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Preservation of languages, Nigeria asked to follow the footsteps of China
Preservation of languages, Nigeria asked to follow the footsteps of China
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria has been asked to follow in the footsteps of China in language preservation to avert indigenous languages in the country from going into extinction.
The advice was given by the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. James Sule during an interview with journalists by the sideline of the International Chinese Language Day organized by the China Cultural Center celebrated in Abuja.
interview with journalists on Saturday in Abuja during
Sule said there are about 250 ethnic groups and approximately 512 languages spoken in Nigeria, the urgency to protect and revitalize these languages has never been more pressing.
He added that China’s proactive steps, including the establishment of language schools, cultural centres, and the integration of indigenous languages into educational curricula, serve as a blueprint for Nigerian policymakers.
Sule said: “Nigeria indigenous language is fast dying and we need to join all hands on deck to prevent it through sensitization.
“We realize that the younger generation are no longer familiar with their indigenous languages so we have to have a curriculum where we teach every geopolitical zone the languages that are there.
“We must not be ashamed of our language, not just the three major languages but others too.
“Teachers can learn and teach our indigenous language to ensure that they are preserved and passed onto the next generation,”he said.
In his remarks, the Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Mr Li Xuda, said that language is a great creation of mankind, It witnesses the evolution and development of human civilization.
He added that language is not just a means of communication but also a vital component of cultural identity and heritage.
He said: “For example, the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria have been teaching Chinese over 10 years since its establishment in 2013.
“Many friends living or working in Abuja find their chances to learn Chinese here in our cultural centre.
“In my eyes, Nigeria is the cradle of African Civilization with about 250 ethnic groups and 500 languages, including Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba.
“While we celebrate “International Chinese Language Day'”, never forget to celebrate Nigeria’s amazing languages, which are definitely important parts of world culture.
“By investing in language preservation efforts and encouraging bilingual education, Nigeria can create a more inclusive society that values and celebrates its linguistic diversity,”Li said.
On his part, Director General National Gallery of Art, Mr Ahmed Sodangi,, commended the Chinese government’s resilience in preserving its language towards UN acknowledgement by making it an International Day worth celebrating.
He added that to prevent the looming threat of indigenous language extinction, the Nigerian government must adopt measures similar to China’s successful language preservation efforts.
“China’s proactive approach in safeguarding its linguistic heritage has set a precedent worth emulating,especially in a country as linguistically diverse as Nigeria.
“We can urge the Federal Government to set aside days we can celebrate the various language across all the cultures in Nigeria.
“We should also embed it in our homes. Every parent should take responsibility in teaching children their indigenous languages and the school systems too so that our students can understand the basics.”
Preservation of languages, Nigeria asked to follow the footsteps of China
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Cattle Rustlers in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 212 Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Tuba have arrested three suspected cattle rustlers during an operation in Karnuwa general area of Borno State.
Security sources said the operation followed intelligence provided by a local resident, Malam Muhammadu Ardo, concerning alleged cattle rustling activities within the area.
The troops reportedly mobilised to Karnuwa at about 12:30 p.m. on May 4, 2026, where they apprehended the suspects identified as Mallam Mohammad Abatcha, 28; Mallam Mamman Bukar, 18; and Malam Modu Hassan, 30.
According to the sources, the suspects were intercepted while using a pickup vehicle with registration number WW 806 GZ Delta, allegedly employed in transporting stolen cattle.
The rustled cattle were recovered and immediately handed over to their rightful owners at the scene of the arrest.
Items recovered from the suspects included a bow and arrow, three mobile phones, five national identity cards and the sum of N20,650.
Preliminary investigation reportedly revealed that the suspects admitted to repeatedly stealing and selling rustled cattle to buyers in Maiduguri.
Security sources further disclosed that investigators suspect possible links between the suspects and members of the Islamic State West Africa Province or Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad due to alleged inconsistencies observed in their statements during interrogation.
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Cattle Rustlers in Borno
Troops Discover Illegal Refinery Site, Recover 600 Litres of Stolen Crude in Rivers
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 29 Battalion operating under the Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), have uncovered an illegal refining site and recovered about 600 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Security sources said the discovery was made at about 10:00 a.m. on May 12, 2026, during ongoing anti-illegal bunkering operations in the Niger Delta region.
The troops reportedly discovered the illegal refining site around Asa community, where a large cooking pot loaded with stolen crude oil was found stockpiled in sacks.
Military authorities said the recovered products and equipment were handled in accordance with operational directives guiding anti-crude oil theft operations under Operation Delta Safe.
The operation was conducted without any confrontation or security incident.
The Nigerian military has continued to intensify operations against crude oil theft, illegal refining and other forms of economic sabotage across the Niger Delta region.
Troops Discover Illegal Refinery Site, Recover 600 Litres of Stolen Crude in Rivers
Troops, NDLEA Raid Drug Hideout in Katsina, Arrest Suspected Supplier to Terrorists
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Malumfashi at Kafur, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, have raided a suspected drug peddlers’ hideout in Kafur Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 12:30 p.m. on May 12, 2026, at Huguma village following intelligence on illicit drug activities within the area.
During the raid, troops apprehended one suspect identified as a major supplier of illicit drugs and other substances to terrorists and criminal elements operating within Kafur Local Government Area and surrounding communities.
Items recovered during the operation included 146 grams of suspected cannabis and 16.5 grams of a substance identified as Exol-5.
The suspect and the recovered drugs have since been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and necessary legal action.
Troops, NDLEA Raid Drug Hideout in Katsina, Arrest Suspected Supplier to Terrorists
Troops Neutralise Two Terrorists in Night Ambush Operation in Borno
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Cattle Rustlers in Borno
Troops Intercept Vehicle Conveying Illegal Diesel in Bayelsa
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