The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2025 by The Phoenix Newspaper

The Distrust and Disconnect Between Mainstream Politicians and Voters

Dr Tony Talburt

AccordingtoareportintheWorldEconomicForum(Jan2015) basedonaglobalsurveytofindthemostrespectedprofessionsin the world today, the top ten, in order, from 1-10, were doctor, lawyer, engineer, head teacher, police, nurse, accountant, local government manager, management consultant and secondary schoolteacher.

AYOUGOVsurvey(2021)foundthatscientistsanddoctorsand architectswerethetopprofessionsintheUK.Ofthetwenty-three jobs listed on their survey, politician was either not selected enoughorwasnotoneof thecategoriesprovidedforpeopleto voteforinthesurvey.Eitherway,thesetwostudies,alongwitha recentnewspaperheadlineaboutpeoples’distrustof politicians, raisesquestionsof whythereareincreasinglevelsof distrustand disconnectbetweenmainstreampoliticiansandvoters.

Intheperiodfrom2019to2025asurveybyYOUGOVforSky Newsfoundthatthenumberofpeoplesayingthey‘almostnever’ trust the British government to place the needs of the nation above the interests of their own party has nearly doubled from 26%to49%.Thesurveyalsofoundthatnearlythree-quartersof votersbelievepoliticiansdon'tcarewhatpeoplelikethemthink. Moregenerally,thereisawidespreadviewoutsideLondonthat politicians in Westminster don't care very much or at all about theirpartofthecountry.Oneadditionalworryingpointfromthis surveywasthatthepubliccurrentlyseethetwomainpartiesas beingmorelikeeachotherthanatanyelectionsince1964when pollingrecordsbegan.Therehavebeenseveralmajorissueswhich havecontributedtothelevelof distrustbetweenpoliticiansand voters.

These include the revelations of the MPs' expenses scandal, the increase in immigration, and the financial crash. One popular issue that was highlighted in the BBC report was the fact that politicianshavenotcommunicatedproperlyaboutissuesorwere perceivedbythepublictobeholdingbackinformationfromthem while communicating something else. The main issue for politicians is how they try to change people’s attitudes and perceptionsoftheirnobleprofession.

Politiciansareperceivedbymanyvotersaspeoplewhofail todelivertheirpromises.Itseemsthatpoliticians,especially fromthemainparties,areunabletofulfiltheirmanifesto pledges and one of the reasons for this is because no politiciancanforeseehowglobaleventsmightunfoldwhich can impact their economies by creating instability over whichBritishpoliticiansareincreasinglypowerlesstostop. The war in Ukraine and the covid pandemic are good examplesofthis.

Anadditionalproblemforallgovernmentsisthatwhilethe public seems generally in favour of increased government spendingonwelfareinareaslikehealthcareandeducation, they are, at the same time, generally not in favour of increasedtaxationtopayforthese.Threestrategiescould help address this distrust and disconnect. Firstly, communicating carefully and simply so that people understand and eventually trust the messaging from politicians is difficult but important if politicians are seriousaboutestablishingcloserrelationswithmorepeople intheirconstituenciesoutsideofthecampaignseason. Secondly,itwouldalsomakesensetokeeppromisestoa minimum,especiallyaboutissueswhichmaydemandhuge expenditure over which they have very little financial control. Thirdly, appealing to younger voters and getting them more involved in political party programmes and discussions would help in the general education of this younger demographic. If politicians are seen to be aloof fromthepeople,thedistrustanddisconnectwillcontinue. Thisinturncouldgiverisetomorepeopleturningaway frommainstreampoliticsbygettinginvolvedinotherforms of political activism in their communities. It could, however, also mean that smaller parties might be more appealingtovoterswhichinthefuturecouldresultinmore coalition type governments. Politicians must be on the lookout, as increasing numbers of voters are looking elsewhere.

Breakup blues are fuelling a surge in hair transplant travel, says Clinic Prime

Breakups hurt — but for a growing number of British men,thefixisn'tapintwiththeladsoranewtattoo.

It'safreshhairline.Andthey'reflyingtoTurkeytogetit done.

Clinic Prime , a UK-focused cosmetic medical provider basedinIstanbul,reportsasharpuptickinbookingsfrom recently single men. These patients aren't just chasing aesthetics — they're seeking closure, control, and confidence.

"We'vehearditdozensoftimesnow:'Ijustsplitup,and it's time to do something for me," said Sam, UK RepresentativeforClinicPrime.

"It'saquietformof self-reinvention."WhyPost-Breakup HairTransplants?

Relationshipendingsoftentriggeradesireforchange— newroutines,newgoals,newhairlines.ClinicPrimesays thepatternisclear:mostofthesemenhadneverseriously consideredaprocedureuntiltheirbreakup.

Now, a growing number are opting for hair transplant Turkeyservicesthatoffermedicalprecisionatafraction of the UK cost. Studies show that post-breakup life changesarecommon,especiallyamongmenintheir30s and40s.

Formany,hairrestorationisnotjustaboutregrowth— it's a way to reclaim identity and project renewed selfworth.Confidence,afterall,startsatthetop.Withrising demand for expert-led, affordable cosmetic treatment abroad,ClinicPrimehasbecomeatopdestinationforUK patients looking for trustworthy results without the middlemen.

Keyadvantagesinclude:

FreevideoconsultationswithEnglish-speaking medicalstaff

Fixed, transparent pricing — no upselling or hiddenfees

All-inclusive packages covering airport transfers,5-starhotelstays,andaftercare FUEandDHItechniqueswithnatural-looking, long-termresults

Excellent patient reviews across platforms like Trustpilot

ClinicPrime'ssurgeonshaveperformedthousands of successfulprocedures,operatingtointernational clinical standards. Each treatment plan is fully bespoke, ensuring the final result matches the patient'sgoals,hairtype,andfaceshape.

AFreshStart—WithoutthePremiumPriceTag

A comparable procedure on Harley Street or in Mayfaircancostupwardsof£8,000.InTurkey,that same level of surgical expertise — often with the sameequipmentandglobalcertifications—starts at less than half the price. "It's not about cutting corners,"Samexplains."It'saboutcuttingthrough thefluff."

And while cosmetic tourism can be risky, Clinic Prime offers something different: no brokers, no upsells, no vague WhatsApp chats — just direct, patient-firstcarewithclinicaltransparency. ReadyforaNewChapter?

For many men, a breakup is the push they didn't knowtheyneeded."Theyleavewithanewlook,but moreimportantly,witharenewedsenseofwhothey are,"saysSam.

Underwing of painted lady Underwing of painted lady

Would you like to be a citizen-scientists for 15 minutes?

painted lady

ThereisstilltimetoparticipateintheBigButterflyCountand help scientists obtain data through citizen’s sightings up and downthecountry.

AllyouneedtodoisdownloadtheBigButterflyCountApwith its handy species recognition chart, find an open space on a sunny day and count the butterflies you see. You can then upload your sightings knowing that you have just provided anothervaluablerecordandyoucanevenseeyourdatarecord appear on the interactive map. Your records really do help scientists to understand the general health and disposition of natureinBritain,anditisaveryenjoyablewaytospendtimein thesun!

It’sfreetotakepartandchildrenlovehelping.Youcansubmitas many records as you want from as many locations as you like beforeAugust10th.Allthedetailsonhowtojoin-inareavailable at: https://butterfly-conservation.org/events/the-big-butterflycount-2025 t

Science,moderntechnologyandasmallarmy ofcitizen-scientistsobservershavefinallybeen abletoansweraquestionwhichhaspuzzled entomologists (those who study insects) for centuries.

It has long been known that the beautiful PaintedLadybutterflyisnotresidentinthe UKbutarrivesinvaryingnumberseachyear asoneoftheincrediblelong-distancemigrant butterflyspecies.Eversincelearnedgentlemanscholarsandcountrycuratesbeganstudying butterflies in the 18th century entomologists have been trying to understand where the PaintedLadybutterfliesstarttheirjourneyand howsuchadelicatecreaturemanagestocover suchlongdistances.

The story is fascinating, and it begins early each year in equatorial Africa with the offspring from the first brood crossing the SaharaDesertinsearchof flowersinbloom for their supply of nectar and plants to lay their eggs on. Each successive generation continuesthemigrationfurthernorthandby mid-summerwebegintoseethesewonderful creatures arriving in our parks and gardens. Forsomethejourneytakesthemevenfurther totheveryedgesoftheArcticCircle.

wasdelightedtofindaverydistinctivemothinmy gardenrecently.

The Hummingbird Hawk moth is another longdistanceinsectarrivinginsmallnumbersfrom the continent most summers and can turn up almostanywhere.Theseday-flyingmoths,like their namesakes, never land on plants but feed throughaverylongprobosciswithwings beatinginablur.

Whosaidmothswere“brownandboring”!Lookout thismonthfortheGatekeeper,oneof oursummerbutterflieswhichfavourslonggrasses. Youshouldbeseeingthemalonghedgerows,uncut verges,embankments,heathsand meadows.

Happybutterflyspotting!t

BYHOWARDLEADER

This is remarkable enough when you consider that each of these fragile insects weighs less than a gram and has a brainsmallerthanapinhead, but science has been astonished by recent findings which prove what happens next.WeknowthatthePanted Lady cannot survive the winters in northern European countries. We also know that the average life span of the butterflies in their adult stage is just 5 weeks, so it has long beenbelievedthatthePainted Lady migration was a matter of chancewithwindsblowing theinsectstowhereverittook themonaone-wayticket.

But work undertaken by scientists from Butterfly Conservation, the University of York, the NERC Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and Rothamsted Research along with some 10,000 volunteers participating in one of the biggest citizen-science projects ever undertaken,usedmorethan60,000 public sightings of the butterfly collected across Europe and combined that data with radar images to track butterfly movements across southern England. Meanwhile a British EcologicalSocietyfundedstudywas usingisotopeevidencefromsample individuals to plot their long migratory paths. The results of all this work have now answered that ageoldquestion-whathappensto the Painted Lady butterflies in the autumn?

The answer is, they undertake a return migration flying at high altitude. Radar recordsrevealedthatPaintedLadiesflyat anaveragealtitudeofover500metreson their southbound trip and can clock up speedsof 30mphbyselectingfavourable conditions.Theendof theirjourneysees themcrossingtheSaharaDesertagainto return to the African tropics where the wholecyclerepeatsthefollowingyearasit hasdoneforthousandsofyears.

ThisincrediblejourneytakesthePainted Lady over a distance of 9,000 miles, achievedby10generationsof theinsect, whichbegsthequestion:if noneof the insectsineachgenerationhaveany“older experienced”individualstofollow,howdo theyknowwheretogo?Theanswerseems tobethattheyfollowthebloomingflowers andareknowntochangetheirmigratory routesasgroundconditionsalterdueto climate or man-made impacts. This may helptoexplainwhysomeyearswehave “PaintedLadysummers”whenthousands ofthesebutterfliesareseenalloverBritain andotheryearswhennumbersarelow.

MySurprise GardenVisitor

Inanycase,nexttimeyouseea

Painted Lady nectarine on a plantyoumightreflectonhow far they have journeyed and what lies ahead. For their life cycle to continue Painted Lady butterflies need nectar plants likebuddleiafortheadultsand thistles for their caterpillars, so why not leave a few thistles at thebackofyourgardentohelp ensureareturninggeneration?

(Notetolayoutartist-useany or all of the Painted Lady photographs attached with this item)

Wouldyouliketobeacitizenscientistsfor15minutes?

ThereisstilltimetoparticipateintheBig Butterfly Count and help scientists obtain datathroughcitizen’ssightingsupanddown thecountry.Allyouneedtodoisdownload theBigButterflyCountApwithitshandy speciesrecognitionchart,findanopenspace onasunnydayandcountthebutterfliesyou see.You can then upload your sightings knowingthatyouhavejustprovidedanother valuablerecordandyoucanevenseeyour datarecordappearontheinteractivemap. Your records really do help scientists to understand the general health and dispositionof natureinBritainanditisa very enjoyable way to spend time in the sun!It’sfreetotakepartandchildrenlove helping.Youcansubmitasmanyrecordsas youwantfromasmanylocationsasyoulike beforeAugust10th.Allthedetailsonhowto join-in are available at: https://butterflyconservation.org/events/the-big-butterflycount-2025

(Notetolayoutartist-useanyorallofthe Peopleorsmartphonescreenphotographs attached with this item - credit Butterfly Conservation)

HummingbirdHawkMoth

A 71-year-old woman moves her 97-year-old mother to Panama for better healthcare

Debbie Boyd, a 71-year-old woman from Atlanta,Georgia,movedtoPanamainearly 2025 with her 97-year-old mother to access better healthcare and escape rising living costsintheU.S.

Since settling in, they’ve adjusted well and are enjoying their new life abroad. Debbie had considered leaving the U.S. for years, shetoldBusinessInsider.

Afterretiringin2016andrecoveringfroma serious health issue, she decided it was time for a change. Panama stood out for its affordable healthcare, lower cost of living, and the chance to personally care for her mother,DorisBritto,whohasdementia.

She didn’t want Doris to remain alone in a nursing home back in Atlanta. To prepare, Debbie made several trips ahead of the move.

She searched for a wheelchair-accessible home and completed the necessary paperwork. Doris joined her a few weeks later.

ddalittlebitof bodytext

Withindays,Debbiearrangedadoctor’s visit and home care. Now, a caregiver visitssixdaysaweektohelpwithmeals, bathing,andotherdailyneeds. They live in a spacious four-bedroom house with a pool. Rent is $1,500 a month, which is more than her old mortgage in the US, but the space and qualityof lifemakeitworthit.

Debbie still owns her house in Atlanta, though rising taxes and insurance have increased costs there. In Panama, she relies on affordable services like Uber andenjoysshoppingatlocalmarkets.

Debbie appreciates Panama’s friendly community. She didn’t choose to live in an expat area and instead immersed herself inthelocalculture.

While she’s still learning Spanish, people have been helpful and welcoming.Shehasjoinedexpatgroups and plans to volunteer as she continues to settle in and make Panama her permanenthome.

Lagos to establish multi-campus universityinBadagry

Tertiary education commissioner Tolani SulehassaidthatLagosissettoestablisha multi-campus university of medicine in Badagry to enhance development in the ancienttown.

Mr Sule disclosed this during the inauguration of the newly remodelled Badagry Town Hall at a valedictory event for the outgoing chair of the council, Olusegun Onilude. He (Sule) said the university would bring greater prospects andemploymentopportunitiestothetown.

“Thiswillcreateemploymentopportunities for all and sundry in the town. Also, the general hospital in the town will be upgradedtoateachinghospital,”hesaid.

The commissioner commended the council chairman for providing infrastructural developmentforthetown.“Iamhappywe are inaugurating this ultra-modern town hallprojecttoday.

“This is not only for Badagry local government,italsocutacrossthetwoLocal Council Development Areas. I want every one of us in Lagos to know that Badagry remainsakeyfactorandsymbolinthestate.

Badagry is highly recognised all over the world, and for this reason, whoever will represent Badagry is carrying a huge burden.

“God has his way of rewarding his own people,”hesaid.

“Onilude, God will reward you.” Mr Sule described the outgoing chair as a pure professional with a calm mien, who is diligentandupright.

“Onilude stood out among the twenty education secretaries while he was the Badagry education secretary before becomingthechair,”hesaid.

The commissioner urged the people of Badagrytocontinuetosupporttheparty.

Vale school celebrated for compassion and ambitious vision

ValeschoolinNorthumberlandPark,inNorthLondon,hasbeenpraisedforits exceptionalcommitmenttopupildevelopmentandwellbeing,followingarecent Ofstedinspection.

The report highlighted the school’s nurturing ethos, high expectations, and innovativeapproachtoeducation.Ithasalsobeenpraisedforcreatingatruly nurturingenvironmentwherepupilsarenotonlysupportedbutempoweredto thrive. Fromtheearlyyearstoage16,childrenbenefitfromarichblendofacademic, socialandtherapeuticlearningtailoredtotheirindividualneeds.Staffusetheir knowledgeandcaretosupportpupils,makingcommunicationandemotional growthpartofeverydaylearning.

CouncillorZenaBrabazon,CabinetMemberforChildren,Schools&Families, said:“ValeSchoolisashiningexampleofhowourschoolsinHaringeyworkhand inhandwithfamiliesandthewidercommunitytohelpeverychildthrive.

“Bytailoringlearningtoeachpupil’sindividualneeds,staffcreateanurturing environmentwherechildrenfeelsupported,valuedandinspiredtoreachtheirfull potential.We’reincrediblyproudofthisfantasticOfstedoutcome-notjustforthe school,butforeveryonewhohasbeenpartofthissharedjourney.

“Itshowswhat’spossiblewhenwecometogethertogiveourchildrentheverybest start.”AnnGraham,DirectorofChildrenServicesatHaringeyCouncil,said: “We’recommittedtomakingsureeveryschoolinHaringeyhasthetoolsand supporttheyneedtohelpourchildrenthrive.

“We’reincrediblyproudofthisbrilliantoutcomeandof thededicationshownbystaff,pupils,familiesandthe widercommunity.”ThecurriculumatValeisambitious and thoughtfully structured, sparking curiosity and creativity from all students. Pupils explore sensory materialsandhigh-qualityresourcesthatmakelearning purposefulandengaging.

Collaborationwithfamiliesandexternaltherapistsiskey asitallowseverychild’svoicetobeheard.Leadership opportunities-likebecomingschoolcouncillors-help pupilsbuildconfidenceandastrongsenseofbelonging.

Personaldevelopmentisembeddedintodailylife,with pupilslearningtomanageemotions,buildindependence and form positive relationships. In addition to this, a strong careers programme helps them explore future pathways.

Student honoured with Skills for Life Achievement Award

AAdult Education Wolverhampton student Tim Jackson has been namedthewinnerof the SkillsforLifeAchievement Award at the prestigious WMCA (West Midlands Combined Authority) Adult Learning Awards 2025.

HostedinBirmingham,the awards celebrated the transformative power of adult learning and recognisedthecommitment ofstudents,educators,and organisations across the West Midlands. Tim was one of six students nominated by Adult EducationWolverhampton thisyear.

Tim’s journey into learning BritishSignLanguage(BSL) began after experiencing two life-changing episodes of Sudden Sensory Neural HearingLoss,whichlefthim profoundly hard of hearing. Rather than wait for his hearing to potentially deteriorate further, he made the proactive choice to embrace BSL as a vital communicationtool–anda way to stay connected and independent.

Tim, who is 72 and from Wightwick, said: “Learning BSL has been truly lifechanging.It’snotjustabout communication, it’s about confidence, community and navigatingmynewrealitywith resilienceandoptimism.

"Whilehearingaidshelp, myabilitytounderstand speech depends on background noise, proximity,andfamiliarity with voices. Although doctors say a third episode of Sudden Sensory Neural Hearing Loss is unlikely, I preferredtobeproactive rather than reactive.

LearningBSLnow,while Istillhavesomehearing, will allow me to adapt moreeasilyifmyhearing declines further, an insurance option for maintaining my independence and communication.

"LearningBSLhasalso enabled me to engage morefullywiththeDeaf communityandensuredI willalwayshaveawayto connect with others, no matter what happens."

Tim’s teacher and nominator, Ruth Langard, said: “I find Timtrulyinspiring,not justbecauseof hisage, but because he proves thatitisnevertoolateto embrace learning and growth.

