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Maybe the lesson this Christmas season is that even if turnabout is fair play, at some point, enough is enough. Start with the specious lawsuits brought against President-elect Donald Trump, to the great glee of many of his “Never Trump” and Democratic detractors. Some of them, especially Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s March 2023 indictment charging that Trump’s signing off on allegedly false business records in 2017 somehow swindled the electorate in 2016, had an immediate turnabout effect. Michael Barone Within a few weeks, what had looked like a close Republican primary race between Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) became a runaway romp for Trump. Bragg got a Manhattan jury to vote for conviction, but Trump has had the last laugh. But in the meantime, he has filed a couple of antic lawsuits of his own. And, contrary to many observers’ expectations, none has been dismissed. His targets are the political press. But just as flimsy prosecutions such as Bragg’s threatened to limit free speech by a political candidate, Trump’s — how should one put it? — creative lawsuits threaten to limit political speech all around. The first lawsuit is brought against the Des Moines Register’s well-known pollster Ann Selzer, whose Oct. 28-31 poll showed Trump trailing Vice President Kamala Harris by 47% to 44% in a state he had carried 53% to 45% in 2020. The result was all the more startling because Selzer had a record of accurately gauging late shifts of opinion in the state. The instant reaction of many analysts, professional and amateur, was to wonder whether the bottom was falling out of Trump’s campaign in Iowa and nationally. Turns out, it wasn’t. Other polls showed nothing like such a shift from 2020, and Trump carried Iowa 56% to 43%. Selzer’s postelection analysis, as former Washington Post poll analyst David Byler wrote, showed that if she had adjusted her raw results in ways most pollsters do in this post-landline-telephone era, she would have shown Trump ahead. Her methods, which had spotlighted last-minute shifts in Iowa’s first-in-the-nation precinct caucuses, failed in a race in which opinion was more deeply rooted. Trump’s preposterous claim is that Selzer presented fake numbers to harm his campaign. I can’t imagine a jury would agree. More importantly, political campaigns are full of sound and fury, dubious claims and downright lies. Elections are adversary processes, with both sides having a say. Trump’s other creative lawsuit, as Ben Smith reports in Semafor, was brought in 2022 against the Pulitzer Prize Board for defamation, for issuing and refusing to rescind awards to journalists who wrote stories about what Trump calls, picturesquely but accurately, “the Russia, Russia, Russia” collusion hoax. Trump’s lawyers attack the board for issuing awards “particularly when many of the key assertions and premises of the Russia Collusion Hoax that permeated the Awarded Articles had been revealed by the Mueller Report and congressional investigations as false.” That, aside from the eccentric capitalization, is a fair comment. As Smith admits, much reporting on supposed Russia collusion, “with its breathless cable news and social media cheerleading, did not seriously bear out,” and “some of that reporting ... was powered by a delusion.” Smith also admits, at least via hyperlink, that he, as then-editor-in-chief of BuzzFeed News, first published the specious and always dubious Steele dossier. Trump has a legitimate grievance against the Democrats who concocted that document and peddled the Russia collusion canard in an effort to force him from office — an enterprise that weakened the credibility of their legitimate criticisms of him for not accepting the result of the 2020 election. It would be desirable for both Democrats and Republicans, and for the press, to return to the norm of recognizing as legitimate the results of elections, however distasteful. Enough turnabout. It would be desirable as well for Trump to drop his creative lawsuits, however gratifying it might be to submit his journalistic tormenters to the ordeal of depositions. As Eli Lake writes in the Free Press, he “should take the win and move on.” It would be desirable, thirdly, for the press to admit error, as Selzer and Smith, perhaps a little less forthrightly, have done. It is better to get into the habit of doing so voluntarily rather than risk lawsuits that may establish restrictions. The Russia collusion hoax did great harm to a duly elected president and, therefore, to the country, and it was always based on a dubious theory and on exceedingly thin, if not nonexistent, evidence. The press owe, not to Trump but to the public, a full accounting. Michael Barone is a senior political analyst for the Washington Examiner, resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and longtime co-author of The Almanac of American Politics. His new book, “Mental Maps of the Founders: How Geographic Imagination Guided America’s Revolutionary Leaders,” is now available. © 2024, Creators.comUnveiling Zephon Factions! Discover New Alliances in Gaming’s FutureATLANTA (AP) — 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. years old. The died on Sunday, more than a year after entering , at his home in the small town of Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, who , 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, and well into his 90s. “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 president from Plains A moderate Democrat, 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 U.S. 