National News
Enchanting Pington Showcases in Nigeria to Strengthen China/Nigeria Cultural Relations
Enchanting Pington Showcases in Nigeria to Strengthen China/Nigeria Cultural Relations
By: Michael Mike
There was enchanting Pingtan, a traditional Chinese performance style, on display in Abuja on Sunday as China continues to deepen its cultural relations with Nigeria.
The event which was held at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja drew diplomats, artists, and culture enthusiasts, highlighting the growing synergy between Nigeria and China in promoting mutual understanding through the arts.
The rich, poetic rhythms of Chinese Pingtan music echoed through the centre as Chinese and Nigerian dignitaries, students, and cultural enthusiasts gathered to celebrate a profound cultural exchange.
The event, headlined by Wuxi Ballads: Portrait of Watertown Chinese Pingtan Art of Performance was organised by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the China Cultural Center in Nigeria (CCCN).
In his welcome address, Counselor for Cultural Affairs of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, described the occasion as a bridge of friendship and understanding between the two nations.
He said: “Today, we gather to enjoy the Wuxi Fellows’ Portrait of Water town a Pingtan art performance. This is not just a performance; it is a gift of heritage, embodying the spirit of the Jiangnan region—rich in history, beauty, and talent.”
Yang also emphasised the uniqueness of Pingtan, a storytelling art form that originated in the water towns of southern China and combines narrative, opera, and instrumental music in the soft Wu dialect.
Deputy Director of the Wuxi Pingtan Troupe, Mr Shen Jie, elaborated on the cultural importance of the performance.
He said: “Pingtan uses the softer Wu dialect to recount the vicissitudes of life, evoking deep emotions through the pipa and sanxian. We hope this art serves as a bridge of peace, understanding, and harmony.”
Representing Nigeria’s Ministry of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Raphael Oraeluno noted that despite the geographical distance, “Pingtan blooms on this vibrant soil to foster heartfelt connections and shared values across borders.”
Oraeluno added that this art form, with its elegant storytelling and musical cadence, is similar to African oral traditions. We look forward to deeper partnerships and cultural exchanges between Nigeria and China.
The event also received commendation from Director of Programmes at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Mrs Msurshima Kighir who represented the DG FRCN, announcing that the FRCN will soon begin teaching Mandarin Chinese on its Network Service.
She said: “This is part of our commitment to promoting cultural understanding and unity through our programme Diplomatic Ties,” she said.
Director of FCT Secondary Education, Mrs Fatima Sambo praised China’s cultural outreach and noted that involving Nigerian students in such activities nurtures cross-cultural awareness.
“Without culture, there is no identity, and without identity, there is no nation,” she stated.
President of the Chinese Alumni Association and Society of Nigerian Artists, Mohammed Suleiman, emphasized the economic and creative potential in cultural performances.
“Art is not just a display—it’s a livelihood. This exchange shows how cultures can enrich each other and create employment through costume design, music, and language,” he said.
The evening concluded with thunderous applause for the visiting Wuxi Pingtan Troupe, who traveled over 10,000 kilometers to perform in Nigeria.
Their performance captivated the audience, blending traditional Chinese melodies with universal themes of love, history, and human connection.
Enchanting Pington Showcases in Nigeria to Strengthen China/Nigeria Cultural Relations
Four Soldiers Injured in Vehicle Accident on Mambilla Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Four Nigerian soldiers have sustained injuries in a vehicle accident on the Mambilla Plateau in Taraba State.
The accident occurred on Thursday while the troops were moving across the mountainous terrain of the area, Zagazola reports.
The Emir of Mambilla, Dr. Shehu Audu Baju, was said to have personally joined in the rescue operation to ensure that the soldiers received prompt assistance.
Following the rescue, the injured personnel were evacuated to the 20 Battalion Barracks in Serti for urgent medical care.
Community members and traditional leaders in the area have expressed sympathy and prayed for the speedy recovery of the soldiers, while also calling for the safety of other security operatives on duty.
Four Soldiers Injured in Vehicle Accident on Mambilla Plateau
UKNIAF, NGF Advance Electricity Reform with Nationwide Workshop Series
By: Michael Mike
The United Kingdom Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (UKNIAF), in partnership with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) have wrapped up a major national initiative to support State-led electricity market reforms.
The State Learning Workshop Series focused on Electricity Market Development, Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) and energy modelling software.
Workshops in Lagos, Calabar, Kano and Jos have been successfully completed, drawing participants from all the 36 States and the FCT and setting a strong precedent for what lies ahead.
These sessions equipped policymakers, regulators and stakeholders with the tools to design robust, sustainable and investor-ready electricity markets at the State level, in line with the provisions of the Electricity Act 2023.
Reflecting on the significance of this initiative, the Director-Legal/Head Power Desk at the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Mr. Chijioke Chuku,, stated that: “Nigeria’s electricity future depends on the capacity of our States to lead with vision, clarity, and technical precision. Through the workshop series, we are equipping States not just with knowledge, but with the confidence to take charge of their electricity markets. The NGF is proud to partner with UKNIAF in ensuring that the promise of the Electricity Act 2023 becomes a lived reality across the country.”
The sessions in the State Learning Workshops covered: The legal and regulatory pathways for setting up State Electricity Markets; Commercial models for private sector investment; Integration of State plans into Nigeria’s National IRP;
Practical training on the software platform for energy modelling.
The initiative drew from lessons learned in the course of UKNIAF’s work supporting the Akwa Ibom, Enugu, and Oyo State Governments—early movers in electricity market development—in setting up their markets.
It also drew from experience gained in the course of UKNIAF providing technical support to the Federal Ministry of Power in drafting both the National Integrated Electricity Policy and Nigeria’s first National Integrated Resource Plan, both of which were approved very recently.
With States now empowered by the Electricity Act 2023, this series is a timely and strategic effort to ensure capacity, coordination, and sustainability in Nigeria’s decentralised energy landscape.
UKNIAF, NGF Advance Electricity Reform with Nationwide Workshop Series
Three killed, others injured in bandits’ attack on Zamfara community
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits have killed three persons and injured three others in an attack on Galadi town, Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara.
Sources confirmed the incident saying the attack occurred at about 10:50 p.m. on Aug. 27.
The sources said the bandits stormed the town, shooting sporadically, which resulted in the deaths and injuries.
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA were mobilised to the scene. The corpses and injured victims were evacuated to Galadi Primary Health Care Centre for autopsy and treatment.
Meanwhile, a manhunt for the fleeing culprits has been intensified, as the bandits escaped before the arrival of the joint forces,” the sources said.
Three killed, others injured in bandits’ attack on Zamfara community
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