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GE Set to Announce Winners in Off-Grid Energy Challenge

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General Electric and the United States Africa Development Agency (USADF) are set to announce winners in their Off-Grid Energy Challenge which was recently kicked-off in Kenya and Nigeria.

Entries have closed and the judging process has started, which will culminate in the announcement of this year’s winners from both countries.

Over the next 3 years, not less than 20 individuals and indigenous African companies who come up with innovative solutions that address the Energy challenges of African communities and businesses stand a chance of winning up to $100,000 in grants to support their initiatives.
 
The judges will be looking out for off-grid energy solutions that have created innovative approaches to metering, payment, collections, or transmission. They will also look out for entries that deliver sustainable energy to underserved marginal populations without degrading the environment.

The Off-Grid Energy challenge is the initiative of global infrastructure giants, General Electric (GE) and the United States Africa Development Agency (USADF).

The initiative rides on the back of the Power Africa initiative announced by President Barack Obama during his recent visit to Africa.

The Power Africa initiative seeks to drive growth in Africa by increasing access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable power and by helping to ensure responsible, transparent and effective management of energy resources on the continent.

Jay Ireland, President and CEO, GE Africa, said he is excited that the Off-Grid Energy challenge is generating increased awareness about the plight of communities that are either underserved by the national grid or are not connected at all.  He said, “we have no doubt that great solutions will emerge from this initiative, which will ultimately provide some insight to how to tackle some of the off-grid energy challenges in Africa”.

On her part Shari Berenbach, President and CEO of USADF said the initiative will help leverage more marginalized and underserved communities into positions where they can engage in and benefit from inclusive economic growth. She said over the last 30 years, the USADF has championed initiatives that have contributed in catalyzing Africans out of poverty.

“We are proud to be in partnership with GE on this initiative, which clearly resonates with everything that USADF stands for,” said Shari Berenbach.

Winning entries are scheduled to be announced on November 21 at a grand event in Lagos, Nigeria.

 


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General News

Nigeria Recovers $52.88m in Assets Linked to Former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke

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Federal government has received $52.88m recovered Galactica assets linked to a former Minister of Petroleum Diezani Alison-Madueke from the USA.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi disclosed this at the formal signing ceremony of the asset agreement between Nigeria and the United States of America in Abuja on Friday, January 10.

While speaking at the ceremony, Fagbemi explained that $50m of the recovered assets will be deployed through the World Bank to the development of the rural electrification project and the remaining $2m will be deployed to the International Institute of Justice to expand the Justice system and also counter corruption.

Speaking further, Fagbemi noted that the asset return marks a milestone in the ongoing collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in combating corruption and upholding the rule of law

He said the event is also a significant effort by President Bola Tinubu to address the issue of corruption.

Meanwhile, in his remarks, the United States Ambassador to Nigeria Richard Mills called for the monitoring and effectively utilizing the recovered assets by the Ministry of Justice to benefit Nigerians.

Diezani served as Minister under the Goodluck Jonathan administration.


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TikTok Announces Plans to Cease Operations in the U.S. by January 19, 2025

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TikTok has officially announced plans to cease its operations in the United States by January 19, 2025.

“Absent such relief, the Act will take effect on January 19, 2025,” TikTok said in a Dec. 9 legal filing. “That would shut down TikTok—one of the Nation’s most popular speech platforms for its more than 170 million domestic monthly users on the eve of a presidential inauguration.”

Last year, President Joe Biden signed into law, a legislation to remove TikTok from U.S. app stores and prohibit internet providers across the nation from allowing access to the platform if ByteDance cannot sell to an American company by Jan. 19.

The legislation was put in place amid concerns of China possibly using TikTok to spy on U.S. residents.

In response, TikTok filed an emergency motion for an injunction to stop the ban from taking effect, arguing that it violates the First Amendment and will generate “substantial losses,” per legal documents.

The Supreme Court is slated to hear oral arguments on Jan. 10 over whether or not the law should be upheld.

