Blog

Nigeria and China are strengthening cultural and media ties through sustained language exchange initiatives, with stakeholders highlighting the growing role of Mandarin in diplomacy, communication and bilateral cooperation. Speaking on Monday at the 2026 International Chinese Language Day celebration in Abuja, the Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and Director of the China […]

John Arum, the abducted University of Jos graduate has dispelled rumours making the rounds about his death in the kidnappers den.

In a fresh video released on April 20, today, the terrorists said the rumour flying online about the death of their victim is fake.

In the video, the victim could also be heard saying “today is April 20, 2026 and I am alive.

“They demanded 10 million naira for my release and 6 million have been paid, it is now remaining 4 million naira”.

The terrorist, however,warned that further delay may lead to the death of the victim.

A disturbing footage of the young graduate had flooded the Internet recently, raising concerns about his safety in the kidnappers’ den.

Watch video 

BREAKING: I’m still alive – Abducted UniJos graduate speaks as terrorists releases fresh video

Former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, on Monday, commissioned the Agbura-Oxbow Lake Road and Oporoma referral hospital in

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, has dismissed ongoing criticism of the administration of President Bola Tinubu, describing it as routine political propaganda that will not affect the president’s electoral prospects in the North ahead of the 2027 general elections. He also dismissed the relevance of the African Democratic […]

The People’s Republic of China, the Nigerian government and the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ have called on Nigerians to take advantage of the Chinese language, being among the six international languages recognised by the United Nations, UN.

Mr Yang Jianxing, the Cultural Counselor of Chinese Embassy and Director of CCCIN, stated this at the International Chinese Language Day held in Abuja on Monday.

According to China, this language would build bridges between cultures and advance business ideas and adventures.

He noted that Chinese language is the genetic link that carries the torch of 5,000 years of Chinese civilization.

According to him, the Chinese language is a shared treasure of humankind, adding that in today’s world, Chinese is not only a “gift across time,” but also a “golden bridge” connecting people’s hearts.

“More than 190 countries and regions worldwide have implemented Chinese language teaching, with over 200 million international learners and users,” he said.

“When we read famous Chinese philosophical ideas such as ‘the world belongs to all’ and ‘do not do to others what you would not have them do to you,’ we feel a resonance that transcends civilizations.

“These ideas resonate deeply with Nigerian culture, which also values harmony.

“China will further promote high-quality economic and social development, strengthen cultural exchanges and cooperation with other countries, and share development opportunities with the world.

“Learning Chinese is undoubtedly an important shortcut to fully understanding China and realizing one’s dreams through participation in mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Nigeria in various fields.

“We hope that this ‘International Chinese Language Day’ event will serve as an opportunity for everyone to experience the unique charm and contemporary vitality of the Chinese language.

“We hope that more and more Nigerian friends will learn Chinese, understand China, and enhance exchanges.”

Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, represented by by the Director of News, Mr Suleiman Musa, said the Chinese language stands as one of humanity’s most enduring cultural treasures, with its rich tapestry of characters and timeless expressions.

“In today’s interconnected world, the role of language as a tool for diplomacy, trade, media exchange, and cultural understanding cannot be overemphasized,” he said.

“The Ni Hao China programme is part of the benefits of the agreements signed between Nigeria and China, during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s State visit to China in September 2024, aimed at boosting trade, tourism, and communication between Nigeria and China.

The Chinese language continues to open new frontiers for storytelling, knowledge sharing, and mutual respect among
nations.

Also speaking, Grace Ike, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, FCT Council, harped on the importance of the Chinese language in present Nigeria.

“This event underscores the power of language as a bridge for cultures, fostering deeper understanding between Nigeria and China, two great nations bound by shared aspirations for progress, innovation, and mutual prosperity,” she said.

China, FG, NUJ task Nigerians learning Chinese language

A fresh political dispute has emerged in Osun State as the campaign organisation of Bola Oyebamiji accused the administration of Ademola Adeleke of planning a sustained propaganda campaign.

This is as the governor’s camp countered with a series of accountability allegations against the opposition candidate.

Bola Oyebamiji is the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the August 15, 2026 election in the state.

The AMBO Media Fronts, in a statement signed by its coordinator, Adebayo Adedeji, alleged that the Osun State Government was preparing to deploy negative narratives across media platforms ahead of the election.

The group claimed the alleged plan involved the dissemination of falsehoods and malicious narratives through newspapers, radio, television, and social media to damage the image of Oyebamiji, the APC candidate.

“The objective is to tarnish the image of a gentleman politician whose governorship aspiration continues to gain remarkable momentum,” the statement said.

