Nigerian Wins Chinese Singing Competition

By: Michael Mike

A Nigerian, Linda Ifeoma has emerged as the winner of the Chinese category at a Singing Competition organised by the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria and the China Cultural Centre.

The grand finale of the competition sponsored by China Harbour Engineering Company Nigeria Limited, had two categories Chinese and English and was held at the weekend at the Chinese Cultural Centre in Abuja

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the event, Linda expressed her excitement about her win, as she competed in a category dominated by Chinese native speakers.

She said she initially did not want to compete when she was contacted as she had lost first time she competed at a similar competition.

She narrated that: “At that time (last time she contested), I was very discouraged. But when she asked me to try again, I thought, ‘Okay, let me give it another shot.’ Initially, I didn’t even expect to win the first round. So, I’m absolutely excited to win here today.”

Linda’s journey to the finals involved winning the first round of the competition held few days earlier, followed by intensive practice leading up to her performance in the finale.

Linda, who studied Business Education at Nnamdi Azikiwe University and pursued Chinese as a side course, and later received a Chinese government scholarship to study in Nanjing, China, where she earned a master’s degree in the language, performed a Chinese song, showcasing her fluency and passion for the language.

She said: “When I was in school, I wanted to work in an embassy. I asked myself, ‘What do I need to achieve this goal?’ I realized I needed to learn a language other than my mother tongue.”

The singer also shared her aspirations in songwriting, describing this competition as a pivotal moment in her journey. “Personally, I write songs, and I think this is an opportunity for me to step out of my shell and showcase my talent,” she said.

Linda encouraged Nigerians to study Chinese language, highlighting its potential to unlock opportunities in employment and cultural exchange, noting that: “The character aspect can be challenging, but with dedication, you’ll find it easier to learn.”

Other winners of the competition were recognized in both English and Chinese categories.

English Category Winners: Third Prize (200,000 Naira): Chen Jun, Li Wei, and Qiu Liu Liu

Second Prize (300,000 Naira): Guan Xin and Wang Jia Yi

First Prize (500,000 Naira): Tan Jian

Chinese Category Winners: Third Prize (200,000 Naira): Yang Fan, Zhang Ji, and Deng Xiu Yuan.
Second Prize (300,000 Naira): Contestants Glory Livingston and Yang Xin.

The event which is organised annually underscored the strengthening ties between China and Nigeria through cultural exchange and mutual appreciation of music and language.

Nigerian Wins Chinese Singing Competition

PRESIDENT TINUBU AT ABUJA CARNIVAL LAUNCH: Creative Economy A Cornerstone Of My Diversification Agenda

*** Says industry now a major contributor to Nigeria’s non-oil GDP growth

By: Our Reporter

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday identified the creative economy as a cornerstone of his administration’s economic diversification agenda.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to positioning Nigeria’s creative sector as key driver of Nigeria’s global influence.

The President stated this during the launch of the 2024 Abuja International Carnival at Eagle Square, Abuja.

President Tinubu who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, said, “We are not here just to celebrate a carnival but to reaffirm the essence of who we are as Nigerians—a people of culture, a people of art, a people of colour, and a people of shared values.”

The President reaffirmed the carnival’s role in strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global creative economy.

“Our creativity continues to shine on the global stage, drawing admiration and respect. This heritage is the truest measure of what it means to be Nigerian—proud, resourceful, and innovative,” he stated.

Under the theme, “Carnival of Renewed Hope: A Pledge to My Country,” the event showcased performances from across Nigeria and beyond, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to cultural diplomacy.

“The unifying power of art and culture on display here is a reflection of what we can achieve when we work together,” President Tinubu said.

The President emphasised the carnival’s economic impact, noting that Nigeria’s creative industries are already contributing significantly to the nation’s GDP.

“Over the years, this carnival has become a stage for showcasing our rich cultural heritage and a driving force behind our growing creative economy. It has revitalised local industries, fostered cultural diplomacy, and contributed immensely to Nigeria’s position as a cultural powerhouse on the global stage.”

Addressing international participants, Tinubu reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to cultural exchange, just as he said, “Their presence affirms that culture transcends boundaries, and it is through cultural exchange that we build bridges of understanding, friendship, and shared humanity. In this carnival, we offer not just a spectacle but a home away from home for our guests.”

The President called for deeper reflection on the event’s significance, noting that it is more than mere celebration: “A carnival of this scale is not merely an occasion for festivities; it is a call to action. It reminds us of the pledge we owe to our nation: to promote peace, preserve our unity, and contribute, in whatever way we can, to the Nigeria of our dreams.”

The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, working alongside the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the Abuja International Carnival Secretariat, also received presidential commendation for their role in organizing the event.

President Tinubu praised their “dedication and vision in making the carnival a source of pride for our nation.”

“Our diversity is not just a mark of identity but a powerful force that strengthens our unity and inspires us to dream bigger for our country,” he added.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musawa explained that the carnival is a brand that binds Nigerians together and promotes the nation’s beauty and strength in diversity.

