Latest news with #AFO
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
6-Year-Old in Wheelchair Surprises Family by Walking at Graduation, Leaving Mom in Tears (Exclusive)
Finley "Finn" Williamson was diagnosed with Noonan syndrome at just 2 months old He uses a G-tube for all of his nutrition, relies on a wheelchair or walker to get around and wears AFO braces for stability Despite his disability, last year Finn, 6 at the time, brought his family to tears when he stood up to walk at his kindergarten graduationOne young boy is showing the world that no barrier is too big to break. Last May, 6-year-old Finley "Finn" Williamson brought his family to tears when he stood up to accept his kindergarten diploma. For the Colorado Springs, Colo., native, it was a moment years in the making. Diagnosed with Noonan syndrome (SHOC2 variant) at just 2 months old, Finn lives with a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the SHOC2 gene, which affects his mobility and overall development. He uses a G-tube for all of his nutrition, relies on a wheelchair or walker to get around, wears AFO braces for stability and needs glasses to help with his vision. "His variant is new and not well studied," says his mom, Mackenzie Williamson, in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. "It affects his heart so we hope his heart stays stable and he can live a long life. He might always need mobility support and eating support, but we are not sure." Still, nothing slows him down. 'He loves trucks, video games, superhero movies, and swinging at recess — his school even has a special swing just for him,' Mackenzie, who also has two other children, adds. 'He is so kind and thoughtful,' she adds. 'He's very cautious and empathetic about others' feelings. If other kids are mean to him, he always gives them the benefit of the doubt and says, 'They might be having a hard day.' ' Since his diagnosis, Finn, now 7, has been in physical therapy — starting in the NICU. In total, he's completed nearly 400 intensive sessions, all building up to that unforgettable moment on stage. But for Mackenzie, 30, the moment came as a complete surprise. 'I thought he was going to wheel across, but at the last minute, he called his dad over and told him he wanted to walk,' she recalls. 'I was shocked!' Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 'My heart was bursting with joy," the mom adds. "I managed to say, 'Good job, buddy,' through the tears, but I was just in awe watching him. He was so proud of himself and loved that his classmates cheered him on. His school has been amazing to him!' With all the negativity she often sees online, Mackenzie wanted to share a little joy. After some back and forth, she recently decided to post the video to TikTok. Her hope was to inspire others and show that kids with different conditions deserve to be recognized and celebrated. "He is not 'less than' because of his diagnosis. He is incredible and has a unique diagnosis," the mom says. Then, she watched the video gain traction. Overnight, it racked up more than 250,000 views and thousands of comments. "It was amazing," Mackenzie says. "We were reading the comments together and he was shocked at all of the countries people were cheering him on from!" "One mom recently had her son diagnosed with a rare genetic condition and felt overwhelmed," she adds. "We chatted a bit, and I told her how I was able to learn and grow over the years. It is so nice to be there for other people who are in similar situations. We relied on other, more experienced families when we were first diagnosed as well." Since posting the video, Mackenzie says it has encouraged Finn in so many ways. And while the family doesn't know exactly where this will lead, they hope to continue advocating for families of children with varying needs. "Finn's younger sister, Emma, is only a year younger than him but has taken on the role of helper and cheerleader so well," Mackenzie says. "She was the best thing we could have done for him." "I hope all varieties of people are cheered on ... no matter the disability or circumstance," the mom adds. "Everyone has their own timing and path, but we are all worthy." Read the original article on People
Borneo Post
24-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Reaping success via fertigation system
Fertigation-based cucumber farming method introduced by the AFO has significantly transformed the way agropreneurs like Mohammad Amril operate. — Bernama photo UNLIKE in the past, modern farming no longer demands toiling under the scorching sun, relying solely on physical labour, or getting covered in mud. For many, farming was never seen as a viable career path – until now. This shift has transformed the lives of participants in the Kuala Langat Area Farmers Organisation (AFO), whose cucumber cultivation using fertigation technology has delivered impressive results. The outdated perception of farming as merely a 'village job' has faded. Today, there is no longer any shame in pursuing agriculture, which is increasingly seen as a viable and lucrative source of income. Thanks to technological advancements, the sector has embraced various modern techniques – among them, the fertigation method, which has transformed how crops are cultivated. 