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Nigerian Fashion Brand DWL Gets Qatari Govt’s Recognition, Support

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Luxury women fashion brand, DWL, founded by a Nigerian designer, Ivie Odemwingie-Osula, has been accepted into the Scale7 Fashion Accelerator program funded by Qatar Development Bank (QDB).

Currently based in Qatar with operations in Lagos and Doha, DWL, an acronym for Defining Women’s Lifestyle, was selected alongside nine other prominent Qatar-based fashion and design brands for the program, which kicked off on September 18, 2023.

The program involves provision of specialized mentorship, business development activities and funding.

Scale7 is the first fashion and design business incubator in Qatar founded by Qatar Development Bank (QDB) in partnership with M7, Qatar’s epicentre for innovation and entrepreneurship in design, fashion and tech.

Established by Qatar Museums under the leadership of Her Excellency Sheikha Al-Mayassa, M7 responds to the demands of Qatar’s growing fashion and design industries to support Qatar-based promising innovative entrepreneurs with huge market potential to grow their businesses to iconic global fashion and design brands.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have DWL selected for the prestigious Scale7 fashion accelerator program after a rigorous selection process,” said Ms. Ivie Odemwingie-Osula in a statement on Tuesday.

“This recognition not only validates our vision and hard work but also provides us with unparalleled opportunities for mentorship, networking, and capacity growth towards positioning DWL as a competitive global brand,” she added.

On how the support from Qatar Development Bank will impact her business, she enthused: “Undoubtedly, the government of Qatar will enhance the status of the DWL brand, to increase our operations and growth, globally. For us at DWL, the Business Accelerator Program will amplify our capabilities, allowing us to refine our strategies and scale faster for enhanced brand presence, increased capacity, streamlined operations, and a wider reach and audience. We are excited for the journey ahead and the positive impact it will have on the DWL brand and community.”

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DWL is a luxury female fashion brand that offers unique designs that present a fusion between modest fashion and western contemporary trends and helps women use the power of dressing as a tool to project confidence and an amplified version of themselves.

Established in 2017 in the bustling Surulere neighbourhood of Lagos State, the now popular luxury DWL brand, which makes ready-to-wear and bespoke blazers sets for women from internationally sourced fabrics and accessories, initially imported ready-made dresses.

DWL has emerged as a synonym for women’s lifestyle. Personalities that have regularly donned DWL brands include; Owen Omogiafo, CEO of Transcorp Group; Funke Bucknor of Zapphaire Event; Folly Thibault of AlJazeera, and Harriet Gyamfuah of Creatives Amplified, among other A-list clients.

Ms. Odemwingie-Osula, a professional photographer and former banker, holds an MBA from Aberdeen Business School of Robert Gordon University, United Kingdom.

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Onitsha Woman Hospitalised As NAFDAC Officials Loot Store

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IPOB Lawyer Demands Probe By Security Operatives

Onitsha-based trader had been hospitalised following the
reported looting of her medicine store by officials of the National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

The looting as contained in a viral footage, has attracted wild condemnation.

Consequently, a lawyer and human rights activist, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has demanded an investigation by security into the act perpetrated by NAFDAC officials.

As at the time of this report, NAFDAC is said to be preparing its response to the allegation.

While describing the heart-wrenching testimony of the devastated trader as both troubling and unacceptable, he said the woman is currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital after suffering severe shock from the traumatic incident.

Ejiofor, also a lawyer to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in a statement said it is not just an economic assault but a direct attack on her dignity and well-being.

He said, “I am deeply saddened by the viral video showing a female trader alleging that her shop was looted by officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). This alarming footage exposes a grave injustice that demands urgent action.

“Recently, I strongly condemned the indiscriminate closure of shops under the guise of combating counterfeit drugs. While the fight against fake pharmaceuticals is crucial, it must be carried out through lawful and ethical means that do not jeopardize the livelihoods of innocent traders. Unfortunately, our worst fears have now materialized.

“In my previous public statement, I urged security agencies and NAFDAC to investigate their personnel implicated in these allegations. However, despite the gravity of the situation, no action has been taken.

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“This latest evidence – captured on video – clearly exposes officials entrusted with regulatory enforcement, allegedly engaging in outright looting, betraying public trust.

“The heart-wrenching testimony of this devastated trader is both troubling and unacceptable. Disturbingly, information available to us confirms that this innocent woman is currently receiving medical care at an undisclosed hospital after suffering severe shock from this traumatic incident. This is not just an economic assault but a direct attack on her dignity and well-being.

‘I, therefore, call upon the relevant security agencies to conduct a swift, transparent, and comprehensive investigation to identify and hold accountable those responsible for this reprehensible act.

“NAFDAC must urgently assess and provide commensurate reparations for this devastating loss, ensuring that justice is not only served but also felt by the victims. Justice delayed is justice denied. Immediate disciplinary and legal measures must be enforced to restore public confidence in our institutions.