Meanwhile, several entrepreneurs have launched a bid to purchase TikTok, including Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary.

“This isn’t just about buying TikTok’s U.S. assets,” he wrote in a Jan. 6 message on X, formerly Twitter. “It’s about something much bigger: protecting the privacy of 170 million American users.”

O’Leary continued, “It’s about empowering creators and small businesses. And it’s about building a platform that prioritizes PEOPLE over algorithms. TikTok has immense potential, not just as a tool for creators but as a driver of meaningful economic and social impact.”

However, O’Leary said he’ll likely need an assist from President-elect Donald Trump, who will be sworn into office on Jan. 20.

“Trump will be who we have to work with to close the deal in the months ahead,” he explained during a Jan. 6 appearance on Fox News’ The Story with Martha MacCallum, per The Wrap. “So, I wanted to let him know—as well as others in his cabinet—that we’re doing this, and we’re going to need their help.”


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Transform Your Health with QNET’s BELITE 123: The Ultimate Weight Management Solution

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With the start of a new year, many of us set ambitious goals to improve our health and manage our weight. While resolutions often fade, QNET’s LifeQode BELITE 123 stands as a proven, reliable companion on the journey to sustainable health.

A well-established product trusted by thousands worldwide, BELITE 123 offers a holistic and science-backed approach to weight management that goes beyond quick fixes to support lasting well-being.

Irfan Aziz from Kuwait is one of many who have experienced life-changing results with BELITE 123. “After years of struggling with my weight, BELITE 123 made all the difference.

“I initially lost 2 kg, which kept me motivated; now I’ve shed 12.4 kg in total! But it’s not just about the weight—my mental clarity, sleep quality, and overall emotional balance have improved significantly,” Irfan shares. “BELITE 123 takes the ‘T’ out of Can’t!”

A Proven Formula for New Year Success

With its three-step system, BELITE 123 has become a cornerstone of health for individuals looking to stay fit and energized, even during festive seasons and indulgent celebrations. Each component is meticulously designed to support the body’s natural processes:

• BELITE 01 (Green Tea & Kaffir Lime): Boosts metabolism and helps regulate blood pressure.

• BELITE 02 (African Mango): Reduces appetite and supports cholesterol management, with studies showing a 27.3% reduction in LDL.

• BELITE 03 (Peppermint & Cinnamon): Detoxifies, improves digestion, and promotes restful sleep.

This effective system allows users to embrace healthier habits without sacrificing enjoyment. Whether it’s savoring holiday treats or maintaining daily routines, BELITE 123 supports a balanced lifestyle year-round.

A Long-Term Commitment to Wellness

Trevor Kuna, QNET’s Chief Marketing Officer, underscores the importance of adopting a sustainable approach to health. “Weight management isn’t just a resolution; it’s a lifestyle.

“BELITE 123 is built to help people achieve their health goals by integrating seamlessly into daily life.

“It’s not about quick fixes but creating long-lasting habits that lead to better health and greater vitality.”

Kuna emphasizes that the secret to BELITE 123’s success lies in its holistic approach. “Our product doesn’t just target weight loss; it addresses overall well-being, which is key to maintaining a healthy and fulfilling life,” he adds.

Easy to Follow, Backed by Science

The BELITE 123 system is simple to incorporate into even the busiest lifestyles:

1. BELITE 01: Drink after breakfast to jumpstart your metabolism.

2. BELITE 02: Take before lunch to curb appetite and support fat burning.

3. BELITE 03: Drink after dinner to cleanse and detoxify overnight.

With natural ingredients sourced from Asia, Africa, and Europe, BELITE 123 combines ancient wisdom with modern science to deliver sustainable results.

Its global following is a testament to its effectiveness and the trust it has earned over the years.

Renew Your Commitment to Health This Year

As we step into 2025, BELITE 123 offers a trusted solution for anyone looking to take charge of their health. It’s more than just a product; it’s a partner on your journey toward a healthier, more balanced life.

Let BELITE 123 help you turn your resolutions into reality—and sustain them throughout the year.


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