NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Fintiri ends 120-year-old chieftaincy struggle

126 total views today

Chiefdom

By Talatu Maiwada

The creation of the Huba Chiefdom in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa by Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri has brought an end to a 120-year-old chieftaincy struggle.

The Chairman of the Coronation Committee and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Idi Hong, made this known while addressing newsmen in Yola on Wednesday.

Hong said Fintiri’s emergence as governor was a turning point in the long-standing quest for the independence of the ‘Huba” Chiefdom.

“The governor’s leadership reflects fairness, justice, equity, transparency, courage, and inclusiveness.

“He listens to the wishes and aspirations of the people. It is not surprising that he created the Huba Chiefdom alongside six other emirates and chiefdoms across the state.

“This marks the end of a struggle that lasted for about 120 years,” he said.

Hong said Fintiri approved the appointment of Töl Alheri Nyako as Töl Huba on Jan. 3, established the legal framework, administrative structure, and governance procedures for the chiefdom.

“On Friday, Nyako will be presented with the Staff of Office as the Töl Huba by the governor,” he added.

During British colonial rule, he said, the Huba Chiefdom faced systemic downgrading, reducing its traditional leadership to an ungraded district head under the Adamawa Emirate.

He said that in spite of multiple approvals for the chiefdom’s restoration, most notably in 1906, 1986 and 1988, none were implemented, and attempts to revive the Huba monarchy were met with intimidation and resistance.

According to him, Fintiri also created additional 14 districts within the Huba Chiefdom, including Hong, Shangui, Pella, Uding, Kulinyi, Hyema and Gaya, among others.

“With the governor’s intervention, this long-awaited recognition has paved way for the Huba people to govern their affairs within a legally recognised framework,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

 

Left-hand usage: Norm or taboo?

130 total views today

Culture

By Anita Uzoagba

A cross-section of Nigerians has expressed mixed reactions regarding the cultural belief that using the left hand to give or receive items is a sign of disrespect.

In interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, some Nigerians said that using the left hand for such actions was considered taboo.

Others, however, believed that there was no issue with it, arguing that cultural beliefs around it should evolve.

Many also pointed out that such customs form an integral part of Nigerian identity.

Mr Jeff Odei, a Data Scientist, explained that “Nigerian tradition associates giving or receiving items with the left hand with bad luck, impurity, or disrespect.

“The left hand has traditionally been linked to ‘unclean’ things, impurity, or negativity, while the right hand is seen as a symbol of respect, honour, and positivity.”

Similarly, Mr John Atomore, a staff member of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), stated that the custom originated from ancestral traditions and had been passed down through generations in Africa.

He noted, “Using the left hand is seen as a sign of disrespect, while the right hand symbolises respect and regard.

“To me, there is nothing wrong with giving or receiving items with the left hand, but since it is a long-standing tradition, I conform to it.”

Also, Miss Deborah Obareo, a hotelier, explained that Nigeria’s cultural norms shaped how people perceive such actions.

“In our culture, offering someone an item with the left hand suggests a lack of respect or regard for them.

“As children, we often handed things to people with our left hands without understanding its meaning.

“That’s where the correction begins. As we grow older, we are taught that it is inappropriate.

She also noted that some Nigerian tribes emphasised respect more than others, although cultural interpretations of the custom varied among ethnic groups.

Meanwhile, Mr Kingsley Lao, a Cybersecurity Analyst, argued that the belief surrounding left-hand usage was a uniquely Nigerian perspective, not a global one.

“In the western world, this means nothing to them, but that doesn’t mean it is okay for us.

“This is what makes us who we are, ‘Africans.’ While we take in Western education, we should still filter through it and ensure we don’t lose ourselves.

“It’s important to preserve the little things that define us as a people,” he said.

