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Nigerians Pick Interest in Learning Chinese for Job Opportunities
Nigerians Pick Interest in Learning Chinese for Job Opportunities
By: Michael Mike
The learning of Chinese language has continued to gain traction in Nigeria as many young Nigerians see it as opportunity to make end meet.
This was the revelation at this year’s Chinese language Contest organised by the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria (CCCN) where 40 contestants slug it out to win the tournament and create a niche for themselves.
Many of the contestants are students from Chinese schools all over the country where they study the fast growing language in Nigeria.
The winner of the grand prize with cash reward of N250,000 in the competition, Chinecherem Ugwuanyi said she took to learning Chinese to better her lot by making herself employable.
Ugwuanyi, who is a student of Confucius Institute at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nsukka, said: “My first motivation is my family. Learning Chinese has six levels from HSK 1 to 6. When I began learning Chinese, I planned to learn just level 3 because I wanted to work in a company as a translator to give my family a better life.
“I wanted to help. My family is my first motivation. I wanted an opportunity for a better life because I knew a translating job could pay well.”
Ugwuanyi who believed that Chinese language though difficult to learn but learnable with dedication, said her message to other Nigerians interested in the language is that in anything, the beginning is always difficult but as long as you persist to the end, you will succeed.
She added that: “If you have a dream, know why you are chasing that dream. Forget about the noise, what people will say. Even what your own mind will say. Because at times you will be yourself’s enemy. Just believe and know that there is something that is in you greater than any other obstacle. For we have the mind of Christ.”
Speaking on step already taken to populace Chinese in Nigeria, the Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria (CCCN), Mr Yang Jianxing said many centres have been built across the country for the learning of Chinese language.
He noted that competitions like this are to further motivate people to learn the language.
He said Chinese language is one of the major languages in the world considering the number of people that speak it, advising Nigerians to pick interest in learning it.
Nigerians Pick Interest in Learning Chinese for Job Opportunities
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
Five soldiers were killed and three others declared missing following a clash between Nigerien Defence and Security Forces (FDS) and suspected Islamic State fighters in Sanam, Tillabéri Region of western Niger.
Security sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 12, 2026, during a confrontation between troops and suspected members of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) operating in the area.
The clash reportedly took place in Sanam Zone, a locality near the Niger–Mali border known for recurrent armed attacks by jihadist groups.
According to the sources, the soldiers were engaged in an operation when they came under heavy attack, leading to a standoff. Five personnel were confirmed dead, while three others were declared missing after the encounter.
The Tillabéri Region has remained a hotspot of insurgent activities due to its proximity to Mali and Burkina Faso, with security forces frequently conducting operations to contain armed groups.
Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the latest incident, while search efforts are reportedly ongoing to locate the missing soldiers.
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
By: Zagazola Makama
A Combined Army and Police operatives have rescued 12 kidnapped victims following an armed attack by suspected kidnappers in Oke-Ako area of Ekiti State.
Sources disclosed that the incident occurred on Feb. 13 at about 9:00 a.m., when sporadic gunfire was heard near their base. Preliminary assessment indicated the gunshots were from an assault launched by suspected kidnappers in the area.
Army troops, in collaboration RRS,Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS), and local security outfits, swiftly mobilised to the scene. On sighting the security forces, the attackers engaged in a gun duel, but were overpowered and forced to retreat into the forest, taking two victims with them.
Through intensified operations, the security forces successfully rescued 12 victims unhurt, while one, identified as Jeremiah Gambo, sustained a gunshot injury and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital in Ikole Local Government Area for treatment.
The troops also recovered an unregistered Boxer Bajaj motorcycle, a white Nissan Cabstar pick-up with registration number EJG-96XB, and a wine-coloured Toyota Corolla with registration number KLE-575AE, all belonging to the victims.
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
Forest guard arrested for allegedly killing son in Monguno, Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
A member of the Forest Guard in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State has been arrested for allegedly shooting his son to death.
Sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 13 at about 5:40 p.m. at the RRR Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp in Monguno.
The case was reported to the Monguno Division at about 6:20 p.m. by Maidugu Mustapha of Gana Ali Ward, who alleged that Mohammed Ibrahim Angoli, 28, a Forest Guard member, fatally shot his 24-year-old son, Ajiya Mustapha, in the back with an AK-47 rifle.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Monguno led a patrol team to the scene, where photographs were taken and the victim was evacuated to General Hospital, Monguno.
A medical doctor on duty confirmed the victim dead on arrival. The corpse was subsequently deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy.
The suspect has been arrested and the firearm recovered as exhibit.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Maiduguri, has commenced investigation into the incident.
Forest guard arrested for allegedly killing son in Monguno, Borno
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
Benue Police repel bandits attack in Ugba, one suspect arrested, one bandit killed
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
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