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Dikko Promises to Encourage Wushu Chinese Martial Art in Nigeria

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Dikko Promises to Encourage Wushu Chinese Martial Art in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko has promised to encourage Wushu in the country.

Wushu is a Chinese martial art and competitive sport that combines elements of athletics, acrobatics, and combat techniques. It’s practiced globally, with various styles and forms, including Shaolin Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and Wudangquan.

Wushu is recognized internationally, with competitions like the World Wushu Championships and the Asian Games. Its global popularity continues to grow, with practitioners from diverse backgrounds embracing its unique blend of martial arts, athletics, and cultural heritage ¹.

Speaking at the finals of the Chinese Ambassador’s Cup Wushu Championship in Abuja, Dikko who commended the Chinese Embassy for supporting the hosting of the tournament, said the sport holds immense potential among Nigerian youth.

He said: “Wushu is gaining ground in Nigeria, and with continued support, it will create another path for our youths to achieve their dreams. Now that it’s reaching the Olympic level, we will take it even more seriously.”

Meanwhile, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has identified sport as a vital medium for cultural exchange and mutual understanding between his country and Nigeria.

Yu said Wushu represents more than just physical training — it embodies values central to both Chinese and Nigerian cultures.

He said: “Wushu is a precious treasure of Chinese culture. It not only builds our bodies but also shapes our character and spirit. It embodies core Chinese values — self-discipline, self-improvement, and a commitment to respecting and helping others.

“These resonate deeply with Nigerian culture, which also cherishes hard work and social harmony.”

He also noted that Wushu has “taken root and flourished” in Nigeria, drawing practitioners from both cities and rural communities.

The ambassador also linked the sport’s growth to China’s Global Civilisation Initiative and ongoing China–Africa cooperation efforts.

He said: “At the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation, President Xi Jinping and President Bola Tinubu held a successful meeting where they agreed to strengthen cultural and sports exchanges, designating 2026 as the ‘China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.”

Yu also announced that Wushu will feature as an event at the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games, calling it a milestone for Africa’s martial arts community.

“This is a significant moment for every Wushu enthusiast here today. It opens up new opportunities for the sport’s growth across Africa,” he added.

He however encouraged Nigerian athletes to see Wushu as “more than just a sport,” but as a way to connect with Chinese culture and to serve as ambassadors of the China–Nigeria friendship.

“The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria will continue to support the development of Wushu in Nigeria. We will work with the National Sports Commission and the local Wushu community to create more platforms for exchange and learning,” the ambassador assured.

He added, “I look forward to the day when more Nigerian Wushu enthusiasts will visit China, see famous sites like the Shaolin Temple, and experience the depth and beauty of Chinese Wushu culture.”

At the championship, Justice Unanka won gold in the Taolu Single category, Naima Sanusi triumphed in Tai Chi, Goodluck Emmanuel took gold in the 75kg Male Sanda, and Winnifred Agara won the 60kg Female Sanda event.

Dikko Promises to Encourage Wushu Chinese Martial Art in Nigeria

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Nigeria Sympathizes with Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti on Devastation of Hurricane Melissa

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Nigeria Sympathizes with Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti on Devastation of Hurricane Melissa

By: Michael Olugbode

Nigeria has sympathized with the governments of Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica over the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa that ravaged the countries.

A statement on Sunday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa read: “The Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria have received with profound sorrow and deep sympathy the news of the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa on our sister nations, the Republic of Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica.

“The images and reports emerging from the countries, detailing widespread destruction, severe flooding, and the tragic loss of lives and livelihoods, are truly heart-wrenching. Nigeria stands in solidarity with the governments and the resilient peoples of Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica during this period of immense adversity and destruction.

“We commend the swift and courageous efforts of the national emergency response teams in both countries, who are working tirelessly under extremely challenging conditions to provide relief and save lives.

“In the spirit of South-South cooperation and the enduring bonds of friendship and solidarity that Nigeria shares with the nations of the Caribbean, the Federal Government of Nigeria extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a full and speedy recovery to the injured.

“The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria calls upon the international community and our partner organisations to rally in support of Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica, and to provide all necessary assistance to help these nations in their urgent recovery and rebuilding efforts.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Government and people of the Republic of Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica.”

Nigeria Sympathizes with Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti on Devastation of Hurricane Melissa

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NCYP Urges Tinubu, Northern Governors to Safeguard Inter-Religious Peace After U.S. CPC Designation

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NCYP Urges Tinubu, Northern Governors to Safeguard Inter-Religious Peace After U.S. CPC Designation

By: Michael Mike

The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure that Nigeria’s recent designation by the United States as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) does not degenerate into religious tension or undermine peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims, especially in the northern region.

Reacting to the public response that followed the announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump, NCYP called for calm and constructive dialogue, warning that while international engagement is important, neglecting domestic dialogue would be a costly mistake.

The group noted that public reactions on social media already underscore the urgent need for local engagement in order to prevent the situation from escalating into inter-religious misunderstanding or violence.

The group, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Isaac Abrak, said: “We recalled that Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and NCYP had earlier appealed to the U.S. Government not to list Nigeria as a CPC, warning that such a move could “undermine the delicate interfaith dialogue and reconciliation efforts built over the years.” Unfortunately President Trump has still gone ahead and listed Nigeria, as such we must not allow this fear to turn into reality.

“While we commend President Tinubu for his inclusive approach to governance and his ongoing efforts to address insecurity, the NCYP stresses that more must be done to protect innocent lives—Christian, Muslim, or otherwise—and to strengthen national unity.

“NCYP must also express our concern that many northern governors have remained silent on this matter, as this is ia clarion call to the Northern Governors Forum, led by Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, to work closely with the President and stakeholders in preserving the budding peace between the two faiths, particularly in flashpoint areas.

“Finally, NCYP reaffirmed its commitment to promoting unity, tolerance, and peace across Nigeria.”

NCYP Urges Tinubu, Northern Governors to Safeguard Inter-Religious Peace After U.S. CPC Designation

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Buni appoints Dr. Bulama as the new program manager for livestock in Yobe

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Buni appoints Dr. Bulama as the new program manager for livestock in Yobe

By: Yahaya Wakili

Governor Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN, of Yobe State, has appointed Dr. Bulama Maina Yaro as the new program manager of the Yobe State pilot livestock development program.

The appointment letter was signed by the Acting Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu, who revealed that the appointment takes immediate effect.

Governor Buni urged the new program manager to bring his wealth of experience, dedication, and professionalism to bear in advancing the objectives of the livestock development program in Yobe State.

According to Governor Buni, the Yobe state government remains committed to the sustainable transformation of the livestock.

He revealed that, in line with its broader agenda for agricultural development and economic diversification.

Buni appoints Dr. Bulama as the new program manager for livestock in Yobe

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