One Village, One Cinema To Generate N29 Billion Annually To Boost Creative Economy of Nigeria

 

The One Village, One Cinema initiative of the International Digital Post Network Limited, an  affiliate partner of Cinewav of Singapore will generate an estimated annual revenue of N29 billion for both the Christian Cinema in Nigeria (CCN) programme and SMEs in the entertainment Industry in all the 774 local government areas in Nigeria, famous for the phenomenal Nollywood, the largest indie film industry in Africa. 

With only an investment of N10, 000, 000 (ten million naira) that is currently less than US$10, 000 (ten thousand dollars) you can have a low budget cinema that can be installed within an hour indoors or outdoors and it can generate an average monthly revenue of N200, 000 - N400, 000 from the sales of the tickets from one location in a village in Africa's most populous nation with an estimated population of more than 200 million people.

The Christian Cinema in Nigeria (CCN) alone has an estimated target audience of 21 million Christians.

The N10 million investment includes the cinema equipment and all expenses paid one week training course at Cinewav in Singapore for one person who will be the operator of the cinema and can train others to become operators in Nigeria.

The cinema equipment can be taken from one location to another location from village to village. Tickets will be sold from N500 per person which is about one quarter of the amount paid for a ticket at the standard cinemas located in the upscale shopping malls in towns and cities. The urban cinemas are not enough for the increasing population of moviegoers with regular disposable incomes. There are less than 400 screens in the country in few cities with most of them in Lagos, the commercial capital of Africa's largest economy. 

The increasing demands for more cinemas compelled the International Digital Post Network Limited to start the One Village One Cinema initiative for both entertainment and public enlightenment and to boost the entertainment industry and accelerate the creative economy of Nigeria.

The initiative will be launched in 2024.

The cinemas will show approved movies, documentary films, series, sports and adverts. 

Public announcements for government programmes and other events are allowed.

The charges for public announcements and adverts are negotiable from N10, 000 - N100, 000 per location.

Revenues from public announcements and adverts are estimated to be N500, 000 - N1, 000, 000 monthly.

During outdoor screenings, only those who paid for tickets can hear the audio with the Cinewav  audio app.

International Digital Post Network Limited plans for more than 12, 000 cinemas in Nigeria, including  solar powered Cinewav Cineplex.

Potential investors, partners and  sponsors are the local, state and federal governments; private sector of local and foreign companies and organizations; especially telecoms, banks, fintechs and other businesses in Nigeria.

"What is the future of big screen?

"Most of the world is without a cinema hall. That will all change! One village, one cinema. Why not?"
~Anthony Tate, Virgina, U.S.A.

We would be happier to use cinemas to break social class barriers and build bridges of unity among communities for the common benefit of all.

Cinema has never been an elitist medium of communication.
Cinema is a tool for public entertainment and enlightenment and has been very effective and imperative in mass literacy campaigns in developed and developing countries for decades. Cinemas made Hollywood the film capital of the world buoyed by over 38,605 indoor screens in 5,561 sites and 628 Drive-In screens in 381 sites in the US, the largest in the world".

Screen Naija One Village, One Cinema Project: The Revival of Outdoor Cinema in Nigeria | Screen Outdoor Open Air Cinema

https://screennaija.wordpress.com/2013/12/04/screen-naija-one-village-one-cinema-project-the-revival-of-outdoor-cinema-in-nigeria/

Denzel Armani: Redifining Afrobeat

Denzel Armani: Redifining Afrobeat

Music did not just happen to Ifenna Denzel Armani Ezeofor. He did not stumble on music out of idleness.

The star-studded lawyer-turned-musician veered into music in obedience to a childhood passion that settled with him in adulthood.

A talented songwriter and composer with Denzel Armani as a stage name, music comes naturally to him. Armed with a Law degree from the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus,  UNEC,  Denzel Armani is on top of his game as an Afrobeat musician.

Listening to the soulful rhythms and lyrics of Denzel Armani's brand of Afrobeat one cannot but agree that he is one of the few Nigerian Afrobeat musicians who has redefined the unique,  timeless music genre originated by the irrepressible late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. 

On stage, Armani is a delight to watch. He is imbued with an electrifying fierce sound and stage presence which is undoubtedly unique, embodying a fusion of afrojuju, rock, jazz, R&B, neo-soul, and hip hop. 

Armani has always loved music. His romance with music started as far back as his childhood when he was around six years old as he was always so fascinated with sound, delivery, and the awesome stage presence of Michael Jackson.

Michael Jackson’s death was however a very devasting experience for him. He also had at his beck and call and rich musical library growing up as his parents were music lovers. He had the opportunity to listen to the greats of times like Marvin Gaye, Boney M, Abba, Barry White, Bob Marley, Fela, Labaja, and so on.