NAN reports that this cultural debate highlights the ongoing conversation about how tradition and modernity intersect in Nigeria. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Dorcas Jonah and Abiemwense Moru

 

 

Tourism: Morocco to invest in conservation of Yobe’s 8,000-year-old canoe

209 total views today

By Nabilu Balarabe

The Moroccan Investment and Export Development Agency (AMDIE), says it will invest in the conservation of an 8,000-year-old canoe “Dufuna”, in Yobe as part of efforts to develop tourism in the state.

Alhaji Mamman Mohammed, Gov. Mai Mala Buni’s Director-General, Press and Media Affairs, stated this in a statement on Monday in Damaturu.

Dufuna is the world’s second-oldest known boat. It is a dugout canoe discovered in 1987 by a Fulani cattle herdsman a few kilometers from the village of Dufuna in Fune area, not far from the Komadugu Gana River, in Yobe.

In 1994, archaeologists Peter Breunig and Garba Abubakar, from Frankfurt University, Germany, and University of Maiduguri, respectively, excavated the site.

The canoe was dug out over two weeks by 50 labourers and was found to be 8.4 meters in length, 50cm wide and 5 cm thick. It was found in a waterlogged state resting on a sandy bed with layers of clay between it and the surface protecting it.

The canoe had been radiocarbon-dated at least twice, and was dated to 6556-6388 BCE and to 6164-6005 BCE, making it the oldest known boat in Africa, the second-oldest worldwide.

Mohammed said Mr Yassine El Ahyani, Head of Emerging Industries, Moroccan Investment and Export Development Agency, made the pledge on Monday in Rabat, when he received the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Baba Wali, in Rabat.

“The agency is aware of the rich and historic canoe in Yobe, and the enormous tourism potentials it has for the state and country.

“The canoe would turn around the fortunes of the state with massive economic turn over. The Dufuna Canoe is one of the very few artefacts on the face of the earth that is very suitable for academic and historical research.

“It has the capacity to generate employment, create wealth and infrastructural development for the state,” Yassine said.

In his remarks, Wali, who led the state government delegation to Morocco, assured that government would provide enabling environment for investment in Dufuna and other age-long cultural festivals in the state for international prominence.

“This is in line with the policy of the Buni administration to provide employment opportunities to our youth in hospitality, transportation and tour guide, among others.

“Government is most willing to partner all Moroccan investors to explore this and other untapped potentials in the state,” he said.

The Dufuna Canoe in Yobe.

The Dufuna canoe which is recognised as the oldest watercraft in Africa symbolises the rich history and heritage of the region.

The canoe was found in the village of Dufuna, which is located between Potiskum and Gashua, in Yobe State.

The Yobe government’s initiative to transform the canoe into a prominent tourist attraction underscores its commitment to promoting tourism and preserving cultural artefacts for future generations. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh

Motherland Festival to unlock investment, reconnect Nigerians in diaspora —Minister

167 total views today

By Joshua Olomu

Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy(FMACTCE), says Motherland Festival, a new initiative, would serve as a platform to connect Nigerians in diaspora with their homeland and culture.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister stated this during a news conference to unveil plans and programme for the event on Monday in Abuja.

Musawa explained that that the festival was part of the ministry’s broader strategy,” Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere”, an initiative designed to amplify the creative industries, strengthen international partnerships, and elevate Nigeria’s global cultural footprint.

According to her, while Motherland 2025 ignites immediate engagement, Destination 2030 ensures that Nigeria remains a key player in the global tourism and creative economy for years to come.

She said as part of activities for the project, the ministry would launch the “See Motherland Through Your Eyes: Photo & Video Competition”, a celebration of Nigeria’s rich and diverse identity.

The festival is being organised by the FMACTCE in collaboration with Discover Motherland Africa, and it is scheduled to hold from Dec 15 to 21 in Lagos and Abuja.

According to Musawa, the festival is conceived for reconnection, investment, and celebration of the nation’s shared heritage by stakeholders, including Nigerian’s in diaspora and black people of Nigerian descent.

