News
Japanese Ambassador Advises Nigerian Youth to Seek Self Development
Japanese Ambassador Advises Nigerian Youth to Seek Self Development
..Insists Nigeria’s Future Lies in Its Youth
By: Michael Mike
Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo has encouraged Nigerian youth to seek self development, insisting that: “The future of Nigeria lies in its youth, and their ability to engage with the world is crucial.”
Speaking at the weekend during the handover of books donated by the Tokyo Foundation with the generous support of the Nippon Foundation to University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) in Abuja, the envoy told the delegation from the university that: “We believe that books are powerful tools for learning and discovery, and we are honoured to contribute to the excellent academic resources at your university.
The Ambassador while stating that the significant collection of 183 books, made possible through the visionary ‘Read Japan Project,’ an initiative of the Tokyo Foundation with the generous support of the Nippon Foundation, was in recognition of “our deep and growing partnership with the University of Maiduguri.”
He said: “Our greatest hope is that this diverse collection will spark even deeper interest in Japan among your bright and inquisitive students. The future of Nigeria lies in its youth, and their ability to engage with the world is crucial. Japan has a rich history of overcoming challenges to achieve progress, and we hope the insights within these pages can be a valuable resource.
“We look forward to our continued collaboration with the University of Maiduguri and look forward to witnessing the great things your students will achieve.”
On his part, the Honorary Chair, The Nippon Foundation, Yohei Sasakawa, said: “We are pleased to donate books that will help promote understanding about Japan to University of Maiduguri. We would also like to thank all of you who cooperated with us in making this donation possible.”
Sasakawa, whose speech was read by Ms. Shimada Mami said: “At the University of Maiduguri, we understand that the promotion of Japanese culture has been steadily advancing, notably through the establishment of the Japanese cultural club “NARUTO” on campus in 2024, under the leadership of Prof. Mohammed Dauda. We deeply respect the university’s efforts to foster greater understanding and interest in Japan among students and faculty, and we are truly pleased that such initiatives are helping to further strengthen mutual understanding and friendly relations between our two countries.”
He explained that: “The Nippon Foundation is promoting the Read Japan Project in the hope of providing quality information about Japan to those who are interested in Japan. To date, we have donated around 98,000 books to more than 1,400 libraries and research institutions in 150 countries all over the world. We are pleased to have University of Maiduguri join this group of recipients today.”
He promised that: “The Nippon Foundation will further expand the selection of books we donate so that we can satisfy the intellectual curiosity of those interested in Japan,” adding that: “It will please us very much if young and aspiring individuals in Nigeria will make the best use of these books not only to deepen their interest in and understanding of Japan, but also to serve as a bridge between our two countries.”
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Mohammed Mele, while taking custody of the books, expressed appreciation to the Nippon Foundation for its extraordinary generosity and to the Embassy of Japan in Nigeria
He said: “This collection of books on Japanese culture, history, and innovation will open new doors of understanding and discovery for our students, and will inspire them to engage with the world in new and meaningful ways.
“This donation signifies the deepening partnership between the University of Maiduguri and Japan. We are committed to building on this to further our collaboration. To that end, I am pleased to announce that we will soon create a dedicated Japanese Corner in the Ramat Library.”
He noted that with the establishment of the Japanese Culture Club (NJCC) in the university, the vibrant interest of the students in the Japanese language, culture, and traditions, which is a powerful sign of the bridges being built between our cultures, has grown. He said: “This donation will undoubtedly fuel their passion and curiosity for years to come.”
He assured that the institution is committed to making the most of these resources and look forward to a long and fruitful partnership.
Japanese Ambassador Advises Nigerian Youth to Seek Self Development
Yobe: Buni urges journalists to uphold professionalism
By: Yahaya Wakili
Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has appealed to media practitioners in the state to continue to uphold professionalism while discharging their responsibilities.
He urges the journalists to abide by the ethics of the profession, remain united, and promote peace and harmony among themselves.
The governor made the appeal today while receiving the newly elected leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Correspondents Chapel, led by its elected chairman, Mr. Nabilu Balarabe of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), at the Government House, Damaturu.
Ably represented by his deputy, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana (Wazirin Fune), he commends journalists in the state for their synergy and collaboration with the state government in projecting a positive image of the state.
Governor Buni commended the journalists for their professionalism and constructive engagement, acknowledging the critical role the media plays in democratic governance and national development.
He pledged the state government’s continued support and collaboration with the correspondents’ chapel to ensure the success of the present administration, particularly in promoting government policies, programs, and achievements.
