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Daily Post Nigeria Muhammad Nami: VAT attribution and derivation: A personal appeal to all parties Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport Opinion Muhammad Nami: VAT attribution and derivation: A personal appeal to all parties Published on November 25, 2024 By Daily Post Staff I have read a ton of views on the proposed Nigeria Tax Administration and other tax reform bills. On one hand, some stakeholders decry the bills as being a contrast to the current administration’s championing for local government autonomy. Some, like the National Economic Council (NEC), last month recommended the withdrawal of the bills, stating that there were too many controversies surrounding it. They called for more inclusion in the stakeholder consultation process. The Northern Governors Forum (NGF) in similar fashion rejected the new derivation-based model for Value Added Tax (VAT) distribution in the bills. On the other hand, some wholly support the bills and believe that their benefits are transformational and necessary. Each stakeholder and commentator holds their view in light of information that is available to them. And that is valid and fair. But before I go into the lengthy details of my thoughts on this matter, let me share the definition of the two subjects that are crucial to this conversation: attribution and derivation. The principle of derivation in revenue sharing ensures that revenues from taxes are distributed to the region or jurisdiction where they were generated. For example, if a company generates revenue through sales in a particular state, a portion of the taxes or royalties from that economic activity is returned to the state. The principle of attribution, on the other hand, involves allocating tax revenues based on predefined criteria, such as population size, geographical size, need, national interest, expenditure responsibilities, etc., rather than the location of a tax-generating entity. Thus, revenues are collected nationally and are distributed to states according to agreed-upon formulas. MY VIEW “The present controversy is based on the VAT sharing formula proposed in Section 77 of the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill. I have come to appreciate that the myriad of criticisms against this well-intended bill may be a result of the lack of clarity or understanding of Section 22 (12) of the Bill, which provides for Attribution of VAT Revenue, requiring companies to file their returns on the basis of derivation by location (place of consumption). “This provision, from my understanding, was included to cure an existing problem with our current VAT administration. As it stands today, in the existing system, VAT returns by companies are not filed on the basis of the place of consumption but reported based on the head office locations of these companies. This means that a whopping 20% of VAT returns are distributed back to states where these head offices are located—whether consumption took place there or not; it explains why Lagos, FCT and Rivers always take the largest chunk of VAT under the current regime. “The proposed amendments of the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill offer a different position that emphasises fairness and more equitable distribution of VAT returns. It proposes that VAT will now be reported based on the place of consumption, which will ensure that most of the amounts currently reported for Lagos, FCT and Rivers states will now be reported by where the consumption takes place. “The new rule will ensure that places where consumption took place get 60% of the amounts reported for them. For instance, if consumption happens in Niger State, the state would receive 60% of the VAT generated from its jurisdiction, while the balance would be put in a VAT sharing pool, which it (Niger State) would further benefit from. “In my view, this will result in a more favourable outcome for most states when compared to the current regime that favours Lagos, Rivers and FCT. It will more or less redistribute most of the present allocation received by those 3 states. My appeal to NEC, NGF and NEF as well as other stakeholders, is thus: A. We must not make the misjudgment of throwing away the baby with the bathing water. B. Let us carefully look at the benefits of these reforms and weigh the impact on our tax and fiscal space versus the proposed amendments’ ‘perceived shortfalls’. C. There is no single problem on earth that is without a solution. In this light, we should think out of the box and suggest workable solutions to address or fix these perceived shortfalls, or we will be condemned to having our cap in hand at the doorsteps of the World Bank and IMF Headquarters more frequently than ever. D. On a personal note and based on my little experience as a tax accountant, consultant and administrator, I would suggest to all stakeholders, particularly the National Assembly, to go ahead and consider the bill, pass it to law, and have Mr. President sign same, but provided the proposed amendments to the VAT law will be implemented in phases bearing in mind the following: 1. FIRS is currently undergoing its own reforms; the FIRS Establishment Act has been re-presented to the NASS and is receiving their attention simultaneously. For FIRS to be able to function as envisaged by the proposed changes or amendments to the FIRS Act, then it must first fix the roof over its head to ensure that if any storm arises tomorrow, revenue administration officials and our money entrusted in their hands would be safe. 2. ⁠FIRS must also fix the issue of fiscalisation within the next three to five years from now. The need for fiscalisation is one of the key amendments proposed in the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill before the NASS. Fiscalisation is the process of using technology, like cash registers or POS systems, to ensure businesses comply with tax laws by automatically recording and reporting their sales to tax authorities. It is an expensive project and will not only require political will at the centre but also at the sub-national level. To achieve it, the FG, FIRS and FAAC must be ready to jointly fund this project. It is important because it will bring about transparency and accountability as well as address the issue of subjectivity, which is mainly the fear of the members of NEC, particularly the NGF. I must emphasize that Fiscalisation cannot happen without data. This brings me to my third point. 3. ⁠The FIRS HQ project should be completed and equipped as a world-class edifice while ensuring that the entire floor historically conceived as the “National Revenue Data Centre” becomes a reality. 