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To the futuristic strains of The Human League’s “Electric Dreams”, the first of a new generation of Nissan electric cars is revealed to the world’s media on Line 2 of the company’s huge Sunderland plant.

A teal blue third-generation Nissan Leaf is to be built in significant numbers for British and European markets, with the only other production centre being at Tochigi, Japan which supply Asian, American and other markets.

A new electric battery plant will be running alongside, operated by AESC., a subsidiary of Chinese giant Envision. It is the largest such “gigafactory” in the UK. Taken together they represent one of the biggest investments in British manufacturing in recent years. UK sales of the strikingly styled model will begin in late 2026.

Further new Nissan electric products will follow, including an all-new Juke, also to be built in Sunderland. Although much of the engineering for the new Leaf took place in Japan, it should help protect the 6,000 jobs in the UK factory, plus many more in the UK supply chain.

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The Nissan Leaf comes in teal blue (Supplied)

Indeed, according to Shunsuke Shigemoto, Nissan’s Vice President for Powertrains and Advanced Engineering, the workforce at Sunderland Is “key” to their decision to transition the factory and associated battery plant into an EV hub – praising its efficiency and flexibility to produce various electric, hybrid and petrol variants according to consumer demand.

Mr Shigemoto suggests the new model will help raise production in Sunderland back up to near its capacity of half a million vehicles per annum.

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Nissan’s vice president hopes the new model will help raise production back up to capacity in Sunderland (Supplied)

However, the political uncertainty has left a bit of a cloud over the start of production ceremonials in the North East. In the past few days the Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch, has said that she would scrap the zero emission mandate and the plan to end sales of new petrol cars by 2030 and hybrids by 2035.

An even greater degree of scepticism about electric cars is on display at Reform UK, and there are heavy hints emerging from the EU that it too may well push the zero emission target down to 90 per cent of new cars to be green – and postpone the deadline to 2040.

Although the Sunderland operation is agile enough to cope with such disruption, it would certainly make the half a billion pounds spent on an electric future look unfortunate.

Friederike Kienz, vice president for sustainability said of rumours about a future UK government scrapping the EV target: “Regulation is only one element in uptake and transformation…will it lower the pace? Yes. Policy is a factor, and seen very, very clearly in Norway” (where heavy invectives have succeeded in mass EV conversion).

She stressed that it was most important that an electric future remains the “endgame” even if the pace of change varies. In Sunderland, they are hoping the electric dream really does come true.

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Multiple popular salad dressings have been recalled due to contamination concerns.

Ventura Foods recalled 3,556 cases of its salad dressings last month, according to an enforcement report from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The recall was issued because of a potential foreign object, specifically black plastic planting material, in the dressings’ granulated onion.

The recall was upgraded to a Class II, meaning that consuming the product could cause significant health consequences, as of December 4.

Affected salad dressings were distributed to seven different retailers and food courts across 42 states.

The recalled items, manufactured by Ventura Foods, include Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch, Caesar Dressing from Costco Service Deli and Costco Food Court, Pepper Mill Creamy Caesar Dressing, Pepper Mill Regal Caesar Dressing, Italian Salad Dressing, and Creamy Poblano Avocado Ranch Dressing and Dip, and Ventura Caesar Dressing.

Salad dressings sent to retailers and food courts across 42 states have been recalled (Getty/iStock)

Specific products can be identified by their SKU numbers here.

While there haven’t been any illness reported to date, consumers with the affected dressings are urged to throw them away immediately or return them to the place of purchase.

The dressing recall comes a month after Costco removed two Caesar salad products, which were supplied by Ventura Foods, from shelves. In November, the retailer issued a notice to shoppers about a Caesar Salad and a Chicken Sandwich with Caesar Salad, which were being recalled due to the “presence of plastic foreign material in the salad dressing of these items.”

The affected products have the Sell By Dates between October 17, 2025, and November 9, 2025. The Chicken Sandwich with Caesar Salad can be identified by Item Number 11444, while the Caesar Salad can be identified by Item Number 19927.

Meanwhile, in October, Coca-Cola voluntarily recalled three packages of Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, and Sprite that were produced and distributed in Texas by Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, LLC—a subsidiary of global bottler Arca Continental. The recall was issued because some of those cans may contain small metal fragments that could cause internal injury if swallowed.

However, the recall was limited to products distributed in Texas, specifically in the McAllen/Rio Grande Valley and San Antonio areas. A Coca-Cola spokesperson also said that all affected products were removed from store shelves by October 10 “out of an abundance of caution.”

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Children who have difficulty separating themselves from their parents are sometimes referred to as “Velcro kids” – a reference to the company that makes the fastener famous for its temporary adherence.

On social media, parents have used the term to share frustrating – and sometimes endearing – moments of clinginess. Examples include when a toddler attempts to break into the bathroom to try to reach a parent or when a child attaches themselves to a parent’s leg while walking around a shopping center.

Even teenagers can express similar “Velcro” behaviors – in one video shared online, a teenager gently uses his foot to touch a parent while lounging on the couch.