"While many of my students are younger and tend to pick up the language quickly, he neverletsthatdiscouragehim. Instead, he remains steadfast, committed,andeagertolearn.

“His perseverance extends beyond the classroom — he actively immerses himself in theDeafcommunity,attending BSL cafés and Deaf pubs, forgingmeaningfulfriendships along the way.” Councillor Chris Burden, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for City Development,JobsandSkills, added: "The WMCA Adult LearningAwardshighlightthe essential role of adult education in tackling skills gapsandpromotinginclusion.

"Tim is a brilliant exampleof this–he has embraced a new chapter in his life, filled with purpose, adaptability, and compassion.Hisstory isapowerfulreminder that lifelong learning knows no age limit andthatperseverance, with the support of Adult Education Wolverhampton, can transform challenge intoopportunity."

Hailing ‘Superwoman’ Emma Grede – an inspirational Dragon’ in the business world!

Sheisrecognisedforherbusiness venturesinvolvingmembersofthe Kardashian family and serves as the CEO and co-founder of the denim company Good American, afoundingpartnerof Skims,and co-founderofSafely.

More recently, Emma Grede is bestknownasthenewest‘Dragan’ on the multi-award-winning investment reality show ‘Dragon’s Den.’ She’s one of the most successful entrepreneurs in America due to her business acumen, and, having first made herfirstTVappearanceon‘Shark Tank’(theUSversionofDragons' Den–whereshemadehistoryas thefirstBlackfemaleinvestoron theshow),she’sintheUKlooking toinvestinanotherbusiness.

Now established as one of the world’s leading, respected and established business figures, she is well-known to regularly addresses the need for more diverse representation amongst CEOs and entrepreneurs and has used her influence to create opportunities for more Black and other multi-Ethnics specifically. And as such, she chairsthe‘15PercentPledge’,an initiativeforretailerstoreservea minimum 15% of their shelf space for Black-owned businesses.

So,formany‘Denviewers…the question is: “Who is Emma Grede?

BornandraisedinthePlaistow, East London, to her English mother, Jenny-Lee Findlay, a whoworkedforMorganStanley and Jamaican/Trinidadian father,MissGredegrewupwith her mother and three younger sisters, Charlotte, Rachelle, and Katie-Beth.Cometheageof 16, she was studying at the London College of Fashion, before then undertaking an internship at internationally-renowned fashion house, Gucci – amongst otherplaces.

Afterleavingcollege,Emma(42) found work with concierge specialists, Quintessentially, beforethenworkingasafashion show and events producer at IncaProductions.In2008,atage 26, Grede was CEO of IndependentTalentBrand(ITB) Worldwide, a London-based talent management and entertainment marketing agency she founded, which works with the likes of H&M, TikTok, Tommy Hilfiger, and YSL Beauty-tenyearslater,ITBwas acquiredbyRogers&Cowanfor anundisclosedfigure.

Onherdrivetosuccess, she says: “Our success goes to prove that diversity is a superpowerinbusiness.

“Ifyoulooktoinclude everybodywhenyou’re designing products, then more people can enjoy them.” Sound advice-froma‘sound’ genius of the business world!

Happily married to Swedishborn Skims co-founder Jens (Grede), as well as the denim brand,Frame,thecouplemoved toBelAir,LosAngelesin2017, with their four children. Recently estimated to having a net worth of an incredible £282millionandlistedinForbes' 30 Under 30, she is now living the ‘American Dream’ in her £19million Bel Air mansion. And, having splashed out £27millionforBradPitt'sMalibu holidayhome,forher,allof this is a far cry from someone who withdrewfromherstudiesbefore completingherdegree. What’s there non to like about ‘SuperWoman,’EmmaGrede?

Gladys West Where would We be without You?

Asoneoftheleadingfiguresbehind the development the mathematics behindtoday’sGPSsystem,Gladys West’s story is one that is hardly everbeentold.

Inacareerthatspannedmorethan 40years,shewasoneofthemajor–yetuntold-figurebehindwhatwas known as the satellite geodesy model.Thiswasasystemthatwould laterbeincorporatedintotheGlobal Positioning System, or simply knownastheGPSsystem.

Havingstartedherworklifewitha careerattheNavalSurfaceWarfare Centre in Virginia, in the United States, as an ‘A1’ computer programmerfromanearlyage,and with huge unabridged ambitions, fromtheearly1960s,shetookpart in an award-winning study that proved the regularity of Pluto’s motion relative to Neptune, which, subsequently, saw her began to analysesatellitealtimeterdatafrom NASA's Geodetic Earth Orbiting program, to create models of the Earth'sshape."Iwasalwaysdoing thingsjustright,tosetanexample for other people who were coming behind me, especially women,” she oncerecalled.

"You're always competing and tryingtosurvivebecauseyou'reina different group of people." Gladys wentontobecomeprojectmanager fortheshort-livedaradaraltimetry project,whichwasthefirstsatellite thatcouldremotelysenseoceans.

By the mid-1970s, she began programming an IBM 7030

Stretch computer to deliver increasingly precise calculations for the shape of the Earth. In 1986, Gladys published her 51-page technical report – the ‘Data Processing System

Specifications for the Geosat Satellite Radar Altimeter’which explained how to improvetheaccuracyof geoid heightsandverticaldeflection, important components of satellitegeodesy.

This was achieved by processingdatafromtheradio altimeter on the satellite, whichwentintoorbitin1984.

Mrs. West worked for 42 years, before retiring in 1998.

In 2000, and by way of distance-learning, she completed a PhD in Public Administration, at Virginia Tech.

In 2018, she received one of the highest honours bestowed byAirForceSpaceCommand by being inducted into the United States Air Force Hall of Fame.

Today, Gladys, surprisingly, stillpreferstousepapermaps over GNSS-based navigation systems, saying: "I'm a doer, hands-on kind of person and if Icanseetheroadandwhere itturnsandseewhereitwent, I’mhappyandmoresure."

Now94,she’slivingahappily married life, to husband Ira, after meeting at the Naval Surface Warfare Centre Dahlgren Division. And, they have been happy together for morethan60years.

So, with people worldwide relying so heavily on positioningsystems,orGPSs–daily:forthat,wegiveahearty “Thank You, Mrs. Gladys West!”

IItwasacasualaffairsetin the Yah-So Caribbean Restaurant,inCroydon,in southLondon,asasunny afternoon saw an embracinggatheringsaying their ‘Thank You and ‘Goodbye’ to Patricia LairdGrant,theoutgoing Jamaica Deputy High CommissionerfortheUK inLondon.

Chaired by VM Group’s Delores Cooper OD, just oneof anumberof great leader in the Jamaican communityintheUK,she took the opportunity to invite a long list of individuals to deliver their bestthoughtsandmemories of a gentle, but forceful individual. Amongst the invitedguests,withJamaica 0121

Independence Anniversary events in Birmingham, organiser, Dean Alexander, also making a special guest appearance from the second city, whilst another leading Jamaican figure in the UK, BBC Radio Bristol’s Primrose Granville, made her presence felt by representing the west of thecountry.

With impassioned speeches given by the likes of VM Group’s Chief Executive, Leighton Smith about the great woman. “Her diplomacy, grace and warmth will be missed,” he let everyone know that day. Like Mr. Smith, Jamaica’s High Commissioner totheUKinLondon,HisExcellency Mr. Alexander Williams, was left to echo those, and many others’ feelings as he addressed the audience with the warmestwishesaboutaladywhohas shown us humility and generosity in welcoming all individuals who she cameintocontactwith.

And everyone agreed that Patricia was a very special person who gave fromtheheartsincethedayshetook up office. Seeing her at many different functions across the UK –all of which she held the welcome that said, ‘Jamaica is a country that is full of warmth and openness,’ it was very clear that Patricia Laird Grant touched the heart of many whilstintheUnitedKingdom.

Thank You Patricia …for Being You!

Nahjae Nunes’ mother accepts the award from Prime Minister Andrew Holness

Nahjae Nunes

A University of Oxford graduate has received a prestigiousawardfromthe PrimeMinisterofJamacia, AndrewHolness.

Nahjae Nunes, a graduate fromChristChurchcollege, received the Prime Minister's National Youth Award for Excellence duringaceremonyheldin Kingston, the Caribbean country's capital, on May 31.MrNuneswasawinner in the most competitive award category –academics.Hismotherwas presenttoaccepttheaward from PM Holness on her son'sbehalf.

The National Youth Award for Excellence is the highest honour giventoJamaicansunder30and Mr Nunes said: "Receiving this prestigious national recognition deeply reinforces how transformativemytimeatChrist Churchhasbeen.

"The support, mentorship, and rigorous intellectual environment I've experienced here have been integral to my scholarly growth and have undoubtedly played a crucial role in this achievement."

MrNunesrecentlycompletedan MPhil in international relations andwillsoonbeginaDPhilatthe college.

His academic achievements include being named valedictorian of his undergraduate programme and rankingamongthetopgraduates atNewYorkUniversity,wherehe earnedanMSinGlobalAffairs.

Heisalsoanassociatefellow of theRoyalCommonwealth Society,afellowof theRoyal Society of Arts, a rising leaders fellow at the Aspen Institute,andascholarofAll SoulsCollege,Oxford.

MrNuneshascontributedto policy discussions at international forums includingtheUnitedNations and the Commonwealth Secretariat. He is also the first person from the Americas to be appointed as a senior fellow at UNICEF Innocenti, which conducts research to influence global change for children and youngpeople

Further,healsoservedas a social, cultural, and humanitarian policy advisor at the United Nations and been a part of severalministerialtask forces within the Commonwealth. His MPhil research focused ontheroleof smallstates in global economic governance, with an emphasis on how Caribbean countries interact with international financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund.