4. ⁠Item 2 above (i.e., fiscalisation) will not only address the issue of transparency and accountability; it will also curtail the influence and excesses of vested interests, particularly the tax accountants who are accomplices in the whole of this VAT issue. If the amendment is passed into law and its implementation is not delayed, say by 3 to 5 years, the fear of the stakeholders would be justified because tax accountants are likely to be subjective (or used to being subjective) in the course of filing VAT returns (i.e., VAT attribution) in favour of the states of their choice or those of the choices of some of the political class. As a tax accountant of your company, you know where your customers are located if not all, especially the major ones. But when asked to file their companies’ monthly VAT returns based on the location of their customers, for instance, sentiments come into play. And even with the proposal in Section 77 of the Tax Administration Bill, the subjectivity is likely to continue. Though it was an administrative initiative at FIRS in 2020, I recall that we redesigned the VAT Form 002 that required companies to file their VAT returns based on attribution. Only a few companies (less than 10) complied with our directives nationwide (i.e., file VAT returns based on the location of their customers.) Fiscalisation will help our revenue administrators in many ways including boosting their capacity to generate more revenue for the Federation. It has the capacity to address or track transactions or sales of goods from a customer in one state to the other, particularly cashless transactions. It will also create room for the implementation of a system for immediate tax refunds. 5. Phasing the implementation of the two key controversial but necessary amendments to the VAT law would also assist the states to go back home, sit and weigh the level of financial inclusion in their respective states and address them accordingly. Recent reports on financial inclusion reveal that while you may have an estimated population of 10 million people in a given state for example, less than 2 million of that population would be financially inclusive. In some states, more than 70% of the population do not have a BVN not to talk of a bank account. So as a state governor, your argument that huge consumption is taking place in your state but the current ‘headquarters effect’ is affecting your share of monthly VAT revenue can only be addressed when your resident population are financially inclusive. It goes without saying that your problem would be compounded in the near future if buying and selling of goods continues to happen in your state using cash. Buying and selling of goods and services in this fashion will also affect your ability to improve on your state’s IGR. 6. ⁠The process of input-output mechanism in VAT input claim is another key issue that has been of keen interest to me, and equally needs to be emphasised here. The intended amendments and fiscalisation of Nigeria’s business environment will also help in addressing sharp practices or the abilities of businesses to manipulate the input claim in the course of filing their monthly VAT returns. This is because under the current regime, if an item is purchased in Lagos and taken to Kano for example, the Kano company will not be able to claim the input VAT if the Lagos company fails to correctly disclose the location of its output VAT. With fiscalisation the input claim of the Kano company will simply expose the Lagos company. In my view, the following four (4) factors will drive compliance with the proposed tax reform bills, and this will mean more revenue to share to the states: 1. Attribution is now clearly provided in the law. It is no longer an administrative decision or at the discretion of the FIRS or tax accountants working for or representing VAT agents nationwide. 2. There is now a strong political will to drive tax reforms, this means that tax laws will not only be passed but will be well enforced going forward in Nigeria. 3. Technology deployment for VAT invoicing and fiscalisation is clearly provided in the new bills, with the attendant administrative processes that are ongoing to implement same. It will no longer be at the discretion of companies to determine who bought what—technology will. 4. The processes and challenges in Input-Output mechanism in VAT input claims will now be addressed using technology. Finally, the many benefits of these bills are excellent. It behoves us to give the NASS our support to pass them into law. But I hold that we should do so on the following conditions: A. That the implementation of the Tax Administration Bill should be phased. B. That the implementation (i.e., the effective date) of the proposed amendments to Section 77 of the Tax Administration Bill should be delayed for at least three to five years to enable all parties to plan and invest in technology and the relevant infrastructure. C. FIRS should administratively prepare the minds of all stakeholders, particularly the VAT agents, lawyers and tax accountants, on the need to honestly file VAT returns based on attribution as a first step, because Section 26 of the FIRS Establishment Act (as it is today) is adequate enough for them to call for VAT returns based on attribution from all VAT agents in Nigeria. D. The current sharing formula should be used in distributing revenue accruable from VAT to all parties, and all parties within the next three to five years (that the amendment is expected to take effect) would have played their part so that there would be equity, transparency and accountability as intended by the proposed amendments to the VAT law. Muhammad Nami, a tax accountant and consultant, is the immediate past Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and Joint Tax Board. He was also the President of the Commonwealth Association of Tax Administrators (CATA). Related Topics: Muhammad Nami Phyna VAT Don't Miss Aviation safety: Are airlines regulating the regulators? You may like Phyna disowns family, drops surname Arabinrin Aderonke: Tax Reform Bill: VAT as a consumption tax DNA test should be made compulsory after birth – Phyna Why VAT proposal is generating controversy – Oyedele, Tax Committee Chair Hardship: Nigerian govt removes VAT on cooking gas, CNG, diesel VeryDarkMan invites Phyna to a date amidst legal battle with Falanas Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media LtdBeyond Bank Australia leverages Cognizant's expertise to modernize IT infrastructure and enhance operational resilience. SYDNEY and TEANECK, N.J. , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) has announced a collaboration with Beyond Bank Australia , one of Australia's largest customer-owned banks, to help revolutionize the digital banking experience. The collaboration aims to enhance operational resilience, streamline processes and improve customer experience through the implementation of innovative technology solutions. Cognizant's engagement is expected to uplift Beyond Bank's End User Compute (EUC) teams, automate patching processes, enable self-service and extend the value of existing licenses. These initiatives aim to create an even more resilient and secure environment for Beyond Bank's operations. Additionally, this collaboration seeks to modernize the bank's IT infrastructure, establish a Security Operations Centre (SOC) and strengthen vendor assurance frameworks to help align with the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) standards. Beyond Bank's digital transformation focuses on several key workstreams, including cloud and API architecture