“Such misconduct has no place in a society striving for justice, peace, and economic stability. The livelihoods of hardworking citizens must be protected, and those who abuse their positions of trust must face the full weight of the law. If we fail to act decisively, we risk enabling a culture of impunity that will only deepen public distrust in our institutions.”

ENDS***

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Wike’s ICT Gadgets in FCT

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BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF

The quest to upgrade , promote and advance Secondary Education by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike through technological advancement is undaunted, not minding some drawbacks brought about by the operators before his assumption of duty.

Under his special arrangements and Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that is attracting massive infrastructure development, provision of equipment and manpower to the FCT secondary schools by discouraging the manual , local and outdated infrastructures, hence embarked by Wike led administration through massive construction, renovation and reconstruction of schools across the FCT with modest high tech equipment, including the provision of mobile clinics and portable water for students consumption, the desire to place them in line with the global standards with the attainment and provision of ICT equipment in line with the modest policies became germane.

Without mincing words , he announced the massive reorganisation, reactivation and rehabilitation of all facets of Secondary Education in the nation’s city , to bridge both the dearth of learning , equipment among many others lacking in the FCT, including the inculcation of Information and Communication Technology ICT facilities.

Aside the provision of secondary schools education to FCT residents , 36 states indigenes residents in the FCT including the adjoining states of Kogi , Niger, Nasssarawa, Kaduna and Plateau state took advantage of the proximity to move their wards into benefiting from the secondary education curricula in the FCT.

Since Secondary Schools Education is now inculcated into Basic Education in line with the new policy thrust of the federal government, the need to rejig it cannot be overstressed, therefore desiring Urgent and adequate attention through manpower reorientation, equipment rejigging ,provision and monitoring.

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The Nyesom Wike led FCT administration as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed confronted by tackling the issue of Information and Communication Technology ICT, that will bring in tandem programs of the secondary schools , exposed the pupils and teachers , streamline it to compete favourably with both local and international programs.

Having tackled the gradual reconstruction, rehabilitation and replacement of major equipment including manpower and technical know how , he embarked on the provision of ICT equipment and facilities in all secondary schools in FCT with initial supplies of 850 computer tablets and 45 laptops distributed across 20 public senior secondary schools across six area councils of Bwari , Gwagwalada , Kuje, Abuja Municipal Council AMAC, Kwali and Abaji area councils with each school taken initial possession from the maiden distribution of Information and Communication Technology ICT facilities of 42 computer tablets for students and two laptops for ICT teachers and instructors.

According to the FCT Minister, the new policy thrust on provision of ICT facilities debuted in the 20 public schools will gradually trickle down to all the public schools across the FCT before the end of the first term of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu first term to boost not only information and communication technology ICT, not only in secondary schools, but across educational institutions in the FCT.

According to him, these resources will boost digital literacy, improve teaching methodologies, and ensure that students are equipped for the technology-driven world, it will also contribute positively to academic performance in FCT schools as training for optimal use will commence immediately .

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Accordingly , these resources provided by the Minister , Nyesom Ezenwo Wike will boost digital literacy, improve teaching methodologies, and ensure that students are equipped for the technology-driven world.

The facilities if used effectively and efficiently will contribute positively to academic performance in FCT schools as training for optimal use will commence immediately, in line with the vision and mission of the Wike led FCT administration.

Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.

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Security Forces Repel Bandits in Katsina, One Killed in Clash

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A joint operation by security forces in Katsina State successfully thwarted a planned bandit attack on Saturday, resulting in the death of one suspected bandit. According to a statement released by Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, the operation was executed under the direction of the Commissioner of Police, CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa, in collaboration with the Department of State Services and members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps. Sadiq reported that the joint team intercepted a planned bandit attack on Dan Takuri village, located within the Danmusa Local Government Area.

“On March 15, 2025, at approximately 12:30 PM, intelligence from the Department of State Services in Danmusa indicated that a large group of bandits were congregating in the Maijele Mountain area of Danmusa LGA, preparing to attack Dan Takuri village,” the statement detailed. “Upon receiving this information, a combined team of police officers and KSCWC members, led by the Divisional Police Officer of Danmusa, immediately deployed to the mountain where the suspected bandits were gathering.

“A intense exchange of gunfire ensued, leading to the elimination of one armed bandit. The superior tactics and firepower of the security operatives forced the remaining bandits to flee, sustaining various injuries,” the statement continued.Following the confrontation, a search of the area yielded the recovery of an AK-47 rifle with three rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, an unregistered red Boxer motorcycle, 50 packets of suspected cannabis, 32 bottles of soft drinks, a machete, and other illicit substances.
“Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Abubakar Musa, commended the operatives for their professionalism and bravery, reaffirming the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property in Katsina State through collaboration with other security agencies,” the statement added. Abubakar urged the public to continue providing timely and accurate information to support the command’s efforts in combating criminal activities throughout the state.”

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