She said the initiative was in line with the ministry’s vision to position Nigeria as a premier global destination where tourism drives economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and national pride

“Motherland 2025 is more than just a moment in time, It is a catalyst for sustained engagement, forging lasting connections between the diaspora and their homeland, investors and opportunities, and global travelers and Nigeria’s dynamic experiences.

“As part of the long-term components of the project, we are developing Diaspora City—a thriving tourism hub where members of the diaspora can seamlessly invest, reconnect, and put down roots.

“Nigeria is the largest Black nation in the world, as one one in every four persons of African origin is Nigerian. Our cultural and historical significance is undeniable.

“Whether through ancestry, culture, or spirit, we welcome all who seek to rediscover their roots and contribute to the next chapter of our nation’s story.

“Through the Motherland Festival and its Citizenship program, we empower individuals to trace their ancestry, fostering deeper bonds with Nigeria’s rich heritage.

“We will generate investment in Nigeria with a programme that will be supported by legal frameworks to enable diasporans and foreign nationals obtain citizenships to safeguard their investments in Nigeria.

“To our brothers and sisters across the world: Nigeria is calling you home. This December, be part of something historic, and experience our warmth, our culture, and the limitless opportunities that await.

“Together, let us build a future that honours our heritage while driving forward economic and social progress, that is why we say: Home is coming”, she said.

She said as part of activities for the project, the ministry would launch the “See Motherland Through Your Eyes: Photo & Video Competition”, a celebration of Nigeria’s rich and diverse identity.

Earlier, Mrs Chidinma Nwankwo, Managing Director of Motherland Africa, said the fiesta was a movement that would reconnects Nigerian diaspora to their roots, unlocks investment, cultural pride, and a future filled with opportunity.

“Motherland is more than an event, It is a homecoming, It is a journey, It is a commitment.

“This December, we invite the global diaspora to experience Nigeria like never before—not as visitors, but as participants in a redefined vision of tourism.

“Over the course of seven unforgettable days, attendees will be immersed in Nigeria’s rich traditions, vibrant history, and dynamic progress.

“Whether you are part of the diaspora, a first-generation Nigerian, or someone who has never set foot in Nigeria, this is your invitation, we have designed an experience where everyone can find their place”, she said.

Nwankwo said the festival attractions will include pavilions that will offer a taste of Nigeria’s food tastings, performances, and tourism showcases from across the country.

Others she said include technology pavilions that will spotlight Nigeria’s brightest minds in AI, fintech, and agriculture, pushing the boundaries of innovation.(NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

NANTAP convention to explore performing arts’ role in development

194 total views today

 

 

By Taiye Olayemi

The National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) says its forthcoming convention will provide a robust platform to explore, debate and expand the role of performing arts in national development.

Its National President, Mr Israel Eboh, said this during a news conference on Wednesday in Lagos.

Eboh said that the convention would feature insightful workshops to educate practitioners on cutting-edge skills in scriptwriting, directing, acting, stage design and digital theatre innovations.

“In the course of the convention, delegates will be immersed in an exciting lineup of events designed to educate, entertain and inspire. This is the first time we will be having activities happening in four different venues concurrently.

“The convention is called “Eko 2024” because it is also an opportunity for our members to explore tour facilities in Lagos, we want to showcase Lagos as the heartbeat of entertainment.

“The theme for the convention is “Theatre Politics and National Development”.

“This theme could not be more relevant at this time in our nation’s history, as we navigate the complexities of governance and democracy.

“It is imperative to recognise the critical role of theatre and the arts in shaping national consciousness, driving civic engagement, and influencing policy.

“Theatre is more than entertainment, it is a mirror of the society, a voice for the voiceless, and a catalyst for transformation,” he said.

Earlier, Mrs Tola Akerele, General Manager of the National Arts Theatre, assured NANTAP of continued partnership.

Akerele was represented by Chief Henry Ndubuisi, Deputy Director, Marketing at National Theatre.