'Just giving it a try' For Mohammad Amril Hussain, 38, agriculture was never his career of choice. However, driven by the need to sustain a livelihood, he took a leap of faith and became an agropreneur six years ago. The former 'takaful' (Islamic insurance) consultant said what began as a tentative step had since grown into a true passion. 'I worked in takaful for three years. 'As many people know, the income can be unpredictable – sometimes it rose, sometimes it fell. That uncertainty led me to search for a more stable source of income. BANTING, 10 April — Pengusaha tanaman timun, Mohammad Amril Hussain, 38, ketika ditemui oleh Pertubuhan Berita Nasional Malaysia (Bernama) baru- baru ini. — fotoBERNAMA (2025) HAK CIPTA TERPELIHARA 'Around 2019, I started seeing a lot of agriculture-related programmes on TV, which sparked my interest. 'At the same time, AFO Kuala Langat happened to be offering opportunities for new participants, so I seized the chance,' he told Bernama recently. Mohammad Amril said that although he had no background in farming or prior knowledge of agriculture, he took the initiative to enrol in courses offered by the AFO to prepare himself. Reflecting on his journey, he admitted that the first year was challenging as he adapted to life on the farm. But now, he says the old adage 'practice makes perfect' holds true after years in the field. 'In the beginning, it was all about learning – how to plant correctly and care for the cucumbers. 'I gained a lot of knowledge from the AFO officers, and they monitored our work closely to ensure a good harvest. 'By the third year, I had gained enough experience to truly understand the ins and outs of cucumber cultivation,' he added. BANTING, 10 April — Pengusaha tanaman timun, Mohammad Amril Hussain, 38, di temu bual bersama Pertubuhan Berita Nasional Malaysia (Bernama) baru- baru ini. — fotoBERNAMA (2025) HAK CIPTA TERPELIHARA Today, Mohammad Amril successfully runs his fertigation-based cucumber farm in Telok Mengkuang, Telok Panglima Garang in Selangor. Using IoT Mohammad Amril said the fertigation-based cucumber farming method introduced by the AFO had significantly transformed the way agropreneurs like him operate. Describing agriculture as 'a field rapidly evolving through innovation', he also noted that technological advancements had not only simplified farming tasks, but had also enhanced the quality of crops. 'Fertigation is a modern agricultural technique that benefits plants by allowing fertilising and watering to take place simultaneously. 'We also integrate Internet of Things (IoT) technology, which enables us to control the fertilisation and irrigation process for cucumbers through a mobile app,' said Mohammad Amril, who resides in Sungai Buloh, Selangor. According to him, the fertigation system is far more convenient and flexible compared to traditional manual methods, which typically require farmers to spend seven to eight hours a day in the fields managing watering and fertilising tasks. The use of IoT into fertigation also allows for real-time monitoring of soil moisture and fertiliser needs, ensuring optimal crop care throughout the growth cycle. In addition to improving efficiency, the system offers broader benefits, including a significant reduction in labour costs, as both fertilising and irrigation can be managed remotely with just a few taps on a smartphone. The use of IoT into fertigation also allows for real-time monitoring of soil moisture and fertiliser needs, ensuring optimal crop care throughout the growth cycle. — Bernama photo 'The app we use also enables more precise fertilisation tailored to each stage of plant growth. From seedling to maturity, the fertiliser composition is adjusted accordingly,' said Mohammad Amril. 'Ensuring each plant receives the right amount of nutrients is crucial for achieving uniform cucumber growth,' he added, noting that with this system in place, they now only need to visit the farm about three times a week. Mohammad Amril also said that the use of this technology had not only boosted crop yield and quality, but had also reduced the risk of soil-borne diseases and pest infestations. Generating income As a participant, Mohammad Amril is allocated 2,000 polybags for fertigation-based cucumber cultivation. The cucumbers are harvested twice every two months, with each polybag capable of producing up to five kilogrammes of cucumbers. 'The AFO has set its own production targets – participants managing 2,000 polybags are expected to yield a minimum of 10 tonnes of cucumbers. 'Our income is directly tied to the harvest output, and on average, we earn between RM6,000 to RM8,000 per harvest,' he shared with Bernama, adding that premium-grade cucumbers, which are more uniformly straight, can weigh up to one kilogramme per three fruits. Mohammad Amril says the cucumbers are harvested twice every two months, with each polybag capable of producing a yield of up to five kilogrammes. — Bernama photo Meanwhile, AFO Kuala Langat general manager Ahmad Firdaus Abdul Halim said the organisation remained committed to helping participants generate higher incomes from their agricultural ventures. He noted that the adoption of modern technologies had allowed farmers to benefit from a more stable income through systematic and efficient farming practices. 