Actress Rahama Sadau, who was previously banned from Kannywood, has been appointed to the technical committee of the Investment In Digital and Creative Enterprise (iDICE) program. The iDICE program is a joint initiative between the government and international organizations aimed at boosting investment in digital and creative sectors. Vice-President Kashim Shettima inaugurated Rahama and other appointees into the committee on Thursday. Rahama expressed her gratitude for the appointment and thanked Vice President Kashim Shettima and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the recognition. Rahama's career has grown dramatically after being banned from Kannywood, as she has established herself in Nollywood and occasionally collaborated with the Bollywood film industry. In 2018, the ban was lifted by then-Governor Abdullahi Ganduje through the Kano State Censorship Board [01e72ed8].
In other news, the Federal Government of Nigeria is set to launch the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (I-DICE) Programme on May 15, aiming to create two million jobs. Vice President Kashim Shettima announced this at a roundtable event in Abuja. The administration anticipates a reduction in the unemployment rate through initiatives like the outsource to Nigeria initiative and IDICE. Shettima emphasized the need for patience and collective sacrifice from Nigerians, stating that positive changes will soon be evident across all economic indicators. He also discussed the removal of petroleum product subsidies and the country's debt crisis. The interventions put out by President Bola Tinubu have been categorized into eight areas, including job creation, economic growth, food security, poverty reduction, access to capital, rule of law, anti-graft war, and inclusive development. Former Finance Minister Dr. Shamsudeen Usman urged the reconciliation of the Renewed Hope Agenda with the country's medium and long-term plans and called for ministers who underperform to be sacked [8f6881d8].
Furthermore, the Federal Government of Nigeria has inaugurated the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) Project Ecosystem Steering Committee. Chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, the committee will guide the strategic direction of the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project. The project aims to establish a secure and verifiable digital identity for every Nigerian, enhancing service delivery, governance, and creating opportunities for growth in the digital economy. The committee includes members such as the Minister of Finance, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Minister of Health, Minister of Education, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, and the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). The SGF emphasized the project's potential to revolutionize identification and access to services, while the DG/CEO of NIMC highlighted the importance of digital identity in driving socio-economic development. The ID4D project, which started in 2019, is being financed through an International Development Association (IDA) credit of US$115 million and co-financing of US$100 million from the French Agency for Development and US$215 million from the European Investment Bank. As of April 30, 2023, a total of $35.6 million had been disbursed for the project's implementation [3f911365].
Additionally, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved the immediate disbursement of US$684.7 million to the Kenyan government, including an augmentation of access of SDR 233.40 million (about US$310.6 million) under the EFF/ECF arrangements. This brings the total disbursements under the EFF/ECF arrangements to SDR 1,978.23 million (about US$2.6 billion). Additionally, the decision allows for an immediate disbursement of SDR 45.23 million (about US$60.2 million) under the RSF arrangement. The IMF Executive Directors have noted the resilience of the Kenyan economy and emphasized the importance of further front-loaded fiscal consolidation efforts. The near-term outlook for Kenya's economy is projected to have a growth rate of around 5 percent in 2024, with inflation expected to rise in the first half of the year. Kenya's economy expanded by 5.6 percent year-on-year in the first nine months of 2023 [8b1c9016] [2ab1ff5a].
Meanwhile, the IMF has concluded the Article IV consultation with Barbados and completed the second reviews of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangements. This allows Barbados to access SDR 14.175 million (about US$19 million) under the EFF and SDR 42.525 million (about US$57 million) under the RSF. Barbados has successfully implemented a comprehensive economic reform program and climate policy agenda, resulting in macroeconomic stability, strong economic growth, and reduced debt. The country's economy is projected to continue growing, with real GDP and tourism returning to pre-pandemic levels. The IMF Executive Directors have commended Barbados' progress and encouraged the authorities to maintain the reform momentum for inclusive and sustainable growth, climate resilience, and debt sustainability. The next Article IV consultation with Barbados will be held in accordance with the Executive Board decision on consultation cycles for members with Fund arrangements [2e61e15f].
Additionally, in Nigeria, a civil society organisation, the African Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), and media practitioners have called on citizens to demand accountability and transparency in the utilization of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) Funds. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) allocated 456.5 billion SDRs to its 190 members, with Nigeria receiving $3.3 billion in SDRs Funds for special interventions and COVID-19 pandemic initiatives. The purpose of the workshop organized by ANEEJ and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is to address issues related to the utilization of SDRs funds and to hold the government accountable for their use in sectors such as education, health, infrastructure development, and youth empowerment. The CBN Act 2007 provides for the use of SDRs in Nigeria, and the CBN governor and minister of finance are required to brief the national assembly on the policies and activities related to SDRs. Civil society groups are demanding answers from the government regarding the sectors that received the SDGs funds and how they were utilized in the economy's development [4d0b6e6a].
Kefiano Creative Hub, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), has trained 119 young individuals in various skills to boost the creative industry in Plateau State. The two-week program included mobile videography, phone photography, data analysis, content writing, and digital production. The initiative aims to foster self-sufficiency and generate employment opportunities for the youth. The director of Kefiano Creative Hub emphasized the importance of skill development in alleviating unemployment and enabling economic growth. The graduates expressed personal transformation and resilience, and the graduation ceremony served as a moment of celebration and reflection. The NGO's investment in the youth of Plateau State highlights its dedication to community development and capacity building [0f0a8e79].
The Kaduna International Film Festival (KIFF) aims to change the narrative of northern Nigeria as a region grappling with insecurity. The founder of the festival, Israel Audu, highlighted the rich cultural heritage and creative industry of the region. The festival, scheduled for August, will include activities such as master classes, panel sessions, film screenings, exhibitions, and an award ceremony. Audu visited the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) to seek support in publicizing the festival and showcasing the region's culture and talent. The Managing Director of NAN, Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, commended the organizers and pledged support for the festival [70dcc61f].
Legit.ng journalist Nurudeen Lawal has been selected as a media delegate to attend the inaugural Journalism and AI Conference hosted by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) in Abuja from May 27 to 28. The conference aims to discuss the impact of digital technology and artificial intelligence on the future of journalism in Africa. CJID will also launch two new AI tools, an audio platform and a chatbot, to enhance fact-checking efficiency and combat misinformation. The DUBAWA Audio tool will automatically transcribe radio programs and extract verifiable claims, while the DUBAWA Chatbot will provide answers to questions regarding viral misinformation and disinformation. The conference will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, case studies, and interactive sessions to facilitate dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing on strategies for navigating digital disruption and harnessing the power of AI in the media ecosystem [3d5d5ad6].