Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruk-Umar, has called on Nigerians to pray for the success of their leaders for the development of the country.
The emir made the call at his Palace in Daura shortly after turbaning Alhaji Hamza Suleiman, who is the state’s Commissioner for Environment as the ‘Sadaukin-Kasar Hausa’.
He said that Suleiman was turbaned in recognition of his contributions to the development of the state, and for his philanthropic support to the needy.
Faruk-Umar urged that people should continue to pray for the President, respect their leaders, while the leaders should do justice to their followers.
The emir said, “Every leader will want to see that his country or state develops, its economy improved and there is peace and stability during his tenure.”
He urged the new traditional title holder to continue to support the state’s administration towards implementing policies and programmes that would move the state forward.
In a vote of thanks, Suleiman thanked the emir for finding him worthy of the title while pledging his continued loyalty to the Daura Emirate Council.
He said that he engaged in acts of philanthropy in order to alleviate the hardship faced by the less-privileged, bolster education and social welfare of children, youths, women and displaced persons.
Suleiman hoped that the reward for those acts of charity would be bestowed on his late parents who sponsored his education and gave him the required moral training. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
A traditional ruler, Oba Adekola Adeyeye, the Lowa Adimula of Ile-Ife, has called on the Federal Government to tighten the country’s borders to curb the influx of bandits and other criminals into the country.
Adeyeye, the third in command to the Ooni of Ile-Ife, made the call in Ile-Ife during a news conference to herald his 70th birthday.
The traditional ruler, who decried the spate of insecurity in the country, said that many of the criminal activities perpetrated in the country were caused by influx of foreigners.
According to him, the recent killings in the North Central states are pathetic and senseless, so the Federal Government should do the needful to safeguard the lives of Nigerians.
“Traditional rulers should also be empowered to assist government in rooting-out criminals in their domains.
“The spread of insecurity in the country, especially in the northern region, is caused by the incursion of criminals from the neighbouring states,” he said.
Adeyeye, who spoke on the development of Ile-Ife, described the town as the cradle of the Yoruba race, which should be given the needed development by both the state and Federal Governments.
He appealed to President Bola Tinubu, whom he described as the pride of the Yoruba race, to assist the town with infrastructural development to uplift the ancient city of Ile-Ife.
“I give glory to God for putting President Bola Tinubu as the president of Nigeria.
“I am appealing to the president to have a cursory look to the roles of traditional rulers, as a grassroot mobilisers, by upgrading their status.
“I also appeal to the National Assembly to intensify more efforts by passing a bill which will include traditional rulers in the helms of affairs of the country,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
When the Great Wall of China was built, it was to serve as a reinforcement, protecting the Chinese empire from invasions and raids by nomadic groups from the north, particularly the Xiongnu and Mongols.
It served as a strategic military tool with watchtowers, allowing soldiers to monitor approaching threats. This enabled military forces to prepare defence or engage the enemy in a timely manner.
Asides being a military tool, it served various economic and political functions such as preventing unauthorised migration and embodying imperial authority.
However, more than 2,000 years later, it has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1987) and a cultural treasure of the Chinese people, welcoming millions of tourists yearly.
This landmark is the longest man-made structure, spanning over 20,000km and with over seven sections to visit from, including Mutianyu, Juyongguan, Badaling and Jiankou.
Standing on the foot of the wall from the Juyongguan section, it seems much more complex to understand the construction.
Words of Chairman Mao Zedong, founder of modern China, “不去长城 非好汉” (you are not a hero until you climb the Great Wall)
The name Juyong means ‘Army Garrison Pass’, a reflection of its role as Beijing’s ancient northwestern shield.
Unlike most modern structures built by machines and the newest technologies, the Great Wall was built manually by millions of hands including those of peasant labourers, soldiers and prisoners who faced extreme conditions.
Each brick on the wall is a testament to the workers’ determination to build something that would protect their homeland and future generations.
