PRESIDENT TINUBU AT ABUJA CARNIVAL LAUNCH: Creative Economy A Cornerstone Of My Diversification Agenda

*** Says industry now a major contributor to Nigeria’s non-oil GDP growth

By: Our Reporter

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday identified the creative economy as a cornerstone of his administration’s economic diversification agenda.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to positioning Nigeria’s creative sector as key driver of Nigeria’s global influence.

The President stated this during the launch of the 2024 Abuja International Carnival at Eagle Square, Abuja.

President Tinubu who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, said, “We are not here just to celebrate a carnival but to reaffirm the essence of who we are as Nigerians—a people of culture, a people of art, a people of colour, and a people of shared values.”

The President reaffirmed the carnival’s role in strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global creative economy.

“Our creativity continues to shine on the global stage, drawing admiration and respect. This heritage is the truest measure of what it means to be Nigerian—proud, resourceful, and innovative,” he stated.

Under the theme, “Carnival of Renewed Hope: A Pledge to My Country,” the event showcased performances from across Nigeria and beyond, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to cultural diplomacy.

“The unifying power of art and culture on display here is a reflection of what we can achieve when we work together,” President Tinubu said.

The President emphasised the carnival’s economic impact, noting that Nigeria’s creative industries are already contributing significantly to the nation’s GDP.

“Over the years, this carnival has become a stage for showcasing our rich cultural heritage and a driving force behind our growing creative economy. It has revitalised local industries, fostered cultural diplomacy, and contributed immensely to Nigeria’s position as a cultural powerhouse on the global stage.”

Addressing international participants, Tinubu reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to cultural exchange, just as he said, “Their presence affirms that culture transcends boundaries, and it is through cultural exchange that we build bridges of understanding, friendship, and shared humanity. In this carnival, we offer not just a spectacle but a home away from home for our guests.”

The President called for deeper reflection on the event’s significance, noting that it is more than mere celebration: “A carnival of this scale is not merely an occasion for festivities; it is a call to action. It reminds us of the pledge we owe to our nation: to promote peace, preserve our unity, and contribute, in whatever way we can, to the Nigeria of our dreams.”

The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, working alongside the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the Abuja International Carnival Secretariat, also received presidential commendation for their role in organizing the event.

President Tinubu praised their “dedication and vision in making the carnival a source of pride for our nation.”

“Our diversity is not just a mark of identity but a powerful force that strengthens our unity and inspires us to dream bigger for our country,” he added.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musawa explained that the carnival is a brand that binds Nigerians together and promotes the nation’s beauty and strength in diversity.

The Minister who was represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Oraelumo Obi Raphael, said, “The Carnival is a unique brand that involves the 36 states and the FCT, and countries from all over the world, with Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy as the Coordinating Ministry and the FCT as the host.

“The unique aspect of Abuja Carnival is the fact that it is a platform for artistic expression, innovation, and cultural exchange among local and international participants and the activities are highly competitive, which has given Nigerians the platform to develop and showcase their creative ingenuity as a tool for harnessing the power of culture and strengthening our nation’s bond to foster a brighter future.”

For the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, who was represented by the Director, Social Welfare in the FCTA, the theme of this year’s carnival, “Carnival of Renewed Hope: A Pledge to My Country,” is a call to action, a reminder and a promise, noting that it does not just celebrate the nation’s vibrant culture but also the spirit of resilience and hope that define Nigeria.

He said, ” As we gather here, adorned in the colours, sounds, and expressions of our diverse heritage, we are also united by a shared vision for Nigeria, a vision rooted in the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, of hope, renewal, and the commitment to work together toward a brighter future.

“The Abuja International Carnival is a testament to the power of culture in binding us together. It serves as a bridge, connecting generations, ethnicities, and regions across Nigeria.”

PRESIDENT TINUBU AT ABUJA CARNIVAL LAUNCH: Creative Economy A Cornerstone Of My Diversification Agenda

Period poverty: NEEM Foundation distributes sanitary pads to over 300 student in Abuja

By: Michael Mike

NEEM Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) has distributed sanitary towels to over 300 students in Abuja as part of its commitment to end period poverty among young school girls,

The foundation carried out the empowerment scheme in collaboration with the Regent Schools Abuja, at the Junior Secondary School, JSS, Jabi 1, Abuja.

Head legal, Neem Foundation, Nancy Oyibo
said conversations around menstrual health and hygiene should be normalised, noting that access to menstrual hygiene products is crucial to healthy living, well being and dignity of all women and girls in the society.

She said empowering women to take charge of their menstrual health is not just essential but transformative.

Oyibo said: “We discovered some issues of health as some young girls cannot afford sanitary towels during their period. We thought it was imperative, following the rate of inflation to help the young ladies, the future of our country.”

She disclosed that “this is our second distribution in Abuja, we have also done few distributions in Maiduguri.”

She noted that the target goal is to create a pad bank in schools, as according to research carried out by the organisation revealed that female students sometimes miss school during the period of their menstrual flow.

