of ensuring women have a voice in the country’s extractive industries.

NEITI made this plea in a statement released in Abuja, urging collaborative efforts to dismantle the barriers that limit women’s participation and to create substantial opportunities for them throughout the sector. Dr. Ogbonnaya Orji, Executive Secretary of NEITI, made this call during the keynote address at the 6th Nkechi Isigwe Annual Lecture (NIAL), which was organized by the Association of Professional Women Engineers in Nigeria (APWEN) in Abuja.

Represented by Dr. Dieter Bassi, Director of Policy, Planning, and Strategy, Orji stressed the critical need for intentional measures to promote gender equity in an industry that has historically been male-dominated. “NEITI is focusing on gender equity and inclusion, particularly concerning women. The global conversation around women’s roles in the mining and steel sectors is escalating. A male-dominated industry that limits women’s access to employment, training, investment, and decision-making is not only unsustainable but counterproductive,” Orji pointed out.

Orji highlighted concerning employment statistics from NEITI’s latest reports for 2022 and 2023, noting the ongoing gender disparity within Nigeria’s extractive industries. In 2023, women represented only 16% of the 8,693 individuals employed in the sector, reflecting a slight decrease from the previous year’s 17%. “While we’ve seen an overall increase in employment in the sector, the low percentage of women indicates a critical gap that needs to be addressed. We must create pathways for women to take an active role throughout the entire value chain of the extractive industry,” he stated.

He underscored that women can excel in mining, but only if decisive and intentional actions are taken. “Companies need to implement policies that prioritize gender diversity and inclusion. It’s essential that we uplift and recognize women leaders in the sector to motivate the next generation,” he added.

In her remarks, Nkechi Isigwe, a member of the NEITI National Stakeholders Working Group and the founder of the annual lecture series, emphasized the abundant opportunities for women in oil, gas, and mining. She also stressed the importance of empowering youth, particularly in light of Nigeria’s youthful population. Dr. Adebisi Osim, current President of APWEN, echoed this sentiment, encouraging the industry to challenge gender stereotypes and create more pathways for women to succeed.

During a recent visit to manufacturing facilities and automation equipment suppliers in Suzhou, Jiangsu, and Changsha, Hunan, Apple’s Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams expressed his admiration for the advanced production lines and high levels of automation in Chinese manufacturing. He stated, “The sophistication of China’s suppliers and their precise manufacturing capabilities is truly impressive.” He also remarked, “Seeing so many advancements in smart manufacturing is nothing short of miraculous!”

In recent years, China’s manufacturing sector has rapidly progressed towards higher-end, intelligent production. For instance, Lens Technology, one of Apple’s key suppliers in China, has automated 70% of its production lines. At Luxshare Precision’s iPhone 16 assembly plant in Suzhou, a fully automated production line can produce over 10,000 units of the iPhone 16 Pro Max each day.

There are many similar examples. In Wuhu, Anhui, Chery Automobile’s welding workshop has achieved 100% automation in its welding processes. AI-driven visual guidance ensures precise control over more than 5,000 welding points on a single vehicle. Meanwhile, a self-developed robot by China National Building Material Group, which manufactures roller presses, has reached unmanned operation, with over 80% of the components for its clinker conveyors produced through automated processes.

Official data reveals that in the first three quarters of this year, China’s high-tech manufacturing value added grew by 9.1% year-on-year, exceeding the average growth rate of the larger industrial sector by 3.3 percentage points. The electronic and communication equipment manufacturing sector has maintained double-digit growth for 11 consecutive months, while electronics circuit manufacturing, integrated circuit production, and aerospace manufacturing have seen year-on-year growth of 20.8%, 17.3%, and 12.5%, respectively.

According to Liu Xianwei, a researcher at the Economic System and Management Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research, China’s manufacturing industry has developed the largest, most comprehensive, and competitive industrial framework in the world. In recent years, policy support for specialized and innovative enterprises, along with a new round of extensive equipment upgrades, has resulted in significant improvements in structure, technology, collaboration, and international competitiveness.

