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Chinese Envoy Advised West Africa Leaders to Resist External Interference
Chinese Envoy Advised West Africa Leaders to Resist External Interference#
By; Michael Mike
The Chinese envoy to Nigeria, Ambassador Yu Dunhai has called on political leaders in West Africa to resist all forms of external interference.
Yu, speaking on Friday in Abuja at an exchange programme between students from Tsinghua University of China and University of Abuja, with theme “Civilizational Exchange and Mutual Learning between China and Nigeria.”
He said: “I looked at the security situation now in West Africa. I know that many people are very much concerned. But one principle I believe that is very important is that we should object to any foreign interference in the region.
“But particularly by any major powers. I think, you know, for civilisation, exchange, and mutual learning, there are two principles that we need to follow. Because it’s very important.
“I think we should respect equality, equity, and peace. All civilisation is equal. We don’t believe that there is any civilisation that is secure and empowered. Because each civilisation grows from its own national condition. For instance, the civilisation of the United States. It grows from the real condition of this country.”
Yu also called for improved communication and exchange between his country and Nigeria.
He said: “The first partnership action is the people-to-people exchange and mutual learning. That’s why I believe that today we have to build and improve our communication and exchange in combination to this very important topic. Why is the people-to-people exchange so important? Because countries’ relations eventually boil down to people-to-people exchanges.
“Nigeria is very much blessed with rich resources, huge development potential.
So, I see there is great potential for the development of Nigeria.
“I believe that people-to-people exchange creates the foundation for our bilateral relations. Because while China and Europe are bilateral relations, it’s not only about government-to-government relations. It’s not only about business.
But eventually, it’s people-to-people relations. Over the years, China and Nigeria have carried out a lot of cultural exchanges. For instance, we co-hosted the Cultural Week of China and Nigeria.
“We hosted the Chinese Festival event. And we invited Chinese artists to come to Nigeria to work together with Nigerian artists. And we established a cultural centre in our respective countries.
“And we know the Chinese cultural centre is very active here in our region. And, of course, the universities of our two countries jointly established two cultural centres in Nigeria.”
He stated that China and Nigeria share a lot of similarities, saying “We have a lot of common values. The first one is that I find that in Nigeria and China, we are both disarming countries.
“We do not believe in war. For instance, I have studied the history of Nigeria. Since the founding of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Nigeria has never been involved in a war. And if you look at China, it’s the same. Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, we have never initiated a war with the other countries.
“Both China and Nigeria believe in peace for several decades. 2,000 years ago, there was a Chinese philosopher. You know, who wrote the article? And he believed that the war should always be peaceful and non-violent.
“Security is best when you can thwart your enemies through tele-machines. For instance, if you look at the map of China, it’s very much different compared to the map of Nigeria. Because China, the boundaries exist.
##“You know, because we have 2,000 years of history, we have a lot of issues with our neighbouring countries. So when the People’s Republic of China was founded, we had border issues with each and every neighbouring country we have borders with on the land. And over the past 70 years, we have resolved all these border issues.That’s one level. First, peaceful means.”
“And that actually really reflects that China is a country, a naturalised country, that we love. We don’t believe in war. We don’t believe in conflict.
“And the second similarity is that both China and Nigeria are peaceful. And we have splendid cultures. Nigeria is the region, the culture, the civilisation, the region of Africa.
“And the third point is, both China and Nigeria have very much multi-ethnic cultures. Nigeria has the most ethnic groups in the world. Over 250, I would say.
And China, we have 56 ethnic groups. And these people live together peacefully. People respect this diversity.And we live together in harmony.
“And of course, the fourth one, the similarity I identified is, both Nigeria and China, we won our national independence partly.
“Because both China and Nigeria were invaded, colonised, even divided by the Western powers. And we won our independence with a lot of struggle and fight. That’s why we cherish our sovereignty.”
The envoy also spoke about the gains of diversity, saying respect for diversity is tue beckon upon which unity is built.
“The first one, I believe that we should respect diversity as our nation. The world is diversified. I mean, the beauty of the world actually lies in its diversity.
“Each country is unique. As a diplomat, I have been privileged to travel to over 70 countries all over the world. And being in a travel group in so many places, I always find that each country is unique.
“And each country, the civilisation of each country is inherently tied with the global civilisation. And also make contributions to human civilisation, to the development and progress of humanity. Imagine that if there is only one language, if there is only one music, if there is only one culture in the whole world, what could, you know, how poor could it be? You know, you couldn’t imagine.
“We believe that we live in a global environment. That we live in a world of independence. That’s why the Chinese presidency wants to push forward the idea of building a community with a shared future for all mankind.”
Chinese Envoy Advised West Africa Leaders to Resist External Interference
AT ARMED FORCES CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE DAY
ALL IN HONOUR OF OUR NATION’S FALLEN HEROES
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima today represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day ceremony held at the National Arcade in Abuja.
Also in attendance were the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio; the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; ministers, service chiefs and other government officials.
The solemn event commemorates the courage and sacrifices of Nigeria’s fallen heroes who gave their lives in service to the nation.
AT ARMED FORCES CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE DAY
Technology enhances immersive reading experience in Beijing
By Shi Fang, People’s Daily
“Mr. Lu Xun, could you recommend one of your classic works?”
