Chinese Envoy Calls for Continued Commitment to Principles of United Nations, Resistance to Unilateralism

By: Michael Mike

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai has asked the international community to remain committed to the principles of the United Nations, resist unilateralism, and ensure that “the tragedy of fascism is never repeated.”

Yu made the request in Abuja at the screening of the firm, Dead to Rights, to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Dead to Rights, is a movie that dramatized the 1937 Nanjing Massacre.

The Chinese Ambassador described the massacre where Japanese forces brutally killed more than 300,000 civilians and soldiers and committed widespread atrocities as “one of the darkest chapters in modern world history.” He said the film served not only as remembrance but also as a reminder of the dangers of forgetting history.

He noted that: “During the 14 years of resistance, over 35 million Chinese people lost their lives or were injured. China made historic contributions to the victory of the world anti-fascist war and to restoring world peace and order.”

The Ambassador while emphasizing that the anniversary was not only about mourning the dead but also about reinforcing commitments to peace, said: “The best way to honour their sacrifice is to cherish peace, protect peace, and strengthen international cooperation.”

He also warned against the rise of historical revisionism and global instability, stressing that the international community must remain committed to the principles of the United Nations, resist unilateralism, and ensure that “the tragedy of fascism is never repeated.”

He recalled that: “In 1931, driven by militarism, Japan launched a brutal war of aggression against China. Then, on December 13, 1937, after capturing the city of Nanjing, Japanese invaders carried out a horrific massacre that lasted six weeks. More than 300,000 Chinese civilians and soldiers were killed—a tragedy now known as the Nanjing Massacre. This remains one of the darkest chapters in modern world history and a profound, enduring sorrow in the hearts of the Chinese people. The film we are about to watch, Dead to Rights, is inspired by these historical events. It offers a unique perspective for reflecting on this period and reminds us of a history we must never forget.”

The envoy added that: “During World War II, as the main Eastern theatre in the global fight against fascism, China endured 14 years of relentless resistance. At a staggering cost of more than 35 million military and civilian casualties and direct economic losses exceeding 600 billion US dollars, we dealt a powerful blow to Japanese fascism, crippled Japan’s ambition to expand further, and made historic contributions to restoring world peace and order.

“Today, we gather to commemorate this great victory—to honor history, pay tribute to the fallen, cherish peace, and build a brighter future together. Let history be our guide. Let us preserve, with unwavering resolve, the hard-won outcomes of World War II. At this critical juncture, it falls upon us to reaffirm our commitment to the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms of international relations embodied in the UN Charter. Together, let us strive to steer the global order toward a future defined by greater fairness, justice, and equality for all.”

Yu however noted that Nigeria plays an important role in this vision, stressing that as two major countries of the Global South, China and Nigeria share common values of fairness, justice, and development.

He said their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, must continue to grow through stronger political dialogue, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people cooperation.

The envoy added that: “Cinema has the power to tell history in ways textbooks cannot. By watching, reflecting, and remembering, we reaffirm our shared humanity and our collective responsibility to build a more peaceful world.”

Chinese Envoy Calls for Continued Commitment to Principles of United Nations, Resistance to Unilateralism

North-East Governors Converge on Jalingo for 12th Forum Meeting

By: Our Reporter

Ahead of the 12th meeting of the North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF), the Chairman of the Forum and Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, alongside his fellow governors, was hosted to a dinner and gala night by the Governor of Taraba State, His Excellency Dr. Agbu Kefas.

The event, held on Friday evening at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Jalingo, served as a prelude to the formal meeting and was attended by their Excellencies the Governors of the North-East states: Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, and Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State.

The evening featured vibrant cultural displays, music, and performances by traditional and contemporary groups from Taraba and across the North-East region, showcasing the area’s rich cultural heritage.

In his remarks, the NEGF Chairman, Governor Zulum, expressed his profound appreciation to Governor Kefas and the people of Taraba State or their exceptional hospitality and the refreshing welcome extended to the delegates.

“This evening’s cultural display and the spirit of camaraderie have perfectly set the tone for what we anticipate will be a highly productive meeting,” Zulum stated.

According to him, deliberations will focus on strengthening unity and addressing the pressing issues of insecurity, poverty, and infrastructure deficits within our region.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Governor Agbu Kefas emphasised the critical importance of regional solidarity. He stressed that a united front and a strong bond of brotherhood are essential for tackling the common challenges confronting the North-East.

“The Forum provides a vital platform for us to develop collaborative strategies that will promote sustainable peace, accelerate development, and ensure shared prosperity for all our people,” Kefas noted.

The 12th North-East Governors’ Forum meeting is scheduled to commence at 10:00am today, Saturday, at the Taraba State Government House, Jalingo.

North-East Governors Converge on Jalingo for 12th Forum Meeting

Air operations force bandits to release 70 kidnapped victims in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

The sustained air operations under Operation FANSAN YANMA have forced bandits to release 70 kidnap victims in Zamfara State.

Sources who confirmed the development on Saturday said the victims were abducted on Thursday by over 150 armed bandits who stormed communities in Bukuyum Local Government Area.

The affected villages included Ruwan Jema, Yashi, Gasa Hula, Kurfan Danya, Rafin Maiki, Ruwa Rana and Barikin Daji.

The sources explained that the heavily armed bandits had attempted to flee with the captives after demanding huge ransoms, but troops swiftly deployed ground and air assets to the axis.

“On sighting NAF aircraft, the bandits became disoriented. They released the victims into the surrounding bushes and attempted to escape on motorcycles. Six women managed to escape that same day,” the source said.

The sources added that intensified bombardment in the area eventually compelled the bandits to free all the hostages in their custody.

It will be recalled that a week earlier, carried out devastating strikes on bandits’ strongholds in Gyado forest, which killed more than 100 fighters, including key commanders.

Air operations force bandits to release 70 kidnapped victims in Zamfara