Climbing the steep steps of the wall and navigating levels where it seems to rise sharply against the mountains reminds one of the difficulties that those who built it must have endured.
Argentinian journalist, Mr Hernan Russo, said that climbing the Great Wall and reaching the 12th level was a wonderful experience.
“This place is thousands of years old, and I thought about the number of people who lost their lives climbing the stones through thousands of kilometers to build it.
“In fact, there is a fact that hit me. Some say the great wall is one of the largest cemeteries in the world because millions of people died building it.
“Here I am walking on it, over 2,000 years later, with my camera.”
He said he was grateful for the experience to climb the wall because it made him to think about how immense and ephemeral life could be.
According to Russo, this is why every step on the wall should be enjoyed.
A Nigerian journalist on a media exchange programme in Beijing said that the panoramic landscape between levels of the Great Wall was marvellous.
“Meanwhile, it is easy to imagine the exhaustion and strain the builders must have gone through as they laboured on the wall day after day.
“Personally, every step I took on the wall was like a victory, a sense of achievement, as I overcame physical obstacles in front of me,” she said.
She said that the obstacles made her to reflect on her own personal struggles, particularly when tasks seemed insurmountable.
“Just like those who built the wall, we often face difficulties that demand much endurance and strength to push forward.”
The Chairman Mao Zedong, Founder of modern China, made a famous statement, “不去长城 非好汉”. This translates to either: “you are not a hero until you climb the Great Wall” or “he who has not been to the Great Wall is not a true man”.
Words of Chairman Mao Zedong, founder of modern China, “不去长城 非好汉” (you are not a hero until you climb the Great Wall)
A Kenyan journalist, Brian Ngugi, believes that anyone who climbs the wall and gets to the top is resilient.
Describing the wall as majestic, Ngugi urged prospective visitors willing to climb the wall to make sure they are fit, wear comfortable shoes and be ready for an exciting experience.
“You might not really be sure whether you will be able to get to the top because the steps are too many and very steep, but with a lot of patience, you can reach the top.
“Indeed, I agree, as they say: ‘You are not a great man if you haven’t been to the Great Wall’,” he said.
A Slovene journalist, Mojca Pisek, said the Great Wall represents a chapter of history that shaped China.
She said history could be a good teacher if one could be a good student, noting that the wall was a great piece of China’s past that everyone could appreciate.
“To anyone coming here, keep going, listen to your body and take plenty of stops, because once you make a stop and you have a breath or two, that energises you, and then you can keep going.
“Unless you have a health condition, you can always keep going and get to the top,” she said.
Analysts observe that in spite of the passage of time, erosion, and pressures from tourism, the Great Wall still stands strong in different sections, offering lessons to generations about the value of endurance, persistence, strength of mind, and unity of purpose.
They believe that, like the millions of workers who built the Great Wall, everyone has the power to face adversity, push forward and make their own marks on the sands of time. (NANFeatures)
***If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria
Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to cultural preservation and community revitalisation with revival of the Fanti Carnival.
The state’s Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said this at a news conference in Lagos.
Benson-Awoyinka said the carnival, which would hold on April 20, was a living expression of history rooted in the late 19th-century return of formerly enslaved Africans – many of Yoruba descent – from Brazil and other parts of the Americas.
The commissioner said these returnees established the Brazilian quarters of Lagos Island, including Campos and Isale Eko, and birthed a vibrant fusion of Afro-Brazilian culture.
She said the culture was expressed through samba rhythms, elaborate costumes, Catholic influences and the spirit of the street performance.
“The Lagos Fanti Carnival is more than a spectacle of colour and sound.
“It is a heritage that tells the story of return, resilience, and rich cultural rebirth.
“The Lagos Fanti Carnival is being revived, not as reenactment of the past, but as a reimagined relevant celebration of our shared heritage,” she said.
According to Benson-Awoyinka, the carnival which was once a major cultural event in Lagos has experienced a decline over the years due to urban modernisation and reduced general participation.