Armani formally started his music career in 2020 and so far has several music tracks to his credit including the hits, Comot Der and Jonza.

His new single, "NEME",  a new sound of profound musical masterpiece,  was released on Saturday, 24th February 2024.

On March 9th,  2024, a collaborative musical effort with two other young artists- Von Blake and Silver Omah dubbed "Epiphany" under the Zeof Record label was also launched.

The EP, a potential chartbuster, is a selection and a rich blend of free-flowing music genres rooted in Afrobeat, Afro-ragga, and Afro-Gospel.

Denzel Armani is focused and forward-looking.  He believes the Nigerian and global music scene is his to conquer.

"IWAJU" is A Complete Masterpiece in Original Storytelling and Animation

"IWAJU" is A Complete Masterpiece in Original Storytelling and Animation

“Iwájú” will air* across Africa on Disney Channel—distributed on DStv platform (Channel 303)—this April and May, giving viewers across the continent an opportunity to view the series in territories where Disney+ is not available. “We created ‘Iwájú’ as a love letter to Lagos, Nigeria, and an ode to the rich legacy of African storytelling,” said Director Olufikayo Ziki Adeola. “We’re proud to share this series and hope that it inspires more Africans across the world to share their stories and shape our collective narrative.”

 “We created ‘Iwájú’ as a love letter to Lagos, Nigeria, and an ode to the rich legacy of African storytelling,” said Director Olufikayo Ziki Adeola. “We’re proud to share this series and hope that it inspires more Africans across the world to share their stories and shape our collective narrative.”

Says Christine Service, Senior Vice President and General Manager of The Walt Disney Company Africa: “‘Iwájú’ is a true celebration of the creativity and storytelling excellence that is at the heart of Disney, bringing the immense talent and creative vision of home-grown filmmakers to the world. With the distribution of the series on Disney Channel, the release of the ‘Disney Iwájú: Rising Chef” mobile game and the “Iwaju” Original Soundtrack Score, we are excited to give audiences across Africa the chance to experience this ambitious and uniquely innovative series.”

A first-of-its-kind collaboration with Pan-African entertainment company, Kugali, “Iwájú” is an original animated series set in a futuristic Lagos and tells the exciting coming-of-age story of Tola, a young girl from the wealthy island, and her best friend, Kole, a self-taught tech expert, as they discover the secrets and dangers hidden in their different worlds. “Iwájú” streamed exclusively on Disney+ Feb. 28, 2024, in a six-episode event.

See complete media on 

https://dam.gettyimages.com/thewaltdisneystudios/iwaju

Tony Elumelu Convenes Global Leaders and Calls for Immediate Climate Action for Africa at COP28 in Dubai

 

Tony O. Elumelu C.F.R. in conversation with Dr. Ngozi Okonji-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organisation, at the TEF-UBA high level Roundtable, at the ongoing COP28 conference in Dubai
(Source: The Tony Elumelu Foundation)

PRESS RELEASE

Tony Elumelu Convenes Global Leaders and Calls for Immediate Climate Action for Africa at Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai

With African youth set to make up one third of global population later this century, the future of Africa’s youth, entrepreneurial, ambitious, resilient, needs to be given the highest priority