She said: “This is just a step to many activities to be carried out in this light. We are going to take this all the way to where it needs to get to and to pass on this message so people can understand the effect this has on the education system for young girls.

“We do not want to have girls in situations where they are vulnerable and not proud of something that comes naturally. We want them to come confidently knowing they have nothing to worry about as they can compete with their male counterpart in school and ensure that they get the best out of it.

“For now, we are engaging mostly the girls as we realized that, most of them are shy to discuss topics related to menstrual hygiene, so this stage is to have an interaction with them, to make them comfortable. This factor made us ensure we have male personnel among us to talk about these issues as a gradual process, then subsequently, we include the boys in the discuss.

“This whole situations stems from the home as some homes do not seem it right to discuss issues of menstrual hygiene publicly. This is how some people grew up and we are trying to change that narrative with a focus on spreading the word to everyone.

During an interactive section with the student, Legal Assistant Neem, Aliyyah Abdulkadir disclosed that the organisation saw it necessary to provide sanitary towels from the opinion that, you girls should not stay out of school, or have to choose between school and menstrual care.

She charged the students to be agent of change, in making concerted efforts to educate others in a bid to break the culture of silence.

For her part, the Executive Assistant to the Executive Director, Aisha Muniru Mai, speaking on the up coming 16 days activism on Violence Against Women, said: “We are keying into the issues with specific interest to access to education.

“One of the things we overlook is the period poverty. As if you do not have access to menstrual hygiene products, it will be difficult to go to school and learn. As such we are highlighting period poverty, teaching the children the signs and things they need to be aware of to identify violence and report to appropriate quarters.

The Director/Principal, JSS, Jabi 1, Dr. Grace Ifeyinwa Onyeanusi expressed profound gratitude to NEEM Foundation for the kind gesture as it will go a long way in helping the students maintain hygiene during menstruation.

One of the beneficiaries, A JSS 3 student Tega Praise Ogaga, expressed her appreciation to NEEM Foundation, disclosing how sometimes she is scared to approach her parents to purchase sanitary towels during menstruation and will have to use a single pad for a long period.

She said, “Sometimes I resolve to using rags or more than one pant, which is very discomforting, but with the sanitary towels from NEEM Foundation, I will not have to make any demands from my parents in a while.

Neem Foundation is a leading crisis response organisation committed to promoting the protection and wellbeing of populations and communities living in contexts affected by conflict, violence, and fragility.

Period poverty: NEEM Foundation distributes sanitary pads to over 300 student in Abuja

Flame Initiatives, RCCG empowers widows in FCT

By: Michael Mike

As part of its commitment to foster empowerment in marginalised communities, Flame Initiatives, a Non-Governmental Organisation under the CINTA Widows Empowerment Programme, has donated food items, funds, and other materials to widows in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The outreach carried out in Abuja, was in collaboration with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), The Lord’s Place.

Speaking, the Lead Pastor of the RCCG, the Lord’s Place, Pastor Ola Omosebi, charged the Federal government to make concerted efforts to enhance the current economic situation facing the country, deploying urgent solutions without altering long-term policies.  

Pastor Omosebi said the church is emulating how Christ fed 5,000 persons during famine while asking the government to act fast to ameliorate the suffering of the people.

“The major direction of this event is to have at least one day a year where widows are brought together and empowered with soft skills, business skills, enterprise skills and encouragement. One of the things this program offers is hope. “

He urged the government to support widows through sustainable initiatives. Providing a dedicated secretariat advocating for women, particularly widows, with government representatives. 

“People are struggling to make ends meet, and the prolonged hardship is leading to depression, despair, and even death. The government must prioritize quick-fix solutions alongside long-term plans to restore hope and confidence in the economy.”

Also speaking, the Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat of the FCT Administration (FCTA), Dr Adedayo Benjamin-Laniyi,  expressed empathy for the resilient widows, noting that one cannot understand what it means to be in their shoes.

Laniyi, represented by her Personal Assistant, Mrs. Kemi Samuel, noted the fundamental role a husband/father plays, stating that loss can change lives and test the core of beings.

She celebrated the widows for their resilience and strength while acknowledging the challenges amidst the hardship and grief come the capacity to adapt. 

She said, “We are here to support one another. Let today be a reminder to encourage and uplift one another.

“It’s an honour to celebrate strength, resilience, and community. 

She noted that the event is a testament to the extraordinary courage and unwavering determination of everyone who has navigated the challenges of widows.

Also, the President of Widows Organisation International FCT Chapter, Aisha Baba Ringo, advised widows to persevere and be hardworking. 

According to her, “Being a widow doesn’t mean all hope is lost, it’s also not a stigma”. 

A beneficiary of the programme,  Ms Oyeyemi Obende, said the programme has been educative, innovative and supportive. She advised widows not to give up even if the world looked down on them.

Flame Initiatives was established to provide the disadvantaged and mainly rural population with relief materials, motivation, and empowerment to improve their physical and social well-being. Their main objective is to drive social change in communities by facilitating development in the public and private sectors.

Flame Initiatives, RCCG empowers widows in FCT