News Agency of Nigeria
NYSC deploys 5,000 corps members to Lagos, warns against misconduct
General News

NYSC deploys 5,000 corps members to Lagos, warns against misconduct

 

 

 

 

By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

 

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has deployed 3,010 corps members to Lagos State for primary assignments following the successful completion of the three-week orientation exercise.

 

NYSC Lagos Coordinator, Mrs Christina Salmwang, charged the corps members to conduct themselves responsibly and avoid actions that could tarnish the scheme’s image.

 

She delivered the charge at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream I orientation course held at the NYSC Lagos Orientation Camp in Iyana-Ipaja on Tuesday.

 

Salmwang urged them to remain diligent throughout their service year, embrace their postings wholeheartedly and avoid unnecessary or unauthorised travel.

 

“Do not display attitudes that could undermine our efforts or tarnish the scheme’s image. Refrain from actions that compromise your well-being or the corps’ integrity,” she advised.

 

The coordinator reminded the corps members that they had been deployed across all local government areas in Lagos to serve in key sectors such as education, health, agriculture and rural development.

 

She urged them to make meaningful contributions in their places of primary assignment.

 

Salmwang thanked the state government, corporate bodies and partners for their support during the orientation course.

 

She expressed confidence that the corps members would make lasting impacts in their primary assignments.

 

The State Governor, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended the corps members for their discipline, cooperation and decorum during the orientation course, noting that it ensured a hitch-free experience.

 

He was represented by Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Lagos, who also serves as Chairman of the NYSC Governing Board in Lagos.

 

Sanwo-Olu charged the corps members to embrace their assignments as a duty and a unique opportunity to contribute to Lagos’ socio-economic development and the nation’s progress.

 

“Remain focused and let your services reflect diligence, patriotism and selflessness. Strive to make lasting impacts in critical areas like healthcare, education and environmental sustainability.

 

“This will significantly contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, while enhancing social services, agriculture and community development. I wish you success in your endeavours,” he added.

 

The governor reiterated the state’s commitment to recognising and rewarding excellence, particularly for outstanding corps members who distinguished themselves during their service year.

 

He encouraged the corps members to distinguish themselves, noting that their activities were being closely monitored.

 

Sanwo-Olu added, “Those who received letters of commendation today did not expect it and that is a good lesson to take forward.”

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some corps members received letters of commendation for outstanding performance in various tasks, including one who was praised for finding and returning a lost phone. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Chinyere Omeire

Kosoko Museum seeks U.S. collaboration to promote Lagos heritage
Culture & Tourism

Kosoko Museum seeks U.S. collaboration to promote Lagos heritage

 

 

 

Museum

 

By Joan Odafe

The Kosoko Family are seeking collaboration with the United States Consulate in Lagos for the preservation and development of the King Kosoko Memorial Museum at Ereko, Lagos State.

 

Prince Abiola Kosoko, the Oloja of Lagos disclosed this in  a statement on Monday.

 

Kosoko said the family made the call for collaboration during a visit by the U.S. Consul General, Rick Swart, to the museum on Aug. 17.

 

Kosoko, who is also the Curator, said the museum, a cultural landmark at Ereko, housed relics of the 19th Century Lagos Traditional Ruler, Morounfolu, popularly known as Oba Kosoko.

 

According to him, the site includes the 163-year-old palace, with a mini and the main museum located within it, with the late traditional ruler’s royal paraphernalia and correspondences with Europeans.

 

Kosoko appealed for the collaboration of the U.S. Mission to safeguard the artefacts and promote the museum as a hub for cultural tourism.

 

Swart, who assumed office in July, commended the family for welcoming him to the museum.

 

“It is such a wonderful place which has so much history,” he said.

 

The diplomat also extended wishes to the family matriarch, Alhaja Mutiat Alli-Balogun, who marked her 96th birthday anniversary. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

 

Edited by Christiana Fadare

Victory Wilson Season 2 to address mental health issues-Organiser
Entertainment

Victory Wilson Season 2 to address mental health issues-Organiser

 

 

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By Babajide Awoyinfa

 

A renowned media personality, Victory Wilson, has launched the second edition of “The Victory Wilson Show”, a transformative space for viewers to address life’s challenges and mental health issues, promoting healing and vital conversations.

