By The Associated Press LEWISTON, N.Y. (AP) — Jahari Williamson knocked down a 3-pointer with 38 seconds left to tie the game and Jaeden Marshall hit the first of two free throws with eight seconds remaining to lift Niagara to a 69-68 win over Siena in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference opener Friday night. Justice Smith had 17 points and added seven rebounds for the Purple Eagles (4-5, 1-0). Olumide Adelodun shot 6 for 12, including 1 for 4 from beyond the arc to add 13 points. Marshall had 13 points and shot 3 of 5 from the field and 6 for 7 from the line. The Saints (4-5, 0-1) were led by Major Freeman, who recorded 17 points, five assists and two steals. Myles Wilmoth added 16 points, eight rebounds and two steals for Siena. Justice Shoats also had 13 points and six assists. NEXT UP Both teams next play Sunday. Niagara hosts Merrimack and Siena plays Canisius on the road. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .US President Jimmy Carter shown in this July 10, 1976 photo in New York. —AP Photo ATLANTA, Georgia — Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer who won the presidency in the wake of the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, endured humbling defeat after one tumultuous term and then redefined life after the White House as a global humanitarian, has died. He was 100 years old. The longest-lived American president died on Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care, at his home in the small town of Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died at 96 in November 2023, spent most of their lives, The Carter Center said. Businessman, Navy officer, evangelist, politician, negotiator, author, woodworker, citizen of the world—Carter forged a path that still challenges political assumptions and stands out among the 45 men who reached the nation’s highest office. The 39th president leveraged his ambition with a keen intellect, deep religious faith and prodigious work ethic, conducting diplomatic missions into his 80s and building houses for the poor well into his 90s. READ: Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday to be celebrated with musical gala “My faith demands—this is not optional—my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can, with whatever I have to try to make a difference,” Carter once said. A moderate Democrat, Carter entered the 1976 presidential race as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad smile, outspoken Baptist mores and technocratic plans reflecting his education as an engineer. His no-frills campaign depended on public financing, and his promise not to deceive the American people resonated after Richard Nixon’s disgrace and US defeat in southeast Asia. “If I ever lie to you, if I ever make a misleading statement, don’t vote for me. I would not deserve to be your president,” Carter repeated before narrowly beating Republican incumbent Gerald Ford, who had lost popularity pardoning Nixon. Former President Jimmy Carter works at a Habitat for Humanity building site Monday, Nov. 2, 2015, in Memphis, Tenn. Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, have volunteered a week of their time annually to Habitat for Humanity since 1984, events dubbed “Carter work projects” that draw thousands of volunteers and take months of planning. —AP Photo/Mark Humphrey Carter governed amid Cold War pressures, turbulent oil markets and social upheaval over racism, women’s rights and America’s global role. His most acclaimed achievement in office was a Mideast peace deal that he brokered by keeping Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin at the bargaining table for 13 days in 1978. That Camp David experience inspired the post-presidential center where Carter would establish so much of his legacy. READ: Rosalynn Carter honored by first ladies and presidents, including husband Jimmy Yet Carter’s electoral coalition splintered under double-digit inflation, gasoline lines and the 444-day hostage crisis in Iran. His bleakest hour came when eight Americans died in a failed hostage rescue in April 1980, helping to ensure his landslide defeat to Republican Ronald Reagan. Carter acknowledged in his 2020 “White House Diary” that he could be “micromanaging” and “excessively autocratic,” complicating dealings with Congress and the federal bureaucracy. He also turned a cold shoulder to Washington’s news media and lobbyists, not fully appreciating their influence on his political fortunes. “It didn’t take us long to realize that the underestimation existed, but by that time we were not able to repair the mistake,” Carter told historians in 1982, suggesting that he had “an inherent incompatibility” with Washington insiders. Carter insisted his overall approach was sound and that he achieved his primary objectives—to “protect our nation’s security and interests peacefully” and “enhance human rights here and abroad”—even if he fell spectacularly short of a second term. Ignominious defeat, though, allowed for renewal. The Carters founded The Carter Center in 1982 as a first-of-its-kind base of operations, asserting themselves as international peacemakers and champions of democracy, public health and human