modernization and an enterprise-wide Windows 11 migration. These integrations will be designed to be flexible, scalable and secure technology ecosystems that enable the introduction of new products with enhanced speed to market, further preparing Beyond Bank for future growth. Cognizant will also help develop a comprehensive data and information management strategy for Beyond Bank. Leveraging AI, this strategy aims to optimize structured data from core banking systems and organize unstructured data from knowledge management sources for organization-wide insights, enabling more tailored services for its customers. Leveraging Cognizant's deep banking expertise, Beyond Bank will introduce new products and services designed to better serve a younger demographic, while simultaneously enhancing the overall service experience for all customers. "Our partnership with Cognizant is pivotal in advancing our digital transformation," said Stevie-Ann Dovico , Chief Information Officer, Beyond Bank Australia. "Their expertise allows us to modernize our IT infrastructure and enhance security, aligning with our values as a customer-owned bank. Cognizant's comprehensive approach makes them the ideal partner to help us better serve our customers." "Beyond Bank is a lighthouse client for us in the customer-owned banking sector," said Rob Marchiori , Australia Country Manager at Cognizant. "By enhancing their digital capabilities, we will help them provide better services to their customers and support paving the way for a resilient banking model that addresses current and future market demands." The customer-owned banking sector is navigating increased regulatory burdens, economic pressures, and the need for digital transformation. With increased cost-to-income ratios and net interest margins, banks need to modernize operations and enhance customer engagement through innovative technology. The collaboration between Beyond Bank and Cognizant highlights the importance of strategic partnerships in supporting innovation and maintaining service standards in the evolving financial sector. About Cognizant Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) engineers modern businesses. We help our clients modernize technology, reimagine processes, and transform experiences to stay ahead in our fast-changing world. Together, we're improving everyday life. See how at www.cognizant.com or @cognizant. About Beyond Bank Australia Beyond Bank is one of Australia's largest customer-owned banks with branches and offices in New South Wales , South Australia , Western Australia , ACT and Victoria . We partner with more than 6000 community organisations around the nation to create and return value for our customers and communities. Beyond Bank is a B Corp, a business that is certified as meeting high standards of social and environmental impact, ensuring their practices benefit people, communities and our planet. To learn more, visit beyondbank.com.au For more information, contact: globalcommunications@cognizant.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/beyond-bank-and-cognizant-join-forces-to-lead-the-future-of-customer-owned-banking-302328856.html SOURCE Cognizant Technology Solutions

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Gulf Warehousing Company (GWC) has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, GWC Energy Services, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Saudi Offshore Fabrication Company (OFC) to develop 100,000 square metres of Grade ‘A’ logistics facilities at Ras Al-Khair Industrial Port in Saudi Arabia. The MoU was signed by Matthew Kearns, Deputy CEO, GWC; and Fahhad Alharbi, CEO of OFC. Under this agreement, GWC Energy Services will develop OFC’s storage and logistics facilities, leveraging its expertise in logistics and energy supply chain solutions to ensure the facilities are optimised to serve the clients’ needs. Kearns said, “We are delighted to sign this new MoU with OFC, a distinguished leader in Saudi Arabia’s industrial sector. This collaboration represents a significant step in our expansion strategy and reinforces our commitment to strengthening our footprint in the Saudi market. “Recently, GWC has also signed a head of terms with GFH Financial Group (GFH) to develop 200,000 square metres of Grade ‘A’ logistics facilities across key locations in Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.” He added: “Combining the expertise of GWC Energy Services with the capabilities of OFC will drive operational excellence and efficiency. This collaboration also underscores our dedication to strengthening our regional presence through strategic partnerships with leading companies, further cementing our position as a leading logistics and supply chain solutions provider across the region.” GWC Energy Services is fully committed to promoting innovation and excellence, providing cutting-edge solutions to clients in the energy sector. These efforts are geared towards enhancing operational efficiency and setting new benchmarks in integrated shipping, logistics, and marine services for companies in Qatar, across the GCC and globally. Alharbi stated: “Our partnership with GWC Energy Services is a strategic move that aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which seeks to establish the Kingdom as a global logistics hub connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe together. It also paves the way for delivering world-class supply chain solutions and services within the energy sector.” In 2022, Alharbi, CEO and founder, established OFC, as the first Saudi company specialising in manufacturing offshore rigs and providing comprehensive offshore logistics support to drilling contractors, offshore platforms, and subsea pipeline projects for Saudi Aramco and other key players in the Gulf region. Funded by Aramco’s Wa’ed Ventures and the Saudi Social Development Bank, OFC is strategically positioned at Ras Al-Khair Port, proximate to the world’s largest offshore field ‘Safaniyah’, and the King Salman International Complex for Maritime Industries and Services, the largest full-service marine yard in the Middle East. In May 2023, GWC launched its wholly owned subsidiary, GWC Energy, which provides expert logistics solutions for the entire energy cycle. Committed to supporting clients' business growth, GWC Energy places the strategic objectives and ambitions of its customers at the core of its operations. GWC Energy offers complete shipping, maritime, and logistics solutions that are customised for clients in the energy sector. Manpower, equipment, marine logistics, warehousing, supply base management, bunker supply and rig, and mob/demob assistance are among the core service. From humble beginnings in 2004, GWC has expanded its infrastructure to encompass half a million square metres of energy infrastructure, largely clustered in two dedicated hubs to the north and south. These include open yards for pipe laydowns, hazmat storage, and specialised equipment for repair and refurbishment. GWC's strategic placement of hubs, coupled with advanced tracking technology, ensures optimal efficiency in handling gas-related projects.

