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Lagos Reaffirms Commitment to Creative Economy at African Music Business Summit

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Lagos Reaffirms Commitment to Creative Economy at African Music Business Summit

Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening the entertainment, creative economy, and hospitality sectors, announcing plans to deepen investment in talent development, infrastructure, and industry partnerships, further positioning the state as Africa’s leading creative hub.

This assurance was given on Thursday, January 9, 2026, at the African Music Business Summit held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, as part of activities marking the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA.

The summit brought together key stakeholders from the African and global music industry, policymakers, institutions, and creatives to discuss strategies for strengthening Africa’s music business ecosystem and expanding its global competitiveness.

Speaking on behalf of the Lagos State Government and representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, outlined the state’s policy direction and increasing financial commitment to the creative economy.

According to her, Lagos State spent ₦8.4 billion in the last financial year to support the creative sector through concerts, capacity-building programmes, training initiatives, and production support across music, film, and related industries.

She disclosed that government funding for the sector has grown significantly, rising from ₦3.8 billion before 2023 to ₦18 billion, with projections approaching ₦40 billion, reflecting the sector’s expanding economic relevance.

Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka also announced the forthcoming Lagos Talent Hunt initiative, designed to discover, nurture, and empower emerging artists across the state. She revealed that government-owned theatres would be repurposed into cinemas and music studios, enabling young creatives to access professional recording and production facilities at no cost.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to collaboration and transparency, the Commissioner said Lagos operates an open-door policy, encouraging creatives to submit proposals, partner with the Ministry, and actively participate in policy development for the industry.

She noted that the state has supported more than 140 creative projects and organisations, hosted large-scale free public events attended by over 100,000 residents, and continues to deploy the creative economy as a tool for youth empowerment, social inclusion, and economic growth.

In her vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, commended the leadership of the Commissioner and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to producing globally competitive creative talent from Lagos.

She urged practitioners in the creative sector to engage the Ministry through its official platforms and take advantage of opportunities created through public investment.

“We want to create more Burna Boys and more Davidos—global icons trained with taxpayers’ money and celebrated on the world stage,” she said.

Mrs. Oyekan-Ismaila also encouraged creatives to follow official Lagos State tourism and creative economy platforms to stay informed about funding windows, programmes, and emerging opportunities.

Sanwo-Olu Approves Recruitment of New LNSC Officers as Ifalade Assures Faster Security Response

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Sanwo-Olu Approves Recruitment of New LNSC Officers as Ifalade Assures Faster Security Response

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved the recruitment of new officers into the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, LNSC, in a move aimed at strengthening community security and improving response time across the state.

The General Manager of LNSC, Prince Dr. Ifalade Oyekan, FISN, disclosed this while addressing stakeholders at the Lagos State Stakeholders’ Engagement and the launch of the School Safety and Security Response Team for public primary schools.

According to Prince Oyekan, the recruitment exercise will significantly boost the agency’s operational capacity and enhance its ability to respond swiftly to security challenges at the grassroots level. He said the initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment for both learning and community living.

He recalled that the LNSA had earlier introduced the Safer School Initiative, which deploys LNSC officers to protect pupils within and around school premises. The programme, he noted, has recorded positive results, including a drastic reduction in inter-school violence, cult-related activities, and drug peddling among schoolchildren.

Prince Oyekan stressed that renewed attention to school safety is long overdue, adding that the protection of children requires collective effort involving government agencies, school authorities, parents, and community stakeholders.

Earlier in his remarks, the host of the event and Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Shittu Hakeem Babatunde, reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to providing a safe and secure learning environment for pupils across the state.

The event was attended by the Honourable Commissioner for Education (Basic and Secondary Education), Hon. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, as well as other key stakeholders in the education and security sectors.

Lagos Fire Service Debunks False Video on GNI Building Fire, Confirms 8 Fatalities

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Lagos to Host International Fire Safety Conference on Emergency Preparedness, Public Safety

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has issued a clarification regarding a video circulating on social media, which falsely claims that additional victims were rescued alive during the recent fire at the Great Nigeria Insurance, GNI, building.

