2025 | Page 77 of 264 | Trendbrio.com

Woodhall, Polaris Bank, UK and Lagos Governments Launch ₦1.5bn Creative Sector Fund

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

By Kamal Yalwa: LAGOS – July 15, 2025Nigeria’s creative industry received a major boost as Woodhall Capital, in partnership with Polaris Bank, the UK Government, and the Lagos State Government, unveiled a ₦1.5 billion Creative Sector Fund to expand access to structured financing for entrepreneurs across fashion, film, music, and digital content. The fund was announced during the launch of the Creative Currency Podcast, an initiative designed to foster collaboration between creatives, financiers, policymakers, and global stakeholders. The platform will also serve as a policy engagement forum addressing long-standing challenges such as limited financing, weak intellectual property enforcement, and lack of scalable business structures. Speaking at the launch hosted at the Ikoyi residence of the British Deputy High Commissioner, Abimbola Ozomah, Executive Director at Polaris Bank, said the fund marks a deliberate shift in recognizing intellectual property as a bankable asset. “This fund represents more than capital; it reflects our belief in Nigerian creativity as a global force,” Ozomah said. “We’re not just exporting talent. We’re exporting ownership, structure, and long-term value.” Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu, Founder and CEO of Woodhall Capital, emphasized the need for bespoke financial products and investor-matching services tailored for creative MSMEs. The UK Government, represented by Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter, reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s creative economy, citing the UK-Nigeria Creative Industries Partnership signed in 2024 as a milestone for trade and investment. Representing the Lagos State Government, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, highlighted ongoing policy reforms, infrastructure support, and the Lagos Creative Fund, which offers zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to creative businesses. Panelists at the event urged creatives to formalize operations, protect intellectual property, and maintain transparent financial records, while financial institutions were encouraged to rethink risk models to accommodate the unique dynamics of creative enterprises. The Creative Currency Podcast aims to build a knowledge-sharing ecosystem for creators, investors, legal experts, and cultural stakeholders, promoting professionalism, transparency, and global competitiveness in Nigeria’s creative sector. The event closed with a unified call to “invest in systems, not just stories”, stressing that a structured, well-capitalized creative economy can drive job creation, exports, and global influence for Nigeria. Polaris Bank reiterated its commitment to supporting MSMEs, noting its extensive portfolio dedicated to growing small businesses and fostering economic inclusion across the country.

Global Terrorism Index: Nigeria Drops from 3rd to 8th Most Terror-Affected Country

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Abuja – Nigeria has recorded significant progress in the fight against terrorism, dropping from the 3rd to the 8th position on the Global Terrorism Index (GTI), according to the latest ranking. The report indicates a sharp decline in terrorist incidents and fatalities across the country compared to previous years, marking one of Nigeria’s best performances in over a decade. The improvement is largely attributed to sustained military operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other violent extremist groups in the Northeast and Northwest regions. In 2022, Nigeria ranked 3rd globally, trailing only Afghanistan and Iraq. However, recent data shows that improved counterterrorism strategies, enhanced intelligence sharing, and community-driven security initiatives have contributed to reducing terror-related violence. Despite the progress, the GTI warns that Nigeria remains vulnerable to emerging security threats, including banditry, farmer-herder clashes, and kidnapping for ransom, which continue to pose significant challenges in some parts of the country. The new ranking places Afghanistan, Somalia, and Iraq as the top three most terror-impacted nations globally.

Buhari’s 2016 Medical Tourism Ban vs. His UK Trips and Patience Jonathan’s $15m Medical Fund

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

In the wake of revelations by Femi Adesina that late former President Muhammadu Buhari might have died earlier if he had relied on Nigerian hospitals, attention has shifted back to a controversial policy statement and subsequent events during his administration. On April 28, 2016, Buhari, through then-Health Minister Isaac Adewole, announced that his government would no longer sponsor medical trips abroad for public officials. Adewole made the pronouncement at the 56th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Sokoto. “While this administration will not deny anyone of his or her fundamental human rights, we will certainly not encourage expending Nigerian hard-earned resources on any government official seeking medical care abroad, when such can be handled in Nigeria,” Adewole said at the time. However, just six weeks later, Buhari departed for the United Kingdom on June 6, 2016, for what his spokesman described as a “precautionary” treatment for a persistent ear infection. Adesina noted then that Buhari had been consulting his UK doctors since the 1970s. By the end of his tenure, Buhari had reportedly spent 225 days abroad on medical grounds, with one of the longest stretches occurring in March 2021, when he stayed in London for 15 days while Nigerian doctors were protesting unpaid allowances. The cost of Buhari’s medical trips remained undisclosed throughout his presidency, but a related controversy emerged in 2017 when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) froze four Skye Bank accounts linked to Waripamowei Dudafa, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan. The accounts contained $15 million, which former First Lady Patience Jonathan claimed was set aside for her medical treatment after undergoing eight surgeries in 2013. The EFCC, however, alleged that the funds were linked to fraudulent activities and refused to release the money, stating that the accounts were registered under names of domestic staff, including a driver and houseboy.

