Connect with us

News

Creative, Culture Industry: FG Seeks Closer Ties With US …As A-29 Super Tucanos’ Support Facilities Take Off

Published

4 years ago

on

The Federal Government has called for closer collaboration with the United States in the field of creative and culture industry.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who made the call in Abuja, yesterday, said the call was necessary especially in improving the quality of Nollywood movies.
Speaking when he received the United States Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs,Ms. Akunna Cook, Mohammed, in a statement issued by the Special Assistant to the President (Media), Office of the Minister of Information and Culture, Segun Adeyemi, said:”Of immediate importance to us in Nigeria at this time is how to continue to improve the quality of our films. As you know, Nollywood, as our film industry is known, is among the top three in the world. Yes, the quality of our films has improved incrementally over the years, but we can still benefit from the rich experience of America’s Hollywood, the undisputed world best.
“Apart from improving the quality of our production through technical training and exchanges, we will also like to learn a few tricks in the area of animation.”
Mohammed further said the Federal Government was working hard to reposition the Creative and Culture Industry, which has been badly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, because of the immense contribution of the sector to the nation’s GDP.
“The Creative and Culture Industry is a key sector of the Nigerian economy, contributing 17.3percent to the country’s GDP in 2020 and, together with other seemingly unrelated sectors, providing between 10 and 15million jobs. Indeed, the Creative and Culture Industry is the biggestemployer of labour after Agriculture,” Mohammed also said.
The minister disclosed some important interventions made by the Federal Government in the Creative Industry to include the N22.9billion Central Bank of Nigeria Creative Industry Financing Initiatives; the N1billion Bank of Industry Nollyfund; another N1billion Bank of Industry Fashion and Beauty Fund; N-Power Creative and Project Act Nollywood Federal Grant.
Mohammed added that the government was still exploring other avenues to further give the sector a lift.
In her remarks, Cook said during her three-day visit to Nigeria, she focused on the developments in the Creative Industry and Digital Technology.
She said Nigeria’s Creative Industry has proven to be not only a driver of the economy but a significant player in changing the world’s perception about Africa, particularly Nigeria.
Cook hailed the Nigerian Government for refurbishing the National Theatre, Lagos which, she said, will create an eco-system and provide phenomenal opportunities for the stakeholders in the Creative Industry.
She pledged the readiness of the US Government to collaborate with Nigeria towards boosting the Creative Industry in the country.
Meanwhile, the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard; and Commander of USACE’s North Atlantic Division, Brigadier General Thomas Tickner; have visited Kainji Air Force Base to perform the ground-breakingof the final phase of the $38million construction project for the A-29 Super Tucanos’ support facilities.
They were joined by the Deputy Director for the Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation Directorate, Ronald Taylor; and senior Nigerian Air Force officials.
A statement by the US Mission in Nigeria, made available to The TIDE IN Port Harcourt, said the construction site would be the location of several critical facilities, including sunshades to house the A-29 Super Tucanos, munitions assembly and storage areas, and an annex for the A-29 flight simulator.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) North Atlantic Division is overseeing the construction of this necessary infrastructure for the operation and maintenance of the A-29 Super Tucanos and their accompanying munitions.
While touring the site, Leonard explained the importance of this ground-breaking, saying “We are not just here today to celebrate a milestone in airbase construction, but a milestone in a partnership between our two countries.
“This monumental undertaking of the Nigerian Air Force through the A-29 Super Tucano program reflects the work ethic, ingenuity, and dedication of the Nigerian people.”
In his remarks, Tickner, echoed Leonard’s sentiment, saying “We are proud to partner with the U.S. Embassy, U.S. Air Force, and the Nigerian Air Force to deliver support facilities for their new fleet of A-29 Super Tucano aircraft.
“These projects are a prime example of USACE’s unique ability to apply its engineering expertise in ways that build partner capacity, strengthen strategic relationships, and bolster Nigeria’s security capability.
“This construction project is a part of the historic $500million U.S. foreign military sale to Nigeria, which also includes the delivery of the 12 A-29 Super Tucano aircrafts, munitions, and world-class training.
“This is the largest U.S. foreign military sales case in Sub-Saharan Africa and demonstrates the strong partnership between the United States and Nigeria.
“The United States is committed to assisting Nigeria in its efforts to create a more peaceful, prosperous nation”, he said.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

