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Lagos-Paris Fashion and Design Accelerator Officially Launched

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Lagos-Paris Fashion and Design Accelerator Officially Launched

By: Michael Mike

The French Embassy has announced the launch the of Lagos-Paris Fashion & Design Accelerator, a 9-months programme (from October 2023 to June 2024) aimed toward supporting 10 high-potential Nigerian brands within the fashion and design ecosystem.

According to a statement on Thursday, the accelerator emphasizes on providing close mentorship, nurturing creativity, reinforcing business literacy and guiding Nigerian emerging creatives and their teams in navigating the French and global fashion industry.

The statement revealed that through this platform, the French Embassy in Nigeria aims at celebrating Nigerian creativity and cultural preservation initiatives, sustainable practices and cross-cultural collaborations, while giving the tools and skills for creatives to build long lasting and incremental financial growth for their company.

The statement added that the aim of the programme is not only to strengthen the entrepreneurial skills of 10 Nigerian brands, but also to support their export opportunities to France by participating in key events.

The programme, the statement said, has been thought in collaboration with several remarkable Fashion and Design stakeholders and its curriculum, which combines group and individual training, mentoring and master classes (over 120 hours per brand), has been defined in conjunction with renowned French and African experts and the Nigerian incubator for creative industry CCHUB, stressing that however, the laureate brands are considered in their singularity with a tailored accompaniment.

The statement also disclosed that the Accelerator will also close off with professional travels to Paris, designed to immerse the selected brands in the world capital of fashion via unique access to key industry players and events.

It stated that: “The Accelerator will comprise of: Physical tailored 1 on 1 courses on a broad range of subjects, with actual deliverables and tools; Monthly mentorship sessions; High-level masterclasses; Direct & indirect grants; Investment readiness module with pitching sessions to investors; Support to the participation to a French prescriptive event in 2024.

The statement revealed that the 10 brands selected for this 2023-2024 cohort, amongst more than 120 applications are:

  • For Fashion: Lagos Space Programme, TJWHO Design, OBIDA, EKI KERE, ELEXIAY and WAF – Wafflesandcream Limited;
  • For Accessories: MALIKO and Ethnic Africa;
  • For Design: OMI Collective et Aga Design and Culture Limited.

The statement also said the Lagos-Paris Fashion & Design Accelerator is part of a global programme announced by the French President, Emmanuel MACRON in February 2023, called “Création Africa”. This programme’s aim is to increase support and resources to the French diplomatic network and its action toward the global ecosystem of creative and cultural industries.

The official launch of this initiative which will take place in Paris with a tremendous event to be held from 6 to 8 October, 2023 with dozens of talents from the worlds of animation, video games and cinema being showcased. A strong Nigerian delegation will attend.

It said: “As of such, the Embassy of France in Nigeria operates since June 2023 a €1.2 million fund to support entrepreneurs in the Nigerian cultural and creative industries in the fields of design, fashion, video games, audiovisuals and dance. The “Lagos-Paris Fashion & Design Accelerator” is financed via this grant.”

Lagos-Paris Fashion and Design Accelerator Officially Launched

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Military, police foil bandit attack in Zamfara, launch follow-up operations

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Military, police foil bandit attack in Zamfara, launch follow-up operations

By: Zagazola Makama

The joint troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA has foiled an attempted bandit attack on Farin Ruwa settlement in Maru Local Government Area.

Zagazola report that the incident occurred on April 15, 2026, at about 3:40 p.m., when suspected armed bandits from Bayan Ruwa hideouts in Maradun Local Government Area attempted to invade the community.

According to the sources , the troops under Operation Fansan Yamma, as well as police patrol swiftly responded to the distress call.

The security forces engaged the attackers in a gun duel, forcing them to retreat into nearby bushes with possible gunshot injuries.

The troops said the swift response prevented the attack and restored normalcy in the area, with residents returning to their daily activities.

It added that follow-up operations, including combing of the withdrawal routes, have been ordered to determine whether any of the bandits were neutralised or injured, and to recover possible weapons or traces of blood.

The sources said no casualties have been confirmed among civilians or security personnel at the time of the report.

The command further directed intelligence exploitation and debriefing of local residents to ascertain the strength, movement patterns, and direction of the fleeing bandits.

Military, police foil bandit attack in Zamfara, launch follow-up operations

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Three vigilantes killed, village head abducted in Kebbi attack

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Three vigilantes killed, village head abducted in Kebbi attack

By: Zagazola Makama

Three vigilante members have been killed and a village head abducted following a suspected terrorist attack on Yantala village in Bagudu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

Security sources said the incident occurred on April 15, 2026, at about 5:00 p.m., when armed men stormed the community and opened fire sporadically on residents.

The attackers, believed to be members of a terrorist group locally referred to as “Mamudawa Boko Haram,” reportedly killed three vigilantes identified as Usman Riga of Sabon Gari village, Bande of the same address, and Bala Dan Chako of Yantala village.

They were also said to have abducted the village head of Yantala, Garba Ahmadu (85), alongside another resident, Bala Mazuga.

During the assault, one motorcycle was set ablaze before the attackers fled into nearby bush paths.

Local sources said the assailants operated with superior firepower, forcing residents to flee for safety.

Efforts are reportedly ongoing to rescue the abducted victims and track down those responsible for the attack, while tension remains high in the affected community.

Three vigilantes killed, village head abducted in Kebbi attack

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Army holds Senior Command and Leadership Seminar in Port Harcourt

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Army holds Senior Command and Leadership Seminar in Port Harcourt

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Army has held its First Senior Command and Leadership Seminar for 2026 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, aimed at strengthening operational leadership in complex security environments.

Sources said the seminar took place on April 14 at the Port Harcourt Barracks and had in attendance senior officers from various formations.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. W. Shaibu, was represented by the Commander, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Maj.-Gen. P.P. Malla, who was received by the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Maj.-Gen. E.E. Emekah.

According to the source, the seminar featured a lecture titled “Enhancing Operational Level Command and Leadership in a Complex Operational Environment,” delivered by retired Maj.-Gen. I.S. Ali.

The lecture session also had contributions from retired Air Vice Marshal I.G. Lubo and retired Maj.-Gen. S.O. Olabanji as discussants.

The event, which brought together serving and retired senior military officers, was described as hitch-free.

Military authorities said the seminar is part of ongoing efforts to improve command efficiency, decision-making, and inter-agency coordination in contemporary security operations.

Army holds Senior Command and Leadership Seminar in Port Harcourt

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