Access Multimedia Content

LAGOS, Nigeria, December 8, 2023/ -- Tony Elumelu Foundation (https://www.TonyElumeluFoundation.org) Hosts US Administration, WTO, UNDP, IFC, UNICEF, Rockefeller Foundation Leaders; Champions equitable partnerships to catalyse a new generation of green entrepreneurs; Announces partnership to fund young African entrepreneurs in Green sector with Ikea Foundation, Dutch Government, and UNICEF Generation Unlimited; Secures commitments to support Africa’s youth to drive climate resilience from World Trade Organisation, World Bank, UNDP, Government of Sweden, IFC, US State Department, and others. At a series of events across COP28, Tony Elumelu delivered a single message to world leaders: Africa needs to be heard, Africa’s future is the world’s future and the continent that is most impacted by and the least contributor to climate change, needs our attention. With African youth set to make up one third of global population later this century, the future of Africa’s youth, entrepreneurial, ambitious, resilient, needs to be given the highest priority. Elumelu offered the infrastructure and experience of his own Foundation’s 10 year $100m entrepreneurship programme to partners, to catalyse a further generation of African entrepreneurs; entrepreneurs who can address climate change and drive the broader wealth creation that Africa requires. Reaching and funding young entrepreneurs in every African country, the Elumelu approach of sector agnostic seed funding, mentoring, and networking has delivered robust impact. The annual COP UN Climate Change Conferences unites the world to assess progress in combatting climate change. Elumelu is one of Africa’s leading advocates for an equitable agenda for climate action and through the Tony Elumelu Foundation has empowered thousands of green entrepreneurs, shaping a more sustainable future for Africa. The Tony Elumelu Foundation, in partnership with the United Bank for Africa (UBA), hosted a high-level session, bringing together Africans, and key players in the Gulf, Europe, and Americas, where UBA operates, underscoring the urgent need for innovative approaches to climate adaptation and mitigation, while fostering sustainable development, and bringing attention to Africa’s unique position. Speakers included Dr. Okonjo Iweala, Director General, World Trade Organization; Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa, UNDP, Kevin Frey, CEO, UNICEF Generation Unlimited; Sergio Pimenta, VP Africa, IFC; Wendy Teleki, Head of the Women Entrepreneurs Financial Initiative, World Bank; Adam Wang-Levine, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Climate; Joseph Nganga, Vice President, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, Rockefeller Foundation; Hassan Al Hashemi, VP International Relations, Dubai Chambers; Serge Ekué, Chairman, West African Development Bank (BOAD); Muyiwa Akinyemi, Deputy Group Managing Director, United Bank for Africa; and Mattias Frumerie, Swedish Climate Ambassador and Head of Delegation, UNFCCC. “Addressing climate change is the paramount challenge of our era. The urgency is unmistakable.”  Elumelu stated. “It is critical that Africa, as a continent, and African voices, play a key role in global climate conversations, as meaningful participants, and no longer as bystanders. Africa is least responsible and is disproportionately impacted by climate change. I am investing in a generation of green entrepreneurs, and we are extending the hand of partnership, so that others can benefit and use the infrastructure and platform we have created to reach entrepreneurs across Africa.” Elumelu represented the African private sector at the 2023 New Global Financing Pact in Paris at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, and the Climate Finance Mobilisation Forum in London, at the invitation of King Charles III of the United Kingdom and U.S. President Biden. At the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78) in New York, the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) launched a first-of-its-kind Green Entrepreneurship Programme, the #BeGreenAfrica Initiative, in partnership with the IKEA Foundation, Dutch Government and UNICEF GenU, to support green entrepreneurship and youth development. Tony Elumelu Entrepreneur from Madagascar in the green economy, Marie-Christiana Kola, shared a compelling impact story.  “As a beneficiary of the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship programme, I was able to create a recycled and 100% biodegradable hand soap made with waste cooked oil - the number one water polluter of water in African urban cities. These soaps do not only protect the environment, but they are also solidarity soaps.  I was also able to attend the COP27 conference in Egypt, where I won the Innovation Prize. Today, I have employed over 30 people because of the Tony Elumelu Foundation.” Speaking at the TEF #COP28 high-level event, Dr. Okonjo Iweala, DG, World Trade Organisation stated, “I am proud of what my brother, Tony Elumelu, has done in empowering and inspiring so many young entrepreneurs. We have no choice; the future is green. The future of growth is two things – it is green, and it must be inclusive. I am very interested in partnerships with organisations like TEF.” Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa, UNDP added, “The reason why UNDP associated itself with the Tony Elumelu Foundation years ago is because of the leadership and courage of the Foundation to trust and invest in young Africans. It was one of the first organisation to do so at that scale.” The Foundation partnered with the UNDP to empower thousands in the Sahel, with an ambitious project to impact the lives one million young Africans. Sergio Pimenta, VP, Africa at the IFC, also stated, “Tony, I salute you and your Foundation for what you have been doing to support young entrepreneurs in Africa. The IFC has deployed $2billion in funding for African SMEs in the last fiscal year and we are very excited to be able to do more, working with you.” Kevin Frey, CEO UNICEF Generation Unlimited added, “With TEF, we have moved in a concerted way into the entrepreneurial space. Generation Unlimited now have a flagship programme with the Tony Elumelu Foundation called #BeGreenAfrica, launched in Kenya, and now with the support of the IKEA Foundation and the Dutch Government, we have scaled to Nigeria, Morocco, South Africa, and Senegal. We will train and seed 500 green entrepreneurs this year in the pilot project across those countries. So Tony, thank you so much, you are right it is all about partnerships.” Wendy Teleki, Head of the Women Entrepreneurs Financial Initiative at the World Bank, announced, “Our women-focused initiative has been able to secure $3.6 billion to finance women entrepreneurs in 67 countries across the world, and is set to launch a new programme focused on financing African women entrepreneurs to drive the continent’s green energy transition, and we are keen to work with the Tony Elumelu Foundation.” Mattias Frumerie, Swedish Climate Ambassador and Head of UNFCCC Delegation stated, “My Government and I commend the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s incredible impact across Africa, and will facilitate connections between the Tony Elumelu Foundation, and the Swedish embassies across Africa to drive innovation, digitalisation, and green-energy transition, which promises to bring about new jobs and growth.” Adam Wang-Levine, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Climate, added” Before coming to the United States Treasury, I was working in venture capital, and I know first-hand that it is incredibly important what the Tony Elumelu Foundation is doing. I have seen two pillars of their work – financing and the mentorship – just as I have seen with Silicon Valley, which helps to drive innovation and jobs creation. We are excited to begin partnership conversations.” Muyiwa Akinyemi, Deputy GMD, United Bank for Africa, announced, “For us, UBA, we give market access into 20 geographies in Africa.  Everything that we do is around Africa, and that is why we have partnered with the Afrexim Bank to launch the $6billion fund for SMEs with a focus on import substitution, working in four key areas including climate emission reduction.” Earlier in the day, Tony Elumelu joined Ajay Banga, President of World Bank Group; Brian Moynihan, Chair of the Board and CEO of Bank of America; Ms. Ruth Porat, President, Alphabet and Google; and Ms. Laurene Powell Jobs, Founder & President of Emerson Collective as a panelist in a session titled “Big, Audacious and Green: A Convergence of Visionaries”, moderated by Børge Brende, President of World Economic Forum. On Sunday December 3 Mr. Tony Elumelu, also participated in a fireside conversation with Ms. Teresa Ribera, Vice President of the Government of Spain and Minister for Ecological Transition and Demographic Change, moderated by Sec. Hillary Rodham Clinton, and with closing remarks from Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Tony Elumelu Foundation.   Contact Information: Moyo Awotile Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications Tony Elumelu Foundation Email: moyo.awotile@tonyelumelufoundation.org Phone: +234 809 975 1482 About the Tony Elumelu Foundation: The Tony Elumelu Foundation is the leading philanthropy empowering a new generation of African entrepreneurs, driving poverty eradication, catalysing job creation in all 54 African countries, and ensuring inclusive economic empowerment. Since the launch of the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme in 2015, the Foundation has connected over 1.5 million young Africans on its digital hub, TEFConnect, and disbursed nearly USD$100 million in direct funding to 18,000 African women and men, who have collectively created over 400,000 direct and indirect jobs. The Foundation’s mission is rooted in Africapitalism, which positions the private sector, and most importantly entrepreneurs, as the catalyst for the social and economic development of the African continent. SOURCE The Tony Elumelu Foundation