Akerele also assured Nigerians that the National Theatre would be open for use soon, as she promised to continue to work with NANTAP to generate lofty ideas that will reposition the creative industry.

“We recognise the enormous role NANTAP plays in correcting societal ills and that is the reason we will continue to partner with you to achieve our common goals,” she said.

Mr Greg Odutayo, Chairman, Local Organising Committee for the convention, said the event would be a five-day season of learning, interaction and exhibition of talents.

“We are going to have activities spread across five venues, the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Glover Memorial hall, Freedom Park and the National Theatre.

“We’ll provide logistics for attendees across the state,” he said.

Also speaking, Sarah Boulos, National President of the Society of the Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN), urged NANTAP to ensure a communique is put together after the convention. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

FG approves establishment of Creative, Tourism Infrastructure Corporation

163 total views today

 

By Salif Atojoko

Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, announced that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the creation of the Creative and Tourism Infrastructure Corporation.

The corporation is aimed at developing critical infrastructure for Nigeria’s creative and tourism industries.

Speaking to State House correspondents after the FEC meeting on Monday, Musawa explained that the approval was granted under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

She described the initiative as transformative, aiming to elevate Nigeria’s creative and tourism industries by unlocking their immense potential for economic growth.

“The establishment of the Creative and Tourism Infrastructure Corporation is a special-purpose vehicle under a PPP framework that will enable us to identify, deploy, and finance critical infrastructure needs within the creative industry,” the Minister said.

She highlighted that the corporation’s objective was to provide the infrastructure necessary to generate at least 100 billion dollars, increase the country’s GDP, and create at least two million jobs for Nigerian youth.

Musawa emphasised the importance of developing world-class infrastructure, attracting investment, nurturing talent and innovation, and promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage as a tool for national growth.

“The funding allocated to the corporation will be used to develop key projects, including the Obudu Ranch, Yankari Game Reserve, and the Abuja Creative City.

“Additionally, the corporation will focus on establishing a Creative City at the Wole Soyinka Centre in Lagos, the Centre for African Arts, a Digital Distribution Network, and upgrading the National Gallery.

“We also plan to establish a national museum in Abuja. Imagine the giant of Africa not having a museum in its capital city.

“We want to make Nollywood a major destination,” Musawa added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Nigeria to host World “Orisa” Congress – Official

284 total views today

By Joshua Olomu

Nigeria is to host the maiden edition of World Orisa Congress, an official has said.

Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, Executive Secretary/CEO of National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO ) on Thursday said this at a news conference in Abuja.

He disclosed that plans are already underway for the epoch making event.

According to him, the planned annual World Orisa Congress is a global gathering of practitioners, scholars and enthusiasts of Orisa tradition, Yoruba traditional religion, from around the world.

He said Brazil, Cuba,Trinida and Tobago and other Caribbean nations that practice Orisa traditional religion were among countries that would participate in the congress in a yet-to-be-announced date.

“The World Orisa Congress is an affirmation of the coalescence of cultural identity with Africans in the Diaspora.

“It is our ultimate spiritual connection to all of us as a people with a common goal and destiny.

“This has become necessary, following the yearnings of Africans in the Diaspora who were taken from Nigeria into slavery over 500 years ago to connect back to their roots.

“There are about 500 million people across the globe that are related to the traditional religion of the African people and as Devotees of different deities, they are yearning to return home.

“It is therefore the Institute’s desire to tap into the vast treasure strove of these 500 million people of Orisa descents from Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago, Brazil and others to converge in their ancestral home/roots regularly.

“In Brazil alone, there are over 89 million people who are ready to key into this vision.

“Sequel to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s State visit to Brazil, we received a lot of proposals and initiatives from the Brazilian authorities and people.

“These proposals are in tandem with what we have already conceived in NICO as an all-embracing spiritual, cultural and socio-economic collaboration: World Orisa Congress”, he said.