rights. “I was not interested in just building a museum or storing my White House records and memorabilia,” Carter wrote in a memoir published after his 90th birthday. “I wanted a place where we could work.” That work included easing nuclear tensions in North and South Korea, helping to avert a US invasion of Haiti and negotiating cease-fires in Bosnia and Sudan. By 2022, The Carter Center had declared at least 113 elections in Latin America, Asia and Africa to be free or fraudulent. Recently, the center began monitoring US elections as well. Carter’s stubborn self-assuredness and even self-righteousness proved effective once he was unencumbered by the Washington order, sometimes to the point of frustrating his successors. He went “where others are not treading,” he said, to places like Ethiopia, Liberia and North Korea, where he secured the release of an American who had wandered across the border in 2010. “I can say what I like. I can meet whom I want. I can take on projects that please me and reject the ones that don’t,” Carter said. He announced an arms-reduction-for-aid deal with North Korea without clearing the details with Bill Clinton’s White House. He openly criticized President George W. Bush for the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He also criticized America’s approach to Israel with his 2006 book “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid.” And he repeatedly countered U.S. administrations by insisting North Korea should be included in international affairs, a position that most aligned Carter with Republican President Donald Trump. Among the center’s many public health initiatives, Carter vowed to eradicate the guinea worm parasite during his lifetime, and nearly achieved it: Cases dropped from millions in the 1980s to nearly a handful. With hardhats and hammers, the Carters also built homes with Habitat for Humanity. The Nobel committee’s 2002 Peace Prize cites his “untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.” Carter should have won it alongside Sadat and Begin in 1978, the chairman added. Carter accepted the recognition saying there was more work to be done. “The world is now, in many ways, a more dangerous place,” he said. “The greater ease of travel and communication has not been matched by equal understanding and mutual respect.” Carter’s globetrotting took him to remote villages where he met little “Jimmy Carters,” so named by admiring parents. But he spent most of his days in the same one-story Plains house—expanded and guarded by Secret Service agents—where they lived before he became governor. He regularly taught Sunday School lessons at Maranatha Baptist Church until his mobility declined and the coronavirus pandemic raged. Those sessions drew visitors from around the world to the small sanctuary where Carter will receive his final send-off after a state funeral at Washington’s National Cathedral. The common assessment that he was a better ex-president than president rankled Carter and his allies. His prolific post-presidency gave him a brand above politics, particularly for Americans too young to witness him in office. But Carter also lived long enough to see biographers and historians reassess his White House years more generously. His record includes the deregulation of key industries, reduction of US dependence on foreign oil, cautious management of the national debt and notable legislation on the environment, education and mental health. He focused on human rights in foreign policy, pressuring dictators to release thousands of political prisoners. He acknowledged America’s historical imperialism, pardoned Vietnam War draft evaders and relinquished control of the Panama Canal. He normalized relations with China. “I am not nominating Jimmy Carter for a place on Mount Rushmore,” Stuart Eizenstat, Carter’s domestic policy director, wrote in a 2018 book. “He was not a great president” but also not the “hapless and weak” caricature voters rejected in 1980, Eizenstat said. Rather, Carter was “good and productive” and “delivered results, many of which were realized only after he left office.” Madeleine Albright, a national security staffer for Carter and Clinton’s secretary of state, wrote in Eizenstat’s forward that Carter was “consequential and successful” and expressed hope that “perceptions will continue to evolve” about his presidency. “Our country was lucky to have him as our leader,” said Albright, who died in 2022. Jonathan Alter, who penned a comprehensive Carter biography published in 2020, said in an interview that Carter should be remembered for “an epic American life” spanning from a humble start in a home with no electricity or indoor plumbing through decades on the world stage across two centuries. “He will likely go down as one of the most misunderstood and underestimated figures in American history,” Alter told The Associated Press. James Earl Carter Jr. was born Oct. 1, 1924, in Plains and spent his early years in nearby Archery. His family was a minority in the mostly Black community, decades before the civil rights movement played out at the dawn of Carter’s political career. Carter, who campaigned as a moderate on race relations but governed more progressively, talked