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Panelists Advise Nigerian Political Leader to Bridge the Gap with Youths to Curb Growing Violence Extremism

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Panelists Advise Nigerian Political Leader to Bridge the Gap with Youths to Curb Growing Violence Extremism

By: Michael Mike

Nigerian political leaders have been advised to close the existing gap between them and the country’s teeming youth population so as to curb growing violence extremism.

This was the submission of a team of panelists who spoke at the occasion heralding the 2024 International Day of Peace, with the theme: “Cultivating a culture of Peace” organised by the United States embassy in Abuja.

The lead Speaker, Rev. John Hayab, Global Peace Foundation in Nigeria who presented a paper on “Cultivating a Culture of Peace: The role of youth in promoting leadership and peace in Nigeria,” highlighted points why it is imperative for a peaceful atmosphere for development.

The panelists who spoke after the paper presentation all agreed with Rev. Hayab that the government need to engage the youth more, stressing the need for the youth to feel the impact of the government in their development so as to be committed to the country and deploy their strength positively.

The panelits are: Director of Baynakum family Counselling Centre, Abuja; Ustaz Abdulfattah Adeyemi; the Founder Transforming Church International Abuja, Dr. Rev. Sam Oye; and Building Blocks for Peace Foundation, Mr Rafiu Adeniran Lawal,

Dr. Adeyemi stressed the place of youth in peace building, warning against gagging the youth, saying looking at the calm surface is not the real peace.

He added that: “And yet, if we keep looking at them like that, there may come a time when they won’t be able to hold on any further.

“Let us not spoil the peace these young people are ready to embrace,” he warned, while charging the government to engage the youth.

He said: “So my appeal is for us not to let things just slide by. To listen to these young people.Get them engaged. Get them busy. Give them employment.

“Motivate them. Even if it is farming they want to go into, let them do their farming and enjoy their life. These are young people who know how to enjoy life.

“With small data on their phone, they can remove their anxieties. Just key into whatever is going on in the world, and they are okay.

” So I wish we can take note of this and begin to encourage our young people to begin to appreciate our culture.

“And to begin to understand that the culture of peace is not something that is negative. It has to be positive.

Oye on his part called for inclusivity and the need to get the youth on board.

He said that it is not about given positions alone but having them have a say in policies and programs of the government.

He added that the government can from time to time gather the youth and get their day on issues and by so doing they get to understand what the youth want.

He said this will go a long way to douse tension and reduce violence in the know how much they can contribute? It is when you begin to first of all recognize, because of inclusive leadership.

He said: “It begins first with recognition. And recognition has to do with diversity.The diverse competencies that our young people have is something that is very staggered.
“As leaders, not just including those who are affiliated to your party. But looking outside of your party, to look into these young people. Who are over 60%,

“They have so much to offer this country. And when Nigerian kids are not looking for anybody to feed them. Just give them opportunity to express themself. And you’ll be amazed at what our young people can do. It takes a secure leader to be an inclusive leader.

“I’m going to say that very strongly. It takes a secure leader to be an inclusive leader. And one of the challenges we have is the fact that we are not secure in ourselves.

“So it’s very difficult for us to include people who are diverse to us.

“I would challenge our leaders to be safe and know that the children you give birth to have something to do to make a huge difference in the country that you give birth to them in. These kids can make a world of difference.

“Mark Zuckerberg has made a difference today and I think there are other Mark Zuckerbergs in our country who have given the opportunity to express themselves.”

He further added, “So I think the best way to prevent violence is to let the young people know that it’s supposed to be violence against hunger and poverty, not against their own state, without which they cannot achieve anything.

“So we will not destroy our nation. We should rather use that aggression to build a great nation. I hope I’ve said something.”

Oye also added that: “And I don’t see a young man who wants to fight a country that is part of his development. The reason it is easier for our young people to destroy anything in the country is because the country is detached from their development.
“An average Nigerian kid today does not know government. He sees government as someone to fight because in all of our children’s developmental stages, government is absent. Why shouldn’t I fight something that got my father out of work? Why shouldn’t I fight something that did not allow my mother to get along? That’s the only government I know, my mother, who took care of me, who is in care of me, my father.