The NICO helmsman said the proposed congress would provide a platform for sharing knowledge, experience and best practices in promoting and preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage

He said the project was also aimed at preserving and promoting Nigeria’s cultural history and heritage to the world .

Ajiboye expressed optimism that the event would generate five to six billion U.S dollars as Nigeria is expected to host mire than one million visitors.

He said beside playing critical role in cultural exchange and enrichment, the initiative also offered economic benefits through tourism and cultural trade, as well as promotion of global understanding and peace.

“This project is also necessitated by the exigency of pushing up Nigeria’s GDP, thereby generating revenue to improve living standard of Nigerians as promised by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his Renewed Hope Agenda.

“While Nigeria remains in dire need of creating ways and means of generating revenue and reflating the economy, one of the solutions to this challenge is through increased foreign exchange earnings.

“So far, the Diaspora in the United States of America, Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago, Brazil and other Caribbean countries are ready materials and human resource for this project.

“The World Orisa Congress further seeks to break down cultural barriers and stereotypes, create a psychology profile for our foreign policy trust.

“This is in the actualisation of Africans in the Diaspora and other global audiences, create future exponential revenue base on a sustainable basis in order to diversify our economy.

“It will use our traditional institutions as gatekeepers and standard bearers of our cultural patrimony, encourage cultural exchange and collaboration, and make Nigeria a foremost cultural tourism destination on an expansive scale of pilgrimage,” he said.

According to Ajiboye,with this project, Nigeria stands to enhance cross-cultural understanding and empathy, record an increase in global co-operation and rapprochement.

He said if sustained, it will enable the country to tap into the huge revenue stream of almost one million visitors annually on a sustainable basis.(NAN)(nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Ex-minister Kema Chikwe urges Nigerian writers to drive positive change

278 total views today

By Joshua Olomu

Kema Chikwe, former Nigerian Minister of Aviation, has urged Nigerian authors to use their creative prowess to drive positive change in communities in order to build a prosperous and egalitarian nation.

Chikwe made the call in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday at the sideline of the January edition of the monthly “Reading/Writers Dialogue” in Abuja.

The “Reading/Writers Dialogue” is a flagship initiative of the Abuja chapter of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) which assembles writers and literary enthusiasts, and then discuss the works of a selected Guest Writer .

Chikwe, also a prolific writer, appeared as the guest for January edition of the dialogue, with the theme, “The Writer as a Catalyst for Progressive Change.”

According to the one-time Nigerian ambassador to Ireland, history holds writers as torch bearers of change, daring to challenge the status quo, advocate for justice and inspire actions towards positive change.

She therefore urged writers to be voices to the marginalised, oppressed and the unforgotten, paint vivid pictures of the realities faced in society and offer solutions that promote unity, peace and justice.

“It is popularly known that literature is a mirror of society, so for every era, there is always a pressing issue to be written about..

“The era of Chinua Achebe and others is gone, but I think that right now, writers should intensify writing on political issues, and use satires if need be because sometimes people are afraid.

“I think writers should start writing a lot about our political system, about insecurity, and corruption in society, and all that will go a long way in achieving positive change.

“I’m not sure that a lot is being done to influence society now, and there should be a deliberate program for writers to converge and be intuitive about what is happening in Nigeria.

“The writers community should come together and orchestrate creative works, creative writing, if we do that, it’s going to influence the society, ”she said.

Chikwe commended ANA FCT chapter, especially for championing initiatives that inspires young Nigerians to become writers.

She therefore called on stakeholders to provide platforms to discover young talents in order to bridge existing gaps in the literary landscape, as young and courageous writers are raised.

She noted that writers across the world have stood at the forefront of revolutions- be it through literature, poetry, or prose, pushing boundaries and igniting thought and reflection among readers.

“The idea is dynamism, to create a change, to cause a change in a sustainable manner for the betterment of society.

