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Lagos-Paris Fashion and Design Accelerator Officially Launched
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
Troops Arrest Suspected Gunrunner in Taraba State
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in collaboration with Defence Intelligence Agency operatives and local vigilantes, have arrested a suspected gunrunner in Ardo-Kola Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Security sources said the arrest was made at about 7:45 a.m. on May 13 during an intelligence-led operation at Iware community in the area.
The suspect was reportedly apprehended following credible intelligence linking him to arms trafficking activities within the Amaseyo general area.
Preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspect was allegedly involved in illegal arms dealing, prompting his immediate arrest by the joint security team.
The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing further investigation, while security agencies say efforts are ongoing to dismantle arms trafficking networks operating within the state and surrounding areas.
Troops Arrest Suspected Gunrunner in Taraba State
Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim During Patrol in Kogi
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation MESA have rescued a kidnap victim abandoned by suspected terrorists along the Obajana–Jakura–Tajimi axis in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Security sources said the rescue operation was carried out at about 9:00 a.m. on May 13 by troops of 12 Brigade during a fighting patrol along the old Obajana–Jakura–Tajimi road.
According to the report, the troops discovered the victim after suspected kidnappers abandoned him while fleeing from the advancing security personnel.
The rescued victim was subsequently reunited with his family after the operation.
Security patrols and clearance operations have continued along the route and adjoining communities as part of ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other criminal activities in the area.
Troops Neutralise Terrorist During Operation Savannah Shield in Niger State
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Savannah Shield have neutralised a suspected terrorist during an offensive operation in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 2:45 p.m. on May 13 by troops of 221 Battalion alongside personnel of CSIB XVI deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Babanna.
The troops reportedly carried out the offensive raid on Masaka Village following intelligence on terrorist activities within the area.
During the operation, the troops made contact with the suspected terrorists, leading to an exchange of fire.
According to the report, one of the fleeing terrorists accidentally triggered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), which detonated and resulted in his death.
Troops subsequently recovered one magazine loaded with 12 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition from the scene.
Security forces have continued exploitation and clearance operations in the area aimed at dismantling terrorist hideouts and preventing further attacks within the operational environment.
Troops Neutralise Terrorist During Operation Savannah Shield in Niger State
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