But children who have a habit of following their parents around, touching them constantly or becoming upset when they’re apart can provoke some to ask: Is this a phase or an unhealthy attachment style?

Psychological research indicates it’s normal for infants and toddlers to attach themselves to a parent and become upset when they’re apart because they rely on parents for food, comfort, safety, cleanliness and other basic needs.

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At the height of the pandemic, many parents reported being emotionally exhausted by their children’s constant presence and demand for attention (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Studies also suggest that a baby’s lack of object permanence, or the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they’re not directly seen or felt, contributes to their negative emotions when a parent walks away – even for a second.

But research has not found a correlation between a baby’s attachment style and their clinginess as a toddler or child.

Separation anxiety can increase throughout childhood as children go through environmental and lifestyle changes.

“A baby who seemed content to explore independently or was not in distress when separated from a parent may become clingy later due to developmental changes or life stressors such as starting school, adjusting to a move, or a family change,” Dr. Danika Perry, a pediatric psychologist at Nemours Children’s Health, told Parents.com.

Even as they grow into adolescence, children may seek out their parents’ reassurance or comfort, resulting in “Velcro” behaviors such as wanting to stay in constant communication or following parents around the house.

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Children who have a habit of following their parents around, touching them constantly or becoming upset when they’re apart can provoke some to ask: Is this a phase or an unhealthy attachment style? (Getty Images)

While most children’s clingy patterns are temporary, being in the throes of it can cause parents emotional exhaustion.

“Over time, the constant lack of personal space can contribute to burnout, anxiety, or feelings of guilt. This can also affect relationships with partners or other children,” Perry said.

So what can parents do?

Parents who are emotionally exhausted due to their child’s clinginess can set boundaries by enlisting the help of a partner or other adults they trust, according to the Child Mind Institute. Setting expectations for a child to say “goodbye” to the parent and then allowing another person to take over can give some reprieve and help children practice

Clinical experts suggest that other caretakers can redirect children’s attention away from missing a parent by giving children a task, setting up a fun activity and rewarding them for separating.

There are some situations where “Velcro” behavior can be a symptom of separation anxiety disorder, a type of anxiety disorder diagnosed by a doctor. But those behaviors are more intense than traditional clinginess, interfering with daily activities and mood.

Children with separation anxiety disorder have a constant fear of separation that can manifest in nightmares, intense tantrums, constant worry about something bad happening to a parent, refusal to participate in activities or attend school, headaches, and stomach aches, according to Mayo Clinic.

Medical professionals determine a child has separation anxiety disorder by looking at the intensity of a child’s reaction and the frequency they occur when separating or potentially separating from a parent.

Once diagnosed, doctors can provide a treatment plan that could include therapy to help a child learn coping mechanisms and understand the root of the fear, lifestyle changes to make a child more comfortable with separating, and, in some cases, medication.

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The international prestige cognac, Martell, continues its legacy of audacity with the unveiling of two monumental experiences, The Swift Ascendant and The Martell Voyager, under its bold new campaign, Martell On The Move.

Together, these unveilings mark a defining moment for Martell, a celebration of audacity in constant motion, where art meets exploration. From the Martell Box to the Martell Tower, the journey now continues with Martell On The Move.

The Swift Ascendant: Experience the Wings of Audacity 

Standing14 feet tall, The Swift Ascendant, a monumental sculpture created in collaboration with renowned Nigerian contemporary artist Dotun Popoola, featured by CNN in 2024, represents the next evolution of Martell’s audacious journey.

Created entirely from recycled metal, the piece transforms discarded materials into a soaring emblem of renewal. It’s a striking fusion of art, sustainability, and cultural expression, symbolizing Martell’s belief that true refinement comes from reinvention, and that luxury today must be both bold and responsible.

Evane Chenuet, Marketing Director, Pernod Ricard Nigeria, shared:

“The Swift Ascendant is a living expression of Martell’s audacious spirit, a reminder that purpose and creativity can move together. In partnering with Dotun Popoola, we’ve transformed waste into wonder, showing that meaning and mastery define the new language of luxury.”

Michael Ehindero, Managing Director, Pernod Ricard Nigeria, commented:

“The Swift Ascendant and The Martell Voyager together symbolize motion, Martell’s relentless pursuit of new horizons. As a brand, we’ve owned the land and the sky; now, we take to the land and sea. This is Martell’s audacious evolution, one that connects art, culture, and creativity in powerful, meaningful ways.”

Dotun Popoola, artist and creator of The Swift Ascendant, added:

“Every piece of metal in this sculpture has lived another life before this one. It’s a story of rebirth, proof that creativity and sustainability can coexist beautifully. Seeing it unveiled alongside The Martell Voyager is witnessing audacity in motion.”

The Martell Voyager: Make Waves with Audacity 

On the same evening, Martell extended its audacity beyond land to the seas with the unveiling of The Martell Voyager, a first-of-its-kind floating experience designed to bring Martell’s sophistication to Lagos’ waterways. Illuminated against the night sky, Martell Voyager invites Nigerians to “Make Waves with Audacity,” a bold expression of discovery, craftsmanship, and celebration that reflects Martell’s drive to push boundaries and reimagine luxury experiences.

