Enchanting Pington Showcases in Nigeria to Strengthen China/Nigeria Cultural Relations

By: Michael Mike

There was enchanting Pingtan, a traditional Chinese performance style, on display in Abuja on Sunday as China continues to deepen its cultural relations with Nigeria.

The event which was held at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja drew diplomats, artists, and culture enthusiasts, highlighting the growing synergy between Nigeria and China in promoting mutual understanding through the arts.

The rich, poetic rhythms of Chinese Pingtan music echoed through the centre as Chinese and Nigerian dignitaries, students, and cultural enthusiasts gathered to celebrate a profound cultural exchange.

The event, headlined by Wuxi Ballads: Portrait of Watertown Chinese Pingtan Art of Performance was organised by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the China Cultural Center in Nigeria (CCCN).

In his welcome address, Counselor for Cultural Affairs of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, described the occasion as a bridge of friendship and understanding between the two nations.

He said: “Today, we gather to enjoy the Wuxi Fellows’ Portrait of Water town a Pingtan art performance. This is not just a performance; it is a gift of heritage, embodying the spirit of the Jiangnan region—rich in history, beauty, and talent.”

Yang also emphasised the uniqueness of Pingtan, a storytelling art form that originated in the water towns of southern China and combines narrative, opera, and instrumental music in the soft Wu dialect.

Deputy Director of the Wuxi Pingtan Troupe, Mr Shen Jie, elaborated on the cultural importance of the performance.

He said: “Pingtan uses the softer Wu dialect to recount the vicissitudes of life, evoking deep emotions through the pipa and sanxian. We hope this art serves as a bridge of peace, understanding, and harmony.”

Representing Nigeria’s Ministry of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Raphael Oraeluno noted that despite the geographical distance, “Pingtan blooms on this vibrant soil to foster heartfelt connections and shared values across borders.”

Oraeluno added that this art form, with its elegant storytelling and musical cadence, is similar to African oral traditions. We look forward to deeper partnerships and cultural exchanges between Nigeria and China.

The event also received commendation from Director of Programmes at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Mrs Msurshima Kighir who represented the DG FRCN, announcing that the FRCN will soon begin teaching Mandarin Chinese on its Network Service.

She said: “This is part of our commitment to promoting cultural understanding and unity through our programme Diplomatic Ties,” she said.

Director of FCT Secondary Education, Mrs Fatima Sambo praised China’s cultural outreach and noted that involving Nigerian students in such activities nurtures cross-cultural awareness.

“Without culture, there is no identity, and without identity, there is no nation,” she stated.

President of the Chinese Alumni Association and Society of Nigerian Artists, Mohammed Suleiman, emphasized the economic and creative potential in cultural performances.

“Art is not just a display—it’s a livelihood. This exchange shows how cultures can enrich each other and create employment through costume design, music, and language,” he said.

The evening concluded with thunderous applause for the visiting Wuxi Pingtan Troupe, who traveled over 10,000 kilometers to perform in Nigeria.

Their performance captivated the audience, blending traditional Chinese melodies with universal themes of love, history, and human connection.

Enchanting Pington Showcases in Nigeria to Strengthen China/Nigeria Cultural Relations

Tinubu Calls on Next Generation of Africans to Step Up with Courage for Great Africa

By: Michael Mike

President Bola Tinubu has charged the next generation of Africans to step up with courage and contribute to the making of a united, peaceful and prosperous continent
in science and technology, education and governance, entrepreneurship and the arts.

He made the call as special guest of honour at the 25th Anniversary of the Millennium Excellence Prize, held Saturday night, at the Manhyia Palace, Kumasi, Ghana.

Represented by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, President Tinubu said that Africans must continue to work together in shaping their shared destiny.

He said the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration was aimed at transforming lives, fostering inclusive growth, and positioning Nigeria as a cornerstone of regional integration and leadership.

He urged guests at the event to continue to inspire excellence, strive to uphold the values of leadership with service and invest in the youth while championing collaboration across borders.

The President praised the Life Patron of the Millennium Excellence Foundation, His Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, for the invitation extended to him and hosting the distinguished event.

Tinubu, while noting that the award ceremony had from inception in 1988 remained a beacon of inspiration and recognition across the continent, stated that its mission of identifying, celebrating and supporting those who had distinguished themselves in the pursuit of African development, resonated deeply with the aspirations of Nigeria and indeed, all African nations.

He said: “I salute the visionaries who have nurtured this institution for a quarter of a century, and also celebrate the values of honour, integrity, service and excellence that underpin its work.”

