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UK and Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) Launches Creative Industries Technical Working Group

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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

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We were sexually abused by our Chinese employers in CAR, rescued Nigerian workers alleged

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We were sexually abused by our Chinese employers in CAR, rescued Nigerian workers alleged

By: Michael Mike

Rescued 12 Nigerian trapped workers in Central African Republic (CAR) on Friday narrated their ordeal on breathing air of freedom in Nigeria, alleging that they were sexually harassed by their Chinese employers while workers at mining site.

The 12 stranded Nigerian men whose video went viral some three weeks ago finally arrived Nigeria and paid an appreciation visit to the NIDCOM office, where they were received by Chairman/ CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and other management staff.

The leader of the rescued workers, Igorigo Freeborn said it is important for the world to know that despite owing them 11 months salaries, “we were homosexually abused by our Chinese employers in CAR.

“I am not ashamed to say it. I want other people to learn from it. We were treated badly there but thank God for sparing our lives to tell the stories today.

“I am one of those people who usually abuse Nigeria and I don’t think anything good can come out of the country but we were all so happy to receive help and succour from Nigeria.

“Let me use this opportunity to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the CAR Ambassador in Bangui, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) ,NEMA, Immigration Service and other government agencies for coming to our rescue almost immediately”, he said.

Freeborn said they had suffered a lot in the past 20 months that they left Nigeria and pleaded with the government to help them redress the injustices meted out to them by their employers.

He recalled how they were left stranded in the forest after work without payment leaving them starving in a harsh and unsafe living conditions. With support from the Presidency Ministry of Foreign Affairs ,NIDCOM, and the Nigerian mission, they were relocated to Bangui, provided with medical care, and eventually brought safely back home.

Welcoming back the returnees to Nigeria, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, assured them that justice will be served as the Commission in conjunction with relevant government agencies would take up the matter on their behalf.

The NIDCOM boss condemned the acts as inhumane and assured that the matter would be pursued to ensure justice is served in line with the citizen diplomacy of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

She counselled them to be of good behaviour and partner with the Commission in its advocacy on irregular migration and its consequences.

NIDCOM through Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa gave some cash support to all the returnees to enable them settle down while expecting their unpaid salaries.

She also called on well meaning Nigerians and corporate organisations to assist the Nigerians to settle down back in the country.

A cash donation from Perchstone and Greys, presented by Mr. Toyin Adenugba on behalf of Dr. Tolu Aderemi, Secretary to the Board of Trustees of the JAALS Foundation, were given to all the 12 returnees.

Adenugba explained that the support was a demonstration of belief in the evacuees’ potential, meant to serve as a seed for rebuilding their lives, supporting their families, and creating new opportunities at home.

Other rescued workers are Rotimi Kupoluyi, Ajosi Julius, Odeh Collins, Anifowoshe Yekini, Akubo Oluwaseun and Olayemi Peter Adewale.

Others were Stephen Abel Otkli, Samuel Ojochenemi, Alih Joel Muhammed, Unekwu Bala and Yusuf Bameyi.
End

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Police arrest MOPOL, security guards over warehouse burglary in Ogun

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Police arrest MOPOL, security guards over warehouse burglary in Ogun

By: Zagazola Makama

The Police in Ogun have arrested a mobile policeman and several security guards for alleged conspiracy, burglary and theft from a warehouse belonging to H.K Printing & Packaging Limited, Agbara.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Aug. 9 at about 11:00 p.m., when a truck drove into the company premises and proceeded to the warehouse, allegedly aided by security operatives on duty.

According to the sources, Insp. Ibrahim James, attached to PMF 16 Abeokuta, was captured on CCTV moving around and allegedly leading the operation.

Another officer, Insp. Olabamipe Olaiya, posted to the same beat, was said to be absent from duty at the time.

The company’s security guards and the implicated police personnel allegedly conspired with others still at large to break into the warehouse and cart away goods whose total value is yet to be ascertained.

Police detectives led by CSP Phillips Abayomi, Acting ACP, Agbara Division, visited the scene and arrested the mobile policeman along with the private security guards on duty during the incident.

The suspects are being interrogated, while efforts are ongoing to track down fleeing accomplices and recover the stolen items.

Police arrest MOPOL, security guards over warehouse burglary in Ogun

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Police launch manhunt for herbalist over alleged ritual killing in Nasarawa

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Police launch manhunt for herbalist over alleged ritual killing in Nasarawa

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nasarawa State Police Command says it is searching for a herbalist, simply identified as Alfa, over alleged involvement in a ritual killing and attempted murder in Mararaba.

It was gathered that the case was reported by one Jamilu Abubakar, a vigilante member.

Abubakar allegedly accompanied two young men to Alfa’s residence on Aug. 12 to seek spiritual assistance purportedly to make more money through internet fraud.

“It was gathered that Alfa prepared a concoction and meat for the victims to eat. Shortly after consuming the meal, both developed severe stomach pain and were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Mararaba.

“Sadly, one of the victims, Ani Sunday, aged 21, was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty, while the second, Tosin Akurunor, is responding to treatment,” said the sources.

He said Abubakar had been arrested for his role in taking the victims to the herbalist, while the main suspect, Alfa, was at large.

Efforts are ongoing to apprehend Alfa and conclude investigations, he added.

Police launch manhunt for herbalist over alleged ritual killing in Nasarawa

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