often of the influence of his Black caregivers and playmates but also noted his advantages: His land-owning father sat atop Archery’s tenant-farming system and owned a main street grocery. His mother, Lillian, would become a staple of his political campaigns. Seeking to broaden his world beyond Plains and its population of fewer than 1,000—then and now—Carter won an appointment to the US Naval Academy, graduating in 1946. That same year he married Rosalynn Smith, another Plains native, a decision he considered more important than any he made as head of state. She shared his desire to see the world, sacrificing college to support his Navy career. Carter climbed in rank to lieutenant, but then his father was diagnosed with cancer, so the submarine officer set aside his ambitions of admiralty and moved the family back to Plains. His decision angered Rosalynn, even as she dived into the peanut business alongside her husband. Carter again failed to talk with his wife before his first run for office—he later called it “inconceivable” not to have consulted her on such major life decisions—but this time, she was on board. “My wife is much more political,” Carter told the AP in 2021. He won a state Senate seat in 1962 but wasn’t long for the General Assembly and its back-slapping, deal-cutting ways. He ran for governor in 1966—losing to arch-segregationist Lester Maddox—and then immediately focused on the next campaign. Carter had spoken out against church segregation as a Baptist deacon and opposed racist “Dixiecrats” as a state senator. Yet as a local school board leader in the 1950s he had not pushed to end school segregation even after the Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education decision, despite his private support for integration. And in 1970, Carter ran for governor again as the more conservative Democrat against Carl Sanders, a wealthy businessman Carter mocked as “Cufflinks Carl.” Sanders never forgave him for anonymous, race-baiting flyers, which Carter disavowed. Ultimately, Carter won his races by attracting both Black voters and culturally conservative whites. Once in office, he was more direct. “I say to you quite frankly that the time for racial discrimination is over,” he declared in his 1971 inaugural address, setting a new standard for Southern governors that landed him on the cover of Time magazine. His statehouse initiatives included environmental protection, boosting rural education and overhauling antiquated executive branch structures. He proclaimed Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the slain civil rights leader’s home state. And he decided, as he received presidential candidates in 1972, that they were no more talented than he was. In 1974, he ran Democrats’ national campaign arm. Then he declared his own candidacy for 1976. An Atlanta newspaper responded with the headline: “Jimmy Who?” The Carters and a “Peanut Brigade” of family members and Georgia supporters camped out in Iowa and New Hampshire, establishing both states as presidential proving grounds. His first Senate endorsement: a young first-termer from Delaware named Joe Biden. Yet it was Carter’s ability to navigate America’s complex racial and rural politics that cemented the nomination. He swept the Deep South that November, the last Democrat to do so, as many white Southerners shifted to Republicans in response to civil rights initiatives. A self-declared “born-again Christian,” Carter drew snickers by referring to Scripture in a Playboy magazine interview, saying he “had looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times.” The remarks gave Ford a new foothold and television comedians pounced—including NBC’s new “Saturday Night Live” show. But voters weary of cynicism in politics found it endearing. Carter chose Minnesota Sen. Walter “Fritz” Mondale as his running mate on a “Grits and Fritz” ticket. In office, he elevated the vice presidency and the first lady’s office. Mondale’s governing partnership was a model for influential successors Al Gore, Dick Cheney and Biden. Rosalynn Carter was one of the most involved presidential spouses in history, welcomed into Cabinet meetings and huddles with lawmakers and top aides. The Carters presided with uncommon informality: He used his nickname “Jimmy” even when taking the oath of office, carried his own luggage and tried to silence the Marine Band’s “Hail to the Chief.” They bought their clothes off the rack. Carter wore a cardigan for a White House address, urging Americans to conserve energy by turning down their thermostats. Amy, the youngest of four children, attended District of Columbia public school. Washington’s social and media elite scorned their style. But the larger concern was that “he hated politics,” according to Eizenstat, leaving him nowhere to turn politically once economic turmoil and foreign policy challenges took their toll. Carter partially deregulated the airline, railroad and trucking industries and established the departments of Education and Energy, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He designated millions of acres of Alaska as national parks or wildlife refuges. He appointed a then-record number of women and nonwhite people