News
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
News
Herdsman loses two cows in suspected attack in Adamawa

Herdsman loses two cows in suspected attack in Adamawa
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected hoodlums from Bare community in Numan Local Government Area of Adamawa have allegedly attacked a herdsman and killed two of his cows in the bush near Labau, Wuroyanka District of Shelleng LGA.
The victim, identified as Shehu Alhaji Yakubu Babare, was said to be rearing his cattle when the assailants struck on Wednesday afternoon.
His father, Alhaji Yakubu Babare, reported the incident, saying the attackers fled before help could arrive.
In response, security operatives and local hunters visited the scene, while reinforcements from nearby areas were deployed to prevent further violence.
A stakeholders’ meeting has been scheduled for Oct. 26 to address the incident, as discreet investigations continue.
Herdsman loses two cows in suspected attack in Adamawa
News
Troops neutralize armed criminal in Benue, arrest suspect in Nasarawa

Troops neutralize armed criminal in Benue, arrest suspect in Nasarawa
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have neutralized an armed criminal during an ambush operation in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, and arrested another suspect in Nasarawa State.
The operation, conducted on Wednesday, took place east of Ayilamo in Tombo Council Ward, Logo LGA, where troops made contact with the criminal elements.
During the encounter, one of the suspects was neutralized, while others escaped with gunshot wounds. Items recovered from the scene included one AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and 14 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The troops maintained domination of the general area after the operation and continued patrols to reassure residents and bolster public confidence.
In a separate operation, troops of Sub-Sector 2 deployed at Maraba Udege Community in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State arrested a suspect found in possession of a locally fabricated pistol.
The suspect, identified as Mr. Ramanu Elizabeth, was apprehended at Maraba Market following a distress call from members of the community. The suspect and the recovered weapon are currently in custody for further investigation.
The Force Commander, Operation Whirl Stroke, Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism, discipline and tactical proficiency during the operations.
He urged them to sustain the tempo of operations to ensure a safe environment for law-abiding citizens to go about their businesses without fear.
Gara reiterated the commitment of the joint task force to protect innocent lives, disrupt criminal networks and restore peace and stability across the joint operations area.
Troops neutralize armed criminal in Benue, arrest suspect in Nasarawa
News
Bandits abduct passengers, villagers in Niger, set vehicle ablaze

Bandits abduct passengers, villagers in Niger, set vehicle ablaze
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits have reportedly abducted several passengers and villagers during attacks on communities in Magama Local Government Area of Niger State.
The incident occurred on Wednesday morning when a commercial Toyota Corolla vehicle conveying six passengers from Kontagora to Yauri, Kebbi State, ran into the assailants at Anaba village along the Kontagora–Yauri road.
All occupants of the vehicle were abducted, while the attackers moved on to raid Libale, Iteri and Isana villages, where they kidnapped two residents identified as Oro and Jamilu, set a vehicle ablaze, and rustled an unconfirmed number of cattle.
One person was said to have sustained gunshot injuries during the attack.
A combined team of troops and local vigilantes has been deployed to the area and are currently on the trail of the bandits to rescue the victims.
Bandits abduct passengers, villagers in Niger, set vehicle ablaze
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