As the Swift Ascendant begins its journey across cities, audiences are encouraged to spot the installation when it appears and share their sightings online as it continues its bold artistic path through Abuja, Port Harcourt, and additional destinations yet to be revealed.

The Martell Voyager made its first sightings at Lulu and Mako which started from 22nd November and will continue with the 30-day journey across Lagos until the 31st December 2025, sailing through Lagos Motor Boat Club, King Fisher and Terra Foam.

From 22nd November to 31st December 2025, the Martell Voyager will embark on a 30-day journey across Lagos, sailing through Lulu,Mako, Lagos Motor Boat Club, King Fisher and Terra Foam.

From land to sea, Martell On The Move is a tribute to those who dare to look higher, think deeper, and live audaciously.

Join the journey. Spot and share images of The Swift Ascendant and the Martell Voyager when you see them. Follow the Wings of Audacity. Make Waves with Audacity.

About Pernod Ricard Nigeria

Pernod Ricard Nigeria is the local affiliate of Pernod Ricard, a global leader in wines and spirits.

Pernod Ricard holds a comprehensive portfolio of premium and luxury brands, with 16 out of the top 100 spirit brands in the world, including Jameson Irish Whiskey, Beefeater Gin, Martell Cognac, Seagram’s Imperial Blue Whisky, Imperial Black Whisky, Absolut Vodka, Ballantine’s Blended Scotch Whisky, Chivas Regal, The Glenlivet Scotch Whisky, Inverroche Gin, Olmeca Tequila, Malibu Liqueur, and GH Mumm Champagne.

About Martell

Founded in 1715 by Jean Martell, the House of Martell is the oldest of the great cognac houses and a symbol of audacity, mastery, and refinement. For over three centuries, Martell has celebrated those who dare to move differently, guided by curiosity, courage, and the pursuit of excellence. At the heart of the House stands The Swift, Martell’s timeless emblem of freedom, vision, and forward motion. It represents a spirit that never stands still, a commitment to rise above convention and redefine what refinement means in every era.

From the iconic Martell XO to the boundary-breaking Martell Blue Swift, every creation reflects a legacy of craftsmanship and an invitation to live boldly, purposefully, and with audacity. For more information, visit martell.com or follow @martellnigeria

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With flu season arriving early and NHS leaders encouraging people with symptoms to wear masks in public, a question arises: do masks actually work against the flu?

The short answer is that the evidence remains surprisingly weak. Studies conducted before the COVID pandemic generally found that masks made little to no difference in the spread of flu in everyday settings. There is little reason to think this has changed, although the COVID pandemic has taught us more about when masks can be helpful in reducing the spread of respiratory diseases.

This matters because flu cases began rising earlier than usual this year and are higher than we would normally expect at this point in the season.

While the number of people being admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of flu is still at moderate levels, the number of daily admissions is increasing. There are real concerns that we are heading towards an especially bad winter. This year, Australia suffered its worst flu season in at least 20 years.

The main flu strain currently circulating in the UK is a type of influenza A known as H3N2–subclade K. This strain probably appeared first in the US, from where it has spread globally, extending the flu season in Australia and New Zealand and causing the early start of the flu season in Europe.

In real-world studies, N95 masks perform no better than surgical masks (AFP via Getty)

Crucially, this strain is quite different from the one used in this year’s vaccine. This means the vaccine may be less effective at preventing infection, although it should still help protect against severe illness.

Against this backdrop, Daniel Elkeles, the chief executive of NHS Providers, told Times Radio that if you’re coughing and sneezing “then you must wear a mask when you’re in public spaces, including on public transport, to stop the chances of you giving your virus to somebody else”.

The government guidance is less forthright, with a government spokesperson stating that people should consider wearing a mask in such circumstances, not that they must wear one.

Before the COVID pandemic, there had been several studies investigating the benefits of face coverings for respiratory viruses, including influenza. The most thorough of those reviews concluded that overall, masks made little or no difference to the spread of flu, either in the home or in public places.

They also concluded that N95 masks (tight-fitting, high-filtration masks) were no better than surgical masks in everyday settings. However, the authors were only able to identify a single low-quality study to support this finding.

In a review my colleagues and I conducted on the effectiveness of masks on the spread of respiratory infections prior to COVID, we found a similar poor effect overall. But individual studies in the review often gave very different results from each other.

Weaker studies were more likely to suggest masks work

Some studies suggested a strong protective effect, while others showed greater infection risk when people wore masks. Better-quality studies, such as randomised trials, generally found little or no benefit. In contrast, weaker study designs were more likely to suggest that masks worked.

The COVID pandemic added new evidence. The most robust recent review of masks and COVID in the community concluded that mask wearing was associated with a reduced risk of COVID transmission outside of healthcare settings. There was insufficient evidence to comment on the relative effectiveness of N95 respirator masks compared to standard surgical masks in public spaces, but in hospitals the balance of evidence was that there was little difference between the two types of mask.

