Day: June 24, 2024

Nigerian visual artist, Promise Ebegbulem, has urged the Federal Government to create more avenues for artists to access grants, to enable them thrive in their chosen profession. Ebegbulem made the call while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos. According to her, this is important because the few available platforms for grants are not easily accessible for many artists. She said to encourage more individuals to embrace the profession, government must be deliberate in encouraging the existing artists. According to her, this encouragement can be in way of providing opportunities for artists to access grants and establishing more public art galleries for constant exhibition. 'Investing in arts education from an early age, providing grants for art projects and establishing more public galleries and art spaces can significantly boost the industry. 'Creating platforms for artists to showcase their work internationally can elevate the perception of Nigerian art on a global stage. 'By doing so, we can inspire younger generations to pursue their artistic passions and contribute to the cultural and creative economy. 'It is crucial for the government to recognise the arts as a vital component of cultural identity and economic development.' Speaking on her challenges, the artist said she had to contend with limited access to funds and inadequate exhibition spaces. According to her, there is also the issue of inconsistent support, which makes it difficult for artists to sustain a career in the arts. 'It is also disheartening to observe lack of public appreciation for contemporary arts. 'To improve the industry, the government can establish more art grants and scholarships, develop infrastructure for art exhibitions and workshops, and create policies that protect and promote the intellectual property rights of artists. 'Fostering partnerships between local artists and international art institutions can open up new opportunities for collaboration and growth,' she said. Ebegbulem, who has been p ractising for over nine years, said she had participated in more than seven public exhibitions where she shared her reflections on human nature and cultural values. She said her journey, sparked by a profound personal challenge, led her to create captivating paintings that resonate with deep cultural, real life experience and emotional layers. Ebegbulem said growing as an artist, she drew inspiration from artistic legends like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Ben Enwonwu. Speaking on her recent work entitled 'Reflections of Humanity', Ebegbulem said she tried to make people realise the essence of engaging in self-reflection. 'Reflections of Humanity' is a mixed-media installation that combines traditional painting techniques with contemporary digital elements. 'The piece explores the importance of self-reflection, acknowledging Nigerians' shared human experience, and celebrating cultural diversity. 'I was inspired by the current global happenings, where there seems to be a growing disconnect between people and their cultural roots. 'With this work, I aim to encourage viewers to pause, reflect on their own lives, culture and recognise the potential for greatness and unity within our human diversity. 'There will be a solo exhibition of this work in August,' she said. Ebegbulem, who described herself as a self-taught contemporary visual artist from Imo, said she is currently a certified Artificial Intelligence Scientist and aspiring to do more. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS), an independent civil society-led transnational democracy solidarity network, has urged collaboration between Civil Societies and Creatives to drive social change in the region. Dr Kojo Asante of WADEMOS made the call at the launch of 'DemoCreatives', in collaboration with Yiaga Africa, Centre for Democracy Development-Ghana (CDD- Ghana), Africtivistes and AWO Hub, held at Victoria Island in Lagos. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 'DemoCreatives' is an innovative initiative to collaborate with creatives to promote democracy. NAN also reports that WADEMOS mobilises, coordinates, and leverages the collective power of civil society and other pro-democracy actors, resources, and opportunities within the West African region to advance, defend, and reinvigorate democracy. They also promote democratic norms and reforms in the sub-region. Asante, who is also a Senior Research Officer at CDD-Ghana, emphasised the need for civil societies and crea tives to join forces to bring about social change in West Africa. According to him, the region is in dire need of a new narrative, as many citizens feel disillusioned and hopeless. He believed that creatives have a crucial role to play in inspiring change but noted that many had shifted their focus from activism to business in recent years. To bridge the gap between civil societies and creatives, Asante suggested leveraging artist expressions to confront social challenges. He cited the popularity of afro-pop music in Nigeria as an example, noting that musicians have the influence to shape people's thinking and encourage them to take action. Asante, therefore, urged civil societies and creatives to work together to keep the civil space open and encourage people to speak out against oppression. Obianuju Udeh, a renowned Nigerian Disc Jockey, popularly known as DJ Switch, in her virtual keynote address, urged civil societies and creatives to come together, re-strategise, and make a meaningful impact. Acco rding to her, it is imperative that both parties join forces in the fight for democracy and human rights. She emphasised the power of art in reflecting society's trials, struggles, and dreams, and its ability to nurture critical thinking and empathy. DJ Switch highlighted the historical impact of art on social movements, citing examples such as the late king of Afro beat, Fela Anikulapo's music and the role of literature in exposing injustice. She encouraged civil societies to reimagine their funding strategies and collaborate with creatives to amplify their message and reach a wider audience. 'There is need for unity and strategic alliance between civil societies and creatives to combat the enemies of democracy and human rights. 'We need to spend money to get the big guns to be involved. Art is not a luxury, it is a necessity for a dying democracy, ' she said. Also, Cynthia Mbamalu, Director of Programmes, Yiaga Africa, said that democratic practices, not just labels, remained essential for a function ing democracy. According to her, Democreatives, is a movement that leverages art and creativity to promote democracy and good governance in West Africa. 