National News
Zulum Secures 8 projects for Borno from Qatar Foundation
Zulum Secures 8 projects for Borno from Qatar Foundation
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has facilitated the execution of eight projects including a school, orphanage, clinic, shops, staff quarters, sports ground, charity office and a Juma’at mosque by the Qatar Charity Foundation in Maiduguri.
Laying the foundation for the construction of the projects cited in Bolori on Sunday, Zulum said, “It gives me pleasure to stand here today to lay the foundation for the construction of an integrated school, orphanage, clinic, and many other projects by the Qatar Charity Foundation in Maiduguri. I have been working towards this since 2015, and today we have seen the light at the end of the tunnel.”
The governor recounted the devastation caused by over a decade of Boko Haram insurgency when several people were killed and many properties destroyed.
Zulum said: “We have identified a total of over 100,000 orphans resulting from Boko Haram crisis. These figures are the official ones; the unofficial figures are even higher than this.
He added that: “In the past seven years, we had about 3.2 million displacements, with about 50% being resettled and about 1.2 million still in the IDP camps. 432 health centres were destroyed, 900,000 houses were destroyed and over 5,000 classrooms were destroyed.”
Zulum expressed gratitude to the Qatar Charity Foundation for choosing Borno State to execute numerous projects that will have a direct impact on the lives of the people.
He said: “What you are doing today will, In sha Allah, have a positive impact on our society. On behalf of the people and government of Borno State, I want to express my deep appreciation to the Qatari Foundation for this giant initiative. Be assured that the government of Borno State, under my leadership, will collaborate with you to ensure the success of this project.”
Earlier in his address, Nigeria’s representative for Qatar Charity, Sheikh Hamdin Bin Abdul, said the project will expand to all 27 Local Government Areas of Borno.
He said: “It gives us great pleasure to execute projects here in Borno. We thank the Governor for all the support. Insha Allah, we will use this centre to cover all the local governments in Borno State.”
The Qatar Charity’s Nigerian representative also stressed that the foundation will work in several sectors including water resources, social housing, economic empowerment, health, education, and social services for widows and orphans.
Meanwhile, Zulum has approved 2.5 hectares of land for use by Qatar Charity to execute several projects in Borno. The governor presented the certificate of occupancy (CofO) granting legal right for the use of the land.
The governor gave assurance of providing all the support needed for Qatar Charity to meet its objectives, while directing the Secretary to the State Government to grant express approval for all the requests made by the Qataris.
He said: “Let me direct the Secretary to Borno State Government to give them maximum cooperation. Whatever they need, immediately grant their request before even forwarding the papers to me.”
Zulum Secures 8 projects for Borno from Qatar Foundation
Police Arrest Three for Human Trafficking, Rescue Two Teenage Girls
By Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Police Force(NPA) Lagos Command has arrested three suspects involved in an alleged human trafficking operation and successfully rescued two teenage girls who were being trafficked to Libya for prostitution.
Police sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama that at 8:20 AM on March 7, officers of a tactical team based in Amuwo-Odofin received credible intelligence about the illegal movement of two underage girls via Kano State.
Acting on the tip-off, a team of special operatives intercepted the traffickers at Bokori Park, Kano State, where the victims, Ikimot Moruf (17 years old) and Rodiot Jelili (15 years old), were rescued unharmed.
Following the interception, three suspects were tracked and arrested in their hideout at No. 12/22 Akintunde Street, Alakuko, Lagos. The suspects were identified as: Yakubu Arise, Kalimot Moruf and Musilyat Balogun 54 years old.
The victims have been debriefed and reunited with their families, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects.
Police Arrest Three for Human Trafficking, Rescue Two Teenage Girls
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
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