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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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Troops recover rustled livestock after terrorist sighting in katsina

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Troops recover rustled livestock after terrorist sighting in katsina

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 17 Brigade have recovered rustled livestock during a response operation to a reported terrorist movement in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 11:30 a.m. on March 30, when troops deployed at Combat Team 1 Danali acted on intelligence indicating the movement of suspected terrorists towards Amawa Forest.

According to the sources, the troops arrived the area but found that the suspects had fled into nearby bushes with a large number of rustled livestock.

The combined troops reportedly pursued the attackers for about three kilometres along their escape route but lost contact due to difficult terrain.

The sources added that the troops later withdrew and intensified domination of the main routes with fighting patrols aimed at restoring confidence among commuters in the area.

They said efforts were ongoing to track the fleeing suspects and recover the remaining livestock.

Troops recover rustled livestock after terrorist sighting in katsina

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Human Rights Group SOJA Calls for Accountability After Lawyer Dies in Abuja Hotel Elevator

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Human Rights Group SOJA Calls for Accountability After Lawyer Dies in Abuja Hotel Elevator

By: Michael Mike

Speak Out for Justice Advocacy Ltd/Gte (SOJA) has condemned the tragic death of Barrister Abdulsalami Ginsau, who reportedly suffocated after being trapped in an elevator at a hotel in Abuja on March 31, 2026. The advocacy group is calling for urgent investigations, stronger safety regulations, and accountability for any negligence that may have contributed to the incident.

In a statement released on Friday, SOJA described the death as preventable and raised serious concerns about building safety standards, emergency response systems, and regulatory compliance in Nigeria’s hospitality and construction sectors. The organization said the incident highlights systemic gaps that put lives at risk.

“Elevators are not luxuries—they are life-dependent systems,” SOJA said. “Any failure in their design, maintenance, or emergency protocols can have fatal consequences. No individual should lose their life in such a preventable and distressing manner.”

The group cited both domestic and international legal frameworks protecting the right to life, including Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. SOJA stressed that the Nigerian government has a duty to prevent third-party negligence and to enforce safety standards that safeguard citizens.

SOJA outlined several recommendations, including conducting a thorough, independent investigation into the circumstances of Ginsau’s death, identifying any negligence or regulatory breaches, and holding all responsible parties accountable. The organization also called for the development and enforcement of national regulations on elevator safety, mandatory inspection and certification programs, installation of functional emergency systems in elevators, and criminalization of gross negligence in life-dependent infrastructure.

Hameed Ajibola Jimoh, Executive Director of SOJA, emphasized that the incident should serve as a wake-up call for systemic reform. “A society that fails to safeguard basic infrastructure places every citizen at risk. Justice must not only be demanded—it must be delivered,” he said.

The tragic death of Ginsau has reignited public debate on the enforcement of building codes and the adequacy of safety measures in public and private facilities across Nigeria.

Human Rights Group SOJA Calls for Accountability After Lawyer Dies in Abuja Hotel Elevator

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Troops conduct offensive patrol in Enugu, disrupt suspected IPOB/ESN activity

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Troops conduct offensive patrol in Enugu, disrupt suspected IPOB/ESN activity

By: Zagazola Makama

Joint troops have conducted an offensive patrol in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State aimed at disrupting suspected activities of members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network.

Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 9:30 a.m. on March 31 by troops of Sector 1 in collaboration with 82 Division Garrison and 103 Battalion (Rear).

According to the sources, the patrol was conducted around Ajali Forest following intelligence reports of suspected militant movement in the area.

The sources said the suspected armed elements fled upon sighting the advancing troops, avoiding direct engagement.

They added that troops have continued to dominate the general area through sustained patrols to deny the suspected group freedom of action.

Troops conduct offensive patrol in Enugu, disrupt suspected IPOB/ESN activity

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