“So we’re saying that if government wants to reduce all of this tension, all those little little things, such programs that equip our young people and empower them are very critical to the development of this country and to the minimization of violence.”

Lawal in his intervention pointed out that all the youth needed to function as agent of peace is little support, noting that the youth need to engage more so as to move with trend.

He said: “All they need is support to function effectively as agents of peace.

“The society that we live in. Is one that is not open to Change and then if we are going to make any meaningful transformation then we have to present ourselves as advocates rather than as activists.”

He added, “In any way,this space as we speak is traditionally closed. It will not be open automatically. So you have to force your way in. So that we can continue.”

Lawal added that young people still prefer to be peaceful despite the country’s shortcoming to make provision for them; adding that those who decided to be violents are circumstantial perpetrators and do not represent the majority of young Nigerians who are contributing amazingly to the development of the country.

Panelists Advise Nigerian Political Leader to Bridge the Gap with Youths to Curb Growing Violence Extremism

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Military

CDS: African Defence Chiefs’ Summit will produce homegrown solutions to insecurity

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CDS: African Defence Chiefs’ Summit will produce homegrown solutions to insecurity

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says the forthcoming African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit is designed to unite African militaries and provide indigenous solutions to the continent’s security challenges.

Musa disclosed this in an interactive session with journalists in Abuja on Saturday.

He said the summit would be the first time African defence leaders would sit together, as brothers, to openly discuss Africa’s problems and chart practical ways forward without relying on external prescriptions.

“For too long we have been seeking solutions from outside, and that has prolonged our issues. The reality is that our challenges are within us, and it is only within us that we will create the solutions,” Musa said.

According to him, the success recorded in West Africa through engagements among ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence informed the decision to scale up the initiative across the continent.

He noted that the operationalisation of the African Standby Force, which has faced delays due to challenges of doctrine, strategy and funding, would receive fresh impetus during the summit.

“This meeting gives us the opportunity to look at it holistically and get the buy-in of all Africans,” he added.

The CDS stressed that terrorism, insurgency and violent extremism were common threats across the regions, and only collective action could address them effectively.

He further emphasised the need for a “whole-of-society” approach, noting that insecurity was worsened by unproductive populations and widespread illiteracy that made youths vulnerable to extremist ideologies.

“We must go back to the African culture of brotherliness, of a community raising a child, of not allowing anything to harm your neighbour. That is the kind of solution we must revive,” Musa said.

On the level of participation, the CDS disclosed that about 90 per cent of invited countries had confirmed attendance, describing the response as overwhelmingly positive.

He said the summit would also feature dignitaries from within and outside the continent, including senior UN officials, retired service chiefs and security experts.

“The end state is a better Africa, a more secure Africa, and an Africa where we project and work for our own development. Nobody can love you more than yourself,” he said.

CDS: African Defence Chiefs’ Summit will produce homegrown solutions to insecurity

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Nigeria, Korea strengthen cultural ties through film

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Nigeria, Korea strengthen cultural ties through film

By: Michael Mike

The Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (KCCN) has bridged the cultural gap with Nigeria by hosting the 13th Korean Film Festival in Abuja from August 21st to 23rd, 2025.

The festival aimed to foster mutual understanding and strengthen cultural ties through the universal language of cinema .

This three-day event showcased a selection of remarkable Korean films, offering Nigerian audiences a unique window into Korean society, values, and dreams, beyond just entertainment.

Director of the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria , Mr. Jeon Juho, emphasized the festival’s role in strengthening Nigeria-Korea cultural ties.

He highlighted that the event is not merely about film screenings but about fostering deeper connections between the two nations.

“This festival isn’t just about watching movies. It is about building bridges between Nigeria and Korea, between culture and community, through the powerful medium of films,” Jeon stated.

He further elaborated on the festival’s offerings, noting that: “We will showcase live Korean remarkable films, each offering a unique window into the heart of Korean society, each value, each struggle, each dream.”

These narratives, he explained, transcend linguistic and geographical boundaries, connecting audiences through shared human experiences.

The Permanent Secretary for Creative Economy, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, represented by Samuel Okpevo, highlighted the festival’s role in strengthening Nigeria-Korea cultural relations.

“This event highlights shared cultural ties and affinities and also the dance can foster people-to-people connections,” Okpevo stated.