LAS VEGAS -- After securing his fourth world championship at the age of just 27, Max Verstappen has firmly entered Formula 1 's greatest of all time debate. He is now in exalted company. Only Juan Manuel Fangio, Alain Prost, Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton have won four championships. Verstappen's next goal is to join Fangio, Schumacher and Hamilton as a winner of five -- if he did it next year, he would emulate Schumacher in winning five consecutively. The Dutchman's record-breaking 2023 season had already firmly established this decade as the Verstappen Era, but his follow-up in 2024 was special for a number of different reasons. Verstappen won seven of the first ten races, seemingly cruising to his fourth title before Red Bull's campaign began to crumble, with an increasingly erratic car, turmoil behind the scenes and the rise of McLaren in the middle of the season. This was when Verstappen showed his mettle, though, extracting important performances from the car at every weekend and then turning in the drive of drives in the pouring rain the São Paulo Grand Prix to move himself to the brink. That Interlagos performance, which saw him race from 17th on the grid to victory, was a feather in the cap. F1's candidates for the GOAT also have had career-defining performances in similar conditions: three-time world champion Ayrton Senna, considered by many to be F1's greatest ever, had Monaco 1984 and Donington 1992; Schumacher had Spain 1996; and Hamilton had Silverstone 2008. Editor's Picks Verstappen's gritty fourth F1 title pushed him to his limits 1d Laurence Edmondson Late nights, glitz & glamour - Las Vegas Grand Prix in pictures 1d ESPN All-time F1 drivers' and constructors' championship winners 2d Keith Jenkins Verstappen's career now checks multiple boxes. A title against another all-time great, Hamilton, in 2021. Two dominant seasons in an unmatched car. And now a championship with a car that you can consider to have been inferior for much of the season. Few drivers can point to all three of those types of championship-winning campaigns, and that is why 2024 has been so significant to Verstappen's legacy. Dominant Formula 1 winners always have to deal with the suggestion that they are the benefactors of a great car. If that were the case, teams like Red Bull would pay average drivers a lot less money than they are paying Verstappen. There is a reason teams always want a superstar driver. This subject is something that has irked Verstappen recently. He took a playful (but clearly thought-out) jab at McLaren CEO Zak Brown, who earlier this year claimed seven or eight current drivers could win the title in the Dutchman's Red Bull. Verstappen went on to claim he could have won it even earlier if he was driving Brown's McLaren, which doubled up as a dig at title rival Lando Norris . "Last year I had a dominant car but I always felt not everyone appreciated what we achieved as a team. Of course the car was dominant but it wasn't as dominant as people thought it was," Verstappen said in Las Vegas. "I will always look back at it because, even if in places we didn't have the best setup in the races, we were still capable to win races because the car was quite strong. But I am also very proud of this season because for most of it -- I would say for 70% -- we didn't have the fastest car, but actually we still extended our lead, so that is something I am very proud of." Fans and pundits can get into the weeds of who had the best car where until the end of time, but Verstappen is right to say his car did not look like a title-winning one for much of the year. Norris has been criticised for failing to properly utilise the strength of his McLaren at various points in the season, and it was that contrast to Verstappen that proved most telling. Another mark of the new four-time world champion's greatness can be seen by looking at the other side of the Red Bull garage. Much has been made of Sergio Pérez 's abysmal form in the second RB20, but plenty within the team feel the car is likely somewhere between his and Verstappen's performances; there is a suggestion that one driver is over performing and the other is underperforming. Verstappen's reputation as a teammate killer is well founded and is built on his incredible ability to drive just about anything beyond the limits of what other drivers might be able to. That's why 2024 felt like the cherry on top of his achievements so far: he wasn't just beating a teammate to the title, he was battling an erratic car against quickly improving rivals. At this stage, it's hard to imagine Verstappen retiring as just a four-time world champion. McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes will take renewed hope of challenging for the drivers' title in 2025, but this season has demonstrated that Verstappen is the driver to beat, regardless of where his car is in the competitive order. While his race craft has been questioned at times this year -- something that was true of other GOAT candidates like Senna and Schumacher -- it is difficult to find times Verstappen has made unforced