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Nigeria–China Partnership Strengthens as Officials Champion Culture, Women’s Empowerment and Economic Cooperation
Nigeria–China Partnership Strengthens as Officials Champion Culture, Women’s Empowerment and Economic Cooperation
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria and China have reaffirmed their strategic diplomatic and cultural partnership, with top government officials, diplomats and international development partners using the 2026 Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival celebration in Abuja to call for deeper collaboration in culture, education, tourism and women’s economic empowerment.
The event, held at the China Cultural Centre brought together high-level delegates from the Federal Government of Nigeria, the diplomatic corps and cultural stakeholders from China. The celebration also marked the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between both countries, as well as global efforts to promote people-to-people diplomacy under cultural exchange platforms.
Speaking at the event, the Ambassador of China to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, described the Lantern Festival as a global symbol of unity, hope and renewal. He said the festival’s growing international recognition following its inscription on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list reflects the global relevance of Chinese culture.
The ambassador, who was represented by the Cultural Counselor of Chinese Embassy and Director, Chinese Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, emphasized that cultural diplomacy remains a strong pillar of China–Nigeria relations, noting that over five decades, both nations have deepened cooperation in trade, infrastructure development, education and technology transfer.
He stressed that cultural exchange promotes mutual understanding beyond formal diplomacy. “Civilizations are enriched by exchange and mutual learning,” he said, highlighting shared cultural values such as respect for family, community cohesion and social harmony.
On his part, the Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Dr. Mukhtar Muhammad, described the celebration as a symbolic fusion of two great civilizations and a platform for advancing gender-inclusive development.
Muhammad emphasized that combining the Women’s Carnival with the Lantern Festival was intentional, reflecting the strategic role of women in shaping cultural identity and economic progress.
He noted that women in both Nigeria and China continue to drive innovation, preserve cultural heritage and contribute significantly to national development.
“As lanterns light up the night sky, our women light the path to social and economic progress,” he said, pledging that the Federal Government would continue implementing policies aimed at expanding opportunities for women in the creative and digital economy.
He added that Nigeria would work toward improving women’s visibility in global cultural and economic spaces through stronger tourism promotion, creative industry investment and international cultural collaborations.
Representatives of the UNESCO Office in Nigeria, Dr. Jean-Paul Ngome Abiaga,
also spoke at the event, describing culture and education as powerful tools for sustainable development and international cooperation.
He emphasized that the celebration’s timing — coming just days before International Women’s Day — reinforced global commitments to gender equality.
He commended progress made in women’s empowerment in both countries, highlighting China’s achievements in expanding women’s access to higher education, entrepreneurship and technology-driven industries, noting that women now represent a significant share of university enrolment and workforce participation in China.
In Nigeria, UNESCO praised ongoing initiatives such as national women empowerment programmes and advocacy campaigns promoting girls’ education and economic inclusion. The organization reiterated that investing in women’s education and skills development remains essential to achieving long-term economic stability and social progress.
Speakers at the celebration urged both nations to translate cultural goodwill into stronger economic partnerships. They highlighted opportunities in tourism development, creative economy expansion, digital skills training and youth entrepreneurship.
Officials said cultural exchange programmes have already contributed to growing mutual appreciation of music, film, fashion and culinary traditions between both societies.
Participants noted that Nigerian and Chinese women are increasingly participating in cross-border cooperation projects, with many contributing to business, technology and community development initiatives in both countries.
Nigeria–China Partnership Strengthens as Officials Champion Culture, Women’s Empowerment and Economic Cooperation
News
Troops clear bandits’ camps, rescue victims, recover arms in Bauchi
Troops clear bandits’ camps, rescue victims, recover arms in Bauchi
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops under Operation WUTAN DAJI have cleared several bandits’ camps, rescued kidnapped victims and recovered arms during clearance operations in Bauchi State.
Security sources said troops of 33 Artillery Brigade Garrison, in conjunction with elements of the Brigade Headquarters and a team from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), carried out the operation in Kumbodoro forest and Kumbodoro village.