to federal posts. He never had a Supreme Court nomination, but he elevated civil rights attorney Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the nation’s second highest court, positioning her for a promotion in 1993. He appointed Paul Volker, the Federal Reserve chairman whose policies would help the economy boom in the 1980s—after Carter left office. He built on Nixon’s opening with China, and though he tolerated autocrats in Asia, pushed Latin America from dictatorships to democracy. But he couldn’t immediately tame inflation or the related energy crisis. And then came Iran. After he admitted the exiled Shah of Iran to the US for medical treatment, the American Embassy in Tehran was overrun in 1979 by followers of the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Negotiations to free the hostages broke down repeatedly ahead of the failed rescue attempt. The same year, Carter signed SALT II, the new strategic arms treaty with Leonid Brezhnev of the Soviet Union, only to pull it back, impose trade sanctions and order a U.S. boycott of the Moscow Olympics after the Soviets invaded Afghanistan. Hoping to instill optimism, he delivered what the media dubbed his “malaise” speech, although he didn’t use that word. He declared the nation was suffering “a crisis of confidence.” By then, many Americans had lost confidence in the president, not themselves. Carter campaigned sparingly for reelection because of the hostage crisis, instead sending Rosalynn as Sen. Edward M. Kennedy challenged him for the Democratic nomination. Carter famously said he’d “kick his ass,” but was hobbled by Kennedy as Reagan rallied a broad coalition with “make America great again” appeals and asking voters whether they were “better off than you were four years ago.” Reagan further capitalized on Carter’s lecturing tone, eviscerating him in their lone fall debate with the quip: “There you go again.” Carter lost all but six states and Republicans rolled to a new Senate majority. Carter successfully negotiated the hostages’ freedom after the election, but in one final, bitter turn of events, Tehran waited until hours after Carter left office to let them walk free. At 56, Carter returned to Georgia with “no idea what I would do with the rest of my life.” Four decades after launching The Carter Center, he still talked of unfinished business. “I thought when we got into politics we would have resolved everything,” Carter told the AP in 2021. “But it’s turned out to be much more long-lasting and insidious than I had thought it was. I think in general, the world itself is much more divided than in previous years.” Still, he affirmed what he said when he underwent treatment for a cancer diagnosis in his 10th decade of life. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . “I’m perfectly at ease with whatever comes,” he said in 2015. “I’ve had a wonderful life. I’ve had thousands of friends, I’ve had an exciting, adventurous and gratifying existence.” —AP
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Punjab CM Children's Heart Surgery Programme being expanded: ministerGeorgia quarterback Carson Beck has been ruled out for the second half of Saturday's SEC Championship Game against Texas after being injured on the final play of the first half. Texas' Trey Moore forced a fumble on Beck's pass attempt, appearing to injure the Georgia quarterback's throwing arm. Beck remained motionless on the field for a short time before joining the team in the locker room. Coach Kirby Smart told ESPN at halftime that Beck was done for the day. During the third quarter, Beck was seen with ice on his right elbow. Beck completed 7 of 13 passes for 56 yards and was sacked once before exiting. Georgia backup Gunner Stockton entered and led Georgia on a 10-play, 75-yard opening second-half drive, giving the Bulldogs their first lead at 10-6. Bulldogs punter Brett Thorson injured his left knee in the third quarter and was ruled out of the contest. He was taken off on a cart. --Field Level Media
The No. 4 Duke Blue Devils are on a roll, bouncing back from early season losses to Kansas and Kentucky. They are now thriving, with true freshman Cooper Flagg leading the charge. Flagg has been one of the most talked-about athletes in sports since his high school senior year and is already projected by many to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. His unique skill set, which includes scoring from all three levels offensively and playing elite defense, has impressed scouts and fans alike. