FG, Microsoft To Partner On Nigerian Video Games, Fashion -Minister
Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, has said that plans are underway to reposition the video game animation industry in Nigeria. Musawa disclosed this during the third quarter edition of the Xbox Developer Hangout, organised by Microsoft, in Lagos. According to her, this will be done in such a way that Nigerian movies, music, fashion and culture will feature in every locally produced video game. She said the industry holds lots of employment potential for the youth, adding that consultations with Microsoft would help in actualisation of her vision in that respect. She said that a working document had already been developed to actualise the mission but needed input from Microsoft. “We want to look at the kind of innovation we can achieve through gaming, with the huge talent we have in the sector. I want the gaming space transformed and I know with collaborations we can achieve a lot. “I promise to support in whatever capacity to actualise this and this is the reason I will continually remain grateful for President Bola Tinubu for creating the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy. “I perceive Nigerians as the most creative beings who will transform the gaming industry, the billion-dollar industry, with help and support from government. “We want to see a situation where our indigenous movies, peculiar fashion sense, music and elements of our culture will serve as contents of our locally produced video games,” she said. Earlier, Olatomiwa Williams, Country Manager, Microsoft, noted that the organisation was committed to empowering everyone with the needed tools to grow in the industry. Williams said it was important to leverage all opportunities to achieve President Tinubu’s agenda for economic diversification. “Partnering with the Federal Government is a thing of delight for us, young Nigerians deserve every right to thrive, we are creating an inclusive industry also for women to thrive. “Microsoft has been in existence for over 20 years and I can say that Nigerians have been contributing to our solution areas,” she said. Also, Oluseye Soyode-Johnson, Founder, NuConti, said, “the videogame industry is larger than the Nollywood and the global music industry, it is a billion-dollar industry which should be taken seriously.” Speaking on the needed tools for video games, Matthew Isikhuemen of Unreal Engine, said they included epic mega grants, epic game education, epic unreal fellowship, unreal market place, epic games store, twin motion among others. Winston Ohunyon, Creative Director, Dimension II Games noted that infusing culture into video games could be achieved through storytelling which entailed description and expanding beyond traditional elements. “The tools for this description can be seen in the plot, setting, theme, characterisation, composition, dialogue, story and all. “We must be careful about how the stories are relayed to protect our identity as a nation or a continent,” he said. Also, Dooshima Anger, Founder of Dooshimagames, noted that to fully support inclusivity in video game industry in Nigeria, more collaborations and awareness must created.
Chevron Reiterates Commitment To Partnership For Sustainable Development
Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) has said that it is committed to partnership with various stakeholders including the communities neighbouring its areas of operations in the Niger Delta, for sustainable development. CNL is the operator of the joint venture between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) and CNL. The company affirmed that it is engaging with relevant stakeholders including the protesters at its Terminal and Escravos Gas—To-Liquid (“EGTL”) jetties, community leaders, traditional rulers, the Board of Trustees (“BOTs”) of the Warri Onshore Host Community Development Trust (“HCDT”), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (“NUPRC”), the Delta State Government, and other critical stakeholders to ensure the peaceful vacation of the protesters who have blocked access to the Terminal and EGTL jetties since November 21, 2023. The protesters are demanding for the renaming of the Warri Kingdom Onshore Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) and involvement in the nomination of additional persons for inclusion on the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the HCDT. In addition, they are requesting for mobilization of their community workers for the EGTL Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) activities. CNL’s General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Esimaje Brikinn reaffirms CNL’s strict compliance with applicable laws and regulations. “As a law-abiding corporate citizen, CNL is committed and continues to make progress in the operationalization of the respective HCDTs in compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021. We continue to collaborate with the relevant stakeholders, including community leaders and traditional rulers towards the operationalization of the HCDTs. Also, CNL is committed to ensuring the participation of community workers in the EGTL TAM in line with the manpower mobilization plan”, he said. Esimaje stated that contrary to untrue media reports about some protesters that are allegedly missing, verifiable reports on ground indicate that none of the protesters are missing. He reiterated CNL’s priority on the safety of the people, the environment, and assets in all its operations and noted that CNL will continue to engage the relevant stakeholders to resolve the issues amicably. “CNL advocates respect for the rule of law and use of constructive dialogue in the resolution of all issues,” he concluded.