 

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos, Wilson said the show is driven by a deep desire to reach individuals quietly hurting.

 

“Every episode is designed to be a safe, transformative space where viewers feel seen, heard, and equipped with practical tools to navigate life’s toughest seasons.

 

“It fosters a ripple effect that inspires communities and encourages open dialogue about mental health in homes, workplaces, and faith spaces.

 

“This is not just television, this is real life.

 

“If I can help one person find their strength again, help another find their path, or open the eyes of another to a new path, heaven is glad,” she said.

 

Wilson said the show would expand conversation around mental health, diving deeper into critical topics such as anxiety and burnout.

 

“We are offering practical strategies to cope in a fast-paced world, trauma recovery, guiding viewers on the journey from pain to wholeness, relationship challenges.

 

“We are providing tools for conflict resolution and setting healthy boundaries, and mindset and resilience, focusing on shifting limiting beliefs and cultivating inner strength.

 

“Unlike its debut season, Season 2 emphasises actionable empowerment.”

 

According to her, it will feature leading psychologists, counselors, and therapists who break down complex mental health issues in accessible ways. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

NIA launches 2025 Innovation Lab to drive digital transformation in insurance
Economy/Business

NIA launches 2025 Innovation Lab to drive digital transformation in insurance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Taiye Olayemi

 

 

 

The Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) on Monday inaugurated its 2025 Innovation Lab, a facility designed to accelerate digital solutions and reshape insurance practice in the country.

 

Speaking at the launch in Lagos, NIA Chairman, Mr Kunle Ahmed, said the initiative marked a milestone in repositioning the industry for a technology-driven future.

 

Ahmed recalled that at his inauguration in October 2024, he had emphasised the need for insurers to embrace digital innovations and pledged to establish an innovation challenge to foster new solutions.

 

“Today, we are not just opening a facility, we are igniting a movement, rooted in innovation, driven by collaboration, and destined to transform the way we protect lives, assets, and futures,” he said.

 

Ahmed explained that the lab would serve as a hub where ideas would be nurtured, technologies tested, and scalable solutions developed for the Nigerian market.

 

According to him, the youthful demographics of Nigeria, with a median age of 18 years, make it imperative for insurers to adopt digital platforms, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and data analytics.

 

He said this was needed to improve efficiency, expand access, and deepen trust.

 

“Innovation is not a luxury. It is a necessity. The future of our industry depends on agility, inclusiveness, and digital empowerment,” he said.

 

Ahmed urged regulators, technology partners, and member companies to collaborate with the association in making the innovation lab a success.

 

He described the lab as a symbol of unity of purpose and diversity of thought, adding that it would serve as a platform for continuous learning and adaptation in a rapidly changing world.

 

“To our innovators, this is your launchpad, your opportunity to shape the future.

 

“To our member companies, invest in this future. And to every Nigerian, believe in the power of innovation to protect assets and sustain standards of living,” he said.

 

Earlier, Mr Babatunde Fajemirokun, Chairman, NIA Advisory Committee on Digital Innovation and IT, presented insights from the survey earlier conducted which informed on the challenging areas to wade into.

 

The survey, which engaged 45 senior leaders including 22 Chief Executive Officers, 10 Chief Technology Officers, and 13 heads of strategy across life, general, and micro-insurance, revealed areas where the industry must channel its focus.

 

“The data reveal a sector ready to embrace innovation, with 87 per cent of executives expressing willingness to collaborate on shared solutions and 69 per cent confirming readiness to commit resources in 2025.

 

“Customer experience, acquisition, KYC, and distribution rank as the top priorities for innovation.

 

“Fraud management, eKYC, and claims exchange emerged as the most promising areas for industry-wide collaboration,” he said.

 

Giving details on the programme overview, Mr Damola Oloko, Innovation lead for the project, said that interested innovators would be engaged in a 6-week accelerator programme.

 

He noted that the initiative would seek to identify and support startups and scale-up developing solutions in critical areas as identified by the industry.

 

He said the entire process would feature a pitch day when shortlisted applicants would be invited to pitch their proposition to a panel jury.

 

He explained that the final five startups would be selected and the audience would be applicants, jury, insurance company representatives, and regulators.

 

 

 

“The demo day will close out the programme with presentations from each of the startups regarding their solution and learnings from the programme.