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Thanks for the feedback.Introduction Last week, we dealt with the challenges of implementing value-based leadership in Africa and the role of Pan-Africanism and regional co-operation, followed by discussion of Nigeria as a model for Value-Based Leadership in Africa and opportunity for such leadership. Today we shall conclude on the Challenges And Opportunities For Value-Based Leadership In Africa. Enjoy. Challenges and opportunities for value-based leadership in Africa (continues). Nigeria’s “Missing Billions” In Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, corruption remains a significant obstacle to development. A glaring example of this is the $20 billion oil revenue scandal that rocked the country in 2014. The then-Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, raised alarm about $20 billion in oil revenue that was unaccounted for by the state-run Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). The scandal highlighted how deeply corruption runs in Nigeria’s oil sector. A critical industry that should be driving national development but has instead been a major source of government mismanagement and graft. The consequences of such corruption are devastating. Despite Nigeria being one of the world’s largest oil producers, over 90 million Nigerians still live below the poverty line as of 2024. Funds that could have been invested in infrastructure, healthcare, and education have been siphoned off by a small elite, leaving the majority of the population in poverty. South Africa’s state capture crisis South Africa, another major player on the continent, has also struggled with high-level corruption, particularly during the presidency of Jacob Zuma. The term “state capture” became synonymous with the Zuma era, referring to the undue influence of private business interests, specifically the Gupta family, over government decisions, BBC News. (2019). State capture: Zuma, the Guptas, and the sale of South Africa. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-8980964 Accessed on the 20th of October, 2024.). Between 2009 and 2018, South Africa witnessed the hollowing out of state institutions, including the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and state-owned enterprises like Eskom and Transnet, as the Zuma administration prioritised the interests of the Guptas over the public good (ibid). This period of state capture significantly damaged South Africa’s economy. Eskom, the country’s national electricity provider, was severely compromised, leading to rolling blackouts (referred to as “load-shedding”) that continue to plague the country to this day (IEA World. (2023). South Africa’s Gendered Electricity Crisis. IEA World. https://www.iea-world.org/south-africas-gendered-electricity-crisis/ Accessed on the 20th of October, 2024.). South Africa’s growth rate during the Zuma years stagnated, and unemployment, particularly among the youth, skyrocketed, exacerbating inequality in the nation. The effects of state capture on public trust were profound, with many South Africans losing faith in their political leaders and institutions. 2. Political Instability and Authoritarianism: Barrier to ethical leadership Another significant challenge to value-based leadership in Africa is the prevalence of political instability and authoritarian regimes. In many African countries, democratic processes are undermined by leaders who cling to power through authoritarian means, stifling dissent, and undermining the rule of law. This often leads to political crises, civil unrest, and coups, all of which create an environment in which value-based leadership cannot thrive. Zimbabwe’s long-running leadership crisis Zimbabwe under Robert Mugabe offers a case study in how authoritarian leadership can erode national institutions and stifle progress. Mugabe, who ruled Zimbabwe for 37 years, consolidated power through a combination of political repression, economic mismanagement, and cronyism. While Zimbabwe was once known as the breadbasket of Africa, Mugabe’s policies such as the controversial land reform program that displaced white farmers without a sustainable plan for agricultural productivity led to widespread food shortages, hyperinflation, and economic collapse. By 2008, Zimbabwe’s inflation rate had reached an astronomical 89.7 sextillion percent per month (Cato Institute. (2017). Zimbabwe Hyperinflates Again: Entering the Record Books for the Second Time in Less Than a Decade. Cato Institute. Accessed on the 20th of October, 2024.), effectively destroying the value of the national currency and pushing millions into poverty (ibid). The lack of value-based leadership during Mugabe’s reign decimated public trust in government and left Zimbabwe’s institutions in tatters. Although Mugabe was eventually forced out of power in a military coup in 2017 (ibid), his legacy of authoritarianism continues to hinder the country’s development. Mali and the rise of coups Political instability remains a persistent challenge in several African nations, particularly in West Africa. Mali has experienced multiple coups in recent years, most recently in 2021, when the military ousted the transitional government. The root causes of these coups are often tied to widespread dissatisfaction with corrupt and ineffective civilian governments. However, the frequent disruptions to the democratic process create a vicious cycle: coups lead to further instability, which undermines any attempts to build strong, value-based governance structures. In Mali, the absence of stable, ethical leadership has also contributed to the rise of extremist groups in the northern regions of the country. The lack of trust in government has created a power vacuum, allowing militant groups to gain ground and further destabilize the region. The situation in Mali is emblematic of the broader challenges facing many African nations, where the failure of leadership has opened the door to conflict, poverty, and underdevelopment. 