China Reiterates Commitment to Promoting Cultural Exchange with Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The Director of the China Cultural Center in Nigeria (CCCN), Mr Yang Jianxing has reiterated the interest of the Chinese government to promoting cultural exchange with Nigeria, noting that the cultural fiesta organised in the country by China is aimed at achieving this.

Yang, the Director of CCCN, said this at the opening of the 12th China-Nigeria Culture Fiesta 2024 Dancing Competition hosted by the center in Abuja.

The cultural fiesta was organised by the FCT Secondary Education Board (SEB) in conjunction with the CCCN to enhance people to people communication with both countries (China and Nigeria)

Yang said that culture is the foundation of national development and the driving force of social progress, adding that China and Nigeria are cultural giants with a long history.

He also noted that the fiesta aims to build understanding of Chinese culture and people and to promote China-Nigeria friendship.

He said culture plays an important role in the historical process of national independence and revitalisation, adding that the China Embassy in Nigeria, and the Cultural Centre have been working with FCT Secondary Education to jointly hold China-Nigeria Cultural Fiesta.

On his part, the Director/Secretary FCT SEB,
Dr Mohammed Ladan expressed his appreciation to the Cultural Counselor and the Chinese Embassy for sponsoring the event annually and providing prizes to the schools.

Ladan represented by Fatima Babba
Director Co-curricular, said that the event has been going on annually for more than a decade.

“The event showcases Nigerian and Chinese Arts in the form of dances, thereby promoting cultural exchange between the duo and the 12 Chinese Corner Students.

“This annual event is significant to our schools because it provides an avenue for the students to socialise and at the same time earn very good prizes that have been helpful to the schools.

“Our collaboration has been of mutual benefit and we look forward to more beneficial cooperation,” Ladan said.

She said SEB would continue to promote Chinese Culture in FCT schools and Nigeria as a whole, thereby improving cultural exchange in the 51 years of uninterrupted diplomatic relations,” Babba said.

China Reiterates Commitment to Promoting Cultural Exchange with Nigeria

Saudi Arabia Ramps Up Humanitarian Efforts To Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan

By: Michael Mike

Saudi Arabia has ramped up humanitarian efforts to Gaza, Lebanon and Sudan in order to bring succour to those affected by ongoing crises in the three areas.

A statement on Thursday by the Embassy of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Nigeria read that: “As conflict, economic hardship, and displacement continue to impact millions of people in Gaza, Lebanon and Sudan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), has intensified its humanitarian efforts, delivering critical aids to vulnerable populations in order to face challenges with renewed hope and resilience.

“In Gaza, where humanitarian needs have reached critical levels as a result of Israeli war, KSrelief has launched one of its most extensive relief campaigns to date. Over 54 aid planes and 8 ships have been dispatched, loaded with emergency food, medical supplies, shelter materials, and a wide range of logistical support items.

“Among the specific aid resources are 20 ambulances, 30 electricity generators, and 10 water tanks, all designed to provide immediate relief to those affected by ongoing Israel war on Gaza. Additionally, KSrelief has distributed 39,200 ready-to-eat meals to help meet immediate nutritional needs for families facing severe food shortages. This operation includes specialised provisions and support for displaced individuals, offering a comprehensive response to the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza.”

The statement added that: “Furthering its commitment, Saudi Arabia has allocated over $80 million to support long-term aid projects in Gaza. These funds, channeled through partnerships with major international organisations such as the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinian Refugees, the World Food Programme (WFP), World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Palestinian Red Crescent Society, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), target critical sectors including food security, health, water and sanitation, shelter, and emergency response. This funding aims to create sustainable support systems that will continue to aid Gaza’s population even after immediate crisis relief has been delivered, laying the foundation for longer-term recovery.

“In Lebanon, where an economic collapse has placed immense pressure on innocent civilians, KSrelief has increased its humanitarian outreach to alleviate hardship. KSrelief’s twenty aid plane arrived in Beirut, carrying essential food, medical, and shelter supplies to provide relief to vulnerable communities across the country. Lebanon’s economic crisis due to Israel air strikes has led to widespread shortages in food, fuel, and healthcare services, impacting millions and worsening living conditions.

