National News
Curriculum Review: Nigeria Secondary Schools to now Offer Chinese Language- Mandarin- FCT

Curriculum Review: Nigeria Secondary Schools to now Offer Chinese Language- Mandarin- FCT
By: Michael Mike
The Chinese language, Mandarin has been added as one of the foreign languages to be offered in Senior Secondary Schools across the country in the newly reviewed secondary school curriculum.
This was disclosed on Tuesday by the Education Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration, Dr. Danlami Hayyo at the inauguration of the Chinese Corner at the Government Secondary School Tudun Wada, Abuja.
The project was sponsored by the biggest Chinese construction company in Nigeria, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility.

Hayyo noted the foresight of the FCT education board which introduced Mandarin in schools in FCT before the latest review of the curriculum.
He said: “May I inform you that in the recent review of our Curriculum, the Chinese language has been selected as one of the international languages to offer in Senior Secondary Schools.
“That is to say that, the FCT has been very visionary in introducing the subject in our schools through the Chinese corners early enough. Chinese Mandarin has the largest number of speakers in the world and today it has become the language of commerce, education and tourism.
“Our decision to delve into Chinese education and culture is a wise move.”
The FCT Education Secretary also disclosed that the inauguration of the new centre on Tuesday brings to 14 the number of Chinese centres in Abuja.
The centres he said are established in Secondary schools across the Federal Capital city.
He said: “The bilateral relations has seen to the establishment of 13 Chinese corners and having the commissioning
of the 14th Corner in G.S.S Tudun Wada today.”
The corners, he said “have greatly enhanced education and cultural exchange between Nigeria and China. It has opened a window for better understanding and appreciation of our various cultures and it has also given our students the opportunity to pursue their further education in China.”
He also pointed out that staff and teachers have benefitted from the collaboration by attending capacity building in China.
“Today we are proud to say that it is only the FCT that has Chinese Corner in her schools in the whole federation,” he added.
On behalf of the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, the Education Secretary also appreciated the Chinese government and Embassy for their support and commitment to promote people to people exchange for the good of all.
“Your friendship has confirmed what the Chinese say as “Hai nei Cun zhiji tianya ruo bi lin” (a bosom friend brings distant lands near),” concluded.
In his remarks, the Chinese Counselor, Yang Jianxing said that the idea of the Chinese Corner was birthed as a result of China’s appreciation of the mutual relationship between both countries.
He explained, “Twelve years ago, out of the cherishment for China-Nigeria friendly relations and the expectation for cultural exchanges between the two countries, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the FCT Secondary Education Board of Nigeria joined hands to establish the “Chinese Corner” as a unique platform
for cultural and educational exchanges.
“Over the past more than ten years, this seemingly simple platform has long become a link connecting Chinese and Nigerian cultures, a bridge narrowing the hearts of young people from the two countries, and one of the most popular cultural check-in spots among teachers and students in Abuja.
“For students, the “Chinese Corner” is not only an immersive classroom for learning Chinese and experiencing Chinese
culture, but also a window to observe the world. Chinese is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.”
He also added: “ The Chinese diplomatic missions in Nigeria will also continue to support China-Nigeria cooperation in various fields such as culture and education, and continuously promote the building of a closer China-Africa and China-Nigeria community with a shared future.
“Today, the inauguration of the “Chinese Corner” is not an end, but a new starting point for cultural exchanges between China and Nigeria.”
In his welcome address, the Director/Secretary of FCT Secondary Education Board, Dr. Muhammed Ladan said the initiative is a testimonial of the strong bilateral relations between China and Nigeria.
He stressed that the initiative “aims at promoting mutual understanding and people to people exchanges.”
He pointed out that “The Chinese Corners aims at not just fostering people to people exchanges but to provide resources for learning Mandarin and potential scholarship to China. It is also to strengthen diplomatic relations through artistic collaboration.”
Providing background information, Ladan said that “the FCT – SEB came into existence in 2013 with the prototype in G.S.S Garki, before the other eleven added in 2014. By 2024 one more was added at G.S.S Wuse Zone 3, and this year two more are about to be added, courtesy of prominent Chinese companies in Nigeria”.
Curriculum Review: Nigeria Secondary Schools to now Offer Chinese Language- Mandarin- FCT
National News
Zagazola Makama replies U.S. Congressman: Stop weaponising religion to deny Nigeria arms