About the author

Paul Hunter is a Professor of Medicine at the University of East Anglia.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article.

These real-world studies contrast sharply with laboratory studies, which have generally found masks to be highly effective at reducing the amount of virus people release into the air and showing that properly fitted N95 masks are more effective than surgical masks for COVID and flu.

In the flu study, the researchers reported that a properly fitted N95 mask reduced the amount of flu virus released into the air by more than 94%. However, a poorly fitting N95 mask performed no better than an ordinary surgical mask – a crucial finding that suggests the gap between laboratory and real-world effectiveness may come down to how people actually wear masks.

The COVID lesson

Some of the most convincing evidence for the effectiveness of masks at preventing COVID was the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) COVID infection survey. In this survey, up to 150,000 people were screened every two weeks for the virus, whether or not they had symptoms. For part of the time, the survey also collected data on mask-wearing.

My colleagues and I analysed data from the ONS survey and concluded that, in adults, always wearing a mask at work or in enclosed spaces – or both – was associated with about a 20% reduction in the risk of catching COVID during the time the delta variant was the dominant strain of the virus. But after the appearance of the omicron variant, there was little if any reduced risk in mask wearers.

In children, mask wearing was associated with less of a reduction in risk of testing positive for COVID, and during the omicron period there was even a small increased risk.

Evidence for the value of masks for flu remains less clear, suggesting little if any benefit. Nevertheless, I would still encourage people who are at risk of severe disease if they catch the flu to wear a mask in crowded indoor environments – especially if they have not yet received the vaccine.

If someone is ill with the flu, it is best that they stay at home. If they have to go out into crowded indoor environments, then I would also encourage them to wear a mask. I would not encourage mask wearing in children, given the lack of clear benefit and potential for improper use.

For most people, the overall evidence does not support routine mask wearing. I would also not encourage the general public to wear N95 masks because these masks need to be properly fitted for them to be effective. Nevertheless, wearing a mask is a personal decision, and people should be free to decide on what makes them feel most comfortable.

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December 9, 2025  Junior Achievement (JA) Africa successfully concluded the 15th edition of the JA Africa COY Competition, held from December 3–5, 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria. Bringing together Africa’s brightest young entrepreneurs to showcase innovative business solutions aligned with the theme “ACT! Action for Climate Transformation.” The continental finals convened student companies from across Africa who had progressed through national JA Company Program competitions to compete across six innovation tracks: Innovation & Technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Financial Technology (FinTech), Digital Media & Creation, Renewable Energy and Circular Economy & Sustainability.

Following three days of dynamic pitching, mentorship engagement, exhibitions, and rigorous judging, Nigeria’s Smartgenix was crowned the overall Company of the Year 2025 for demonstrating exceptional innovation, execution strength, and high-impact potential. Mauritius’ Plantura claimed Second Place, while Uganda’s Renewablock secured Third Place, rounding out the podium with solutions focused on sustainability and inclusive development. As the continental champion, Smartgenix will proceed to represent Africa at the global finals of the De La Vega Global Entrepreneurship Award, where it will compete against winning teams from other regions for a grand prize of US $15,000.

Additional recognitions were distributed among other deserving teams, thanks to the generous support of various sponsors, including FedEx, PMIEF, FirstBank Nigeria, Delta Air Lines, Bank of America, Kuda Microfinance Bank, Boeing, and Entrepreneurs’ Organization.

Summary of Signature Award Winners:

• FedEx Global Possibilities Award: XeroLabs, Ghana
• PMIEF Best Application of Project Management Award: Kwakhanya PlantIQ, Eswatini
• FirstBank Nigeria CEO Entrepreneurship Award: Plantura, Mauritius

Summary of Branded Award Winners:

• Delta Air Lines Girls LEAD! Award: 16 girls awarded: Matse Takitsi, Fakudze Temantolo Siphesihle, Dlamini Gcinile Lenhle, Dhristi Gooroochurn, Ameydee Shalinee Chocken, Yezhilly Gopaulen, Lashna Gungabissoon, Ihimbazwe Niyikora Kevine, Uwayo Ange Kevine, Abarurema Hirwa Emma Reponse, Kendy Neilla Gisa, Atuhaire Gabriella Kusiima, Comfort Musukuma, Grace Chilinda, Ndanji Nanyangwe, and Wana Sanyikosa
• Bank of America Best Financial Performance Award: Renewablock, Uganda
• Kuda Young Entrepreneurs Award: Kwakhanya PlantIQ, Eswatini
• Boeing Sustainable Innovation Award: XeroLabs, Ghana
• Entrepreneurs’ Organizations Rising Leader Award: Ameydee Chocken, CEO of Plantura, Mauritius

Reflecting on the success of COY 2025, Simi Nwogugu, President and CEO of JA Africa, said,

“The creativity, courage, and solution-driven mindset we witnessed at COY 2025 remind us why Africa’s youth are our greatest asset. Through entrepreneurship education, we are not just preparing young people for the future of work; we are empowering them to lead climate action, create jobs, and build resilient communities across the continent.”