'This farm spans five acres and accommodates 18,000 polybags. 'To date, nine participants have successfully cultivated cucumbers using the fertigation method,' he said, adding that the entire farm is fully monitored via IoT technology. The adoption of modern technologies has allowed farmers to benefit from a more stable income through systematic and efficient farming practices. — Bernama photo Supporting agropreneurs According to Ahmad Firdaus, AFO Kuala Langat not only provides training and courses for farmers, but also plays an active role in helping them market their produce. 'All the harvested cucumbers are brought to the AFO Kuala Langat Agricultural Produce Collection Centre (PPHP). 'From there, we assist farmers in securing wholesale buyers and distributing the produce to supermarkets or factories, ensuring the cucumbers are sold at competitive prices. 'The AFO receives allocations from the Farmers' Organisation Authority (LPP) to support agropreneurs in upgrading their farm infrastructure. 'AFO now serves as a centre for agricultural transformation and a reference hub for entrepreneurs and farmers adopting the latest technologies to produce high-quality crops. 'With continuous support, cucumber farming can provide lucrative returns for farmers and indirectly boost the agricultural sector in Telok Panglima Garang,' said Ahmad Firdaus. — Bernama cucumber IoT modern farming
Scroll.in
23-05-2025
- General
- Scroll.in
OPSC AFO result 2024 declared at opsc.gov.in; here's how to check
The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has announced the written exam results of the Assistant Fisheries Officer posts, Group-B under the Fisheries & ARD Department under Advertisement No 36 of 2023-24. Eligible candidates can download their results from the official website A total of 47 candidates have been shortlisted to appear for the document verification and interview round scheduled to be conducted from June 24 to 26, 2025. The written examination was held on December 22 at Cuttack in two shifts. The recruitment drive aims to fill up a total of 26 vacancies. Steps to download OPSC AFO result 2024
BBC News
10-04-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Nigeria goment list states wey go experience heavy rains and floods for 2025
Di federal goment don tok say heavy rains and floods go happun for 30 states and di Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, for 2025. Na di minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev give di informate on Thursday during di public presentation of di 2025 Annual Flood Outlook by di Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) for Abuja. Di states include: Lagos, Ogun, Abia, Ondo, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross-River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara and di Federal Capital Territory. Utsev say some parts of di south-south geopolitical zone of Nigeria go experience coastal and riverine flooding sake of rise in sea level. Di states include Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers while Akwa-Ibom and Edo fall under di high-flood risk states. Di 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) bin dey segmented into three parts to address di pressing challenges of flood disasters and provide information for mitigation, especially for di most vulnerable communities According to di minister, flooding remain one of di most devastating natural disasters for Nigeria and climate change dey accelerate im frequency and seriousness. E reveal say 1,249 communities for 176 local goment areas across 30 states and di FCT fall within high-risk flood zones dis year, while additional 2,187 communities for 293 local goment areas face moderate flood risks. Key risk areas include Abia, Benue, Lagos, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Jigawa, among odas. To improve early warning and response systems, dis year AFO introduce a community-based flood forecasting approach. Instead of just general predictions, dem now tailor forecasts to specific communities to enhance actionable communication and preparation for grassroots level. For im own remark, di Permanent Secretary of di Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Richard Pheelangwah, urge stakeholders to priorise early response. "Dis outlook no be just about numbers, na about protecting lives and livelihoods," e tok. Di Director General of NIHSA, Umar Mohammed, tok say dis year flood forecast go beyond mapping local goment areas and now identify specific communities at risk. "Our focus don dey expanded to assess sectoral impacts on health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure, offering more robust tools to policymakers and disaster risk managers," e tok.