“I think writers should begin to think about books that will cause a general revolution, a general change, even if is one aspect of life, especially in corruption,” she said.

Earlier in his speech, Chukwudi Eze, Chairman ANA Abuja, said the Reading/Writing Dialogue was part of the association’s efforts towards championing narratives that will usher in a new Nigeria.

“We felt that charity begins at home and as such, the topic for this January, because there is need to open the pathways in the area we want to move ourselves as a people..

“So today we examine what is the role of the writer in terms of forging and shaping progressive change, and we couldn’t have had a better candidate than Ambassador (Dr) Kemah Chikwe.

“She has been a radical a writer, a politician, a mother, and a grandmother who is

highly exposed and highly experienced.

“At a time when, as a nation, we need to be able to move forward on all fronts, empirically, in a way that can be measured, how do we as writers influence our space.

“We hope that by orchestrating this type of gathering, we are able to contribute somehow towards the positive evolution of the Nigerian nation,” he said.

NAN reports that highpoint of the event was a discussion panel which featured literary icons, Prof Vicky Sylvester,Prof Anthony Oha and Prof.Tunde Olusunle.

The panel succinctly examined the role of writers as ‘Catalysts for Progressive Change’ in nation building.

Other activities for the day included spoken word , poetry and other presentations by students, and the presentation of awards (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

National Creativity Week: Ministry pledges support for young creatives

334 total views today

 

 

By Joshua Olomu

 

The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy (FMACTCE) has expressed its commitment to supporting young creatives as they strive for self-reliance.

The ministry made the commitment at the empowerment programme for schoolgirls in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as part of activities to mark the 2024 National Creativity Week (NCW).

No fewer than 80 students participated in the empowerment programme held on Saturday at Stella Maris Schools, Life Camp, with special training on natural hair care, wig making and the production of natural hair oil.

The event with the theme, “Transforming World, Promoting Sustainable Development”, is organised by the ministry in collaboration with Photizo Life Foundation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the National Creativity Week is aimed at celebrating the power of creativity to provide empowerment, particularly for youths and children.

The initiative is an offshoot of the Creative Africa Initiative programme of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Ghana 2008, and is celebrated globally as the World Creativity and Innovation Day.

In his opening speech, Mr Raphael Oraeluno, Permanent Secretary, FMACTCE, said Nigeria’s productive future was only possible if the unique talents and creative ingenuity of youths were properly utilised.

“It gives me great joy that this particular occasion is directed towards discovering, nurturing and showcasing the innate creative potentials as well as talent in these beautiful young children of Stella Maris Schools, Abuja.

“The theme of today’s event, “Transforming World, Promoting Sustainable Development”, is a testament to the ability of creativity to bring economic transformation.

“It will also empower everyone to imagine new ideas, make new decisions and take new steps towards making the world a better place through creativity and innovation.

“It is pertinent to note that the Creative Economy is a vital tool in reducing poverty, unemployment, violence and restiveness among the youth while promoting wealth creation, foreign earnings and enhancing the Nation’s GDP.

“Against this backdrop, I wish to commend and thank the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy for providing the necessary machinery to ensure the success of today’s event

“I wish to encourage you to seize the opportunity that this programme presents to nurture your innate God-given talents and creative abilities,” he said.

Oraeluno, was represented by Mrs Ugochi Akudo-Nwosu, Director of Entertainment and Creative Economy in the ministry.

In her presentation, Mrs Adanna Enwezor, Founder of Photizo Life Foundation, said the training was to provide basic skills on natural hair, as well as the economic opportunities in the industry to the youngsters.

“Today, we are here to celebrate an important part of our identity and heritage, and this is more than a celebration but way to honour our roots, our culture, and the creativity within us.

“Our mission is to promote African natural hair, raise awareness about the toxic chemicals in hair and beauty products such as relaxers and texturizers, and advocate for the production of local organic alternatives.

