The countdown is on for the highly anticipated 7th edition of the Art of Technology Lagos (AOT), an annual hallmark celebrating innovation and technological advancement. Scheduled for Thursday, December 4th, 2025, this premier event is organized by the Eko Innovation Centre in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology.
This year’s theme, “Future Technologies & Sustainable Lagos,” will explore the transformative potential of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, blockchain, IoT, smart infrastructure, and clean energy solutions in shaping a sustainable, futuristic megacity.
The conference aims to go beyond ideas, emphasizing policy frameworks, real-world applications, and strategic collaborations that will develop and define Lagos.
This conference convenes key stakeholders across the tech ecosystem: policymakers, government representatives, venture capitalists, startups, and tech talent to shape policies aimed at advancing the development of an Innovative Lagos. Through insightful discussions and strategic engagements, AOT Lagos contributes to policy development, drives innovation outcomes, and supports the city’s evolution into a technological hub in Africa.
Participants can expect engaging sessions featuring panel discussions, workshops, networking opportunities, and exhibitions. Notable highlights include:
High-Level Keynotes and Panels: Government officials, global thought leaders, policymakers, and industry executives will dissect pressing issues and present transformative tech solutions.
Workshops & Breakout Sessions: The conference will host practical sessions on policy frameworks, tech-enabled infrastructure, smart governance, digital inclusion, and urban sustainability.
AOT Ecosystem Awards (4th Edition): Celebrating outstanding startups, ecosystem enablers, and policymakers that have made significant contributions to Nigeria’s tech growth.
Career Pavilion: An opportunity for emerging talents to connect with hiring organizations and recruitment experts.
Innovator Exhibitions: Showcasing cutting-edge products and services from local and international tech startups.
Collaborate Lagos Pitch: A platform where innovators present real solutions to real urban challenges before a panel of investors, partners, and policymakers.
AOT Lagos 7.0 is a movement toward a smarter, sustainable, and tech- driven Lagos. The conference offers unmatched opportunities to:
Connect with investors, policymakers, and global leaders in the tech space
Explore actionable strategies for adopting emerging technologies
Participate in forward-thinking conversations that shape public policy and city
innovation
As Lagos accelerates toward becoming a fully digitized smart megacity, AOT Lagos continues to be the nucleus of collaboration, innovation, and growth.
On December 4th, the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos will host a gathering dedicated to redefining the future of innovation in Africa’s most vibrant tech hub.
For more information and registration, visit here.
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/canada-revenue-agency-envelopes-with-canadian-cash-inside-illustrative.jpg?id=55487435&width=1200&height=400&coordinates=0%2C311%2C0%2C311"/><br/><br/><p>Feeling the post-holidays squeeze? We have some good news. Several key <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/quebec-cra-payment-dates-calendar-2025" target="_blank">federal benefits for Quebecers</a> are getting a boost for 2025, which means more cash in your pocket from the government if you qualify. </p><p>From child benefits to pension payments and tax credits, these recurring benefit payments are set to increase as part of the federal government's yearly inflation adjustments.</p><p>The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) reviews inflation annually, and <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/frequently-asked-questions-individuals/adjustment-personal-income-tax-benefit-amounts.html" target="_blank">this year's bump is 2.7%</a>. That may not sound like much, but every little bit helps when it comes to battling the rising cost of living.</p><p>This list focuses on recurring <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/government-payments" target="_blank">government payments</a> — the kind you receive throughout the year, not lump-sum tax credits (of which there are even more getting a boost). </p><p>Here's what's changing for 2025 and how much more you could be getting in those recurring payments starting as early as this month.</p><h3>GST/HST Credit</h3><br/><p>The <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/gst-hst-credit-increase-2025" target="_blank">GST/HST Credit</a> is a tax-free quarterly payment that helps low- and modest-income Canadians offset the sales taxes they've paid. It's calculated based on your family's net income and the number of children you have.</p><p>For 2025, the maximum payment for single adults is increasing to <strong>$533</strong>, up from $519 in 2024. Couples can receive up to <strong>$698</strong>, with an additional <strong>$184</strong> per child. For a family of four, that means up to <strong>$1,066</strong> annually or <strong>$266.50</strong> every three months.</p><p>The income thresholds are also rising slightly, with the phase-out threshold now starting at <strong>$45,521</strong> — so more people may qualify (or, at least, if you got a cost-of-living raise equal to the inflation rate of 2.7%, your eligibility shouldn't be affected). </p><p>These new amounts kick in starting with the new benefit year in July 2025, and your amounts and eligibility will be based on your 2024 tax return.</p><h3>Canada Child Benefit</h3><br/><p>The <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/canada-child-benefit-increase-2025" target="_blank">Canada Child Benefit</a> (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment designed to help parents and guardians with the cost of raising kids under 18. It's based on your adjusted family net income (AFNI), the number of children in your household and their ages.