 

“Solutions to be taken to the pilot phase will also be selected on the demo day.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

Music lawyer, Ayinoluwa, advocates producers’ rights to catalogue ownership
Entertainment

Music lawyer, Ayinoluwa, advocates producers’ rights to catalogue ownership

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Babajide Awoyinfa

 

Prominent Nigerian music lawyer, Akinyemi Ayinoluwa, has called on African producers and songwriters to prioritise ownership of their music catalogues.

 

Ayinoluwa, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos, said, “rights must come before streams” if the continent’s creatives are to build sustainable wealth.

 

According to him, many back-end creators, producers and songwriters still lose long-term value because they sign away their rights too early.

 

“In 2019, a young producer I represent was offered 50,000 dollars for the outright purchase of his publishing interest in a record.

 

“It seemed like a no-brainer at the time, but that contract would have handed away every possible future publishing income stream—no royalties, no publishing share, no say in how the work was used.

 

“Today, that same composition has generated over £500,000 in royalties. That’s the difference ownership makes,” he said.

 

He said owning a catalogue goes beyond creative pride.

 

“It is about controlling the master rights, the sound recording and the publishing rights, which cover lyrics and composition.

 

“These rights are the music industry’s real currency.

 

“They generate royalties, sync fees, and licensing income. Whoever owns them decides how, where, and for how long the music lives,” he explained.

 

Industry tradition, he said, is largely to blame.

 

“Record labels typically provide funding, marketing, studio time, and access structures designed around performers.

 

“In exchange, they demand ownership of the catalogue.

 

“The problem is that this system rarely considers the producer or songwriter as equally entitled to long-term rewards.

 

“Too often, they walk away with a one-time fee, even if their work turns into a global hit.”Ayinoluwa said.

 

He cited the case of beatmakers and songwriters whose contributions fuel viral hits, yet who struggle to pay rent after accepting flat fees in place of royalties.

 

“They exchanged ownership for visibility, but visibility doesn’t pay the bills.”

 

Ayinoluwa likened catalogues to real estate.

 

“Music is property. Just like land, it can appreciate, it can be sold, leased, licensed, or inherited.

 

“When you give up ownership, you’re giving up future rent, potentially for life.

 

“A $2,000 beat fee might look attractive today, but that same beat could bring in half a million dollars over the years through sync deals, streaming, and partnerships,” he said.

 

He emphasised that understanding the music value chain is now a necessity for African creatives.

 

“Anyone making music must know how publishing works, the difference between licensing and assigning rights, how to register with PROs and CMOs, and how streaming revenue is actually split.

 

“The artistes who will thrive are the ones who understand both their art and its economics,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Institute urges youth to bridge skills gap
General News

Institute urges youth to bridge skills gap

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Kazeem Akande

 

The Institute of Industrial Development (IID) has urged youths to bridge the gap between academic certificates and skills development for competitiveness in today’s job market.

 

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that scores of youths participated in the 2025 skills empowerment programme, aimed at integrating academic careers with practical skills development.

 

 

 

Founder of the Institute, Mr Precious Adeho, speaking on Saturday during the International Youth Day celebration at NECA House, Ikeja, highlighted the theme: ‘Design, Build, Lead’.

 

 

 

He explained that the 2025 event was dedicated to equipping young people with skills, knowledge, and opportunities to thrive in a rapidly changing global environment.

 

 

 

“We are committed to bridging the gap between education and industry needs, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields,” Adeho stated.

 

 

 

He noted that the programme engaged youths through workshops, panel discussions, and job fairs, providing mentorship, practical experience, and networking opportunities.

 

 

 

“It also aims to inspire innovation, build resilience, and prepare youths for future jobs, raising leaders ready to drive sustainable growth and technological advancement,” he added.

 

 

 

Adeho, who also serves as the institute’s Executive Director, said STEM commitment was beyond education, describing it as a movement to inspire the next generation of innovators and leaders.

 

 

 

He called on educators, industry leaders, and policymakers to invest more in youth development.

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer of Hazon Holdings, Mr Gbenga Afolabi, who delivered the keynote, stressed that youths require diverse skills in science, technology, and vocational fields.

 

 

 

According to him, these skills will enable them to adapt effectively to a rapidly changing global system.

 

 

 

Afolabi said his career as a pharmacist allowed him to diversify into technology, marketing, and other sectors, adapting successfully to modern economic realities.

