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Envoy Identifies Proficiency in Chinese Language as a Path to Career Progression
Envoy Identifies Proficiency in Chinese Language as a Path to Career Progression
By: Michael Mike
The Director, China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Mr. Li Xuda has advocated for the teaching of Chinese language in schools across Nigeria, noting that this would open doors to a wide range of career paths and job opportunities that would inevitably enhance many Nigerians competitiveness in an ever-evolving world.
The Director, who gave the advise at the finals of 23rd Seasoned of the Chinese Bridge-“Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students”, held virtually in Abuja, at the weekend, said acquiring fluency in Chinese language would improve the chance of being employed in the international labour market as Chinese language is widely used.
He noted that the Bridge-Chinese Proficiency competition, which highlights the importance of language and cultural exchange between China and Nigeria aims to boost participants’ interest in learning Chinese and deepen their cultural understanding.
He also said that the competition, connects China with the world, strengthens mutual understanding, bilateral relationship and create rooms for economic growth and cultural exchange.
“With China’s expanding influence in international trade, technology, and diplomacy, the ability to communicate effectively in Chinese is viewed as a valuable asset for individuals seeking to advance their careers in an interconnected world. All our students should learn Chinese because most of the jobs or opportunities come when you know at least two foreign languages.” Xuda said
He explained that “Chinese Bridge” is a symbol of cultural exchange and language proficiency, and its successful organization in Nigeria is a testament to the growing interest in Chinese language and culture among Nigerian students.
He noted that most foreign employers hunt for employees who are skilled in Chinese language, which calls for the need to learn the language.
“Employers across industries are increasingly seeking candidates with Chinese language skills to engage with Chinese partners, clients, and markets. As businesses look to expand their operations in China and tap into its consumer base, the demand for employees proficient in Chinese is expected to rise significantly in the coming years”. He explained
Also speaking, the Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Yu Zhangbao, noted that hard work, determination with a conducive learning environment, Students will be able to perform well, showcase their skills and style, and achieve excellent results towards enhancing national and economic growth.
He said: @The “Chinese Bridge” Chinese competition has greatly inspired more young people to learn Chinese and understand Chinese culture. It has also greatly increased the visibility of Chinese teaching in Nigeria in the global Chinese teaching circle. I believe that with everyone’s efforts, we will make further progress. I wish all the contestants perform well, show their skills and style, and achieve excellent results.”
The Dean, University of lagos Confucius Institute, Zhao hongling, in his part, stressed that the “Chinese Bridge” competition connects China with the world, providing a platform for college students to showcase their Chinese language skills and understanding of the Chinese culture.
He noted that: “The successful organisation of the Nigerian finals is due to the hard work of many leaders, teachers, and staff, whose dedication is greatly appreciated. This competition emphasizes that hard work leads to success in learning Chinese, regardless of when one starts. It aims to boost participants’ enthusiasm for learning Chinese and deepen their cultural understanding.
“On behalf of the Confucius Institute at University of lagos, I wish all participants the best and hope for the competition’s complete success in Nigeria.”
The 23rd season of the Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students, which leads Chinese learners around the world to a more diverse and harmonious future, had 12 college students from all over Nigeria as participants.
After a series of excellent displays, Zhengui emerged winner of the competition while Zhou Wenjing and Qi Siheng came second, with Shen Moli, Chen Peixi, and Tian Jie placed third.
The winner of the contest has the opportunity to travel to China and compete in the global “Chinese Bridge” competition.
Envoy Identifies Proficiency in Chinese Language as a Path to Career Progression
FG Pushes Deeper Reforms in Prisons, Border Security, and Financial Systems
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to comprehensive reforms in Nigeria’s correctional system, the deployment of technology to strengthen border security, and the entrenchment of financial integrity across public institutions.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this known on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving the President and Chairman of Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Mallam Haruna Yahaya, who led a delegation on a courtesy visit.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized that reforming the nation’s correctional system remains a top priority, stressing that the focus must extend beyond incarceration to rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society.
“Government has a duty of care to its citizens. Even where freedom is restricted by law, those in custody must be treated with dignity and given opportunities to return to society better than they came,” he said.
He noted that the shift from the Prisons Act to the Nigerian Correctional Service Act marked a deliberate transition toward a system that prioritizes reformation over mere detention.
On border management and internal security, the Minister disclosed that the Correctional Information Management System (CIMS) now contains over 50 million records compiled from operations at seaports and airports, with ongoing integration of land border data.
According to him, the system enhances the government’s ability to detect irregularities and prevent unauthorized entry, aligning with modern security strategies that prioritize proactive measures over reactive responses.
“We are building systems that can stop problems before they happen, not just respond after the damage is done,” he added.
Addressing financial governance, Tunji-Ojo stressed the importance of strengthening internal controls across government institutions, noting that preventive mechanisms are more effective than post-incident audits.
“It is not enough to detect issues after they occur. The goal is to build systems that make such issues difficult to happen in the first place,” he said.
He called on professional bodies such as ICAN to deepen their collaboration with government, particularly in areas of revenue assurance, transparency, and institutional accountability, while also encouraging stronger public-private partnerships to enhance efficiency and boost investor confidence.
On infrastructure, the Minister highlighted the need to expand fire and rescue services nationwide, pointing out that innovative funding models, including private sector participation, would be crucial to achieving this goal.
Tunji-Ojo also congratulated ICAN on its leadership and its upcoming West Africa Accountants Conference 2026 scheduled for December 2026, assuring the institute of government support. He further commended the increasing representation of women in professional leadership, describing it as a positive sign for the future.
Earlier, ICAN President Haruna Yahaya applauded the Ministry’s ongoing reforms and proposed the creation of a Joint ICAN–Ministry Financial Integrity and Revenue Assurance Task Force.
He explained that the initiative would target key areas including revenue assessment within the Nigeria Immigration Service, payroll analysis across uniformed services, and procurement risk review, with the aim of reducing leakages and strengthening accountability across government operations.
FG Pushes Deeper Reforms in Prisons, Border Security, and Financial Systems
Security forces foil rustling, recover 22 animals in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Security operatives in Katsina State have foiled a livestock rustling attempt and recovered 22 stolen animals in Jibia Local Government Area.
Police sources said the incident occurred in the early hours of April 12 following a distress call received at about 12:45 a.m. that suspected armed bandits had rustled livestock from neighbouring Niger Republic.
According to the sources, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Jibia swiftly mobilised a joint team comprising police, military and community watch personnel to the area.
They added that the operatives strategically blocked the escape routes of the suspects and engaged them in a gun duel.
“The superior firepower of the security team forced the bandits to abandon the rustled animals and flee into the bush,” the sources said.
The sources disclosed that all 22 sheep and goats were recovered intact during the operation.
They noted that the area has been cordoned off, while aggressive clearance operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Further developments will be communicated as investigations continue, the sources added.
Security forces foil rustling, recover 22 animals in Katsina
Troops neutralise several terrorists in ambush operation in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force, North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, have neutralised several Boko Haram terrorists during an ambush operation in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 2:33 a.m. on April 13 when an ambush team of 202 Battalion deployed at Bravo Kilo sighted a terrorist crossing the parapet at a defensive company location.
According to the sources, the troops engaged and neutralised five of the suspect on sight.
The sources added that the operation is part of ongoing clearance and ambush missions aimed at denying terrorists freedom of movement in the North-East theatre.
Troops neutralise several terrorists in ambush operation in Borno
FG Pushes Deeper Reforms in Prisons, Border Security, and Financial Systems
Troops rescue injured herder, foil attack by Berom Militia in Plateau
Police arrest suspected foreign bandits in Benue
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