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. 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. 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. And then, the world 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 U.S. 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 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 . 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 Among the center’s many public health initiatives, Carter vowed to eradicate the guinea worm parasite during his lifetime, and 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.” ‘An epic American life’ 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 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 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 U.S. 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, . 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, 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. A small-town start 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. , 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 U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1946. That same year 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. 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 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. ‘Jimmy Who?’ 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 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?” 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. 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. Accomplishments, and ‘malaise’ 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 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 U.S. 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 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. ‘A wonderful life’ 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 in his 10th decade of life. “I’m perfectly at ease with whatever comes,” . “I’ve had a wonderful life. I’ve had thousands of friends, I’ve had an exciting, adventurous and gratifying existence.” ___ Former Associated Press journalist Alex Sanz contributed to this report. Bill Barrow, The Associated Press777 jili 。

Qatar tribune Agencies President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reiterated on Saturday the main priority of the government’s economic program to lower inflation as he said that there would be more interest rate cuts in 2025 after the central bank cut its key rate by 250 basis points to 47.5% earlier this week. The Turkish central bank trimmed the one-week repo rate on Thursday after an 18-month tightening effort to tackle elevated prices. “Priority in our economy program is to lower inflation ... We will hopefully reduce inflation to the required level by using other tools at our disposal in addition to the monetary policy,” Erdoğan told members of his ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) in the northwestern city of Bursa. “We will definitely start lowering the interest rates; 2025 will be the landmark year for this,” he said.“Interest rates will decrease so that inflation will decrease. We will take this step. This is now indispensable for us.” The annual inflation rate dipped to 47.1% in November compared to around 75% in May, marking the lowest since mid-2023. Inflation is seen declining further to 45.2% in December, according to a recent Reuters poll which saw the annual rate falling to 26.5% by the end of 2025. The central bank earlier announced that it had reduced the number of scheduled policy meetings next year to eight from 12 in 2024. According to a Reuters poll’s median, the central bank is expected to ease rates to about 28.5% by the end of 2025, with forecasts ranging between 25% and 33%.“The main purpose of our ecnomic program is to compensate for the welfare loss, which our nation, our fixed-income citizens in particular, has been experiencing due to the imbalances in exchange rates and inflation, as soon as possible. To that end, we must, first of all, eliminate such matters as inflation used as an excuse for the high cost of living,” Erdoğan said at the congress of AK Party in Bursa. “The arbitrary pricing habits of greedy opportunists, which cannot be explained by inflation, exchange or interest rates, of course, do not make our job easier, they make it harder. There is a group that perceives the free market economy as disorder and exploits it to the fullest, but we will overcome them,” he added. “In fact, the most effective method in this regard is for our nation to boycott products and services that increase prices excessively,” he outlined. Furthermore, drawing attention to housing and rental prices, which he said play an important role in inflation rise and the perception of the cost of living, President Erdoğan stressed that they are in preparation for taking a step that will prevent this, and added: “As of the summer months, during which the construction activities in the earthquake zone will be completed to a great extent, we are planning to launch a social housing mobilization.” Like this, he noted that they will take steps aimed at enabling fixed-income citizens to own their own houses. Separately, at another event in Bursa on Saturday, the president also highlighted the confidence in the economic