'Expression, a fundamental human right, is crucial for democracy, and this partnership seeks to protect and promote free expression and press freedom. 'By working together, we hope to inspire hope and democracy in neighboring countries, leading to economic empowerment, inclusive growth, and development. 'With WADEMOS leading the charge, this collaboration brings together artists, musicians, creatives, and civil society partners to advance democratic development in Africa,' she said. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Experts in renewable energy have harped on the need to fully harness the available potentials in the sector to boost the nation's economy. They made the call at the Techfine Partners' training to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Nexgen Energy and Allied Services, in Ibadan on Friday. According to Wikipedia, renewable energy or green energy is from renewable natural resources that are replenished on a human timescale. The most widely used renewable energy types are solar energy, wind power and hydropower. A renewable energy expert with Acetronix Ventures, Mr Oluyombi Awojobi, said since being in the business of renewal energy over the last 10 years, there had been more uptake because of epileptic power from the national grid. According to him, more people are tending toward solar energy, out of all the renewable energy sources, stressing that government would do well to provide more incentives to further enhance uptake of the clean energy. 'Government can come in by subsidising some of these things: i nverters, solar panels and batteries because their prices are presently on the high side. 'If there is a policy or any other means to subsidise these items, people will embrace them more,' he said. Awojobi said renewable energy would help Nigerians cut the cost of running generating sets by between 30 per cent and 40 per cent in the long run. Also, the Chief Executive Officer, De-sure Rejfresh Technology, Mr Adeniyi Omotosho, described renewable energy as 'the future Nigeria is looking for'. Omotosho said that the industry had improved over the years, adding that more successes had been recorded, especially for those who started more than two decades ago. He called for more investments in the sector by government, saying it should also focus its agenda on improving its capability to solve unemployment problems and improve the livelihoods of Nigerians. One of the facilitators, Mrs Ibiyemi Ifaturoti, said though there were lots of initiatives on renewable energy, she, however, expressed the regret that th ey were uncoordinated. Ifaturoti, a Senior Consultant at Leading Learning Limited, called on government to give more incentives and subsidise renewable energy for those in the industry such as tax reduction, import duties and renewable energy components, among others. According to her, the more people embrace renewable energy, the better in terms of reduction of pressure on the national grid, as it would help the economy and serve the underserved communities. Also, the Customer Service Executive, Nexgen Energy, Mrs Oluwakemi Ayekitan, said Nigerians needed an in-depth knowledge, not just information, about renewable energy to be able to harness the enormous opportunities inherent in it. Ayekitan said there were lots of renewable energy like biogas and other green energy. 'Though people look at the initial cost, the return on investment surpasses the initial amount that has kept some people from uptaking renewable energy. 'There are lots of advantages in using renewable energy. First, the return on inves tment is higher than imagined. 'Second, it supports a healthier and safer planet for the future generations, as it doesn't emit gases into the atmosphere. 'Also, there is the ease and convenience to use renewable energy system. It is an automated system, the newest technology like the brand we represent in Techfine,' Ayekitan said. Another facilitator and business development expert, Pastor Francis Madojemu, said business owners must ensure they sell quality products to Nigerians. 'A lot of us take advantage of people. We go to China and buy cheaper versions of products; but now, there's the need to put the customers' benefits first. 'It will build us goodwill when the economy picks up,' Madojemu said. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has commended the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development over the first commercial transaction under the National Gold Purchase Programme (NGPP). The President said this when he received gold bars sourced from artisanal and small gold miners from Dr Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, on Sunday in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the gold was refined by the Solid Minerals Development Fund, an agency of the Ministry. The programme has delivered 5 million dollars into Nigeria's foreign reserves and injected about N6 billion into the rural economy. Tinubu said that the ministry had achieved a major milestone in the administration's drive to diversify the economy. 'This is another concrete step towards the diversification process under the Renewed Hope Agenda,' the President said. Alake, who presented a symbolic gold bar to Tinubu, said the NGPP would increase the country's foreign reserves and boost the value of the Naira. The minister also commend ed the President for supporting reforms in the solid minerals sector. 'The successful completion of the first commercial transaction clearly demonstrates the National Gold Purchase Programme's effectiveness. 'It has increased the nation's foreign reserves assets and shown that using the Nigerian Naira to purchase a liquid asset traded in dollars, such as gold, is a viable strategy. 'This transaction has also underscored the potential of the National Gold Purchase Programme to enhance fiscal and monetary stability.' Alake said that the over 70 kilograms of gold sold to the London Bullion Market Good Delivery Standard marked a successful aggregation of locally mined gold. In her presentation, the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund, Hajiya Fatimah Shinkafi, said that the gold has met the global trade standard. She said it met the London Bullion Market Good Delivery Standard that is the globally recognised and trusted standard in the global trade in gold and silver bars. 'Only gold and silver bars that meet our Good Delivery standards are acceptable in the settlement of a Loco London contract - where the bullion trade is physically held in London,' she said. Shinkafi said, through the NGPP, Nigeria had joined countries bolstering their gold reserves by purchasing gold in local currency. She said this would foster economic confidence, enhance currency stability, and create a more attractive environment for foreign investment. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