NIMASA, Navy To Partner On Blue Economy
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, and the Nigerian Navy have inaugurated a Committee to establish ways in which the synergy between both organs of government can be channeled into creating a welcoming environment for investment in the Blue Economy. Assistant Director, Public Relations, NIMASA Osagie Edward, in a statement said, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC West), Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, who inaugurated the 8-Man Committee charged them to come up with policies to create a welcoming maritime environment for investment in the Nigerian Blue Economy. Membership of the 8-Man Committee includes on the Navy side, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, FOC, Western Naval Command; Cdre K.O. Oguntuga, Commander NNS Beecroft; Cdre N.S. Kaman, COO Western Naval Command and Capt. A. U. Tijani. The Committee members representing NIMASA namely, Director Deep Blue Project, Chief Otonye Obom; Head Shipping Development, Kurahson Inuwa; Head, ISPS, Isa Mudi; and Deputy Director, Cabotage Services, Aisha Usman Dangote. You will recall that the Agency’s Director General, Dr. Bashir Jamoh OFR, during a visit by a delegation from the Nigerian Navy to the Agency’s headquarters in Lagos recently, had announced the constitution of an 8-Man committee, comprising four each from the Navy and NIMASA.
Nigeria, France Sign Pact To Support Young Entrepreneurs, Boost Employment
The Federal Government on Friday signed an agreement with France on the Digital and Creative Enterprise (I-DISE) programme aimed at promoting employment opportunities in Nigeria. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar and the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of France, Catherine Colonnade signed the bilateral agreement at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja on behalf of both countries. The agreement was also witnessed by Bosun Tijani the Minister of Communications who represented the Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima. Tuggar said the I-DICE programme is an initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria, spearheaded by the Office of the Vice President and aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and innovation in the digital technology and creative industry sectors. According to the minister, with a focus on job creation, the programme is set to significantly impact young Nigerians, by assisting them to create sustainable employment opportunities, develop high value-added industries and contribute to the development of the Nigerian economy. He said the programme would train two million young people, whilst encouraging them to structure their own ecosystem, through access to financing for the creation of innovative businesses and start-ups. Tuggar said the programme is being financed by the French Development Agency (AFD), the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Islamic Development Bank (ISDB) & the Bank of Industry (BOI). He said of the 600 million dollar value of I-DICE, the AFD is contributing 100 million euros (equivalent to $116 million). He added that the programme would also receive funding and support from the private sector and institutional investors adding that the Bank of Industry, as the Implementing Agency, will coordinate the day-to-day activities of the project. Colonnade thanked all the partners and co-financers including the l’Agence Française de Développement, bien sûr. She said the purpose of this ambitious programme is to support young entrepreneurs and innovators. She added that the programme will promote the employability of Nigerian youth, enable Nigeria to boost the capacities of its very promising digital technology and creative industries and help thousands of young Nigerian entrepreneurs to unleash their talents. “Those digital technology and creative industries have indeed enormous potential to create jobs and spur economic growth in Nigeria. “We are very pleased that the French Agency for Development is stepping into these sectors, enabling us to scale up significantly our actions through the I-DICE programme,’’ she said. According to her, the programme is expected to include nearly two million youth in the training sessions of which 40 per cent would be women. “The programme will create more than 65,000 start-ups, 150,000 direct jobs in the technology and creative industries sectors and approximately 1.3 million indirect jobs.’’ Speaking on behalf of the vice president, Tijani said Shettima champions youth development and the Nigerian government’s efforts to boost the employability of young people by focusing on promising careers in the digital, cultural and creative industries. “As part of our efforts to stimulate the growth of the Nigerian economy and mainstream the application of technology in critical sectors, we welcome the support of the French government as they collaborate with us to leapfrog technological advancements for the benefit of our startup ecosystem. “This funding from the AFD for the I-DICE programme is a testament to France’s historical commitment to the growth of startups which is evidenced by its position as a leading startup destination in Europe”.
