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China, Nigeria Emphasize the Need to Support Cultural Initiatives to Aid Peace
China, Nigeria Emphasize the Need to Support Cultural Initiatives to Aid Peace
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria and China have emphasized that cultural initiatives remain one of the most potent tools of promoting peace.
The correlation between cultural initiatives and peace was made during the 5th National Entertainment and Peace Summit, themed “Cultivating A Culture of Peace” organised by the Drum Majors for Peace in partnership with the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria to commemorate World Peace Day, 2024 in Abuja.
The cultural counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Mr Yang Jianxing, said there is a close relationship between entertainment and peace as it alleviates negative emotions and provides relaxation, promoting a sense of unity among different people despite their diverse backgrounds.
He further explained that despite being from different countries, people are fundamentally the same and share common human emotions and experiences which can create conflict or foster peace.
He said: “We believe that entertainment can help alleviate negative emotions by providing relaxation and a means to forget temporary sadness.
“Therefore China places great importance in people to people communication and friendship through cultural exchange for global peace.
Yang also stressed the significance of the entertainment industry in fostering mutual communication and understanding between Nigeria and China, suggesting that cultural exchange through entertainment can be a powerful tool for future collaboration and hard work.
“The collaboration between China and Nigeria aims to cultivate a culture of peace and promote cultural diplomacy, further contributing to global efforts for a more peaceful world.
He also expressed his commitment to working hard to promote cultural exchange and improve communication between the two countries.
On his part, the Executive Director, Drum Majors for Peace, Amb. Nsikan Paul reiterated his committment to promoting peace, inclusivity, and social cohesion through the powerful channels of entertainment, dialogue, youth development, and creative empowerment.
He also noted that peace is more than just the absence of conflict;It is a condition of harmony that must be cultivated by intentional acts and efforts.
“Today, as we come together under the banner of peace, we are reminded of the immense power of creativity in shaping a better world.
“Through positive entertainment and meaningful dialogue, we aim to build sustainable cities and communities that are inclusive, fair, and resilient; aligning our efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals 1, 2, 11, 16 and Goal 17.
“We are dedicated to providing young people with platforms to discover, develop, and maximize their potential, empowering them to become responsible and patriotic citizens.
“We are especially proud of our joint effort to promote peace via the arts, as evidenced by our win as the Grand Prize winners of the Energy China Dance Competition, sponsored by the Chinese Cultural Center and Energy China Nigeria.”
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
Five soldiers were killed and three others declared missing following a clash between Nigerien Defence and Security Forces (FDS) and suspected Islamic State fighters in Sanam, Tillabéri Region of western Niger.
Security sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 12, 2026, during a confrontation between troops and suspected members of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) operating in the area.
The clash reportedly took place in Sanam Zone, a locality near the Niger–Mali border known for recurrent armed attacks by jihadist groups.
According to the sources, the soldiers were engaged in an operation when they came under heavy attack, leading to a standoff. Five personnel were confirmed dead, while three others were declared missing after the encounter.
The Tillabéri Region has remained a hotspot of insurgent activities due to its proximity to Mali and Burkina Faso, with security forces frequently conducting operations to contain armed groups.
Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the latest incident, while search efforts are reportedly ongoing to locate the missing soldiers.
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
By: Zagazola Makama
A Combined Army and Police operatives have rescued 12 kidnapped victims following an armed attack by suspected kidnappers in Oke-Ako area of Ekiti State.
Sources disclosed that the incident occurred on Feb. 13 at about 9:00 a.m., when sporadic gunfire was heard near their base. Preliminary assessment indicated the gunshots were from an assault launched by suspected kidnappers in the area.
Army troops, in collaboration RRS,Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS), and local security outfits, swiftly mobilised to the scene. On sighting the security forces, the attackers engaged in a gun duel, but were overpowered and forced to retreat into the forest, taking two victims with them.
Through intensified operations, the security forces successfully rescued 12 victims unhurt, while one, identified as Jeremiah Gambo, sustained a gunshot injury and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital in Ikole Local Government Area for treatment.
The troops also recovered an unregistered Boxer Bajaj motorcycle, a white Nissan Cabstar pick-up with registration number EJG-96XB, and a wine-coloured Toyota Corolla with registration number KLE-575AE, all belonging to the victims.
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
Forest guard arrested for allegedly killing son in Monguno, Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
A member of the Forest Guard in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State has been arrested for allegedly shooting his son to death.
Sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 13 at about 5:40 p.m. at the RRR Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp in Monguno.
The case was reported to the Monguno Division at about 6:20 p.m. by Maidugu Mustapha of Gana Ali Ward, who alleged that Mohammed Ibrahim Angoli, 28, a Forest Guard member, fatally shot his 24-year-old son, Ajiya Mustapha, in the back with an AK-47 rifle.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Monguno led a patrol team to the scene, where photographs were taken and the victim was evacuated to General Hospital, Monguno.
A medical doctor on duty confirmed the victim dead on arrival. The corpse was subsequently deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy.
The suspect has been arrested and the firearm recovered as exhibit.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Maiduguri, has commenced investigation into the incident.
Forest guard arrested for allegedly killing son in Monguno, Borno
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
Benue Police repel bandits attack in Ugba, one suspect arrested, one bandit killed
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
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