Politics

Reno Omokri, Northern Youth Slam Peter Obi for Snubbing Buhari’s Burial

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Former presidential aide Reno Omokri and a prominent Northern youth influencer, Sarki, have criticized Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for his absence at the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday. The funeral, which drew top dignitaries, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Yemi Osinbajo, and other political heavyweights, was a major state event. However, Peter Obi was conspicuously missing. In a post on X, Reno Omokri accused Obi of showing disregard for the North and questioned his national loyalty. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was in Daura from beginning to end, showing his personal devotion to General Muhammadu Buhari and his commitment to the North. Arewa, remember who was not there!” Omokri wrote. Omokri further recalled past remarks by Obi, alleging that his recent positions confirm his bias. “On October 19, 2024, during General Gowon’s 90th birthday, Peter Obi called him ‘an enemy’ to be forgiven. And today, when General Buhari, the successor to Ahmadu Bello, was being buried, Peter Obi was nowhere to be found,” he stated. He also referenced Obi’s comments on the trial of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, suggesting they reveal his “true allegiance.” “In 2027, Nigeria needs a truly Nigerian president in Aso Rock, not a pretender whose true allegiance lies elsewhere,” Omokri added. Similarly, Northern youth leader Sarki warned that Obi’s absence could affect his chances in the 2027 presidential race. “Peter Obi didn’t attend President Muhammadu Buhari’s burial. This is the same man who expects northerners to hand over Nigeria to him. Let’s see how he plans to become president without our votes,” Sarki posted on X. Both Omokri and Sarki are known critics of Obi, who finished third in the 2023 general elections. Meanwhile, activist lawyer Maduabuchi Idam questioned President Tinubu’s decision to declare a public holiday in honour of the late Buhari.

Oluwo Hails Awujale’s Burial, Calls It Victory for Yoruba Monarchy

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has praised the burial process of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, describing it as a landmark step toward restoring the dignity of the Yoruba traditional institution. Oba Akanbi lauded the decision to bury Oba Adetona according to Islamic rites without subjecting his remains to traditional practices such as mutilation, which he likened to “acts done by butchers.” The Awujale, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91, was laid to rest on Monday in accordance with Islamic customs. Soldiers were deployed during the burial to prevent traditionalists from disrupting the process after Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, affirmed that the late monarch had clearly expressed his burial wishes. In a statement by his Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, the Oluwo commended the Awujale’s family, Governor Abiodun, and the state’s Attorney General, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), for ensuring the monarch’s wishes were honored. He described their stance as a “victory for the Yoruba race.” “The courage demonstrated by the late Adetona’s family, Governor Abiodun, and the Attorney General is commendable and a blessing to restore the glory of Yoruba stools. Any town willing that its king be butchered after death should rather appoint an herbalist or Ogboni as their ruler,” Oba Akanbi said. He stressed that Oba Adetona had set a new standard for how Yoruba monarchs should be buried, emphasizing that traditional rulers should be treated with dignity even in death. “Honour doesn’t die with the king. They should be honoured to the grave and beyond, not butchered like an animal,” the Oluwo stated. Oba Akanbi further advocated that the burial of monarchs should follow the instructions left by the king before death or his family’s decision afterward, condemning the forceful seizure of royal corpses by secret societies. The Iwo monarch reaffirmed his stance against idol worship and traditional cult practices, noting that he had liberated the Oluwo stool from such influences since ascending the throne a decade ago.

ADC Vows to End Hunger, Slash Fuel Prices if Elected in 2027 – Bolaji Abdullahi

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on Nigerians to support the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, promising to eradicate hunger, drastically reduce fuel prices, and restore security across the country if elected into power. Speaking in Ilorin on Tuesday, the party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the current hardship caused by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has created a strong demand for an alternative political force. “The most important thing is that our job is half done with the current hunger in the land. Nigerians don’t want APC anymore. Anyone suffering today knows that they don’t want APC anymore,” Abdullahi stated. He stressed that ADC’s main challenge is to convince Nigerians that it is different from other opposition parties and represents a credible alternative. According to the former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, ADC was formed in response to what he described as the “catastrophic policies” of the APC-led government, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the resultant inflation. “Look at the hardship caused by their policies. The vulcanizer who needs fuel for his machine knows how much he suffers. Parents sending children to school know that N5,000 today is not up to what N500 was before APC came on board,” he said. Abdullahi accused the ruling party of deliberately destabilizing opposition parties to maintain its hold on power, noting that ADC emerged as a coalition of politicians from PDP, SDP, NNPP, LP, and other parties determined to rescue the country. ADC’s Promises for Nigerians “Even my farm in that area is unsafe because of bandits. We are committed to restoring peace and comfort to Nigerians,” he added. Abdullahi urged Nigerians to give ADC a chance in 2027, promising that the party’s focus is to return stability and prosperity to the country.