Dabyna Poll-Abraham: The Best Rock Music Guitarist in Africa

Dabyna Poll-Abraham:  Son of Rock

The Best Rock Music Guitarist in Africa

@dabynasonofrock is the best rock music guitarist in Africa for over 20 years and still counting. 

A fact that majority of Nigerians don't know. And he is a Nigerian.

He has performed in the United States of America, the United Kingdom and other countries.

He is also amiable, humble and noble. 

A very philosophical musician.

I have had the honour of performing with him in 2002 as he and his band played for the rendition of my song, "Darego! You Are the Most Beautiful Girl in the World" in honour of Agabani Darego, the first Black African Miss World crowned in 2001. 

The live performance was for the graduation day of the students of the Alliance Française at the French Cultural Centre in Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria.

It was an unforgettable night as the girls were screaming as I sang.

Do you know that Daby Poll-Abraham also plays Afrobeats rock music?

- By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,

Publisher/Editor,
NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series,
Nigerians Report Online,
https://www.nigeriansreportng.blogspot.com
New Nigeria on Pinterest
www.pinterest.com/nigeriansreport
https://www.amazon.com/author/ekenyerengozimichaelchima
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelchimaeyerengozi

#rockmusic 

#rock 

#music

#afrobeats 

#agbanidarego

#beautiful

#girls

#graduation

#graduationday

#song

#missworld 

#nigeria

#africa

#guitarist

#unitedstates

#america 

#uk

#france

#french

#lagos

#ikoyi

#art

#culture 

#band

Memories Are Forever

Memories Are Forever

When all have been said and done.

When they have come and gone.

As they always come and go every day.

Their footprints are always washed away.

But my memories of them linger longer 

And I will remember them forever.

- Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,

Author of "Diary of the Memory Keeper" and other books distributed by Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other things.

Elegushi Beach,  2016.

Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria.

From the principal photography of my documentary film, "Lagos in Motion".

Photograph by Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima.

All rights reserved.

No copying, duplication and reproduction in any format of media without the authorization and permission of Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima and International Digital Post Network Limited.

