Nigeria, Korea strengthen cultural ties through film

By: Michael Mike

The Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (KCCN) has bridged the cultural gap with Nigeria by hosting the 13th Korean Film Festival in Abuja from August 21st to 23rd, 2025.

The festival aimed to foster mutual understanding and strengthen cultural ties through the universal language of cinema .

This three-day event showcased a selection of remarkable Korean films, offering Nigerian audiences a unique window into Korean society, values, and dreams, beyond just entertainment.

Director of the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria , Mr. Jeon Juho, emphasized the festival’s role in strengthening Nigeria-Korea cultural ties.

He highlighted that the event is not merely about film screenings but about fostering deeper connections between the two nations.

“This festival isn’t just about watching movies. It is about building bridges between Nigeria and Korea, between culture and community, through the powerful medium of films,” Jeon stated.

He further elaborated on the festival’s offerings, noting that: “We will showcase live Korean remarkable films, each offering a unique window into the heart of Korean society, each value, each struggle, each dream.”

These narratives, he explained, transcend linguistic and geographical boundaries, connecting audiences through shared human experiences.

The Permanent Secretary for Creative Economy, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, represented by Samuel Okpevo, highlighted the festival’s role in strengthening Nigeria-Korea cultural relations.

“This event highlights shared cultural ties and affinities and also the dance can foster people-to-people connections,” Okpevo stated.

He encouraged attendees to engage with the festival’s offerings, emphasizing its potential to inspire Nigerian artists and filmmakers. “Ladies and gentlemen are hereby enjoying us to key into this event, the Korean Cultural Festival history and values which can inspire Nigerian artists and filmmakers,” he urged.

Okpevo also expressed appreciation to the organizers for their efforts in promoting cross-cultural understanding.

“As I conclude, I encourage all the guests to enjoy the festival, learn from each other, forge meaningful connections. Together we can promote cross-cultural understanding and cooperation. I wish to thank the organizers of this great event for building a successful event of this magnitude, solidifying cultural ties between both countries.”

He acknowledged the significance of cultural events like the Korean Film Festival in enhancing bilateral ties.

“Let me also at this junction refer to this event for strengthening cultural ties between both countries, Nigeria and the Korean people,” he remarked.

Chairman of the Nigerian Film Festival Association (NFFA), Uche Agbo,, commended the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (KCCN) for its efforts in promoting cultural exchange through cinema.

“What is being done today here is very significant and to me worthy of emulation,” Agbo remarked.

“I believe and I hope all the cultural centers that are here present or that are represented can replicate such because it offers us as filmmakers an opportunity to tap into the world of cinema of the country that is being projected.”

He further encouraged other embassies to organize similar events, stating, “I will encourage more of this from various other embassies if I may put it that way.”

Expressing the NFFA’s willingness to collaborate, Agbo added, “The Nigerian Film Festival Association as an umbrella body representing the entire film festivals in the country will want to further engage on how we can promote what we are doing here today and we are more than willing to cooperate in that regard.”

Nigeria, Korea strengthen cultural ties through film

From Science Fiction to Reality: A Glimpse into the Future at Unitree Robotics

By Augustine Wereuche Praise

As an international student studying in China, I’ve always been fascinated by how technology bridges culture and shapes our shared future. Recently, I had the privilege of visiting Unitree Robotics, one of China’s most exciting robotics companies. Accompanied by faculty members and Chinese students, I stepped into a realm where machines are not only smart but also mobile, agile, and surprisingly lifelike.

 
Unitree has gained global attention for its cutting-edge robots, particularly its quadruped models that resemble dogs and humanoid robots capable of walking. During the visit, we were shown these innovations up close.
The humanoid robot was activated first. It began walking across the floor, its movements so fluid that it was easy to forget it wasn’t human. Each step was precise, balanced, and almost graceful. Watching it, I imagined how such robots could one day assist in environments too dangerous for humans.
Next came the quadruped robots—the “dog-like” machines. They captured everyone’s attention as they navigated stairs with remarkable ease. Designed for stability and adaptability, these robots demonstrated the potential for use in rescue missions, exploration, and even household assistance.
 

Most of the presentation was delivered in Chinese, which posed a language barrier for me. However, the power of technology transcended words. The demonstrations spoke for themselves, showing how engineering and design can create machines capable of interacting with the physical world in dynamic ways. With the help of my teacher, I was able to understand a few more about the growth and advancement the company has experienced. It was so amazing getting a firsthand information about the different challenges and adjustment the company has made to keep up with the varying demands of the market.

As I took photos, I couldn’t help but reflect on how these innovations represent more than technical achievement. They reflect humanity’s endless pursuit to build, to solve problems, and to make life better. For me, seeing these robots in action was like stepping into a scene from science fiction to reality
This visit also reminded me of the role education and international collaboration play in advancing technology. Being part of this experience as an international student underscored how innovation is a shared language.

Our visit ended with more demonstrations and a chance to observe the robots up close. I left Unitree feeling inspired, curious, and hopeful about the future. This visit transformed how I see my role as a Nigerian student in China’s tech ecosystem. We’re not just passive observers of innovation, but active participants in a global conversation that will define how these technologies integrate into our societies. The robots at Unitree moved with mechanical precision, but they represented something profoundly human – our endless capacity to imagine, create, and improve the world around us.

Augustine Wereuche Praise
majors in Communication Engineering at School of Artificial Intelligence at Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, China

From Science Fiction to Reality: A Glimpse into the Future at Unitree Robotics

NHRC Says Vigilante Brutality Must Not Be Allowed to Become New Normal

By: Michael Mike

The Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu has strongly condemned the disturbing viral video showing operatives of the Agunechemba Vigilante Group physically assaulting a youth corps member, Ms. Jennifer Edema Elohor.

Ojukwu while reacting to the video described the incident as a gross violation of human dignity and a clear breach of the provisions of Nigeria’s Anti-Torture Act, 2017, which expressly prohibits and criminalizes torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment under any circumstance.

He noted with concern that acts of brutality, particularly against women, are becoming an alarming trend that must not be allowed to take root in the society.

“It is most disturbing that a group established to protect lives and property could turn around to dehumanize innocent citizens. This inhuman and degrading treatment is unacceptable, unlawful, and should be condemned in all ramifications,” he stated.

He noted that the Commission’s investigation revealed that the incident occurred in July at Oba, Anambra State and that the perpetrators had attempted to ensure that it’s swept under the carpet until the video fortunately leaked.

He said although the survivor has relocated, the Commission is making frantic effort to reach her to ensure she gets adequate redress. He further pleaded with the Inspector-General of Police to provide protection for the youth corper and her family to encourage Ms. Elohor to present herself to facilitate prosecution of the case by the Police.

He lamented that the issue of vigilantes who were expected to provide protection for innocent citizens is taking another dimension as the Commission’s office in the state is dealing with several issues of violation ranging from child defilement to enforced disappearance.

The NHRC Boss further called on the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo, to ensure that the perpetrators of these heinous acts are promptly prosecuted in accordance with the Anti-Torture Act. Saying, accountability is crucial to deter future violations and to reinforce the rule of law.

While urging citizens to report cases of human rights violations to the Commission, the NHRC Boss reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to continue to follow the case closely to ensure that justice is delivered to Ms. Jennifer Edema Elohor and others whose case the Commission is handling”.

He also reiterated that the NHRC will continue to work with relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure the full implementation of the Anti-Torture Act, 2017, and the protection of the rights and dignity of all Nigerians.

NHRC Says Vigilante Brutality Must Not Be Allowed to Become New Normal