Education: China Seeks to be Nigeria’s Great Partner

By: Michael Mike

China has reiterated its commitment to be Nigeria’s great partner in the education sector, noting that the sector is key to the development of any country.

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, while stating that China is interested in Nigeria’s development at the launch of Chinese Corner and “Nihao China” Painting Competition Awards Ceremony, in Abuja, stressed that education is one key that is critical to the development of a nation.

He said: “And among this very important consensus, one of them is to increase the high-level education exchanges between our two countries. So I would like to assure you that in the future, the Chinese Embassy would like to contribute more to build more Chinese corners across Abuja. And we would like to provide more opportunities for teachers and the students to visit China and to train in China. I hope that the teachers and the students in the China corner, they will really become the messengers of friendship between our two countries.”

The envoy disclosed that for the past 10 years, under the cooperation of Chinese Embassy and the FCT Education Board, over twelve Chinese corners have been built around Abuja, to provide students and teachers with the opportunity to explore the mysterious and wonderful oriental Chinese culture.

He said: “I would like to echo that in this fast-changing world, it is important to increase the understanding of diversity. So I think the Chinese corner has contributed to the cross-cultural communications. And students, by committing to the Chinese culture, Chinese dance, Chinese history, I think it broadens their vision, their eyesight. And I think in the future, they will become messengers and ambassadors between our two countries.

“And of course, over the years, we have also selected many well-performed students and teachers to visit China. Currently, there are quite a few students still in China. And this is an opportunity that we believe is really a testament of the good cooperation between our two countries. Because I believe that country-to-country relations eventually boil down to people-to-people relations. And students are the future of the country.”

Speaking on the painting competition, the Chinese Ambassador commended the initiative, adding that Nigeria is a great country, with wonderful talents.

” I really like the performances, from the teachers, the students, and I think it’s wonderful, well done. I already learned that, People say that all Nigerians are artists, and today I see with my own eyes, that’s true, each and every Nigerian is an artist. And I’m very happy to learn that over the years, there are many students that benefited a lot from the Chinese corner. We got very positive responses, and there are some students who came to us saying that it’s a very cool club, because it provides them with the opportunity to explore the mysterious and wonderful oriental Chinese culture”, he added

The Director/Secretary, FCT Secondary Education Board, Dr. Muhammed Ladan, noted that the relationship with China and Nigeria is of mutual benefit to both nations, urging the student who participated in the painting competition to feel proud to have participated.

He said: “The Corners serve as a resource Center for Chinese education and also serves as hubs for cultural exchange between Nigeria and China. The Chinese Corners provides the students ample opportunities to learn mandarin and seek scholarships in China to further their studies. It may interest you to know further that, the collaboration between Chinese Embassy and the FCT Secondary Education Board has been that of mutual benefit to both countries. While the Chinese gain a cultural exposure to the young generation of Nigerians, the Nigerian students and staff on the other hand, gain capacity building, scholarship and educational support.”

Responding to the gesture from the Chinese people, the Principal Government Secondary school, Wuse zone 3, Josephine Ogwu, said the China Corner will be used effectively.

She said: “The Cultural centre which provides a platform for educational and cultural exchange between Nigeria and China. we hope that the Chinese Corner contributes meaningfully towards people to people diplomacy, while providing educational and artistic opportunities, and fostering a sense of community among people from diverse backgrounds. We also anticipate that this initiative will serve to deepen the mutually beneficial cooperation and respect between Nigeria and China.”

Other highlights of the event were presentation of awards to the students who participated in the Nihao China” Painting Competition which saw about 120 students entering for the competition.

Participating students of the competition were made to understand that it is the participating in the competition that matters and is more beneficial to the students, because it improves their artistic skills, rather than winning.

Education: China Seeks to be Nigeria’s Great Partner

US, Nigeria Collaborate to Strengthen Peace Structures, Build Local Capacity to Combat Conflicts

By: Michael Mike

The United States and Nigeria have collaborated to strengthen peace structures across key conflict-prone areas in Nigeria, in a step towards enhancing peace and security in the country.

The Nigeria’s position is led by the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) while United States collaboration is pushed by USAID, and it is aimed at building local capacity, improve early warning systems, and foster stronger collaboration among government agencies, community leaders, and security forces to reduce violence and promote stability in targeted regions.

Director General of IPCR, Joseph Ochogwu
while unveiling the Nigeria’s Conflict Early Warning Situation Room on Tuesday in Abuja, emphasized the collaborative nature of the initiative, bringing together national, international, and local entities united in the mission of fostering social cohesion and preventing violence.