program as he pointed out to improvement in the economy, stating that the goals for 2024 have been achieved “to a large extent.” “We have full confidence and support for our economic program. We have achieved our goals for 2024 to a large extent despite the crises that resurfaced in our region and the elections. International capital inflow to our country has accelerated, our reserves have strengthened, foreign exchange volatility has decreased, and financing circumstances have improved,” said Erdoğan. “Our country’s credit risk premium has also fallen significantly. We are the only country whose rating has been increased twice by the three credit rating agencies,” he noted. “We have also taken realistic steps and a common future vision in the 2025 budget. This year, we have allocated TL 1.57 trillion (nearly $44.7 billion) for investments,” he added. “In addition to the reconstruction of the earthquake zone, we have given priority to investments in irrigation, investments that will connect organized industrial zones with ports by rail, and investments that will quickly complete the industrial infrastructure,” he said. Speaking at the Award Ceremony for Contributors to Economy, the president also highlighted the importance they attached to maintaining the competitive strength in the apparel, textile, leather and furniture sectors. Copy 30/12/2024 10Maharashtra: 24-Year-Old Nagpur Resident Duped Of ₹7.17 Lakh In Voice Cloning Scam; Case Registered

Nigerians with disabilities face immense barriers to employment, from workplace inaccessibility to widespread discrimination. With hopes of inclusion fading, their aspirations are continually thwarted, and many are left in despair, while the fight for dignity and survival becomes an uphill battle. HENRY FALAIYE writes John, a 34-year-old physically challenged engineering graduate, has always been passionate about contributing to Nigeria’s infrastructural development. Yet, despite his qualifications and determination, he lamented that he faces persistent obstacles in the job market. John said, “I have sent out countless applications, but each time, the response is the same, especially when I get to the interview stage. “We have gone with another candidate.’ They don’t even give me a chance to prove myself,” he said, his voice tinged with frustration. According to John, who uses a wheelchair, employers’ reluctance to hire him stems not from a lack of skills but from societal attitudes towards people with disabilities. “I know that many of the tasks I am qualified for don’t require physical labour, but employers immediately doubt my abilities,” John told The PUNCH . “It feels like I am being judged based on my wheelchair, not my capability.” John added that the consistent rejections pushed him to consider self-employment as the only viable option. “It is demoralising. I have worked hard, but it seems like I will never be given a fair chance in the formal job market,” he added. John’s story reflects the grim reality for many Nigerians with disabilities. Johnson Chukwuma, a Higher National Diploma holder, resorted to washing cars at the NNPCL filling station along Okota Roundabout in Lagos to sustain himself and his family after struggling to secure employment due to poor eyesight. Chukwuma, an albino in his late 20s, lamented that despite graduating with second-class upper in Business Administration, he has faced repeated rejection from employers who cite his visual impairment as a limitation. While sharing his ordeal, Chukwuma explained, “I have applied to many companies, but they tell me I can’t perform well because I can’t see clearly. It is disheartening because I worked hard to get my degree and had high hopes for my future.” Despite the setbacks, Chukwuma refused to give in to despair. To make ends meet, he began washing cars, earning a modest income to support himself and his family. On an average day, he washes dozens of vehicles, earning just enough to get by. However, he stressed that the job does not reflect his qualifications or aspirations. “I just want to be given a chance to prove myself,” he said. “I know my limitations, but I also know my capabilities. I believe I can contribute meaningfully if only someone would take a chance on me.” Soliat Ogundele, a food seller at Isolo Market, shared her story of resilience and determination after a life-altering motor accident that claimed her right arm. Speaking with The PUNCH , Ogundele recounted the fateful day that changed her life forever. She was returning to Lagos when the accident occurred, leaving her with no choice but to undergo an amputation. “When the doctor said they had to cut off my hand completely, my world fell apart,” she lamented. “I became frustrated, filled with anger, and I lost my self-worth and esteem. I used my right hand to do almost everything, and suddenly, it was gone.” The journey to rebuild her life was fraught with challenges. Many companies refused to employ Ogundele due to her physical disability and after four years she’s yet to use her certificate to get a good job because of her disability. Learning to use her left hand for basic tasks became her first hurdle. However, amid her despair, her fiancé, who had proposed earlier that year, became her pillar of support. “He wiped away my tears, rented a shop for me in Isolo Market, and encouraged me to start selling foodstuffs. His love gave me hope.” Ogundele added, “I still struggle with self-confidence