He encouraged attendees to engage with the festival’s offerings, emphasizing its potential to inspire Nigerian artists and filmmakers. “Ladies and gentlemen are hereby enjoying us to key into this event, the Korean Cultural Festival history and values which can inspire Nigerian artists and filmmakers,” he urged.

Okpevo also expressed appreciation to the organizers for their efforts in promoting cross-cultural understanding.

“As I conclude, I encourage all the guests to enjoy the festival, learn from each other, forge meaningful connections. Together we can promote cross-cultural understanding and cooperation. I wish to thank the organizers of this great event for building a successful event of this magnitude, solidifying cultural ties between both countries.”

He acknowledged the significance of cultural events like the Korean Film Festival in enhancing bilateral ties.

“Let me also at this junction refer to this event for strengthening cultural ties between both countries, Nigeria and the Korean people,” he remarked.

Chairman of the Nigerian Film Festival Association (NFFA), Uche Agbo,, commended the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (KCCN) for its efforts in promoting cultural exchange through cinema.

“What is being done today here is very significant and to me worthy of emulation,” Agbo remarked.

“I believe and I hope all the cultural centers that are here present or that are represented can replicate such because it offers us as filmmakers an opportunity to tap into the world of cinema of the country that is being projected.”

He further encouraged other embassies to organize similar events, stating, “I will encourage more of this from various other embassies if I may put it that way.”

Expressing the NFFA’s willingness to collaborate, Agbo added, “The Nigerian Film Festival Association as an umbrella body representing the entire film festivals in the country will want to further engage on how we can promote what we are doing here today and we are more than willing to cooperate in that regard.”

Nigeria, Korea strengthen cultural ties through film

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From Science Fiction to Reality: A Glimpse into the Future at Unitree Robotics

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From Science Fiction to Reality: A Glimpse into the Future at Unitree Robotics

By Augustine Wereuche Praise

As an international student studying in China, I’ve always been fascinated by how technology bridges culture and shapes our shared future. Recently, I had the privilege of visiting Unitree Robotics, one of China’s most exciting robotics companies. Accompanied by faculty members and Chinese students, I stepped into a realm where machines are not only smart but also mobile, agile, and surprisingly lifelike.

 
Unitree has gained global attention for its cutting-edge robots, particularly its quadruped models that resemble dogs and humanoid robots capable of walking. During the visit, we were shown these innovations up close.
The humanoid robot was activated first. It began walking across the floor, its movements so fluid that it was easy to forget it wasn’t human. Each step was precise, balanced, and almost graceful. Watching it, I imagined how such robots could one day assist in environments too dangerous for humans.
Next came the quadruped robots—the “dog-like” machines. They captured everyone’s attention as they navigated stairs with remarkable ease. Designed for stability and adaptability, these robots demonstrated the potential for use in rescue missions, exploration, and even household assistance.
 

Most of the presentation was delivered in Chinese, which posed a language barrier for me. However, the power of technology transcended words. The demonstrations spoke for themselves, showing how engineering and design can create machines capable of interacting with the physical world in dynamic ways. With the help of my teacher, I was able to understand a few more about the growth and advancement the company has experienced. It was so amazing getting a firsthand information about the different challenges and adjustment the company has made to keep up with the varying demands of the market.

As I took photos, I couldn’t help but reflect on how these innovations represent more than technical achievement. They reflect humanity’s endless pursuit to build, to solve problems, and to make life better. For me, seeing these robots in action was like stepping into a scene from science fiction to reality
This visit also reminded me of the role education and international collaboration play in advancing technology. Being part of this experience as an international student underscored how innovation is a shared language.

Our visit ended with more demonstrations and a chance to observe the robots up close. I left Unitree feeling inspired, curious, and hopeful about the future. This visit transformed how I see my role as a Nigerian student in China’s tech ecosystem. We’re not just passive observers of innovation, but active participants in a global conversation that will define how these technologies integrate into our societies. The robots at Unitree moved with mechanical precision, but they represented something profoundly human – our endless capacity to imagine, create, and improve the world around us.

Augustine Wereuche Praise
majors in Communication Engineering at School of Artificial Intelligence at Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, China

From Science Fiction to Reality: A Glimpse into the Future at Unitree Robotics

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