 

 

 

“With all the changes in technology, are youths actively engaging with opportunities that will drive growth in business and career?” he asked.

 

 

 

Founder of Glitz Group of Companies, Mrs Adetola Akinola, urged youths to embrace innovation to stay ahead in life and career.

 

 

 

“With the advent of AI, young people must become more innovative. As the saying goes, ‘Innovate or Die’,” she said.

 

 

 

She encouraged them to combine innovation with traditional businesses, stressing that the future will favour those who adapt quickly.

 

 

 

One of the participants, Mr Olawale Daniel, thanked the organisers, saying the empowerment will reshape his life targets and career goals.

 

 

 

“I used to focus only on academics, ignoring my other capabilities. This programme has inspired me to embrace skills alongside academic pursuits,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Reforms: Okonjo-Iweala’s commendation validates Tinubu’s progressive leadership — Support group
General News

Reforms: Okonjo-Iweala’s commendation validates Tinubu’s progressive leadership — Support group

 

 

 

 

By Adeyemi Adeleye

 

The Tinubu Media Force (TMF), a support group for President Bola Tinubu, says Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s recent remarks on Nigeria’s economic trajectory is a clear and independent validation of Tinubu’s progressive governance.

 

The TMF National Coordinator, Mr Oluwagbenga Abiola, said this in a statement on Friday in Lagos.

 

Abiola was reacting to Okonjo-Iweala, ‘s commendation of the President’s economic policies.

 

 

 

Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of World Trade Organisation(WTO), on Thursday commended Tinubu for working to stabilise the economy, saying his administration’s reforms are moving in the right direction.

 

Okonjo-Iweala, a globally respected economist and a former Minister of Finance, spoke to State House correspondents after a courtesy visit to the President on Thursday in Abuja.

 

He said: “For the Tinubu Media Force, this endorsement is further proof that the administration’s reforms are laying the right foundations for sustainable growth.

 

“Economic data support this view. Nigeria’s GDP grew by 3.13 per cent in the first quarter of 2025, with the services sector surging by over 5 per cent.

 

“The Tinubu administration is targeting 7 per cent annual growth by 2027 and a quadrupling of the economy by 2030, anchored on a rebased GDP of N372.8 trillion. Key reforms span energy, transport, education, agriculture, and industry.”

 

Noting that education remains a flagship priority for Tinubu’s administration, Abiola said that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) had disbursed over N104 billion to no fewer than 600,000 students in federal tertiary institutions.

 

According to him, this includes N20.07 billion in tuition payments to 192,906 students and N12.82 billion in stipends to 169,114 students.

 

“With over 9,000 applications processed daily, the scheme has been described as a lifeline for Nigerian families,” he said.

 

On infrastructure, Abiola said that the administration was driving landmark projects such as the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, projected at $11 billion to connect nine states and create millions of jobs.

 

“Work on the first 47.47km segment is underway, backed by $747 million in funding,” he said.

 

Abiola said that other major road projects include the 1,000km Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, dualisation of the Kano–Maiduguri Road, rehabilitation of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, completion of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road, and reconstruction of over 330 roads and bridges across the country.

 

According to him, beyond roads, the government has launched construction of 10,000 affordable housing units, expanded the national health insurance scheme to include children, improved passport processing, and stabilised electricity supply across board.

 

He said that the government has also commissioned new federal medical centres for affordable access to health care .

 

“Agricultural reforms and the introduction of compressed natural gas (CNG) as an affordable transport fuel are also expected to reduce food and transportation costs,” he said.

 

According to him, the proposed tax reform bill also aims to ease burdens on low and middle income earners by eliminating regressive levies, simplifying tax collection, and focusing more on high income sectors and large corporations.

 

Commending Okonjo-Iweala for her “objective and fact-based” analysis, Abiola urged commentators to evaluate the administration’s performance on measurable achievements rather than partisan narratives. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Buhari Bolaji

Oyebanji, Keyamo win top honours at Travellers Award
Culture & Tourism

Oyebanji, Keyamo win top honours at Travellers Award

 

 

 

By Joan Odafe

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Governor of Ekiti, Abiodun Oyebanji, have been recognised among top industry personalities to be honoured at the Travellers Award 2024/2025.