For his DPhil, he plans to examine structural inequalities in the international political economy, exploring how global governance systems impact the economic autonomy and justice of small and developing nations. Mr Nunes said his academic and policy work is driven by a commitment to addressing structural inequalities in the Global South.

As he was unable to travel overseas to receive his award, his mother represented him at the prizegiving ceremony at Jamaica House, the Office of the Prime Minister of Jamaica. A spokesperson for Christ Church college said: "The Christ Church community would like to congratulate Nahjae on his great success, and to wishhimwellashebegins hisdoctoralresearch."

Planningpermissionsecuresfuture ofBirminghamschoolfor vulnerablestudents Planningpermissionsecuresfuture ofBirminghamschoolfor vulnerablestudents

A Birmingham charity helping students reclaim missed chances athighereducationhassecuredits Edgbaston base, thanks to retrospectiveplanningpermission backed by Marrons’ expert support. Scholars School System – a registered charity and project of the UK Curriculum and Accreditation Body – provides educationandcareerdevelopment opportunities to students from diverseand,often,disadvantaged backgrounds. The charity moved into four floors of a high-rise building in Hagley Road with planning permission for office spaceandsomeeducationalusein 2023.

However, as the facility continued to grow –enrollingmorestudentsand employingadditionalstaff–a full change of use was required. Shazina Taimoor, operations manager at Scholars School System, said: “We are absolutely delighted retrospective planning permission has beengranted,allowingusto continue our important workinthisvitallocation.

“We are proud to empower individuals and create opportunities for real, positive change in Birmingham and beyond.Ourmissiontoprovide equalaccesstoqualityeducation remains at the heart of everythingwedo.

“This decision ensures we can continue to offer a nurturing environmentwherestudentsgain notonlyacademicqualifications butalsotheskillsandconfidence they need to succeed in their careers.

The charity also operates campusesinLondon,Leicester, Manchester and Bradford, and has partnerships with several local chambers of commerce, enabling students to gain practicalexperienceandsectorbasedknowledge.

Sachin Parmar, planning directoratMarrons,wholedthe proposals, said: “Scholars SchoolSystem’sworkishaving a lasting impact on individuals andthelocaleconomy.

“We’re proud to have helped secure the future of such a remarkable educational institution that’s contributing significantly to the social andeconomicfabricof the area.” Marrons is a multidisciplinary development consultancy, delivering planning, architecture, design, heritage and socioeconomic services to help clientsrealisetheirproject’s potential and get their schemesthegreenlight.

PIC-Backrow-GaryNorwoodfrom2Logic,VirenDhunday,onworkplacementwiththecouncil’sPeople DevelopmentandExperienceTeam,KeeneBathan,WasteLogisticsandQualityOfficeratthecouncilfollowingwork experience,SarahPrescott,councilYouthEmploymentSupportManager,TiahFaulkner,aLevel4Dataand InformationGovernanceApprenticeatthecouncilfollowingworkexperience,CllrChrisBurden,councilCabinet MemberforCityDevelopment,JobsandSkills,andEmmaWhewayfromElecTraining. Frontrow–StudentsfromTheKhalsaAcademyinWolverhampton.

Flexible workplace experience options highlighted in call to businesses

Employment partners have come together to issue a rallying call to Wolverhampton businesses to provide more workplace experiences for youngpeople.

City of Wolverhampton Council, West Midlands Combined Authority’s Careers Hub and The Careers & EnterpriseCompanyhostedan event at Molineux Stadium to highlight how businesses can get involved. Flexible workplace experiences make it easier than ever for businesses, especially small to medium enterprises,togetinvolvedand makearealdifference.

AOptions include offering project experience for a day, hosting a young person one day a week, or inviting a class injustforafewhourssothey can see what goes on in a business.Thecouncil’sCabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, CouncillorChrisBurden,said: “Too many young people in theWestMidlandsaremissing out on workplace experiences because there aren’t enough beingoffered.

“This week’s event was about highlighting to city businesses-nomatter howbigorsmall-the flexiblewaystheycan supportyoungpeople in this space. Whatever works for businesses, works for us – and the young people of Wolverhampton.”

Erica Chamberlain, Head of Strategic Business Partnerships at The Careers & Enterprise Company, said: “Workplace experiencesareoneof themostpowerfulways young people can explorecareeroptions, develop employability skills and build confidence.

“Smallbusinessesarethe backbone of the West Midlands economy, and they play a vital role in shaping the future talent pipeline, but we know that time and capacity can be a challenge. That’s why we’re championing flexible approaches that make it easier than ever for SMEs to get involved, whether it’s a few hours, a day, or something moreregular.

“The benefits for business are real too, from fresh perspectives and energy to early access to emerging local talent. This is about creating simple, meaningful opportunities that work for employers and inspire the nextgeneration."

Any businesses interested in offering workplace experiences or want more information should contact the council’s Gemma Lisseman, Open Door Work ExperienceCo-ordinator.

Fidelity Bank delivers record growth under Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe's strategic leadership

Since her appointment as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc on January 1, 2021, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe has delivered a clear strategic direction that continues to drive exceptional shareholder value, operational performance, and sustainable growth.

Under Dr. Nneka OnyealiIkpe's leadership, Fidelity Bank reported landmark results for the Full Year 2024, marking a pivotal milestone in the institution's growth trajectory.

According to the bank's 2024 audited financial statements, Profit Before Tax (PBT) rose by 210% year-on-year to ₦385.2 billion.

Gross Earnings grew by 87.7% to ₦1.04 trillion, bolstered by a 106.9% increase in interest and similar income, which reached ₦950.6 billion.

Fidelity Bank also recorded a 47.9% increase in customer deposits, which rose from ₦4.0 trillioninFY2023to ₦5.9 trillioninFY2024.

Loans and advances expanded by 41.9% from ₦3.1trillionto ₦4.4trillion within the same period, further reinforcing the institution's role in supporting economic growth through increased lending.Thebank'sstrong momentumcontinuedinto Q1 2025, with PBT reaching ₦105.8 billion, reflectinga167.8%year-onyearincrease.

Grossearningsforthequarter stood at ₦315.4 billion, representing a 64.2% rise from Q1 2024, driven by growth across interest and non-interest income streams. Despite challenging macroeconomic conditions, Fidelity Bank has demonstrated operational resilience and sound risk management.

Under Dr. Nneka OnyealiIkpe'sguidance,thebankhas significantly improved brand equity. A recent Brand Finance report ranked Fidelity Bank as the fastestgrowingNigerianbrand,with its brand value more than tripling.

She was also named among the 2024 Most Influential Global Top 100 Export and International Trade Leaders, recognizing her contribution to expanding Nigeria's trade and export financing capabilities. During her tenure, Fidelity Bank has received multiple awards, including Export Finance Bank of the Year (2023 BAFI Awards), Best Payment Solution Provider Nigeria 2023, and Best SME Bank Nigeria 2022 (Global Banking and Finance Awards).

The bank was also recognized by Euromoney for Best BankforSMEs(2023) and Best Domestic PrivateBankinNigeria (2023). Fidelity Bank under Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe continues to deliver strong financial performance, enhance stakeholder value,andexecuteona growth-focusedstrategic agenda.

H

ow US Embassy observed public holiday in honour of former Nigerian president, Buhari

How US Embassy observed public holiday in honour of former Nigerian president, Buhari

TheUnitedStatesEmbassyinAbuja, Nigeria, alongside the Consulate General in Lagos, announced via its official X (formerly Twitter) account last month that both missions would suspendoperationsonTuesday,15July 2025,withaclosurethatwassaidtobe in observance of the public holiday declaredbytheNigeriangovernmentto honour the late former President MuhammaduBuhari.

On the social media platform at the time, the embassy stated: “The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Tuesday,July15,2025,inobservanceof the public holiday declared by the Nigeriangovernmentinhonourofthe late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

“AllvisaappointmentsslatedforJuly 15 2025, will be rescheduled.” The announcement is expected to affect consular services, including visa interviews,fortheday.

Individuals with scheduled appointments were advised to await further guidance on their rescheduling – with the diplomatic adjustment highlighting the significance of the late president’s legacyandtheNigeriangovernment’s tribute through a nationwide observance.

OfficialsfromtheUSMissionadded that routine operations were projected to resume once the public holidayconcludes.

AIBeyondGenerative–TheRiseof AgenticAI: Generative AI might have opened the doors, but CIOsaresettingsightsonAgenticAI–systemsthat notonlygeneratebutautonomouslyactbasedon enterprisedataandlogic.

Thisparadigmchallengesconventionalbusinessmodels byredefiningdecision-making,automation,andservice design. According to the BCG AI@Scale Report, companies that integrate agentic AI within their core infrastructure achieve 3x faster scaling and reduce operational costs by 20%, emphasizing the value of platform-drivenstrategiesoverfragmentedtools.

AIforBusiness-CentricInnovation:Indianleaders prioritizebusiness-first,customer-firstAI,

avoidingtech-ledvanityprojects.

Convergence of AI, IoT, and data ecosystems is critical for sectors facing CASE(Connected,Autonomous,Shared, Electric)disruptions.Globally,successful AI deployments underscore the importance of infrastructure alignment. Forinstance,someenterprisesreportROI within 4–6 weeks post agentic AI deployment,asharpcontrasttoyearslost in DIY trials, as demonstrated by realworld transformations covered in Salesforce’scustomerstories.

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AI for Inclusion and Societal Impact: India’suniquestrengthliesinitsdigital public infrastructure, particularly the Account Aggregator Framework that enables AI to democratize credit and financialservicesformillions(RBI’sAA Framework).

Additionally,with88%ofIndianspreferring regional languages online, as noted in the KPMG-Google Indian Language Internet Report,vernacularAIisnotjustafeature butafoundationalrequirement.