#Elegushibeach 

#beach 

#life

#memories 

#people

#Documentary 

#film

#Photography 

#diary 

#books

#Amazon

#Chima

#Michael

#Ekenyerengozi

#Lagos

#Nigeria

#travel

#tourism

#tourists

#pilgrims

#earth

Call For Applications - YouthADAPT Challenge 2023 : Empowering Africa's Female Tech Innovators To Tackle Climate Change

PRESS RELEASE

Call For Applications -  YouthADAPT Challenge 2023: Empowering Africa’s Female Tech Innovators To Tackle Climate Change

The winners will be awarded $100,000 each, alongside mentorship and coaching to further their climate change adaptation solutions and business ideas

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ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, October 25, 2023/ -- The Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (https://apo-opa.info/3s7IvoI), a joint initiative of the African Development Bank (http://www.AfDB.org) and the Global Center on Adaptation, has launched a call for applications for the third edition of the YouthADAPT Challenge, which seeks to support young entrepreneurs driving solutions to tackle climate change. The annual YouthADAPT competition invites young entrepreneurs leading micro, small, and medium enterprises in Africa to submit innovative solutions and business ideas that can drive climate change adaptation and resilience across the continent. This year’s call focuses on female-owned enterprises pioneering Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies such as artificial intelligence; big data analytics; virtual reality; robotics; internet of things; quantum computing; additive manufacturing; blockchain, and fifth-generation wireless for climate adaptation. With support from the Africa Climate Change Fund (https://ACCF.AfDB.org/), hosted by the Bank, the winners will be awarded $100,000 each, alongside mentorship and coaching to further their climate change adaptation solutions and business ideas. They will also join the YouthADAPT Alumni Network to learn from a dynamic community of youth entrepreneurs throughout Africa. To be eligible, applicants must be between the ages of 18 to 35. Their ventures should be youth-led and offer tangible solutions to real-life climate challenges. They must be registered and operational in Africa, with at least two years’ worth of accounts. Apply by visiting the YouthADAPT competition portal (https://apo-opa.info/3Q8WLVZ).  The closing date for applications is 5 November 2023 at 17:00 GMT. An information session is scheduled for 23 October 2023 at 11:00 GMT to share details about the YouthADAPT Challenge 2023. This session will cover eligibility criteria, the application process, important deadlines, and the advantages of participation, such as grants, mentorship, and business development services. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).   Contacts: African Development Bank Joash Ntenga Moitui,  Communications and Knowledge Management, Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program E-mail: j.moitui@afdb.org   Africa Climate Change Fund Rita Effah, Coordinator, Africa Climate Change Fund r.effah@afdb.org Global Center on Adaptation Alex Gee, Head of Communications, Global Center on Adaptation E-mail: alex.gee@gca.com About the African Development Bank: The overarching aim of the African Development Bank Group is to spur sustainable economic development and social progress in its regional member countries, thus contributing to poverty reduction. The Bank Group achieves this goal by mobilizing and allocating resources for investment in regional member countries and providing policy advice and technical assistance to support development efforts. In 2015, all multilateral development institutions agreed on the same set of objectives, the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more: https://www.AfDB.org/. About Africa Climate Change Fund: The Africa Climate Change Fund (ACCF or Fund) is a multi-donor trust fund well positioned to contribute to the achievement of the African Development Bank’s goal to triple its climate financing efforts and foster its drive for a climate-resilient Africa. Visit ACCF’s website:  https://ACCF.AfDB.org/. About the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA): The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organization that works as a solutions broker to accelerate action and support for adaptation solutions, from the international to the local, in partnership with the public and private sectors. For more information, please go to www.GCA.org.   SOURCE African Development Bank Group (AfDB)

