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
National News
President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre
President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre
By: Bodunrin Kayode
President Bola Tinubu will today visit the Plateau state capital Jos to commiserate with residents who lost loved ones during the Palm Sunday shooting spree by criminals that took place at Angwa rukuba area of the city.
The President who was scheduled to visit Ogun state postponed his scheduled trip to Iperu, meant to flag off operations at the Gateway International Cargo Airport.
From the Plateau, the President is expected to travel to Lagos to observe Good Friday public holiday which ushers the beginning of the Easter public holiday which rounds up the lent period.
A state house release signed yesterday by the Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga noted that President Tinubu will travel to Ogun State for the commissioning of the Cargo Airport and the inauguration of two commercial aircrafts for the export and import of goods, aimed at boosting the state’s economic growth on Saturday April 4th.
“He will also inaugurate the new edifice of the Federal Operations Unit of the Nigerian Customs Service and its operational vehicles.
“He will return to Lagos to continue the Easter holiday, during which he is also expected to commission infrastructural projects undertaken by the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
“These projects include: the iconic Ojota/Opebi Link Bridge; the Lagos State Geographic Information System Building; the Multi-Agency Complex named after the President, and a school Complex.
“Before returning to Abuja, President Tinubu will visit Bayelsa State on April 10 to commission some of Governor Duoye Diri’s completed projects.” Said the release.
Sadly several residents lost their lives during the black Palm Sunday shooting spree which is suspected to have been carried out by auto bike riding bandits following after their patterns in the hinterlands of the state.
These bandits who had tormented, killed and destroyed homes of residences of the Jos north axis of the state for several years after September 7th 2001
This damnation let loose on innocent residents is resurfacing after hundreds of killings had occurred in the Jos North council area of the state from September 7th 2001 till date.
And because of the myriad of challenges creeping into the federal security system sub regionals have geared up to manage their on police and Intel services which would assist greatly because they are masters of their territories.
The Federal government is fast tracking the process of state police to ensure that each sub nationals take charge of their environment to ensure that they support the center in the maintenance of internal security.
President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre
National News
NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe
NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has said that in 2026, the length of the rainy season in Gombe State is expected to be between 107 and 138 days.
This is contained in the Agency’s 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) document, which Gayus Musa, the meteorological manager for Gombe State, made available to Our Correspondent in Gombe on Tuesday.
The total amount of rainfall across Gombe State in 2026 is predicted to be between 701 mm in the northern part of the state (Nafada) and 1089 mm in the South (Shongom).
The onset of the rainfall is expected to commence in the state on May 29 (Shongom) and cease by October 22 (Yamaltu/Deba).
Similarly, in the prediction, four local government areas of the state, namely: Nafada, Yamaltu/Deba, Dukku and Funakaye were likely to be impacted by a severe dry spell (21 days and above) between June and August.
Musa while speaking to Our Correspondent on the first rainfall experienced in some communities in Akko, Gombe and Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Areas of the state on Monday urged farmers to resist the temptation of early planting of crops.
He described the first rain as false onset, explaining that the rainfall was false because it would not support any germination as seeds planted with such rain would not survive.
“This (first rain) is a false onset because the precipitation cannot carry any germination and so any seed planted would not survive.
“So farmers should not engage themselves in planting but to prepare their farmlands while getting their seeds and other inputs ready,” he said.
Musa advised farmers in the state, to make use of the prediction in carrying out farming activities towards avoiding losses in view of the impact of climate change on agriculture.
He further urged relevant authorities in the state to take proactive measures towards tackling environmental issues associated with the rainy season.
NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe
National News
Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship
Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship
By: Michael Mike
The rumoured interest of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar in becoming the governor of Bauchi State come 2027 may have been confirmed he resigned on Monday to prepared ground for actualization of his political ambition.
The resignation was ahead of the deadline set for political appointees seeking elective positions in the forthcoming general elections.
In a resignation letter submitted to the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Tuggar expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the country and contribute to the implementation of the administration’s Four-D foreign policy strategy.
The former minister also appreciated the management and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and members of the diplomatic community for their cooperation and support throughout his tenure.
During his time in office, Tuggar was credited with advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives through initiatives focused on people-centred diplomacy. These included humanitarian evacuations, facilitation of scholarships for Nigerians abroad, and sustained support for citizens in the diaspora.
His tenure also witnessed increased diaspora engagement, including efforts to develop a structured database of Nigerians living abroad aimed at strengthening their participation in national development.
In addition, Tuggar strengthened bilateral and multilateral relations through strategic engagements with traditional partners and regional alliances, particularly across the Global South. His leadership also promoted regional security cooperation and supported the formation of the Regional Partnership for Democracy initiative.
He also prioritised economic diplomacy, positioning Nigeria as an attractive destination for foreign investment, especially in the energy sector, while facilitating diplomatic interventions that secured the release of detained Nigerians in foreign countries and improved bilateral relations.
The resignation letter was received on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation by Dr. Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, ahead of the March thirty-first deadline directed by President Tinubu in line with provisions of the Electoral Act.
Tuggar’s resignation was conveyed in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir.
Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship
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