3. Ethnic and Tribal Divisions: Impediments to Unity and Inclusive Leadership In many African countries, leadership is further complicated by ethnic and tribal divisions, which can fuel conflict and undermine national unity. Leaders who prioritize the interests of their ethnic or tribal group over the broader national interest perpetuate inequality and division, making it difficult to implement value-based leadership that serves the whole population. Kenya’s ethnic politics Kenya provides a prime example of how ethnic divisions can be weaponized in the political arena. Since independence, Kenya’s politics have been heavily influenced by ethnic allegiances, with major political parties often representing specific ethnic groups rather than national interests. This was starkly evident during the 2007–2008 post-election violence, in which more than 1,100 people were killed and 600,000 displaced. The violence erupted after disputed election results that many believed were manipulated along ethnic lines, pitting communities against each other. Although the situation has improved somewhat in recent years, ethnic tensions continue to influence Kenyan politics. In a country where leaders often play to their ethnic base to secure power, value-based leadership which prioritizes inclusivity and national unity remains a challenge. As Kenya prepares for future elections, the question of whether the country can move beyond ethnic politics and embrace leadership that serves all Kenyans remains an open one. South Sudan’s civil war The case of South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, is another illustration of how ethnic divisions can thwart value-based leadership. South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011, but by 2013, it was engulfed in a brutal civil war, largely along ethnic lines, between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and those aligned with former Vice President Riek Machar. The war, which has left 400,000 dead and displaced millions, has its roots in longstanding ethnic rivalries between the Dinka and Nuer communities. The conflict in South Sudan is a tragic reminder of the consequences of leadership that prioritizes ethnic loyalty over national unity. For value-based leadership to take hold in South Sudan, leaders must work toward reconciliation and inclusivity, ensuring that all ethnic groups feel represented in the national government. Without this shift, the country risks continued division and underdevelopment. 4. Weak Institutions and Lack of Accountability: A Systemic Issue Many African nations struggle with weak institutions that lack the capacity to hold leaders accountable for their actions. In countries where the rule of law is fragile and institutions like the judiciary, law enforcement, and anti-corruption bodies are compromised, it becomes difficult to enforce value-based leadership. Leaders who are not held accountable for corruption, human rights abuses, or mismanagement can continue to act with impunity, perpetuating a cycle of bad governance. Guinea’s fragile democracy In Guinea, weak institutions have allowed leaders to manipulate the constitution for their benefit, undermining democratic norms. In 2020, President Alpha Condé pushed through a controversial constitutional change that allowed him to run for a third term, despite widespread protests. Condé’s actions sparked unrest and were widely seen as a betrayal of Guinea’s fragile democracy. Although he was eventually deposed in a coup in 2021, the damage done to Guinea’s institutions will take years to repair. The lack of strong, independent institutions in Guinea, as in many other African countries, makes it difficult to implement value-based leadership. Without effective checks and balances, leaders can subvert the democratic process to remain in power, often at the expense of the people. Way Forward: Blueprint for embedding value-based leadership in Africa As Africa marches toward a new era of global influence and economic growth, it is critical to recognize that sustainable progress will only come through value-based leadership. This leadership must be rooted in integrity, service, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of the people. While challenges such as corruption, political instability, and ethnic divisions continue to undermine governance across the continent, the road to reform is not impossible. Through strategic interventions, Africa can cultivate a generation of leaders who will prioritize the public good over personal gain and bring about transformative change. Below is a blueprint for how this can be achieved. 