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The holiday season provides pleasure and camaraderie, but for many upwardly mobile folks, it also comes with the financial burden of supporting extended family members, known as the "black tax." 

This custom, although founded in communal and family obligations, may put a burden on personal money if not handled properly. However, with careful preparation, the black tax may be a vehicle for increasing family wealth. Here are five successful approaches to doing this:

1. Invest In Education And Skill Development.

One of the most effective strategies for converting black tax into family wealth is to invest in education and skill development for family members. This strategy not only relieves immediate financial problems but also enables relatives to become self-sufficient.

Course Sponsorship: Consider financing the family to attend high-demand courses such as digital marketing, coding, or vocational training. This investment may considerably improve their employability and earning potential.

Entrepreneurial Support: Help family members launch small enterprises by giving early funds or resources. For example, starting a retail company or connecting them to freelancing platforms might provide long-term revenue.

Mentoring Programs: Create mentoring opportunities in which knowledgeable family members assist others with job growth or entrepreneurship. This encourages a culture of learning and development within the family.

By concentrating on education and skill development, families may break the cycle of reliance and lay the groundwork for long-term wealth.

2. Form Joint Business Ventures.

Collaborating with family members to form joint company operations may be an effective approach to converting black tax into riches. This strategy not only distributes financial responsibility but also encourages collaboration and shared achievement.

Family Business Initiatives: Identify business possibilities that are compatible with the abilities and interests of family members. Pooling resources, whether for a catering service, a retail store, or an internet company, may lead to increased success.

Shared Investment Models: defined as a system in which all participating family members contribute a defined amount to the firm. This shared investment concept encourages members to be accountable and committed.

Profit-Sharing Agreements: Create explicit profit-sharing agreements to guarantee that all stakeholders benefit from the venture's success. This openness promotes peace and fosters ongoing cooperation.

Joint business operations not only give financial benefits but also deepen family relationships via shared aims and accomplishments.

3. Establish a Family Fund.

Creating a collective family fund is another successful approach for reducing black tax and increasing wealth. This fund may be used for a variety of objectives, such as emergency help, investment possibilities, and educational financing.

Monthly Contributions: Encourage all financially eligible family members to make a consistent monthly contribution to the fund. This establishes a safety net that may be used in an emergency or for future investments.

Investment Opportunities: Use the family fund's pooled resources to invest in stocks, real estate, or other projects with long-term potential for profits. This method encourages family members to be financially literate and invest wisely.

Transparent Management: Designate a trustworthy family member or form a committee to handle the money transparently. Regular updates on fund performance and utilization will assist in retaining confidence and engagement among all donors.

A well-managed family fund not only offers financial stability, but also creates a feeling of shared responsibility for wealth creation.

4. Encourage Financial Literacy.

Promoting financial awareness among family members is critical for converting black tax responsibilities into wealth-building possibilities. Educating family members about budgeting, saving, and investing allows them to make more educated financial choices.

Seminars and Seminars: Plan frequent seminars on financial education subjects including budgeting, investing methods, and debt management. Inviting experts may improve learning outcomes.

Share online courses or resources on personal financial management. Platforms such as Money Africa provide crucial information for making smarter financial choices.

Encourage open talks about money management within the family. Sharing experiences and problems may result in collaborative problem-solving and mutual support.

Families may lessen their reliance on the black tax while creating an atmosphere of informed decision-making that supports long-term wealth building.

5. Use Philanthropy Strategically.

While philanthropy is often seen as a cost, it may be carefully used to increase both community influence and family wealth. Engaging in philanthropic activities that are consistent with family values may have long-term advantages for both the community and the family's reputation.

Targeted contributing: Rather than contributing reactively over the holiday season, consider making targeted gifts to meet certain community needs or educational programs. This technique guarantees that monies are used wisely for long-term gains.

Community Investments: Invest in community initiatives with prospective returns, such as local companies or educational programs, that will not only benefit others but also provide economic prospects for the family.