This enhanced manufacturing capability underscores China’s increasingly critical role in the global supply and industrial chains, making the country a more attractive destination for foreign investment. When multinational companies evaluate investment opportunities, local manufacturing and supply chain capabilities are crucial considerations. A strong manufacturing base and comprehensive industry ecosystems allow these companies to easily access necessary components and support, thereby enhancing their innovation and product development processes.

During his visit, Williams emphasized that China remains Apple’s most important supply chain location, and the company plans to increase its investments in the region. Over the past five years, Apple has invested a staggering $20 billion in smart and green manufacturing initiatives within China.

Moreover, many foreign executives have echoed this sentiment in interviews, highlighting China’s increasingly significant role in global supply chains as a major reason for their commitment to the market. As GE Healthcare’s China Supply Chain General Manager Chen Heqiang noted, China’s vast manufacturing, talent, and innovation resources not only push the country towards high-end production but also establish it as a “granary” for global supply chains. As China’s industrial and supply chains advance, the quality and standards of its suppliers will naturally improve.

These factors contribute to a growing trend among foreign companies, as revealed by official statistics showing nearly 37,000 new foreign enterprises established in China from January to August this year—a year-on-year increase of 11.5%. Actual foreign investment has topped 580 billion yuan, placing China at a high level both in comparison to other countries and in terms of historical foreign investment growth. Notably, the actual foreign investment in high-tech manufacturing has increased by 1.9 percentage points compared to the same period last year.

With China continuing to deliver high-quality “Made in China” products and stable supply chains to the world, its attractiveness to global investors is likely to further strengthen.

On October 21, the Intermediate People’s Court of Jilin City in Jilin Province publicly announced its verdict in the bribery case of Wang Yongsheng, a former member of the Party Committee and vice president of the China Development Bank. The court sentenced Wang to 12 years in prison for accepting bribes and imposed a fine of 2 million yuan. Additionally, all assets and proceeds gained from his illegal activities will be confiscated and turned over to the state treasury.

Wang, born in 1958, was officially reported to be under investigation in July 2023, and earlier in January, he was expelled from the Communist Party of China. Allegations against him include accepting substantial benefits through covert means such as investments and stock holdings, using his official position to benefit others in loan financing and bond applications, and improperly holding shares in non-listed companies.

The court’s investigation revealed that from 2010 to 2019, Wang leveraged his roles as the Party Secretary and President of the Liaoning Provincial Branch of the China Development Bank, as well as his position as a vice president at the bank, to facilitate loan financing, bond purchases, and personnel arrangements for various entities. In return for these services, he illegally accepted bribes totaling over 23.51 million yuan.

The court concluded that Wang’s actions constituted the crime of bribery on a particularly large scale, warranting legal punishment. However, it also noted that Wang provided truthful accounts of his crimes after his arrest, disclosed additional bribery offenses that were not previously known to investigators, admitted his guilt, expressed remorse, and actively returned all illicit proceeds. Taking these mitigating factors into account, the court decided to impose a lighter sentence.

Dejan Kulusevski has transformed from being a backup option to an indispensable player for Tottenham Hotspur under manager Ange Postecoglou. While Kulusevski’s speed on the ball has been questioned, his quick thinking and sharp decision-making in midfield have proven essential for Spurs’ gameplay.

Last season, he was engaged in a competition with Brennan Johnson for the right-wing position, often viewed as a reserve for James Maddison’s role as a No. 10. However, this season has seen Postecoglou utilize both players in central positions, allowing Kulusevski’s intellectual speed to shine in a tactical setup that previously exposed his lack of pace.

Despite being noted for his slower pace, which became apparent during the 4-3-3 formation, Kulusevski’s quick thinking allows him to maximize his impact when playing centrally. Although he has only registered one assist in the Premier League this season, this figure reflects more on his teammates’ finishing than his inability to create opportunities. His 23 key passes position him fifth in the league, with 18 of those coming from open play—ranking him third in this aspect as well. After a recent 4-1 victory against West Ham, Kulusevski expressed his excitement, stating, “Finally, I have that freedom. My teammates trust me, the coach trusts me. This is my position, and I can hurt defenders in every kind of way.”