“Our partnership with the ministry highlights how important this is, not just for our culture, but also for encouraging creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, and pride in our natural beauty.

“We are here to promote the beauty and uniqueness of our natural hair, sensitize you on the dangers of hair relaxers and texturizers.

“We also intend to expose you all to the opportunities that lie not just in the way we care for our hair, but in how we build our careers and businesses around it,” she said

Mrs Ekemini Ladejobi, natural hair enthusiast and a Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Creative Arts, Culture and Tourism of NAN, commended the organisers of the event for the initiative.

She, therefore, urged the students to take the training seriously as the knowledge gained would help them and their loved ones as they journey through womanhood.

“I urge you not to joke with this training, but ensure you make something out of it that will help you personally, beside the business opportunities it will offer you,” she said.

Some of the participants who spoke with NAN on the sideline, expressed appreciation to the organisers, as they pledged to maximise the opportunities it offers.

Popoola Arinlade, Assistant Head Girl of Stella Maris College, Life Camp, said : “I think me learning about what my hair needs is going to go a long way in growing my natural hair with confidence.

“The knowledge of daily hair routine is going to go a long way, not just for me, but for other girls around me.”

Also, Christabel, Akperobe, a JSS 1 student, said:“This training has helped me on how to manage my hair, especially to know that chemical treatments will damage my hair and skin.” (NAN)(nannews.ng)

 

Edited Ekemini Ladejobi

Otu promises to take Calabar Carnival global in 2025

452 total views today

 

By Taiye Olayemi

Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River has pledged to take the Calabar Carnival global in 2025, to build on the event’s already impressive reputation as Africa’s biggest street party.

Otu made the promise while declaring open the carnival’s street party on Saturday in Calabar.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the street party involves seven competitive bands and seven non competitive bands engaged in different forms of performances from the Millennium Park through to the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar.

The 2024 Calabar Carnival, which began in November, and ends on Dec. 31, has its theme as “Our Shared Heritage”.

The governor said:“Today is a great day in the calendar history of Calabar. We are indeed very humbled that we are celebrating about two decades of this particular event, and I know that we’ve been building and adding value daily.

“The buyers have increased, and we know even next year, because the diaspora is pressing very hard, we might be able to add the diaspora band that will come on full strength.

“But as Cross Riverians, we want to thank all those who have come, and we say come and live and share with us. I declare this open in the name of the Father, in the name of the Son, and in the name of the Holy Spirit.”

Otu appreciated dignitaries as well as tourists present at the event, as he urged them to take out time to explore the tourism assets in Calabar.

He commended the efforts of previous governors of the state for sustaining the carnival over the years.

“For those that are coming for the first time, please don’t go very quick, try and stay back and enjoy the full hospitality of our people.

“Let me salute our forefathers, His Excellency Gov. Duke, His Excellency Gov. Imoke and Prof. Ben Ayade, for building on what was started by Gov. Duke until it got here,” he said.

Dr Gabe Onah, Chairman, Calabar Carnival Commission, appreciated the various sponsors for the carnival.

He, however, called on them to take ownership of the tourism and hospitality sectors for sustainability.

“We are experiencing a rebirth. We are here to speak to the ignition of community spirit, to speak to the community of Africa, and what we are ready to offer the world.

“The dance party on the streets tells the story. The Carnival is allegorical, it is didactic, it is educational, it is theatre for development.”

Also, Gov. Usman Ododo of Kogi, commended Otu for uniting the people of Cross River through the carnival.

“This is a historic event. Here, I can see love, understanding, compassion, and liberty.

“Your excellency, Gov. Otu, your leadership style has paid off, and I must commend you for unlocking the potential in the youth. You are actually taking the lead,” he said.

Similarly, Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, said, “I am glad to be back here. I am witnessing sustainability and progress here.

”This puts Nigeria on the global map, and it improves the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state.

“This is a beautiful day, so let us celebrate.” (NAN)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Benson Iziama

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email