Networking Opportunities: Participate in charitable activities that enable you to connect with like-minded people or groups. Building connections via charitable activity might lead to new commercial prospects or partnerships.

Strategic giving not only meets social duties but also places families as leaders in their communities, thereby opening the door to future wealth-building opportunities.

Transforming black tax into family wealth over the holiday season requires deliberate and strategic preparation. Families may handle their commitments while developing long-term wealth for future generations by strategically investing in education, forming joint ventures, establishing communal funds, fostering financial literacy, and leveraging charity. 

This strategy not only fulfills familial duties but also encourages family members to grow independently, eventually ending cycles of reliance and building a prosperous legacy that lasts generations. 

Embracing these techniques ensures that black tax is more than simply paid responsibility, but also an opportunity for family development and empowerment over the holiday season and beyond.

Heavy fog has caused substantial difficulties at UK airports, especially during the busy Christmas season. As of December 28, 2024, visibility has decreased to as low as 100 meters in sections of South East and Central England, resulting in a slew of aircraft cancellations and delays at major airports like Gatwick, Heathrow, and Manchester.

Gatwick Airport had significant disruption, with almost 40 planes delayed on Saturday morning alone. On Friday night, travelers faced up to three-hour delays, with some aircraft arriving as late as nine hours. EasyJet and Turkish Airlines were among the most severely impacted, with several flights incurring substantial delays or diversions.

A Gatwick representative confirmed that temporary air traffic restrictions had been introduced owing to the fog, and they regretted any disruption caused to passengers.

Heathrow Airport, another key hub, had similar problems. As of Saturday morning, the airport had canceled 20 planes and delayed 29 more. Passengers were encouraged to check their flight statuses on a frequent basis owing to continued weather-related concerns.

The fog caused delays at Manchester Airport, affecting 16 flights and 27 arrivals. National Air Traffic Services (NATS) reported that temporary air traffic restrictions were in effect at many UK airports owing to poor visibility.

The weather has hampered air travel and train services across the UK. Major rail stations in London, including Liverpool Street and Paddington, were closed due to engineering work and fog-related delays. The National Rail service cautioned customers that trains might be canceled or delayed for up to 40 minutes.

The Met Office has warned about continuous fog anticipated to last over the weekend, especially in the South East and central England. Meteorologists predict that although visibility may improve somewhat on Sunday, thick fog may continue to hamper visibility severely in certain regions.

Travelers are asked to be attentive and check with their airlines for the most recent flight information. NATS highlighted that air traffic restrictions are being introduced strictly for safety reasons and that they are working closely with airlines and airports to reduce inconvenience.

As the Christmas season begins, it is vital for passengers to prepare properly, giving additional time for travel and being informed about any delays or cancellations.

The persistent fog conditions have created a difficult situation for UK passengers during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. With further interruptions likely at major airports and train systems, customers must keep informed about their travel plans as they negotiate the weather-related mayhem.

On December 25, 2024, a sad occurrence occurred in Milton Keynes, killing two people and seriously injuring two more as a consequence of a suspected stabbing. The incident happened at about 6:36 p.m. at an apartment building on Santa Cruz Avenue in Bletchley. 

Despite emergency personnel's best attempts, the victims, aged 38 and 24, were declared dead at the spot. A teenage kid and a guy in his late twenties were rushed to the hospital with significant injuries, although they are said to be in stable condition.

A 49-year-old Milton Keynes man has been detained in connection with the stabbings on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. He remains in police detention as detectives put together the circumstances leading up to the incident. 

Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Brangwin, overseeing the investigation for Thames Valley Police's Major Crime Unit, offered condolences to the victims' families and informed the public that there was no continuing danger since all people involved knew one other.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the local community, especially considering it occurred on Christmas Day—a day traditionally linked with family reunions and joy. Police have enhanced their presence in the area to give comfort and help to those who may be feeling upset by the violence. DCI Brangwin highlighted that anybody with information or video relating to the event should come forward to help with the inquiry.