Zagazola Makama replies U.S. Congressman: Stop weaponising religion to deny Nigeria arms
By: Zagazola Makama
Security analyst and counterinsurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, has dismissed as false, baseless, and hypocritical the recent claims by U.S. Congressman Riley M. Moore alleging “systematic persecution and slaughter of Christians” in Nigeria.
Makama said the Congressman’s remarks were nothing but an orchestrated attempt to exploit religion as a political weapon, while disguising the real agenda to deny Nigeria access to weapons and military hardware needed to defeat terrorism.
This entire narrative of so-called Christian genocide is not only false but deliberately crafted to cripple Nigeria’s counterterrorism capacity. The same terrorists who attack churches also bomb mosques and kill Muslim villagers. They are not fighting for faith they are fighting against peace,” Makama said.
He noted that Moore’s claim of 7,000 Christians killed in 2025 was not supported by any verifiable evidence or credible international monitoring body, including the United Nations, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, or even the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, which maintains real-time intelligence on Nigeria’s security situation.
“If the U.S. Embassy in Abuja with its vast intelligence network has never classified the violence in Nigeria as religious genocide, then where exactly did this Congressman get his statistics from? Certainly not from facts,” he said.
Makama said it was deeply disturbing that individuals in the U.S. Congress could be misled by propaganda designed to portray Nigeria as a country at war with its Christian population, when in fact, victims of insurgency and banditry cut across all religions and ethnicities.
He warned that blocking arms sales to Nigeria under the guise of human rights or religious concerns would directly strengthen the terrorists and make the U.S. Congress complicit in the killings they claim to condemn.
“When you deny Nigeria weapons to fight terror, you are helping the terrorists who get theirs through illegal back channels. That means the so-called human rights defenders in Congress are aiding mass murder by ensuring that innocent civilians remain defenceless,” Makama stated.
He also reminded the U.S. lawmaker that earlier this year, Washington itself admitted that American taxpayer money through USAID had found its way into the hands of terrorist-linked organizations in the Sahel, yet no one has been prosecuted.
“So before pointing fingers at Nigeria, the U.S. should first look inward. Their own agencies have admitted to indirectly funding terrorists, and yet, they continue to lecture other nations about accountability,” he said.
Makama described the Congressman’s statements as a dangerous attempt to sow religious division and mislead the international community into viewing Nigeria through a sectarian lens.
“Nigeria’s security crisis is not a Christian-versus-Muslim war. It is a fight between lawful citizens and violent extremists. Any attempt to twist it into a religious war is dishonest and deeply irresponsible,” he said.
He added that countless soldiers and civilians of both faiths have sacrificed their lives in defence of the country, and their bravery should never be undermined by political actors seeking to weaponise faith for foreign agendas.
“Those who peddle this false narrative are not friends of peace. They are knowingly promoting religious hatred and helping the enemies of Nigeria by trying to cut off its access to essential defence support,” Makama said.
He called on international partners to rely on verified intelligence, credible data, and first-hand reports from reputable organizations rather than politically motivated fabrications designed to damage Nigeria’s reputation.
“If the U.S. truly stands for global peace and religious freedom, it must stop empowering propaganda that fuels division and weakens nations fighting terrorism on the frontlines,” he concluded.
Zagazola Makama replies U.S. Congressman: Stop weaponising religion to deny Nigeria arms
National News
Nigeria Asks for Fairness, Inclusivity in Position Sharing Among ECOWAS States