NNPCL, NCDMB Sign Cost Reduction, Efficiency Pact With IOCs
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with major oil companies to reduce cost, drive efficiency in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. The agreement, which was signed on Monday, would enable the implementation of the industry framework which was developed by the IJC to achieve an optimal contracting cycle of not more than 180 working days. Key benefits of the framework in the MoU include a reduction of the contracting cycle for open competitive tender, selective tender, and single sourcing tender to 180, 178, and 128 working days respectively compared with the current best effort performance of 327, 333, and 185 working days respectively. The framework is in line with the Nigerian Upstream Cost Optimization Program (NUCOP) and in consonance with President Bola Tinubu’s directive for NNPC Ltd and NCDMB to engage the industry with the objective of improving the performance of the petroleum industry. An optimized contracting cycle is expected to improve the ease of doing business, reduce cost, and drive efficiency which will eventually translate to production growth, increased revenues, and ultimately improved profitability. The MOU is one of the many collaborative solutions between the major industry players that will contribute significantly to the double-digit economic growth rate agenda of the Government and generate tremendous value for all the stakeholders including the investors, the companies, the community, and the country at large. The move is in line with one of the key mandates of NNPC Ltd as the National Energy Company in article 53 (7) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to conduct its affairs on a commercial basis in a profitable and efficient manner. The mandate for efficiency requires that NNPC Ltd is committed to working with its partners in ensuring key processes, procedures, and timelines that drive major business activities such as contracting are structured in a manner that engenders efficiency and drives profitability. NNPC Vice President, Upstream, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, signed on behalf of the National Oil Company while the Executive Secretary NCDMB, Simbi Wabote signed on behalf of the Board.
UN Commits To Deepening Partnership With Gombe Across Key Sectors
The United Nations (UN) has pledged its commitment to support and collaborate with the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State in various critical sectors, including health, education, and more to foster socio-economic development. The UN Deputy Secretary-General, Hajiya Amina Mohammed gave this indication during a meeting with the Governor on the sidelines of the 78th UN General Assembly in New York. She commended the giant strides and progress achieved under the leadership of Governor Inuwa Yahaya in Gombe State, noting that the Governor has set a precedent in subnational governance. Hajiya Amina Mohammed offered words of encouragement to Governor Inuwa Yahaya, lauding the discernible improvements in the quality of life of the people of Gombe State. She assured the Governor that the UN would stand shoulder to shoulder with him and his administration throughout his stewardship to deliver meaningful development to Gombe State. The DSG assured Governor Inuwa of her willingness to engage with international development partners such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), Susan Buffet Foundation, and the African Peace Corp to garner support for Gombe State in the realm of healthcare and human resource development. She also offered to facilitate UN’s technical support to bolster the Secretariat of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, a crucial platform for regional development, as soon as a formal request is made. In his remarks, Governor Inuwa Yahaya commended the Hajiya Amina Mohammed for her remarkable contributions to the UN’s global mission, describing her as a worthy daughter of Gombe and proud global ambassador of the state and Nigeria. During the meeting, he presented an overview of the multifaceted development initiatives that his administration is currently implementing, with a particular focus on healthcare and education. The Governor appealed for support in leveraging Hajiya Amina’s international networks to enhance Gombe state’s healthcare system, particularly at the primary and secondary levels. This includes attracting skilled manpower to fortify the operations of the three General hospitals that have either been constructed or rehabilitated across the three senatorial zones of Gombe State. He emphasized his administration’s unwavering commitment to providing counterpart funding where necessary to facilitate this vital endeavor. In his capacity as the Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, Governor Inuwa Yahaya also sought the UN’s assistance in strengthening the Forum’s Secretariat through the provision of technical experts. These experts would work in tandem with the Forum to drive its overarching development objectives.
