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USAID Partners to Launch the African Creative Blueprint and Strengthen Nigeria’s Creative Industry
USAID Partners to Launch the African Creative Blueprint and Strengthen Nigeria’s Creative Industry
By: Michael Mike
The United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) on Monday announced its latest strategic partnership with Ascend Studios, a creative-industry organisation providing capacity building, mentorship, social, educational, and economic empowerment to women and youth to propel Nigeria’s creative sector.
This partnership, according to a statement issued by US Embassy in Nigeria, will catalyze additional funding to strengthen Nigeria’s burgeoning Nollywood industry with additional partners including Paramount Nigeria, Venture Garden Group, and renowned music executive Ralph Simon.
According to the statement, the strategic partnership labeled the Africa Creative Blueprint, will strengthen Nigerian youth with the skills and resources needed to compete in the creative industry and also elevate Nigerian creatives to the international stage.
USAID Nigeria Mission Director Melissa Jones in her remarks, said: “The U.S. government is eager to enhance Nigeria’s capacity as a leading player in the creative economy and encourage global partnerships. This partnership will create a stream of high-quality, commercially viable content that can compete on the world stage.”
The statement recognized that while Nigeria’s film industry has achieved global recognition, it faces structural challenges that hinder its full economic and creative potential. Key areas for improvement include expanding film distribution channels, enhancing production quality through advanced equipment, developing stronger screenwriting and story development practices, and reinforcing intellectual property protections. Addressing these gaps would enable the creative sector to capture a broader audience and support more sustainable revenue streams for filmmakers.
The statement said: “To address these challenges, USAID teamed up with the Nigerian and American private sectors to launch the Africa Creative Blueprint. At the core of the collective $3.5 million investment, the Africa Creative Blueprint will provide intensive training skills in TV production to 3,500 Nigerian youth and develop a skilled TV workforce of at least 200 youth to create a high-quality, music-infused 13-episode TV drama. The TV drama will be a powerful medium to convey social messages, promote positive change, and foster inclusive growth and equitable opportunity in Nigeria.”
It revealed that the training will take place across six Nigerian cities—Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Kano, Benin, and Asaba—ensuring wide-reaching access to this unique development opportunity.
It said the Africa Creative Blueprint is now accepting applications for the training programme and cast/crew member employment. The programme will select from directors, writers, producers, production coordinators/managers, editors, production designers, cinematographers, costumiers, assistant directors, actors/actresses, composers, sound designers, lawyers, accountants, and production finance professionals (including sales agents).
“We are honored to be selected as the recipient of USAID funding,” said Inya Lawal, CEO of Ascend Studios. “This collaboration represents a milestone for the Nigerian creative sector and opens opportunities for us to elevate African stories on a global platform. Through this initiative, we are building the infrastructure needed to develop world-class creative talent capable of transforming the industry.”
USAID Partners to Launch the African Creative Blueprint and Strengthen Nigeria’s Creative Industry
Troops neutralise ISWAP cameraman, seize propaganda camcorder in Bitta clash
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have scored a major psychological and intelligence victory against terrorists of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), following the killing of a group’s cameraman during a failed attack on Bitta town in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the troops not only repelled the assault but also recovered a sophisticated camcorder used by the terrorists to record propaganda footage.
Security sources confirmed that the insurgents had planned to use the failed operation to generate fear-inducing content aimed at glorifying their attack and disseminating false narratives through online channels.
The ISWAP cameraman was identified by the equipment he carried, which included a ruggedised camcorder and media pouches strapped to his vest. He was taken down in the heat of the exchange.
The camera contained footages that is now being processed for intelligence exploitation.
Troops neutralise ISWAP cameraman, seize propaganda camcorder in Bitta clash
Security forces arrest 13 illegal immigrants in Ogun, hand them over to immigration
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces on Tuesday arrested 13 suspected illegal immigrants following a distress call from residents of Unity Estate in Pakuro, Mowe area of the state.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the foreigners, who hail from Cameroon, Togo, and Ivory Coast, were allegedly causing public disturbance in the neighbourhood, prompting residents to alert the police.
Police sources said that following the alert at about 11:00 a.m., the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Mowe Division swiftly mobilised detectives to the scene.
All 13 suspects were apprehended and after initial profiling, they were handed over to the Controller of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Ogun State Command, Abeokuta, for further investigation and necessary action.
The command assured residents that it would continue to work with other security agencies to ensure peace and order, especially in border communities.
End
Police launch manhunt after suspected abduction of two women in Abuja community
By: Zagazola Makama
The FCT Police Command has launched a joint operation to rescue two women suspected to have been abducted during an armed invasion in the Aco Mbawpe area of Abuja.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday when criminal elements armed with dangerous weapons stormed the community and attacked a private residence.
According to a police sources, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Iddo Division received a distress call at about 2:10 a.m. on July 23, alerting them to the attack.
“Upon receiving the report, our patrol teams were swiftly deployed to the scene. Preliminary investigation revealed that the residence of one Fati Omale was invaded by the assailants, and she, along with another woman identified as Zainab Ibrahim, is believed to have been abducted to an unknown destination,” the police said in a statement.
In response to the incident, combined teams of Police Operatives from Iddo Division, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, as well as local vigilantes and hunters, have commenced a massive search and rescue operation.
The joint teams are combing the surrounding bushes and hills around the Aco Mbawpe axis, a semi-rural settlement on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory, in a bid to locate the abductors’ hideout and ensure the safe return of the victims.
Police launch manhunt after suspected abduction of two women in Abuja community
Troops neutralise ISWAP cameraman, seize propaganda camcorder in Bitta clash
Joint Nigeria–Niger military offensive hits major terrorist stronghold near Damasak
Security forces arrest 13 illegal immigrants in Ogun, hand them over to immigration
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