National News
ThisDay Correspondent Wins N1 million Dinning Voucher at Chinese Mooncake Festival
ThisDay Correspondent Wins N1 million Dinning Voucher at Chinese Mooncake Festival
By: Michael Mike
ThisDay Correspondent, Michael Olugbode has won a million Naira dinning voucher at the commemoration of 2024 Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival in Nigeria.
It was two-time lucky for Olugbode who after winning the top prize was picked in another draw for those with WeChat that saw him going home with two bottles of exotic spirit.
The event which was held on Saturday at the magnificent Chinese Silk Road Restaurant located at the Central Business District, Abuja, was organised by the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria in collaboration with the China Cultural Centre and the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria.
The prizes won include electronic devices, TV boxes, dining vouchers, health products among others to Nigerians and Chinese who were guest at the occasion.
The ThisDay correspondent seat number 59 was picked for the ultimate prize of the N1 million dinning voucher as the last raffle for the seat after other prizes have been picked.
He was later picked again for another raffle registered with the WeChat which saw him going home with two exotic bottles of spirit.
Speaking on the prizes, Michael Olugbode told journalists at the event that this can only be divinely arranged as he was already contemplating leaving for home after almost all the prizes have been won and the event was so dragged.
He said: “Something just kept urging me to wait till the very end especially as I had some colleagues that I needed to pick in my vehicle.
“It was great winning the voucher and I must thank the Chinese Embassy, Cultural Centre, China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, and the Silk Road Restaurant for the two prizes. In fact they have by this made me an ambassador of Chinese Culture and the Mooncake Festival.”
The Mooncake Festival, one of the popular Chinese Festivals was organised in Nigeria to promote and strengthen people to people relationship between China and Nigeria.
Speaking to journalists on a sideline of the event, the Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Li Xuda, said the festival was one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture for the past 3,000 years.
He added that the festival represents the harvest season and the idea that hard work leads to a fruitful result.
He said: “Today’s celebration is very important and meaningful because the Mid-autumn, also called ‘the Mooncake Day’ , is one of the most important Chinese traditional festivals.
“In this festival we celebrate family reunion, friendship and togetherness; like the popular proverb in Nigeria, united we stand and divided we fall.
“To stand hand-by-hand, shoulder-to-shoulder, we will create a better future which belongs to our people and benefit our two countries.”
He added that: “In the future China, Nigeria, will work together to promote our tangible and intangible cultural heritage and really further strengthen our cultural exchange and cooperation.”
Li also noted that the festival was often celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, usually in September or October, when the moon is very full and the size is bigger.
ThisDay Correspondent Wins N1 million Dinning Voucher at Chinese Mooncake Festival
FG Declares Public Holiday on June 12 to Mark Democracy Day
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has declared Thursday, 12th June, 2025 as Public Holiday to commemorate this year’s democracy day celebration.
The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, congratulated Nigerians on this occasion of 26 years of an uninterrupted civil rule.
He said: “June 12 represents our historic journey to building a nation where truth and justice reign and peace is sustained and our future assured.
“The last 26 years tells the story of our resilience, strength and courage and a hope Renewed than ever.”
The Minister while noting that Democracy is sustained with open doors for further improvement, reiterated the commitment of the Renewed Hope government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) to the universal value of democracy that is based on freely-expressed will of the people in determining Nigeria’s political, economic, social and cultural systems.
FG Declares Public Holiday on June 12 to Mark Democracy Day
Chieftaincy dispute causes chaos in Muye village in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
A renewed chieftaincy tussle in Muye village, Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State, has sparked violent confrontations between rival supporters, prompting swift intervention by security operatives.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the crisis began around 6:20 p.m. on Thursday when the deposed village head, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulkadir Maigari II, forcefully returned to Muye and broke into the palace.
The incident provoked tension among residents, especially after supporters of the current Dakachi confronted the deposed monarch. The situation was immediately brought under control by a team of security personnel from Lapai.
However, Zagazola learnt that the situation escalated on Friday morning when supporters of both camps clashed again, leading to a free-for-all fight that disrupted public peace in the community.
Security sources were swiftly deployed to Muye to restore normalcy.
“The combined security teams have brought the situation under control. Monitoring and surveillance operations are ongoing to prevent further breakdown of law and order,” the source said.
No casualties or arrests have been officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report.
Chieftaincy dispute causes chaos in Muye village in Niger
Eid-el-Kabir: IPCR Calls on Nigerians to Peace, Harmony
By: Michael Mike
Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called on Nigerians to promote peace and harmony in their communities, recognizing that peace is essential to national development and progress.
The advice was given by the Director General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, in his message on Eid-el-Kabir.
The Institute, while extending warm greetings to Nigerians, wished them a joyous and peaceful celebration, marked by love, compassion, and unity.
The Institute while noting that Sallah is a significant occasion in the Islamic calendar, symbolizing the values of sacrifice, gratitude, and community, emphasized that the spirit of Sallah should guide Nigerians in their interactions with one another, fostering a culture of peace, tolerance, and understanding.
The IPCR urged Nigerians to promote peace and harmony in their communities, recognizing that peace is essential to national development and progress, while
encouraging individuals to embrace the values of Sallah, including forgiveness, empathy, and kindness, in their daily lives.
According to IPCR, peace is critical to promoting national stability and cohesion.
The Institute also urged Nigerians to use this period of Sallah celebration to address conflicts and promote dialogue, which could help to build trust and understanding among Nigerians and also contribute to a more peaceful society.
It recognized that the country’s many ethnic and religious groups can work together to build a more harmonious society, celebrating their differences and promoting a culture of tolerance.
End
OP-ED: “A RESCUE PLAN FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT”
FG Declares Public Holiday on June 12 to Mark Democracy Day
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