News
Vice President Shettima to Market Nigeria to Global Audience at Davos- Tuggar
Vice President Shettima to Market Nigeria to Global Audience at Davos- Tuggar
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria’s Vice President is expected to market the country to global audience at the 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum presently holding in Davos, Switzerland.
The Forum started on Monday 15th January and it is expected to end on Friday, 19th January, with series of meetings lined up for the leader of the Nigeria’s delegation, Vice President Kashim Shettima.
A statement by the Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar on Monday, said Nigeria’s resilient business climate resonates with the agenda of the 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum; the 2024 edition with the theme Rebuilding Trust.
The statement which was signed by the spokesman of the Minister, Alkasim Abdulkadir noting that the intention of the meeting held annually in Davos, Switzerland, is to provide a crucial space that offers solutions to global challenges facing countries, especially transiting countries, said: “This year, the organizers of WEF have taken a step back and focused on the fundamental principles of driving trust, including transparency, consistency and accountability. All these soundly resonate with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which is propelled by a commitment to unleashing the country’s full economic potential through focusing on job creation, access to capital for small and large businesses, inclusivity and, most importantly, the rule of law which underpins WEF’s theme for this year.”
Tuggar revealed that Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima, alongside 52 other Heads of State, including Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, and Olaf Scholz, Chancellor of Germany, as well as over 1,500 CEOs and Chairpersons of the largest companies in the world, are expected at the global event.
He said the Vice President during the weeklong Forum is expected to engage with top global investors at the Meeting and participate in a series of programmes designed for Nigeria, including a Country Strategy Dialogue on Nigeria.
He added that the Nigeria’s delegation at Davos will be part of the Country Strategy Dialogue on Nigeria, which s a roundtable that will be chaired by Vice President Shettima – with the expected participation of 60 global CEOs/Chairs.
The Minister also said Nigeria is expected to have a stakeholder dialogue entitled “Transforming Energy Demand” to discuss what companies and governments can do to enable economic growth with less energy, where Minister of Petroleum Resources will be on the panel of discussants representing the Vice President.
The Vice President is also scheduled to hold a private meeting with Dolf van den Brink, Global Chief Executive Officer, Heineken to discuss areas of partnerships and collaboration and later in the same day attend another stakeholder dialogue entitled “Treating Soil as a Precious Resource to discuss ways of tackling the trilemma of food access and affordability, nutrition and health, as well as nature and climate, where he would be represented by the Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment, according to Tuggar.
Foreign Affairs Minister said the Vice President will privately meet James Quincey, Global Executive Chief Officer of Coca-Cola Company, with the engagement ending with a private dinner with Klaus and Hilde Schwab; noting that the dinner brings together Heads of State, Government, and International Organisations as well as members of the Board of Trustees, the International Business Council, and Strategic Partners.
Tuggar also revealed that the Vice President is scheduled to have a private breakfast entitled Driving Action Under the African Continental Free Trade Area, where the Forum Friends of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) coalition brings together heads of state, ministers, chief executives, and heads of international organisations to support the implementation of the AfCFTA agreement through public-private collaboration, and at noon, the Vice President will be represented at a private lunch event entitled “IGWEL: Lunch-Restoring Faith in the Global System” by himself (the Minister of Foreign Affairs).
Tuggar explained that this Informal Gathering of World Economic Leaders (IGWEL) convenes policymakers and business leaders to discuss what an effective multilateral system can look like and how to strengthen faith in global cooperation, adding that equally, the Vice President will host a private country-focused session entitled “Country Strategy Dialogue on Nigeria,” which will delve into the priorities of the Nigerian government and engage in a dialogue about the country’s economic path. He disclosed that the Nigeria Reception is a cultural and entertainment event to be hosted by Vice President Shettima and the ministerial delegation. It will feature Nigerian food, music, national ethos and culture. An estimated 600 participants are expected at the event.
Tuggar further stated that Nigeria’s participation at the Forum’s Annual Meeting provides an opportunity for Vice President Shettima to woo foreign investors to Nigeria. He also expressed optimism that Nigeria’s attendance holds great economic benefits for the country.
The World Economic Forum was established in 1971 as a not-for-profit foundation with its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and the Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural, and other leaders of society to shape global, regional, and industry agenda.
Vice President Shettima to Market Nigeria to Global Audience at Davos- Tuggar
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
AT ARMED FORCES CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE DAY
Technology enhances immersive reading experience in Beijing
Rights Groups Condemn Demolition of Makoko, Call for Immediate Halt
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News9 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