ManagingRisksandBuildingResilience: Globalinsightswarnof riskslikedata poisoning,promptinjection,andmodel driftinagenticAIsystems.

AstudyonResponsibleAgenticAIreveals that86%oforganizationsfeeltheirexisting policies are insufficient to manage the complexitiesof agenticAIgovernance.On the regulatory front, India’s DPDP Act (2023) enforces strict data governance protocols(DPDPBill),whileCERT-In’sAI Security guidelines provide a structured approachtoAIriskmitigation(CERT-InAI Advisory).

Talent, Legacy Systems, and OperationalGaps:Asignificant 70%ofIndianfirmsciteAIskill shortages, particularly in MLOps, data engineering, and AI ethics, as detailed in the AWS India AI Readiness Report. Integrating legacy systems with modern AI solutions remains a complex endeavour that demands crossfunctional collaboration and vernacularinnovation.

Chancellor and banking institute responds to ONS inflation stats for June 2025 Chancellor and banking institute responds to ONS inflation stats for June 2025

In response to the latest ONS inflationdata,theChancellorof the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: “I know working people are still strugglingwiththecostofliving.

“Thatiswhywehavealreadytaken action by increasing the national minimum wage for three million workers, rolling out free breakfast clubs in every primary school and extending the £3 bus far cap. But there is more to do and I’m determined we deliver on our Plan forChangetoputmoremoneyinto people’spockets.”

The CEO of Chetwood Bank, Paul Noble (pic), responded by saying:

"Further bad news for the Chancellor following the surprise shrinking of the economy last month.

“The best-laid plans of Number 11 stillaren’tbearingfruit,andwhileI was relieved to see the U-turn on cutting the cash ISA tax free allowance, it’s not likely last night’s Mansion House speech will have liftedthepublic’sspirits.Whilethere is no clear path to fix our predicament,theprospectof further pinching and hiking from the chancellorismakingpeopleupand downthecountrywince.

from the chancellor is making people up and downthecountrywince.

“The cost of living continues to spiral, and nothingthatisbeingdone seems to make a difference. With Andrew Bailey suggesting bigger cuts might be coming if the job market continues tosuffer,Britonswillhave to rely on themselves to protect the value of their savings from this latest jumpininflation.

“Make sure every penny you have is working as hard as possible to improve your financial wellbeing, not gathering dust in your current account."

The Birmingham Awards are proud to announce Aston University as the Headline Sponsor for this year’s milestone10thedition,settobe the biggest and most meaningful celebration yet of the people, organisations, and initiatives shaping our great city.

“We are absolutely delighted that Aston University will be our Headline Sponsor for the 10th Anniversary of the BirminghamAwards,”saidthe organisers Ifraz Ahmed and Anita Chumber. “It’s a significant milestone year for us, and having such a valued institutionasAstonUniversity take centre stage is truly fitting.Weareexcitedtowork closely with the University to ensureithasaprominentand meaningful presence throughout the campaign and onthenightitself.”

Over the past decade, the BirminghamAwardshavebecome oneof thecity’smostanticipated events,dedicatedtohonouringthe individualsandorganisationsthat drive positive change and innovation across all sectors — from business and education, to community, culture, and public service. The Awards are a true reflection of Birmingham’s diversity,talent,andresilience. Asagloballyrespecteduniversity rooted in the heart of Birmingham, Aston University shares a strong synergy with the valuesoftheBirminghamAwards — both championing ambition, progress,andopportunityforall. The University has long been a drivingforceindevelopingtalent, strengthening communities, and contributingtothecity’seconomic and social wellbeing. Its involvement as Headline Sponsor forthislandmarkyearreinforces thesharedvisionofnurturingand recognising the very best of Birmingham.

ASTON UNIVERSITY SPONSORS BIRMINGHAM AWARDS 2025

Goodbye Black Sabbath’s

‘Prince of Darkness’Ozzy Osbourne

Goodbye Black Sabbath’s ‘Prince of Darkness’ - Ozzy Osbourne

Black Sabbath frontman, Ozzy Osbourne’s death came just days after the Heavy Metal creators played their mega farewell gig at his beloved Aston Villa F.C.’s Villa Park stadium,inBirmingham.

In responding to the news of his passing, ‘Sabbath drummer Bill Ward said: “It's never goodbye" in a tribute to his band-member posted on X - which included a photo of thetwotogether.

"WherewillIfindyounow?Inthememories,ourunspoken embraces, our missed phone calls, no, you’re forever in my heart,"WardsaidonX.

"Deepest condolences to Sharon and all family members. RIPSincereregretstoallthefans.

“Nevergoodbye.Thankyouforever."

The band's co-founder Tony Iommi, said: “Black Sabbath have lost our brother", while bassist Terence "Geezer" Butler reflects on their rise to stardom, posting: "Four kids fromAston-who'dhavethought,eh?"

The “Prince of Darkness” had been outspoken about keeping up with stage performances and touring while undergoing care for a rare form of Parkinson’s diseasehaving been diagnosed in 2019. “It’s been terribly challenging for us all,” Osbourne said in a 2020 Good Morning America interview in which he discussed his diagnosis.

In a joint statement issued by his wife Sharon, including their three children Aimee Osbourne, Jack Osbourne and Kelly Osbourne, it stated that he was "surrounded by love" when he died this morning. Ozzy also had two children, Jessica and Louis Osbourne, with his first wife Thelma Riley-withLouisalsonamedinthefamily'sstatement.

Queen's Brian May, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Metallica, the Rolling Stones' Ronnie Wood and Yungblud were amongst those who also paid their own tributes to the legendthatis…OzzyOsborne! Hewas76.

FollowingatriumphantwinforBestMusicalRevivalat thisyear’sOlivierAwards–aswellasBestSetDesignand BestSoundDesign–finalcastingisannouncedtodayfor thehighlyanticipatedUK&Irelandtourofthecritically acclaimed production of Fiddler on the Roof. This celebrated revival, featuring a cast of exceptional performers, has captivated audiences and critics alike duringitsWestEndrun.ThetouropensatBromley’s ChurchillTheatreon24July-wheretherunisalready soldout–andthentravelstocitiesandtownsacrossthe countryuntil3Januarynextyear.

Leading the cast in this spectacular productiondirectfromitscurrentsummer season at London's Barbican Theatre is MatthewWoodyattasTevye,JodieJacobs as Golde and Olivier Award nominee Beverley Klein as Yente. Co-stars are NatashaJulesBernardasTzeitel,Georgia Bruce as Hodel, Hannah Bristow as Chava, Ashleigh Schuman as Shprintze andGeorgiaDixonasBielke.

TheyarejoinedinthisbelovedmusicalbySiônLloydas Mordcha Innkeeper,DanWolffasMotel,GregBernsteinas PerchikandGregorMilneasFyedka.MichaelS.Siegeltakes ontheroleofLazarWolf,withMarkFaithastheRabbiand TobyTurpinasMendel.GarethDaviesappearsasAvram,Ed BruggemeyerasNachum,SueApplebyasShandel,Susannah vandenBergasRifka,andCarysMcQueenasMirila.Olivier AwardnomineeRaphaelPapobringstolifetheiconicroleof TheFiddlerandRomanLytwyniwasthealternateFiddler, withKarlWilsonastheConstable.Roundingoutthecastare SimonAnthonyasSasha,JackOsmondasRussian#1,and AlexPinderasRussian#2.DylanSafferjoinsasamale swing,withoffstageswingsChrisDraperandMayaKristal Tenenbaumcompletingthecompany.

Thetourproducerscommented:“We’rethrilledtobetakingthis landmarkproductionofFiddlerontheRoofontouracrossthe UKandIrelanddirectfromLondon’sBarbicanTheatre.Following thesuccessatthisyear’sOlivierAwards,it’saprivilegetoshare thispowerfulandtimelessstorywithawideraudience.Our remarkablecastcan'twaittobringthisbelovedclassicmusical, withallitsheart,humourandhumanity,totheatresaroundthe countryandinDublintoo.” ThiswillbethefirstUKtourofthisclassicmusicalinover12 years–offeringaudiencesaroundtheUKandIrelandarare opportunitytoseethismusicalmasterpieceinanacclaimednew production,ledbythepowerhousecreativeteamof director JordanFein(Oklahoma,YoungVic),choreographerJuliaCheng (Cabaret)anddesignerTomScutt(TonyAwardwinnerforBest ScenicDesignofaMusicalforCabaret),directfromtheWestEnd. Seelistingsbelowforvenues.

FiddlerontheRoofisoneofthegreatestmusicalsof alltimewithoneofthefinestscoreseverwritten featuring: ‘If I Were A Rich Man’, ‘Tradition’, ‘Matchmaker’ and ‘Sunrise, Sunset’, this classic musical of joy, revolution and community is an exuberantcelebrationofloveandlife.

It’s1905inthetinyvillageofAnatevkawhereTevye,a Jewishmilkman,liveshislifebytheirproudtraditions.For hisfivedaughters,thatmeansavisitfromthematchmaker. As each daughter challenges his beliefs, against the backdropofachangingworld,canTevyeholdontohis roots,ormusthebendtothewillofhischildrenandlearn toembracetheunfamiliar?

AbbeyRoadStudiosModemakes globaldebutinVolvo

VolvoCarshaslaunchedAbbeyRoadStudiosMode, asoundtechnologydesignedtocapturetheessenceof theiconicrecordingstudio’suniqueenvironment.

Followingtheannouncementofthemodelastyear,it isnowdebutinginallVolvoEX90carsfittedwiththe optional Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity Audio system,freeof chargeviaanover-the-airupdatein thecomingweeks.DevelopedbyBowers&Wilkins togetherwithAbbeyRoadStudios,thistechnologyis inspiredbythestudio’scharacteristicacousticspaces and the sonic signature of the equipment used by artists and engineers to create some of the most reveredalbumsinmusichistory,deliveringaunique listeningexperienceinsidetheEX90.

