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Gov AbdulRazaq speaks on personal devt, use of new media, as Kwara holds youth summit

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Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Tuesday charged Nigerian youth to make informed decisions in their pursuit of personal development, and be guided that whatever their decisions are will impact on the larger society.

Speaking in Ilorin at the 1st Kwara Adolescents and Youth Intellectual Summit 2024, the Governor noted that the demography is most significant for the country considering their numerical strength, asking them to always engage in productive ventures.

“As you move from adolescence to youth and full adulthood, I want you to make informed choices and take full responsibility for who you want to be and the kind of country you would like to call your fatherland. That is why this conference is about empowering tomorrow, transforming perspectives, healing minds, and shaping governance,” the Governor said this through Commissioner for Water Resources Usman Yunusa Lade who represented him.

“Whatever decisions you make about education and personal development, hard work and honesty, ethical values, protecting family name, and productive use of your time will determine who you become tomorrow and whether our country will be greater than it is.

“As digital natives, we admit that you understand technology and you want to make the most use of the opportunities it offers. Make your virtual communities more conducive for all to coexist, devoid of bullying and other toxic behaviours. Importantly, please note that there is life outside of the new media. Explore the physical world where things are more real and the veils behind the screens are nonexistent”.

Graced by the Kwara First Lady Ambassador Olufolake AbdulRazaq, state parliamentarian and Cabinet members, the Summit was themed: “Empowering Tomorrow, Transforming Perspectives, Healing Minds and Shaping Governance”. It featured several segments of high interests including lectures and technical sessions.

The programme was organized by the Ministry of Youth Development and the Office of Special Adviser on Youth Engagement, Hon Muhammed Attairu.

AbdulRazaq enjoined the younger persons to shun drug abuse, violent crimes or membership of secret cults, and negative obsession with or misuse of social media.

He commended the Commissioner for Youth Development Nafisat Musa Buge and her team for putting the programme together, while also thanking other personalities that contributed to its success.

“I want you to take time to reflect on the theme of this conference. Create a mutually supportive circle of friends. Multiple ethical opportunities exist on the internet or social media. Grab them. Explore agriculture. Learn from one another. Seek help when you need it, and take bold steps to become a better person who will be known and remembered for their positive accomplishments. You can do it!,” AbdulRazaq added.

The session was equally attended by the House of Assembly member Hon Rukayat Shittu; Hon. Nafisat Musa Buge; National Youth Leader for APC, who is one of the Keynote speakers, Hon. Dayo Israel; the 14-year old Deputy Speaker for Nigerian Children Parliament, Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Zannu Sumonu; and CEO Lahmad Concept Ltd Ahmed Lawal; among other dignitaries.

Amb Mrs. AbdulRazaq, for her part, assured the youth that her office will continue to promote programmes that will assist them to realize their potentials and become instruments of positive changes.

“As you evolve as adolescents and youth I enjoin you to stay true to your dreams and aspirations, being a generation that grew up in the digital age, with access to more information and connectivity than ever before, use this as a positive tool to give you unique perspective and set of skills that will be invaluable,” she said.

Buge, in her remarks, said the conference was to encourage the creativity, ingenuity and freedom of youth, and to provide an enabling environment and structure for self expression, self analysis and self actualization.

“The state of our youth remains the best indicator of a healthy or disintegrated society. It is also recognized that the youths are the cornerstone of the Nation and are particularly sensitive, energetic, active and potentially productive,” she said, thanking the Governor for investing in youth.

Hon. Israel advised the youth to be focused and determined while pursuing their dreams, citing what he had gone through as student and a former member of the Nigerian Children Parliament.

“If you are focused and determined, no matter the challenges, you will get there and the sky is the beginning of your success”.

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MultiChoice Talent Factory West Africa Celebrates the Next Generation of Storytellers at the 2024 Graduation Ceremony.