It further alleged that attempts to link the candidate to wrongdoing had failed, prompting what it described as a coordinated smear campaign intended to persist until election day.

The group urged residents of Osun State to remain vigilant and disregard what it termed “baseless publications and broadcasts,” describing the alleged strategy as misleading to the electorate.

Adedeji also called on the state government to focus on its performance in office, raising questions about the utilisation of certain federal funds and broader economic conditions in the state.

“These are the issues that matter to the people—not contrived propaganda against a credible alternative,” the statement added.

However, the Adeleke Campaign Organisation rejected the allegations, stating that no amount of propaganda could alter what it described as Oyebamiji’s past record in public office.

In its response, the organisation said residents of Osun were aware of the candidate’s previous roles in government, including his tenure in state agencies and as commissioner.

“We have been flaunting Governor Adeleke’s achievements across major towns in Osun State and across sectors,” the group said.

The organisation also issued what it described as 30 accountability questions directed at Oyebamiji, covering issues such as asset management, financial decisions, and administrative actions during his time in office.

Among the concerns raised were allegations relating to the sale of state assets, management of public funds, pension obligations, and decisions taken during his tenure in various capacities.

It also questioned his role in past economic policies, as well as his leadership positions at state and national levels, including oversight of waterways.

“We urge Mr. Oyebamiji to be man enough to own up to his past. Voters should assess candidates based on their records,” it said.

Osun guber: Gov Adeleke, Oyebamiji campaign teams clash over propaganda claims, accountability questions

The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, has appointed Mr Sunday Adebayo as the new Sector Commander for Osun State.

This is contained in a statement issued on Monday in Osogbo by the command’s spokesperson, Mrs Agnes Ogungbemi.

Ogungbemi described Adebayo as a seasoned officer with extensive experience in road safety administration, traffic management, and stakeholder engagement.

She noted that his dedication to the corps’ mandate earned him the confidence of the FRSC Corps Marshal, Mr Mohammed Shehu, who approved his posting to the state.

According to her, the new Sector Commander is committed to ensuring effective service delivery in the state.

NAN reports that Adebayo takes over from Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM) Leye Adegboyega, who was promoted and redeployed as Zonal Commanding Officer in Bauchi.

FRSC appoints new Sector Commander for Osun

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) witnessed a polarised start to the new academic session on Monday, characterised by a mix of high student turnout in some quarters and forceful closures in others, as a newly declared Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) strike threatens to disrupt upcoming national examinations. The Mandate Secretary for the FCT Education […]

The Court of Appeal sitting in Kano on Monday issued an order to the Nigerian Correctional Service to produce Sheikh Abduljabar Kabara before the court for the hearing of his appeal.

The Islamic scholar is in custody following a judgment by a lower court, an Upper Shari’a Court, which sentenced him to death by hanging for alleged blasphemy.

When the matter came up for hearing on Monday, the presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Lawal-Shuaibu, ordered that since the appellant filed the appeal personally and not through counsel, he should be produced to appear before the court and argue his case.

The two other judges who sat alongside Justice Lawal-Shuaibu are Justice Abubakar Muazu-Lamido and Justice Ahmad Ramat-Mohammed.

“In view that the appellant filed the appeal in person and not through counsel, he is to appear personally.

“Also, in view of the fact that the appellant is in custody, it is hereby ordered that the Correctional Service produce him on the next adjourned date, April 23, 2026, for the purpose of prosecuting his appeal.

“The matter is adjourned to April 23, 2026, for hearing at the instance of the defence counsel,” he said.

Earlier, when the case was called, both parties were absent and had no representation.

At this point, a man who identified himself as Usman Malam-Hussaini stood up to inform the court that the Islamic scholar had sent him with a letter requesting his transfer to Kano from Kuje Prison in order to have unrestricted access to his records.

The presiding judge, however, summoned the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru-Maude (SAN), to appear before the court and stood the matter down.

Later, when the matter was recalled, the Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions in the Kano State Ministry of Justice, Barr. Zahradeen Kofar-Mata, told the court that the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice was indisposed and had called him to tender an apology for his inability to appear in person.

Kofar-Mata said the matter was assigned to a private lawyer and attributed the hiccup to a mix-up at the registry.

The presiding judge, however, cautioned the attorney general over what he described as disrespect to the court for failing to appear and subsequently adjourned the matter.

Appeal Court orders prison to produce Sheikh Abduljabar Kabara

The Kogi State Executive Council has ratified a series of strategic infrastructure projects, reaffirmed progress in security, and aligned more closely with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of efforts to deepen development across the state. The decisions were reached at the State Executive Council meeting held on Monday in […]