News

HoS Hails Fubara Over Provision of Accommodation for Permanent Secretaries

Published

6 days ago

on

February 2, 2026

By

The Head of Service (HoS) of Rivers State, Dr. Mrs. Inyingi S. I. Brown, has commended Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, for approving befitting accommodation for Permanent Secretaries in the state.
This commendation was contained in a press release made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt.
According to the Head of Service, Governor Fubara has continued to demonstrate uncommon commitment to the welfare of civil servants in Rivers State, stressing that such gestures underscore his people-oriented leadership style. She urged civil servants across the state to remain supportive of the governor’s administration in order to sustain good governance and effective public service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the Body of Permanent Secretaries, Dr. Brown congratulated Governor Fubara on the occasion of his 51st birthday, describing him as “a Governor who leads by serving.”
She further praised the governor’s service-driven and people-centred leadership approach, noting that it has significantly contributed to institutional stability and improved efficiency within the state’s public service. Special appreciation was expressed for the approval of a befitting accommodation complex for Permanent Secretaries, which she said reflects the governor’s commitment to staff welfare and enhanced productivity.
As part of activities to mark the governor’s birthday, the Body of Permanent Secretaries announced the sponsorship of 329 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms for indigent students across the state.
A breakdown of the initiative shows that 319 forms will be distributed across the 319 political wards in Rivers State, while five forms are allocated to non-indigenes and five forms to persons living with disabilities.
Interested applicants are advised to contact the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, for further details.
The Body of Permanent Secretaries wished Governor Fubara continued good health, divine wisdom, and greater accomplishments in his service to the people of Rivers State.
By John Bibor
Continue Reading

News

Allegation of Disrespect to President Tinubu Unfounded — Rivers Government

Published

6 days ago

on

February 2, 2026

By

The attention of the Rivers State Government has been drawn to a statement credited to an acclaimed Rivers State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), purportedly authored by one Bestman Innocent Amadi, alleging that the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, removed the official portrait of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, from the Government House, Port Harcourt.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Rivers State Government wishes to categorically state that there is no policy, directive, or intention on the part of the government or the Governor that disrespects the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or undermines the authority of the Federal Government.
On the contrary, the Rivers State Government, under the leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, currently enjoys a robust, cordial, and collaborative relationship with the Federal Government, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Renewed Hope Agenda—a partnership that is already yielding positive and tangible benefits for the people of Rivers State.
Consequently, the insinuation that the Governor acted out of “ingratitude” or “disrespect” is misleading, irresponsible, inflammatory, and entirely unsupported by verifiable facts, and should therefore be disregarded by the public.
It is regrettable that a body expected to promote youth unity, peace, and responsible engagement would resort to incendiary language, personal attacks, and unsubstantiated claims capable of overheating the polity at a time when Rivers State requires calm, dialogue, and mature leadership.
The Rivers State Government therefore calls on well-meaning members of the public, particularly its esteemed and hardworking youths, to disregard and dissociate themselves from individuals or groups bent on advancing divisive rhetoric and falsehoods for political purposes.
Rivers State belongs to all of us. Political differences must never be allowed to override truth, civility, peace, and the collective pursuit of progress.
Members of the public are further urged to remain vigilant and avoid lending credence to inflammatory statements or the activities of fifth columnists pursuing dubious agendas aimed at sowing discord.
Here is a clean, professional, publication-ready edit of your report with improved flow, clarity, and SEO strength while retaining all facts:
Continue Reading

News

Rivers Government Dismisses Allegations of Disrespect to President Tinubu

Published

6 days ago

on

February 2, 2026

By

The Rivers State Government has dismissed as unfounded and misleading allegations that Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara removed the official portrait of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu from the Government House in Port Harcourt.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the state government reacted to claims credited to an acclaimed Rivers State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), describing the allegation as false, irresponsible, and unsupported by any verifiable facts.
The government clarified that it has no policy, directive, or intention that disrespects the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or undermines the authority of the Federal Government. It emphasized that Governor Fubara maintains a cordial, respectful, and collaborative relationship with President Tinubu and the Federal Government.
According to the statement, the relationship between Rivers State and the Federal Government has grown stronger under the Renewed Hope Agenda, with tangible benefits and positive impacts already being felt by residents of the state.
The Rivers State Government described insinuations that the governor acted out of “ingratitude” or “disrespect” as deliberately provocative, noting that such claims are capable of misleading the public and unnecessarily heating up the polity.
It further expressed concern that an organization expected to promote youth unity and peace would engage in what it termed incendiary language, personal attacks, and unsubstantiated accusations at a time when the state requires calm, dialogue, and responsible leadership.
The government called on well-meaning members of the public, especially the youths of Rivers State, to disregard the claims and dissociate themselves from individuals or groups spreading divisive rhetoric and falsehoods for political purposes.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace, unity, and progress, the state government stressed that political differences must never be allowed to override truth, civility, and the collective interest of the people.
Members of the public were also urged to remain vigilant and not give attention to inflammatory statements or individuals described as fifth columnists bent on causing division within the state.
Continue Reading

Trending