The names of the dead ladies have not yet been publicly published, as police are attempting to inform next of kin and offer them help during this sad time. The effect of such a brutal act on families during what is intended to be a pleasant Christmas season is tremendous, causing an outpouring of sadness and compassion from community members and local authorities alike.

Thames Valley Police have begun a double murder investigation after this occurrence. They are requesting witnesses or anybody with pertinent information to contact them. The police have informed the public that they are taking the situation seriously and are dedicated to discovering the truth behind this unfortunate tragedy.

As the investigation continues, local news outlets and police channels will provide updates. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity as authorities work hard to ensure safety in Bletchley and the surrounding areas.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about community violence and the importance of continuing the conversation about safety measures and support systems for those affected by such tragedies.

Professor Nkem Fab-Ukozor, the Project Director of the Media and Gender Enlightenment Initiative and Head of the Department of Development Communication Studies, at the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Imo State University, Owerri, has identified Gender Equality as a Panacea for Development.

Prof. Ukozor revealed this on Wednesday, December 18, 2023, during the Public Awareness Campaign tagged "Online Misogyny: Building Capacity of Women in South-East Nigeria." The campaign was held at the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Imo State University, Owerri, and was organized by the Media and Gender Enlightenment Initiative (MEGEIN) in collaboration with the World Association for Christian Communication (WACC).

She said, "Gender equality is essential for creating a sustainable and just society. It must be pursued, not because it is a human right, but because it is critical for achieving sustainability in all ramifications of development". She added that, when everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive, it benefits all aspects of development and ensures that all individuals can contribute their talents and ideas in an atmosphere of peace and justice.

The MEGEIN Director stressed that women and girls face oppressive conditions in many parts of the world, particularly, the emerging democracies of Africa and, indeed, Nigeria. "Women's voices are suppressed, silenced, and controlled by discriminatory practices, and by implicit social attitudes, Cultural norms, and patriarchal values in real-life situations. Such are not different in mainstream and digital media spaces", she said.

She revealed that online and ICT-mediated violence against women has become increasingly common, particularly with the use of social media platforms and other technical applications, every day and everywhere. "As women and girls gain access to and engage with the internet, they face online violence that is part of the continuum of multiple, recurring, and interrelated forms of gender-based violence against women".

"It is therefore disheartening, to observe that despite the benefits and empowering potential of the internet and ICT, women, and girls in Africa and the world at large have increasingly voiced their concern at the prevalent harmful, sexist, misogynistic, and violent online content and behavior. Such a hostile environment not only undermines the positive aspects of digital technology but also perpetuates the circle of violence against women and girls, making their online experiences an extension of persistent and interconnected forms of gender-based violence".

While presenting a paper titled; "Women and Communication", The Head of the Department of Advertising, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Professor K. O. Nworgu, argued that gender issue represents both male and females, but unfortunately, women have appropriated the word, "gender". , whenever you bring up gender issues, women will tell you it's about them.

He, therefore, looked at the issue from the way the society relates and communicates with women as well as the way women relate and communicate with the society at large as well as the issues that affect such Communication. He listed some of the issues to include; language barrier, limited access to Information, poor Communication infrastructure, and Cultural barriers against women, among others.

Professor Nworgu insisted that the majority of problems faced by women are caused by their fellow women. He however, advised them to put their house in order, love themselves, get united, project a common front, and take themselves seriously, so that they would be treasured, valued, and respected.

The second paper presenter, titled; "How to Have a Better Online Presence for Women in Nigeria", Dr. Ifeoma Ojiakor-Umenze, a senior lecturer in the Department of Development Communication Studies, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Imo State University, stated that women belong to a disadvantaged group. She explained that Nigeria is one of the fastest growing digital economies in Africa, yet, her women remain underrepresented. 

