Day: September 21, 2024

The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Russian firm, Tyazhpromexport (TPE), the original builders of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant, and members of its consortium in Moscow.

The move is part of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s efforts to resuscitate the steel company and the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO) in order to boost industrialisation in the country.

The MoU was signed by the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, who led the Federal Government’s delegation, and the General Director of TPE, Mr Egorov Sergei Anatolevich, along with other members of the Russian consortium.

This was made known in a statement by Salamatu Jibaniya, the Head of the Press and Public Relations Department of the ministry, on Friday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Ajaokuta Steel Company Ltd. (ASCL), located in Kogi, was established in 1979 by the government of President Shehu Shagari to drive Nigeria’s modernity through industrialisa
tion.

Jibaniya said that TPE and members of its consortium, comprising Novostal-M and Proforce Manufacturing Limited, were engaged for the rehabilitation, completion, and operation of the steel plant and NIOMCO, all located in Kogi.

She said the minister described the move as crucial and a bold step toward creating a sustainable foundation to achieve the industrialisation of Nigeria’s economy.

‘The revival of the steel sector will also reduce importation of steel products into Nigeria, which is estimated at over four billion dollars annually, and will help save scarce foreign exchange,’ he said.

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According to the Jibaniya, the Nigerian delegation during the visit also inspected the facilities of Novostal-M, located in Balakovo in the Saratov region, and the private port facility of the company.

NAN reports that a TPE team visited the Ajaokuta Steel Plant and NIOMCO in August for a preliminary inspection, which led to the invitation to Mosco
w for the signing of the MoU.

The resuscitation of both the steel company and NIOMCO is expected to create more than 500,000 direct and indirect jobs for Nigerians.

The move is also crucial to achieving President Tinubu’s desire to grow the Nigerian economy to more than one trillion dollars by 2030.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Mr Kim Pankyu, Korea Ambassador to Nigeria, has called for stronger synergy with Nigeria to strengthen the cultural affinity that both countries shared, especially in music and dance.

Kim made the call at the opening ceremony of the 12th Korean Film Festival in Abuja.

‘I have come to deeply feel that South Korea and Nigeria share a strong cultural affinity, especially in their love for music and dance.

‘Due to this cultural affinity, various elements such as fashion, cuisine and music are booming in Nigeria.

‘Particularly, there has been a significant surge for the spread of Korean drama, along with global hit ‘Squid Game’ in 2021,’ he said.

The ambassador said that the most watched drama series on Netflix Nigeria in 2022 was ‘Alchemy of Souls’, a Korean series.

He said that it was important to introduce Korean films to Nigeria, stressing that Nigeria happens to be one of the world’s top three film producing countries.

Kim added that the embassy had also realised the importance of bringing Korean films
to Nigeria.

‘Last year, there was an existing MoU between the Korean Cultural Centre in Nigeria (KCCN) and AIT, which led to the showing of Korean dramas and animation in Nigeria.

‘This year, these three-day film festival will showcase various interesting movies that Nigerians will definitely enjoy.

‘We wish that Nigerians and all foreign communities will enjoy this cultural experience and have a chance to feel deeply Korean storytelling in cinema,’ he said.

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Also speaking, Mr Kim Changki, Director, KCCN, said that Nigerians were lovers of Korean culture, adding that the film festival is aimed at showcasing Korean drama.

Kim said that the film festival was about Korean drama which many Nigerians have been longing to watch.

According to him, the festival has achieved its expected desire due to the financial assistance from the Korea government.

‘We are showing five types of movies for Nigerians.

‘KCCN’s aim is to promote K-pop, drama, music amon
g others. We are aware that Nigerians love watching Korean movies and we are impressed about that,’ he said.

Mr Falope Abiodun, a projectionist, commended KCCN for putting the event together for the benefit of Nigerians.

‘I applaud them for this and I also encourage them to do more.

‘ Despite the economic challenges and hardship faced by Nigerians presently, the country remains peaceful and accommodating,’ he said.

The New Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the viewers were thrilled with the movie ‘The Classified File’ directed by Kwak Kyung-taek.

It is a 2015 South Korea crime drama based on a real life kidnapping case in Busan in 1978.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu on Saturday penned a heartfelt tribute to the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on her 64th birthday.

‘My Dearest Oluremi, on this beautiful day, as we celebrate your 64th birthday, my heart is full of gratitude and love for the incredible woman you are.

‘Since we began this journey together, you have been my rock, confidante, greatest supporter, and the love of my life.

‘Every step of the way, you have shown unwavering strength, grace, and love to me, our family, and our beloved nation, Nigeria,’ wrote the president.

Tinubu described the First Lady as ‘the heart of our home, the light guiding me through the most challenging days, and the embodiment of kindness and wisdom.

‘Your compassion, generosity, and dedication inspire millions of Nigerians and me, especially our young women, who look up to you as their First Lady.

‘On your special day, I want to take a moment to tell you how truly blessed I feel to walk this path beside you.’

According to Tinubu, her love sustains him, her wisdom
guides him, and her strength lifts him.

He said he could not ask for a better partner to share the triumphs and trials of life.

‘As you turn 64, I wish you nothing but boundless joy, peace, and happiness. May this year unfold with blessings, laughter, and cherished moments you so richly deserve.

‘I look forward to all the moments we will create together in the years to come. With all my love and appreciation, now and always,’ wrote the president.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria