Nigeria–China Partnership Strengthens as Officials Champion Culture, Women’s Empowerment and Economic Cooperation
Michael Olugbode in Abuja

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria and China have reaffirmed their strategic diplomatic and cultural partnership, with top government officials, diplomats and international development partners using the 2026 Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival celebration in Abuja to call for deeper collaboration in culture, education, tourism and women’s economic empowerment.

The event, held at the China Cultural Centre brought together high-level delegates from the Federal Government of Nigeria, the diplomatic corps and cultural stakeholders from China. The celebration also marked the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between both countries, as well as global efforts to promote people-to-people diplomacy under cultural exchange platforms.

Speaking at the event, the Ambassador of China to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, described the Lantern Festival as a global symbol of unity, hope and renewal. He said the festival’s growing international recognition following its inscription on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list reflects the global relevance of Chinese culture.

The ambassador, who was represented by the Cultural Counselor of Chinese Embassy and Director, China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, emphasized that cultural diplomacy remains a strong pillar of China–Nigeria relations, noting that over five decades, both nations have deepened cooperation in trade, infrastructure development, education and technology transfer.

He stressed that cultural exchange promotes mutual understanding beyond formal diplomacy. “Civilizations are enriched by exchange and mutual learning,” he said, highlighting shared cultural values such as respect for family, community cohesion and social harmony.

On his part, the Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Dr. Mukhtar Muhammad, described the celebration as a symbolic fusion of two great civilizations and a platform for advancing gender-inclusive development.

Muhammad emphasized that combining the Women’s Carnival with the Lantern Festival was intentional, reflecting the strategic role of women in shaping cultural identity and economic progress.

He noted that women in both Nigeria and China continue to drive innovation, preserve cultural heritage and contribute significantly to national development.

“As lanterns light up the night sky, our women light the path to social and economic progress,” he said, pledging that the Federal Government would continue implementing policies aimed at expanding opportunities for women in the creative and digital economy.

He added that Nigeria would work toward improving women’s visibility in global cultural and economic spaces through stronger tourism promotion, creative industry investment and international cultural collaborations.

Representatives of the UNESCO Office in Nigeria, Dr. Jean-Paul Ngome Abiaga,
also spoke at the event, describing culture and education as powerful tools for sustainable development and international cooperation.

He emphasized that the celebration’s timing — coming just days before International Women’s Day — reinforced global commitments to gender equality.

He commended progress made in women’s empowerment in both countries, highlighting China’s achievements in expanding women’s access to higher education, entrepreneurship and technology-driven industries, noting that women now represent a significant share of university enrolment and workforce participation in China.

In Nigeria, UNESCO praised ongoing initiatives such as national women empowerment programmes and advocacy campaigns promoting girls’ education and economic inclusion. The organization reiterated that investing in women’s education and skills development remains essential to achieving long-term economic stability and social progress.

Speakers at the celebration urged both nations to translate cultural goodwill into stronger economic partnerships. They highlighted opportunities in tourism development, creative economy expansion, digital skills training and youth entrepreneurship.

Officials said cultural exchange programmes have already contributed to growing mutual appreciation of music, film, fashion and culinary traditions between both societies.

Participants noted that Nigerian and Chinese women are increasingly participating in cross-border cooperation projects, with many contributing to business, technology and community development initiatives in both countries.

Nigeria–China Partnership Strengthens as Officials Champion Culture, Women’s Empowerment and Economic Cooperation
Michael Olugbode in Abuja

UMTH: Received Ophthalmic Diagnostic and Surgical Equipment

By: Balami Lazarus

The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) has an increase in sensitive hospital equipment donated by a non-governmental organization (NGO) known as Christian Blind Mission (CMB) International in collaboration with the Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN).

These pieces of equipment are ophthalmic diagnostic and surgical equipment worth 350 million, which were officially handed over to the hospital to be used in the department of ophthalmology.

The equipment, not limited to optical cameras, blocking machines, and non-contact tonometers/patchy meters, among others, are donated to the department.

In his welcome address, Dr. Mustapha Waziri, the head of the Department of Ophthalmology, said that this equipment was timely because the flood disaster of 2024 has affected the department. “We are pleased to have this equipment in this great hospital. We are grateful to CMB and COCIN for this donation.”

Speaking during the occasion, the country director of Christian Blind Mission (CBM), Mr. Samuel Omoi, said that this equipment will go a long way to solving the problem of eye ailments in Borno State. “I believe that UMTH will put to use the ophthalmic diagnostic and surgical equipment for the benefit of the public who are in need of its services.”

Goodwill messages came from well-meaning Nigerians commending the CBN/COCIN and the Chief Medical Director of UMTH, Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo, for his efforts towards making the hospital world-class in medical service delivery.

UMTH: Received Ophthalmic Diagnostic and Surgical Equipment

UMTH: Keeping The Surroundings Clean and Neat, Contact Cleaners At Work

By: Balami Lazarus

Surroundings are made out of the larger environment. Therefore, the environment is part of our surroundings, either homes or institutional surroundings.

Indeed, surroundings need care—care of keeping them clean and neat both inside and outside. I recalled my health science at primary school, where we were taught basic personal health habits. Further lessons of the subject are hygiene and keeping our surroundings clean.

For this reason, NEWSng thought it wise in her recent visit to University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) to bring to the fore the cleanness, neatness, and beauty of her surroundings. The hospital is said to be one of the cleanest medical facilities in Maiduguri. “The hospital surroundings are very clean. In fact, not only the outside but also the inside. Our offices, conveniences, and other facilities are properly maintained and kept clean and neat.”

Most times public facilities are worse hit by negligence, where those assigned to care for and maintain those facilities and its surroundings are at times not aware that good, healthy, and clean surroundings facilitate good health and increased human capacity in productivity of goods and services.

Hospitals like UMTH are where you breathe and inhale fresh, clean air full of fragrance. It has made patients and visitors feel at home with green, clean, and neat surroundings.

Testimonies from visitors to the hospital show that apart from its surroundings, wards and offices are kept clean. “My first impression is the clean and neat surroundings of the hospital,” said Mr. Pius Okolobe. Wards are always swept and mopped constantly to maintain hygiene every other day.

Confer Cleaners Limited, the company behind the clean surroundings of UMTH, acknowledged the fact that they are happy with the leadership of Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo, the Chief Medical Director, for appreciating their good works for keeping the hospital surroundings clean and neat.

In order to improve the beauty of the hospital surroundings, water fountains, parks, and gardens are part of her beautifications, making it conducive for patients, staff, and visitors to feel comfortable in the ambiances of cleanness and neatness.

Notwithstanding, Confer Cleaners should improve on other areas of the hospital—Medical College and School of Nursing hostels, among other places that need to be clean and kept neat.

The challenges faced by Confer Cleaners Limited are basically the lack of adequate incinerators within the hospital surroundings. “We are in dear need of incinerators to aid in our cleaning businesses; dirt and refuse are dumped and burnt,” said one cleaner.

UMTH: Keeping The Surroundings Clean and Neat, Contact Cleaners At Work