TheAbbeyRoadStudiosModecomeswithseveral presetsthatprovideaselectionof sounds,optimised fordifferentlisteningstyles.Andforthosereadyto explorenewwaysof enjoyingtheirfavouritetracks, theProducerModeallowsyoutoengineeryourown sound.Thisincludesshiftingtheacousticfromaretro vintage to a deeper, modern sound, narrowing or expanding the stereo sound field and adjusting the acousticenvironment,justasaproducerorengineer woulddo.

"The Abbey Road Studios Mode brings the unique soundofourspacesandequipmenttotheBowers& WilkinssystemintheVolvoEX90forthefirsttime, allowingthedrivertoshapeandpersonalisethesound inthecarforanunparalleledlisteningexperience,”

saysAbbeyRoadGeneralManager,JeremyHuffelmann.

“Wearehugelyproudof thiscollaboration,andexcited for Volvo customers to experience this landmark technology." This over-the-air update represents one of VolvoCars’mostsignificantupgradesyetinthecontextof the company’s ambition to continuously improve its software-definedcars.

ForfutureEX90andES90carswithBowers&Wilkins’ audiosystem,thesoundmodewillbeincludedasthecars rolloutfromthefactory."Weusetechnologytoimprove everydaylifeforourdrivers,sowe’reexcitedtoofferthe Abbey Road Studios Mode in the Volvo EX90," says AndersBell,chief engineeringandtechnologyofficerat VolvoCars.

“The addition of this world-first experience is a great exampleof howwebringmorevaluetoourcustomers throughefficientandsimpleover-the-airupdates." The EX90hasoneofthequietestcabinsVolvoCarshasever created,and25speakerscarefullypositionedwithinthe cabin.

With the optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system, it deliversanoutstandingin-carsoundscape.The1610-watt system can play Dolby Atmos content and has been developedandtunedbyBowers&Wilkinsengineersin closecollaborationwithVolvoCars’audioteam.

Thankstoarecenttechtransformation,VolvoCarscan deliverover-the-airupdatestoafleetofaround2.5million existingcarsbuiltasearlyas2020,across85countries.

Jameel Motors and GAC to launch new range of EVs in the UK

Jameel Motors, a leading provider of mobility solutions and partner of choice to top automotive brands, has signed a joint venture agreement with GAC, one of China’s major automakers that is globally recognised for safety, quality, innovation, and sustainability, to distribute GAC’s electric vehicles(EVs)intheUnitedKingdom(UK).

In April, Jameel Motors announced it had won a distributionagreementforGACinPolandthrougha competitive process involving both local and international companies. This innovative joint venture will be one of the first of its kind with a Chinese automaker in the UK, a market with significant long-term potential and will be established after completion of relevant regulatory andantitrustapprovals.

Withbatteryelectricvehicle(BEV)registrationsup 25.8%year-on-yearandaccountingfor21.8%ofnew carsales(SMMT,May2025[1]),theUKisastrong andexpandinghubforEVadoption.Theagreement expandsJameelMotors’existingportfoliointheUK –whereitalreadydistributestheelectriccommercial vehicle brand Farizon Auto – and will be its first passengervehiclebrandinthemarket. Thepartnershipwillbringnewelectricvehiclestothe UK,drivingmarketgrowthandofferingcustomersa broader range of choices. Initially, two all-electric models from GAC AION will be available: the AIONV,aC-segmentSUV,andtheAIONUT,aBsegment hatchback. AION showcases GAC’s core strengths of award-winning quality and pioneering technology-ideallysuitedtomeettherisingdemand forqualityelectricvehiclesamongUKdrivers.

TheywillbeavailablethroughselectretailpartnersacrosstheUK,with firstcustomerdeliveriesexpectedattheendof Q12026.Additional modelswillfollowtoexpandtheAIONline-up.

JasmmineWong,ChiefExecutiveOfficer,JameelMotors,stated:“The joint venture with GAC represents a shared vision, and an exciting opportunity to meet the UK’s growing demand for smarter, cleaner passengervehicles.

“Led by customer preference and guided by our expertise, we’re committed to staying ahead of trends and delivering first-class solutions that are both innovative and sustainable.” Wayne Wei, President - GAC International, added: “GAC's entry into the UK marksacrucialstepinitsinternationalisationstrategy.

“Aswesetfootinthisdynamicmarket,GACiscommittedtobringing industry-leadingproductsandfirst-classservicestoUKconsumers.”

GACisoneof China’smajorcarmanufacturers,rankingasnumber 181 in the Fortune Global 500 and having gained international recognition for its high-quality vehicles, advanced technological solutions,andcommitmenttosustainability.

GAC's business spans seven major sectors: R&D, complete vehicles, autoparts,energyandecosystem,internationaloperations,tradeand mobility, as well as investment and finance. It is one of the most comprehensiveautomotivegroupsinChinaintermsof itsindustrial chain.

As of today, GAC has a market presence across the Middle East, SoutheastAsia,EasternEurope,AfricaandAmerica,inatotalof84 countriesandregionsworldwide.Drivenbyastrongcommitmentto innovation, GAC has reached major milestones in its international expansion,withoverseassalesof itsself-brandedvehiclessurpassing 100,000unitsforthefirsttimein2024,a92.3%year-on-yearincrease.

Jameel Motors represents some of the world’s most recognised commercialandpassengervehiclebrandsandhasoperationsinmore than10countriesacrosstheMiddleEast,Africa,Europe,Asiaand Australia.ThisagreementmarksanothermilestoneasJameelMotors continues to expand internationally and harness innovation for the futureofmobility. t

Millennials investing in property at a record rate – says estate agents

EstateagentsJohnMinnissaythat the number of young people investing their earnings, working capitalandinheritanceinproperty isrisingatarecordrateduetoan

‘increased awareness of wealthbuilding’and‘wealthmanagement.’ Due to high deposit requirements and mortgage rates, many young people now view property investmentasamuchmoreviable financial strategy than homeownership. A report from ParagonBankindicatesadecrease in the average age of buy-to-let landlords,drivenbygrowthinthe proportionoflandlordsintheir30s.

n 2023, 31% of new buy-to-let mortgageswereacquiredbythose intheir30s,comparedto21%in 2014. Landlords aged 18-29 also saw an increase in their share of purchases.

Research from September 2024 showed over 3,000 buy-to-let landlords were under 21, and a further 63,000 were aged 21-30, suggesting a growing interest in property investment among the veryyoung.

Millennials (31-40) also constitute an increasingly large percentage of investment property owners – with a recent increase in those investing in a second property for renting or wealth-buildingpurposes.

“Many young people now view property investment as a much more viable financial strategy than homeownership," explained John Minnis, company director and founder at John Minnis estateagents.

“Many young people now view property investment as a much moreviablefinancialstrategythan homeownership," explained John Minnis, company director and founder at John Minnis estate agents.

“Theyoungergenerationlookingto getintothepropertymarketisall to do with wealth building and financial security. In a time of increasing economic uncertainty and inflation, young people are seeking alternative ways to build wealth beyond traditional savings accountsandinvestments.”

The combination of low-interest rates,increasedaccesstofinancial resources,andthegrowingdesirefor long-termwealthhasconvergedata timewhenthehousingmarketoffers promising returns for investors. Additionally,manyyoungadultsare facing challenges entering the traditional housing market due to soaringhomeprices,promptingthem topivottoinvestmentpropertiesasa morefeasiblealternative.

With the right market conditions, accesstoinformation,andfinancing options, this trend is expected to continueasthenextgenerationof investors takes a more proactive approachtorealestate."Thistrend isonlyexpectedtocontinue,"says Minnis.

Headded:"Intoday'seconomic climate,manyyoungpeopleare turning to property investment as a strategic means to build wealth and secure financial stability. They recognise that investinginrealestatenotonly offers potential appreciation over time but also provides a sourceofpassiveincomethrough rentals.

“This approach allows them to enter the property market earlier, leveraging their investmentstoeventuallyacquire their own homes with greater financialconfidence.”

Sandro Bottega awarded at Fab Awards 2025

InBarcelona,attheclosingeventofthe recent ‘Fab Awards,’ Sandro Bottega, PresidentofBottegaSpa,wasawardeda special prize for “Outstanding Contribution to the Airport F&B Industry” for his extraordinary contribution to the food and beverage sectorinairports.

In announcing the award, Martin Moodie, founder and President of the MoodieDavittReport,whichestablished andorganisedtheFabAwards,described the Italian entrepreneur as a ‘globetrotting business genius’. Martin Moodieadded:‘SandroBottegacreated theProseccoBarconceptwhich,thanks tocollaborationwithqualifiedpartners, nowhas30locationsinEuropeandAsia.

Together, they serve approximately 1.5 million customersayear,delighting them with targeted gastronomic offerings and giving them a smile, along with the pleasure of a glass of wine.’ The FAB Awards, organised by the Moodie Davitt Report, is an important event designed to celebrate excellence in the food & beverage sector in theTravelRetailchannel.

The 2025 edition was organised andsponsoredbytheAenagroup, which wanted to bring this prestigious event to Barcelona, a city known worldwide for its culinary heritage and vibrant cultural life. The FAB Awards, whose first edition was held in Manchester in 2011, returned afterafewyearstoEurope,where it originated and gradually acquired the strong prestige that distinguishes awards in the Travel Retailsector.

JAMAICA JAMAICA 63

it’sthattimeagainwhenwepausetoreflect onourgreatnation,Jamaica—onthestrides we have made in every discipline, the collective strengths we have honed as a creativeforce,andtheboundlesspromisesof ourfuture.

Wesingof beingproud,strong,andfree— andthatwetrulyare.Ourflag,ourmusic,our talent, our cuisine, our icons, and, most importantly,ourindomitablespirithaveleft anunforgettablemarkontheworldinways bothmeaningfulandmind-boggling.