1. Strengthening Institutions: Building the Pillars of Accountability The cornerstone of value-based leadership is the existence of strong, independent institutions that can hold leaders accountable. In many African nations, institutions such as electoral commissions, anti-corruption agencies, and the judiciary are compromised by political interference, leaving little room for ethical leadership to thrive. To reverse this trend, there must be a renewed focus on institutional reform. Electoral commissions need to be truly independent and transparent, ensuring that elections are free and fair. In countries like Nigeria, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has made strides, but much more needs to be done to safeguard the integrity of elections. Technological solutions such as real-time results transmission and biometric voter identification can help reduce electoral fraud, giving citizens confidence in the democratic process. Similarly, anti-corruption agencies must be empowered to investigate and prosecute corruption at all levels, without fear of political backlash. Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) are examples of institutions that can play a pivotal role in restoring trust in governance, provided they operate with full autonomy and sufficient resources. Moreover, the establishment of robust whistleblower protection laws will encourage citizens to expose corruption without fear of retribution, creating a culture of transparency and accountability. Judicial independence is equally vital. For value-based leadership to flourish, the courts must be free from political control, allowing them to uphold the rule of law impartially. African governments need to ensure that judicial appointments are based on merit and shielded from political influence, so that courts can act as impartial defenders of justice and hold leaders accountable when they overstep their bounds. 2. Investing in Leadership Education: Cultivating the Next Generation of African Leaders Africa’s future rests in the hands of its young population. With more than 60% of the continent’s people under the age of 25, it is imperative to invest in leadership education that promotes values like integrity, service, and ethical decision-making. The next generation of African leaders must be equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of governance with a strong moral compass. One critical area for reform is the education system. Leadership development should be integrated into school curricula, from primary education to university levels. This is not merely about teaching leadership theory but also about creating opportunities for students to practice leadership through community service, debate clubs, and student governance roles. Schools must foster a mindset of public service and accountability, shaping young minds to understand that true leadership is about making a positive impact on society. (To be continued). Thought for the week Ultimately, leadership is not about glorious crowning acts. It’s about keeping your team focused on a goal and motivated to do their best to achieve it, especially when the stakes are high and the consequences really matter. It is about laying the groundwork for others’ success, and then standing back and letting them shine – Chris Hadfield. Last line God bless my numerous global readers for always keeping faith with the Sunday Sermon on the Mount of the Nigerian Project, by humble me, Prof Mike Ozekhome, SAN, CON, OFR, FCIArb., LL.M, Ph.D, LL.D, D.Litt, D.Sc, DHL, DA. Kindly come with me to next week’s exciting dissertation.Judge dismisses charges against Karen Read supporter who scattered rubber ducks and fake $100 billsKate Middleton shortlisted for Time's Person of the Year 2024 (Picture credit: AP) Kate Middleton , the Princess of Wales, has made it to the shortlist for Time’s prestigious "Person of the Year" 2024. The 42-year-old royal is in the running alongside high-profile figures such as US President-elect Donald Trump, tech mogul Elon Musk, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Her nomination remarks her pivotal role in sparking a global conversation about privacy and health for public figures , especially following her personal health challenges this year. In January, Middleton underwent abdominal surgery , followed by a cancer diagnosis, which she revealed in March after rumours circulated about her absence. The princess took a break from public duties to focus on her treatment, announcing in September that she had completed chemotherapy . Her openness about her health journey has resonated deeply with the public, elevating the discourse around the struggles faced by public figures when it comes to privacy and medical challenges. According to The Mirror, Middleton’s candidness in sharing her story has been praised for breaking down stigmas and inspiring others. Her journey to recovery and her return to public engagements, including the recent "Together at Christmas" carol service at Westminster Abbey, where she spoke about her difficult year, have further cemented her influence. T The service, which Middleton planned herself, emphasized themes of love and empathy, chosen after her personal health struggles. As per The New York Post, Middleton’s efforts to continue her royal duties amid personal adversity have been lauded as a symbol of resilience . This year’s shortlist also includes other notable figures such as Vice President Kamala Harris, who launched an impressive 107-day presidential campaign, and Meta's CEO Mark Zuckerberg, praised for handling government scrutiny of his social media empire. The winner of Time’s Person of the Year 2024 will be revealed in the coming days, following in the footsteps of 2023's honoree, Taylor Swift.