 

In a statement on Friday, the organiser of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Ikechi Uko, said the award was aimed at celebrating exceptional achievements in Nigeria’s travel, tourism, aviation and hospitality industries.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Travellers Award 2024/2025, organised by ATQNEWS.COM, will hold on Sept. 14.

 

The organisers recognised Oyebanji as ‘Tourism Governor of the Year’ for his investments in tourism infrastructure, sustainable development initiatives and cultural promotion, that have boosted Ekiti’s profile as a leading West African destination.

 

According to the organisers, Keyamo will be honoured as ‘Aviation Man of the Year’ for his transformative reforms in the aviation sector.

 

“Some of his achievements include resolving 98 per cent of $850 million trapped airline funds, expanding Bilateral Air Services Agreements and improving Nigeria’s aviation safety rating from 40 per cent to 80 per cent.”

 

Other honourees include the Managing Director of ValueJet Airline, Capt. Omololu Majekodunmi, as ‘Travel Personality of the Year’ for the airline’s rapid expansion to Freetown, Gambia and Cotonou.

 

Also, Amb. Wanle Akinboboye, as ‘Tourism Personality of the Year’ for growing La Campagne Tropicana resorts and hosting the Ipada Carnival.

 

The General Manager of Lagos Continental Hotel, Karl Hala, was named ‘Hotel Manager of the Year’ for his excellent management of hotels, both in Lagos and Abuja, while Ibom Air secured ‘Best Nigerian Airline of the Year’ for its quality service and on-time performance.

 

Qatar Airways emerged the ‘International Airline of the Year’, while Ethiopian Airlines won two awards – ‘African Airline of the Year’ and ‘African Cargo Airline of the Year’.

 

Turkish Airlines was recognised as ‘International Cargo Airline of the Year’.

 

Other winners include Lagos Aviation Academy as ‘Aviation School of the Year’, and Diamonds and Pearls Travels as ‘Tour Operator of the Year’ in the outbound category.

 

Global Anago Adventures clinched the ‘Tour Operator of the Year’ for inbounds, while Naija Explorers won the ‘Best Domestic Tour Operator of the Year’. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

KB Klub, Oba Elegushi Foundation partner to drive blood donation    
Health

KB Klub, Oba Elegushi Foundation partner to drive blood donation    

 

 

 

By Oluwaseun Nubi

 

The KB Klub in partnership with Oba Elegushi Foundation on Friday held the second edition of its blood donation drive initiative to raise awareness of the critical need to provide safe blood through voluntary donors to the nation’s healthcare system.

 

Speaking during the blood donation exercise in Lagos, Sheriffdeen Oloyode, Team Leader, KB Klub, said the initiative aims to address critical issues of blood shortage in the country which affects patients with various medical conditions.

 

The KB KLUB is a socio-philanthropic organisation of medical students of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative, tagged, “Your Power to Gift Life 2.0”, aims to raise 3,000 pints of blood.

 

He disclosed that the initiative was simultaneously ongoing in six other locations in Lagos with the goal to raise at least 500 pints of blood from each location.

 

NAN reports that other centres include; Surulere, Teslim Balogun Stadium; Ikorodu General Hospital; UNILAG Indoor Sports Centre; Jara Mall, Ikeja; and Tinubu Square, Lagos Island.

 

“It is estimated according to World Health Organisation that Nigeria needs 1.8 million units of blood yearly, but we get less than 500 units of blood from voluntary blood donation.

 

“The initiative aims to save lives, particularly for patients with sickle cell disease, anaemia, and those who require blood transfusions due to accidents or surgery.

 

“There are so many people who need blood yearly, and daily, and you have mothers that die during childbirth.

 

“Mothers need blood after they give birth, and this blood shortage is one of the causes of that maternal mortality, postpartum and haemorrhage,” he said.

 

Oloyode urged Nigerians to participate in the blood donation drive and help save lives.

 

He said the project had partnered with regulatory bodies, including the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service and Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.

 

He said the blood collected would be distributed to general hospitals across six local government areas.

Oba Saheed Elegushi of Ikate/Elegushi Kingdom emphasised the importance of blood donation, citing its benefits for both donors and recipients.

 

“Donating blood improves your well-being, makes you feel good, it also helps detox your body. It helps save lives, which is the most important thing.”

