Category: Arts & Entertainment

ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — 29 March 2026 — The German Embassy in Nigeria and the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) have joined forces to champion women’s empowerment in journalism, describing it as vital for building an inclusive and resilient democracy.

Speaking at a one‑day capacity‑building workshop in Abuja, Mr Felix Haala, Head of Press and Political Counsellor at the German Embassy, said empowering women journalists strengthens democratic governance and social change. The workshop, themed “Empowering Women Journalists for Democratic Governance and Social Change,” was organised by NAWOJ’s FCT Chapter in partnership with the Embassy as part of activities marking International Women’s Day 2026.

Haala commended Nigeria’s relatively free media environment, stressing that democracy cannot thrive without press freedom. He noted that amplifying women’s voices benefits society at large, while expressing concern over low female representation in parliament. “Empowering women journalists is not only a matter of equality and justice, but also essential for a strong, inclusive and resilient democracy,” he said.

NAWOJ National President Hajia Aisha Ibrahim emphasised that empowering women journalists yields stronger democratic voices, improved accountability, and more inclusive communities. FCT Chairperson Mrs Bassey Ita‑Ikpang highlighted the training’s focus on investigative reporting, ethical journalism, gender‑sensitive storytelling, and leadership. NUJ FCT Chairman Ms Grace Ike, represented by Treasurer Sandra Chukwugekwu, described the workshop as timely, noting that women journalists play critical roles in shaping narratives and holding leaders accountable despite persistent challenges.

ABUJA, NIGERIA (Agency Report) — 27 March 2026 — The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women as key drivers of the creative economy, focusing on access to finance, skills development and leadership opportunities.

Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, stated this in Lagos at the International Women’s Day Conference organised by Access Bank Plc, which drew over 5,000 participants onsite and online.

Represented by CBAAC Director-General Mrs Aisha Adamu, Musawa said women are increasingly leading in business, innovation and social change. She identified culture, capital and courage as critical factors, stressing that culture is both identity and an economic asset. She noted the ministry is repositioning culture through creative hubs, skills development and enterprise support targeting women in film, fashion, digital media and tourism. Women-owned businesses account for about 40 per cent of SMEs but face significant funding gaps.

“Too many ideas remain small not because they lack potential, but because they lack access to capital,” she said, adding that government is working to unlock targeted funding, strengthen market access and promote women’s inclusion in leadership.

Access Bank Chairman Mrs Ifeyinwa Osime urged deliberate investment in women as a catalyst for growth, stressing empowerment should be seen as a strategy, not charity. She noted women own 39 per cent of businesses and drive nearly 40 per cent of new enterprises, while SMEs contribute 48 per cent of GDP and over 80 per cent of jobs. Yet financing gaps persist, constraining productivity.

“No economy can optimise its potential while underinvesting in half its population,” she said, highlighting Access Bank’s W Initiative and Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton programme, which provides financing, training and healthcare support.

Former Education Minister Dr Oby Ezekwesili stressed prioritising women’s inclusion, noting that societies transform when such issues are deliberately addressed. She said removing barriers could unlock vast potential, with agricultural output rising by up to 30 per cent if women had equal access to inputs. She commended Access Bank’s interventions and urged women to invest in knowledge, build partnerships and seek financing opportunities. In a one-on-one session, she emphasised shared values as “our internal currencies.”

Mrs Nene Kunle-Ogunlusi, Group Head, Women Banking, Access Bank, said the bank remains committed to supporting women across all segments, citing a recent Women’s Day programme for market women in Oyingbo, Lagos, offering free health checks, beauty services and financial education.

Stakeholders called for sustained collaboration between the government and the private sector to expand opportunities for women and drive inclusive growth. (NAN).

LAGOS, NIGERIA (Agency Report) — March 23, 2026 — President Bola Tinubu has emphasised Nigeria’s creative industry as a strategic driver of economic growth and global competitiveness, urging stronger investment and collaboration to unlock its full potential.

In a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, Tinubu was quoted as saying this on Thursday at the “Nigerian Modernism” exhibition at the Tate Modern, London. The event formed part of engagements concluding his official visit to the United Kingdom.

He noted that the sector requires sustained partnerships between government, the private sector, and international stakeholders to expand access to funding, strengthen market structures, and enhance global visibility for Nigerian creatives. Tinubu described the exhibition as “a testament to a revolution.”

Reflecting on the bold generation of Nigerian artists who, in the mid-20th century, redefined their narrative beyond colonial constructs, Tinubu said: “It is a profound honour to stand here… to witness the soul of Nigeria on display. What we see here is people who have taken the best of global techniques and infused them with the enduring rhythms of our heritage.”

He added that the works on display demonstrate how Nigerian artists blend global techniques with indigenous heritage to create a distinct cultural expression. Tinubu said the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope agenda recognises the creative industry as a key driver of economic growth and international engagement. “Our creative industries—art, music, film, and literature—are among our greatest exports. They represent Nigeria’s soft power in an interconnected world,” he further stated.

Addressing the international audience, Tinubu said the exhibition reflected Nigeria’s resilience and creative strength through periods of transition and nation-building. He urged Nigerians in the diaspora to continue projecting a positive image of the country and contribute to national development. “You come from a lineage of pioneers… the ability to innovate, adapt and lead,” he said.

The president commended Access Holdings and Coronation Group for supporting the exhibition. “By bringing these works to London, you are not just hosting an exhibition; you are facilitating a vital dialogue between our past and our shared future,” he noted.

Tinubu reaffirmed the importance of cultural diplomacy, describing art as a unifying force that fosters mutual understanding across borders. “Art has no borders. It is the language of our common humanity,” he added.

The event, attended by dignitaries including Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, and the Nigerian diaspora, marked the symbolic end of the President’s engagements in the UK. (NAN).