Lives Controlled by Crime: Explosive Corruption Allegations Rock South Africa’s Police Leadership

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

South Africa’s government is facing growing pressure after bombshell allegations emerged last week implicating top political and law enforcement officials in deep-rooted criminal collusion — charges that strike at the heart of the country’s battle against violence and impunity. In a stunning July 6 press briefing, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of protecting a powerful crime syndicate involving politicians, senior police officers, correctional services staff, prosecutors, judges, and business elites. Mkhwanazi alleged that the minister personally disbanded a special task force probing political assassinations in KZN — one of South Africa’s deadliest provinces — to shield his criminal associates. The revelations have sent shockwaves through the country and reignited painful memories for South Africans who have long sought justice in vain, such as Patricia Blows, whose son Angelo was killed in a 2016 shooting in Johannesburg. “I immediately thought of our battle for justice. I just couldn’t find an open door. It still hurts like hell,” said Blows, a community activist from Blackheath on the gang-plagued Cape Flats. Her son’s murder investigation has remained stalled for nine years despite her submitting crucial evidence, including witness statements, to police. Blows had pinned hopes on Mchunu’s leadership, but Mkhwanazi’s allegations left her shaken. “I had fresh hope in Mchunu. Now this? Then doubt drifted in, and I had an overwhelming fear for [Mkhwanazi’s] safety,” she told Al Jazeera. The allegations have sparked outrage among citizens and civil society, already frustrated by rising crime rates, widespread corruption, and the persistent influence of violent gangs — particularly in urban areas like Cape Town and Durban. One month before Mkhwanazi’s press conference, a police station in the Cape Flats was attacked, allegedly in retaliation for the arrest of a local drug lord — a stark example of how emboldened criminal elements have become. The government has yet to respond substantively to Mkhwanazi’s claims. Calls are mounting for an independent inquiry, with opposition parties and rights groups demanding the immediate suspension of implicated officials and full transparency. If verified, the accusations could severely damage the credibility of South Africa’s law enforcement institutions and cast a long shadow over President Cyril Ramaphosa’s reform agenda — one already beset by corruption scandals and wavering public trust. As the nation waits, many, like Blows, continue to live with loss, pain, and a justice system they fear may be compromised at the highest levels. “This isn’t just about one murder,” she said. “It’s about how deeply crime controls our lives now.”

Cameroon’s 92-Year-Old President Paul Biya Declares Bid for Eighth Term

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest serving head of state at 92, has officially announced his candidacy for an eighth presidential term in the upcoming election scheduled for October 12, 2025. Biya made the declaration on Sunday via posts on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, writing in both French and English: “I am a candidate in the presidential election. Rest assured that my determination to serve you matches the urgency of the challenges we face.” If re-elected, Biya could remain in power until nearly 100, extending a tenure that began in 1982 following the resignation of Cameroon’s first president, Ahmadou Ahidjo. His announcement, while widely anticipated, ends months of speculation—particularly amid concerns about his health, which has drawn attention after multiple unexplained absences, including a 42-day disappearance from public view last year. The ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) had repeatedly urged him to run again, but opposition leaders and civil society groups are calling the move a blow to democracy. “After over 40 years in power, what the country needs is renewal – not repetition,” said Nkongho Felix Agbor, a prominent human rights lawyer. “Cameroonians deserve democratic change and accountable leadership.” Critics argue Biya’s long rule has stifled democratic development and institutional transparency in the Central African nation. He scrapped term limits in 2008, enabling him to seek re-election indefinitely. In 2018, Biya won re-election with 71.28% of the vote amid widespread allegations of electoral fraud. The political opposition remains fragmented, though key figures have declared their intention to run, including: Cameroon continues to face significant national challenges, including: Observers warn that if Biya becomes too ill or dies while in office, Cameroon could face a destabilizing succession crisis, given the lack of a clear and credible transition plan. As Biya seeks to extend his already 43-year-long rule, questions over legitimacy, leadership capacity, and the democratic future of Cameroon loom large over the 2025 presidential race.