The fearless spirit of the Jamaican people declares to the world that we can excel at anythingweputourheartsandmindsto— whetherforgoodor,admittedly,sometimes mischief.Godcontinuestoblessuswitha uniquebravadothattheworldcannotignore. IfonlywecouldbottleandsellthatJamaican joie de vivre and call it “Yeah-Man!”— imagine the wealth it would bring, both materiallyandspiritually.

Then there is our national motto, which celebrates our racial and cultural fusion in one powerful, exotic identity. It places Jamaica at theforefrontofglobalethnicunity— a lesson many nations could learn from. Together with our bottled “Yeah-Man” spirit, this harmony couldserveasanantidotetosomeof today’s global ills. Our respect for personhood before prejudice affirms the inherent worth of every individual. With such acceptance at the global power level, one would surelythinktwicebeforedestroyinga village,atown,oranentirepeople— whether through financial, physical, ormilitarymight.

We continue to hear the timeless messages of Marcus Garvey,echoed,amplified,and immortalizedbyBobMarley— two visionaries who stood on the world stage, clamoring for oneness, justice and love. Today, we stand on the shoulders of all who came beforeus,drawingwisdomand strength from our forefathers, who endured and overcame great adversity to bring us to wherewearetoday.

Now, it is our duty to harness thatgreatnessandpassitonto future generations—not only within Jamaica but also across theglobe,asourdiasporagrows and organizes. This cannot happenbyaccident.Itmustbe intentional. We must channel our strengths, resources, compassion, knowledge, intelligence, and truth into a visionthatwillendureforages, long after we have left this dimension.

(Indeed, our National Anthem bears the words Bless,Free,Wisdom, Justice, Truth, Love, Respect, Duty, Vision, and Knowledge. Did you notice they are woven into this reflectionaswell?)

Finally,2025marksapivotalyearandseason forJamaica,asweprepareforoneof

Idon’tknowaboutyou,butwithallthegains wehavemade,bothathomeandthroughout thediaspora,Iremainhopefulandexcited aboutJamaica’sfuture.

HappyIndependence,Jamaica! steve@stevehigginsproductions.com 9546703499 Fb.Ig.

Radiant and Resolute explores what the Bible says the church is like in the end times whenJesusreturnsandthenaskswhatthechurchcandonowtobeready.

WilliamPorterbelievesthatthechurchwillneedtoberesoluteduringthetimeof great turmoil ahead but also radiant because Scripture promises great revival. Combining eschatological thought with pastoral application, this vision is unpacked through four mainareas:lifeintheendtimes;thechurchasthebrideof Christ;sevenmarksof the end-timechurch;andpreparingfortheendtime.

If the church is truly to be the radiant and resolute bride of Christ - is she ready? IncludedisaforewordbyR.T.Kendall.

RadiantandResolutewillhelpyou:

Gainanunderstandingofthechurchfromabiblicalend-timesperspective

Discoverascripturalandpastoralunderstandingofeschatology

GainaclearerunderstandingofthebrideofChristimagery Pivotyourdiscipleshipandchurchlifeforthefuture

WilliamPorterleadstheBeaconHouseofPrayerinStokeonTrentandheadsuptheUK Houses of Prayer network. A Methodist Minister, he also holds a MA in Contextual MissiologyandaPhDinRevivalStudies.

King's Award presented to Hindu group for its integral volunteering

The Princess Royal presented a Hindu community charity with the King's Award for Voluntary Service to acknowledge the contribution made by the WDHA (Wellingborough District Hindu Association)sinceitbeganmorethan 50yearsago.

A spokesperson from the WDHA said:"Volunteersareanintegralpart of our success, and this award is in recognition of their valuable contribution." The organisation beganintheearly1970s,whenlocal volunteers came together to form a community hub, before fundraising then allowed them to purchase the Sanatan Hindu Mandir, where membersnowmeet.

Princess Anne and Northamptonshire's lordlieutenant James Saunders Watson were greeted with traditional Hindu customs, including a garland ceremony, before meeting with volunteers and local dignitaries,beforewatchinga folk-dance performance showcasing India's cultural heritage and then unveiling a commemorative plaque to marktheoccasion.

WDHA Chair, Vinod Patel said: “The visit of The Princess Royal was truly memorable, and it helped to highlight the generations of volunteers whose dedication made this possible." The day came to an end with the formal presentation of the King'sAward.

Leading

adoption charity welcomes Select Committee report on Children’s Social Care, calling for improvements in adoption support

The Education Select Committee recently published its vital report on children’s social care, including urgent calls for government to improvesupportforadoptedchildrenandyoungpeople.

The report, which looks at children’s social care as a whole, including adoption, fostering and kinship, describes a system beset by problems caused by increasingly-stretched budgets and lack of attention to reform, despite the substantial Independent Review of Children’s Social Care, three years ago. On adoption, the inquiry found there is too little recognition of the impact of the early trauma and separation experienced by adopted children, and of the supporttheyneed.

It calls for support plans for adopted children with appropriate duties placed on local authorities to ensure the support needs set out is provided. Adoption UK CEO Emily Frith (pic) said: “This report is a powerful reminder that the children’s social care system isstillnotfitforpurpose.

“Adoption is a vital option for thousands of children who can’t safely grow up with any member of their birth family. Yet many familiesfeeltheirbiggestchallengeisfightingthesystemitself.”

In research conducted by the charity, three quarters of adopters say it is a continual battle to get the support their child needs. Most adopted children have experienced significant trauma during their early childhoods, and that is exacerbated by the loss of their birth family and often multiple subsequent moves in care before being adopted.

Symbolic tree used to help recruit foster carers

Atreeplantedtosymbolisekeepingchildrenincarerooted in the communities they come from has been decorated withmessagesfromfosterparentsandyoungpeople.

ReadingFosteringheldaninformationeventatthetreeplanted four years ago - in Reading town centre, in Berkshire,asstaff soughttorecruitmorepeople.Dijana Capan,whoworksfortheagency,saidsomechildrenhave tobeplacedoutsidetheirhometownbecauseof alackof fosterplaces.

Anyone can foster children from Reading if they have a spareroom,areagedover21andlivewithin20milesofthe town."Duetothelackof fosterscarersinthepastand evencurrently,childrenendupgoingoutofareawhichwe don'twantforthem,"saidMsCapan.

"WewantthemtobesecurehereinReadingsothat'swhat thetreesymbolises."SineadGibson,whohasfosteredfor nearly20years,saidsheenjoysthedifferenceshecanmake.

"I'velearnedthatyoucanjustneverpredict,"shesaid."You mightgetadescriptionofthechildandthechildmayhave loads of difficulties on paper and then when the child comestoyou,you'rejustafitanditworks."

Theneedforlifelongsupportiscommon.Despitesignificantcutstothe AdoptionandSpecialGuardianshipSupportFund(ASGSF)madein Aprilthisyear,thereporthighlightsevidenceofthepositiveimpactthe Fundhasonfamiliesinprovidingtherapeuticinterventions.

TheCommitteearguesitisunacceptablethatfundingforthisyearwas notannouncedsooner,‘leavingfamiliesandchildrenuncertainabout thefutureof theirsupport.’BackingAdoptionUK’scallstoendthe annual cliff-edge of uncertainty faced by adoptive and special guardianship families each financial year, the report calls on GovernmenttomaketheFundpermanent.

Inaddition,theinquiryrecommendstheGovernmentreviewtheimpact of thenewlyreducedfundinglimitsafter12monthsandcommitto increasingthis,shouldtherebeevidenceof‘significantnegativeeffects.’ Adoption UK is already working with the adoption community to monitorhowthechanges,broughtinwithnoconsultationorevidencebase,areaffectingthelivesofadoptees.

Crucially, the report highlights evidence from the charity that shows adoptedchildrenaremorelikelytobeexcludedfromschool,morelikely tohavesocial,emotionalandmentalhealthdifficultiesandaremore likely to leave school with no qualifications. Consequently, the Committee is calling on Government to back Adoption UK’s recommendationsforastatutoryframeworkforpreviouslylookedafter children, similar to the Personal Education Plan for looked after children, to help identify support needs, and make planning interventionsforadopteeswhomaystruggleinschool.

Despiteamanifestocommitmenttoadoption,thereisstilllittlesignthis governmentistakinganyactiontoimproveoutcomesforadoptees.As thereporthighlights,thereisnomentionofadoptionintheChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, currently making its way through Parliament;andthereisnocommitmenttoreviewthelastgovernment’s adoptionstrategy.

This cross-party inquiry shows there is significant concern among policymakersregardingthelackoffocusedsupportforadoptedchildren and young people, and these recommendations act as a welcome remindertotheGovernmentthatactionisneedednow.

“AswechartthefutureofCaribbeantourism,we mustbaseouractionsoncredibleresearch,ensure they remain relevant to today’s traveller, and collaboratetocreateaclearroadmapforregional transformation.” The conference is being organized in partnership with the Barbados MinistryofTourismandInternationalTransport andBarbadosTourismMarketingInc.,withwide supportfrompublicandprivatesectorentities.

AccordingtoAndreaFranklin,CEOof BTMI andChairoftheCTOBoardofDirectors,the event reflects the region’s commitment to promoting a tourism model that is informed, inclusive,andimpactful.SOTIC2025willalso include expert panels, keynote addresses, workshops,andupdatesontheCTO’s“Reimagine 2025–2027”strategicplan.