errors. Most worryingly of all for his rivals is that, in the decade since he made his debut as a 17-year-old, he appears to have gained the wisdom to settle for second, fourth or sixth when he needs to. Is Verstappen the GOAT? Assigning GOAT status to anyone is circumstantial and subjective and often suffers from recency bias. Some sports have obvious candidates for how they completely reshaped the game they played, like Michael Jordan. Some were utterly unmatched by their peers, like Serena Williams or Wayne Gretzky. Others, like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, divide opinion but stand alone in the argument. While it is always difficult and slightly unfair to compare different eras, with standards of play and professionalism improving with every decade that passes, Formula 1 has an added layer of complexity to it. The best example of this is to compare the greats of today to Fangio, the legend of the 1950s. The Argentine won five championships for four different teams in an era when a season would span less than 10 races -- the 2024 season will finish at 24. But there were more glaring differences back then. LISTEN TO 'UNLAPPED' Katie George, Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson geek out about Formula One and the personalities behind it on "Unlapped," ESPN's weekly F1 podcast. Listen to 'Unlapped' Fatality rates in F1 races during Fangio's day were awful and that fact hung over drivers every time they stepped into the cockpit. That is not to say the same danger does not exist today, but safety standards have improved massively. The stats show that to be the case: 15 F1 drivers died in the 1950s, 14 in the 1960s, 12 in the 1970s, 4 in the 1980s and 2 in the 1990s. Jules Bianchi's death in 2015, from injuries sustained at the previous year's Japanese Grand Prix, remains the only one from this millennium. Improved safety is not something to hold against modern drivers, it simply complicates trying to compare a Verstappen or Hamilton with someone of Fangio's era. There are many who saw Jim Clark race in the 1960s who felt he was the greatest ever. The Scot was killed in a Formula 2 race in 1968 as a two-time F1 champion but at the time of his death held the record for wins, pole positions and fastest laps. Enzo Ferrari considered Gilles Villeneuve, who died at the 1982 Belgian Grand Prix having not managed to win a title, as the best driver he ever saw race one of his famous cars. Senna is revered as one of the greatest, but his death in at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix stopped him from trying to add to his three championships. The darker side of motor racing makes an easy debate on the topic difficult to have. It is not just the deaths either. While the basic rules of a soccer game and the dimensions of a pitch have remained the same, Formula 1 is an ever-evolving championship. Rules change, cars change, safety standards change, even the circuits change. Technology's continued, rapid evolution is what allows the sport to change as often as it does. Senna, Prost and Schumacher raced in a time with limited data available to them. Drivers today have an almost-unbelievable amount of information at their fingertips: insights into their own performance and that of their teammates and rivals. You could use that to knock the modern generation, but there is a flip side to that. Hear from four-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen after the Red Bull driver sealed his latest title in Las Vegas. The modern batch of F1 racers compete in an era of significantly limited testing; gone are the days where Schumacher and Ferrari could travel home from a race and complete 300 laps the following day at the Fiorano test track in Maranello. The current budget cap has added another layer of difficulty drivers of old simply did not have to deal with: power units need to be managed to stretch over a long season, rather than dropping in a freshly built engine ahead of each grand prix, and crashes can now have a direct impact on what can be invested in development. The more you pull at the threads of different factors over the years, the more complicated it becomes to assign the greatest status to anyone. The outright greatest will always be subjective and often can be limited to whether you saw a particular driver competing at their best, but Verstappen is doing something few before him have done, and is raising the bar every year he competes. There might even be greater talents on the horizon but, like Schumacher and Hamilton before him, Verstappen continues to move the goalposts they'll be tasked with reaching Verstappen is also good enough that, in a few years, there might not even be a debate left to have. He has repeatedly spoken about not wanting to race into his late 30s, but in the here and now, he goes into 2025 as favourite. Whether he is still racing with Red Bull in 2026 or beyond will be a fascinating narrative to follow in the coming seasons, and it is clear the best route to success for any team right now is to have Verstappen in the cockpit. That isn't going to change any time soon.