By moving him into the center, Kulusevski can utilize his vision to dismantle opposing defenses, creating not just for his teammates but also contributing to Spurs’ pressing game, which forces turnovers in the attacking zone. Tottenham boasts the second-highest possession average in the Premier League, and their relentless pressure when losing the ball has been vital for reclaiming it swiftly. This strategy was behind Postecoglou’s pursuit of Dominic Solanke, who adds the necessary hard work upfront, further enabling Kulusevski to excel in pressing situations.

Though Spurs have faced inconsistencies this season, sitting seventh in the league and struggling at times—like during the collapse at Brighton—Kulusevski’s performances stand out as a significant positive. Once known for his tendency to drift in and out of matches, he has now emerged as arguably the most consistent player for Spurs. He excels in disrupting opponents and isn’t shy about engaging defensively; his tally of 13 fouls committed leads the team.

With Postecoglou’s track record of delivering trophies in his second season at a club, the decision to position Kulusevski in a more central role could potentially pave the way for Spurs to break their trophy drought.

In light of emerging news about Californians packing up and leaving the state, it’s noteworthy that during the pandemic, California did experience a net outflow of residents, with only a slight uptick in population by 2024. Many contemplate leaving but find themselves reluctant to do so. This raises the question: what is it about California that keeps people tied down?

KTLA television’s commentary may shed some light on this. The commentary pointed out that Californians are constantly making trade-offs—sacrificing some aspects of their lives in order to manage the costs of essentials. While many consider relocating, they are often held back by the thought that although living expenses might be significantly lower elsewhere, the quality of life may not measure up to California’s. Would moving to Texas or Florida truly bring happiness just because it’s cheaper?

Certainly, the high cost of living in California is a frequent sore spot for residents. This month, Emerson College and KTLA’s parent company, Nexstar Media, surveyed 1,000 California voters to gauge their voting tendencies and also their perspectives on economic and immigration policies.

The results were revealing: 56% of respondents admitted they had considered leaving California due to high living costs. Among them, 37% reported sacrificing hobbies in recent months to cover the expenses of food and utilities; 35% made compromises related to housing; and 26% tightened their budgets for essentials like meals and prescription medications.

From any angle, California’s living expenses rank among the highest in the nation, including the highest median price for single-family homes and skyrocketing gas prices. Despite a sizable population, the trend of net outflow due to high living costs is increasingly evident.

Recent findings from ConsumerAffairs highlighted that California leads the nation in net outmigration, closely followed by New York, New Jersey, and Illinois. In contrast, the states with the highest net inflow include North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Texas, and Tennessee.

Governor Newsom has made efforts to alleviate living expenses, including requiring oil companies to increase supply to stabilize gas prices during refinery maintenance and signing legislation to combat reluctance from counties to build affordable housing. However, as Lee Ohanian, an economist from UCLA, aptly noted, when the median home price exceeds $900,000, rent takes up more than 50% of pre-tax income, and utilities and gas costs are the highest in the nation, it’s no wonder people want to leave.

Ultimately, the reason for staying appears to be an enduring affection for the quality of life California offers. However, emotional ties can only withstand so much; if prices continue to rise without relief, the challenge of making ends meet may be the most compelling reason for residents to leave California for good.

On October 22, the cargo throughput at the Changzhou Hub’s locks on the Xijiang shipping route surpassed 183 million tons, marking a 21.24% increase from the previous year and matching the total cargo volume for all of last year, according to a notice from the Pearl River Navigation Administration dated October 24. With the current growth trend, it’s projected that the cargo throughput will exceed 200 million tons by 2024.

This year has seen a strong recovery in the Pearl River waterway economy. The Pearl River Navigation Administration has been actively implementing directives from the Ministry of Transport aimed at strengthening logistics and ensuring smooth traffic. By leveraging the operational mechanisms for maintaining navigational access on the Xijiang route, the Administration is collaborating with various sectors including transportation, ports, maritime services, water management, power supply, and lock operations. This concerted effort has effectively mitigated the adverse impacts of extreme weather events and sudden changes in water conditions affecting the Pearl River Basin, ensuring that the Xijiang waterway remains safe and efficient.