The fire occurred on Tuesday, December 24, 2025, at the 25-storey GNI House and spread to five adjoining structures. Emergency responders confirmed eight fatalities, including five identified victims and three still unidentified, while thirteen people were successfully rescued.

Director, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye described the misleading video, which appeared on Thursday, December 25, 2025, as false and not representative of the actual events at the scene.

She noted that the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, working alongside other emergency agencies, remains on site to carry out necessary safety operations and support ongoing response efforts.

Adeseye who urged the public to disregard unverified information and to rely only on official statements from the Service, reaffirmed its commitment to public safety and accurate information dissemination.

Publisher, Brand News Media, Aderayo Olaiya Highlights Keys to Sustainable Business Growth

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Publisher, Brand News Media, Aderayo Olaiya Highlights Keys to Sustainable Business Growth

Branding expert and Publisher of Brand News Media, Aderayo Olaiya, has stressed that success in today’s highly competitive business environment goes beyond mere visibility, saying sustainable growth depends on the ability of brands to convert visibility into trust.

Olaiya made this known during a TikTok live session with Event Diary Lifestyle, where she spoke on branding, positioning, and the role of digital innovation in driving business growth.

She noted that with most industries now saturated, businesses must adopt clear brand identities and intentional positioning to stand out and remain relevant.

According to her, customer experience remains central to business success, as satisfied customers are more likely to build lasting relationships with brands.

She also explained that while businesses must consistently add value to customers, they must also ensure that such value creation translates into growth and sustainability.

Olaiya described branding as more than logos, designs, or advertisements, noting that it communicates a brand’s values, credibility, and reasons for being trusted.

According to her, effective branding helps businesses differentiate themselves in crowded markets by clearly defining what they offer, what they stand for, and why customers should choose them over competitors.

She also highlighted the growing influence of technology and artificial intelligence on the business landscape, stressing that innovation has become inseparable from modern entrepreneurship. According to her, results are increasingly determined by how well businesses position themselves and leverage available digital tools.

Speaking further, Olaiya identified confidence, credibility, and strong customer relationships as essential drivers of long-term business success. She noted that relying on one-time customers is no longer sufficient, as sustainable growth requires building trust and maintaining consistent engagement with customers.

On marketing strategies, she observed that social media has provided businesses with more affordable and accessible channels for visibility compared to traditional advertising. She encouraged brands to explore collaborations and partnerships while ensuring that all branding efforts align with clear business objectives.

Olaiya concluded by stating that success in today’s digital economy lies in the strategic combination of visibility and trust, innovation and credibility, as well as branding and meaningful customer relationships.

608 Youth Entrepreneurs Get Over ₦270m Via Unity Bank’s Corpreneurship Initiative

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blacktalker
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608 Youth Entrepreneurs Get Over ₦270m Via Unity Bank's Corpreneurship Initiative

Unity Bank Plc has disbursed over ₦270 million in grants to young Nigerian entrepreneurs under its Youth Entrepreneurship Development Initiative, popularly known as the Corpreneurship Challenge.

This brings the total number of beneficiaries since the programme’s inception in 2019 to 608 corps members nationwide.

The initiative, implemented in partnership with the National Youth Service Corp, NYSC, through its Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, SAED, programme, is designed to equip fresh graduates with funding, confidence, and support to launch and grow viable businesses after national service.

In the most recent edition of the Corpreneurship Challenge, held between November 18 and December 9, 2025, 30 corps members emerged as winners during the NYSC Batch C, Stream I orientation exercise. The pitching sessions were conducted across 10 NYSC orientation camps nationwide.

The latest beneficiaries were selected from camps in Lagos, Delta, Kaduna, Jigawa, Kwara, Enugu, Abia, the Federal Capital Territory, Akwa Ibom, and Plateau State, after presenting innovative business ideas spanning various sectors of the economy.

Speaking on the sustained impact of the programme, the Bank’s Divisional Head, Retail and SME, Mrs. Adenike Abimbola, described entrepreneurship as a key driver of inclusive economic growth.