</p><p>For 2025, the maximum annual CCB amount is increasing to <strong>$7,997</strong> for kids under six and <strong>$6,748</strong> for children aged 6 to 17. That's a boost of $210 and $178 respectively compared to last year. Payments will reflect the higher amounts starting in July 2025, based on your 2024 tax return.</p><p>The AFNI phase-out thresholds are also rising, meaning more families could qualify for the maximum or see smaller reductions.</p><h3>Child Disability Benefit</h3><br/><p>If you're caring for a child under 18 with a severe and prolonged disability, the Child Disability Benefit (CDB) offers extra, tax-free financial support. It's paid alongside the Canada Child Benefit and is calculated based on your adjusted family net income and number of eligible children.</p><p>For 2025, the maximum annual CDB amount is increasing to <strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">$3,411</strong> per child, up from $3,322 last year. The income threshold where payments start to phase out is also rising to <strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">$81,222</strong> (from $79,087).</p><p>The new amounts will take effect with the July 2025 payment, based on your 2024 tax return.</p><h3>Canada Workers Benefit</h3><br/><p>The <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/canada-workers-benefit" target="_blank">Canada Workers Benefit</a> (CWB) is a refundable tax credit designed to support Canadians who are working but earning a low income. It includes a basic amount and a disability supplement, with eligibility based on your income and family situation.</p><p>In 2025, you'll actually see a bigger increase in your payments than 2.7%. That's because the yearly CWB increase corresponds with the new tax year rather than the new benefit year, meaning this year's bump will actually reflect last year's inflation increase, which was higher!</p><p>For the 2024 tax year in Quebec, single individuals can receive up to <strong>$3,705.38</strong> (up from $3,521.87 last year), while couples can get as much as <strong>$5,778.52</strong> (up from $5,494.27). If you're eligible for the disability supplement, that amount will rise to <strong>$827.72</strong>, compared to $787.70 last year.</p><p>The income thresholds are also going up, ensuring beneficiaries don't lose out if their income grows with inflation. For example, single individuals with no kids will now phase out completely at <strong>$32,356.72</strong>, and couples without kids at <strong>$50,150.04</strong>. These changes take effect with your 2024 tax return and the advanced payment cycle beginning in July 2025.</p><h3>Old Age Security</h3><br/><p>The <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/old-age-security" target="_blank">Old Age Security</a> (OAS) pension provides a monthly payment for Canadians aged 65 and older, regardless of employment history. It's reviewed quarterly — in January, April, July and October — to reflect changes in the cost of living. Payments won't decrease even if inflation slows.</p><p>For January 2025, the maximum monthly amounts remain at <strong>$727.67</strong> for those aged 65 to 74 and <strong>$800.44</strong> for those 75 and over. While there's no guarantee of an increase in 2025, quarterly reviews often lead to adjustments, so keep an eye out for those later in the year.</p><p>On the bright side, the income threshold for repayment is increasing to <strong>$93,454</strong> for 2025, up from $90,997. This means more retirees can keep the full amount of their pension.</p><h3>Veteran Disability Pension</h3><br/><p>The Veteran Disability Pension provides lifetime monthly payments to veterans with service-related disabilities. Eligible recipients include veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces, some members of the RCMP and certain civilians who served in the Second World War.</p><p>For 2025, the maximum monthly payment for veterans with the highest disability rating (Class 1) has increased to <strong>$3,444.59</strong>, up from $3,357.30 in 2024. The other disability classes and additional monthly amounts for dependents have also risen at the same rate.</p><p>These updated amounts are taking effect starting with the January 2025 payment, ensuring benefits keep pace with inflation and better support veterans and their families.</p><p><em>Love this? Check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/notices/" target="_blank">MTL Blog noticeboard</a> for details on jobs, benefits, travel info and more!</em></p><p><em>AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of MTL Blog's Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/editorial-standards" target="_blank">Editorial Standards page</a>.</em></p>
<div><img width="300" height="168" src="https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/President-Tinubu-and-China-President-Xi-300x168.webp" class="attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image" alt="Just In: Nigeria Renews Currency Swap Deal With China" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/President-Tinubu-and-China-President-Xi-300x168.webp 300w, https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/President-Tinubu-and-China-President-Xi.webp 640w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
<p>Nigeria and China have renewed the currency swap agreement between both countries. Naija News understands the renewal is valid for three years and can be renewed upon mutual consent. The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who shared the information on his social media account, said China’s central bank […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.naijanews.com/2024/12/27/just-in-nigeria-renews-currency-swap-deal-with-china/">Just In: Nigeria Renews Currency Swap Deal With China</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.naijanews.com">Naija News</a>.</p>
The countdown is on for the highly anticipated 7th edition of the Art of Technology Lagos (AOT), an annual hallmark celebrating innovation and technological advancement. Scheduled for Thursday, December 4th, 2025, this premier event is organized by the Eko Innovation Centre in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology.