The Nigerian President lauded the organisers for identifying and celebrating Africa’s shining lights, individuals whose lives and work had lifted the continents and inspired generations.

He said: “It is no small achievement to have honoured such illustrious figures as the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Professor Wole Soyinka, President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Dr. Mo Ibrahim, among others.”

He, then, congratulated the Millennium Excellence Foundation, its Life Patron, and all past and present laureates.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu received the Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize on behalf of President Tinubu.

Some other notable Nigerians honoured at the event were President/Chairman, African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIM), Dr. Benedict Oramah (Global Intra-Africa Trade Excellence in Africa), Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno (Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize for Governance and Public Service), Founder/Chairman, BUA Group, Alh. Abdul Samad Rabiu (African Excellence in Business) and Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs (African Traditional Leadership and Business Excellence).

Tinubu Calls on Next Generation of Africans to Step Up with Courage for Great Africa

NAPTIP on Global Manhunt for Human Traffickers

… Receives 78 Victims of Human Trafficking from Abidjan

By: Michael Mike

Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello has assured of the readiness of the agency to employ all available means and strategies to arrest and prosecute members of the organized human trafficking syndicate responsible for the recruitment and trafficking of Nigerian girls for sundry exploitation anywhere around the world.

She gave the assurance in Lagos while receiving Nigerian victims of human trafficking recruited and trafficked to Côte D’ d’Ivoire and were rescued and evacuated with the support from partners. The victims were brought to Nigeria by the Air Peace Airline.

It would be recalled that the popular social media influencer, Vincent Otse (aka VeryDarkMan), had recently during his visit to the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, expressed concern about the plight of Nigerian girls who are victims of human trafficking and were stranded in Abidjan.

In a swift response to the situation, operatives of NAPTIP few weeks ago arrested two high-profile individuals mentioned by some of the victims, as their traffickers. They were arrested inside their high-wired mansion located within one of the sprawling estates in Lugbe Area of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

In addition, the agency commenced discussion with partners in Abidjan, leading to the identification, profiling, and the eventual rescue of the victims.

The plane carrying the victims landed at Terminal 2 of the Lagos International airport at about 10.45pm Saturday, and they were received by the Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, and the Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema.

Speaking at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport shortly after the arrival of the victims, the Director General of NAPTIP said: “This is a momentous occasion, a day that marks not only the safe return of our beloved daughters, but also a reaffirmation of our unwavering commitment to the fight against human trafficking.

“To the young women and girls who have just returned, we say welcome home. You were taken far from the safety and dignity you deserve, but today, you are back on Nigerian soil, and you are not alone; this country stands with you.

“And to those who have perpetuated this evil, let today be a reminder that Nigeria will never relent in pursuing justice.

“We have also apprehended some of those responsible for this heinous trade, and they will face the full force of the law.

“Let me assure every Nigerian that NAPTIP remains ever committed, ever vigilant, and ever determined to end human trafficking in Nigeria. We will continue to work tirelessly to combat human trafficking, prosecute the traffickers, and protect and rehabilitate the victims. This is our sole duty”, the NAPTIP boss stated.

On plan to assist the Victims, the Director General said, “We have just received them a while ago, our officers shall commence detailed profiling of each and every one of them in addition to a medical check to determine their health status.

“Thereafter, we shall counsel them and allow them to express themselves in the area of skill they want, and they will be adequately trained.

“In addition to this, we shall commence a serious manhunt for their traffickers and ensure that they are brought to justice. There is no hidden place for them anywhere.”

Speaking also, the Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema, said he decided to evacuate the victims free of charge to identify with the victims and help them to overcome their challenges. This is in addition to the medical intervention he already sponsored for all of them.

A total of 78 victims comprising 75 females adults which age ranges from 13 to 30 years, three babies and two male adults, were evacuated. They all looked malnourished, battered and ruffled, giving a clear indication of mindless exploitation.

About four of them, mostly the underage ones, were pregnant.

Speaking with newsmen, one of the victims, Clara (not real name) said she may not be able to recover from the trauma experienced as a result of the exploitation she facec in Abidjan.

She said: “I thank God that I am alive today. I saw hell in Abidjan and I may not be able to forget the suffering and pain I passed through forever. Human life worth nothing in the hands of those madams over there. I thank the Director General of NAPTIP who personally came to the airport to receive us. She spoke and encouraged us. Since that time that she spoke to us inside the aircraft before we came out, my spirirt is happy again. I thank the Owner of Air Peace also. May God continue to bless them all.”, she stated.

NAPTIP on Global Manhunt for Human Traffickers