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KACRAN Praises Shettima’s Leadership Qualities
KACRAN Praises Shettima’s Leadership Qualities
By: Michael Mike
Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has said that the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima has come to show to the rest of Nigerians the jewel he was while handling the demoralizing Boko Haram crisis he could still move Borno State in the path of development as a governor.
The group, in a statement on Friday, signed by its National President, Hon Khalil Bello said Kashim Shettima’s magic in Borno State is gradually being unraveled at the national level since he was appointed first as a Vice Presidential candidate and later elected.
Bello said: “Sincerely speaking, before he was deservely and most suitably nominated by our action President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as his presidential running mate, what Nigerians know about the political capacity, actionability, thruthworthness, firmness, vast experience in governance, sincerity of purpose and inclusivity in governance of Senator Kashim Shettima was very little especially those living outside the parameter of Borno State or other part of the North East region of the country.”
He added that: “Unlike his immediate predecessor, His Excellency Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, who out of wisdom and foresight nominated Kashim Shettima to succeed him, who was well known both in the State and in national politics, the only thing many Nigerians knows about His Excellency, the Vice President, Alhaji Kashim Shettima was a former governor of Borno State who performed wonderfully good in his State when he was a governor towards fighting insurgency and bringing numerous developmental projects in his State and serving Senator of the federal republic of Nigeria, that was all but he was hardly a major voice in the nation’s politics.
“But after being wisely nominated to serve in the aforementioned capacity and started given very hot lectures and powerful speeches during the APC rallies and presidential campaign activities across the country, it was then, that many Nigerians who were not fully acquainted with his versatility in the Nigeria’s politics and other issues of great importance towards unity and the development of our fatherland, they the entire nation started knowing this jewel, Senator Kashim Shettima.”
He added that: “Then comes the time when he was successfully elected as the vice president and Nigeria’s political horizon was beclouded or darkened with claims and counter claims on which religion or part of the country as a matter of establishing trust, confidence and cementing the country, and who would be right to produce the 10th Senate President. Shettima came up to show the light.”
He acknowledged that this was misconstrued by the Muslim north, with: “This singular remark seriously heating up the northern Nigeria’s political space in response, the unassuming and the amiable vice president, being a very simple and humble man made a very strong heartfelt and heart warming apologetic appeal in BBC Hausa Radio broadcast, where he passionately appealed to all the aggressived people, that his statement was misunderstood, adding that his stand was with good intention to buttress the need for justice and equity in the allocation of public office in Nigeria and not to belittle any religion in the country.
“He even stated that, he is a devoted Muslim whose parents and ancestors are Islamic scholars who worked assiduously in spreading and preaching islamic religion, he said the history of his Islamic leanage would be traced back for over one thousand four hundred years back.”
He said: “We member of the above great association (KACRAN), are so much excited on how the vice president directly talk to Nigerians more speciality his fellow Muslims brothers and apologize for the crime he never committed or intended to do, and seeks for their forgiveness and that of his creator the Almighty Allah.
“To us KACRAN, the above singular act of our democratic vice president clearly shows how courageous and very sincere person he is.
Secondly, when he was a governor in Borno State, His Excellency our Vice President Kashim Shettima, demonstrated act of sincerity and inclusiveness to Borno State herders whom he treated with equity, justice and fairness by enrolling their children/wards into the most prominent, private and loved Secondary School in Maiduguri known as Elkanemi College of Islamic and Theology.
“Where he paid for their tuition fees for both primary and secondary School up to their completion
“That during his Government, in his bid to treat his subjects equally. He made sure that the children of the most vulnerable/under privileged herders especially children of Fulani security guards and those whose parents are living in the bushes or villages are given equal or more opportunities same as those who are residing in Maiduguri metropolitan city.
“Most of these children are currently speaking pure Arabic language and Queen’s English, because they were receivers of both Islamic and Western education.
“He provided free buses on daily bases moving from one street to another in Maiduguri metropolis and Jere local government and environs to transport the herders children to the school to and fro.
“Similarly, in making sure that, the Borno State herders children have gotten the same educational right equal to those who are residing in Abuja , FCT, Senator Kashim Shettima built an ultra modern Special Primary and Secondary School in New GRA, Bama Raod, Maiduguri and named after the wife of immediate past president during their regime “Aisha Buhari Integrated Primary and Secondary School”, where by ninety percent of the students are herders children in which the resident of the said GRA who are mainly his Kanuri kinsmen were given only ten percent of the total number of students to be admitted and on daily basis gave free meals to All students.
“We of KACRAN, it is our ardent belief that this is courage, justice sincerity and fairness in the highest order done to us by Vice President Kashim Shettima for which he deserves our highest commendation and appreciation.
“More so, I want to use this medium to advise and encourage our leaders to kindly emulate the good virtues of apologizing and asking for forgiveness from their followers whenever they offend or seem to have offended them. Truly this is a mark of true and authentic leadership, humility in leaders go a long way to promote harmony and understanding in society.”
KACRAN Praises Shettima’s Leadership Qualities
AT ARMED FORCES CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE DAY
ALL IN HONOUR OF OUR NATION’S FALLEN HEROES
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima today represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day ceremony held at the National Arcade in Abuja.
Also in attendance were the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio; the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; ministers, service chiefs and other government officials.
The solemn event commemorates the courage and sacrifices of Nigeria’s fallen heroes who gave their lives in service to the nation.
