The Kano State Government has officially inaugurated a Local Organising Committee for the forthcoming National Summit on Harnessing the Creative Industry to Boost Nigeria’s GDP, marking a major step towards repositioning the creative economy as a driver of national development.

Inaugurating the committee on behalf of the state government, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, stated that the summit would serve as a robust platform for key stakeholders to explore innovative strategies, share knowledge, and forge partnerships aimed at elevating Nigeria’s creative industry to global prominence.

Waiya emphasised that the summit would spotlight Kano’s rich creative potential, showcase indigenous products, engage with international media platforms, and issue a communiqué expected to draw national and global attention to the sector.

“The summit represents a significant milestone in our collective efforts to unlock the vast economic potential embedded in Nigeria’s creative sector,” Waiya stated. “It promises to be a rallying point for promoting our cultural heritage, empowering artisans, and tapping into the creative ingenuity of our people for sustainable economic growth.”

The commissioner praised the Kannywood Foundation for its visionary initiative in proposing the summit, describing it as a laudable effort that aligns perfectly with the State’s developmental agenda.

Waiya further acknowledged the unwavering support of the governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, whom he described as a leader with foresight. He noted that the governor regards the summit as a rare opportunity to empower creative talents in Kano and beyond.

According to him, “The creative sector holds immense potential for job creation, wealth generation, and GDP growth. By harnessing our cultural assets and innovation-driven talents, we can open new economic frontiers for our youth and entrepreneurs.”

The committee, chaired by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, includes Commissioner for Religious Affairs Sheikh Ahmed Tijjani Auwalu; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Hajiya Aisha Lawan Saji; representatives from the Kannywood Foundation; Executive Secretary of the History and Culture Bureau; Managing Director of the Kano State Tourism Management Board; Executive Secretary of the Kano State Censorship Board; representative of the Ministry for Local Government; Special Adviser on ICT; President of the Directors Guild of Nigeria; representative of the Producers Association; representative of the Tailors and Fashion Amalgamated Association; and representative of the Association of Nigerian Authors.

Other members include a representative of the Deputy Governor’s Office, Malam Ibrahim Ado Kurawa; Professor Abdalla Uba Adamu; Hajiya Nabila Ibrahim; representative of the Kano Emirate Council; Special Adviser on Internal Revenue; Representative of the Kano Internal Revenue Service; and Dr Ahmad M. Sarari.

Secretariat members comprise a representative of the Cabinet Office; representative of the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs; and Director of Internal Affairs, among others.

The Nigerian government has announced the burial arrangements for the late former President, Muhammadu Buhari.

President Bola Tinubu has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee to oversee the state burial, in collaboration with the Katsina State government and the family of the former president.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this during a press briefing on Monday, adding that the committee is chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

Other members include the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning; Minister of Defence; Minister of Information and National Orientation; Minister of Works; Minister of Interior; Minister of the FCT; Minister of Housing and Urban Development; Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare; Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy; National Security Adviser; and the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination.

Also on the committee are the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political and Other Matters; Inspector-General of Police; Director-General of the Department of State Services; and the Chief of Defence Staff.

He stated that the Office of the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, will serve as the Secretary to the committee.

The minister further noted that 25 members of the Federal Executive Council have been directed to proceed to Katsina to participate in the full schedule of burial rites and remain for the third-day prayers in Daura on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.

“As we prepare to bid farewell to one of Nigeria’s foremost statesmen, the Federal Government urges all Nigerians to join in prayers and reflection for the repose of the soul of our former leader,” he added.

Former Governor of Jigawa State and a founding figure of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Sule Lamido, has declared unflinching support for the opposition coalition backed alliance, the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Lamido said the collaboration among opposition forces is driven by a deep concern for Nigeria’s stability, not personal ambitions.

While speaking with journalists in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, Lamido revealed tha the alliance is a timely and necessary response to the growing hardship many Nigerians face under the current administration.

“Any patriotic Nigerian with the common man in his heart must give his contribution to overturn the present administration to save the country—particularly the ordinary people, who are suffering in every sector,” he stated.

Lamido maintained that despite backing the coalition, he has no intention of leaving the PDP.”

“I remain in PDP. It is the party we gave birth to, nurtured, and one that delivered progress to Nigeria and Nigerians. I will not leave it,” Lamido stated.

The elder statesman described his present role in national discourse as one of mentorship and guidance, saying he is more focused on shaping the country’s future than seeking political office.

Lamido’s remarks came at a political gathering held by the PDP in Dutse.

He was alongside Senator Mustapha Khabeeb, who currently represents Jigawa South West at the National Assembly.

The event also featured Alhaji Kabiru Hussaini, the Jigawa State Chairman of the ADC, whom Lamido introduced to PDP members