Accredify from Singapore Beats 260 Startups To Win 2023 Supernova Challenge

PRESS RELEASE

Accredify from Singapore beats 260 startups to win the 2023 Supernova Challenge

The Supernova Challenge is the biggest pitch competition in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, October 19, 2023/ -- Accredify, a Singapore-based startup and service provider for issuing verifiable documents and information, has emerged as the champion of the 2023 Supernova Challenge at Expand North Star Dubai (https://www.ExpandNorthStar.com/), the world's largest startup event. The startup received the $100,000 grand prize after an intense final round of pitching against 27 global finalists from 521 entries. The Supernova Challenge in partnership with the Dubai Future District Fund, is the region's biggest startup pitch competition, offering $200,000 in total cash prizes. The challenge is a key feature of Expand North Star Dubai, which hosted its biggest edition this year. It attracted over 1800+ startups from over 100 countries to explore the emerging opportunities in Dubai's dynamic, diverse and tech-driven digital economy. Simon Gordon, Chief Commercial Officer of the winning team, said, "Supernova 2023 has been an incredible experience. It's surreal to win this challenge at Expand North Star. This region, particularly the UAE, has so many great opportunities, and we are excited about using this prize money to expand our presence here." One of the judges at Supernova, Sharif El-Badawi, CEO of Dubai Future District Fund, commented, "It is encouraging to see a shift towards sustainable solutions that are better for the planet and its people. We witnessed several startups delivering concise yet compelling pitches that could impact our lives. The pitches we witnessed here at the Supernova Challenge are brimming with promise, unique innovations, and inspiring ideas." An expertly curated list of categories covered the latest trends in tech, inviting startups to showcase innovations that can solve some of our most pressing challenges. These included AI Disruptor, Fintech & Ecommerce Disruptor, Blockchain & Web3 Disruptor, Mobility & Smart Cities Disruptor, Healthtech & Wellness Disruptor, Martech Disruptor, Insurtech Disruptor in partnership with MENA Insuretech, Female Founder Award in partnership with the Sharjah Businesswomen Council, Africa Fast Award presented by GITEX Africa, Asia Fast Award, India Fast Award, and the Top MENA Award. In collaboration with GITEX Impact and Future Urbanism, Expand North Star also awarded the most proficient Sustainability and ESG Disruptor. Thirteen category winners representing the USA, India, UAE, South Korea, France, UK, Nigeria, Switzerland, China and Bangladesh took home $8,000 each in prize money, while the winner of the Female Founder Award won $10,000. The Supernova Challenge category winners were: Sustainability and ESG Disruptor: Zenerate from the USA, a platform providing AI-powered feasibility solutions for real estate development. AI Disruptor: Knorish, a platform that enables hobbyists, professionals and niche experts to build, launch, market and sell online courses powered by their own knowledge and as an extension of their own brand. Fintech and E-commerce Disruptor: Appro Technologies from the UAE, a digital platform simplifying retail banking onboarding. Blockchain and Web3 Disruptor: Verofax from the UAE, a platform enabling real-time consumption data by offering a unique microsite per product. Mobility and Smart Cities Disruptor: Innocel from France, a company providing clean energy solutions for a net zero future. Healthtech and Wellness Disruptor: Skia from Korea, a digital surgery guide solution using augmented reality (AR) technology. Martech Disruptor: Smartzer from the UK is a SaaS platform brands use to make live streams and videos interactive and shoppable to drive sales.   Female Founder Award: Matis from Switzerland, a platform empowering art market stakeholders with accessible and quantifiable tools for art authentication. Africa Fast Award: Gifty from Nigeria, an app that helps people easily share gift lists with family and friends and avoid duplicating purchases. Asia Fast Award: Urtopia from China, a company dedicated to revolutionizing urban transportation with its smart, sleek, and stealthy e-bikes. India Fast Award: EyeROV from India, a marine robotics company providing underwater ROVs (remotely operated vehicles) to various industries. Insurtech Disruptor: InsureCow from Bangladesh, a platform offering a 360° technology-powered cattle insurance and wellbeing monitoring solution.   Top MENA Award: Jalebi.io from the UAE is the world's first restaurant operating system that helps restaurants save 5% on the cost of every order served. The Supernova Challenge featured 40 startups selected from the Expand North Star global roadshow, a series of international pitch competitions held by the Dubai World Trade Centre and DCDE to attract startups to Dubai and foster collaborations with digital ecosystems in various countries. Expand North Star hosted by Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy (DCDE) is the powerhouse startup show of GITEX Global, organized by the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) concluded this week marking its largest-ever edition at its new Dubai Harbour venue. For more information, please visit ExpandNorthStar.com. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Expand North Star.   Press information and photographic material: Media Center: https://apo-opa.info/3S63iUi On social media: Facebook: https://apo-opa.info/3ZQFJk6 Twitter: https://apo-opa.info/3QekNAe Instagram: https://apo-opa.info/3trU9ei LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.info/3RYqALw Youtube: https://apo-opa.info/3RWLfj9 Hashtag: #ExpandNorthStar Media Contact: Gareth Wright – PR Director Tel.: + 971 50 273 3832 Gareth.Wright@dwtc.com Tayce Marchesi – PR Executive Tel.: + 971 58 552 3994 Tayce.Marchesi@dwtc.com PR Agency, ASDA'A BCW Tel.: + 971 50 149 3906 gitex@bcw-global.com About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC): A global business facilitator since 1979, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) is home to region's leading purpose-built convention and exhibition centre. DWTC provides a platform for connecting people, products, innovation and ideas from around the world through a dynamic calendar of international trade exhibitions and its own roster of sector leading mega events. As a designated free zone, complemented by award-winning commercial real estate, DWTC plays an integral role in Dubai and the region's growth story with an estimated total economic output of AED 200 Billion, attracting over 30 Million business visitors to Dubai over the past four decades. SOURCE Expand North Star

The Most Popular Film Stills From A Nigerian Film and TV Production

The most popular stills in circulation from a Nigerian film or TV  production are from the second phase of the principal photography of my documentary film, "Lagos in Motion" in 2016.

I published the photo book of the stills.currently distributed by Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other booksellers.