The competition concluded with the JA Africa Stakeholder Convening held on December 5 in Abuja under the theme “Unlocking Africa’s Youth Dividend: Radical Pathways for Inclusive Skills, Entrepreneurship, and Employment Systems.” The high-level gathering brought together policymakers, educators, private sector leaders, philanthropic institutions, and development partners to catalyze strategic collaborations aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship education, expanding skills pathways, and scaling youth employment systems across Africa.

COY is anchored in the JA Company Program, which equips young people aged 14–17 with hands-on experience in business creation, financial management, teamwork, leadership, and venture pitching. As youth unemployment continues to pose a major development challenge across the continent, programs such as COY remain essential in bridging education to enterprise creation, equipping young people not only to seek employment but to become job creators and innovators within their communities. Alumni of the program across Africa have gone on to establish registered businesses, secure international scholarships and fellowships, and lead social and technology ventures.

The 15th edition of the JA Africa COY was made possible through the generous support of its partners:

• Headline Sponsors: FedEx, Project Management Institute Educational Foundation (PMIEF), and FirstBank Nigeria
• Platinum Sponsors: Delta Air Lines, Bank of America, and Kuda Microfinance Bank
• Gold Sponsors: Boeing and the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO)
• Media Partner: What Media Group.

JA Africa

Junior Achievement (JA) Africa is one of the largest and most impactful youth-serving NGOs on the continent, reaching over 1.5 million young people annually across 23 countries. Through hands-on learning experiences in entrepreneurship, work readiness, financial literacy, and STEM education, JA Africa equips young people with the skills and mindset to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy. JA Africa’s mission is to prepare and inspire Africa’s youth to become ethical leaders, job creators, and agents of change who drive sustainable development across the continent.

FedEx Corp

FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce, and business services. With annual revenue of $89 billion, the company offers integrated business solutions utilizing its flexible, efficient, and intelligent global network. Consistently ranked among the world’s most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 500,000 employees to remain focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards, and the needs of their customers and communities. FedEx is committed to connecting people and possibilities around the world responsibly and resourcefully, with a goal to achieve carbon-neutral operations by 2040. 

PMIEF (Project Management Institute Educational Foundation)

For 35 years, PMIEF has helped put youth on the path to success by incorporating project management skills into their daily lives. Our goal is to forge partnerships with nonprofit organizations that support and prepare youth for success by offering project management expertise, resources, and volunteers to aid them in making their dreams a reality.

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines is a major United States airline headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, operating nine hubs, with Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport serving as its largest. Together with its regional subsidiaries under the Delta Connection brand, the airline operates more than 5,400 flights daily and serves 325 destinations in 52 countries across six continents. Delta is a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance, expanding its global network, and is the second‑oldest operating commercial airline in the U.S. The airline ranks first globally in revenue and brand value among major airlines and consistently leads industry performance rankings, including The Wall Street Journal’s 2022–2024 airline rankings and Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Airlines in the U.S.

Delta Air Lines is committed to empowering young people around the world through education and global citizenship programs. Its long-standing partnership with JA Africa expands access to STEM learning, leadership development, and real-world career exposure for Africa’s youth. 

First Bank Nigeria
FirstBank of Nigeria Limited is the premier commercial bank in Nigeria, with a history of over 130 years of providing dependable and reliable financial services. As a leading financial services provider in Sub-Saharan Africa, FirstBank has consistently supported inclusive economic development by enabling individuals, businesses, and communities to achieve their financial goals. It offers a comprehensive range of retail and corporate banking services, backed by an extensive network of branches and digital channels that ensure seamless banking experiences for millions of customers across Africa and beyond. FirstBank is a member of the FBN Holdings Plc group. www.firstbanknigeria.com/

Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services.

Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Visit BofA Fast Facts for more information about the company.

Kuda Microfinance Bank

Kuda Microfinance Bank is a CBN-licensed subsidiary of Kuda Technologies, a fintech company on a mission to make financial services accessible, affordable, and rewarding for every African on the planet.
Founded in 2019 by Babs Ogundeyi and Musty Mustapha, Kuda offers a modern alternative to traditional finance by delivering free money transfers, instant credit, savings tools, and business banking through digital channels.
The company has raised over $90 million from institutional investors, including Valar Ventures and Target Global, and it serves more than 7 million customers across Nigeria. 

Boeing

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future and living the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity.
Boeing’s relationship with the Middle East extends back to 1945. Since then, Boeing has established a number of offices across the region, first in Riyadh in 1982, then a dedicated Boeing Defense, Space and Security office in Abu Dhabi in 1999, a regional headquarters in Dubai in 2005, an office in Doha in 2010, and a new office in Kuwait City in 2021. In addition, Boeing has field service teams across the region and two distribution centers for airplane spare parts in Dubai.