and often use long scarves to cover my amputated arm whenever I step out. “I am still trying to build my confidence back. It is not easy, but with the support of my family, I have been thriving.” For too long, PWDs in Nigeria have faced systemic barriers that hinder their full participation in society, particularly in the workforce. These barriers include widespread stigma, discrimination, lack of access to essential social services, and limited opportunities for education and skill development. In many parts of the world, persons with disabilities benefit from inclusive policies, accessible infrastructure, and anti-discrimination measures that foster equal opportunities. In contrast, PWDs in Nigeria face widespread discrimination and high unemployment due to societal biases and a lack of supportive structures, leaving them marginalised and unable to access essential services or opportunities for independence. Biases in employment practices Societal stereotypes often prevent employers from recognising the capabilities of PWDs. These biases limit job opportunities for them, even when they are equally or more qualified than their peers without disabilities. The Lead Human Resource Operations at Irede Foundation, Ms Oluwaseun Ayodeji-Cole, said, “Persons with disabilities in Nigeria face numerous barriers to employment, rooted in societal, institutional, and infrastructural challenges, contributing significantly to their plight. Employers frequently harbour biased perceptions about their productivity and competence, while social stigma and misconceptions foster a discriminatory hiring culture. “Both public and private sectors often lack awareness of the capabilities of disabled individuals and the advantages of inclusive hiring. Coupled with insufficient advocacy and support networks, this leaves many disabled job seekers struggling to navigate the employment landscape effectively.” Ayodeji-Cole mentioned that the foundation seeks to improve the employability of PWDs and create a more inclusive society where everyone can contribute and succeed. She said that due to the high level of unemployment among people with disabilities, the foundation has launched an employability programme aimed at enhancing employment opportunities for PWDs to equip them with leadership and employability skills for them to thrive in the workplace. “Policies that can be modified to ensure the inclusion of PWDs even in the hiring process. These things are small things that organisations can start to do pending when the big things are then implemented,” Ayodeji-Cole added. Different tales... A disability rights advocate and a US-based Nigerian musician, Tomi Owoeye, has witnessed both worlds of PWDs exclusion and inclusion in different societies. While in Nigeria, he was constantly denied job opportunities, but on relocation to the United States of America, he’s been able to access grants and social welfare facilities, which has greatly impacted his music career. He said, “Persons with disabilities in Nigeria face significant barriers to employment stemming from discrimination, inaccessible infrastructure, and inadequate skills training. Despite the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018, implementation remains weak. Many employers still overlook the abilities of PWDs, focusing instead on their disabilities.” Owoeye said, “Despite not being able to walk from birth and using a wheelchair, I fought and made sure I became a graduate, but getting a job in Nigeria was quite difficult even though I was qualified for some positions. Most of the companies I went to for interviews didn’t offer me the positions due to my physical disability, and the one that did offer me a meagre salary compared to others. “When I had the opportunity to leave the shores of Nigeria for the United States, I followed and developed my passion for music especially playing the guitar. “Due to the enabling environment here and good policies that support PWDs, especially with grants and social welfare, amongst other things, I have been able to succeed in owning a music label, producing beats for other artists, and I have been going to concerts and earning from people streaming my music on different platforms. All of these benefits I didn’t have in Nigeria.” Also speaking with The PUNCH , Okiki, an individual with albinism residing in Ikate, said, “There is a significant educational barrier for persons with disabilities. Many of us don’t have access to quality education, and a major part of the problem is that many parents cannot afford to get their children admitted to school. Even when they do, continuing education becomes a struggle because the system itself is not inclusive enough to cater to our needs.” Social inclusion is the process of improving the terms on which individuals and groups take part in society – improving the ability, opportunity, and dignity of those disadvantaged on the basis of their identities. However, for many individuals living with disabilities in the country, finding employment is not just a matter of proving their skills or ability, but fighting against ingrained prejudices that undermine their potential. According to the Nigeria National Population Commission, over 19 million Nigerians, approximately 9.6 per of the population, live with some form of disability. The International Labour Organisation further emphasised that PWDs experience disproportionately high unemployment rates and significantly lower