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Tinubu reaffirms commitment to position Nigeria’s creative sector

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to positioning the nation’s creative sector as key driver of Nigeria’s global influence.
Tinubu, represented by the Vice-President Kashim Shettima, stated this during the launch of the 2024 Abuja International Carnival at the Eagle Square, Abuja.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Spokesperson of the Vice-President, Mr Stanley Nkwocha, on Sunday in Abuja.
The President identified the creative economy as a cornerstone of his administration’s economic diversification agenda.
He reaffirmed the carnival’s role in strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global creative economy.
” We are not here just to celebrate a carnival but to reaffirm the essence of who we are as Nigerians, a people of culture, a people of art, a people of colour, and a people of shared values.
” Our creativity continues to shine on the global stage, drawing admiration and respect. This heritage is the truest measure of what it means to be Nigerian—proud, resourceful, and innovative.
” The unifying power of art and culture on display here is a reflection of what we can achieve when we work together,” Tinubu said.
The President emphasised the carnival’s economic impact, noting that Nigeria’s creative industries are already contributing significantly to the nation’s GDP.
“Over the years, this carnival has become a stage for showcasing our rich cultural heritage and a driving force behind our growing creative economy.
” It has revitalised local industries, fostered cultural diplomacy, and contributed immensely to Nigeria’s position as a cultural powerhouse on the global stage,”he said.
Tinubu reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to cultural exchange, saying ” the presence of international participants at the event affirms that culture transcends boundaries.
” It is through cultural exchange that we build bridges of understanding, friendship, and shared humanity. In this carnival, we offer not just a spectacle but a home away from home for our guests,”he said.
He called for deeper reflection on the event’s significance, noting that it is more than mere celebration.
According to him, a carnival of this scale is not merely an occasion for festivities; it is a call to action.
” It reminds us of the pledge we owe to our nation to promote peace, preserve our unity, and contribute, in whatever way we can, to the Nigeria of our dreams.”
He commended the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the Abuja International Carnival Secretariat for their role in organising the event.
Tinubu also praised their “dedication and vision in making the carnival a source of pride for our nation.”
“Our diversity is not just a mark of identity but a powerful force that strengthens our unity and inspires us to dream bigger for our country,” he added.
Earlier, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa explained that the carnival was a brand that binds Nigerians together.
The minister added that the carnival promotes the nation’s beauty and strength in diversity.
Represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Oraelumo Raphael, Musawa described the carnival as a unique brand.
” It involves the 36 states and the FCT, and countries from all over the world, with Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy as the Coordinating Ministry and the FCT as the host.
“The unique aspect of Abuja carnival is the fact that it is a platform for artistic expression, innovation, and cultural exchange among local and international participants,”he said.
The event showcased performances from across Nigeria and beyond, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to cultural diplomacy. (NAN)
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Matawalle Meets Chinese Defence Firm To Bolster Nigeria’s Anti-Terrorism Capabilities

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has engaged in a high-level security meeting with a leading Chinese manufacturer of advanced anti-terrorism and high-tech defence equipment, aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s defence capabilities.
The meeting, which took place in China, underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to modernising the nation’s security apparatus to combat insurgency and other threats.
According to a statement signed by the minister’s Personal Assistant (Media), Ahmad Dan-Wudil, and made available to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, the engagement focused on formalising a strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Chinese firm and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).
The collaboration is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing Nigeria’s security sector, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s defence framework.
The MoU outlines a robust partnership, with the Chinese company committing to significant investments in Nigeria’s defence infrastructure.
According to the statement, Key components of the agreement include the transfer of cutting-edge defence technology, the establishment of local manufacturing capabilities for advanced military equipment, and capacity-building initiatives to enhance the technical skills of Nigerian personnel.
“This move is seen as a step towards building a self-reliant and globally competitive military-industrial base.
Dr. Matawalle emphasised that the partnership represents a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s defence modernisation agenda.
“This collaboration will not only strengthen our fight against terrorism but also position Nigeria as a regional leader in defence technology,” he stated.
The minister highlighted the government’s determination to leverage international partnerships to address the nation’s evolving security challenges.
Under the terms of the agreement, new production lines will be established for various ammunition types, including 7.62x51mm ball cartridges, 7.62x51mm blank cartridges, 9x19mm pistol cartridges, and machine gun ammunition.
Additionally, manufacturing workshops and facilities will be set up in Kaduna and Kachia, Kaduna State, to produce essential defence components such as brass casings and bullet jackets.
The partnership extends beyond production, encompassing the maintenance and upgrading of existing military hardware, servicing of battle tanks, and the provision of military engineering services.
These efforts are expected to enhance the operational readiness of the Nigerian Armed Forces, enabling them to respond more effectively to security threats within the country and across the region.
The minister’s visit to China follows a series of engagements with international partners, including the United States and Saudi Arabia, as part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to strengthen bilateral defence ties.
In a recent meeting with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), Dr. Matawalle called for increased support in intelligence sharing and counterterrorism efforts, underscoring the need for global cooperation to tackle insecurity.
The agreement with the Chinese firm has been hailed as a critical step towards achieving President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises security, economic development, and private-sector involvement.
The minister reiterated the government’s openness to foreign investment in critical sectors such as defence, steel, and energy to drive technological advancement and job creation.
News
Gamblers Predict New Pope as Betting Sites Place Odds on Top Candidates