Labor’s Trade Minister Don Farrell has not yet spoken to the incoming US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick amid concerns about US trade tariffs on Australia. President-elect Donald Trump has touted universal trade tariffs of between 10 and 20 per cent, creating concern about possible consequences to the Australian economy. Asked by Sky News Political Editor if he had spoken with Mr Lutnick since his appointment, Mr Farrell said he had not. “No, no. I have put in a request to have a discussion. It’s, I think, good to make contact in advance of the change,” Mr Farrell said. “We will work with incoming President Trump. I’ve reached out already to the commerce secretary to contact him.” Mr Farrell outlined that Australia's trade relationship with the United States was asymmetrical, with Australia purchasing twice as much from the US as it sells. He acknowledged the imposition of a trade tariff would “not be good” for the Australian economy as one in four jobs rely on trade. However, he added “We are not at that stage yet” and pointed to remarks apparently made by Mr Lutnick that “some things that are said before the election aren’t the way it goes”. “I’d argue that we should calm things down a bit, not panic and do what we’ve done with the China relationship, which is cool, calm negotiation to try and get the best result for Australian farmers, Australian manufacturers, Australian miners.” Prime Minister Albanese recently revealed he did not discuss trade tariffs during his phone call with Trump after the US election . Pressed on whether he was confident Australia would receive an exemption from tariffs, the Prime Minister said he did not want to pre-empt those decisions. “We'll advocate for Australia's national interests. That's my job to do so, because one in four jobs in Australia is trade-dependent,” he said. “We'll continue to advocate for free and fair trade. Donald Trump will take office on January 20. I'm not going to pre-empt what his administration might do. He clearly has an agenda. We'll wait and see how that plays out." More to come.Weatherford International (OTCMKTS:WFTLF) Trading 6.9% Higher – Here’s What Happened
After an emotional 2024 season, four-time major champion Rory McIlroy seems to be enjoying some time off. The golfer was recently spotted at the Las Vegas Grand Prix qualifying on Friday as he hung out with the Alpine F1 team. Last year, McIlroy expanded his net worth by investing in the Alpine F1 team. He would join other notable athletes such as Anthony Joshua , Patrick Mahomes , Travis Kelce , Trent Alexander-Arnold , and Juan Moto to invest in this sport. At that time, the golfer claimed he was a big fan of F1 and claimed golf could “ learn ” a bit from F1 in terms of some of the set-up stuff. At the Las Vegas Grand Prix, he was seen spending time in the Alpine garage before the race on Saturday. ️ #PHOTOS — Rory McIlroy, an @AlpineF1Team investor is in Vegas for Las Vegas Grand Prix. @TrackingRory pic.twitter.com/WnXx3Y6q4s In the qualifying race, Pierre Gasly secured third place on the grid while Esteban Ocon took 11th place. Unfortunately, they were unable to keep up the momentum on Saturday night. Gasly had to retire from the race and got a did not finish result, whereas Ocon came in 17th place. George Russell clinched the Las Vegas Grand Prix with an amazing performance while Max Verstappen claimed his fourth world title . Rory McIlroy offers first glimpse of TGL simulator ahead of inaugural 2025 season The 2025 season will be an important one for Rory McIlroy . While he will resume his chase for a fifth major championship, one of his projects will also kick-off. The TGL Golf owned by McIlroy and Tiger Woods will kick off in January next year. Ahead of this anticipated event, McIlroy offered the first glimpse of the TGL simulator. In a video shared by the Boston Common Golf, the team of McIlroy, the North Irishman could be seen describing the hole and called the pools cool. Poles are cool . Poles are really cool. So this is a hole called Quick Draw, the welling design. It’s got this canyon that sticks out. It’s about a 300-yard carry, but downhill, about seven feet, no wind right now ... Like Bo says, he says this is like a par four and a half going this way. It’s like a par five and a half going this way. It’s like 700 yards all the way around He would later try out several shots and seemed impressed with his shots and the technology. Nice fly but definitely yeah, it’s very realistic. It’s very good a sneak peek at @McIlroyRory ’s first thoughts after playing a @TGL hole this past summer TGL Performance Lab pic.twitter.com/ddRUZwMEtN McIlroy will team up with Adam Scott , Hideki Matsuyama , and Keegan Bradley in the first season of the TGL. They will take part in five regular matches with their first game being against Woods’ Jupiter Links Golf Club. The TGL was originally scheduled to take place in January 2024. However, damages to their roof last year saw the event being delayed by one year. This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.Single Man’s Fake Couple Photos Go Viral For All The Right Reasons