The Administration has also taken the initiative to optimize the operation of locks by utilizing a joint scheduling strategy across its lock systems. By guiding operators to implement segmented anchoring and tiered scheduling, they are enhancing operational efficiency and safety during the lock passage. A points-based management system is in place to promote standardized procedures for vessels, contributing to improved lock throughput. In addition, monitoring has been intensified during peak periods to ensure the safety of cargo vessels, especially those carrying hazardous materials.

Furthermore, the Administration is expediting technical renovations at both primary and secondary locks of the Changzhou Hub, aiming to enhance navigational efficiency at this critical juncture.

What other measures do you think are essential for supporting the ongoing success of the Pearl River waterway?

Fekomi Global Limited has recently unveiled a groundbreaking AI-powered customer care and sales bot that promises to transform the way businesses connect with their customers and boost sales. This state-of-the-art technology is specifically designed to cater to various industries, aimed at enhancing customer relationships while also improving sales performance.

In a recent interview, Dr. Adefemi Lawrence Komiyo, the CEO of Fekomi Global, explained how the AI-driven bot combines human-like communication with advanced machine learning to facilitate quick and personalized interactions. “Whether it’s providing real-time product recommendations, wellness advice, or instant solutions, our bot ensures seamless engagement in multiple languages,” he shared.

Dr. Komiyo pointed out that the bot has already demonstrated remarkable success within the health sector, significantly increasing customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and sales figures. He noted, “The bot offers tailored interactions that provide businesses with data-driven insights to refine their offerings and better meet customer needs.”

According to him, Fekomi Global’s chatbot not only enhances customer care but also reinforces the company’s comprehensive approach to wellness by delivering customized health tips, detailed product information, and personalized suggestions based on individual user preferences. “This innovative solution allows businesses to engage with customers in a more intuitive manner, ultimately fostering loyalty and driving growth,” he stated.

The company is encouraging business owners to take advantage of this advanced chatbot technology for improved customer engagement and more efficient support. They assure prospective clients that their dedicated team is ready to assist in transforming customer interactions and accelerating business growth through the capabilities of their automated AI bot system.

In a recent discussion about road safety, the AA has proposed a set of recommendations aimed at young drivers under the age of 21. They suggest that newly licensed drivers should be restricted from carrying passengers of a similar age for the first six months after obtaining their license.

Additionally, the AA recommends implementing penalties, such as issuing six penalty points for failing to wear a seatbelt during this initial period, which could lead to a license suspension.

The organization believes that introducing a specialized license for young drivers could significantly impact public safety, estimating it could prevent approximately 934 serious injuries and save 58 lives annually on UK roads. Notably, similar measures, referred to as graduated driving licensing (GDL), are already in place in Northern Ireland. However, the Department for Transport (DfT) has indicated that they are not currently considering adopting these measures in other parts of the UK.

What are your thoughts on these proposed regulations? Do you believe they will effectively enhance road safety for young drivers?

Israeli airstrikes near the Rafik Hariri Hospital have ignited fears and chaos in the region, particularly following claims that a second medical facility in Beirut is concealing Hezbollah assets. As the crisis unfolds, we speak with those on the ground.

Rescue workers tirelessly wield jackhammers, excavators, and pickaxes, pausing intermittently to listen for any signs of those still trapped beneath the debris. Hope dwindles as silence lingers under the rubble. Many labor on through the night, grappling with the aftermath of Monday’s airstrikes that left 18 dead—among them four children—and injured 60 others.

“I don’t understand this narrative that we belong to a culture of death,” says Qassem Fakih, 39, his face covered in dust from hours of digging for his relatives trapped in the rubble. “We are people who cherish life; they are the ones who are killing us.” Tragically, he has already pulled out four young cousins who didn’t survive, and he continues to search for two more missing family members.

As the workers unearth another body, Fakih can only look on helplessly. “Look! Do these look like Hezbollah weapons to you?” he shouts, holding up a handful of children’s toys found amidst the destruction. The airstrike struck a mere 40 meters from the entrance of Rafik Hariri Hospital, the country’s largest public health facility, which the Lebanese health ministry reported had suffered “significant damage.”