“At Unity Bank, we recognise that entrepreneurship remains one of the most effective tools for tackling youth unemployment and driving inclusive economic growth.

Through the Corpreneurship Challenge, we are not only providing financial support but also instilling confidence in young graduates to transform viable ideas into sustainable businesses. Reaching over 600 beneficiaries since inception reinforces our belief in the immense potential of Nigeria’s youth,” she said.

Abimbola added that the programme plays a critical role in strengthening Nigeria’s MSME ecosystem and creating long-term economic value.

“Small and medium-scale enterprises are the backbone of any resilient economy. By supporting corps members at the earliest stage of their entrepreneurial journey, we are helping to build businesses that can create jobs, stimulate local economies, and contribute meaningfully to national development. Our focus is on impact that goes beyond grants and translates into lasting livelihoods,” she noted.

The Corpreneurship Challenge provides a competitive platform where corps members pitch business ideas evaluated on originality, feasibility, market demand, scalability, and job-creation potential. Successful participants receive grants to kick-start or expand their ventures, alongside access to business guidance and mentorship.

Since its launch, the initiative has supported youth-led enterprises across sectors such as agribusiness, fashion, food processing, creative services, manufacturing, and retail.

Omi Eko Project Appoints Dr. Segun Alabi as Head of Communications, Media

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blacktalker
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Omi Eko Project Appoints Dr. Segun Alabi as Head of Communications, Media

Dr. Segun Alabi has been appointed as the new Head of Communications and Media for the Omi Eko Project, a €410 million initiative aimed at transforming waterway transportation across the Lagos metropolis.

The appointment was announced in Lagos on January 8, 2026.

Welcoming Dr. Alabi to the project team, the Special Adviser on Blue Economy to the Governor of Lagos State and Project Coordinator of the Omi Eko Project, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, expressed confidence in his capacity to lead the project’s communications and media engagements.

Emmanuel described Dr. Alabi as a seasoned communications professional with extensive experience in media relations, corporate affairs, and public engagement, noting that his expertise would play a critical role in advancing the project’s objectives.

In his new role, Dr. Alabi will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic communication plans, managing media relations, and promoting the vision, milestones, and sustainability goals of the Omi Eko Project, which is designed to reposition Lagos waterways as a safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable mode of transportation.

Speaking on the appointment, Emmanuel said Dr. Alabi brings a wealth of experience from multiple sectors, including pay television, financial services, real estate, manufacturing, and business membership organisations.

Until his appointment, Dr. Alabi served as Assistant Director, Corporate Affairs and Communications at the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, where he oversaw corporate communications, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, and event management.

His professional competencies span reputation management, government relations, corporate social responsibility, public policy advocacy, and digital media strategy.

Reacting to his appointment, Dr. Alabi expressed enthusiasm about joining the Omi Eko Project, describing the opportunity as both exciting and challenging.

He said the task ahead, though enormous, is achievable and expressed commitment to supporting the successful delivery of the project through effective communication and stakeholder engagement.

Dr. Alabi holds a Doctorate degree in English from the University of Lagos, with specialisation in Language Use and Communication.

Cradle Project Donates Baby Essentials to Ikoyi PHC

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blacktalker
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Cradle Project Donates Baby Essentials to Ikoyi PHC

A sixteen-year-old, Oluwatariiresimi Agbeyangi, has donated essential baby items to the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Primary Healthcare Centre in Ikoyi, Obalende Local Council Development Area, LCDA, Lagos State, through her humanitarian initiative, The Cradle Project.

The donation, which included diapers and baby wipes, was presented over the weekend to support newborns, young mothers and vulnerable families receiving care at the health facility, particularly those facing difficult circumstances during hospitalisation.

Agbeyangi, a student of The Hockaday School, Dallas, Texas, said The Cradle Project is a student-led initiative focused on supporting new mothers and families in hospitals and care homes across Nigeria.

She explained that the project was inspired by her growing awareness of the challenges faced by mothers, especially single mothers, teenage mothers and women who enter motherhood under difficult or unsafe conditions.