According to the sources, the operation was led by the Commander, 33 Artillery Brigade, Brig.-Gen. S.S. Shehu, as part of ongoing efforts to rid the area of criminal elements.
They added that several bandits’ camps, including Azuge camps, were cleared during the operation, while a number of the criminals were neutralised.
Items recovered include four skeletal rifles, four dane guns, two pairs of boots, three helmets, a power bank, a Startimes decoder, one FN rifle magazine, one AK-47 magazine, communication links, a jackknife, six mobile phones, arrows, radio chargers, ATM cards, photographs, identity cards, as well as several pairs of security agency uniforms and leg chains.

The sources further disclosed that eight kidnapped victims were rescued during the operation.
They said troops are currently holding position within the Kumbodoro forest to consolidate gains from the clearance mission.
In a related development, the sources said troops deployed at Duguri, in collaboration with local vigilantes, recovered 36 cows at Mushen Kura village following information that the animals were roaming the area.

“The cows are suspected to have fled from bandits’ camps due to the ongoing operations and are currently in custody for further action,” the sources said.
They noted that troops’ morale and combat efficiency remain high, while operations continue to deny bandits freedom of action in the region.
Troops clear bandits’ camps, rescue victims, recover arms in Bauchi
News
Joint security forces raid herders’ camp in Rivers, recover arms and ammunition
Joint security forces raid herders’ camp in Rivers, recover arms and ammunition
By: Zagazola Makama
Joint security operatives under the Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta Safe, have raided a suspected herders’ camp in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, recovering arms and ammunition.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 1:30 p.m. on April 12 along the IPO community axis by troops of 6 Division Garrison in collaboration with personnel of the Air Force, Navy, Police, Department of State Services (DSS) and Civil Defence Corps.
According to the sources, the raid targeted identified herders’ and cattle rearers’ camps in the area.
They added that items recovered during the operation include one AK-47 rifle, one pump-action gun, 274 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and four mobile phones.
The sources noted that the operation is part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal possession of firearms and enhance security across the Niger Delta region.
Joint security forces raid herders’ camp in Rivers, recover arms and ammunition
News
Zulum establishes quarry centre, procures 70 trucks for infrastructure development
Zulum establishes quarry centre, procures 70 trucks for infrastructure development
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has announced the establishment of a quarry centre in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area, to accelerate infrastructure development in the state.
Zulum made this announcement on Monday while flagging off the distribution of 70 brand-new Howo pickup trucks to the Ministry of Works and the State Road Maintenance Agency (BORMA) at the Government House.

The 70 Howo trucks are designed to boost the operational capacity of the Ministry of Works and its supervising agencies. The trucks will enable the swift delivery of materials to sites and faster intervention on distressed roads.
According to the governor, the quarry centre will provide locally sourced materials including granite, gravel and sharp sand to support ongoing and future road projects, reducing dependence on external suppliers and cutting costs.
“We have achieved a lot in health, education, agriculture, security, and road construction among others. However, we still have challenges of constructing roads within the state, especially in rural communities,” Zulum said.
“My administration has established a quarry plant in Pulka with a processing capacity of 120 tons per hour. The State Government spent at least 3 billion to establish the quarry plant”, he added.
According to the governor, due to the prevailing insecurity, most contractors are not willing to work in Borno.

“You know, no serious contractor will take the risk of deploying his equipment to most of the implementing areas, so this is the reason we are here”, the governor reinstated.
“So, we have no option but to strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of Works, the capacity of Borno State Road Maintenance Agency (BORMA), the capacity of special projects, monitoring departments and other MDAs that are responsible for road construction.”
The brief ceremony was attended by the Secretary to Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani, Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Works, Engr Baware, BORMA Chairman, Engr Sadu Auno, the Special Adviser on Monitoring and Evaluation, Engr Bukar Gujubawu and other senior officials.
Zulum establishes quarry centre, procures 70 trucks for infrastructure development
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