The Minister who was represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Oraelumo Obi Raphael, said, “The Carnival is a unique brand that involves the 36 states and the FCT, and countries from all over the world, with Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy as the Coordinating Ministry and the FCT as the host.

“The unique aspect of Abuja Carnival is the fact that it is a platform for artistic expression, innovation, and cultural exchange among local and international participants and the activities are highly competitive, which has given Nigerians the platform to develop and showcase their creative ingenuity as a tool for harnessing the power of culture and strengthening our nation’s bond to foster a brighter future.”

For the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, who was represented by the Director, Social Welfare in the FCTA, the theme of this year’s carnival, “Carnival of Renewed Hope: A Pledge to My Country,” is a call to action, a reminder and a promise, noting that it does not just celebrate the nation’s vibrant culture but also the spirit of resilience and hope that define Nigeria.

He said, ” As we gather here, adorned in the colours, sounds, and expressions of our diverse heritage, we are also united by a shared vision for Nigeria, a vision rooted in the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, of hope, renewal, and the commitment to work together toward a brighter future.

“The Abuja International Carnival is a testament to the power of culture in binding us together. It serves as a bridge, connecting generations, ethnicities, and regions across Nigeria.”

PRESIDENT TINUBU AT ABUJA CARNIVAL LAUNCH: Creative Economy A Cornerstone Of My Diversification Agenda

Collective Efforts Needed to Build a Secure Nigeria – General Buratai

By: Our Reporter

Former Chief of Army Staff and former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, CFR, has called for collective efforts and unity to build a secured Nigeria.

General Buratai gave the remarks Saturday, while being inducted as the 2nd Patron of the Institute of Security, Nigeria, at the 17th International Security Conference.

The event, held at the Faculty of Social Sciences Auditorium, University of Lagos, brought together top security experts, academics, and stakeholders to discuss the most pressing security issues facing Nigeria.

General Buratai, emphasized the importance of security education, training, and excellence. He pledged to support the Institute’s initiatives and programs, advocate for policy reforms, and improve security in the country and the world.

“Security education, training, and excellence are at the forefront of our shared vision. We aim to strengthen the capacity of security and law enforcement agencies, ensuring they deliver exceptional services,” General Buratai said.

He also emphasized the need for collective efforts to build a secure Nigeria where citizens can live without fear and prosperity thrives. “Let us unite to build a secure Nigeria where citizens live without fear and prosperity thrives,” General Buratai added.

Performing the investiture, General Olu Bajowa, the 1st Patron of the Institute, praised General Buratai’s exceptional leadership and dedication to Nigeria’s security, setting the tone for a thought-provoking conference that emphasized the need for collective efforts to build a secure Nigeria.

General Bajowa described him as an outstanding Nigerian who embodies courage, determination, and patriotism.

“General Buratai has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the security and well-being of our great nation. He is a distinguished military officer with over 40 years of service to the Nigerian Army,” General Bajowa said.

General Bajowa praised General Buratai’s wealth of experience and expertise, which will undoubtedly inspire and motivate the institute’s members to strive for excellence in security education and practice. He highlighted General Buratai’s distinguished military career, spanning over 40 years, including his tenure as Chief of Army Staff from 2015 to 2021.

“Throughout his illustrious career, General Buratai has embodied the values of courage, integrity, and loyalty. His dedication to the Nigerian Army and the nation is unparalleled, and his contributions to the fight against insurgency and terrorism have been invaluable,” General Bajowa added.

In his remarks, Professor Rahman Bello, Chairman of the occasion, emphasized the need for Nigeria to adopt a more inward-looking approach to development. He advocated for prioritizing domestic development, focusing on areas of comparative advantage, such as agriculture, and developing smallholder peasant agricultural production.

“For Nigeria to develop, the government must adopt a more inward-looking approach. Every country that intends to develop must, at some point, focus on its internal capacities,” Professor Bello said.

Lieutenant General Lamidi Adeosun Rtd., former Chief of Policy and Plans Nigerian Army, stressed the importance of security education, highlighting the need to carry education down to the grassroots. He emphasized that local government empowerment is crucial in addressing security challenges.

“Security education must start from the grassroots. It is a key aspect of our development. We must take security education down to the grassroots. We cannot leave it at the elitist level,” General Adeosun said.

Major General Bulama Biu Rtd., urged the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies to expand its reach beyond the political zone, emphasizing the need to implement ideas and advocate for policymakers to take action.

“We need to extend our frontiers and drive these ideas to make a real impact. Otherwise, we’ll just be limited to our own circles and destinations,” General Biu said.

The event with the theme: Advancing Security Education for Stable Political Systems, Socio Economic Development, Good Governance and Mitigating Terrorism in Nigeria, concluded with a call to action, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to build a secure Nigeria where citizens can live without fear and prosperity thrives.

Collective Efforts Needed to Build a Secure Nigeria – General Buratai