FG Condoles with Families of Stampede Victims, Issues Advisory on Public Events During the Yuletide

By: Rabiu Ibrahim

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, deeply sympathizes with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the tragic stampedes that occurred during food distribution exercises in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by these unfortunate incidents,” he said.

The Minister said the tragedies are deeply saddening and underscore the importance of ensuring proper crowd management during such charitable activities, especially during the festive season.

While acknowledging the noble intentions of organizers seeking to bring relief to vulnerable members of society, the Minister strongly admonishes all individuals and organizations planning similar events to comply with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun on liaising with the police formations for effective crowd control and security measures.

He emphasized that collaboration with the police and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), is crucial to safeguarding lives and ensuring that such efforts to assist those in need do not inadvertently lead to further distress.

Furthermore, the Minister appealed to politicians and other stakeholders to refrain from politicizing the unfortunate incidents, stressing that those tragic events are in no way connected to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s economic reforms.

“It is worth noting that similar unfortunate occurrences have been recorded in the past, before the current administration, as such, making any attempt to link these tragedies to the President’s reforms is unfounded and disingenuous,” he said.

Idris said the reforms, while repositioning the Nigerian economy for sustainable growth, are designed to uplift the lives of all Nigerians, particularly the vulnerable without causing distress.

The Minister called for a collective sense of responsibility and urged citizens to unite and ensure that the Yuletide season is marked by peace, goodwill, and joy.

FG Condoles with Families of Stampede Victims, Issues Advisory on Public Events During the Yuletide

CUBA: MARCH OF THE COMBATING PEOPLE CONFIRMS THE UNITY OF THE CUBAN PEOPLE AGAINST THE BLOCKADE AND THE REMOVAL FROM THE LIST OF COUNTRIES THAT ALLEGEDLY SPONSOR TERRORISM.

By: Michael Mike

On December 20, at the end of the plenary session of the National Assembly of People’s Power of the Republic of Cuba (ANPP), a popular march took place in front of the United States Embassy in Havana, with the aim of firmly and forcefully denouncing the atrocities caused within the country by the unjust and criminal blockade of the United States of America and the permanence of Cuba on the illegitimate list of countries that supposedly sponsor terrorism.

The Havana seafront, faithful scene of Cuban struggles and just causes, was, once again, witness to the humane and revolutionary claim of a resilient and combative people.

The March of the Combatant People, the name given by Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz to the many popular complaints made by the Cuban people against the unjust measures adopted by the United States government against the Island for more than 62 years, was led by the President of the Republic Miguel Díaz Canel Bermúdez and the Army General and leader of the Cuban Revolution Raúl Castro Ruz.

On October 31, the United Nations General Assembly adopted for the 32nd time, with an overwhelming majority, the resolution in which it calls on the United States to end the prolonged economic, commercial and financial blockade against Cuba. The resolution, supported by 187 States, including Nigeria, reaffirmed once again the total support of the international community for the just struggle of the Cuban people and government.

During the march, the Cuban president said: “We do not profess the slightest feeling of hatred against the American people. To the noble citizens of that country, we offer our full respect, and our hand is always extended to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood between the two peoples. That is the same hand that we have extended to all US governments since the triumph of the revolution until today, always in terms of a serious, respectful relationship and on equal terms, but if the US persists in its efforts to undermine our sovereignty, our independence, our socialism, they will only find rebellion and intransigence.”

He also reiterated: “This will be a march, yes, very anti-imperialist. Against American imperialism and its attempt to impose itself in Cuba by force or seduction, we will march now and always.”

CUBA: MARCH OF THE COMBATING PEOPLE CONFIRMS THE UNITY OF THE CUBAN PEOPLE AGAINST THE BLOCKADE AND THE REMOVAL FROM THE LIST OF COUNTRIES THAT ALLEGEDLY SPONSOR TERRORISM.

Nigeria to Boost Tourism and Cultural Sectors- Musawa

By: Michael Mike

Nigerian government has expressed its plan to take a leaf from China’s success in cultural branding and creative industries to boost the nation’s tourism and cultural sectors.

The Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, stated this on Sunday while speaking at the New Year gala celebrating China-Nigeria friendship, hosted by the China Cultural Centre in Abuja.

Musawa while highlighting China’s global influence through its cultural exports, such as food, martial arts, and cinema, said: “Everywhere you go in the world, you see an aspect of Chinese culture.”

The minister said: “This is something we want to explore—how we can monetize our own culture in the way China has done.”

She emphasized Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and expressed optimism about forging co-production agreements and capacity-building initiatives between the two nations.

She said: “We’re discussing projects that focus on infrastructure for the creative industry and cultural sectors,” while noting that: “It’s essential for Nigeria to tap into China’s experience in branding and tourism, with the aim of revitalizing our own creative industries.”

The Director, China Cultural Centre in Nigeria (CCCNIG), Mr Yang Jianxing, who double as the Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria expressed the importance of cultural and people-to-people exchanges in enhancing China-Nigeria relations.

He noted that the China Cultural Centre would host a series of activities in 2025 to promote culture, tourism, and education, aligning with the “Beijing Action Plan” under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

He said: “These initiatives aim to deepen the friendship between the people of China and Nigeria.”

Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Nigeria-China Relations, Hon. Jafaru Yakubu, praised the long-standing ties between the two nations, stressing the need for stronger cultural and legislative collaboration.

He said: “This celebration is geared toward rebuilding stronger cultural ties,” noting that: “The Nigeria-China Relations Group will continue to explore legislative means to strengthen bilateral relations across sectors.”

On his part, the Director of Drum Majors for Peace, Nsikan Paul, emphasized the role of cultural diplomacy in fostering peace and understanding.

He said: “Peace is not just the absence of conflict but the presence of dialogue and collective action,” adding that: “Through cultural exchange and advocacy, we aim to empower youth and promote inclusivity.”

Nigeria to Boost Tourism and Cultural Sectors- Musawa