National News
$618 MILLION I-DICE PROGRAMME TO PROMOTE DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES LAUNCHED

$618 MILLION I-DICE PROGRAMME TO PROMOTE DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES LAUNCHED
By: Michael Mike
A $618 million Investment in Digital & Creative Enterprises (I-DICE) Programme has been launched for the promotion of digital technology and creative industries in the country.
The Programme, according to a statement on Wednesday by the French Embassy was an initiative from the Federal Government of Nigeria and aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and innovation in the digital technology and creative industries.
According to the statement, The launching which took place on Wednesday was held at the State House in presence of the Vice-President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, with co-financiers representatives in attendance.
The statement said I-DICE Programme is part of efforts to create jobs for young Nigerians and support the development of these fast-growing industries. It is co-financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB), French Development Agency (AFD), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) & the Bank of Industry (BOI) with respectively $170 million, €100 million (equivalent to $116 million), $70 million & $45 million in funding.

The statement added that the remaining financing is expected to come from the private sector and institutional investors. The funding will provide training, mentorship, and funding to young entrepreneurs and innovators in the digital technology and creative industries. The Implementing Agency, the Bank of Industry, will coordinate the day-to-day activities of the project.
Speaking at the launch of the program at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, the Vice President called on African governments and the private sector to do more to support the growth of innovation in the continent.
He said: “I think it is now imperative to commence a coordinated approach towards innovation on the continent, bringing together all stakeholders to coordinate efforts at scaling up investments and building programmes that provide the right enabling environment and produce talent pipelines that support the growth of innovation on the continent.”
In his remarks, the President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina said: “I am proud of the African Development Bank Group’s leading role in this initiative, which has the potential to generate millions of jobs for Nigeria’s youths.The urgency of leveraging the implementation of I-DICE sustainable job creation and economic transformation is now”
Speaking at the launch event, the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs. Emmanuelle Blatmann, underscored the importance of the digital technology and creative industries to the Nigerian economy. “The digital technology and creative industries have enormous potential to create jobs and spur economic growth in Nigeria,” she said. “The I-DICE program, co-financed by AFD, AfDB, IsDB & the BOI, is designed to support the young entrepreneurs and innovators who are driving these industries forward.”The launch event brought together representatives from the Nigerian government, the private sector, as well as young entrepreneurs and innovators from the digital technology and creative industries. The event featured presentations and networking opportunities, and highlighted the opportunities and challenges facing these industries in Nigeria.
With a focus on enhancing access to finance for start-ups in the digital and creative industry and job creation, the I-DICE Programme is poised to make is a significant impact on the lives of young Nigerians, helping to create sustainable employment opportunities and contributing to the development of the country’s economy. The commitment of the co-financiers to supporting this initiative underscores their recognition of the importance of these sectors in driving economic growth and development in Nigeria, the statement said.
$618 MILLION I-DICE PROGRAMME TO PROMOTE DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES LAUNCHED
National News
ISWAP Terrorists Kill Hunters’ Leader in Borno

ISWAP Terrorists Kill Hunters’ Leader in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected ISWAP terrorists have killed the chairman of the hunters’ group in Garjang village, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 5 a.m. on Sunday.
The victim, identified as Habu Dala, 53, was abducted from his home by the terrorists, who took him through Mulharam to Forfot villages in Damboa LGA.
Villagers mobilised in search of Dala and later found his corpse bearing gunshot wounds.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and the hunters’ group visited the scene.
The remains were evacuated to the General Hospital, Damboa, where he was certified dead and later released to his family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
ISWAP Terrorists Kill Hunters’ Leader in Borno
National News
Nine Injured in Kwali Farmers–Herders Clash

Nine Injured in Kwali Farmers–Herders Clash
By: Zagazola Makama
Nine persons sustained machete injuries in a clash between Bassa farmers and Fulani herders in Gomoni Village, Kwali Area Council of the FCT.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the fight, which broke out on Aug. 9 at about 3:30 p.m., followed alleged destruction of melon and maize farms belonging to the Bassa community by cattle.
It was gathered that the Nigeria army troops
along with joint team of operatives, and vigilantes were deployed to the scene following a distress call.
Six Bassa and three Fulani victims with varying degrees of machete cuts were taken to Rhema Foundation Hospital, Kwali, for treatment.
Authorities confirmed that the situation had been brought under control and normalcy restored, while investigation was ongoing.
Nine Injured in Kwali Farmers–Herders Clash
National News
VP Shettima Attends Wedding Fatiha Of Aisha Shehu Aliyu and Muhammad Jalal Babangida Aliyu

VP Shettima Attends Wedding Fatiha Of Aisha Shehu Aliyu and Muhammad Jalal Babangida Aliyu
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Saturday attended the wedding fatiha of Aisha, daughter of Shehu Aliyu, an Executive Director with First Bank of Nigeria, and Muhammad Jalal, son of former Niger State Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, Talban Minna, at the National Mosque, Abuja.
The solemnisation, led by the Chief Imam of the National Mosque, Dr. Muhammad Kabir Adam, alongside other Imams, featured prayers for the couple’s blessings.
Vice President Shettima stood in for the bride, while Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu represented the groom, culminating in the presentation of the dowry and the formal tying of the marital knot.
The event was graced by prominent dignitaries, including former Vice President Namadi Sambo, former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi, former Minister of Special Duties Kabiru Turaki, Katsina State Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe, the Emir of Borgu, Niger State, Muhammad Sani Dantoro among many others.
VP Shettima Attends Wedding Fatiha Of Aisha Shehu Aliyu and Muhammad Jalal Babangida Aliyu
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