CLEMSON — South Carolina coach Shane Beamer has no doubt about where his surging, 16th-ranked Gamecocks belong in the postseason — chasing a national championship. “It's hard for me to say we're not one of the 12 best teams in the country,” a giddy Beamer said Saturday after watching his team pull off another late miracle, courtesy of quarterback LaNorris Sellers, to defeat No. 12 Clemson 17-14. Sellers scored his second touchdown , this one from 20 yards out with 1:08 to play, for South Carolina's sixth straight victory, four of them in that run coming over ranked opponents. Are you paying attention, College Football Playoff selectors? “If the committee's job is to pick the 12 best teams, you tell me,” Beamer said. It would be hard to pick against the Gamecocks (9-3, 5-3 SEC; No. 15 CFP) with Sellers, a confident, poised freshman, playing as well as he is. He finished with 166 yards rushing and 164 yards passing. Two games ago, he set career bests with 353 yards passing and five TD throws in twice rallying the Gamecocks from fourth-quarter deficits to defeat Missouri 34-30. This time, Sellers shrugged off his interception near Clemson's goal with less than 11 minutes left to lead his team to a field goal and then his game winner. Sellers spun away from defender Peter Woods in the backfield, broke through the line and cut left to reach the end zone. Sellers hears defenders get angry when they get their hands on but can't bring down the speedy, 6-foot-3 passer in his first year since taking over for Spencer Rattler. How does he do it? “I don't really know,” Sellers said. Beamer had an answer to that one, too. “He's a competitor, he's a warrior,” Beamer said. “He doesn't get too high or too low. He's out there having fun.” The Gamecocks hope to have more fun in a week so, confident they'll hear their name called among the expanded field of 12 that will play for a national crown. They know, too, they'll have Sellers leading the way. “He's a magician, man,” Gamecocks linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. said. “LeMagic, LeComeback, whatever you want to call him.” Clemson (9-3, 7-1 ACC, No. 12) had a final chance and drove to the South Carolina 18 with 16 seconds left — well within reach of a tying field goal — when Cade Klubnik was intercepted by Knight to end things. The Gamecocks were 3-3 after losing at Alabama in mid-October and then pulled off their longest winning streak since 2012. The Tigers also were hoping to play their way into the CFP's 12-team field. But their offense had too many costly mistakes and their defense could not corral Sellers. “He's a great player and made great players,” Clemson linebacker Barrett Carter said. Still, there could be postseason hope for Clemson, which will cross its fingers and pray Syracuse can pull off an upset over No. 8 Miami later Saturday that would get the Tigers into the Atlantic Coast Conference title game next week against SMU. Both teams came in on highs, the Tigers having won three straight and the Gamecocks five in a row, including three consecutive over ranked opponents Texas A&M, Vanderbilt and Missouri. But neither team found its offensive rhythm in the opening half. Sellers was sacked by T.J. Parker and turned the ball over as Parker recovered with South Carolina inside the Clemson 20. The Tigers drove to the South Carolina 11 and turned down a chip-shot field goal to go for it on fourth-and-1. But Mafah was stopped way short by Jalon Kilgore and Knight. Klubnik had scoring runs of 13 and 18 yards for the Tigers. Takeaways South Carolina : What a run by the Gamecocks, who before the season were picked 13th in the SEC and now may find themselves part of the national championship playoff field. Clemson : The Tigers lost to both ranked SEC opponents they faced this season, first to No. 1 Georgia to start the year and then to rival South Carolina. Clemson's close call Tigers coach Dabo Swinney was proud of his team's regular season but knew the loss might leave it short of getting back to the playoff. “We could've had a great year,” he said. "We got better this season, a lot of positives to build on. “But this one is tough. It's tough. It hurts,” he continued. Beamer's call Shane Beamer knew what a big week it was when he got a voicemail from his old boss, former South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier. “Beamer, you're doing great,” said Spurrier, who coached the Gamecocks from 2005-2014. “This might be the biggest game in the history of South Carolina.” Up next South Carolina and Clemson both await their postseason games.Ange Postecoglou fights on as Tottenham return to scene of Antonio Conte rant

NoneThe Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) says it vehemently condemns the recent racially charged remarks made by Government Member of Parliament Everald Warmington targeted at Opposition leader Mark Golding. During a political meeting at the Tivoli Gardens High School in Kingston, Warmington declared that "he would rather die than be led by a white, British man," referring to Golding. He further suggested that the Opposition leader should "seek office in Britain, where he believes he would be more comfortable." The PSOJ says these inflammatory remarks, delivered from a position of political authority and before an audience at an educational institution, represent a dangerous and deliberate attempt to inject racial division into Jamaica's political discourse. “These statements are particularly alarming as they threaten to resurrect one of the darkest chapters in Jamaica's political history,” said the organisation in a statement today. “The PSOJ must emphasise that such rhetoric eerily echoes the divisive political discourse in Jamaica's past which was marked by deep social upheaval, economic instability, and tragic political violence. We cannot and must not allow our nation to be dragged backwards into an era where political differences were inflamed by racial and class divisions, resulting in profound national trauma that took generations to heal,” it added. PSOJ renewed its call for Warmington to be held accountable for his conduct. “We especially condemn that these statements were made at the Tivoli Gardens High School, an educational institution where young minds are shaped. The corrosive effect of such rhetoric on our youth cannot be understated. This incident poses a serious risk of normalising discriminatory speech among our future generations, who deserve exemplary leadership from their elected officials rather than displays of divisive politics that harken back to our nation's darkest days.” The PSOJ says the Office of the Political Ombudsman, now operating within the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ), should urgently intervention in the situation. “The current situation demands a comprehensive review of enforcement mechanisms within the Political Code of Conduct, with the establishment of clear, enforceable consequences for breaches of this nature. “The integration of the political ombudsman's office into the ECJ framework makes this moment particularly crucial for demonstrating institutional effectiveness in addressing serious violations of political conduct. The PSOJ acknowledges this dual mandate but emphasises that this restructuring must not result in any diminishment of the office's authority to address such egregious breaches of proper political conduct.” The PSOJ says Jamaica's business community stands united in rejecting any attempt to reintroduce divisive racial politics into the national discourse, saying such behaviour not only undermines democratic principles and social cohesion but also threatens the stable business environment that is crucial for sustained economic growth and development. “Our international partners and potential investors closely monitor our political stability and social climate. The inflammatory rhetoric of this nature risks damaging Jamaica's reputation as a mature democracy and an attractive destination for investment.” Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com .Westchester Soccer Club Debuts New Home Kit to Kick Off Upcoming Season