She, however, said that it was now witnessing a resurgence through collaborative efforts aimed at reimagining its relevance for tourism development, cultural preservation, youth engagement and community revitalisation.
The Consul General of Brazil in Lagos, Mr Manuel Lacerda Santos, said the deep-rooted cultural, diplomatic and economic bonds between Nigeria and Brazil had lasted for centuries.
Recalling how millions of Africans, primarily from ethnic groups such as Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa were taken to Brazil during the transatlantic slave trade between the 16th and 19th centuries, the Consul General said these migrations forged strong cultural connections that persist to this day.
“Today, Brazil is home to the largest population of people of African descent outside Africa.
“Much of its Afro-Brazilian culture finds its roots in Nigerian heritage, from Yoruba religion and music, dance and cuisine.
“The fact is, in recent decades, these cultural connections have evolved into strong diplomatic and economic relations.
“Both nations have worked together on various bilateral agreements, especially in areas such as energy, agriculture, trade, and education,” he said.
Also, Mr Oluremi Da-Costa, General-Secretary of the Brazilian Descendants Association, said the carnival was a cultural heritage still celebrated in Brazil, and kept alive in Lagos.
Da-Costa said apart from the carnival, the community had other cultural initiatives aimed at preserving and showcasing the historical ties between Brazil and Lagos.
He said one of such initiatives was the establishment of the Afro-Brazilian Cultural Centre, which was inaugurated in 2021.
The Permanent Secretary of the state’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, assured participants that the state’s agencies would be at various points of the carnival route to ensure a successful event.
Some of the agencies include the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and Lagos State Safety Commission.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Lagos Fanti Carnival will be held at the Remembrance Arcade of the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) between 10.00 a.m. and 10.00 p.m.
Kings College is the muster point where all the communities will take off from.
The parade will officially start from there to the arcade, going through the old Defence Road to TBS.
Then TBS Bus Terminal to Onikan Roundabout, heading toward Moloney Roundabout to Catholic Mission St., back to Kings College. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The Terra Academy for the Arts (TAFTA) on Friday in Lagos graduated 8,000 individuals in various creative disciplines, including script writing, animation, light, and sound design.
The ceremony, which is the academy’s third edition, was attended by students from TAFTA centres in Lagos, Ogun, and Kano, many of whom joined the celebration virtually.
The event, with the theme, ‘Celebrating Creative Transformation’, is in collaboration with Mastercard Foundation.
The Founder and Artistic Director of TAFTA, Mrs Bolanle Austen-Peters, said the graduation was a celebration of creativity and perseverance, and also the transformative power of the arts.
According to Austen-Peters, TAFTA, which was inaugurated during the COVID-19 pandemic, has impacted over 30,000 individuals through its free creative training programmes.
She urged the graduands to put the training, tools acquired, their talents and voice to great use in transforming the world, by uplifting others and challenging injustice.
“Anybody else that you can think of that has put a play, a movie or any form of creativity, starts with one thought.
“So, it’s a blank page, and so does every great life.
“All of you are blank pages, but it is what you put in that page that makes you a great person later on in your life,” she said.
She thanked the foundation for supporting free education and investing in futures that might otherwise have gone unseen.
Also, Rosy Fynn, Country Director of Mastercard Foundation, praised the academy for its role in advancing inclusive and transformative creative education.
Acknowledging the resilience, creativity and growth of the graduands, Fynn said they were not just acquiring skills but also becoming confident change-makers in Nigeria’s booming creative economy.
She noted that the foundation was keen on women, diversity, and inclusion, in order to bring reality to everyone’s vision regardless of their circumstances.
According to Fynn, in spite of Nigeria’s music, fashion, theatre and visual arts reshaping narratives about Africa, there is an inequitable access for young women and persons with disabilities to the economy.
Citing a PwC report, she said: “The creative and cultural industries are projected to contribute $15 billion to Nigerian GDP by 2025.