View the NFTs exclusively on the Algorand blockchain

https://nftmyimage.com/@nigeriadaily
NFTs last longer than photos, videos and films that are not on the blockchain. 

The NFTs will be in the decentralized InterPlanetary File System.

The pictures show beautiful #Nollywood actress, model and beauty pageant Queen, Celina Ideh and other people in "Lagos in Motion" in the Toyota SUV as I was recording whilst the vehicle was moving us to another location in Lagos, Africa's largest megacity; on the Lekki- Ikoyi Link Bridge, Elegushi Beach, new Tejuosho Market and Onike in Yaba.

Film stills are very important in film studies.

Stills are essentially photographs taken on the set or during the production of a movie. They serve as a visual representation of the film, capturing key moments, characters, and set designs. These images are commonly used for promotional purposes, including posters, press kits, and marketing materials. And they are also used by scholars and students of film studies. 

#filmmaking

#filmproduction

#filmmakers

#filmstill

#screenshot

#documentary

#documentaryfilm

#movies

#series

#filmstudies

#students

#scholars

#Lagos

#Africa

#megacity

#photography

#book

#photobook

#Amazon

- Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima.

Africa’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Progress Uneven, Requires Accelerated Efforts To Meet the 2030 Deadline - ReportD

PRESS RELEASE

Africa’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Progress Uneven, Requires Accelerated Efforts To Meet the 2030 Deadline - Report

The report assessed Africa’s progress in implementing five main SDGs, highlighting progress, the challenges, and the numerous opportunities for improving Africa’s development prospects.

NEW YORK, United States of America, October 4, 2023/ -- Africa’s progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063 aspirations has been uneven, with significant differences among subregions, countries, and rural and urban areas. This calls for accelerated efforts to ensure that Africa achieves the global goals by the 2030 deadline, the latest Africa Sustainable Development report has stated.

The 2023 report, titled “Accelerating the recovery from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and African Union Agenda 2063 at all levels”, was released on the margins of the 78th United Nations General Assembly. It was produced by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the African Union Commission (AUC), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), and the African Development Bank.

The report assessed Africa’s progress in implementing five main SDGs, highlighting progress, the challenges, and the numerous opportunities for improving Africa’s development prospects. Its findings suggest steady progress on key SDG targets, particularly on 4G mobile network coverage, and access to potable water and electricity.

“Africa’s steady progress on the SDGs is commendable. It is heartening to learn that the continent is on track to achieving some targets, particularly the goals related to innovation and technology, which are powerful enablers for advancing sustainable development,” noted Ms Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa, UNDP.

The report warns that although Africa is progressing toward achieving the SDGs, the number of on-track targets is less than those requiring acceleration or reversal. It calls for timely interventions to accelerate countries’ progress on key SDGs and the Agenda 2063 aspirations, goals, and targets.  

António Pedro, Acting Executive Secretary of ECA, stated: “Africa must create green growth by adding value to its green minerals. This green growth through green minerals must be central to Africa's SDG rescue strategy. Africa also needs scaled-up concessional financing to regain momentum on the SDGs and the Agenda 2063.”

Albert M. Muchanga, Commissioner for Trade and Industry of the African Union Commission, called for improved communication between parties working on Africa’s sustainable development. “The time has come for the Agenda 2063, the 2030 Agenda, and the African Development Bank’s ‘High 5’ (https://apo-opa.info/3OiFCJL) agenda to be aligned to make it easier for member states to domesticate,” he reiterated.

Gerald Esambe Njume, Principal Climate Change and Green Growth Officer at the African Development Bank said: “Harnessing Africa’s green growth opportunities requires significant efforts in putting forward a strategic vision and governance structure, ensuring sectoral planning, allocating adequate budgetary resources, and establishing sound institutional and coordination arrangements.”

Key findings: 

On SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), African countries have improved access to safely managed drinking water services, but a significant disparity remains between rural and urban areas. Three in five Africans, or 411 million people, still lack safely managed drinking water. Also, only Egypt and Tunisia out of the 48 countries assessed are on track to achieve universal basic sanitation by 2030. The report calls on African countries to invest in water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure and to strengthen integrated water resource management capacity.

On affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), the report finds that electrification rates have increased, but the use of clean cooking fuels and technologies remains limited. Also, the shift from non-renewable to renewable energy is slow. The report calls for funding increases for infrastructure and technology to boost sustainable power generation across Africa.

For innovation, industry, and infrastructure (SDG 9), the report reveals that Africa is on track in terms of its mobile network coverage, and based on current trends, the continent will meet the relevant Goal 9 target by 2030. The report, therefore, calls for the acceleration of rural road construction and expansion to achieve rural connectivity and regional integration to bridge the urban-rural divide. According to the report, this will advance intra-African trade and thus facilitate the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.