AT ARMED FORCES CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE DAY
Technology enhances immersive reading experience in Beijing
By Shi Fang, People’s Daily
“Mr. Lu Xun, could you recommend one of your classic works?”
“If I were to suggest one, perhaps Call to Arms would be a good starting point…”
This conversation took place at the Metaverse Experience Hall of the Beijing Library. Supported by artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies, the hall offers visitors a novel approach to immersive reading and knowledge-based social engagement.
As one of three institutions under the Capital Library of China, the Beijing Library has introduced an AI-powered digital human modeled after renowned Chinese writer Lu Xun. Historically, Lu Xun played a role in establishing the predecessor of the Capital Library of China. Today, his digital incarnation symbolizes the library’s digital transformation.
“We developed the digital Lu Xun using AI technologies to provide guided tours, recommend books, and introduce local cuisine and cultural sites,” explained Fei Jun, professor with the School of Design, the Central Academy of Fine Arts, and creative director of the Metaverse Experience Hall. His team conducted in-depth research on Lu Xun’s life and works to create a realistic and multidimensional digital persona.
In addition to the digital Lu Xun, Fei’s team created two other digital characters, “Tutu” and “2122,” each with distinct personalities: one childlike and the other futuristic. These avatars, driven by large language models, engage visitors in conversations about literature and everyday life. Since the library opened at the end of 2023, these AI characters have participated in more than 1.7 million voice interactions.
Seven-year-old reader Wang Jiayi eagerly asked “2122” questions such as, “Why did dinosaurs go extinct?” and “Why do maple leaves turn red in autumn?” Her mother commented, “The digital humans are engaging and informative. They genuinely spark children’s interest in learning.”
Entering the library feels akin to stepping into a digital universe.
Visitors can scan a QR code to verify their identity, customize their attire, and quickly generate digital avatars within the Metaverse. These avatars can navigate virtual spaces such as the Children’s Library, Ancient Books Collection, Art Literature Library, and Intangible Cultural Heritage Library, exploring venue information and upcoming events.
Readers also interact with one another via their digital avatars, sharing reading lists, exchanging book reviews, and bridging online and offline reading experiences.
Looking ahead, the library plans to introduce additional immersive features, including personalized virtual study rooms. “Our goal is to offer a multisensory experience — visual, auditory, and even tactile — so users feel as if they’ve entered a parallel world for immersive reading,” Fei said. His team is also developing an online version of the metaverse library, enabling remote access to its digital environment and vast knowledge collections.
“Beyond traditional print books, we want to create a technology-enhanced environment that sparks curiosity and encourages readers to explore knowledge in innovative ways,” said Li Nianzu, deputy director of the Capital Library of China.
Photo shows the Beijing library under the night sky. (Photo/Fan Jiashan)
Readers visit the Metaverse Experience Hall of the Beijing Library. (Photo/Fan Jiashan)
A reader interacts with the digital Lu Xun at the Metaverse Experience Hall of the Beijing Library. (Photo from Beijing Youth Daily)
Technology enhances immersive reading experience in Beijing
Rights Groups Condemn Demolition of Makoko, Call for Immediate Halt
By: Michael Mike
A coalition of national and international human rights, environmental, and social justice organisations has condemned what they describe as the “violent and unlawful” demolition of Makoko, a historic waterfront fishing community along the Lagos Lagoon.
In a joint statement released, the groups alleged that demolition activities began on January 5, 2026, and have continued despite outcry from residents and civil society actors.
According to the organisations, government-backed demolition teams have destroyed homes, schools, health facilities, and religious buildings, leaving hundreds of families without shelter.
Eyewitness accounts cited in the statement claim that security personnel accompanying the demolition teams used tear gas and excessive force against residents, including women, children, and elderly persons. Displaced families are reportedly sleeping in boats, churches, and open spaces along the lagoon as they struggle to find temporary refuge.
The coalition further noted that Makoko is not an isolated case. Over the past year, thousands of residents across several Lagos waterfront and informal communities—including Oko-Baba, Ayetoro, Otumara, Baba-Ijora, Oworonshoki, and Precious Seeds—have faced similar evictions. In many cases, demolitions were carried out without prior notice, consultation, or resettlement plans.
The groups also referenced past demolitions in Badia East, Otodo-Gbame, Maroko, Monkey Village, Ilaje-Bariga, and Ifelodun, saying the Lagos State Government has repeatedly ignored court orders restraining such actions. They alleged that several deaths have been linked to forced evictions over the years.
“The pattern reflects a systemic disregard for human rights, due process, and the rule of law,” the statement read. “These actions violate Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights obligations while deepening Lagos’s housing crisis.”
The coalition called on the Lagos State Government to immediately suspend all ongoing demolitions, respect existing court injunctions, investigate allegations of abuse, and provide fair compensation and adequate resettlement for affected residents.
They also urged authorities to adopt more inclusive, rights-based, and environmentally sustainable urban planning that protects livelihoods rather than displacing vulnerable communities.
The statement was signed by 23 organisations, including Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), Policy Alert, WoMin African Alliance, and Norway’s Rafto Foundation for Human Rights, among others.
As of press time, the Lagos State Government had not issued an official response to the allegations.
Rights Groups Condemn Demolition of Makoko, Call for Immediate Halt
AT ARMED FORCES CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE DAY
Technology enhances immersive reading experience in Beijing
Rights Groups Condemn Demolition of Makoko, Call for Immediate Halt
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