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Osun Hosts 2025 SDG Conference, Leads in Creative Economy

Published

12 months ago

January 17, 2025

Eric

Creativity, innovation, and culture will take centre stage as the Osun State SDG Creatives Conference 2025 kicks off from 28th to 30th January at the SDG Skill Acquisition Centre in Iragbiji, Osun State

Themed “Innovate, Create, and Transform: Unlocking the Creative Economy for Sustainable Development,” the event aims to highlight the vital role creativity plays in driving economic growth and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The three-day conference will gather creative professionals, policymakers, industry leaders, and thought influencers to explore how Osun State can harness its cultural and artistic assets to advance the SDGs.

Particular focus will be placed on three SDGs: Goal 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth; Goal 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; and Goal 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities. The event also seeks to position Osun State as a leading force in the creative economy.

Bamikole Omishore, Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals to Osun state Governor, Ademola Adeleke, said the conference reflects the administration’s commitment to using creativity as a catalyst for economic development.

“This event, with over 700 registered participants, is in line with Governor Adeleke’s agenda to stimulate economic growth by harnessing creativity and innovation. Through collaboration with the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Culture and Tourism, Agency on Creativity, Entertainment and Arts ,stakeholders, private sector leaders, and development partners, who have worked relentlessly to bring this groundbreaking conference to life,” Omishore explained.

The conference will feature a variety of interactive sessions, exhibitions, and cultural displays designed to inspire and empower participants. Key themes will include unlocking creativity for global opportunities, exploring investment opportunities in Osun’s digital and creative sectors, and shaping narratives for change and influence, alongside a cultural and Adire exhibition.

Hon. Adewumi Adeyemi (Irekandu), Chairman of the House of Assembly Committees on ICT and SDG, spoke about the importance of the initiative.

“The Osun State SDG Creatives Conference 2025 highlights the essential role of creativity and culture in achieving sustainable development. By fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation, this conference will help to build a more inclusive, resilient, and vibrant creative economy. We also hope that this event will provide a sustainable framework to push Osun’s creative sector forward,” he said.

Hon. Azeez Badmus, Special Adviser on Innovation, Science, and Technology, added that “through the Osun SDG Creatives Conference, innovators and creators will drive Osun’s digital future, inspiring the youth to uncover their talents, share their unique stories, and shape their futures through the power of technology.”

Featured

Abba’s Decision is Personal to Him, Atiku Reacts to Son Joining APC

Published

5 hours ago

January 15, 2026

Eric

Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has addressed his son, Abubakar Atiku Abubakar’s (Abba) decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a personal choice.

In a statement posted on his X handle, Atiku said, “The decision of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is entirely personal. In a democracy, such choices are neither unusual nor alarming, even when family and politics intersect.”

He added, “As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians.”

The former vice president also highlighted his concerns about the ruling party, saying, “What truly concerns me is the poor governance of the APC and the severe economic and social hardships it has imposed on our people.”

“ I remain resolute in working with like-minded patriots to restore good governance and offer Nigerians a credible alternative that brings relief, hope, and progress.”

Featured

US Cancels Visa Processing for Nigeria, Brazil, Russia, 72 Other Countries

Published

1 day ago

January 14, 2026

Eric

The Trump administration is suspending all visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, a State Department spokesperson said on Wednesday.

The spokesperson did not elaborate on the plan, first reported by Fox News, which cited a State Department memo.

The pause will begin on January 21, Fox News said.

Somalia, Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, Brazil, Nigeria, Thailand are among the affected countries, according to the report.

The memo directs U.S. embassies to refuse visas under existing law while the department reassesses its procedures. No time frame was provided.

The reported pause comes amid the sweeping immigration crackdown pursued by Republican U.S. President Donald Trump since taking office last January.

In November, Trump had vowed to “permanently pause” migration from all “Third World Countries” following a shooting near the White House by an Afghan national that killed a National Guard member.

Source: Reuters

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‘A Friend of a Thief is a Thief’, Defence Minister Warns Gumi, Other Bandit-Sympathizers

Published

2 days ago

January 14, 2026

Eric

The Minister of Defence Minister, Lt.-Gen. Christopher Musa, (rtd), has warned Sheikh Ahmed Gumi and other persons in the country against including bandits in northern brotherhood.

General Musa, via a statement on Wednesday in Maiduguri, declared: “A friend of a thief is a thief,” warning Nigerians against supporting terrorists and bandits in any form.

He said that the warning statement is neither accidental nor symbolic; explaining that it is a clear response to narratives previously promoted by Sheikh Gumi, who described bandits’ hiding in the bush as “our brothers” and argued that society cannot do without them.

General Musa’s message draws a firm line between compassion and complicity. While empathy has its place, justifying or normalising terrorism only strengthens criminal networks that have devastated communities, displaced families, and claimed innocent lives.

Labeling bandit as “brothers” does not reduce violence it legitimizes and undermines national security efforts.

The Defence minister’s warning serves as a reminder that terrorism thrives not only on weapons but also on moral cover. Anyone who excuses, defends, or shields criminals through words, influence, or silence shares responsibility for the consequences. In matters of national security, neutrality is not an option.

Nigeria cannot defeat banditry and terrorism while dangerous rhetoric blurs the line between victims and perpetrators. The choice is clear: stand with the law and the nation, or be counted among those enabling crime.