Speaking further, she cited research by the Global System for Mobile Communication Association (GSMA), which found that only 43% of women in Nigeria have access to the Internet as against their male counterparts 65%". The study equally found that a large gender gap exists in terms of smartphone ownership, where 32% of women own smartphones as against 51% of their men counterparts.

She therefore advised women to stop playing the victim card and start something so that their voices would be heard. She added, "It is not enough to know how to do something, you need to announce it to the world".

The workshop was well attended by men, women, boys, and girls from all walks of life.

The Sub-Saharan Africa Women's Empowerment and Demographic Dividend Plus (SWEDD+) project, which was recently launched by Damien Tchintchibidja, Vice-President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), is a significant step toward empowering women and girls in  and Central Africa. This project, funded by the World Bank at $365 million, intends to build on the success of its predecessor, which impacted over two million women and girls over the last decade.

The SWEDD initiative, which began in 2015, was intended to address crucial problems such as gender inequity, early marriage, and low female labor force participation. Its primary goal is to improve women and girls' access to education, health care, and economic opportunities in the Sahel area. The project's reach has increased from six to thirteen nations, proving its efficacy and flexibility to regional issues.

The major purpose of SWEDD+ is to expedite demographic change while promoting economic development via women's empowerment. The initiative focuses on different elements of women's life, including:

Education: Promoting females' education so that they have equal possibilities in society.

Health: Increasing access to reproductive health services and maternity care.

Economic Empowerment: Advancing women's entrepreneurship and workforce involvement.

SWEDD+'s investment in these areas seeks to establish a virtuous cycle of development that benefits not just women but whole communities.

The SWEDD+ concept is organized around a few important components:

Gender-Transformative Interventions: These interventions alter cultural ideas on gender roles by promoting equality and respect for women's rights.

Strengthening Health Services: Improving healthcare systems to provide better reproductive health services is critical for lowering maternal death rates and improving overall health outcomes.

Policy Advocacy: Working with politicians to create conditions that promote women's empowerment is critical for long-term change.

Institutional Strengthening: Increasing local institutions' ability to adopt gender-sensitive policies guarantees the project's long-term benefits.

The SWEDD initiative has had a significant influence on various nations, including Burkina Faso, Chad, Gambia, Senegal, and Togo. In these areas, the project has enabled: Increased female enrollment in schools, Improved women's access to healthcare services, and Increased economic prospects via vocational training and microfinance projects. These results not only empower individual women but also help to drive larger social reforms that promote gender equality.

During the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, Tchintchibidja underlined the significance of women's empowerment in achieving sustainable development. She remarked that women and girls are the foundation of our civilizations, and their empowerment is critical to attaining sustainable development. This statement demonstrates the project's dedication to recognizing women's contributions as critical to economic development and social progress. 

Tchintchibidja also emphasized that the demographic dividend represents a unique opportunity for our area, urging investments in education and health as strategies to realize this potential. This viewpoint is consistent with global efforts to promote gender equality, as articulated in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

Partnerships with international organizations such as the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) and numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs) help SWEDD+ succeed. These alliances improve resource mobilization while also ensuring that solutions are properly customized to local requirements.

For example, UNFPA has played an important role in providing technical support and promoting stakeholder interaction. This multi-sectoral strategy guarantees that all facets of women's empowerment are handled fully.

SWEDD+ plans to extend its influence into non-ECOWAS nations like Mauritania and Cameroon. The program aims to form a united front against gender inequality in West and Central Africa by promoting interregional collaboration. 

Tchintchibidja said during her speech, "This initiative is for you [women and girls]. It's an acknowledgment of your hardships... We believe in your ability to influence change. This dedication reflects a larger awareness that empowering women is both a moral obligation and an economic need.

The SWEDD+ initiative is a revolutionary endeavor to empower women and girls in West and Central Africa. It establishes a pattern for future projects addressing gender inequality, with significant financial support from the World Bank and strong relationships with international organizations. 