Gamblers are staking millions of dollars to predict who will emerge as new pope as betting sites place odds on the candidates as the Catholic Church cardinals sweat to pick a new pontiff.
Polymarket, an American cryptocurrency-based betting site, has placed odds on candidates who will emerge.
Similarly, Kalshi, another American betting site, is coordinating predictions on who emerges as the new Catholic pope.
On Polymarket, over $21 million worth of bets have been staked in the conclave election, in which Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle are considered the leading candidates.
Mr Parolin leads with 27 per cent odds, while Mr Tagle comes second with 23 per cent odds. Matteo Zuppi, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and Peter Erdo came third, fourth and fifth with 11, 10 and 7 per cent odds, respectively.
On Kalshi, where over $8milliom has been staked, Mr Parolin leads with 29 per cent odds, followed by Mr Tagle’s 22 per cent odds and Mr Pizzaballa’s 10 per cent odds.
This comes as 133 cardinals from across the globe commenced a conclave to decide who would emerge as the new pope on Thursday.
Though conclave elections have been highly unpredictable for years, gamblers throw in thousands of dollars for a possible kill should their candidate emerge.
In 2013, contrary to projections on the possible emergence of Cardinal Angelo Scola, who was then regarded as the favourite, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio emerged as Pope Francis.
On Wednesday, thick black smoke billows from the Sistine Chapel chimney at the end of the first meeting of the cardinals, signalling that no pope has been elected.
The election of the 267th pope, which commenced on Wednesday. A new pope will poll a two-thirds majority to emerge during the election process.
Then, white smoke will be released from the Sistine Chapel chimney.
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ECOWAS Free Movement: Tinubu Initiates Dismantling of Checkpoints

President Bola Tinubu has mandated the formation of a Presidential Task Force aimed at eliminating numerous checkpoints that impede free movement.
Ambassador Musa Nuhu, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, revealed this initiative during a visit to the Nigeria-Benin Republic border in Seme on Wednesday.
“We are commencing with the Seme-Badagry Corridor. A committee has been established under the auspices of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and we will soon begin addressing this matter.
“We have taken note of all the concerns raised, and I assure you that the Nigerian government will tackle the other issues mentioned subsequently.”
Numerous complaints have surfaced regarding the excessive checkpoints along the Badagry-Seme corridor, which adversely affect the seamless movement of individuals and goods between Nigeria and the Benin Republic.
Ambassador Nuhu emphasized, “This is the most trafficked border in West Africa regarding the flow of goods, people, and services. If free movement is to be effectively implemented in West Africa, it will be evident at this border.”
Motorists attending the meeting expressed their frustrations about the numerous checkpoints and the extortion practices by security personnel along the route.
In response, Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, stated that any fees paid by motorists should be accompanied by official receipts.
He expressed concern that the proliferation of checkpoints and the extortion of citizens within member states undermine ECOWAS’s goal of fostering a more integrated region.
“While we must inspect passengers and road users, we should move beyond arbitrary charges that lack receipts. If payments are necessary, they should be properly documented.
“It is one thing to request that someone open their bags for inspection, but it is entirely different to demand payment that is not receipted.”