FCTA partners South Korea, Turkiye on vocational education, agriculture – Wike
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has said that the FCT Administration (FCTA) would partner with the Republic of South Korea on vocational education. Wike also expressed willingness to partner with Turkiye on agricultural development. The minister stated this when the Ambassadors of South Korea to Nigeria and his Turkiye counterpart visited him in his office. He told the Ambassador of South Korea to Nigeria, Kim Young-Chae, that he visited the country while he was the minister of education and discussed the issue of vocational education. He described South Korea’s vocational education model as “impressive”, saying that the model enables students who do not want to go further, to have some skills. “It was my desire that we would have concluded with that partnership then, but unfortunately, that was not to be. “I would also like to reintroduce that as the FCT minister to see how we can also have that vocational school,” he said. Wike added that he would like to introduce a hands-on model to the vocational schools and skill acquisition centres in the FCT. This, he said, would be in partnership with the Republic of South Korea. He said that he was impressed when he visited Samsung and noticed that sometimes, the company supplies refrigerators and cars to the vocational schools for practical purposes. “I think we have to see how we can come back to that issue because vocational education is very key to us,” he said. Earlier, Young-Chae informed the minister about his country’s collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Rural Electrification Agency. He said that the aim was to build a mini electricity grid in the FCT which was ongoing. He also disclosed that South Korea plans to introduce a grant project to help young businessmen start new businesses. This, he said, was in addition to the Nigeria-Korea Model School in the FCT and other training programmes for teachers. “In addition to that, we have launched a smart school project, one in each of the six geopolitical zones, to help innovate schools in terms of communication technology and teachers’ education,” he said. In a related development, the FCT minister, while hosting the Turkiye Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Hidayet Bayrakter, on Monday, said that FCT has large arable land for agricultural development. He said that collaboration with Tirkiye in that regard would be beneficial for both countries. On the Abuja metro rail line, the minister said that the FCT Administration has an open-door policy and would be willing to discuss with companies from Turkey. Wike, however, appealed for a review of Turkish visa policy, pointing out that the policy of short-term, single-entry visas may not be good enough to enhance business collaborations. Earlier, Bayrakter sought the collaboration of the FCT Administration in the construction of the second phase of the ongoing Abuja metro line system. The ambassador said that Turkiye had very capable construction companies with experience in rail constructions as well as suspension bridges. Some of the companies, he said, were involved in the construction of the metro system in Dubai and Qatar, in addition to building one of the biggest suspension bridges in the world. He said that the companies have expressed interest in partnering with the FCT Administration. He expressed the readiness of Turkish investors to meet with the FCT minister for further discussions on the second phase of the rail project.
World Bank partners FG, targets 148m digital national IDs for Nigerians
A new partnership between the federal government and the World Bank will see about 148 million working age Nigerians getting digital National Identity Cards by the middle of 2024. Speaking at a dinner organized by the Ministry of Communications in partnership with the World Bank, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Shubham Chaudhuri, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to eradicating poverty, improving lives and creating job opportunities for the country’s youth. He said the multilateral financial institution is collaborating with the federal government to ensure the successful rollout and registration of digital national IDs for all Nigerians. Chaudhuri said, “Our main mission here in Nigeria is to eliminate poverty, make lives better, and create jobs for all Nigerian youth. One of the areas that we think has the greatest potential is the area of using digital technologies to transform. Now to do that it begins with having this digital national ID. “So one of the main partnerships we have is working with NIMC to ensure the rollout of the registration so that all 213/220 million Nigerians have a digital national ID, beginning of course with all people of working age and I think the target for that is at least 148 million people by the middle of next year. “The second is helping Nigeria lead the broadband infrastructure for broadband connectivity because without broadband connectivity, digital technologies will lead to a digital divide. So their support has been for good kinds of policies and regulations that will help invite private investment into this space and then fibre At the dinner which was organized in his honour, Minister for Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, announced that the Federal Government has secured a $500 million loan aimed at boosting innovation and entrepreneurship within Nigeria’s digital sector. “Part of my responsibilities is working with BoI to ensure that we domicile that funding locally in Nigeria, work with firms who manage and invest in businesses to ensure that those businesses that will benefit are true, real Nigerian businesses,” the minister said.