earnings. These challenges are exacerbated in developing countries like Nigeria, where systemic barriers, attitudinal biases, and poor implementation of disability-inclusive policies persist. Nigeria’s workforce stigma The ILO’s recent paper reveals a troubling global trend: persons with disabilities earn, on average, 12 per cent less per hour than their non-disabled peers, with the wage gap widening to 26 per cent in low- and lower-middle-income countries. In Nigeria, the situation is particularly dire. Unemployment among PWDs aged 15-24 is estimated at 77 per cent, compared to 49 per cent for their non-disabled counterparts. Among older age groups, the disparity remains significant, with PWDs facing unemployment rates nearly triple that of the general population. The ILO paper noted that differences in education, age and type of work cannot explain three-quarters of that. “In low and lower-middle-income countries, this disability wage gap is much larger, at 26 per cent, and almost half cannot be explained by socio-demographic differences,” the organisation mentioned. Related News Relief materials for PWDs Disability policy advocate seeks support for PWDs PWDs bemoan discrimination, seek inclusion in governance ILO highlighted the significant challenges faced by women with disabilities, who experience a notable gender pay gap compared to their male counterparts. In countries where gender-disaggregated data was available, the gender pay gap for women with disabilities was six per cent in developed nations and five per cent in developing countries. The ILO emphasised that globally, approximately 1.3 billion people, or nearly one in six, live with significant disabilities. However, only 30 per cent of individuals with disabilities are active in the labour market, leading to a low overall participation rate, with progress toward greater inclusion being slow. The ILO’s findings also pointed to the tendency of people with disabilities to pursue self-employment due to its flexibility, which can offer more control over working hours and reduce the risk of discrimination. According to a World Bank report, the unemployment rate for persons with disabilities in Nigeria is considerably higher than the general population. For instance, among individuals aged 15-24, unemployment for PWDs is approximately 77 per cent, compared to 49 per cent for those without disabilities. Among those aged 25-64, the rate is 61 per cent for PWDs compared to 21 for others. Despite educational qualifications, many PWDs struggle to secure jobs due to attitudinal and structural barriers in workplaces. The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, James Lalu, disclosed that there are currently 35.1 million persons living with disabilities in Nigeria. He emphasised the urgent need for inclusivity, stating, “The challenges faced by persons with disabilities are vast, from limited access to education and healthcare to employment discrimination. It is crucial that the government and society as a whole take steps to create an environment that accommodates and empowers this significant segment of the population.” Although there is no precise estimate of the total number of people with disabilities in Nigeria, data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey provides some insight. The survey found that seven per cent of individuals aged five and older, and nine per cent of those aged 60 or above, experience difficulties in at least one functional area, such as seeing, hearing, communication, cognition, walking, or self-care. Moreover, one per cent of the population faces significant challenges, with either severe difficulty or an inability to function in one or more of these domains. In January 2019, Nigeria ratified the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018, marking a significant step toward protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities. However, the implementation of this legislation has largely fallen short. In addition to the national law, nine states have introduced their disability laws, but the effectiveness and enforcement of these regulations vary across the country. Attitudinal barriers are among the most significant obstacles. Employers often harbour misconceptions about the productivity and adaptability of disabled individuals. Consequently, many workplaces fail to provide essential accommodations, such as accessible restrooms, ramps, or assistive technologies. These deficiencies not only limit opportunities for PWDs but also perpetuate a cycle of exclusion and poverty. Legislative framework Nigeria’s Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, enacted in 2019, aims to safeguard the rights of PWDs. The law mandates accessibility in public spaces and prohibits discrimination in employment. However, implementation remains inconsistent, and enforcement mechanisms are weak. Additionally, only nine states have enacted their disability laws, leading to uneven progress across the country. Disability Inclusion Consultant, Dr Adebukola Adebayo, emphasised that the Nigerian government could significantly reduce unemployment among persons with disabilities by establishing clear standards, policies, and guidelines for accessibility. “There are approximately 30 million people with disabilities in Nigeria, with the World Bank noting that 18 million are of working age. However, only about 0.3 per cent of this working-age population is gainfully employed,” she