“Saudi Arabia’s aid to Lebanon, managed through KSrelief, also includes targeted support for medical facilities, with critical supplies directed towards hospitals and healthcare centers strained by resource shortages. KSrelief’s strategic efforts align with the Kingdom’s broader vision of fostering stability in the Middle East, addressing both immediate humanitarian needs and providing resources to bolster Lebanon’s health and food security systems.”

In Sudan with the country grapples with the effects of prolonged conflict and displacement, KSrelief has sent 13 planes and 31 relief vessels loaded with vital resources, including food supplies, health equipment, shelter materials, and other essential non-food items.

The statement said: “This aid, totaling over $118 million, underscores Saudi Arabia’s dedication to supporting Sudanese families affected by instability and ensuring that they have access to critical resources needed for survival and recovery.

“In addition to delivering emergency relief, KSrelief has implemented programmes designed to address Sudan’s food security and health infrastructure needs, supporting local healthcare facilities and nutrition programmes for vulnerable populations. Volunteer initiatives and logistical support programmes coordinated by KSrelief further strengthen the Kingdom’s response, as Saudi Arabia positions itself as a reliable partner in Sudan’s path to recovery.”

Saudi Arabia Ramps Up Humanitarian Efforts To Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan

Go And Be Responsible Citizens, President Tinubu Charges Pardoned Suspects

By: Our Reporter

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has advised the 119 suspects in the August 1 protests in Kano and Kaduna States to use the opportunity given them by his presidential pardon to become responsible citizens of the country.

This was the message passed by Vice President Kashim Shettima to the pardoned suspects while advising them to desist from acts that will lead to violence and destruction of public and private property.

He said the federal government is finding solutions to challenges confronting the nation.

The Vice President gave the charge on Tuesday during the formal handover of 112 suspects, 73 from Kano and 39 from Kaduna States, to their respective governors at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Seven of the pardoned suspects had earlier been granted bail, and three were released to their parents, making a total of 119.

At the brief ceremony, the Vice President, who spoke in English and Hausa languages, said despite overwhelming evidence against the suspects, including their involvement in the destruction of public and private property worth billions of naira, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered their release on humanitarian grounds, giving them another chance to become responsible citizens.

He called on the governments of Kaduna and Kano States to anchor the rehabilitation of the suspects so they can be reintegrated into the social fabric of their respective communities and society at large.

The Vice President described President Tinubu as a compassionate leader who cares for all Nigerians and is leaving no stone unturned in the bid to improve the nation’s economy.

Earlier in his presentation to the VP, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, said all pardoned suspects had been medically examined and certified fit to be released to their parents/guardians.

He added that while 112 of the suspects were being presented to the VP for the formal handover to their respective state governments, seven others had earlier been released.

Earlier in his remarks, Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani, urged the released suspects to reflect on their actions and embrace the opportunity given to them by President Tinubu to become better and responsible citizens, maintaining that they must desist from further acts that will pit them against the laws of the land.

He pledged his administration’s commitment to partnering with relevant stakeholders to support the freed suspects in completing their education or engaging in ventures that will positively impact their lives.

For his part, the Governor of Kano State, Engr Abba Yusuf, said the release of the suspects has further demonstrated President Tinubu’s compassion for the masses. He noted that the state government does not take the gesture for granted.

He said the state government will ensure that the suspects are adequately rehabilitated and reintegrated into their respective communities.

Similarly, the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Jibrin Barau, urged the pardoned suspects to embrace the opportunity to become better citizens, just as he thanked the President for forgiving them and ensuring their release to their families.

The event’s high point was the Vice President’s symbolic handover of the suspects to their respective state governors.

The event was also attended by the Minister of Environment, Engr Balarabe Lawal; Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Yusuf Sununu; and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Abubakar Bichi.

Go And Be Responsible Citizens, President Tinubu Charges Pardoned Suspects