“And it’s been reported that the sector has the potential to create 2.7 million jobs in 2025,” she said.
Speaking at the event, renowned Nigerian actor and writer, Bimbo Manuel, charged the graduands to uphold competence and integrity as they enter the creative industry.
Manuel, who has nearly five decades of experience in television, theatre, film, and broadcast, urged the graduands to develop their career beyond certificates.
“If you leave this place and you’re hoping to ride the waves of this business on the strength of your certification, I think you’ve been in self-deception.
“Nobody will give you any offer if you do not or are not able to prove yourself,” he said.
Nigerian reality TV star and actress, Bamike Adenibuyan, popularly known as Bambam, said being passionate and unapologetically authentic, would help the graduands excel in their various crafts.
BamBam, who is a TAFTA ambassador and a protégé of the academy’s founder, urged the graduands to give any opportunity they are given the best they have.
“Do not change for anybody, do not fall for peer pressure. Be unapologetically, authentically you,” she urged them.
The Academy Lead of TAFTA, Mr Joseph Umoibom, told NAN that the programme, which lasted for three months, was done mostly virtually by the students.
Umoibom said though the training was free for individuals between 18 and 35 years, there was a focus on training females, so they could be more actively involved in the technical aspects of film and theatre.
Highlighting the challenges of the programme, he said some of the students struggled to get data to join classes virtually, and fare for onsite training and rehearsals.
Umoibom urged institutions, communities and religious organisations to partner by ensuring students had access to the free trainings.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the students showcased performances, including stage plays and short films, during the event.
One of the graduands, Favour Udechukwu, said the programme was an opportunity, and a dream fulfilled for her.
According to Udechukwu, who is also an undergraduate Computer Science student, she wants an opportunity into the creative industry as a scriptwriter.
“I expect to be a big movie star in the next three to four years,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The Ogun State Government on Friday disclosed that Olumo Rock Tourist Centre will be closed temporarily from April 14 for renovation and facelift of the centre.
Mr Sesan Fagbayi, the state’s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, in a statement in Abeokuta, said the renovation was to boost tourism and preserve cultural assets across the state.
Fagbayi noted that the development was part of a broader commitment to revamp one of the most iconic tourist destinations.
He assured that the renovation would improve visitors’ experience and ensure safety measures.
Fagbayi explained that Olumo Rock receives over 70,000 visitors annually, necessitating a befitting outlook.
He apologised to tourists and the general public for the inconveniences the development might cause, adding that updates would be communicated as work progresses. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The Nigerian Academy for Cultural Studies (NACUS), a Federal Government initiative aimed at promoting cultural education, is set to begin its academic session in September with four pilot campuses.
The pilot campuses are located in Lagos, Cross River, Ogbomosho and Abuja.
NACUS, established as a specialised monotechnic under the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), is designed to train citizens on dynamics in cultural studies, and instil a deeper appreciation for Nigerian cultural values.
Chief Biodun Ajiboye, Chief Executive Officer of NICO, said the academy is a response to the urgent need to counter cultural imperialism.
Citing examples of Japan, China and Korea, Ajiboye said these countries had demonstrated that national development is a function of cultural realisation.
“Part of the reasons why Africa is backward as a continent is purely as a result of cultural imperialism, which we need to stand and fight against,” he said.
He said the academy, approved by the National Board for Technical Education, would award graduates with a National Diploma in Cultural Administration Resource Management and Postgraduate Diploma in Cultural Administration.
He added that the certificates could be used for employment and career progression.
“The National Diplomas and Postgraduate Diploma programmes are open but not limited to cultural officers, theatre practitioners, workers in hospitality sector, filmmakers, and foreign students who are interested in Nigerian culture.
“These certificates qualify Nigerians all over the world to be cultural officers in the nation’s foreign embassies, which is indeed a necessity at this point in Nigeria’s development,” he said.
