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Nigeria Host Mid-Autumn Festival in Abuja to Further Bond

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Nigeria Host Mid-Autumn Festival in Abuja to Further Bond

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria and China jointly celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival, an age-old Chinese tradition symbolizing family reunion, harvest, and blessings in Abuja on Thursday.

The colorful cultural festival showcase also served as a platform to reaffirm the deepening friendship and cooperation between both nations.

The celebration, hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, featured captivating performances by top artists from the Shenzhen Opera & Dance Theatre, Shantou Acrobatic Troupe, and Shenzhen XingZhe Fusion Band.

Guests were treated to a vibrant blend of dance, acrobatics, martial arts, and music inspired by Chinese poetry and folklore.

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, emphasized the cultural and symbolic significance of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

He said: “On this day, we enjoy mooncakes while admiring the full moon, sending our thoughts and best wishes to family and friends who aren’t by our side,” the envoy noted, quoting a famous Chinese poem: “The sea mirrors the rising moon bright; Miles apart, our hearts share tonight.”

Yu also highlighted the unique role of cultural exchanges in strengthening bilateral ties.

“Friendship, which derives from close contact between peoples, holds the key to sound state-to-state relations. Events like this are a heartfelt expression of our warmest wishes for the China-Nigeria friendship,” he said.

The Ambassador further introduced Shenzhen, home to the performing artists, as a shining example of China’s transformation. Once a fishing village, the city has evolved into a global innovation hub with a population of 18 million and a GDP surpassing $500 billion in 2024.

Alongside its technological growth, Shenzhen has nurtured a vibrant cultural scene that blends tradition with creativity.

Guests also explored a photo exhibition titled “The Charms of Shenzhen” at the Cultural Center’s Multi-Function Hall, offering insights into China’s modernization journey.

Representing the Nigerian government, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, praised the cultural showcase and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening ties with China through cultural diplomacy.

“The theme of today’s event resonates deeply: The people of China and Nigeria, with their mutual respect and love, celebrate together the Mid-Autumn Festival, a festival symbolizing harvest, reunion, and blessings.

This is not merely a statement; it is a true reflection of the blossoming relationship between our two great nations,” Dr. Muhammad said.

He described the Mid-Autumn Festival as a shared value between both countries, noting that Nigeria also celebrates harvests, family unity, and blessings.

“This shared appreciation for life’s most precious gifts forms a powerful bridge between our peoples,” he added.

Muhammad also underscored the historical significance of the 2025 festival, pointing out that both Nigeria and China will mark their national days on October 1, a coincidence he described as “a powerful symbol of aligned aspirations for national pride, development, and progress.”

Reflecting on his recent visit to Xi’an, the historic Chinese city, he commended the depth of China’s cultural heritage, particularly its Terracotta Army, which he called “an awe-inspiring silent legion guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor.”

As the evening drew to a close, guests shared mooncakes—a traditional Mid-Autumn delicacy—while toasting to renewed friendship.

Both Ambassador Yu and Dr. Muhammad agreed that cultural and creative exchange is central to strengthening China-Nigeria ties. From shared artistic performances to tourism and creative economy partnerships, the festival underscored the role of culture in bridging distances and deepening collaboration between the two nations.

Nigeria Host Mid-Autumn Festival in Abuja to Further Bond

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COAS lauds security improvement in Enugu during courtesy visit to governor

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COAS lauds security improvement in Enugu during courtesy visit to governor

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shuaibu, on Wednesday commended the security situation in Enugu State, noting significant improvements across the state.

Lt Gen Shuaibu, who was on a courtesy visit to the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, said his visit coincided with the closing ceremony of the Regular Short Service Module (RSM) Convention, aimed at strengthening leadership, discipline, and professional development among RSMs.

“I am pleased to report that security in Enugu has significantly improved, as briefed by the General Officer Commanding 82 Division. The state has shown remarkable cooperation with the military, which has enhanced operational effectiveness,” he said.

