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    Niger State governor Umar Bago unveils potential for green economy amidst climate change

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    Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State on Wednesday unveiled plans to attract both local and foreign direct investment for the development of rail transportation, cattle ranching and alternative energy.

    Governor Bago who disclosed this during a world press briefing in Abuja, also hinted on the State’s preparedness for the first subnational Green Economy Summit, scheduled for 24th and 25th October, 2023, to be attended by over “500 participants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to discuss and help proffer solutions to issues of decarbonizing energy systems, circular economy, waste management, green agriculture, food security, eco tourism and community development.

    “Other issues to be discussed include: conserving biodiversity for sustainable development, innovative solutions for water management, smart cities, sustainable urbanisation, women and youth engagement.”

    Governor Bago who reiterated his administration’s resolve towards sustainable development of valuable natural resources (green assets) through the use of innovative practices in driving economic growth and prosperity, expressed optimism that the forthcoming Summit will help in achieving the feats.

    He said: “It is very very clear that climate change has been a topic of discussion in the world. This morning I watched with so much pain how Libya has been overtaken by flood unprecedented. As a country and as a State, that is 10% the total size of Nigeria with bodies of water for hydropower dams, it is high time we start to pluck excess water during rainy season as a national plan, so that we can plough them back when we have drought.

    “Secondly, to rearrange our forest, 8.6 million hectares of land is bigger the entire South South and South East. Niger State is a country, so, we have an opportunity that in Niger State, shea trees are wild trees, the highest combination of the total Shea trees in the world is in Niger State. We have seen that cashew is a wild tree without any effort, they are all growing and mangoes.

    “So, in an attempt to aggregate these things, and these trees together, first to obtain carbon and credit. Secondly, cash crop, thirdly employment, this is why we’re thinking in this direction.

    “Secondly, solar, we have highlands. In the entire North Central we have the largest span of rocks and mountains and they are empty and fallowing. We intend to deploy solar panels, solar fans on these mountains, so that we can supply power to our people – green energy. This is one of the benefits again.

    “Then the third one is that, as the world is evolving, we cannot be doing otherwise. So, as a State were already poised and position for the next level. Mr. President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given a marching order for food insecurity and Niger State wants to have 10% of the total landmass of Nigeria.

    “So, we have to collaborate with our neighboring states with the Federal Government in the SABC initiative of the AfDB and also with the Livestock Investment Programme of Government of Nigeria. So these are the benefits.”

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    Senator Mudashiru berates Adeleke’s administration for neglecting agriculture

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    Adeleke agriculture criticism

    Former Senator Mudashiru Husain has criticized the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, for allegedly neglecting the agricultural sector and food security in the state

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    Court rules in favour of Isale-Eko community on intellectual property rights over “Gangs of Lagos” film

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    Isale-Eko community intellectual property, Gangs of Lagos court ruling

    The Isale-Eko community in Lagos celebrates a landmark legal victory after the court ruled in their favour, affirming their intellectual property rights over cultural representations in “Gangs of Lagos.”

     

    Today marks a significant victory for the Isale-Eko community in Lagos State, as the Lagos High Court, under Honourable Justice Idowu Alakija, issued a landmark ruling recognising the intellectual property rights of indigenous peoples in their cultural heritage.

    The ruling came as a direct response to the controversy surrounding the movie titled *Gangs of Lagos*, which the Isale-Eko Descendants Union claimed had erroneously portrayed and disparaged the community’s traditions, particularly the respected Eyo Masquerade.

    In a case that has garnered widespread attention, the Isale-Eko Descendants Union, represented by a robust legal team led by Mr. Supo Shasore SAN, successfully argued that the filmmakers, along with Amazon Web Services Nigeria Limited and 11 other defendants, had used the Isale-Eko people’s cultural elements without permission.

    The court recognised the validity of the community’s claims, affirming that no exploitation or use of indigenous cultural rights can occur without the express consent of the community.

    The court’s ruling was a pivotal moment, not just for Isale-Eko, but for indigenous communities at large. The judgement underlined that indigenous peoples have inalienable cultural rights, which must be vigorously protected under both national and international law, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

    These rights, the court noted, should be respected across all mediums, from cinemas to digital platforms, ensuring that the cultural expressions of indigenous communities are not exploited without their consent.