Muscat Daily
26-02-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Zelensky: Minerals deal a ‘framework' for larger agreement
Kyiv, Ukraine – After lengthy discussions, Ukraine's cabinet is set to recommend a US minerals deal, according to unnamed Ukrainian officials. President Volodymyr Zelensky is likely to travel to Washington on Friday to meet US President Donald Trump to sign the deal. Zelensky has told reporters that a proposed minerals deal with the United States is a starting point for a wider agreement. 'This is just a start, a framework, it can be a big success,' Zelensky said. 'The success will depend on our conversation with President Trump.' Kyiv hopes for security guarantees from Washington, which have reportedly not been given, to deter Russia from further military action in Ukraine. 'I wanted to have a sentence on security guarantees for Ukraine, and it's important that it's there,' Zelensky said. Zelensky added that he hoped to travel to Washington on Friday to discuss a natural resources deal and future aid with US President Trump and planned to ask Trump if he would halt future US aid for Ukraine. 'I would like to have this visit very much,' Zelensky said, explaining that Friday was the tentative date for the visit. The success of a potential deal would 'depend on our conversation with President Trump', Zelensky added. The key details of the rare mineral agreement between the United States and Ukraine remain largely unreleased. Initially, Trump had demanded compensation in the range of US$500bn for the aid the US had provided under the Biden administration since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. According to the Kiel Institute, a German economic research body, that would be around four times the amount the US had sent to Ukraine – estimated at around US$120bn. However, Ukrainian officials anonymously told the AFO news agency that demand had been dropped from the most recent draft document. Zelensky had previously raised the idea of exchanging access to Ukrainian natural resources for security commitments in October 2024. Ukraine remains steadfast that any deal must include long-term and robust security guarantees that would deter Russia from attacking again. The text of the agreement on minerals may yet include a reference to Ukrainian security – possibly without concrete guarantees. Discussions on this point are reportedly still underway, according to Reuters news agency. Ukraine has 20% of the world's estimated resources of graphite, according to France's Bureau of Geological and Mining Research. The country also says it 'possesses one of the largest lithium deposits in Europe'. Kyiv has said 'rare earth metals are known to exist in six deposits' and that an investment of US$300mn would be needed to develop a deposit at Novopoltavske, which it claimed was one of the world's largest deposits. However, not all Ukraine's natural resources are easily exploitable and some lie in territory occupied by Russia. The Kremlin, meanwhile, is preparing for further high-level talks with the United States, a spokesperson said on Wednesday. Dmitry Peskov told reporters that there was an understanding between presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump would follow up on an earlier call with an in-person meeting. 'Contacts are being prepared at the expert level through the ministries of foreign affairs,' Peskov said, without providing any specific details on when a meeting could happen. Peskov acknowledged Russia was aware that Ukrainian President Zelensky could travel to Washington on Friday to sign a deal. 'So far there are no official statements on this matter. We have only heard that Zelensky seemed to be going to Washington on Friday,' he added. 'There will probably be attempts to make this visit somewhat substantive.' DW