Nigeria Asks for Fairness, Inclusivity in Position Sharing Among ECOWAS States
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria has asked for fairness and inclusivity in sharing positions among member states of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu gave this advice on Tuesday in Abuja to the Economic Community of West African States Adhoc Committee on rotation of statutory positions, stating that by doing this every member would feel a sense been included in the activities of the bloc.
The members of the committee were drawn from Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Nigeria, Senegal and Togo.
The committee has been entrusted with the responsibility of reviewing and considering proposals for the allocation of statutory positions within the ECOWAS Institutions for the term 2026 to 2030.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu, while speaking
at the opening of the adhoc committee meeting, addressed members of the committee, stressing the importance of the work of the committee given the sensitivity of appointments.
She said: “We are fully aware that the appointment of statutory positions within ECOWAS institutions remains a matter of considerable importance and sensitivity among Member States. This issue has become even more delicate in recent times, given the reduction in the number of statutory positions available following the implementation of the ECOWAS institutional Reforms.
“In this context, our Committee must be mindful of the need to uphold fairness and inclusivity in the distribution of the statutory positions within the ECOWAS Institutions.”
She also warned that aspirations of all Member States, particularly those with smaller populations or limited resources should not be trampled upon.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said: “It is also essential that the aspirations of all Member States, particularly those with smaller populations or limited resources, but who have nonetheless demonstrated unflinching commitment to the organisation, are duly recognized and accommodated.
“It is equally important to underscore that our membership of this Ad-hoc Committee should not be construed as a pathway to positions of leadership within the ECOWAS Institutions. Rather, our engagement should be guided by the principles of regional solidarity, prioritizing the collective interest of the Community above national aspirations. In doing so, we will contribute to fostering deeper unity, mutual trust, and a shared sense of purpose among our citizens.
“As we prepare to commence deliberations on the Memorandum before us, I encourage us all to approach our discussions with unflinching commitment, open-mindedness and a spirit of constructive dialogue. Let us remain focused on ensuring that the outcomes of our engagements are both meaningful and impactful for the future of our region.”
The Minister also assured the gathering that Nigeria will as traditional leader engage with all member states to build consensus and ensure collective decisions for the future of the community.
She said: “We would also recall that Nigeria, as a long standing and committed Member State, played a significant role in shaping and supporting the institutional reforms which culminated in the current and more streamlined structure. Excellencies, these reforms were aimed at reducing operational costs, optimizing administrative efficiency, and enhancing the effectiveness and impact of ECOWAS programmes across the region.
“I want to therefore assure you that as part of our enduring commitment to the ideals of regional integration and solidarity, Nigeria will continue to assume its traditional leadership role by constructively engaging with all Member States to build consensus and ensure that our collective decisions reflect both equity and a shared vision for the future of our Community.”
She also commended the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray and his team for the comprehensive and well-prepared Memorandum provided to guide the deliberations of the committee over the course of the two-day engagement.
She noted that: “The document thoughtfully reflects the relevant legal framework governing the allocation of statutory positions within the ECOWAS Institutions, and will no doubt serve as a valuable reference in facilitating our discussions.”
In his earlier remarks, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray urged the committee to do its work with broader interest of the Community at heart.
He reminded the gathering that the Council of Ministers was informed at the 94 ordinary session of the impending end of mandate of the current management of ECOWAS Institutions by July 14, 2026 in compliance with the 2012 Supplementary Act on the Modalities for the Allocation of Statutory Positions in ECOWAS Institutions.
This, ECOWAS Commission President culminated into the setting up of the six member adhoc committee.
He stressed that “Article 14, paragraph 3 of the Supplementary Act mandated Council to recommend the allocation of the positions to the ECOWAS Authority based on a proposal to be submitted by the President of the Commission.
“To facilitate this process, Council, in June, established this six-member ad hoc committee, comprising of the Republics of Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Nigeria, Senegal and Togo, to review the proposed allocation of the Commission and submit it to Council for consideration, and ultimately to the ECOWAS Authority for decision.”
He also added: “During this meeting, the Commission will be presenting a memo setting out the framework for the allocation of the statutory positions for your consideration. The memo was prepared taking into account the provisions of the 2012 Supplementary Act and historical data on the allocations of the statutory positions of the institutions since 1975.
“It is the expectation that the ad hoc Committee will review this proposal with the broader interest of the Community at heart.
Nigeria Asks for Fairness, Inclusivity in Position Sharing Among ECOWAS States
National News
Nigeria, Qatar strengthen partnership against illicit drug trafficking

Nigeria, Qatar strengthen partnership against illicit drug trafficking
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria and Qatar have strengthened partnership in the area of combating illicit drug trafficking with the symbolic exchange of instruments of ratification between the two countries.
The exchange was made by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) and the Qatar Ambassador Ali Bin Ghanem Al- Hajri.

The exchange followed the historic signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between President Bola Tinubu and the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on 3rd March 2024 in Doha, on cooperation on combating illicit trade in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors.
Speaking at a brief ceremony at the Qatar Embassy in Abuja on Tuesday, Marwa expressed appreciation for the partnership between the two countries against a major threat to public health and security globally.
He assured that the NDLEA remains committed to collaborating with its counterpart in Doha “to protect our people and countries from the threat of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.”
He noted that in the last four years, NDLEA had intercepted over 1,000 kilograms of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis and others heading to Qatar.
While commending the Qatar government for its peace building efforts and tremendous humanitarian work across the world through the Qatar Foundation, the NDLEA boss sought the support of the Foundation in the area of provision of rehabilitation facilities for the treatment of people struggling with drug addiction.

In his response, Ambassador Ali Bin Ghanem Al- Hajri assured Marwa that he will present the request to the Qatar Foundation. He noted that the partnership between the two countries has improved greatly and of recent increased the number travels between the two countries.
Nigeria, Qatar strengthen partnership against illicit drug trafficking
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