“If I were to suggest one, perhaps Call to Arms would be a good starting point…”
This conversation took place at the Metaverse Experience Hall of the Beijing Library. Supported by artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies, the hall offers visitors a novel approach to immersive reading and knowledge-based social engagement.
As one of three institutions under the Capital Library of China, the Beijing Library has introduced an AI-powered digital human modeled after renowned Chinese writer Lu Xun. Historically, Lu Xun played a role in establishing the predecessor of the Capital Library of China. Today, his digital incarnation symbolizes the library’s digital transformation.
“We developed the digital Lu Xun using AI technologies to provide guided tours, recommend books, and introduce local cuisine and cultural sites,” explained Fei Jun, professor with the School of Design, the Central Academy of Fine Arts, and creative director of the Metaverse Experience Hall. His team conducted in-depth research on Lu Xun’s life and works to create a realistic and multidimensional digital persona.
In addition to the digital Lu Xun, Fei’s team created two other digital characters, “Tutu” and “2122,” each with distinct personalities: one childlike and the other futuristic. These avatars, driven by large language models, engage visitors in conversations about literature and everyday life. Since the library opened at the end of 2023, these AI characters have participated in more than 1.7 million voice interactions.
Seven-year-old reader Wang Jiayi eagerly asked “2122” questions such as, “Why did dinosaurs go extinct?” and “Why do maple leaves turn red in autumn?” Her mother commented, “The digital humans are engaging and informative. They genuinely spark children’s interest in learning.”
Entering the library feels akin to stepping into a digital universe.
Visitors can scan a QR code to verify their identity, customize their attire, and quickly generate digital avatars within the Metaverse. These avatars can navigate virtual spaces such as the Children’s Library, Ancient Books Collection, Art Literature Library, and Intangible Cultural Heritage Library, exploring venue information and upcoming events.
Readers also interact with one another via their digital avatars, sharing reading lists, exchanging book reviews, and bridging online and offline reading experiences.
Looking ahead, the library plans to introduce additional immersive features, including personalized virtual study rooms. “Our goal is to offer a multisensory experience — visual, auditory, and even tactile — so users feel as if they’ve entered a parallel world for immersive reading,” Fei said. His team is also developing an online version of the metaverse library, enabling remote access to its digital environment and vast knowledge collections.
“Beyond traditional print books, we want to create a technology-enhanced environment that sparks curiosity and encourages readers to explore knowledge in innovative ways,” said Li Nianzu, deputy director of the Capital Library of China.
Photo shows the Beijing library under the night sky. (Photo/Fan Jiashan)
Readers visit the Metaverse Experience Hall of the Beijing Library. (Photo/Fan Jiashan)
A reader interacts with the digital Lu Xun at the Metaverse Experience Hall of the Beijing Library. (Photo from Beijing Youth Daily)
Technology enhances immersive reading experience in Beijing
Rights Groups Condemn Demolition of Makoko, Call for Immediate Halt
By: Michael Mike
A coalition of national and international human rights, environmental, and social justice organisations has condemned what they describe as the “violent and unlawful” demolition of Makoko, a historic waterfront fishing community along the Lagos Lagoon.
In a joint statement released, the groups alleged that demolition activities began on January 5, 2026, and have continued despite outcry from residents and civil society actors.
According to the organisations, government-backed demolition teams have destroyed homes, schools, health facilities, and religious buildings, leaving hundreds of families without shelter.
Eyewitness accounts cited in the statement claim that security personnel accompanying the demolition teams used tear gas and excessive force against residents, including women, children, and elderly persons. Displaced families are reportedly sleeping in boats, churches, and open spaces along the lagoon as they struggle to find temporary refuge.
The coalition further noted that Makoko is not an isolated case. Over the past year, thousands of residents across several Lagos waterfront and informal communities—including Oko-Baba, Ayetoro, Otumara, Baba-Ijora, Oworonshoki, and Precious Seeds—have faced similar evictions. In many cases, demolitions were carried out without prior notice, consultation, or resettlement plans.
The groups also referenced past demolitions in Badia East, Otodo-Gbame, Maroko, Monkey Village, Ilaje-Bariga, and Ifelodun, saying the Lagos State Government has repeatedly ignored court orders restraining such actions. They alleged that several deaths have been linked to forced evictions over the years.
“The pattern reflects a systemic disregard for human rights, due process, and the rule of law,” the statement read. “These actions violate Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights obligations while deepening Lagos’s housing crisis.”
The coalition called on the Lagos State Government to immediately suspend all ongoing demolitions, respect existing court injunctions, investigate allegations of abuse, and provide fair compensation and adequate resettlement for affected residents.
They also urged authorities to adopt more inclusive, rights-based, and environmentally sustainable urban planning that protects livelihoods rather than displacing vulnerable communities.
The statement was signed by 23 organisations, including Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), Policy Alert, WoMin African Alliance, and Norway’s Rafto Foundation for Human Rights, among others.
As of press time, the Lagos State Government had not issued an official response to the allegations.
Rights Groups Condemn Demolition of Makoko, Call for Immediate Halt
AT ARMED FORCES CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE DAY
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Rights Groups Condemn Demolition of Makoko, Call for Immediate Halt
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