An expert, Mr Ibrahim Yahaya, says that the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) being implemented in Nigeria will boost efficiency in trade facilitation. Yahaya said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja. NAN reports that TMP is the automation of the business processes of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to simplify and enhance the experience of stakeholders in the trade value chain. The project is a 20-year concession, with an execution agreement signed in May 30, 2022, between the Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by NCS Board, and the Trade Modernisation Project Ltd. It aims to streamline the process of obtaining export and import clearances, ease the payment of duties, and facilitate the release of goods. The project would deploy a software described as the Unified Customs Management system (UCMS), where trade operators have the advantage to also monitor all stages of their transactions. It will equip the NCS with state-of-the-art technology infrastruc ture and facilities, to transform the service into an organisation that provides efficient services to businesses and other government agencies. The TMP is an improvement on the current system, featuring advanced capabilities such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) to aid in the classification and validation of uploaded documents or data. Yahaya, the Managing Director of Paynacle Digital Services, said that TMP would help reduce corruption in customs operations and ensure transparency and efficiency in their activities. 'It will also cut the time used in document verification. TMP will speed up the process for those importing or exporting, something that used to take 20 days can now take one hour. 'I believe that with AI in the system, it will help predict government revenue, and if there is any deficiency, it will address it,' he said. He said that the project would aid Nigeria's budgetary system, considering that revenue generated from NCS is a crucial source of revenue for the country. 'For Nigeria to advance its economic diversification efforts, TMP is crucial to boosting its integrity in attracting foreign investment through international trade. 'It will help in boosting Nigeria's integrity in international trade because the system has undergone sanitisation,' he said. According to him, TMP will ensure transparency and efficiency in NCS activities, particularly in checking the issuance of fake customs duty documents. 'We often see a lot of fake customs duty documents, and the mode of production and issuance is obsolete. 'Traditionally, it makes it easy for people to manipulate, but automation will help address that and improve efficiency,' he said. Yahaya urged the engagement of experts in the implementation of the project, noting that the Public-Private Partnership would help sustain the project. 'I suggest they hire experts in cybersecurity and private companies to maintain its services,' he said. NAN reports that TMP is implementing nine technical agreements with its technical and financial par tners. Access Bank Plc is the financial partner, Huawei, the lead technical partner, and CrossborderXP Ltd is the software development partner, among others. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Nigeria has about 40.2 million agricultural households, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said. This was made known at the unveiling of the National Agricultural Sample Census (NASC) 2022 in Abuja on Monday. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the census was conducted by the NBS in partnership with the World Bank, Food and Agriculture Organisation and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. The report revealed that out of the 91 per cent of agricultural households that cultivated crops, 35 per cent practised only crop cultivation while 48 per cent reported raising any type of livestock. It showed that 16 per cent of the households raised 58 million cattle, while 41.2 per cent raised about 124 million goats. 'While 42.5 per cent raised poultry, most commonly chickens, while five per cent practised fisheries.' The report showed that the lowest percentage of agricultural households into Crop Cultivation was recorded in Lagos State at 48.0 per cent, while Ebonyi recorded t he highest at 99.5 per cent. It showed the highest percentage of agricultural households engaged in Livestock Production was reported in Jigawa at 84.2 per cent, followed by Bauchi at 79.7 per cent . The report said for Poultry, the highest percentage of agricultural households was recorded in Benue at 65.2 per cent, followed by Ebonyi State at 63.3 per cent. Bishop Ohioma, Assistant Director, Agricultural and Business Enterprises Statistics Department, NBS, while giving an overview of the report, said the survey has two components which include the listing component and the sample survey component. Ohioma said the listing component was what was being unveiled while the sample survey component would be unveiled in a few months. He said the census provided a robust dataset that would support agricultural interventions programmes, enhance food security, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. He said the NASC listing was conducted using digitised Enumeration Area (EA) maps in all the 36 States of the Federation and the FCT. Ohioma said 767 Local Government Areas (LGAS) in the country were canvassed, however, seven LGAs were not covered as at the time of the Census, following insecurity concerns. He said the uncovered LGAs were four LGAs in Imo state and three LGAs in Borno state. Ohioma said 40 EAs were covered in each LGA and the number of EAs covered varied by state, both urban and rural EAs were covered. 'In all, 30,546 EAs were covered nationwide out of the proposed 30,960. ' He said one of the recommendations from the report include the need for Government to allocate more resources to support the conduct of the quarterly and annual National Agricultural Sample Survey (NASS). Ohioma said the report also recommended Technical and financial Partners to sustain support in the conduct of quarterly and annual surveys. 'Technical and financial Partners to continuously provide support to build capacity of staff of the NBS in agricultural statistics production. 'All hands must be on deck to ensur e the sustainability of the NASC in Nigeria.' Source: News Agency of Nigeria