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People with allergies should avoid Dubai-style chocolate, the food safety watchdog has cautioned, after several products failed to meet UK food standards.

These popular chocolate bars, typically filled with pistachio, tahini, and shredded filo pastry, have become increasingly sought after over the past year.

However, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has discovered “several” of these items in the UK that do not comply with crucial safety and labelling regulations.

Rebecca Sudworth, the FSA’s director of policy, confirmed: “we’ve found that some products contain peanut and sesame that aren’t declared on the label.”

The organisation emphasised that purchasing these bars would be “dangerous” for consumers with allergies.

The watchdog is now reviewing sampling data from products currently on sale to verify they meet food safety standards.

Dubai-style chocolate, which typically contain a filling made of pistachio, tahini and shredded filo pastry, have soared in popularity over the past year

It added that it is advising consumers with allergies to avoid the Dubai-style chocolate as a precaution until its full results are known.

Ms Sudworth added: “People with an allergy should not eat Dubai-style chocolate.

“If you’re buying a gift for someone who lives with allergies, our advice is to avoid buying these products. This includes all allergies, not just peanut and sesame.

“People without allergies can consume these products, especially where they are supplied by reputable brands and retailers.”

Jessica Merryfield, head of policy and campaigns at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), said: “The legal requirements on this are clear – any food containing allergens needs to be clearly identified and labelled as such to allow consumers to make informed and safe choices.

“To not do this is illegal and also highly dangerous as it makes such foods unsafe to those with food allergies.

“We urge all food businesses, including retailers and importers, to take immediate steps to comply.”

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itel has once again reinforced its leadership with the itel SUPER 26 Ultra winning the prestigious “Best Curved Display and AI-Powered Smartphone of the Year” at the 2025 Nigeria Technology Awards (NiTA).

The awards ceremony organised by Beta Media Group, held on December 6, 2025, at the VirginRose Resort, Victoria Island, Lagos, brought together top players in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem to celebrate excellence, creativity, and industry growth.

This recognition highlights the SUPER 26 Ultra’s groundbreaking curved display design and its next-generation AI capabilities, which elevate the smartphone experience across photography, performance, personalisation, and security. As consumer expectations continue to rise, the SUPER 26 Ultra stands out for delivering premium, flagship-level features at an accessible price point, strengthening itel’s position as a trusted technology empowerment brand.

Winning at NiTA is said to align with itel’s strategic ambition to sustain consumer interest, increase brand visibility, and enhance credibility in the market. It also reinforces the brand’s commitment to designing high-quality devices that suit the lifestyle and aspirations of young, dynamic, and value-driven consumers.

Speaking about the achievement, Dolapo Olorun-nimbe, ATL Marketing Manager at itel Mobile Nigeria, expressed excitement and appreciation:

“This award is a testament to itel’s dedication to making cutting-edge technology available to everyone. The SUPER 26 Ultra, with its stunning curved display and intelligent features, reflects our commitment to blending style, innovation, and affordability. We are grateful to consumers who believe in our vision, and this recognition motivates us to keep raising the bar in design and user experience.”

Also reflecting on the milestone, Terngu Simeon Shagba, PR Supervisor at itel Mobile Nigeria, emphasised the significance of the recognition of brand trust and market positioning:

“Winning at NiTA is not just an award for us; it is proof that our efforts to stay ahead in innovation and deliver value-driven smartphones are being acknowledged at the highest level. This achievement strengthens our credibility, energises our brand presence, and reaffirms our promise to help consumers enjoy a better life through technology.”

With this milestone, itel is set to push boundaries within Africa’s tech landscape. The SUPER 26 Ultra represents the brand’s continuous drive to enhance the digital experience for millions through devices that combine top-tier design, intelligent features, and reliability.

On November 13, 2025, the itel SUPER 26 Ultra received the prestigious award for “The Best Curved Display Phone Under ₦260,000 (Top 1 Recommended Curved Display Phone Under ₦260,000)” at the Africa Tech Alliance Excellence (ATAEx) Awards 2025.

As itel celebrates this major win, the brand remains focused on future-forward innovation and delivering products that empower individuals, connect communities, and accelerate technological advancement across emerging markets as a Tech Empowerment Brand. For itel, the NiTA 2025 award is said to be not just an accolade but a beacon for even greater breakthroughs ahead.

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Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more

The winter solstice, a phenomenon revered by ancient civilisations, continues to hold profound significance today as it heralds the official start of winter.

This annual event marks the shortest day of the year, characterised by the fewest hours of daylight, and conversely, the longest night. It is also the precise moment when the sun reaches its lowest daily maximum elevation in the sky.

The term “solstice” itself is rooted in Latin, combining “sol,” meaning sun, with “sistere,” which translates to “to come to a stop” or “make stand.”

While the Southern Hemisphere embraces the onset of summer, those residing north of the equator will observe the opposite – the inaugural day of winter. This year, the celestial event is set to occur on Sunday 21 December at 3:03 pm.