Dr. Fathallah Fattouh, who directs the hospital’s emergency room, recalls the panic that ensued when bombs struck nearby. “Initially, people thought the hospital itself was hit, which caused widespread anxiety,” he explains, noting the steady stream of patients who arrived, covered in dust, bleeding, and in need of urgent care. “When a building collapses, it’s usually the people inside who suffer fatal injuries,” he adds.

An hour prior to the strike, Israel had released a statement alleging that Hezbollah was hiding substantial amounts of cash and gold in a bunker beneath al-Sahel Hospital, another facility in Dahiyeh, providing no evidence but sharing an animated graphic of the purported underground location. The announcement provoked panic at al-Sahel, prompting staff to begin evacuating patients amidst scenes of chaos.

Dr. Omar Mneimneh describes the situation: “Patients were screaming in terror; it took us seven hours to evacuate about 30 patients.” He warns that if al-Sahel closes, lives will be at risk for those dependent on vital treatments like chemotherapy and dialysis. “Other hospitals are already overwhelmed due to an influx of patients from southern Lebanon,” he emphasizes.

In a bid to counter Israel’s claims, al-Sahel opened its doors to reporters, showcasing empty hospital beds and a mostly vacant underground storage area. Members of Hezbollah were present but did not intervene as journalists inspected the premises. “There are no tunnels, no hidden treasures for Hezbollah. This is a private institution, unaffiliated with any party,” declares Halimah al-Annan, a veteran nurse at the hospital.

While the media was given access to al-Sahel, an Israeli military spokesperson urged reporters to check the building next door, which he claimed had access to an underground bunker. Upon inspection, journalists found nothing more than old boxes and a locked storage space.

The fear among Lebanese medical professionals is escalating, reminiscent of the recent airstrikes in Gaza that have devastated healthcare facilities there. Dr. Fattouh expresses palpable anxiety, stating, “The risks are mounting. We are increasingly exposed to being bombed; it feels like a matter of life and death.”

Khazar Momeni, the sister of Nima Momeni, the suspect in the murder case of Cash App founder Bob Lee, continued her testimony in court this week, providing the most comprehensive account related to the case so far.

In a report by the San Francisco Chronicle, Khazar testified on the 21st, recalling the first time she met Jeremy Boivin, who is allegedly involved in drug trafficking, on the morning of April 3 last year. She stated that Bob Lee and Boivin arrived at her apartment in Millennium Tower carrying a large canister of nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas,” along with a bottle of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), known as a “date rape drug.”

According to Khazar, Bob Lee quickly left her apartment afterward. She later returned to Boivin’s place on South Market Street, where more drugs, including GHB and the hallucinogenic LSD, were used. Bob Lee later brought another friend, Bo Mohazzabi, to join them in drug use.

Khazar recalled that after Bob Lee and Mohazzabi left and her friend Aranza Villegas joined her, Boivin injected GHB into her, causing her to lose consciousness. When she awoke, she discovered she had been sexually assaulted by Boivin. In a state of confusion, she ultimately contacted her brother, Nima Momeni, who then took her back to his apartment.

After returning to Millennium Tower, Bob Lee visited Khazar again that evening and gave her a bottle of ketamine, with Nima also present. When prosecutors asked Khazar if she had ever had a sexual relationship with Bob Lee, she denied it but noted that his behavior that weekend seemed somewhat “off.”

The Chronicle pointed out that one of the key testimonies provided by Mohazzabi last week was that after Nima went to Boivin’s house to pick up Khazar, he called Bob Lee in a tone reminiscent of an “interrogation,” asking about what had transpired at Boivin’s place and what drugs Khazar had taken.

During her first appearance in court, Khazar firmly stated that Nima did not kill Bob Lee, despite the defense arguing that he acted in self-defense when he stabbed him.

Khazar described the last interaction she witnessed between her brother and Bob Lee as friendly, recalling that Bob Lee showed Nima a picture of a girl he was interested in and they discussed whether to go to a strip club, with Nima even helping Bob Lee put on his shoes.

However, after leaving her apartment with Bob Lee, Nima called Khazar to say that “the night did not go as planned.” Khazar interpreted this as a personal matter between her brother and Bob Lee and did not inquire further about what had happened. She maintained that prior to her brother’s arrest, she had no knowledge of his actions that night.