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Ange Postecoglou fights on as Tottenham return to scene of Antonio Conte rant

What's better than receiving passive income? Enjoying it for decades. Generating long-term passive income is easier than you might think. Here are three stocks to buy now and hold forever for a lifetime of dividends. 1. AbbVie Let's start with some bona fide dividend royalty. AbbVie ( ABBV -0.08% ) is a Dividend King , with 52 consecutive years of dividend increases. We're not talking about skimpy dividend hikes. Since its spinoff from Abbott Labs in 2013, AbbVie has increased its dividend payout by 310%. The big drugmaker's forward dividend yield currently stands at nearly 3.6%. That's on the low end of AbbVie's dividend yield range in recent years. But there's a good reason for this: AbbVie stock has performed well. I expect AbbVie to continue delivering share price appreciation and growing dividends over the next decade and beyond. Although sales are sliding for the company's top-selling drug, Humira, due to a loss of patent exclusivity, AbbVie has a strong product lineup and pipeline that's stepping up to the plate. In particular, autoimmune disease drugs Rinvoq and Skyrizi should drive AbbVie's revenue growth over the next few years. However, the company has plenty of other rising stars, including migraine therapies Ubrelvy and Qulipta, leukemia drug Venclexta, and antipsychotic drug Vraylar. AbbVie's pipeline also holds tremendous potential, with over 90 programs in clinical development -- more than 50 of which are in mid-to-late-stage clinical testing. 2. Realty Income Realty Income ( O -0.74% ) isn't a Dividend King like AbbVie. However, the company, which ranks as the world's seventh-largest real estate investment trust (REIT) , has an impressive track record, with its dividend increasing for 30 years in a row. Investors seeking passive income should like Realty Income's forward dividend yield of 5.4%. They should also be pleased that the REIT pays its dividend monthly instead of quarterly. Realty Income even calls itself "The Monthly Dividend Company." The commercial real estate market can sometimes be volatile. The good news with Realty Income is that its portfolio is highly diversified, with over 1,550 clients representing 90 industries. Around 90% of the company's total rent roll is largely insulated from economic downturns and threats from e-commerce. While Realty Income's dividend is its main draw for investors, I think this REIT will be able to deliver solid growth, too. The company has additional opportunities in the U.S. in several areas, including consumer-centric medical facilities, data centers, freestanding retail, and industrial facilities. It has even greater growth prospects in Europe, especially in the U.K., with an estimated total addressable market of $8.5 trillion. 3. Verizon Communications Verizon Communications ( VZ -0.09% ) has been popular with income investors for years -- and for good reason. The telecommunications giant offers a juicy forward dividend yield of 6.07%. This high yield isn't the only plus for Verizon's dividend program. The company has increased its dividend for 18 consecutive years. Sure, Verizon operates in an intensely competitive industry. The company (along with its peers) continually face significant customer churn. These factors have contributed to Verizon's modest revenue growth in recent years. But the telecom leader is still able to generate strong free cash flow ($14.5 billion in the first three quarters of 2024). This resilience should give investors seeking passive income a warm-and-fuzzy feeling about Verizon's dividend. I think Verizon's growth could accelerate by the end of this decade or early in the next decade, though. Some industry experts predict that 6G will debut by 2030. The greater capacity, speed, and reliability of 6G wireless networks could pave the way for a surge in augmented reality and Internet of Things adoption. If so, the demand for Verizon's wireless services should increase significantly.WASHINGTON (AP) — Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been hospitalized after she “sustained an injury” during an official engagement in Luxembourg, according to a spokesman. Pelosi, 84, was in Europe with a bipartisan congressional delegation to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge in World War II . Her spokesman, Ian Krager, said in a statement that she is “currently receiving excellent treatment from doctors and medical professionals” and is unable to attend the remainder of events on her trip. He did not describe the nature of her injury or give any additional details, but a person familiar with the incident said that Pelosi tripped and fell while at an event with the other members of Congress. The person requested anonymity to discuss the fall because they were not authorized to speak about it publicly. Krager said that Pelosi “looks forward to returning home to the U.S. soon." Among the members on the trip was Rep. Michael McCaul , R-Texas, who posted on social media that he was “praying for a speedy recovery,” for Pelosi. The two lawmakers were captured holding hands in a group photo Friday at the U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg. “I’m disappointed Speaker Emerita Pelosi won’t be able to join the rest of our delegation’s events this weekend as I know how much she looked forward to honoring our veterans,” McCaul wrote on X. “But she is strong, and I am confident she will be back on her feet in no time.” The former leader's fall comes two years after her husband Paul was attacked by a man with a hammer at their San Francisco home. The man, who was sentenced in October to 30 years in federal prison, broke into their home looking for Pelosi. Pelosi, who was first elected in 1987 and served as speaker twice, stepped down from her leadership post two years ago but remained in Congress and was re-elected to represent her San Francisco district in November. She has remained active in the two years since she left the top job, working with Democrats in private and in public and attending official events. Last summer, she was instrumental in her party's behind the scenes push to urge President Joe Biden to leave the presidential ticket. She attended the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington last weekend and was on the Senate floor Monday to attend the swearing in of her former Democratic House colleagues, Adam Schiff of California and Andy Kim of New Jersey. Earlier this week, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell , 82, tripped and fell in the Senate , spraining his wrist and cutting his face. McConnell, who is stepping down from his leadership post at the end of the year, missed Senate votes on Thursday after experiencing some stiffness in his leg from the fall, his office said.