The COAS praised Governor Mbah for his support to the Army and pledged continued collaboration to protect lives and property in the state. He emphasized that the Army remains committed to sustaining peace and ensuring a safe environment for residents.

Highlighting the RSM Convention, Lt Gen Shuaibu noted that the programme equipped participants with knowledge to lead with integrity, mentor soldiers, and enhance discipline and regimentation within the Army.

Governor Mbah, in his remarks, welcomed the COAS and described his appointment as a “square peg in a square hole,” expressing confidence in his leadership and commitment to national security.

Mbah said it was an honor to host him in Enugu and formally congratulate him on his appointment. He commended the COAS for immediately hitting the ground running, noting that he had already visited the northeast to assess security operations.

Governor Mbah acknowledged the critical role of the military in ensuring a safe and secure environment, stating, “We could not have achieved the sort of safe and secure city and state that we have here today without the active support of the Army. This is a partnership, and this support is going to be sustained.”

He further emphasized the need for continued collaboration, expressing confidence that joint engagement between the state and the military would strengthen security objectives nationwide.

On behalf of the government and people of Enugu State, Governor Mbah warmly welcomed the COAS to the state and wished him a fruitful visit during the closing ceremony of the Regiment Seargent Major (RSM) Convention.

COAS lauds security improvement in Enugu during courtesy visit to governor

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Three security personnel killed in armed ambush in Doma LGA, Nasarawa

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Three security personnel killed in armed ambush in Doma LGA, Nasarawa

By: Zagazola Makama

Suspected armed robbers on Wednesday ambushed a security patrol team along the Idadu–Agbashi road in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, killing three security operatives.

Zagazola Makama from sources that the victims included a police inspector, Christopher Enoh, and two vigilante members, Mathew John and Augustine Yusuf, all from Agbashi town.

The source said the team was on routine patrol when the gunmen opened fire, leading to the deaths of the three personnel on the spot.

“The attackers also stole an AK-47 rifle with 30 rounds of ammunition belonging to the late inspector before escaping from the scene,” the source said.

The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the Agbashi General Hospital mortuary.

According to the source, security operatives have intensified efforts to track down the perpetrators and recover the stolen weapon.
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321 companies jostle for UBEC projects in Adamawa

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321 companies jostle for UBEC projects in Adamawa

No fewer than 321 companies have tendered their bids for the 2022, 2023 and 2024 Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Matching Grant projects in Adamawa.

Dr Murtala Babayi, Executive Chairman Adamawa State Universal Basic Education Board (ADSUBEB), disclosed this at the Pre-qualification Technical Bid Opening Ceremony in Yola.

According to him, the event underscored the state government’s commitment to due process, accountability and transparency.

Babayi, however, cautioned the contractors against conniving with any individual at the board to engage in fraudulent documentation.

“We are calling on all of you the biders; you should ensure that you did not follow any route that will involve you into trouble in the near future.

“You should also not try to compromise with our staff by bringing in papers that are not up-to-date. If at any time we discover this we will deal with any perpetrator,” he said.

The chairman listed the projects to include construction of one block of three classrooms with office and veranda, supply of school furniture, drilling of solar-powered boreholes and construction of perimeter fence.

He commended Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri for his timely release of funds and commitment to basic education as a right to every child.

In her remarks, Mrs Rahila Gyndi, the Board’s Director of Procurement, said the bid was in compliance with section 16 of the Procurement Act 2007.

She said the Act stipulated that only contractors with the requisite capacity, resources, and experience were eligible to participate in government procurement processes.

Gyndi assured that the board would soon come up with a list of successful bidders who would qualify for the next stage of the process.

Mr Philip Dawa, who spoke on behalf of the biders, appreciated the board for giving them the opportunity to submit their proposals for consideration.

He assured that successful companies would do a quality work in compliance with the projects’ deadline and specification.

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