    As part of the judgement, the 12th Respondent, Amazon Web Services Nigeria Limited, was directed to issue an official letter recognising the position of the Isale-Eko Descendants Union.

    The letter will confirm the community’s rights over their cultural heritage and will include an unreserved apology for the portrayal of the Isale-Eko traditions in the film.

    This ruling provides a firm legal precedent for how indigenous communities can safeguard their intellectual property in an increasingly globalised entertainment industry.

    The Isale-Eko Descendants Union, in a statement following the judgement, expressed their gratitude to the Lagos State Attorney General for their positive involvement in resolving the dispute.

    They also thanked their royal father, Alaiyeluwa Oba Riliwanu Akiolu I, the Oba of Lagos, for his continued support and leadership. The community also acknowledged the backing of their legal team and well-meaning Lagosians who offered both spiritual and physical support throughout the legal battle.

    “This is a victory not just for the Isale-Eko community but for all indigenous peoples,” said a spokesperson for the Isale-Eko Descendants Union.

    “Today, we have been vindicated in our claim that our culture and heritage are invaluable and must be protected. We are grateful for the court’s recognition of our rights and for the support of everyone who helped make this possible.”

    The judgement, which affirms the intellectual property rights of the Isale-Eko people, also sends a clear message to filmmakers, digital platforms, and other industries that indigenous communities will no longer tolerate the uncredited use or misrepresentation of their cultural heritage.

    The Isale-Eko Descendants Union’s victory sets an important precedent for protecting indigenous cultural expressions in media and entertainment.

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    Tunde Oladunjoye’s self-promotion backfires as Ogun’s political elite disengage

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    Tunde Oladunjoye self-promotion, Ogun State politics

    Tunde Oladunjoye’s self-promotion around TASUED’s adoption by the federal government has backfired, with political figures distancing themselves from him

     

    Tunde Oladunjoye, the self-proclaimed media strategist and political opportunist, has once again found himself embroiled in controversy—this time for attempting to take credit for the federal government’s adoption of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED).

    Also read: Tunde Kelani’s Ayinla Wins Isaac Oluwole Delano Prize For Yoruba Studies

    What was meant to be a celebratory moment for Ogun State has been hijacked by Oladunjoye’s characteristic self-aggrandisement. However, this time, his usual tactics have largely backfired.

    Instead of receiving praise for his actions, Oladunjoye’s self-promotion has only led to an overwhelming sense of disregard. Once an individual whose media theatrics might have garnered attention, Oladunjoye now faces a new reality: his attempts to place himself at the centre of political discourse have been met with silence.

    Key figures in Ogun’s political circles, party stalwarts, and even those in his supposed media constituency have deliberately chosen to ignore his advances. His desperate bids for validation have fallen flat.

    This is not the first time Oladunjoye has used self-promotion to push himself into the spotlight. His modus operandi has always been the same: create media conflicts, present himself as a figure of importance, and demand recognition from the political elite. In the past, such strategies may have earned him some influence. But now, it seems, his tactics are no longer effective.

    Oladunjoye’s aspirations have been clear: he seeks to position himself as a potential deputy governor under a leading governorship aspirant in Ogun State’s All Progressives Congress (APC).

    His overt self-promotion and constant attempts to insert himself into major discussions have not gone unnoticed. However, the political landscape in Ogun is shifting. The elite have grown tired of his predictable antics and see through his increasingly transparent lobbying for attention.

    Observers are beginning to voice a growing consensus: Tunde Oladunjoye’s brand of media manipulation and self-serving propaganda has no place in the corridors of power.

    His track record is tainted with self-interest, an absence of genuine leadership, and an inflated sense of importance. His actions have made it clear that he views public service not as a platform for positive change but as a means to further his own agenda.

    Political leaders in Ogun have made their stance clear. The silence surrounding Oladunjoye’s latest attempts to insert himself into political discussions speaks volumes. His era of relevance appears to be fading rapidly, and the political class is making it known that he is no longer worth their engagement.

    While Tunde Oladunjoye may continue to engage in self-glorification and political scheming, the growing indifference from key political figures suggests that his influence in Ogun State has reached its limit.

    The political elite are playing a more strategic game this time, one that does not include him. His desperate moves for attention, once met with mild interest, have now become a cause for silent disregard. For Ogun, it is clear that the state deserves better than a political opportunist like Oladunjoye.

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