NAN reports that the academy is introducing courses such as Cultural Technology and Cultural Pharmacology.
The courses are aimed at contributing to the GDP of Nigeria, by developing a few things locally that will reduce pressure on foreign exchange in the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Katsina State to harness its unique cultural monuments, including the iconic Gobarau Minaret and Kusugu Well to promote domestic tourism.
Speaking during the signing ceremony in Katsina on Tuesday, the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Hannatu Musawa, emphasised that the initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, the partnership was aimed at building proper structures to add value to Nigeria’s rich cultural identity, in a move to revitalise Nigeria’s cultural heritage and boost domestic tourism.
She stressed the need to prioritise cultural identities of the people, values, and heritage.
Musawa said: “Katsina is blessed with unique monuments and cultural assets that can serve not only as tourist attractions but also as tools to empower our youth and foster economic growth.”
Highlighting Katsina’s historical significance, the minister said the state plays a critical role in telling Nigeria’s story.
She pointed to historical landmarks such as the Gobarau Minaret and Kusugu Well as key assets in the government’s plan to promote domestic tourism and create a global hub for creativity and innovation.
“We are putting in place strong policies and infrastructure to help every state in Nigeria showcase its heritage.
“This initiative is about celebrating the uniqueness of each state and turning that into economic opportunity.
“The project aims to create platforms for youth engagement, particularly for content creators and cultural entrepreneurs, allowing them to explore and showcase their talents while contributing to national development,” she said.
Musawa said the inspection of the historical monuments in Daura and Katsina are targeted to renovating them and considering them for recommendation as UNESCO Heritage Site.
Responding on behalf of the Katsina State Government, the Commissioner for Rural and Social Development, Prof. Abdulhamid Ahmed, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government’s commitment.
“This initiative is timely, and we are fully committed to supporting it; it has the potential to transform Katsina into a key destination for domestic tourism,” he stated.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister visited the Emir of Daura, Faruk Umar Faruk-Umar, where she was taken around to see some historical moments, like the Kusugu Well.
Other areas she visited were: Durbi Takusheyi, Gobarau Minaret, and other rich monuments in the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy (FMACTCE), says work is at final stage in the review of Nigeria’s National Policy on Culture.
The minister said in a statement on Friday in Abuja, that this was coming 37 years after the last review.
Musawa said the exercise was in collaboration with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
”The document was last reviewed in 1988, and has remained in draft form for over 37 years in spite of its significance in shaping Nigeria’s cultural and creative industries.
”A Cultural Policy Drafting Committee was inaugurated in July 2024, comprising over 100 members, divided into sub-groups to research, develop, and refine the policy framework.
”The committee successfully completed the virtual drafting process in December 2024, leading to the need for a physical drafting exercise to consolidate and refine the document,” she said.
She explained that the final stage was to get the policy ready for Stakeholders Engagement and Validation exercise before submission to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval.
“In recognition of the urgency of the reforms, the ministry initiated the comprehensive review process, ensuring that Nigeria’s cultural framework aligns with global best practices and reflects the evolving creative economy.
“This initiative reflects the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to cultural development under the Renewed Hope Agenda,” she said.
According to her, national policy on culture serves as a legal framework guiding the preservation, promotion, and development of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
She noted that the review will ensure that the policy reflects contemporary trends, particularly the shift from a creative industry to a creative economy.
Musawa further said that the ministry’s partnership with NESG and UNESCO had been instrumental in ensuring a well-structured and inclusive review process.
“Through the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2024, NESG has provided research, technical support, and stakeholder engagement strategies to ensure that the final policy meets both national and international standards.
“Additionally, UNESCO’s technical assistance has played a key role in training Ministry staff and NESG representatives to align the revised policy with global best practices.
“The organisation has facilitated workshops and provided expert guidance to ensure that Nigeria’s policy supports the growth of the creative economy while preserving cultural heritage,” she said.
