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

Switzerland, CCDI Commission Toilets, Library in Abuja

By: Michael Mike

The Create That Change Development Initiative (CCDI), in collaboration with the Embassy of Switzerland, has commissioned new toilet and library facilities at LEA Primary School, Sheritti, Kabusa, Abuja a project aimed at improving hygiene standards and promoting inclusive learning in public schools across the Federal Capital Territory

The project, which forms part of the Public School Revival Initiative (PSRI) of the Create That Change Development Initiative (CCDI),

Implemented in partnership with the Embassy of Switzerland, the PSRI is a flagship programme of CCDI designed to improve hygiene standards, restore pupils’ dignity, and promote inclusive learning environments in public schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and, ultimately, other parts of Nigeria.

Speaking during the official handing-over ceremony, the Executive Director of CCDI, Mrs. Sharon Ayeni, said the intervention was inspired by the urgent need to address the poor state of infrastructure in public schools and to ensure that children in underserved communities enjoy a conducive learning environment.

“We believe that access to clean toilets is a basic right, not a luxury. Every child deserves to learn in an environment that promotes both health and dignity,” Ayeni said.

“Libraries open doors to knowledge and brighter futures. Through the PSRI, we are not only building facilities but also nurturing hope and expanding opportunities for young learners.”

Ayeni explained that the Public School Revival Initiative was conceptualised as a long-term intervention to support public education through improved infrastructure, hygiene facilities, libraries, and learning materials.

She noted that many public schools in Nigeria lack the basic amenities that support effective learning, a challenge the organisation is determined to help address through strategic partnerships with development partners, embassies, and corporate organisations.

According to her, the first phase of the PSRI, supported by the Embassy of Switzerland, has already delivered four toilet blocks and three well-equipped libraries across select public schools in the FCT. The project, she added, is a model of collaboration between non-profit organisations and diplomatic partners aimed at driving sustainable development through education.

Ayeni, however, called on the government at all levels to intensify efforts in maintaining existing school facilities and ensuring that public schools meet the minimum standards for hygiene and safety.

“It is demoralising to see students sitting on the ground when they should be seated on proper desks, or to see children learning in classrooms without adequate ventilation or sanitation facilities,” she lamented.

“CCDI is working with other stakeholders to address these challenges, but government support remains essential if we are to reach every school that needs help.”

In his remarks, the Deputy Ambassador of Switzerland to Nigeria, Mr. Siamak Rouhani, described the collaboration with CCDI as a reflection of Switzerland’s broader commitment to supporting education and sustainable development in Nigeria.

“Education is vital for children’s future. With good education, they can find jobs, contribute to their communities, and integrate successfully into the labour market,” Rouhani said.

He emphasised that Switzerland has a long history of supporting both basic and vocational education in Nigeria through its embassy and corporate partners. While its companies continue to support vocational training and capacity-building programmes across different states, this particular initiative focuses on strengthening foundational education ensuring that children start their academic journey in an environment that encourages growth, hygiene, and curiosity.

Rouhani commended CCDI for its vision and dedication, expressing hope that the PSRI would continue to expand its reach beyond the FCT to benefit other states across Nigeria.

Also speaking at the event, the Head Teacher of LEA Primary School, Mrs. Afiniki Shekwagu, expressed heartfelt appreciation to CCDI and the Embassy of Switzerland for their generosity and commitment to improving public education.

“This is truly a joyful day for us. For years, our pupils have struggled with inadequate sanitation and limited learning resources. The new toilets and library will not only improve hygiene and learning but also boost the morale of both teachers and students,” she said.

Shekwagu noted that the new library would serve as a learning hub where pupils can read, research, and explore new ideas, while the modern toilet facilities would significantly reduce health risks associated with poor sanitation.

“These facilities will go a long way in enhancing the wellbeing of our pupils and making teaching more effective. We are sincerely grateful for this intervention,” she added.

The head teacher, however, appealed for further support to address other pressing needs of the school, including furniture, classroom renovations, computers, and learning materials, to further enhance the quality of education in the school.

She explained that the school will develop class-by-class roster to involve pupils in maintaining the new facilities, ensuring that they are properly managed and kept in good condition.

Dr. Salamatu Manjalo, representing the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), FCT, applauded CCDI for the thoughtful initiative, noting that the board would regularly dispatch monitoring teams to the school to ensure the donated facilities are properly maintained and used for their intended purpose.

“We appreciate CCDI for this laudable initiative, The board will send delegates from time to time to monitor the school and ensure the facilities are properly maintained.”she said .

As part of the event, representatives of CCDI and the Swiss Embassy conducted a tour of the new facilities, interacting with teachers and pupils who expressed excitement over the improvements. Several pupils recited poems and songs to appreciate the donors, describing the day as one they would “never forget.”

The Create That Change Development Initiative (CCDI) is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to empowering communities through education, youth development, and social impact projects. Its Public School Revival Initiative (PSRI) continues to attract partnerships from local and international bodies interested in promoting quality education and equal opportunities for Nigerian children.

Switzerland, CCDI Commission Toilets, Library in Abuja

NDLEA busts clandestine Colos lab in Lagos

…Arrests music artist; Steady Boy for dug related offense

By: Michael Mike

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have uncovered a clandestine laboratory where Colorado, a synthetic strain of cannabis is being produced in a residential building.

The spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi in a statement on Sunday, said the laboratory is located at Ajao estate, Isolo, Lagos state and during the clampdown, large quantities of freshly cooked Colos and various precursor chemicals for drug production were recovered, adding that the 30-year-old lab owner, Kelechi Imoh was arrested.

He noted that the discovery followed months of intelligence gathering on possible Colos laboratories in Lagos after NDLEA officers intercepted consignments of freshly produced Colos in March and May 2025 in the state, a development that suggested that the dangerous psychoactive substance, which was hitherto imported into the country, was now locally produced.

He said the effort paid off last Thursday when NDLEA officers raided the residential apartment in Ajao estate, Isolo, Lagos state which Imoh converted to a laboratory for cooking Colos, a strain of cannabis produced with the psychoactive plant and various chemicals.

Recovered from the apartment include: freshly cooked Colos weighing 16.2 kilogrammes; ADB-CHMNACA Cannabinol -1.7 kilogrammes; Potassium Carbonate -4.5 kilogrammes and Dibromobutane – 91 litres.

Babafemi said in another operation in Lagos, NDLEA operatives on Saturday raided the enclave of a 28-year-old drug dealer Afeez Salisu (alias Malu) in Mushin where 16 compressed blocks of Ghana Loud, a strain of cannabis as well as designer sachets and bottles of Colorado weighing 16.4 kilogrammes were recovered from him.

He said a music artist Godspower George Osahenrumwen whose stage name is Steady Boy was last Thursday arrested by NDLEA operatives while attempting to take delivery of a large consignment of Loud, a strain of cannabis concealed inside three cartons of bathtub imported along with other items such as cloths and gadgets from New York, United States.

He revealed that the arrest followed the seizure of the shipment which arrived the import shed of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos from US aboard a DHL flight last Tuesday.

Babafemi said the 20-year-old music artist was nabbed at Bougain Villa, Primewater Gardens 2, Freedom way, Lekki Lagos when he showed up as the consignee to take delivery of the 140 bags of Loud with a gross weight of 77.2 kilogrammes on behalf of a syndicate, which includes his manager, Zion Osazee Omigie (a.k.a Zee Money) who is currently at large.

In Kaduna, NDLEA operatives on patrol along Abuja – Jos highway on Sunday 26th October intercepted a consignment of 84,710 capsules of tramadol coming from Onitsha, Anambra state and heading to Bauchi. A follow up operation in Bauchi led to the arrest of the recipient Musa Abdulkarim, 27.

Babafemi said two days later, on Tuesday, operatives at the tollgate along Abuja – Kaduna highway arrested Hamza Musa, 47, conveying 32, 946 bottles of Akuskura, a New Psychoactive Substance (NPS) from Lagos, while Saidu Nafiu, 30, was nabbed with 131.5 kilogrammes skunk at Kamfanin Zangon Aya, Igabi local government area, Kaduna.

Babafemi revealed that three suspects: Seun Olaniyi, 24; Rauf Asogba, 28; and Ayinla Adeniyi, 50, were last Saturday arrested at Abeokuta, Ogun state after a team of NDLEA officers tracked their movement from Benin Republic and eventually intercepted their bus along Abiola way, Abeokuta, with a total 1,779 kilogrammes skunk recovered from them.

He said while Jamilu Mustapha (a.k.a Last Card), 46, was arrested with 596.4 kilogrammes skunk at Nasaru town, Ningi local government area, Bauchi State last Wednesday, no fewer than 532,600 pills of tramadol and exol-5 were recovered from the trio of Halilu Amiru; Rabiu Maikudi and Ibrahim Mati in a truck marked KTG- 791 ZZ at Oko-olowo, Ilorin, Kwara state same day.

In Edo state, NDLEA officers on patrol along Okhokho – Isi community in Uhunmwode local government area last Wednesday intercepted two Toyota Sienna buses marked EPE 545 EV and ABC 142 CD conveying a total of 1,455 kilogrammes skunk following credible intelligence.

He said in like manner, operatives in Ondo state last Tuesday recovered a total of 2,829 kilogrammes skunk linked to a 32-year-old female suspect Mrs. Ige Olarewaju from two locations at Ayede, Ogbese, while another suspect Samuel Adebayo was nabbed with 737 kilogrammes of same psychoactive substance at Adegbola junction, Akure.

No less than 76.5 litres of skuchies, a mixture of black currant, skunk and opioids were seized from a suspect Ige Oluwale, 50, who was arrested by NDLEA officers at Ibereko, Bagadry, Lagos last Friday, while a total of 30,370 pills of tramadol and 177 grammes of methamphetamine were recovered from the duo of Musbahu Abdullahi, 28; and Saleiman Ahmed, 25, following their arrest at Wukari, Taraba state by operatives last Thursday when they were conveying the drugs from Onitsha, Anambra state to Yola, Adamawa state.

Babafemi said commands and formations of the agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week.

Meanwhile, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), while commending the officers and men of MMIA, Lagos, Kaduna, Edo, Kwara, Ogun, Taraba, Ondo, Seme, and Bauchi commands as well as their compatriots across the country for their resilience, professionalism and balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the country, vowed that the agency will continue to target and dismantle every identified drug syndicate in any part of Nigeria while denying them of the benefits of the proceeds of their criminal trade by ensuring that they forfeit all their traceable assets to the Federal Government.

NDLEA busts clandestine Colos lab in Lagos