Regarding sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), the report’s findings suggest a modest overall decline in the share of Africans living in urban slums. It recommends greater investment in infrastructure to improve access to public transport, waste management and air quality in African cities.

Concerning partnerships (SDG 17), mobilizing funding remains challenging for African countries. The report calls for higher domestic resource mobilization and efforts to address debt vulnerabilities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

For more information and interview requests, please contact:

Praise Nutakor,
Communications and Partnerships Specialist,
UNDP
praise.nutakor@undp.org

Mercy Wambui,
Chief - Communications & Media Relations Section,
ECA
wambui@un.org

Emeka Anuforo,

Communications and External Relations Department

African Development Bank

media@afdb.org

Esther Azaa Yambou,

Head, Information Division,

African Union Commission

yamboue@africa-union.org

About UNDP:

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. Learn more at UNDP.org or follow @ UNDPAfrica (https://apo-opa.info/3NZcg1D).

About the African Development Bank:

The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank, the African Development Fund, and the Nigeria Trust Fund. On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member states. Visit: www.AfDB.org/en.

About the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa:

Established by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations in 1958 as one of the UN’s five regional commissions, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa’s (ECA’s) mandate is to promote the economic and social development of its Member States, foster intraregional integration and promote international cooperation for Africa’s development. ECA is made up of 54 Member States and plays a dual role as a regional arm of the UN, and as a key component of the African institutional landscape. For more information, please visit: www.UNECA.org.

About the African Union:

The African Union (AU) was established in 1999 by African Heads of State and the Government of the Organisation of African Unity (1963) to accelerate the process of integration of the continent to enable it to play its rightful role in the global economy while addressing multifaceted social, economic and political development challenges. The vision of the AU is for “An integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena”. Visit: https://AU.int/

SOURCE

African Development Bank Group (AfDB)

First NFT on Dr. Tony Elumelu, CFR

I am producing the first NFTs on the most outstanding Nigerian Achievers and other outstanding achievers in the world I call nation builders and optimists of visionary leadership. 

You can see all my NFTs on https://nftmyimage.com/@nigeriadaily

These are the frst NFTs and NFT Series ever done on outstanding Nigerians by a Nigerian artist and writer on the blockchain

I have done the NFTs in Fine Arts photography. 

The art photos are available to Dr. Tony Elumelu to frame them for art decor for his office and residence.

NFTs last longer than photos, videos and films that are not on the blockchain. 

The NFTs will be in the decentralized InterPlanetary File System.

The rotating cube can be screensavers and the cube of his portrait can be made into any size for tables, reception homes, offices and buildings from 1ft square to 50ft square.

Dr  Anthony Onyemaechi Elumelu, MFR,CON, CFR (born 22 March 1963) is a Nigerian economist, and philanthropist. He chairs Heirs Holdings, Transcorp and is the Founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation.

Following his retirement from the  United Bank for Africa in 2010, Elumelu founded The Tony Elumelu Foundation. The Tony Elumelu Foundation promotes entrepreneurship in Africa. The Tony Elumelu Foundation’s belief that the private sector’s role is critical for Africa’s development is hinged on the economic philosophy of Africapitalism, which was introduced by Elumelu; "that the African private sector has the power to transform the continent through long-term investments, creating both economic prosperity and social wealth.

In 2015, Elumelu committed US$100 million to create 10,000 entrepreneurs across Africa over the next 10 years through the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme - a Pan-African entrepreneurship initiative designed to empower African entrepreneurs through a multi-year programme of training, funding, and mentoring.

Awards and honours:

Elumelu has received recognition and praise for his contributions to business and entrepreneurship.

In 2003, the Federal Government of Nigeria granted Elumelu the title of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic MFR, a national honour.

In 2012, he was awarded the National Honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger CON for his service in promoting private enterprise.

He was awarded the Daily Times, Nigerian man of the year in 2016.

In 2018 and 2019 he was awarded the All-Africa Business Leaders Awards (AABLA) Philanthropist of the Year Award.

Bayero University Kano (BUK) - Honorary Doctor of Business degree in 2019.

He was honored with the National Productivity Order of Merit Award in 2019.

TIME magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2020.

On 11 October 2022, Elumelu received the National honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic.

 

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Elumelu

New NFT on Segun Agbaje, the Group CEO of GTCO PLC

Segun Julius Agbaje (born Olusegun Agbaje; 1964) is the Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO PLC), a multinational financial services group, that offers retail and investment banking, pension management, asset management and payments services, headquartered in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria. He is also a Director of PepsiCo and member of the Mastercard Advisory Board, Middle East and Africa.

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The NFT of the GTCO Cube can be used as a screensaver.

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