said. She added that even those who are employed often face significant barriers in their workplaces, from physical inaccessibility to workplace discrimination. The Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, signed into law in 2019, was a watershed moment for disability rights in Nigeria. The Act seeks to eradicate employment discrimination, ensure access to public buildings within five years, promote inclusive education, and secure employment opportunities by reserving a five per cent employment quota for PWDs in public organisations. It also established the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities to combat discrimination and promote inclusion. However, five years after its enactment, the Act’s impact has been minimal for Nigeria’s estimated 29 million PWDs. An official noted that the Act’s provision for a five-year grace period for public buildings to become accessible for PWDs is set to take effect in January 2024. Yet, compliance remains low, even in Lagos State, which introduced its own Special People’s Law in 2011, years before the federal legislation. Economic cost Excluding PWDs from the workforce not only undermines social equity but also imposes significant economic costs. According to the World Bank, PWDs in Nigeria are more likely to experience extreme poverty and multidimensional deprivation. With only 0.3 per cent of Nigeria’s 18 million working-age PWDs gainfully employed, the country is missing out on a vast pool of untapped talent and innovation. Also, the chairperson of the Nigeria Business Disability Network, Mrs Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan, said, “Businesses have a crucial role in bridging these gaps, which is why we needed to come together and form networks to explore how we can collaborate to make workplaces more accessible for persons with disabilities. “Our goal is to ensure an inclusive and sustainable approach, where PWDs are seen as valuable contributors to the workforce. PWDs are highly innovative, and to ensure we don’t miss out on their skills and talents, we established the NBDN.” “We aim to foster a culture of inclusivity that not only benefits PWDs but also enhances the overall productivity and diversity of organisations,” she explained. Dimensions of disabilities Women with disabilities face compounded challenges, as the ILO’s research shows. In developing countries, women with disabilities earn five per cent less than their male counterparts. These disparities are driven by entrenched gender norms, limited access to education, and heightened vulnerability to discrimination. The intersection of gender and disability creates a unique set of barriers that demand targeted interventions. For many PWDs, self-employment offers a pathway to economic independence. The ILO notes that disabled individuals are more likely to pursue self-employment due to the flexibility it provides. However, this path is fraught with challenges, including limited access to capital, training, and markets. Government initiatives that promote entrepreneurship among PWDs, coupled with investments in locally manufactured assistive devices, could help address these gaps. Call to action As Nigeria grapples with high unemployment rates and widening inequality, the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the workforce must become a national priority. This requires concerted efforts from the government, private sector, and civil society to dismantle the pervasive barriers that prevent PWDs from realising their potential. By fostering an inclusive and equitable culture, Nigeria can tap into the untapped talent of millions of disabled citizens, contributing to a more just society and a prosperous economy. Despite the passage of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act in January 2019, which was a landmark move toward addressing the plight of PWDs, the implementation of the law remains inconsistent. Across the country, PWDs continue to encounter substantial obstacles in accessing employment, with employers often neglecting the provisions of the law due to a lack of awareness or commitment to inclusive hiring practices. Systemic barriers Stigma and societal discrimination are deeply entrenched in Nigerian culture, often manifesting in the marginalisation of PWDs in various spheres of life. These attitudes perpetuate barriers to education, employment, healthcare, and social inclusion. According to the World Health Organisation, in 2018, a report titled Disability Inclusion in Nigeria: A Rapid Assessment highlighted that about 29 million of the 195 million people who comprise Nigeria’s national population were living with a disability. Also, data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey revealed that an estimated 7 per cent of household members above the age of five (as well as 9 per cent of those 60 or older) have some level of difficulty in at least one functional domain—seeing, hearing, communication, cognition, walking, or self-care—and 1 per cent either have a lot of difficulty or cannot function at all in at least one domain. However, these estimated rates, while significant, are probably even higher because currently available data likely underestimate the prevalence. This rapid social assessment was undertaken to document the current socioeconomic status of persons with disabilities in Nigeria. Findings indicated that persons with disabilities lack access to basic services and that attitudinal