 

The traditional ruler noted that many people are misinformed about blood donation, with some believing that they do not have enough blood in their system.

 

Elegushi urged concerned authorities to increase sensitisation efforts on the need for blood donation.

 

“I think we need to do more in sensitising people, educate them and also send more messages out on the need to donate blood.

 

“I will urge the right authorities to do more in sensitising people on the need to do more,” Elegushi said.

 

Dr Bodunrin Osikomaiya, Secretary, Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service, emphasised the need for continued advocacy on blood donation.

 

“We go out a lot. In short, two weeks before today, we have been going to different communities to talk about voluntary blood donation; who needs blood; why you need blood; how blood is collected.

 

“You will be surprised that many people still have all those myths and false information. They really do not know most of these things.

 

“Some of them grew up knowing the wrong things about blood donation because of the bad experiences of people in the past. So, our advocacy is not yet enough,” she said.

 

She said the blood collected would be taken to the state’s blood transfusion centres and designated hospitals for processing and screening.

 

“Once screened, the blood will be distributed to various hospitals, including Lagos State Accident and Emergency.

 

“Once it is processed and screened for transmission and transmissible infectious agents removed, it is deemed to be fit,” she said.

 

Osikomaiya said that the Lagos State Government had made provision for indigent individuals and those living with sickle cell disorder to access blood from the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee’s blood banks without paying out-of-pocket.

 

“I can assure you that the blood we are collecting here is not even enough. I give it at least one week, all the blood will be used, so we need people to do more,” she said.

 

She expressed gratitude to the foundation and partners, including the Kb Klub for the initiative, urging other foundations to emulate.

 

Yvonne Jegede, a Nigerian actress and producer, expressed admiration for the selfless act of blood donation, emphasising the need for increased awareness about voluntary blood donation in Nigeria. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

FG pledges support for AFRIMA, creative industry to boost tourism
Culture & Tourism

FG pledges support for AFRIMA, creative industry to boost tourism

 

 

 

 

 

By Dele Eniola

 

The Federal Government says it remains committed to supporting the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) and the creative industry as part of its efforts in positioning Nigeria as the leading tourism destination in Africa.

 

The Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Industry, Hannatu Musawa, made this known at an event tagged: “Patron’s Dinner with the Jury”, organised by AFRIMA on Thursday in Lagos.

 

Musawa said the future of Nigeria lies in the creative sector and pledged the Federal Government’s full backing for initiatives that promote arts, culture and entertainment.

 

“The future of Nigeria lies in the creative industry. We are here to give all our support to AFRIMA.

 

“Nigeria’s creative industry holds the key to our nation’s future and AFRIMA is a vital part of that journey.

 

“We believe in the power of creativity to shape Nigeria’s destiny, which is why AFRIMA has our full support as it represents the promise of Nigeria’s creative future,” she said.

 

She restated government’s commitment in collaborating with stakeholders to expand opportunities across the sector.

 

“We are available to work with everyone across all boards and we will keep expanding our tentacles to ensure that we boost tourism in Nigeria.

 

“Our commitment is to keep widening our reach and partnerships to strengthen Nigeria’s tourism sector.

 

“Collaboration across all fronts is key and we will continue to expand our efforts to boost tourism nationwide,” she said.

 

Mr Mike Dada, President of AFRIMA, said the platform is leveraging music as a strategic tool to boost Africa’s presence in the global creative economy.

 

He noted that AFRIMA’s mission goes beyond recognising musical talent to telling Africa’s authentic story on the world stage.

 

“Music remains a powerful unifying force capable of bridging cultural divides across the continent while also positioning Africa competitively in the international market.

 

“Our goal is not just to celebrate African music but to use it as a medium to shape perceptions, foster unity and unlock economic opportunities across borders,” he said.

 

“AFRIMA will continue to create platforms where African voices are amplified globally, thereby ensuring the continent is recognised as a key player in the creative and cultural industries,” he said.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by many celebrities across all sectors in the country.

 

Since its inception, AFRIMA, has consistently worked to promote African music, culture and identity in the global stage while fostering unity across countries.

 

AFRIMA 2025 will take place in Lagos from Nov. 25 to Nov. 30.

 

The programme will include the Africa Music Business Summit, the Music Village Concert, the Nominees Party, and the awards ceremony, which will be broadcast to more than 84 countries. (NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

 

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

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