Fire Service Apologises To Families, Nigerians After Fatal Rescue Truck Accident Left Three Dead, One Other in Critical Condition

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Fire Service has sent apologies to the families of the three killed in a headlong collision of a car with its rescue truck.

A statement on Sunday by the Controller of the FFS, FCT Command, Momodu Ganiyu read: “The management of the Federal Fire Service (FFS) has expressed profound regret over the tragic incident that occurred around 11:00 pm on Friday at the ECWA Church Junction around Nitel Junction, Wuse 2, Abuja, following a collision between one of its rescue trucks and a Toyota Camry that resulted in the loss of three young lives and left one survivor critically injured

The statement conveyed the FFS heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and expressed profound sorrow over the incident.

The Service acknowledged the immense pain and loss experienced by the families, emphasising that the victims’ promising futures were tragically cut short.

The FFS also extended prayers for the swift recovery of the survivor, who is currently receiving medical treatment in an undisclosed hospital..

The statement read: “As a service, we are sorry over the unfortunate incident that claimed the lives of three teenagers. We know that it is a difficult time for their family to cope, considering the age range of the children involved in this fatal accident.

“The Federal Fire Service is aware that losing one’s children is a deeply painful experience that marks the radical change of the family’s life and involves a wide range of sad emotions.”

The statement further explained that the accident occurred during a firefighting operation at Avenue Plaza, Banex, when one of the fire trucks, having exhausted its water supply, was en route to refill. Operating at high speed with its siren blaring, the truck collided with the Toyota Camry, which was emerging from a connecting street at the junction.

The statement said: “We want to categorically state that at the time of the incident, the Controller-General (CG) was out of town and could not be immediately reached due to network issues. Upon being informed, the CG promptly returned to Abuja to meet with the affected families.

“He has since ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident and will personally lead a delegation to convey condolences to the bereaved families.

“While a dedicated team has been set up to investigate the tragic incident, the driver has since been detained by the police , while those at the FCT rescue center have also been suspended until the investigation is concluded.”

The Federal Fire Service reiterated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property and expresses its deepest sympathy to all those affected by this heartbreaking event.
End

Fire Service Apologises To Families, Nigerians After Fatal Rescue Truck Accident Left Three Dead, One Other in Critical Condition

Enchanting Pington Showcases in Nigeria to Strengthen China/Nigeria Cultural Relations

By: Michael Mike

There was enchanting Pingtan, a traditional Chinese performance style, on display in Abuja on Sunday as China continues to deepen its cultural relations with Nigeria.

The event which was held at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja drew diplomats, artists, and culture enthusiasts, highlighting the growing synergy between Nigeria and China in promoting mutual understanding through the arts.

The rich, poetic rhythms of Chinese Pingtan music echoed through the centre as Chinese and Nigerian dignitaries, students, and cultural enthusiasts gathered to celebrate a profound cultural exchange.

The event, headlined by Wuxi Ballads: Portrait of Watertown Chinese Pingtan Art of Performance was organised by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the China Cultural Center in Nigeria (CCCN).

In his welcome address, Counselor for Cultural Affairs of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, described the occasion as a bridge of friendship and understanding between the two nations.

He said: “Today, we gather to enjoy the Wuxi Fellows’ Portrait of Water town a Pingtan art performance. This is not just a performance; it is a gift of heritage, embodying the spirit of the Jiangnan region—rich in history, beauty, and talent.”

Yang also emphasised the uniqueness of Pingtan, a storytelling art form that originated in the water towns of southern China and combines narrative, opera, and instrumental music in the soft Wu dialect.

Deputy Director of the Wuxi Pingtan Troupe, Mr Shen Jie, elaborated on the cultural importance of the performance.

He said: “Pingtan uses the softer Wu dialect to recount the vicissitudes of life, evoking deep emotions through the pipa and sanxian. We hope this art serves as a bridge of peace, understanding, and harmony.”

Representing Nigeria’s Ministry of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Raphael Oraeluno noted that despite the geographical distance, “Pingtan blooms on this vibrant soil to foster heartfelt connections and shared values across borders.”

Oraeluno added that this art form, with its elegant storytelling and musical cadence, is similar to African oral traditions. We look forward to deeper partnerships and cultural exchanges between Nigeria and China.

The event also received commendation from Director of Programmes at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Mrs Msurshima Kighir who represented the DG FRCN, announcing that the FRCN will soon begin teaching Mandarin Chinese on its Network Service.

She said: “This is part of our commitment to promoting cultural understanding and unity through our programme Diplomatic Ties,” she said.

Director of FCT Secondary Education, Mrs Fatima Sambo praised China’s cultural outreach and noted that involving Nigerian students in such activities nurtures cross-cultural awareness.

“Without culture, there is no identity, and without identity, there is no nation,” she stated.

President of the Chinese Alumni Association and Society of Nigerian Artists, Mohammed Suleiman, emphasized the economic and creative potential in cultural performances.

“Art is not just a display—it’s a livelihood. This exchange shows how cultures can enrich each other and create employment through costume design, music, and language,” he said.

The evening concluded with thunderous applause for the visiting Wuxi Pingtan Troupe, who traveled over 10,000 kilometers to perform in Nigeria.

Their performance captivated the audience, blending traditional Chinese melodies with universal themes of love, history, and human connection.

Enchanting Pington Showcases in Nigeria to Strengthen China/Nigeria Cultural Relations

Tinubu Calls on Next Generation of Africans to Step Up with Courage for Great Africa

By: Michael Mike

President Bola Tinubu has charged the next generation of Africans to step up with courage and contribute to the making of a united, peaceful and prosperous continent
in science and technology, education and governance, entrepreneurship and the arts.

He made the call as special guest of honour at the 25th Anniversary of the Millennium Excellence Prize, held Saturday night, at the Manhyia Palace, Kumasi, Ghana.

Represented by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, President Tinubu said that Africans must continue to work together in shaping their shared destiny.

He said the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration was aimed at transforming lives, fostering inclusive growth, and positioning Nigeria as a cornerstone of regional integration and leadership.

He urged guests at the event to continue to inspire excellence, strive to uphold the values of leadership with service and invest in the youth while championing collaboration across borders.

The President praised the Life Patron of the Millennium Excellence Foundation, His Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, for the invitation extended to him and hosting the distinguished event.

Tinubu, while noting that the award ceremony had from inception in 1988 remained a beacon of inspiration and recognition across the continent, stated that its mission of identifying, celebrating and supporting those who had distinguished themselves in the pursuit of African development, resonated deeply with the aspirations of Nigeria and indeed, all African nations.

He said: “I salute the visionaries who have nurtured this institution for a quarter of a century, and also celebrate the values of honour, integrity, service and excellence that underpin its work.”

The Nigerian President lauded the organisers for identifying and celebrating Africa’s shining lights, individuals whose lives and work had lifted the continents and inspired generations.

He said: “It is no small achievement to have honoured such illustrious figures as the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Professor Wole Soyinka, President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Dr. Mo Ibrahim, among others.”

He, then, congratulated the Millennium Excellence Foundation, its Life Patron, and all past and present laureates.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu received the Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize on behalf of President Tinubu.

Some other notable Nigerians honoured at the event were President/Chairman, African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIM), Dr. Benedict Oramah (Global Intra-Africa Trade Excellence in Africa), Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno (Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize for Governance and Public Service), Founder/Chairman, BUA Group, Alh. Abdul Samad Rabiu (African Excellence in Business) and Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs (African Traditional Leadership and Business Excellence).

Tinubu Calls on Next Generation of Africans to Step Up with Courage for Great Africa