Earlier, the newly elected chairman, Mr. Nabilu Balarabe, said the visit was to pay homage and formally present the new leadership of the chapel to the governor.
He said recently the chapel conducted an election of the leadership of the chapel, in which Nabilu Balarabe of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) emerged as chairman and Mr. Musa Buba Mingi of Channels Television as vice chairman.
Others include Malam Habibu Idris Gimba of Daily Trust, Secretary; Mr. Michael Oshoma of TVC, Treasurer; Sa’adatu Maina of Neptune Prime, Assistant Secretary; and Muhammed Mai Tela of People’s Daily, Auditor.
Yobe: Buni urges journalists to uphold professionalism
NGX woos NPF to list viable businesses
The Group Chairman Nigerian Exchange Group, Dr. Umaru Kwairanga has urged the Nigerian Police Force to consider listing other viable business entities of its organisation on the Exchange as it has done with its Microfinance Bank.
Kwairanga made the call on Wednesday in Lagos at the closing gong ceremony in honour of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who was at the trading floor of the Nigerian Exchange.
Kwairanga gave the NGX’s assurance that such companies if listed would be given free publicity, easy access to greater ponds of capital, and greater transparency and efficiency in their operations.
He said that the Exchange, its operators and quoted companies would continue to provide environment conducive for NPF businesses, in view of the critical role that the police play in ensuring a stable environment for businesses to thrive.
“Our quoted companies have been key to the success of the Police Trust Fund and stand ready to cooperate with the Nigerian Police in other ways that you require logistical and other support to ensure that we have a secure nation and capital market.
“Apart from its core duties of ensuring Nigeria’s internal security, the Nigerian Police Force has over the years established and grown various thriving businesses for the welfare of its personnel.
“One of them, the Nigerian Police Microfinance Bank is in fact quoted on the main board of the Exchange and doing very well in terms of capital appreciation, dividends and corporate governance,” he said.
The NGX boss advised that the Pension Fund should consider increasing its allocations to eligible equity quoted on the Nigerian Exchange.
While commending Egbetokun for visiting the Exchange, Kwairanga pledged to strengthen the mutually beneficial relationship going forward.
Our Correspondent reports that the visit underscores the continued collaboration between key national institutions in promoting market confidence, investor trust and a transparent, well-functioning capital market.
NGX woos NPF to list viable businesses
Turkish–Nigerian Poets Unite in Abuja to Promote Peace Through Art
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria and Turkey have reinforced their cultural partnership through a poetry exchange in Abuja designed to foster peace, dialogue, and mutual understanding between the two nations.
The literary gathering, hosted by the Yunus Emre Enstitüsü, brought together poets, cultural practitioners, diplomats, and arts administrators from both countries to explore shared human values through poetry and performance.
Speaking at the event, Director-General of the Kaduna International Film Festival, Israel Kashim Audu, described poetry as a powerful medium for cultural diplomacy and peacebuilding. He noted that although Turkish poetry is deeply influenced by Anatolian mysticism, Nigerian poetry often reflects post-colonial experiences, identity, and nationhood.
“Despite their different historical contexts, both poetic traditions meet in their pursuit of justice, harmony, and human dignity,” Audu said.
The Abuja Coordinator of Yunus Emre Enstitüsü, Fatih Erkin Mahdum, said the institute has remained committed to promoting Turkish language, arts, and culture in Nigeria since its establishment in 2021. He added that collaborations with Nigerian artists are central to strengthening cultural ties and encouraging creative exchange.
Diplomatic presence at the event underscored its international significance. Mrs Florence Nzako, Counsellor at the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo, alongside Solveig Andresen of the Norwegian Embassy, welcomed participants and commended the initiative for using art to advance peace and intercultural understanding.
Poets at the gathering presented works exploring themes of peace, love, displacement, and resilience, drawing poetic connections between the Bosphorus and the Niger River as symbols of unity and shared humanity.
Also speaking, Director-General and Artistic Director of the National Troupe of Nigeria, Kattumu Bulama Gana, said artistic collaborations provide unique opportunities to understand common histories and aspirations. He described the poetry exchange as a valuable contribution to cultural diplomacy between Nigeria and Turkey.
Turkish–Nigerian Poets Unite in Abuja to Promote Peace Through Art
Yobe: Buni urges journalists to uphold professionalism
IBUAM: For Aeronautics and Aviation Management
NGX woos NPF to list viable businesses
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News10 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
