AT ARMED FORCES CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE DAY

ALL IN HONOUR OF OUR NATION’S FALLEN HEROES

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima today represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day ceremony held at the National Arcade in Abuja.

Also in attendance were the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio; the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; ministers, service chiefs and other government officials.

The solemn event commemorates the courage and sacrifices of Nigeria’s fallen heroes who gave their lives in service to the nation.

AT ARMED FORCES CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE DAY

Technology enhances immersive reading experience in Beijing

By Shi Fang, People’s Daily

“Mr. Lu Xun, could you recommend one of your classic works?”
“If I were to suggest one, perhaps Call to Arms would be a good starting point…”
This conversation took place at the Metaverse Experience Hall of the Beijing Library. Supported by artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies, the hall offers visitors a novel approach to immersive reading and knowledge-based social engagement.

As one of three institutions under the Capital Library of China, the Beijing Library has introduced an AI-powered digital human modeled after renowned Chinese writer Lu Xun. Historically, Lu Xun played a role in establishing the predecessor of the Capital Library of China. Today, his digital incarnation symbolizes the library’s digital transformation.

“We developed the digital Lu Xun using AI technologies to provide guided tours, recommend books, and introduce local cuisine and cultural sites,” explained Fei Jun, professor with the School of Design, the Central Academy of Fine Arts, and creative director of the Metaverse Experience Hall. His team conducted in-depth research on Lu Xun’s life and works to create a realistic and multidimensional digital persona.

In addition to the digital Lu Xun, Fei’s team created two other digital characters, “Tutu” and “2122,” each with distinct personalities: one childlike and the other futuristic. These avatars, driven by large language models, engage visitors in conversations about literature and everyday life. Since the library opened at the end of 2023, these AI characters have participated in more than 1.7 million voice interactions.

Seven-year-old reader Wang Jiayi eagerly asked “2122” questions such as, “Why did dinosaurs go extinct?” and “Why do maple leaves turn red in autumn?” Her mother commented, “The digital humans are engaging and informative. They genuinely spark children’s interest in learning.”

Entering the library feels akin to stepping into a digital universe.
Visitors can scan a QR code to verify their identity, customize their attire, and quickly generate digital avatars within the Metaverse. These avatars can navigate virtual spaces such as the Children’s Library, Ancient Books Collection, Art Literature Library, and Intangible Cultural Heritage Library, exploring venue information and upcoming events.

Readers also interact with one another via their digital avatars, sharing reading lists, exchanging book reviews, and bridging online and offline reading experiences.

Looking ahead, the library plans to introduce additional immersive features, including personalized virtual study rooms. “Our goal is to offer a multisensory experience — visual, auditory, and even tactile — so users feel as if they’ve entered a parallel world for immersive reading,” Fei said. His team is also developing an online version of the metaverse library, enabling remote access to its digital environment and vast knowledge collections.

“Beyond traditional print books, we want to create a technology-enhanced environment that sparks curiosity and encourages readers to explore knowledge in innovative ways,” said Li Nianzu, deputy director of the Capital Library of China.

Photo shows the Beijing library under the night sky. (Photo/Fan Jiashan)

Readers visit the Metaverse Experience Hall of the Beijing Library. (Photo/Fan Jiashan)

A reader interacts with the digital Lu Xun at the Metaverse Experience Hall of the Beijing Library. (Photo from Beijing Youth Daily)

Technology enhances immersive reading experience in Beijing

Rights Groups Condemn Demolition of Makoko, Call for Immediate Halt

By: Michael Mike

A coalition of national and international human rights, environmental, and social justice organisations has condemned what they describe as the “violent and unlawful” demolition of Makoko, a historic waterfront fishing community along the Lagos Lagoon.

In a joint statement released, the groups alleged that demolition activities began on January 5, 2026, and have continued despite outcry from residents and civil society actors.

According to the organisations, government-backed demolition teams have destroyed homes, schools, health facilities, and religious buildings, leaving hundreds of families without shelter.

Eyewitness accounts cited in the statement claim that security personnel accompanying the demolition teams used tear gas and excessive force against residents, including women, children, and elderly persons. Displaced families are reportedly sleeping in boats, churches, and open spaces along the lagoon as they struggle to find temporary refuge.

The coalition further noted that Makoko is not an isolated case. Over the past year, thousands of residents across several Lagos waterfront and informal communities—including Oko-Baba, Ayetoro, Otumara, Baba-Ijora, Oworonshoki, and Precious Seeds—have faced similar evictions. In many cases, demolitions were carried out without prior notice, consultation, or resettlement plans.

The groups also referenced past demolitions in Badia East, Otodo-Gbame, Maroko, Monkey Village, Ilaje-Bariga, and Ifelodun, saying the Lagos State Government has repeatedly ignored court orders restraining such actions. They alleged that several deaths have been linked to forced evictions over the years.

“The pattern reflects a systemic disregard for human rights, due process, and the rule of law,” the statement read. “These actions violate Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights obligations while deepening Lagos’s housing crisis.”

The coalition called on the Lagos State Government to immediately suspend all ongoing demolitions, respect existing court injunctions, investigate allegations of abuse, and provide fair compensation and adequate resettlement for affected residents.

They also urged authorities to adopt more inclusive, rights-based, and environmentally sustainable urban planning that protects livelihoods rather than displacing vulnerable communities.

The statement was signed by 23 organisations, including Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), Policy Alert, WoMin African Alliance, and Norway’s Rafto Foundation for Human Rights, among others.

As of press time, the Lagos State Government had not issued an official response to the allegations.

Rights Groups Condemn Demolition of Makoko, Call for Immediate Halt