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Korea Seeks Improved Cultural Exchange with Nigeria

Korea Seeks Improved Cultural Exchange with Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
Republic of Korea has called for enhanced cultural exchange with Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of cross-fertilization to bolster diplomatic relations and share mutual experiences.
Making the call at the weekend in Abuja at the second edition of the Hansik Contest, the Director, Korean Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Kim Changki, said his country is willing to build on the already existing cultural relationship with Nigeria.
On the cooking competition, he said the primary goal is to foster social and cultural interaction between Nigeria and Korea.
He noted that this year’s contest was better organized and well attended than the first one held last year, disclosing that this will mark his final event as the director of the Korean Centre, which tenure conclude in May.
He said: “Nigerians have a deep appreciation for Korean Pop and Korean cuisine, and this concert serves as a celebration of culture through various artistic expressions. The winner of the contest will receive a prize of N1 million along with a trip to Korea.”
The culture and events officer, Yunijin Lee, on her part, emphasized that the contest has received sponsorship from Korean food institutions (KFPI) and is specifically designed to bring the vibrant experiences of Korean culture and cuisine to Nigerians.
She also highlighted that the selection process for the winner was both thorough and impartial, stating, “The judging panel consists of Korean individuals, including the ambassador, director, and the embassy chef, who worked alongside a Nigerian chef to ensure fairness in the selection of the winner.”
The contest attracted a diverse group of 40 participants, all eager to showcase their culinary talents and knowledge of Korean cuisine. After a series of intense competitions and eliminations, the field narrowed down to 12 finalists.
Among them, Patience Vincent secured an impressive third place, while Ruth Igbayiola Olowo took home the second prize. The top prize of N1 million and a trip to Seoul, Korea went to Deborah Olabelurin, who impressed the judges with her exceptional skills and creativity in preparing Korean dishes.
The event was well attended by a vibrant audience, including enthusiasts of Korean cuisine and fans of Korean pop culture, creating a lively atmosphere filled with excitement. Attendees were treated to a rich variety of traditional Korean foods, which were beautifully presented, showcasing the intricate flavors and techniques of Korean culinary art.
Additionally, the event featured captivating dance performances set to popular Korean pop songs, further enriching the cultural experience and demonstrating the deep connections between the two countries.
The jubilant winner of the contest Deborah Olabelurin, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Korean Culture Center for organizing such a transformative event.
She expressed excitement about her upcoming trip to Korea, where she looks forward to immersing herself in the local culture and cuisine and how this incredible opportunity will play a crucial role in advancing her career as a chef.
Korea Seeks Improved Cultural Exchange with Nigeria
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Christian Northern Group Receives NOA’s National Values Charter Plaque

Christian Northern Group Receives NOA’s National Values Charter Plaque
By: Michael Mike
The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Isa Lanre-Onilu has presented the National Values Charter Plaque to the Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) in recognition of the group’s unwavering dedication to national unity, patriotism, and its exemplary conduct as a corporate citizen that transcends religious divides to promote inclusivity.
Receiving a delegation of the NCYP who pay a courtesy visit to the NOA headquarters, the DG lauded the group’s patriotic stance and contributions to nation-building.
He particularly praised their courage and foresight in supporting the Tinubu/Shettima presidential ticket during the 2023 elections, a decision taken in the face of opposition from many, especially within the Christian communities in Northern Nigeria.
He said: “I have known this group for quite some time. Notably, you took a principled stand to support President Tinubu’s Muslim-Muslim ticket when many others opposed it. Today, the wisdom behind that decision is becoming evident through the visionary leadership being demonstrated—fair representation in appointments, reform-driven governance, and a commitment to inclusive development.
“This alone makes you worthy of the National Values Charter recognition, which embodies the principles of citizenship and patriotism.”
Earlier, the Chairman of NCYP, Mr. Isaac Abrak who led the group, emphasized that the group comprises Christian professionals from the 19 Northern states and the FCT -Abuja, who actively participate in politics to improve the welfare of citizens across the region and Nigeria at large.
He noted that the group’s political choices are guided by merit, equity, and the vision of building a tolerant and united society, particularly in enhancing relations between Christians and Muslims in political spaces.
Abrak identified the transformational impact of President Tinubu’s leadership, particularly referencing his tenure as Governor of Lagos State. “His strategic use of local government structures and the reformation of street youth, popularly known as ‘Area Boys,’ into productive contributors to society helped raise Lagos’ Internally Generated Revenue from N6 billion to N11 billion monthly. These bold reforms underpin our support for the full implementation of the Supreme Court verdict on Local Government Financial Autonomy.”
He stressed that the local government financial autonomy is a pro-people policy that must be anchored by the people through grassroots engagement. Mr. Abrak offered NCYP’s extensive leadership network—spanning national, state, local government, and ward levels with a workforce of over 30,000—for partnership with the 774 NOA offices nationwide to drive advocacy and implementation of this critical policy.
“The NCYP remains connected to the grassroots,” Abrak said. “We are ready to collaborate with NOA to raise public awareness and ensure that local government autonomy delivers development to the doorstep of every Nigerian.”
In his concluding remarks, the NOA DG urged all Nigerians to continue supporting President Tinubu’s administration, citing landmark projects such as the 700 km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the establishment of Regional Development Commissions as initiatives that will spur economic growth and provide intervention across all regions.
Christian Northern Group Receives NOA’s National Values Charter Plaque
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Notorious Armed Robbers/Car Snatchers Arrested in Abuja, Firearm and Stolen Vehicle Recovered

Notorious Armed Robbers/Car Snatchers Arrested in Abuja, Firearm and Stolen Vehicle Recovered
By: Zagazola Makama
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has made significant progress in its efforts to dismantle a notorious armed robbery and car snatching syndicate, following the arrest of several suspects on April 11, 2025.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation led to the recovery of a stolen Mercedes Benz C180 (color green), along with a Beretta pistol and a cutlass, which were seized from the suspects.
While some of the suspects have been apprehended, efforts are ongoing to recover additional stolen vehicles and capture the remaining members of the criminal group, who have fled the scene.
Notorious Armed Robbers/Car Snatchers Arrested in Abuja, Firearm and Stolen Vehicle Recovered
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Armed Bandits Kill One, Abduct 50 in Tungar Dada Village Attack in Sokoto

Armed Bandits Kill One, Abduct 50 in Tungar Dada Village Attack in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
A bandit attack on Tungar Dada Village in the Moriki District of Zurmi Local Government Area (LGA) in Sokoto on April 13, 2025, has left one person dead and 50 others abducted.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 0400hrs, when a group of armed bandits stormed the village, shooting and killing one individual while abducting 50 villagers to an unknown destination.
Security officials have confirmed the death and are actively pursuing leads to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend the suspects.
Armed Bandits Kill One, Abduct 50 in Tungar Dada Village Attack in Sokoto
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