According to her, many families struggle to afford basic baby necessities such as diapers and wipes, a situation that becomes even more challenging during periods of hospital care.

“The Cradle Project is rooted in the belief that small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference,” she said. “Providing simple essentials may appear minor, but for families in need, it offers real relief, comfort and reassurance during vulnerable moments.”

She noted that the initiative prioritises direct donations to hospitals and care homes to ensure timely delivery of support, while upholding efficiency, transparency and dignity for beneficiaries. Beyond meeting physical needs.

According to her, the project also aims to restore dignity and provide emotional reassurance to mothers, while raising awareness about maternal and child welfare and the importance of community-driven support.

To fund the initiative, Agbeyangi runs a small baking venture known as Cradle Crumbs, through which she produces and sells homemade baked goods via her school’s bookstore and personal orders. Proceeds from the business are used solely to purchase baby items for donation.

In addition to her humanitarian work, the student is actively involved in school activities and clubs, including the Wharton Investment Club, Investment Club, HockaStep and Girls Global Connect, and currently serves on her school’s Activities Board.

She expressed appreciation to the Chairman of Ikoyi-Obalende Local Government, Hon. Bola Oladunjoye, for his support and commitment to maternal and child welfare within the council.

She also thanked the Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Tayo Akintoye, as well as the doctors, matrons and nurses of the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Primary Health Centre, Dolphin, Ikoyi, for providing an enabling environment for collaboration with young advocates and humanitarian initiatives.

Receiving the items on behalf of the council and the health facility, Hon. Oladunjoye commended Agbeyangi for her compassion and sense of responsibility, describing the gesture as timely and impactful.

He also praised the management of The Hockaday School, Dallas, for supporting the initiative by allowing the student to sell her baked goods through the school store.

“We are deeply impressed by the vision, empathy and leadership demonstrated by Miss Agbeyangi at such a young age. This initiative clearly shows that age is not a barrier to making a meaningful impact in society,” he said.

The chairman noted that essential baby items remain critical to maternal and child care, particularly for indigent mothers who rely on public health facilities.

He encouraged other young people and private individuals to emulate the initiative, stressing the importance of community participation in healthcare support and social welfare.

Lagos to Host 9th Edition of AFRIMA, Reaffirms Status as Africa’s Creative Capital

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blacktalker
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Lagos to Host 9th Edition of AFRIMA, Reaffirms Status as Africa’s Creative Capital

Lagos State Government has announced that it will host the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, in collaboration with the African Union, further reinforcing the state’s position as Africa’s leading hub for creativity, culture, and entertainment.

The announcement was made at a press conference held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, by the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, alongside key AFRIMA stakeholders, representatives of the British High Commission, senior government officials, and members of the media.

Speaking at the briefing, Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka described AFRIMA as Africa’s flagship platform for celebrating musical excellence, creativity, and cultural influence on the global stage. She said the press conference was convened to formally brief the public on the forthcoming awards, outline Lagos State’s role as host city, and highlight the cultural and economic value of the event to the creative industry and the state.

According to her, AFRIMA has become one of the continent’s most influential platforms for recognising African musical excellence, fostering cross-cultural collaboration, and promoting Africa’s creative economy worldwide. She reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to initiatives that elevate African talent and position culture as a catalyst for sustainable development.

The Commissioner also expressed appreciation to strategic partners, particularly the British High Commission, for their continued support for cultural exchange and creative diplomacy. She noted that AFRIMA 2026 will bring together artists, producers, policymakers, and innovative entrepreneurs from across Africa and beyond, while also serving as a major driver of employment, tourism, youth empowerment, and Africa’s global visibility.

Congratulating nominees and participants, Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka stressed that AFRIMA remains a platform that not only celebrates excellence but amplifies African voices and stories on the world stage. She reaffirmed Lagos’ status as Africa’s cultural and creative capital and called for sustained media engagement to ensure a successful hosting of the event.

Also speaking, President and Founder of AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada, described the awards, established in partnership with the African Union Commission, as the continent’s longest-running and largest music awards platform dedicated to promoting and showcasing African talent globally.

Mr. Dada disclosed that Lagos was awarded the hosting rights following deliberations by the African Union, with the Lagos State Government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu accepting to host in line with its strong commitment to creative sector development. He said AFRIMA goes beyond an awards ceremony, serving as a tool for continental integration, youth empowerment, peace-building, and economic transformation.

Providing details of the programme, he announced that activities would begin with a Welcome Soirée at the British Residence in partnership with the British High Commission. Other highlights include the African Music Business Summit, the African Music Village concert expected to attract between 10,000 and 20,000 attendees, the Nominees’ Party, and the grand AFRIMA Awards Ceremony, to be broadcast live to a global audience.

Co-Founder of AFRIMA, Mr. Olisa Adibua, commended the Lagos State Government for its unwavering support for the creative economy, describing AFRIMA as a backbone of the African music ecosystem. He said Lagos’ deep investment in the sector makes it an ideal host city and invited residents and visitors to participate in what he described as “the biggest week for African music.”

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, appreciated all partners, stakeholders, and members of the media for their collaboration toward the successful hosting of AFRIMA 2026.

AFRIMA 2026 is expected to attract thousands of delegates, artists, industry professionals, and music enthusiasts from across Africa and beyond, further cementing Lagos’ position as the nucleus of African music, creativity, and cultural excellence.

Ogun Police Command Tasks Newly Commissioned Officers on Professionalism

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blacktalker
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Ogun Police Command Tasks Newly Commissioned Officers on Professionalism

The Ogun State Police Command has received newly commissioned officers of Regular Course 7, recently posted to the command following their Presidential commissioning and Passing Out Parade at the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State.

The officers, who completed five years of rigorous academic and professional training at the academy, were formally welcomed on arrival and enrolled in an orientation programme designed to acquaint them with the command’s operational structure, policing strategies and service expectations.

As part of the programme, the officers underwent a series of lectures delivered by the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo and members of the Command’s Management Team.

The sessions focused on leadership development, discipline, professionalism, ethical conduct, operational readiness and the principles of community policing.

Addressing the officers, Ogunlowo charged them to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and discipline in the discharge of their duties.

He emphasised the importance of being law-abiding, people-friendly and proactive in crime prevention, while maintaining respect for human rights and the rule of law.

The Commissioner further urged the officers to see their posting to Ogun State as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the safety and security of lives and property, assuring them of the command’s support as they begin their policing careers.

Nigeria Customs Service Introduces Safe Passage for Personal Vehicles

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Maritime Journalists Felicitate CGC Adeniyi on Birthday

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has commenced the implementation of a new initiative to grant safe passage to personal vehicles temporarily imported or transiting through Nigeria by international travellers.

National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, PhD, said the programme is anchored on the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and relevant international conventions on temporary vehicle admission and transit.

He explained that the framework applies to all non-commercial vehicles belonging to international travellers visiting Nigeria for tourism, diplomatic, business, or personal purposes. He also said it is designed to facilitate cross-border movement, strengthen compliance with international obligations, and reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to trade facilitation and regional integration.

The legal backing for the initiative includes Sections 142, 143, 144, and 245 of the NCS Act, 2023, the Revised Kyoto Convention, the UN TIR Convention (1975), the Istanbul Convention (1990), the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, and WCO guidelines on Temporary Admission.

”Under the new system, travellers must present valid documents, including an international passport, international driver’s license, vehicle registration, insurance, and the Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) at the point of entry. ”

”A Temporary Vehicle Admission Permit, valid for up to 90 days, will be issued and electronically recorded. Extensions of up to 30 days may be granted by the relevant Customs Area Controller.”

”Vehicles admitted under this regime are allowed to move freely within Nigeria but cannot be sold, leased, transferred, modified, or used for commercial purposes.”

”Upon exit, travellers must present their vehicle along with the approved Temporary Admission Declaration. In the event of an accident, theft, or breakdown, the nearest Customs office must be notified immediately.”

The NCS reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability while facilitating legitimate travel, stressing that the initiative strengthens Nigeria’s cross-border cooperation and ensures compliance with international and national regulations.

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