barriers represent a major impediment to their socioeconomic inclusion. Inclusive policies are either non-existent, weak or inadequately implemented. There is an urgent need to improve the current socioeconomic situation of persons with disabilities in Nigeria. Institutions are shaped by the individuals who run them, and the attitudes of these individuals influence the environment and the institutions themselves. When a community holds negative attitudes toward a particular vulnerable group, it significantly hinders the group’s ability to reach its full potential. Efforts toward empowerment Fatima Usman, Programme Coordinator for an NGO focused on disability empowerment, highlighted the importance of skill acquisition tailored to the needs of PWDs. She stressed the role of collaborations between the private sector, NGOs, and educational institutions in providing market-relevant training, particularly in technology and entrepreneurship. “Digital technology offers a unique opportunity for inclusion,” she noted. “Remote work models can help PWDs overcome mobility barriers, enabling them to work effectively from home. Creating disability-friendly workplaces with ramps, assistive devices, and flexible work policies is equally important.” Usman also called for awareness campaigns to challenge societal stereotypes. “Inclusion is not charity; it is about recognising the value PWDs bring to the workforce,” she said. “With concerted efforts, PWDs in Nigeria can achieve equitable access to employment and contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.” Recommendations for inclusive d Looking ahead The inclusion of PWDs is essential to achieving Nigeria’s national development goals. Former President Muhammadu Buhari’s ambition of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty by 2029 and fostering inclusive economic growth will be challenging without addressing the socioeconomic barriers faced by PWDs. Creating an enabling environment for PWDs to thrive requires collaborative efforts from government officials, policymakers, NGOs, and civil society organisations. A woman with a physical disability from Oyo state, Mrs. Adeojo, said, “Persons with disabilities should not relax and think, ‘We now have a law, so everything we need will fall into place.’ No, we must continue to work and advocate for implementation.” Her statement underscored the importance of persistent advocacy and collective action to ensure that PWDs in Nigeria can achieve equal opportunities and lead fulfilling lives.

Darnold gives Vikings another gem with career-high 377 yards in 27-25 win over Packers

Jaguar asks people to "trust and reserve judgement" on rebrandAs Honda's luxury division, Acura has long been synonymous with comfort, cutting-edge technology, and performance. However, the brand's Type S models – which include hybrid supercars and EVs — take this ethos to exhilarating new heights by blending most horsepower, innovation, and luxury in one package. Acura has built some of the most reliable engines in the industry, ranging from the K20 Series found in the Integra Type to the J35 series V6 engines in the TLX and RLX. In recent years, the Acura has diversified its powertrains across the lineups. These include the hybrid marvel in the NSX, the turbocharged V6 powerhouse in the MDX, and the all-electric powertrain in the ZDX Type S. Shifting toward a stronger focus on performance in top models, the brand has introduced strong engines, leading to some of the most powerful models ever created. Acura's performance models combine high horsepower outputs with benchmark-setting speeds and other cool features. After adding the remote start and an engaging six-speed manual as a no-cost option to the highest trim in 2023, the Integra entered into the 2024 with updated technology and fresh interior features. Currently holding the title of the most powerful Integra ever made, the Acura Integra Type S has a turbocharged 2.0-liter VTEC engine that kicks out 320 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The model shares this K20C1 engine with the Civic Type R, along with the sturdy four-piston Brembo brakes. The Integra Type S is an incredibly fast four-door hatchback , with a zero to 60 mph acceleration time of 5.1 seconds — faster than the Integra A-Spec and the Type R version. Power goes to the wheels via a six-speed manual transmission, which, when combined with the standard light flywheel and rev-match system, gives the Integra Type S an engaging drive quality. The Type S also features an exclusive exhaust system and active exhaust valve that adds power and delivers a unique exhaust sound. The TLX Type S is a true performance powerhouse in the Acura lineup, serving as the sporty variant of the TLX sedan. Competing with the BMW 3 Series and the Genesis G70, the TLX Type S model capitalizes on performance while maintaining its versatility as a daily driver. It shares its 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 engine with the MDX Type S, producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. With a 60-mph acceleration time of 4.6 seconds, it's easy to understand why the Type S is one of the brand's fastest cars . It outpaces its MDX counterpart, which takes 5.5 seconds with the same engine. Adding to the powerful engine, the TLX features Acura's famous SH-AWD system, which puts all those horses to good use. This rear-biased all-wheel drive system uses clutch pads to send 70% of the