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Preservation of languages, Nigeria asked to follow the footsteps of China

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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

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Troops repel attack by gunmen in Plateau – Army

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Troops repel attack by gunmen in Plateau – Army

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring peace, have repelled an attack by unidentified gunmen in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Sources said the incident occurred at about 8:00 p.m. on May 5 at Rim general area.

According to the source, troops deployed at the location came under sporadic gunfire from unknown assailants.

He said the troops swiftly responded and engaged the attackers, forcing them to withdraw from the area.

“Troops successfully repelled the attack, and the criminals fled,” the source said.

The source added that follow-up patrols had been intensified to track the fleeing attackers and prevent further security breaches in the area.

Troops repel attack by gunmen in Plateau – Army

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Zulum meets NPA’s mgt in Lagos, wants Borno’s export capabilities scaled up

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Zulum meets NPA’s mgt in Lagos, wants Borno’s export capabilities scaled up

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, met with the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in Lagos on Tuesday during which he discussed opportunities for his state’s local creators to link into the value chain.

Zulum’s administration, since 2019, has pushed to diversify Borno’s economy while also creating a conducive environment for business and investment.

The governor, who was received by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, alongside Executive Director, Engr. Ibrahim Abba Umar, had paid a similar high-level visit to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) last year.

At the NSC meeting, Zulum had pushed for the fast-tracking of the Maiduguri Dry Inland Port; a landmark project designed to bring port services closer to the northeast. 

Once operational, the dry port will create thousands of jobs, generate significant internal revenue and boost Borno’s overall economic activity by reducing logistics costs and decongesting coastal ports.

In a related development, Zulum’s administration is also working to fully establish the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in Banki, a border town neighbouring the Republic of Cameroon, with the process already at an advanced stage.

By simultaneously advancing the Dry Inland Port in Maiduguri and the Free Trade Zone in Banki, Zulum is putting in place a coherent strategy to industrialise Borno, create jobs, generate revenue and permanently shift the state’s economy away from over-reliance on monthly federal allocations.

Zulum meets NPA’s mgt in Lagos, wants Borno’s export capabilities scaled up

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APC Backs Tegbe for Power Reforms, Cites Proven Expertise, Strategic Leadership

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APC Backs Tegbe for Power Reforms, Cites Proven Expertise, Strategic Leadership

By: Michael Mike

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has hailed the nomination of Chief Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as Nigeria’s Minister of Power, describing it as a timely move amid the country’s persistent electricity challenges.

In a statement issued in Ibadan, the party’s state leadership said Tegbe’s selection reflects both merit and the urgent need for competent leadership in the nation’s power sector.

The statement, jointly signed by State Chairman Chief Moses Adeyemo Alake and State Secretary Hon. Fatai Adesina, expressed strong confidence in Tegbe’s ability to drive meaningful reforms, citing his extensive professional background and policy experience.

Tegbe, an engineer and seasoned policy strategist, brings over three decades of experience spanning engineering, consulting, and public sector advisory.

He previously served as Director-General of the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership, where he coordinated bilateral development initiatives and investment engagements between both countries.

He also chaired the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee, playing a key role in advancing Nigeria’s fiscal reform agenda and strengthening revenue frameworks.

Before transitioning fully into public service, Tegbe built a distinguished career at KPMG, rising to become Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services in Africa. In that role, he led major engagements on governance reforms, economic policy, institutional transformation, and investment strategy across both public and private sectors.

Earlier in his career, he worked with Shell Petroleum Development Company, gaining experience in corporate operations and resource management.

Academically, Tegbe holds a first-class degree in Civil Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University and has attended executive programmes at globally renowned institutions including Harvard and INSEAD, further reinforcing his technical and leadership credentials.

The APC noted that this blend of technical expertise and policy leadership positions him to tackle longstanding challenges in power generation, transmission, and distribution.

“The APC in Oyo State is confident that Chief Tegbe will bring innovation, efficiency, and sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s power sector. His history of performance and commitment to service positions him to make meaningful contributions to national development,” the statement read.

The party emphasized that Nigeria is at a critical stage where strategic direction is essential to unlock sustainable energy solutions, noting that Tegbe’s leadership could help reposition the sector for improved performance.

It added that the APC in Oyo would offer its full support while maintaining constructive engagement with the minister-designate and other stakeholders to ensure progress.

The statement also acknowledged Tegbe’s longstanding contributions to the growth of the party in the state, expressing optimism that his new role would further deepen his commitment to national development.

The APC wished him a successful tenure, expressing hope that his leadership would mark a significant shift toward stable and reliable electricity supply across the country.

APC Backs Tegbe for Power Reforms, Cites Proven Expertise, Strategic Leadership

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