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Nigeria Calls for Collaboration to Safe the Planet from Threat of Climate Change
Nigeria Calls for Collaboration to Safe the Planet from Threat of Climate Change
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria has called for collaboration to safe the planet from threat of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
The call was made on Thursday by the Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako at the the Meeting of Technical Experts of the 9th Session of the Pan African Agency for the Great Green Wall (PAGGW) in Abuja.
He said: “In the realm of technology and expertise, we find ourselves at the crossroads of higher possibilities and greater responsibilities. Our world is evolving at an unprecedented pace with the major crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution threatening man’s continous existence on planet earth. It is through fora such as this that we can harness the power of collaboration to navigate theese challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.”
He added that: “This meeting is a testament to our commitment to fostering an environment where ideas can flourish, and knowledge can be shared without boundaries. The diversity of expertise present in this room is a reflection of the interconnected nature of our global community. In our pursuit of technical excellence, we must recognize that our collective strength lies in our ability to learn from one another, to draw inspiration from diverse perspectives, and to work collaboratively towards common goals.”
He charged participants that: “As we embark on the deliberations of this 9th session, let us keep in mind the profound impact that our decisions and innovations can have on our different countries, on Africa as a continent and the world in general. The solutions we seek, the advancements we make, and the policies we formulate should all be rooted in a shared vision of a better and more sustainable future.
“I encourage each participant to engage wholeheartedly in the discussions, to challenge assumptions, and to contribute boldly to the dialogue. It is through the crucible of collaborative thought that breakthroughs emerge, and it is in the crucible of shared knowledge that progress is forged.
“As experts in the fields of Forestry, land restoration, conservation and allied specialities, the council of ministers of the Pan Africa Agency of the Great Green Wall will be relying heavily on your expert recommendations to guide their decisions.
“Let us therefore ensure that such recommendations are evidence based, they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time bound.
“In our pursuit of technical excellence, we must recognize that our collective strength lies in our ability to learn from one another, to draw inspiration from diverse perspectives, and to work collaboratively towards common goals.”
The Executive Secretary of the Pan-African Agency of the Great Green Wall (PAGGW), Ibrahim Sa’id on his part said finance has become a major challenge in fighting the threat of climate change in Africa.
He said: “It is also thanks to the consideration and commitment of our countries in financing the activities. With the effects of climate change, the task is becoming increasingly difficult, requiring much greater resources. So mobilising resources remains a constant challenge. Added to this are the real difficulties posed by the lack of security in some of our countries and regions.”
He added that: “We sincerely hope that this situation will soon be resolved to the benefit of our populations and peoples, who have already suffered enough from the harmful effects of climate change, land degradation and the erosion of biodiversity.”
Director General/CEO,
National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), Dr. Yusuf Maina Bukar, said: “The commitment to addressing the impact of emerging climate change risks within and near the Great Green Wall corridor implies that efforts must be geared towards effective implementation of the GGWI at regional and national levels.”
He said: “I am very optimistic that the submission of the technical report of the Technical Committee of Experts that shall emerge from our deliberations today shall guide the discussion of the Council of Ministers accordingly.”
Nigeria Calls for Collaboration to Safe the Planet from Threat of Climate Change
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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