engine's 335 horsepower to the rear wheels, giving you a rear-wheel-drive experience. The best part is that, despite its performance-oriented nature, the Type S model is still a practical family car. The MDX Type S is one of the most luxurious Acura models ever made , alongside the TLX, ZDX, and the RL. As the sportier and performance-oriented version of Acura's largest SUV, it features a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine that kicks out 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque — an increase of 65 horsepower and 87 lb-ft more than the base model. Power goes to all wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission system shared with the Acura TLX Type S . This setup allows the MDX Type S to go from zero to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, and achieve a top speed of 111 mph. To rival models like the BMW X7 xDrive40i and the Audi Q7, the MDX Type S features a rear-biased Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which provides extra traction while mimicking the feel of driving a rear-wheel drive car. It also has a retuned suspension system and upgraded brakes compared to the standard MDX model. Its sporty appeal is completed by three-rows, a massive rear diffuser, and aggressive quad exhaust outlets. Starting at $73,500, the ZDX Type S brings electrification to Acura's high-performance lineup, with futuristic tech and power. This electric SUV features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system that kicks out nearly 500 horsepower and 544 lb-ft of torque, which makes it stronger than its rival, the 429 horsepower Genesis GV70 Electric . Overall, the ZDX Type S offers a sports car-like performance in a luxury SUV package. Its powertrain setup allows the ZDX Type S to go from 0 to 60 mph in under 4.2 seconds. The dual-motor configuration gives the SUV instant torque and precise handling, which makes this sizable SUV surprisingly agile. Besides the quick acceleration times, the 2024 ZDX Type S features a performance-tuned adaptive air suspension system and several driving modes — including Sport mode — which allow drivers to adjust how the SUV handles different road conditions. It offers a 278-mile driving range and supports DC Fast Charging at 190 kW, adding 81 miles of range in just 10 minutes. It also has a unique exterior design that features an illuminated seamless pentagon grille and special Jewel Eye LED headlamps. Known as the most powerful NSX ever made, the NSX Type S is atop Acura's performance lineup. This second-generation NSX debuted in 2022 as a high-performance version of the TLX and MDX Type S variants. It has a longitudinally-mounted 500 horsepower 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6, which works with a hybrid system featuring three electric motors — one between the engine and transmission and two powering each of the front wheel. Together, this powertrain setup delivers a power output of 600 horsepower and 492 lb-ft of torque, a step up from the 573 horsepower and 476 lb-ft from the pre-2022 models. All this power goes to the wheels through a nine-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. As one of Acura's fastest models, the NSX Type S was designed for speed. Thanks to instant torque delivery provided by the hybrid system, this supercar can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just three seconds and reach a top speed of 203 mph. In addition to its power output, the NSX Type S features Acura's Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system for enhanced cornering and stability at high speeds. It also has a lightweight, aerodynamic design and the iconic Type S badging. As a limited-edition model, Acura produced only 350 units of the NSX Type S before discontinuing it in 2022 to focus on upcoming EVs.BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Cam Carter hit five 3-pointers and finished with 23 points, Vyctorius Miller added 20 points and LSU never trailed Sunday night in a 110-45 win over Mississippi Valley State, the Tigers' 21st consecutive victory when scoring at least 100 points. LSU's 65-point margin of victory was its largest since the Tigers beat Grambling by 75 (112-37) on Nov. 20, 1999 and is the third biggest against a Division-I opponent in program history. The 110 points were the most by LSU since a 119-108 win over North Florida on Dec. 12, 2015. Carter scored 11 points — including three 3-pointers — in the first six minutes to make it 18-6 and LSU led by double figures the rest of the way. The Delta Devils went 0 for 6 from the field and committed five turnovers as LSU scored 17 consecutive points to take a 28-point lead with 7:44 left in the first half and led 55-13 at halftime. The Tigers allowed the seventh-fewest points in a half by an opponent in program history. Mississippi Valley State (2-11) is averaging 46.2 points and is winless with a scoring margin of minus-44.2 in 11 games against Division-I opponents this season. LSU (11-2) has won three games in a row since a 74-64 loss to SMU at the Compete 4 Cause Classic in Frisco, Texas, on Dec. 14. Jordan Spears and Daimion Collins added 15 points apiece for the Tigers, who shot 66% (46 of 70) from the field and made 12 3s. Alvin Stredic led Mississippi Valley State with eight points. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketballThe Latest: Police believe gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO has left New York City