Also speaking, a facilitator at NESG, Ikenna Nwosu, who participated in the policy drafting process said: ”for 37 years, this policy remained unchanged despite the rapid transformation of the cultural and creative sectors.
“Ideally, such policies should be reviewed every five to 10 years. What we are witnessing today is a long-overdue intervention.
“The industry has moved far ahead of governance, and this exercise is an essential step in ensuring that policies catch up with the sector’s economic potential.
“The minister’s leadership in driving this review is commendable, as it will reposition our cultural sector as a key contributor to Nigeria’s GDP.”(NAN)(nannews.ng)
The Federal Government has forged pivotal partnership with African Export-Import Bank (Afrexim Bank) and others toward ensuring that the creative and tourism sector contributes meaningfully to the nation’s economy.
Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
Musawa said the partnerships were initiated and concretised through the ministry.
According to her, some of the strategic partners also include Wakanow, Africa’s premiere tour operator, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and TelAirVision, among others.
The minister said that the collaborative initiatives were in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of building a one trillion dollars economy from the sector.
Musawa said these collaborations were geared towards driving growth, enhance cultural diplomacy, and boost gross domestic Production (GDP) contribution from the ministry to the nation’s economy.
The minister said investors, Nigerian content creators and other industry players in the creative economy were already benefiting from such partnerships, policy initiatives and bold reforms in the sector.
According to her, a recent deal with Afreximbank enabled Nigeria to secure a 200 million dollars financing facility from the bank to provide essential funding for businesses and entrepreneurs in the creative sector.
She said the move was to ensure that Nigeria’s creatives, ranging from filmmakers to digital innovator, have the capital needed to scale their ventures, create jobs, and expand their global reach.
“The Creative Leap Acceleration Programme (CLAP) is also developed in partnership with Lebara Nigeria that provides creatives with equitable loans, digital financing, and affordable internet access, ensuring their seamless participation in the digital economy.
“Additionally, inbound tourists will benefit from streamlined financial services and eSIM activation, enhancing their experience in Nigeria.
“To strengthen Nigeria’s creative workforce, the ministry has partnered with Alison, a global e-learning provider, integrating its Learning Management System (LMS) into CLAP.
“This offers creatives access to courses in digital media, gaming, music production, and cinematography, positioning Nigeria as a globally competitive creative hub.
“Another key partnership was a boost to digital storytelling through the Content Creators Challenge, a partnership between FMACTCE and TelAirVision.
“This initiative provides funding, mentorship, and distribution support for digital creatives transitioning from short-form to full-length productions.
“By expanding opportunities in the content economy, the program fosters innovation and employment while promoting Nigerian talent on a global stage,” she said.
Musawa said, to ensure financial probity in the sector, fraud prevention measures had been put in place, as the ministry joined forces with Prembly to implement advanced Know Your Customer (KYC) verification.
She further explained a partnership with the Presidential Tax Committee to introduce tax incentives and credits, making Nigeria’s creative sector more appealing to foreign investors.
She said the ministry had also taken steps towards investment in infrastructure by singing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cavista Holdings.
She said that the MoU focused on developing tourism infrastructure, digitising tourism experiences, and investment in human capital.
She said the ministry under her watch, was strengthening international collaborations, including the one with the British Council, to drive skills development and cultural exchanges.
“The ministry has engaged the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to analyse best practices from South Korea, Saudi Arabia, India, Japan, and China.
“These insights will help Nigeria tailors policies that drive the creative economy’s growth and maximise its GDP contribution.
“There is also strategic agreements with Brazil which include the renovation of Casa da Nigeria in Salvador, fostering co-productions in film and music, and promoting cultural exchange.
“Similarly, there is a partnership with the French Republic that grants Nigerian creatives access to French markets and specialised training in fashion, gaming, and cinema,” she said.
Musawa added that the ministry’s strategic partnership initiatives would not only create jobs and attract investment but also position Nigeria as a cultural and creative powerhouse in the global economy.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Isaac Aregbesola
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