China, Nigeria Emphasize the Need to Support Cultural Initiatives to Aid Peace

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria and China have emphasized that cultural initiatives remain one of the most potent tools of promoting peace.

The correlation between cultural initiatives and peace was made during the 5th National Entertainment and Peace Summit, themed “Cultivating A Culture of Peace” organised by the Drum Majors for Peace in partnership with the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria to commemorate World Peace Day, 2024 in Abuja.

The cultural counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Mr Yang Jianxing, said there is a close relationship between entertainment and peace as it alleviates negative emotions and provides relaxation, promoting a sense of unity among different people despite their diverse backgrounds.

He further explained that despite being from different countries, people are fundamentally the same and share common human emotions and experiences which can create conflict or foster peace.

He said: “We believe that entertainment can help alleviate negative emotions by providing relaxation and a means to forget temporary sadness.

“Therefore China places great importance in people to people communication and friendship through cultural exchange for global peace.

Yang also stressed the significance of the entertainment industry in fostering mutual communication and understanding between Nigeria and China, suggesting that cultural exchange through entertainment can be a powerful tool for future collaboration and hard work.

“The collaboration between China and Nigeria aims to cultivate a culture of peace and promote cultural diplomacy, further contributing to global efforts for a more peaceful world.

He also expressed his commitment to working hard to promote cultural exchange and improve communication between the two countries.

On his part, the Executive Director, Drum Majors for Peace, Amb. Nsikan Paul reiterated his committment to promoting peace, inclusivity, and social cohesion through the powerful channels of entertainment, dialogue, youth development, and creative empowerment.

He also noted that peace is more than just the absence of conflict;It is a condition of harmony that must be cultivated by intentional acts and efforts.

“Today, as we come together under the banner of peace, we are reminded of the immense power of creativity in shaping a better world.

“Through positive entertainment and meaningful dialogue, we aim to build sustainable cities and communities that are inclusive, fair, and resilient; aligning our efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals 1, 2, 11, 16 and Goal 17.

“We are dedicated to providing young people with platforms to discover, develop, and maximize their potential, empowering them to become responsible and patriotic citizens.

“We are especially proud of our joint effort to promote peace via the arts, as evidenced by our win as the Grand Prize winners of the Energy China Dance Competition, sponsored by the Chinese Cultural Center and Energy China Nigeria.”

UNIMAID GETS NEW VICE-CHANCELLOR

By: Bodunrin kayode

The Governing Council of the University of Maiduguri at its special meeting held on the 18th September, 2024 has approved the appointment of Professor Mohammed Laminu Mele as the substantive Vice-Chancellor (VC).

This followed the recommendation of the Joint Council and Senate Selection Board, which interviewed four applicants for the post including former Deputy VC Academics Professor Saidu Baba.

A statement by the Registrar of the University Ahmed Lawan stated that the appointment takes effect from Wednesday, 18th September, 2024.

Professor Mohammed Mele is a distinguished scholar of English Language and Linguistics with over two decades of dedicated service in Teaching, Research and Community Service in the University.

Prior to this appointment, he was the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University and had held several Academic and Administrative positions in the University, including that of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Central Administration).

Professor Mele’s remarkable achievements in scholarship have earned him numerous meritorious awards and distinctions, both nationally and internationally in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of English Language and Linguistics.

Professor Mele hails from Mafa council area of Borno State and is widely traveled across the globe. He is happily married with Children and enjoys Reading, mentoring younger professionals and engaging in charity and community activities.

“On behalf of the staff, students and the entire University of Maiduguri community, I hereby congratulate Professor Mele for this well-merited appointment and wish him a successful tenure in office” The registrar stated in the release.

UNIMAID GETS NEW VICE-CHANCELLOR

Maiduguri Floods: Over 600,000 Displaced as CASFOD , Pam Care Step In Lifesaving Support

By Francis Okoye

The recent floods in Borno State, particularly in Maiduguri and Jere, have left a trail of devastation, displacing over 600,000 people and resulting in the deaths of at least 30 individuals.

The flooding, caused by the overflow of the Alau Dam following heavy rainfall, has submerged critical infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and government buildings. Residents have been forced to flee their homes, with many now sheltering in makeshift camps.

Among the hardest-hit areas are the livestock and agricultural sectors, which are the primary sources of livelihood for many families. The floods have affected herds, leaving farmers without income or food. The destruction is especially dire for communities that heavily rely on livestock for their survival.

Unique Care and Support Foundation (CASFOD) and Pam Care Community Initiative, two organizations with a longstanding presence in Borno, have stepped up to provide urgent relief. CASFOD is currently on the ground in Maiduguri, delivering clean drinking water, health and nutrition services, and hygiene items to displaced families in IDP camps. They have also been working with local and international partners like the World Food Programme (WFP), Intersos, CATAI, and BOWDI to provide hot meals and drinking water to those affected.

Pam Care and CASFOD had previously launched a successful livestock livelihood program, benefiting 1,700 vulnerable families. However, more than 70% of these families have now lost their livestock due to the floods, further exacerbating the crisis.

The risk of disease outbreaks, such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery, remains high due to contaminated water sources and overcrowded camps. CASFOD and Pam Care are urgently appealing for additional support from the government and international donors to expand their relief efforts and rebuild the livelihoods of those affected.

As the situation worsens, CASFOD and Pam Care are working around the clock to provide critical interventions but we stress that more needs to be done. With more resources, we aim to address the immediate health and sanitation needs in the camps and help flood-affected families regain stability.

Local residents, who have lost their homes and livelihoods, are now relying on humanitarian efforts for survival. We emphasize that collective efforts are essential to prevent further suffering and ensure a swift recovery for Borno State’s most vulnerable populations.

Maiduguri Floods: Over 600,000 Displaced as CASFOD , Pam Care Step In Lifesaving Support