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UK, Nigeria launch creative industries technical Working Group

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The UK and Nigeria have officially launched the Creative Industries Technical Working Group, marking a pivotal development in the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP).

This partnership aims to deepen bilateral ties and create a robust framework for growth within the creative sectors of both nations.

A statement by the UK High Commission in Lagos said the launch of this working group and a match-making event for UK-Nigeria creative industries leaders today in London represents a milestone in the UK-Nigeria relationship, designed to boost innovation, cross-border creative collaborations, and sustainable economic growth and development.

It said both events provided a dynamic platform to explore new opportunities and form commercial alliances within key creative subsectors such as Film and TV, Music, Fashion & Design, Architecture, Advertising, and Gaming.

The initiative is poised to foster long-term growth, enhance job creation, and unlock new pathways for creativity and innovation in both countries by prioritising collaboration and cultural exchange.

Speaking on the significance of the launch, Florence Eshalomi MP, the UK’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group, said: “Today marks a significant moment as we launch the UK-Nigeria Creatives Working Group.

Our nations share a rich cultural bond and a deep belief in the transformative power of creativity, through music, film, fashion, and the arts.

“This initiative, rooted in our landmark Enhanced Trade & Investment Partnerships (ETIP), will drive stronger trade ties, foster deeper collaboration, and unlock the full potential of our creative industries.

“By enhancing market access and investing in skills, we are opening doors to new opportunities that will create jobs and boost economic growth in the UK and Nigeria.”

Emphasising the need for deeper creative and cultural ties, Mr Obi Asika, Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group in Nigeria, said: “Nigeria’s creative economy is a global force, driven by our storytellers, musicians, designers, and digital innovators.

From Nollywood to Afrobeats, fashion to gaming, our industries are reshaping global culture and commerce.

“However, to unlock the full potential of this sector, we need strategic investment and support not just in talent, but in the institutions and infrastructure that will sustain long-term growth.”

Representing Mr., Obi Asika from the Nigerian side, Prince Baba Agba, Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Creativity, underscored the importance of leveraging UK expertise for impactful collaborations, adding:

“The UK’s creative industries stand as a global benchmark for institutional excellence, market distribution, and innovation.

We are eager to tap into your expertise for meaningful partnerships.

“This Working Group isn’t just about discussions – it’s about taking concrete actions that will yield tangible outcomes for creators, businesses, and industry stakeholders on both sides.”

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International

Ugandan govt detains 62 Nigerians for ‘operating church without work permits’

Simon Peter Mundeyi, spokesperson for the country’s ministry of internal affairs, said the Nigerians often pose as gospel preachers and engage in other illegal activities.

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Photo of the detained Nigerian preachers ( NCIC/X)

The Ugandan government has detained 62 Nigerians for “illegally operating” a church, as well as living and working in the country without valid permits.

In a statement posted on its X handle on Wednesday, the Ugandan national citizenship and immigration control (NCIC), said that the arrest followed a tip-off after learning that the individuals were operating illegally without the required permits.

“Following a tip-off, our enforcement team has arrested 62 Nigerian nationals operating illegally in Adjumani (without work permits),” the statement reads.

The group, primarily found operating a church among other things, is now being processed for prosecution under Uganda’s immigration.

Simon Peter Mundeyi, spokesperson for the country’s ministry of internal affairs, said the Nigerians often pose as gospel preachers and engage in other illegal activities.

He added that they are currently being held at the ministry’s Namanve facility, where they are undergoing legal processes that could result in deportation, fines, or blacklisting.

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International

US war in Iran has cost $25 billion so far, says Pentagon official

Jules Hurst, who is performing the duties of the comptroller, told lawmakers on the House Armed Services Committee that most of that money was for munitions.

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The United States’ war in Iran has cost $25 billion so far, a senior Pentagon official said on Wednesday, providing the first official estimate of the military’s ‌price tag for the conflict.

With just six months before midterm elections in which President Donald Trump’s Republicans may face an uphill battle to keep their House majority, Democrats are riding high in public opinion polls as they attempt to link the unpopular Iran war with affordability.

Jules Hurst, who is performing the duties of the comptroller, told lawmakers on the House Armed Services Committee that most of that money was for munitions.

Hurst did not detail what that cost estimate included and whether it took into account the projected costs of rebuilding and repairing ⁠base infrastructure in the Middle East damaged in the conflict.

Rep. Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, responded to Hurst: “I’m glad you answered that question. Because we’ve been asking for a hell of a long time, and no one’s given us the number.”

(Reuters)

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International

BREAKING: Trump, Wife Narrowly Escape Assassination (Video)

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.…as gunman invades dinner party venue. US secret service begins probes

The United States Secret Service has launched an investigation into a shooting incident that occurred in Washington during the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton.

In a statement, the agency said it is working with the Metropolitan Police Department to determine the circumstances of the incident, which occurred near a security screening area.

The shooting was reported close to the main magnetometer checkpoint used to screen guests, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement officers on duty.

The Chief of Communications, United States Secret Service, Anthony Guglielmi, on its X handle today, confirmed that all protected individuals, including the president and first lady, were safe following the incident.

One suspect has been taken into custody, while authorities continue to assess the condition of those involved.Guglielmi said teams are on the ground actively investigating and gathering information, adding that updates will be provided as more details are confirmed.

The Suspects.

“We will provide updates as they become available and confirm information. Our teams are on the ground assessing the situation and investigating. All of our protectees are safe,” he added.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about security at major public events in the US capital, with authorities expected to review procedures as the investigation continues.

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