NNPC secures $3bn loan from AFRIEXIM Bank to boost FX market, bolster naira
In a significant move, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) has entered into a substantial crude repayment loan agreement amounting to $3 billion with the esteemed AFRIEXIM Bank. This financial endeavor is set to play a pivotal role in the stabilization of the foreign exchange market and the support of the Nigerian currency, the naira. The NNPC Ltd., in collaboration with AfriEXIM bank, has formalized their commitment through the signing of a letter of commitment and a Termsheet for a crucial $3 billion crude oil repayment loan. This momentous event unfolded at the headquarters of the bank, situated in Cairo, Egypt. The loan’s provisions encompass immediate disbursement, thereby empowering NNPC Ltd. with the resources necessary to provide substantial backing to the Federal Government’s ongoing fiscal and monetary policy reforms. These reforms are meticulously crafted to achieve a fundamental goal: the stabilization of the exchange rate market. By securing this substantial loan, NNPC Ltd. has taken a substantial step towards reinforcing the Nigerian economy. A statement from the company on Wednesday read: “The NNPC Ltd. and AfriEXIM bank have jointly signed a commitment letter and Termsheet for an emergency $3 billion crude oil repayment loan. “The signing, which took place today at the bank’s headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, will provide some immediate disbursement that will enable the NNPC Ltd. to support the Federal Government in its ongoing fiscal and monetary policy reforms aimed at stabilizing the exchange rate market.”
Sultan, Kukah seek community involvement in tackling security challenges
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called for increased community representatives’ involvement in solving the lingering security challenges facing the nation. Abubakar, who was represented by Dr Jabbi Kilgore, the District Head of Kingori made the call during a town hall organised by the Kukah Centre for Peace in collaboration with Global Right, an NGO on Tuesday in Sokoto. The Sultan said that bad governance, injustice and inequality were some factors contributing to insecurity. He enjoined leaders at all levels to be fair in dealing with their subjects and know that they would give an account of their stewardship after leaving this world. In his keynote address, Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Mathew Kukah also identified religious intolerance, fanaticism and injustice as some of the factors responsible for insecurity in the country. Kukah also said that sectionalism, fanaticism, injustice and religious intolerance were responsible for insecurity in the country. He urged stakeholders at the meeting to come together to form common front in curbing the menace saying insecurity know no religion. Earlier, Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto state, represented by the Permanent Secretary Ministry for Religious Affairs, Alhaji Abubakar Torankawa rreiterated the commitment of the government to partner with groups and association in promoting peaceful coexistence in the state. The Sokoto state commissioner of police, Ali Kaigama, also emphasised on the need for public support to community policing drives initiated by the Nigerian Police. Kaigama said the police will continue to partner with the Nigerian army and other sister security agencies in tackling insecurity in the country. In his presentation, Prof. Tukur Baba, the Dean Faculty of Social Sciences in Federal University Birnin Kebbi dwelled on factors that promoted insecurity from pre-independece. Baba advised authorities to change the land use act, taxations and consider global, regional, national and community approaches to holistically deal with the problems of insecurity. He described the assessment by the National Bureau of Statics revealing the poverty index as glaring. ”This is the effect of insecurity, maladministration and poor people attitude in the northwest,” he said.