SWEDD+, as it enters its new phase, is ready to make substantial achievements for gender equality and sustainable development across the area.

A sad hit-and-run event happened on December 14, 2024, in Smethwick, Birmingham, killing a two-year-old kid and wounding four people. The crash included a stolen gray Porsche Cayenne and a Toyota car.

The collision occurred soon before 11 p.m. on Dartmouth Road. Witnesses said the Porsche, which had been reported stolen earlier that month, crashed with the Toyota before the driver left the scene. Emergency personnel responded quickly, sending the infant and four people to surrounding hospitals. Unfortunately, the two-year-old youngster died from his injuries soon after arriving.

A 29-year-old lady and a 30-year-old male were among those wounded, and both are in severe condition. Two additional people, both aged 30, are said to be stable. The seriousness of the situation has taken the community by surprise, with many offering their sympathies to the mourning family.

West Midlands Police have opened an inquiry into the incident. Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) has encouraged the Porsche driver to come forward and accept responsibility for their conduct. 

He went on to say that they made a poor choice by fleeing the scene, and I urge them to now make the right choice. Police have also asked anybody who observed the incident or has CCTV or dashcam evidence to contact them as they conduct their investigation.

The occurrence has elicited grief and resentment from the local community. Many neighbors have used social media to express their sadness and fury over the irresponsible conduct that resulted in such a horrible conclusion. Community leaders are advocating for more road safety awareness and tighter enforcement of hit-and-run events.

This terrible incident emphasizes the need for responsibility on our roadways. As the investigation continues, police hope that witnesses will come forward to help bring justice for the little child and his family.

Nigeria has made a historic payment of ₦85 billion (about $54.3 million) to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), marking the first complete settlement of their community fee in 19 years. 

This payment, made by ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Touray during the 66th Ordinary Summit of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in Abuja, demonstrates Nigeria's renewed commitment to regional cooperation and development.

The ECOWAS community levy is a 0.5% tax on imported commodities from non-ECOWAS nations, paid by member governments on behalf of the organization. These monies are critical for funding regional development initiatives and operating expenses. Nigeria has always failed to satisfy its financial commitments, resulting in a roughly 20-year backlog.

On December 13, 2024, Nigeria cleared its dues for 2023 and part of 2024, indicating a substantial change in its attitude to regional responsibilities. Dr. Touray expressed thanks for Nigeria's early payment, stating that it demonstrates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's leadership and the Nigerian government's commitment to the ECOWAS community. 

This payment is a critical step in strengthening connections among member nations and improving ECOWAS' ability to handle regional concerns effectively.

The complete payment of Nigeria's ECOWAS tax will likely have various beneficial consequences. Nigeria sets a precedence for other member nations by meeting its financial responsibilities, which may encourage others to do the same.

The community levy finances various development activities in West Africa, including infrastructure projects, health services, and educational initiatives. Nigeria's pledge may help to build trust inside the ECOWAS framework, establishing a collaborative climate in which member nations may operate more efficiently.

This payment underlines Nigeria's leadership role in ECOWAS, establishing it as an important actor in regional politics and economic growth.

During the meeting, President Tinubu urged ECOWAS member states to work together more closely to raise living conditions and establish an environment conducive to people's success. He emphasized the need for cooperation in solving shared issues and encouraged member nations to draw from good governance models in the region.

Dr. Touray said that, although many member nations have been sluggish in sending their taxes, Nigeria's timely payment reflects a commitment to joint success within ECOWAS. He recognized departing Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo's efforts for regional stability and leadership.

Nigeria's recent payment of ₦85 billion and $54 million as an ECOWAS fee is a significant milestone in West African cooperation. Nigeria not only boosts its position within ECOWAS by satisfying all of its duties for the first time in over two decades but also sets a good example for other member nations. 

This initiative is likely to boost regional integration efforts and provide much-needed cash for crucial projects throughout West Africa, helping millions of individuals in the process.