"If you didn't know, what city would you guess you were in?" I asked my mum as we enjoyed the festive buzz of a bar at the Christmas Market, surprisingly bustling for a relatively small city. She took a moment to soak up the vibrant scene at The Cathedral Tavern and replied: "Honestly, I wouldn't even say we're in the UK. It feels like we're on the continent. This is like something they would have in Germany." On paper, Christmas markets aren't really our cup of tea: the massive crowds, the same old festive tunes and the aroma of street food can be overwhelming, turning the joy of Christmas shopping into a stressful ordeal. Our past experiences with markets elsewhere often involved stalls awkwardly squeezed onto a busy High Street or an over-the-top, almost cartoonish imitation of a traditional German market, complete with oversized beer steins and bratwursts. But when I finally gave the Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market a chance last year, it dawned on me how fortunate we are. Yes, there's music and throngs of people but it's evident that a lot of thought has been put into making it more than just a seasonal fad. There's a selection of local stalls and last year I actually managed to find some locally-made gifts there, which felt so much better than buying from big brands. This year, I wanted to convince Mrs S of the same. 'It was starting to feel like we hadn't done it right, then we went to the bar' (Image: Mary Stenson/DevonLive) Taking on events like this requires a strategic approach, and for us, grabbing something to eat beforehand made perfect sense. Battling the crowds on an empty stomach is no fun and trying to peruse gift offerings while juggling street food is hardly ideal. Mum, despite not being a big food enthusiast, was pleasantly surprised by the variety at the food stands, confirming there's something for every palate. As expected, it was the most crowded section yet service was swift — my tip to those new to Christmas markets is to dine a bit earlier to dodge the peak time rush. After enjoying the delectable fried chicken from Urban Cowboy Street Food (as scrumptious as we remembered) we set off on our present scavenger hunt. Mum had her sights set on finding quaint presents, and while there was a plentiful array of goods, the diversity left a bit to be desired. She said: "There were a lot of multiples offering the same thing. It would have been nice if there were more traditional Christmas food gifts and more unique things that would work as stocking fillers." Read More Related Articles Incredible A road runs whole length of country — but few know where it actually starts Read More Related Articles I visited city three hours from Manchester and found cows strolling through city centre Aside from a few delicious smelling candles, we left pretty much empty-handed. It wasn't that the products on offer weren't high-quality or worth buying, we just felt like there was something missing. We decided it was time to have a browse around town and to get away from the sea of people for a bit but we vowed to return later. "It was starting to feel like we hadn't done it right," Mrs S said. "But then we went to the bar." Christmas market bars are a bit like marmite. Some people love the lively, festive atmosphere, while others grumble about the prices. Faye Williams, co-owner of Barnova, who runs the two bars at the market, explained that a huge amount of money goes into organising the venues and that the company is keen to support local businesses, meaning the cost of a pint or mulled wine might be a little higher than at your local. We were apprehensive about visiting The Cathedral Tavern, worrying that the crowds might mean long waiting times and difficulty finding somewhere to sit, but we were so glad we did. "The staff were lovely and it didn't feel like you had to push your way in to order," mum observed. "The service was quick and we even found somewhere to sit." The quaint scene at Exeter Christmas Market (Image: Mary Stenson/DevonLive) The atmosphere was truly electric at the event. Observing the crowd, it was clear that enjoyment was in full swing; a brief glance revealed scarcely a single person glued to their mobile, a sight increasingly uncommon today. This vibrant scene lifted our spirits immensely after a bit of an earlier slump. Even mum found companionship, saying: "I made friends with someone's very cute dog. What's not to love? ". Those wanting to experience the festive spirit should note that a complete roster of vendors at the Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market is available. The market will continue until December 15, welcoming visitors from 10am to 7pm Monday through Wednesday, extending hours to 9pm from Thursday to Saturday, and opening from 11am to 5pm on Sundays.