Depending on where you are in the UK, the exact length of the day will differ. In London, there will be 7 hours 49 minutes and 42 seconds of daylight. That means it is 8 hours and 49 minutes shorter than the June solstice.

While that means that the day is likely to be dark and dreary, the good news is that it also means that the days will get progressively longer, with more hours of daylight until the climax of the summer solstice.

The variation happens because the Earth orbits the sun at an angle of 23.4 degrees on its axis, according to the Royal Museums of Greenwich.

During the warmer periods, the North Pole is tilted towards the sun in the northern hemisphere, meaning longer daylight hours, while the southern hemisphere experiences the opposite. During winter the situation is reversed as the North Pole tilts away from the sun for the northern hemisphere.

People take part in winter solstice celebrations at Stone Henge in December 2023 (PA)

Arriving on the same day across the globe, a solstice occurs when the sun reaches its lowest or highest point in the sky during the year as a result of the Earth’s axis tilting to or away from the sun.

For the Southern Hemisphere, it’s the opposite case, as 21 December marks the one day of the year with the longest period of sunlight.

Historically, the winter solstice has been of great importance to many cultures, such as Ancient Egypt and Ancient Rome, often as a marker for the passing seasons, and a possible time of rebirth.

In northern Europe, from the Faroe Islands to Estonia, Germanic peoples have long celebrated the event, which became known as Yule.

While Yule dates back to the Norse people, who celebrated the sun’s rebirth for 12 days, it was also celebrated by Anglo-Saxon pagans.

According to Pliny the Elder, in Britain, druid priests would mark the important date by gathering mistletoe and sacrificing bulls – which was also likely a practical measure to limit the number of mouths to feed during months of famine.

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If your kitchen is starting to smell faintly of Christmas – nutmeg drifting from somewhere, a stray clementine peel on the counter – but the idea of a full-blown turkey dinner still feels a week (or three) too soon, this is for you. Consider this a festive warm-up lap: all the cosy, wintry flavours you’re craving right now, without the stress, the spreadsheets or the mountain of washing up that comes with the main event.

In this latest instalment of Budget Bites, Christmas takes a detour via Italy. Think turkey meatballs simmered in tomato sauce, golden chicken cacciatore paired with a nostalgic hit of bread sauce, and a rich, glossy orzotto that delivers proper comfort without requiring a carving knife. It’s festive food for December evenings when you want something reassuring and seasonal, but not yet ready to commit to sprouts, pigs in blankets and gravy by the pint.

Budget Bites is the monthly column we launched in collaboration with Sorted Food in response to the cost-of-living crisis – a reminder that cooking well doesn’t have to cost the earth. Every month, we bring you three recipes designed to share ingredients, keeping costs down and making your life easier. Fewer ingredients means less to buy, less to prep and, crucially, less washing up at the end.

To make things even simpler, we‘ve also pulled together one shopping list covering all three dishes, so you can shop once and cook your way through the week. Festive-adjacent, Italian-leaning and firmly budget-conscious, this is December cooking at its most realistic – comforting, flexible and quietly joyful.

Shopping list

• 1 brown onion
• 1 bulb garlic
• 200g wild mushrooms
• 2 red bell peppers
• 30g fresh parsley
• 500g turkey thigh mince
• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
• 80g hard Italian cheese
• 1L milk
• Olive oil
• Cider vinegar
• 2 beef stock cubes
• Ground allspice
• 100g dried panko breadcrumbs
• Caster sugar
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 400g tinned chopped tomatoes
• 200g orzo
• 75g coarse dried polenta/coarse cornmeal
• 187ml red wine

Turkey meatballs with polenta and tomato sauce

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Turkey meatballs with polenta feel quietly Christmassy thanks to warm spice, but land firmly in easy midweek territory (Sorted Food)

If you can’t find polenta, swap it out for cheesy mashed potato.

Ingredients:

50g dried panko breadcrumbs

450ml milk

250g turkey thigh mince

½ tsp ground allspice

4 cloves garlic

2 tbsp olive oil

400g tinned chopped tomatoes

1 tsp cider vinegar

½ tsp caster sugar

75g coarse dried polenta/coarse cornmeal

15g fresh parsley

30g hard Italian cheese

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 200C and line a medium tray with baking paper. This will be for the meatballs later.

2. Tip 50g of breadcrumbs and 75ml of the milk into a large mixing bowl, mix to combine. We will use the rest of the milk later on.

3. Tip 250g of turkey mince into the bowl with the milk and breadcrumbs. Season with ½ tsp of allspice and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix to combine.

4. Shape the mix into 6 even-sized balls with moistened hands and plonk them onto the lined tray. Remember to wash your hands after handling raw meat!

5. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes, until golden in places and cooked throughout. Get on with the rest of the dish in the next steps while you wait.

6. Tip the remaining 375ml of milk and a generous pinch of salt into a medium saucepan and place it over a medium-high heat. While the milk comes up to a simmer, get on with the rest of the dish in the next steps.