IN CONVERSATION WITH DEE BURROWES

From Aspiration to Arrival — A Bridge of Healthcare Hope

Inaworldwheredreamsof professional growthandinternationalopportunityare oftencloudedbyuncertaintyandredtape, anewbeaconof hopeshinesbrightlyfor Uganda’shealthcareprofessionals.UGTo UKHealthcareisasocialenterprisewhich resembles that of a lifeline, a guide and above all, a bridge of hope turning aspirationintoarrival. FormanyUgandannurses,midwivesand doctors, the ambition to build a career within the United Kingdom’s (UK) esteemedhealthcaresystemisapowerful motivator.Yet,despitetheirqualifications anddedication,thejourneytorelocateis fraught with challenges, confusing registration processes, language proficiencytests,visahurdlesandoftena lackofclearreliableguidance.

Recognising this pressing need, UG To UKHealthcarewasfoundedin2022with a focused mission to empower Ugandan healthcare professionals to self-sponsor their relocation to the UK with confidence,dignityandsupport.

UG To UK Healthcare embodies that bridge,illuminatingthewayforUganda’s healthcare professionals to step confidentlyintotheirfutureintheUK,in andbeyond.

Cleopatra’sjourneyisrootedintwodeeply personal experiences that shaped her worldview and her life’s work. Cleopatra Monday’s story is stitched with compassionandconviction.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, her grandfather fell ill. It wasn’t a nurse or trainedcarerwhoshowedupdaily,itwasa woman from their village who was extremelydedicatedandconsistent.Nota titleholder.Notaspecialist.Onlyawoman withwarmth,intuitionandresilience.“She taughtmethatcaregivingisn’tjustabout certificates,it’saboutheartandhumanity,” Cleopatrarecalled.

Cleopatra’s journey is rooted in two deeply personal experiences that shaped her worldview and her life’s work. Cleopatra Monday’s story is stitched with compassionandconviction.

DuringtheCOVID-19pandemic, hergrandfatherfellill.Itwasn’ta nurse or trained carer who showedupdaily,itwasawoman from their village who was extremely dedicated and consistent.Notatitleholder.Not a specialist. Only a woman with warmth, intuition and resilience.

“She taught me that caregiving isn’t just about certificates, it’s about heart and humanity,” Cleopatrarecalled. Each successful relocation is a storyof resilienceandrenewal,a testamenttowhatcanbeachieved whenbarriersaredismantledwith integrityandheart.

Unlike traditional agencies or recruitment firms, this social enterpriseplacesemphasisonthe practical steps such as OccupationalEnglishTest(OET) and Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) preparation, Nursing and Midwifery (NMC) and General Medical Council (GMC) registrationandvisaapplications aswellasbeingontheemotional journeyof migration.Itprovides mentorship, ethical advice and community connection, ensuring no candidate walks the path alone.

This holistic approach broadens career prospects in addition to enriching the UK’s diverse care landscapewithculturalsensitivity andwarmth.

Thatsamemonthsawthelaunch of the UG To UK Gift Shop, a purpose-driven initiative to fund scholarships and community support, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to givingback.

Looking ahead, UG To UK Healthcare is focused on expanding its reach through online platforms, community hubs in the UK and strategic partnerships with healthcare providers.Thegoalremainsclear, to create sustainable pathways where Ugandan nurses, midwives and doctors not only arrive but thrive,lead,andinspire.

The journey from aspiration to arrival is never easy especially when crossing continents and cultures. Yet, with a bridge built on clarity, compassion and community, the path becomes possibleandpromising.

From this duality, the raw compassion of grassroots caregiving and the cold complexity of cross-border systems, UG To UK Healthcare wasborn

What makes Cleopatra’s approachdifferentisn’tjustwhat sheoffersbuthowsheoffersit.

Every resource, every partnership,everymentorshipis steeped in dignity. It’s not a checklist of “how to relocate.”

It’saninvitationtoredefinewhat success and self-worth look like onyourterms.

ThroughUGToUKHealthcare, candidatesreceive:

OET&CBTpreparation

NMC & GMC registration guidance

PLAB 1 & 2 and OSCE mentoring

Visa navigation and relocation support

Community check-ins and diasporaintegration

But it goes deeper than that. Cleopatra’s work incorporates languagethatuplifts.Phraseslike “youbelonghere,”“thisjourney isyourstoown,”and“you’renot behind, you’re just starting something new” are woven throughout her workshops and coaching.

“Sometimes the barrier isn’t the paperwork—it’sthemindset,”Cleopatra says. “If we can shift how people see themselves, we change the entire outcome.”

Her journey mirrors that of so many Africanwomenreclaimingtheirplaceon theglobalstagenotbylosingtheirculture butbyleadingwithit. Cleopatra’sstoryisareminderthatwhen rooted in service, what can be created rippleeffectsthatspancontinents.

In just three years, UG To UK Healthcarehas: Helped dozens of healthcare professionalstransitiontotheUK

Hosted its first-ever Networking FundraiserDinnerattheRoyalSociety ofMedicineinJune2025.

Partnered with Equity Bank Uganda, top-tier OET tutors, and UK-based immigrationspecialists

Launched the UG To UK Gift Shop, fundingscholarshipsandlocalinitiatives

Andthisisjustthebeginning.

As the evening at the Royal Society of Medicine drew to a close, a sense of possibilitylingeredintheair.Notjustfor theguestsbutforanentiregenerationof Ugandan healthcare heroes who now knowthedoorisopen. CleopatraMondayisnotonlyafounder. She’saforce,afusionofgraceandgrit, legacyandlove.Andlikethequeenshe shares her name with, she is writing history-onelife,onenurse,onemidwife, onedoctoratatime.

Cleopatra saw the disconnect. She saw the struggle. And she decided to do somethingradicalofnotwaitingforthe systemtochangebutbecomethesystem thatserves.

Outof compassionandconviction,UG To UK Healthcare was born — a selffundedinitiativedesignedtoofferhandson, ethical guidance to healthcare professionalsacrossUganda.

Everypartof thejourneyis met with empathy, cultural understanding, and clear, step-by-step pathways. It’s not just about migration — it’saboutmindsets. CleopatraMondayisanew kind of leader. Rooted in faith, guided by values, and fuelled by love, she is proof thatonepersonwithaclear visioncantransformlives. Her work reminds us that migration is more than a story of movement; it’s a story of meaning. And thanks to Cleopatra, thousands of Ugandan professionalsarelearningto walk their journey with pride,purposeandpeace.

Dee Burrowes,

Super Falcons extend Wafcon winning record following title No.10

Nigeria produced a sensational second-half comeback to beat hosts Morocco 3-2 and seal a record-extending 10th Women's AfricaCupofNationstitle. Billing their campaign as ‘Mission X’,itwastheAtlasLionesseswho led 2-0 at the break, through Ghizlane Chebbak's fine curling effort and a scuffed shot from Sanaa Mssoudy. But Esther Okoronkwo inspired the West Africans after the break, pulling a goalbackfromthepenaltyspotin the 64th minute after Nouhaila Benzina handled Folamide Ijamilusi'scross.

Okoronko burst into the Morocco box and squared for Ijamilusi to equalise midway through the half, then teed up substitute Jennifer Echegini to score an88th-minutewinner.The 21,000-capacity Olympic Stadium was stunned into silenceastheSuperFalcons players collapsed to the turf in celebrations at the final whistle after producing a seemingly unlikelyrevivalthatwilllive longinthememory.

Nigerian president, Bola Tinubu, congratulatedtheSuperFalconsaftertheir dramatic 3-2 win over Morocco, saying, through a statement by one of his spokespersons: “The Super Falcons’ spectacular performance in Rabat, coming from behind to beat a spirited Moroccan sideplayinginfrontof apassionatehome crowd, exemplifies the determination that definestheNigerianspirit.

“Withhardwork,dedication,andtenacity, you have achieved the mission the nation dreamed of and prayed for. The nation looks forward to welcoming our champions."

This “2024” edition had been delayed becauseofschedulingissueslastyear,which included the participation of the West Africans and Zambia at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Nigeria had not been shy in expressingtheirintentionsof winningtheir 10thWafcon,withplayersconsistentlyasked aboutthattargetinmediaengagements.

Basketball

Finals returning to Utilita Arena Super League

Trophy Finals returning to Utilita Arena

Super League Basketball Trophy

The Super League Basketball Men’s Trophy Final and Super League Basketball Women’s Betty CodonaTrophyFinalissettotake placeatBirmingham’sprestigious UtilitaArena.

Theywillbethefirstmajorfinals of the season and, as always, an exhilarating experience for basketball fans nationwide.

Lookingbackatthisyear’sFinals Day,the2024-25finalewitnesseda

thrilling display of basketball in front of a crowd of 8,500 at the UtilitaArena,asNewcastleEagles emerged victorious in the Men’s Trophy, defeating the Bristol Flyers.

Inanail-bitingfinish,theCaledoniaGladiators claimedtheBettyCodonaTrophywitha61-59win over the Oaklands Wolves. SLB (Super League Basketball) Chief Operating Officer Andy Webb said:“There’sareasontheUtilitaArenahashosted showcase occasions in British basketball for decades.

“It’safantasticvenueandeveryoneinthegame looksforwardtoanevenbiggerandbetterFinals Dayin2026.”Offthecourt,fanscanexpectelite entertainmenttokeepthemontheedgeoftheir seats from start to finish, as the country’s top ballersmakehistoryonthehardwood.

SLBHeadof EventsClareHolmescommented: “Theseason’sfirstFinalisalwayspopularwithfans andforthefinalists,theroadtoapossible‘double’ or‘treble’in2025-26startshere.

“Lastseason’sfinalwaswatchedbynearly10,000 peopleinwhatisasuperbbasketballarenaand we’redelightedtoreturntoBirminghamforwhat willbeanothermemorableoccasion.”TheSuper League Basketball Trophy Finals takes place on Sunday,1February2026.

Further announcements regarding ticket details andthe2025-26seasoningeneralwillbemadeby SLBinthecomingweeks.

To advertise 0208 865 192