National News
Diri calls for action on insecurity in Niger Delta
Diri calls for action on insecurity in Niger Delta
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Duoye Diri has said that there is urgent need to address the root causes of crime and insecurity in the Niger Delta, calling for the design of a pan-regional response to the crisis in the oil rich region.
He made the call on Tuesday at the Golden Tulip in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, during an inception workshop to address crime and insecurity in the Niger Delta, a project organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), together with the Bayelsa State Government and with the support of the Government of Germany.
Diri, who accompanied by members of his cabinet, including the Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government, Chief of Staff to the Governor, members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, and National Assembly Members to the occasion, in his opening speech, stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of crime and insecurity and to design a pan-regional response to the crisis, based on the traditional ties among the coastal communities across the Niger Delta and the wider Gulf of Guinea.
He pledged that “the Bayelsa State Government under my leadership will support and work with the UNODC in actualising this project and propose to host the Gulf of Guinea Security Conference”.
On his part, the Country Representative of the UNODC Nigeria, Oliver Stolpe expressed profound appreciation to the Bayelsa State Government for its hospitality and support.
He highlighted that UNODC for several decades had provided extensive support to both government and civil society organisations developing laws and policies, strengthening institutions, and building operational capacities of security and justice sector personnel.
He explained that the objective of the project was to complement these efforts by directly engaging communities at the grassroots level in addressing the factors driving crime, insecurity and impunity in the Niger Delta.
He further thanked the Government of Senator Douye Diri for inviting the UNODC and pledged to work towards achieving a “whole-of-society” approach to tackle these issues in the target communities in the Niger Delta region and build sustainable and trusting relationships between local communities and security and justice actors.
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According to a statement on Wednesday by the Communications Associate of UNODC Nigeria, Ms. Olivia Ogechi Okorondu, the event was further attended by King Jaja, Natural ruler of Opobo Kingdom and Chairman of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, who in his remark on behalf of Traditional Institutions and Communities, emphasized that there is an urgent need to address the problem of drug use among young people.
He noted that there is a link between drug trafficking and insecurity.
The other traditional ruler, King Bubaraye Dakolo, Ebenanaowei of Ekpetiama Clan, Bayelsa State, representative of King Spiff, Amayanabo of Twon Brass and Chairman Council of Traditional Rulers, Bayelsa State, who welcomed the interventions and pledged to provide support to the UNODC and its project, and other relevant interventions in the Niger Delta.
Overall, the participants at the meeting emphasized on the need to leverage the power of local communities in influencing the trajectories of young people and help them make choices that will give them their best lives.
Okorondu said the inception meeting launched the consultative process for the development of a comprehensive community-based crime prevention strategy and action plans initially targeting select communities across the Niger Delta region. The project is creating a platform of action bringing together various stakeholders including civil society organisations, traditional institutions, youth groups, local government, local law enforcement institutions, security agencies and criminal justice sector institutions.
Diri calls for action on insecurity in Niger Delta
National News
UK and Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) Launches Creative Industries Technical Working Group
UK and Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) Launches Creative Industries Technical Working Group
By: Michael Mike
In a major stride toward fostering innovation and collaboration, the United Kingdom (UK) and Nigeria have officially launched the Creative Industries Technical Working Group, marking a pivotal development in the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP). This partnership aims to deepen bilateral ties and create a robust framework for growth within the creative sectors of both nations.
The launch of this Working Group and a match-making event for UK-Nigeria creatives industries leaders which took place in London on Tuesday, represents a milestone in the UK-Nigeria relationship, designed to boost innovation, cross-border
creative collaborations, and drive sustainable economic growth and development. Both events provided a dynamic platform to explore new opportunities and form commercial alliances within key creative subsectors such as Film and TV, Music, Fashion & Design, Architecture, Advertising, and Gaming.
A statement by the British High Commission in Nigeria, said: “By prioritising collaboration and cultural exchange, the initiative is poised to foster long-term growth, enhance job creation, and unlock new pathways for creativity and innovation in both countries.”
It revealed that a Terms of Reference and joint workplan for 2025 were also agreed upon to guide the Group’s focus and efforts.
Speaking on the significance of the launch, Florence Eshalomi MP, the UK’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group, remarked: “Today marks a significant moment as we launch the UK-Nigeria Creatives Working Group. Our nations share a rich cultural bond and a deep belief in the transformative power of creativity, through music, film,fashion, and arts.
