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Senator Akobundu’s ICT Empowerment Initiative: PDP Commends Monumental Youth Development | #NwokeukwuMascot

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  Politics   File Image The Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has praised Senator Austin Akobundu for his groundbreaking efforts in youth empowerment through his ICT Technology Transfer initiative. This commendation was conveyed in a statement signed by Mascot NwokeUkwu, Chief of Staff to the PDP State Chairman, Elder Abraham Amah, who also serves as Head of the Shadow Cabinet. The initiative recently achieved a significant milestone with the graduation of the first batch of 170 Abia youths, as part of a broader plan to empower 2,000 beneficiaries with advanced ICT skills. The program, described as transformative, aims to equip young people with the tools needed to excel in today’s technology-driven global economy. According to the PDP, the initiative transcends basic training, representing a paradigm shift in youth empowerment. By imparting technical skills that can be monetized across various industries, the program empowers participants to become sel...

WhatsApp to stop working on these phones from January 1: Check the full list | #NwokeukwuMascot

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  Tech   File Image Starting January 1, 2025, WhatsApp will stop working on over 20 older Android phones, including models from Samsung, Motorola, HTC, LG, and Sony, running Android KitKat or earlier. WhatsApp needs no introduction. It’s the most used messaging app in the world with about 2 billion monthly active users. It’s where people like you and me connect with family, friends, and even colleagues. But with WhatsApp constantly evolving and adding new features, some older devices will no longer support the app. Starting January 1, 2025, over 20 Android smartphones will lose access to WhatsApp. This change is linked to the fact that these devices are running outdated versions of Android, particularly Android 4.4 aka KitKat or earlier software versions. According to a recent report from HDblog, Meta, the company behind WhatsApp, is phasing out support for these older devices as part of its ongoing updates to ensure better security and functionality. It’s worth noting that al...

Quit smoking on New Year’s Day, regain 50 days of life, researchers tell smokers | #NwokeukwuMascot

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  Health  File Image A study conducted by University College London (UCL) has revealed that smokers who decide to quit on New Year’s Day could save an entire day of their lives by January 8. The research, commissioned by the UK’s Department for Health and Social Care, highlights that each cigarette smoked reduces life expectancy by approximately 20 minutes, amounting to nearly seven hours lost per pack of 20 cigarettes. By quitting on New Year’s Day, smokers could reclaim a week of life by February 20 and avoid losing up to 50 days of life by year’s end.  The research coincides with the introduction of the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which recently passed its Second Reading in the House of Commons. The findings underscore the severe harm caused by smoking, previously underestimated.  Public Health Minister Andrew Gwynne described smoking as “an expensive and deadly habit” and stressed the importance of quitting.  He encouraged smokers to use the new year as...

Ngwa Day Celebration 2024: A Historic Showcase of Indigenous Heritage | #NwokeukwuMascot

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  News   File Image The 2024 Ngwa Day Celebration has etched its place in history as a remarkable event that spotlighted the rich cultural heritage and enduring values of the Ngwa people. Held on December 28, this groundbreaking occasion served as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and promoting indigenous traditions in a rapidly globalizing world. At the heart of this year’s celebration was the captivating display of  Amala Ntóró Church(Traditional is Older than Religion),  a symbolic representation of the timeless wisdom embedded in traditional practices.  The  Celebration of Ngwa 2024  resonated deeply with attendees, emphasizing the roots of the Ngwa people’s identity and the enduring relevance of their customs. The event also celebrated how many in the community have embraced a harmonious blend of tradition and spirituality, becoming what can be aptly described as “Traditionally Religious.” The Ngwa Day Celebration was not merely ...

FG: Direct Payment of Allocation to Councils Begins Next Month | #NwokeukwuMascot

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  News   File Image Barring any last-minute changes, local councils will begin receiving direct allocations from the Federation Account starting next month. This will commence with the disbursement of this month’s allocation, a source revealed to our correspondent over the weekend. The direct receipt of funds from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) will put an end to delays in implementing the July 11 Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to local councils. Since the judgment, the Federal Government has been working to minimize disruptions to state and local government operations. However, breaking the state/local government joint account system—through which council allocations are paid—has faced subtle resistance from governors, many of whom are dissatisfied with the court’s decision. A member of the Inter-Ministerial Committee established to enforce the judgment disclosed that approval had been granted for direct FAAC allocations to local govern...