He said: “This partnership is unique, not only for its inclusivity—from international stakeholders to grassroots actors—but for the commitment it represents to peace building.”

The initiative, dubbed the Peace Action for Rapid and Transformative Nigeria and Early Response Partner (PARTNER), is funded by USAID and aimed at empowering communities with tools to monitor and report early signs of conflict.

Ochogwu noted that starting in Kwara and Kaduna states, the programme now operates in nine states, including Benue, Nassarawa, and Katsina, establishing community-based peace structures and reconciliation committees.

He said: “A key element of the new Situation Room is its integration of digital tools. Since April, IPCR has been using an early warning and response application alongside SMS and toll-free lines to collect conflict data across Nigeria.”

He added that these tools have enabled 100 active reporters and 63 responders to document 363 conflict-related incidents, stating that: “This is not an intelligence tool; it’s a development initiative to address violence at the community level.

“The new technology, coupled with the work of the State Peace Commissions, offers a “quick response” mechanism to help de-escalate conflicts, transforming early warning signs into action.”

USAID Mission Director in Nigeria, Melissa Jones, highlighted that responses to incidents have been seen as quickly as 20 minutes from distress calls.

Jones said: “This rapid response capability is unprecedented and is already saving lives.”

She commended the joint efforts of Nigerian agencies and communities.

On his part, the Presidential Communication Commander Control Center in the Office of the National Security Advisor Robert Obande underscored the system’s potential to foster inclusive dialogue and reconciliation while addressing root causes of conflict.

He praised the IPCR, USAID, and local peacebuilding agencies for their dedication.

He said: “This initiative demonstrates a collective commitment to securing a safer future for all Nigerians. The Situation Room is fostering stronger relationships between communities and security agencies, which many see as vital to sustainable peace in Nigeria.

“Through partnerships with local NGOs and state peace commissions, communities are now empowered to mediate conflicts, including those between farmers and herders, reducing violence and strengthening local economies.”

Mercy Corps Country Director, Ndubisi Anyanwu, on his part, emphasized that local ownership of the project is a key principle of the PARTNER initiative.

He said: “Mercy Corps built capacity, but our local partners implemented the program, proving the effectiveness of grassroots-led conflict management.

“The establishment of Nigeria’s Conflict Early Warning Situation Room represents a milestone in the country’s journey toward peace.

“With robust partnerships, community engagement, and technological advancements, it offers a promising pathway to mitigate violence and ensure a more peaceful future.”

US, Nigeria Collaborate to Strengthen Peace Structures, Build Local Capacity to Combat Conflicts

Government, Media Must Unite To Move Nigeria Forward – VP Shettima

*** Charges editors to be watchdogs, allies in nation-building

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for a stronger collaboration between government and the media in carrying out their shared responsibility for Nigeria’s national development journey.

Describing media leaders as the crème de la crème and conscience of the nation, he made a strong case for a balanced partnership to drive national unity and economic growth.

Speaking on Tuesday when the leadership of the Nigerian Guild of Editors paid him a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Vice President pledged government’s support to ensure the sustainability of the fourth estate of the realm.

Senator Shettima noted that the time has come to prioritise governance over political considerations, just as he called for partnership with the media.

He said, “Let us work together for the nation. What binds us together supersedes whatever divides us. We are now in the period of governance and not politics.”

The Vice President acknowledged the economic challenges confronting the media, pledging the government’s support to sustain quality journalism.

“My heart bleeds for the Nigerian media because of the dwindling economic fortunes they face. Be rest assured that we will do whatever it takes to support the media in continuing their work,” VP Shettima said.

Insisting on balance and objectivity in their reportage, VP Shettima urged the editors to maintain their role of a watchdog, while supporting national development.

“When we do good, please commend us. When we are going astray, guide us because we have to salvage this nation; not for our own sake but for the sake of our children and grandchildren,” he emphasised.

Responding, Mr. Eze Anaba, President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and Editor of Vanguard Newspaper, lauded the Vice President’s commitment to transparent governance, particularly in explaining government’s economic policies as Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC).

“You have been prolific in talking about the state of the economy in your responsibility as the Chairman of the National Economic Council,” Anaba said.

He further emphasised the media’s readiness to partner with the government, while maintaining its independence.

The NGE President also announced that the 20th Edition of the All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) is scheduled for November 7 to 9 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Government, Media Must Unite To Move Nigeria Forward – VP Shettima