“This initiative, rooted in our landmark Enhanced Trade & Investment Partnerships (ETIP), will drive stronger trade ties, foster deeper collaboration, and unlock the full potential of our creative industries. By enhancing market access and investing in skills, we are opening doors to new opportunities that will create jobs and boost economic growth in the UK and in Nigeria.”
Emphasising the need for deeper creative and cultural ties, the Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group in Nigeria, Mr. Obi Asika,, said: “Nigeria’s creative economy is a global force, driven by our storytellers, musicians, designers, and digital innovators. From Nollywood to Afrobeats, fashion to gaming, our industries are reshaping global culture and commerce. However, to unlock the full potential of this sector, we need strategic investment and support not just in talent, but in the institutions and infrastructure that will sustain long-term growth.”
Representing Mr., Obi Asika from the Nigerian side, Prince Baba Agba, Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Creativity, underscored the importance of leveraging UK expertise for impactful collaborations: “The UK’s creative industries stand as a global benchmark for institutional excellence, market distribution, and innovation. We are eager to tap into your expertise for meaningful partnerships. This Working Group isn’t just about discussions – it’s about taking concrete actions that will yield tangible outcomes for creators, businesses, and industry stakeholders on both sides.”
Also speaking on behalf of the music industry, Product Lead at Gbedu Labs Adedayo Ayoade, said:“The future of Nigeria’s music industry lies in live experiences, innovation, and global collaborations. The launch of the Creative Industries Technical Working Group, under the ETIP framework, represents a significant first step towards bridging cultures and amplifying the voices of the next generation.”
The launch of the Working Group and match-making event which took the form of a series of in person dialogues attended by officials from the UK and Nigerian
governments as well as creatives and served as an institutional framework for deliberations and actions.
UK and Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) Launches Creative Industries Technical Working Group
National News
LAWMAKERS COMMEND NSCDC BOSS FOR LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS IN COMBATING ILLEGAL MINING, HARPS ON SUSTAINED ZEST TO CURTAIL ECONOMIC SABOTAGE
LAWMAKERS COMMEND NSCDC BOSS FOR LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS IN COMBATING ILLEGAL MINING, HARPS ON SUSTAINED ZEST TO CURTAIL ECONOMIC SABOTAGE
By: Michael Mike
The House of Representative committee on Public Petitions has commended the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr Ahmed Audi for numerous achievements made by the NSCDC in ensuring a crime-free mining environment.
The lawmakers expressed their delight in the operational plan of the NSCDC Mining Marshals and the relentless onslaught against economic saboteurs within the mining sector.
“We are impressed with the Mining Marshals’effort to salvage the nation from the hands of thieves and infiltrators”.
While charging the Corps to keep up the good work, the House Committee further requested the Marshals to provide the activity schedule of operations within four weeks.
Representing the NSCDC Commandant General; the Mining Marshals Commander; ACC John Onoja Attah made the presentation and assured the committee of a thorough judicial process and reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to ensuring the every case is prosecuted diligently and justly at the closure of a thorough investigation.
ACC Attah hinted that the Corps under the Audi led administration had reinvigorated and repositioned the NSCDC to prosecute it’s statutory mandates with due diligence and loyalty.
He said there are no daunting challenges that could outweigh the deliberate commitment made by the Corps to ensure sanctity within the Mining industry.
LAWMAKERS COMMEND NSCDC BOSS FOR LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS IN COMBATING ILLEGAL MINING, HARPS ON SUSTAINED ZEST TO CURTAIL ECONOMIC SABOTAGE
NIMC: Modify Your Data on Our Portal or Risk Identity Theft
By: Michael Mike
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has warned against modification of data on the National Identification Number (NIN) from source other than the official NIMC self-service portal, stating that doing this make someone open to identity threat.
A statement on Monday by the Commission’s Head, Corporate Communications, Dr. Kayode Adegoke read:
“The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) wishes to state that in order to ensure the security and integrity of your National Identification Number (NIN) data, modifications can only be done on the official NIMC self-service portal:
Selfservicemodification.nimc.gov.ng
“Do not attempt to modify your NIN data on any unauthorized websites,as this may compromise your personal information and put you at risk of identity theft.
“By using the official NIMC self-service portal, you can be rest assured that your data is secure and protected. You’ll also enjoy the convenience of updating your information from anywhere, at any time.
So,remember:for all your NIN modification needs,click on
Selfservicemodification.nimc.gov.ng.
For further information and inquiries, kindly visit the NIMC website at www.nimc.gov.ng
or send a mail to nimccustomercare@nimc.gov.ng or call the customer care line on 070022556462
“Your security and peace of mind are worth it!
NIMC: Modify Your Data on Our Portal or Risk Identity Theft
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