7. Peel and thinly slice 4 cloves of garlic.

8. Fry the garlic in a medium frying pan over a medium heat in 2 tbsp of olive oil for 2-3 minutes, until golden in places. Crack on with a bit of washing up while you wait.

9. Tip in 1 400g tin of tomatoes. Add 1 tsp of vinegar, 0.5 tsp of sugar and a generous pinch of salt.

10. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 8-10 minutes, until reduced by half. Get on with the rest of the dish in the next steps while you wait.

11. Once the milk on the stove has come to a simmer, slowly stream in 75g of polenta, beating all the while with a whisk.

12. Turn the heat down to very low and continue to cook the grains for 5-8 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the mix slightly dries and has the consistency of loose mashed potato. Add a splash of milk if it starts to get too thick. Get on with the rest of the dish in the next steps while you wait.

13. Finely chop 15g of parsley. While you wait for the rest of the dish to cook, crack on with a bit of washing up!

14. Once the polenta is ready, take the pan off the heat and finely grate over 30g of cheese. Add ¾ of the parsley and fold everything together we will use the rest of the parsley for garnish.

15. Divide the polenta between plates and add the meatballs. Spoon over the tomato sauce, scatter over the parsley and serve.

Cacciatore-style chicken thighs with bread sauce

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This cheat’s chicken cacciatore borrows the nostalgia of bread sauce and pairs it with punchy Italian flavours (Sorted Food)

Sauce chicken cacciatore is a classic Italian dish that usually takes AGES to cook. Whip up this cheat’s version in no time!

Ingredients:

5 tbsp olive oil

4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on

1 brown onion

4 cloves garlic

2 red bell peppers

2 tbsp tomato purée

187ml red wine

1 beef stock cube

50g dried panko breadcrumbs

400ml milk

½ tsp ground allspice

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 200C.

2. Add 2 tbsp of the olive oil to a large, oven-proof frying pan and add 4 chicken thighs, skin-side down. Lightly season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Place the pan over a medium heat, allow the fat to render from the skin and fry for 8-10 minutes, until golden. Get on with the rest of the dish in the next steps while you wait.

3. Prep the onion, garlic and peppers Halve, peel and thinly slice 1 onion and 4 cloves of garlic. Deseed and thinly slice 2 red peppers.

4. Once the chicken thighs are golden, transfer them to a plate. Fry the veg in the residual fat for 6-8 minutes, tossing occasionally, until soft. Crack on with a bit of washing up while you wait.

5. Once the veg is soft, add 2 tbsp of tomato paste. Fry everything for a further 2-3 minutes, until dark and sticky.

6. Whack the heat up to high and tip 187ml of wine into the pan. Reduce by half, stirring all the while.

7. Crumble in a beef stock cube and lay on the thighs, skin side up.

8. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has reduced by half. Get on with the rest of the dish in the next steps while you wait.

9. Tip 50g of breadcrumbs into a medium saucepan. Add 400ml of milk, ½ tsp of allspice, a generous pinch of salt and a good grind of black pepper.

10. Place the pan over a high heat and bring everything to a boil. Lower the heat to medium and simmer for 3-4 minutes, until thickened we are looking for a loose mashed potato-like consistency. Crack on with a bit of washing up while you are waiting for the rest of the dish to cook.

11. Divide the bread sauce between plates and spoon on the chicken cacciatore, making sure to serve 2 thighs on each plate. Tuck in!

Turkey and mushroom orzotto

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Orzotto brings risotto-style comfort with less stirring, making it a smart, budget-friendly December staple (Sorted Food)

If you aren’t feeling turkey, why not swap it out for sausage meat?

Ingredients:

200g wild mushrooms

3 tbsp olive oil

250g turkey thigh mince

200g orzo

1 beef stock cube

15g fresh parsley

50g hard Italian cheese

Method:

1. Rip 200g of wild mushrooms into bite-sized chunks.

2. Tip 2 tbsp of olive oil into a large frying pan and place it over a high heat.

3. Once the oil starts to shimmer and loosen, add the mushrooms and 250g of turkey mince. Fry for 6-8 minutes, until golden in places.

4. Add 200g of orzo to the pan and toss to coat it in the oil.

5. Crumble over 1 beef stock cube and add 700ml of water. Bring everything up to a boil.

6. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring regularly, until the orzo is soft but still has a slight bite. The liquid should ve reduced to a loose glaze that coats the grains add a splash of water if it gets a little thick. Get on with the rest of the dish in the next steps while you wait!

7. Finely chop 15g of parsley while you wait for the orzo to cook.

8. Once the orzo is ready, take the pan off the heat and finely grate over 40g of cheese we will use the rest later. Chuck in the parsley and fold everything together. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

9. Divide the orzotto between plates and finely grate over the remaining 10g of cheese. Tuck in!

In response to the rising cost of living, we have teamed up with Sorted Food to bring you easy, affordable, quick and (most importantly) tasty recipes once a month. Find out more about Sorted and their nifty meal-planning app Sidekick, designed to help cancel boring dinners, at sortedfood.com/sidekick.

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