WITTY GLOBAL BLOGS | THURSDAY FLAGSHIP EDITION Africa's $2 Billion Creative Economy Financing Push: What Nigerian Filmmakers, Musicians and Digital Creators Need to Know By Itoro Uwah | Thursday, November 12, 2026 CREATIVE ECONOMY | BUSINESS | TECHNOLOGY | INVESTMENT LAGOS, NIGERIA — Africa's creative economy is attracting renewed attention from development financiers and policymakers, following the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) WKND 2026 gathering in Lagos from November 5 to 8. Organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and hosted by Nigeria, the gathering brought together creative entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and cultural-industry professionals to explore financing, intellectual property, technology and market access. Afreximbank's CANEX financing ambition has expanded to $2 billion, reflecting a growing institutional effort to support African cultural and creative enterprises. However, the figure must be understood correctly...
Aircraft Crashes Near Owerri Airport After Mid-Air Emergency; Recovery Efforts Underway
Owerri, Imo State — An aircraft operated by Skypower Express crash-landed near Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, on Tuesday evening following an in-flight emergency, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The Cessna 172 light aircraft, registered 5N-ASR, was en route from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport when the flight crew declared an emergency and diverted to Owerri shortly before 8:00 p.m. local time.
Emergency Landing and Immediate Response
According to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the aircraft crashed in the approach area of Runway 17 after the emergency was declared. Emergency response teams at the airport were immediately activated and arrived on the scene to assist.
Officials reported that no fatalities occurred among the four people on board — including crew and passengers — and that there was no post-crash fire. Despite the crash, airport operations continued, with other flights taking off and landing safely.
Recovery and Investigation Efforts
Recovery operations are ongoing as authorities work to evacuate the distressed aircraft from the crash site and facilitate a detailed examination of the wreckage.
The NSIB has activated its official investigation protocols to determine the cause of the incident. NSIB Director-General Captain Alex Badeh Jr. expressed sympathy to Skypower Express and relief that all onboard survived the crash.
Context and Broader Safety Implications
Preliminary reports suggest that the aircraft diverted to Owerri after the crew encountered a technical or operational emergency mid-flight. No additional technical details have been released pending the outcome of the investigation by aviation safety authorities.
Incidents involving light aircraft highlight the ongoing need for rigorous adherence to maintenance, training, and operational protocols in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Public Safety and Airport Operations
Airport officials have indicated that Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport continues normal runway and flight operations with no significant disruptions following the incident. Further updates on the investigation’s findings and any official safety recommendations will be provided as they become available.
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