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MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) West Africa, the pioneering initiative established to nurture emerging African filmmakers and storytellers celebrated the achievements of its 2024 cohort at its graduation ceremony on December 6 in Lagos. This is the fifth graduation ceremony by the MTF. The occasion signposts another successful year of empowering young filmmakers in Africa. Each year, the MTF programme trains 60 young filmmakers across its various academies through a comprehensive, fully funded cinematography course. The programme equips participants with the technical and creative skills necessary to craft compelling stories that highlight Africa’s cultural wealth to worldwide audiences.During her congratulatory message, Executive Head of Content and Channels, West Africa, MultiChoice, Dr Busola Tejumola stated that the graduation ceremony is a time of celebrate creativity, dedication and the exceptional achievements of the grandaunts.“This ceremony is more than just an acknowledgment of academic journey; it is a physical mark of the graduation into an elite class of the MTF Alumni Network, a family whose contributions continue to shape the narrative of African storytelling globally.”Dr Tejumola also stated that in just one year, the students have made great strides including the selection of Non Cras by Elma Baisie at the Life-Off Global Network and Get Out of Your head by Oluwayanmife Arogundade and Winner Achimugu at the Afropolis Lagos 2024.Atinuke Babatunde, Academy Director of MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) West Africa, noted that the sub-region is crucial to the continent’s film and television industry.”West Africa is a hub of cultural richness and vibrant storytelling, which has been the foundation of its thriving film and TV industry. Through the MultiChoice Talent Factory, we have consistently supported the development of exceptional talents, who are capable of elevating this heritage to global standards. The 2024 cohort has been phenomenal, and we are excited to celebrate their achievements as they graduate,” Babatunde said.During the event, the three best graduating students won one-year scholarships to international film schools. Winner Achimugu and Anjoluwa Aluko won scholarships to the New York Film Academy and Zee World, India respectively while Adejo Edebo Emmanuel won a scholarship to learn at MNET Production in South AfricaThis year, MTF West Africa collaborated with the Earthshot Prize initiative, producing projects focused on environmental sustainability. Among these are “Revive the Ocean,” which explores innovative solutions for ocean preservation; “Racing Against Time,” a mini documentary addressing the dangers of plastic waste; and “2070,” a thought-provoking short film envisioning future environmental challenges. Students of the Academy fully conceptualised, shot, and produced these projects, demonstrating their ability to create compelling stories. Additionally, Rekiya, a short film by the class of 2023 has been selected at AFRIFF 2024 and Poached, directed Adeola Andrea Peregrino, earned accolades including 1st Prize in the LEAP Africa USAID Film Contest, 2nd Prize at the IOM Film Contest and was an official selection at AFRIFF 2024 and at Edo State Festival. Love from Bayelsa, written by alumnus Gabrie Odigiri won Best Short Film of the Year at the Imo International Film Festival. The graduation of the 2024 cohort represents yet another milestone in MTF’s ongoing commitment to upskilling exceptional storytellers, who continue to redefine the African narrative on a global stage.

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Tourism Drive: Governor AbdulRazaq intensifies efforts to rebuild Patigi Regatta Motel

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•eyes global recognition for Patigi Regatta Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq is intensifying efforts to rebuild the long-abandoned Patigi Regatta Motel located in Patigi local government area of the state.The reconstruction of the Patigi Regatta Motel was started few months ago and will be delivered with classic rooms, VIP suites, a conference hall, a restaurant, courtyards, shopping areas, expansive parking space and more.Located along Kpada Road (Federal Road) and 1500m from Kusogi Park in Patigi town, the completion of the iconic Motel will help solve the problem of accommodation during the historical Patigi Regatta Festival in the town.Founded in 1949, the Patigi Regatta Festival is a boating event featuring boating races, fishing and swimming. The festival is attended by tourism enthusiasts within and outside the State and country. However, the issue of accommodation during the festivity calls for concern. With the ongoing efforts to rebuild the Motel, Governor Abdulrazaq aims to provide quality accommodation for visitors, enhance the overall tourist experience, create jobs and boost the State’s internally generated revenue.Additionally, the Governor aims to restore a sense of pride and heritage in the State and put the Patigi Regatta Festival on the global map just like other cultural and traditional festivals in the state.

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Development Bank of Nigeria Plc Wins Financial Inclusion Leadership Award

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The Development Bank of Nigeria Plc (DBN) has emerged winner of the Financial Inclusion Leadership Award. This is in recognition of the Bank’s unwavering commitment to fostering access to financing for the Nigerian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The award was bestowed on DBN at the “Champions of Inclusion Nigeria Financial Inclusion Awards” during the recently-concluded International Financial Inclusion Conference (IFIC) 2024, organised by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in collaboration with the World Bank and other stakeholders. Commenting on the prestigious award, DBN’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr Tony Okpanachi, said winning the Financial Inclusion Leadership Award was a testament to the Bank’s unrelenting efforts in expanding access to financial services for MSMEs in Nigeria. “We are honoured to receive the Financial Inclusion Leadership Award, which is a testament to our bank’s commitment to expanding access to financial services for all Nigerians. This award recognises our efforts to bridge the financial inclusion gap, particularly for a priority sector like the MSMEs,” he stated. Dr Okpanachi added: “Additionally, this award is a validation of our strategic focus on driving financial inclusion for small businesses, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this initiative that drives that. We will continue to innovate and expand our financial inclusion programmes, ensuring that more Nigerian small and startup businesses have access to services.”The Chief Operating Officer of the Bank, Mr Bonaventure Okhaimo, while receiving the award on behalf of DBN, expressed gratitude to the organisers for the recognition, describing it as a significant milestone. “The Financial Inclusion Leadership Award is a significant milestone for our Bank, demonstrating our dedication to driving financial inclusion and economic growth in Nigeria. This award acknowledges our Bank’s innovative approach to widening opportunities for MSMEs in Nigeria to grow and scale their businesses,” he said. The COO stated further, “This award will motivate us to continue pushing the boundaries of financial inclusion, exploring more innovative solutions and partnerships to expand our reach and impact. We are committed to ensuring that more small businesses and startup enterprises in Nigeria have access to financial services, this award will further inspire us to accelerate our efforts in this regard.” He emphasized. The Financial Inclusion Leadership Award is a key highlight of the International Financial Inclusion Conference (IFIC) and celebrates exceptional contributions to actions aimed at achieving the goals outlined in Nigeria’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy 3.0.The awards recognize organizations and individuals across various sectors who are driving meaningful dialogue, and broadening access to financial services for low-income excluded priority segments, including the MSMES sector, with inadequate funding being one of the challenges that inhibit the growth of small businesses in the country.

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