Chinese language strengthens Nigeria-China ties
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the China Cultural Centre emphasized the growing importance of Mandarin in fostering cultural exchange and strengthening bilateral relations during the 2026 International Chinese Language Day celebration in Abuja. Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of CCCIN, Mr. Yang Jianxing, described Chinese as a vital link connecting civilization, culture, and global cooperation, highlighting its 5,000-year history and its role as one of the six official languages of the United Nations. He noted that over 190 countries and regions worldwide have implemented Chinese language teaching, with more than 200 million international learners. Jianxing linked the increasing interest in learning Chinese to expanding cooperation between Nigeria and China, stating it is an important shortcut to understanding China and participating in mutually beneficial collaborations. Dr. Mohammed Bulama, Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, affirmed language's central role in human connection and global unity, describing Chinese as an enduring cultural treasure. He stressed its importance in diplomacy, trade, and cultural understanding. Bulama recalled the launch of "Ni Hao China," a weekly program introduced in July 2025 in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy, aimed at teaching Mandarin and promoting cultural ties, as part of agreements to boost trade, tourism, and communication. Grace Ike, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journali
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 10 countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadThe All Progressives Congress APC has released its timetable for the 2027 general elections, scheduling its presidential primary for May 15 to 16, 2026. The party will begin selling nomination and expression of interest forms from April 25 to May 2, 2026, with submissions closing on May 4. The presidential form is priced at ₦100m, consisting of ₦30m for expression of interest and ₦70m for nomination. Governorship aspirants will pay ₦50m, while Senate, House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly forms cost ₦20m, ₦10m, and ₦6m, respectively. Aspirant screening is set for May 6-8, with results released on May 11, and appeals from May 12-13. Primaries for the House of Representatives, Senate, State House of Assembly, and governorship will occur on May 18, May 20, May 21, and May 23, respectively. Election appeals across all categories will conclude on May 25. The schedule indicates all primary elections will be conducted within eight days. Concessions have been granted to female aspirants, youths, and persons living with disabilities, who will pay only for expression of interest forms and 50 percent of the nomination fees. This timetable aligns with the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and Independent National Electoral Commission guidelines.
Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has signed into law a bill establishing a center for the rehabilitation of survivors of rape, defilement, domestic violence, and human trafficking. The law, titled Abia State Centre for the Rehabilitation of Survivors of Rape, Defilement, Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Law, 2026, was assented to on Monday at the Government House, Umuahia. Governor Otti commended the Abia State House of Assembly for the speedy passage of the bill and praised government officials, including his wife, for their roles in its conception. He emphasized the need for societal reorientation to address the root causes of gender-based violence, stating that acts like rape, child abuse, and human trafficking are alien to Igbo culture. The governor also mentioned his administration's efforts to create employment opportunities to engage youths productively and reduce criminal behavior. The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa, presented the bill for assent, highlighting its importance and accelerated consideration. Mrs. Priscilla Otti, the governor's wife and initiator of the bill, expressed her elation, stating that the law will provide support and hope for victims, ensuring they receive rehabilitation and the necessary assistance to move forward.
Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu urged Commonwealth nations to invest in Africa, particularly Lagos, during the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit in London. He highlighted Lagos as a prime destination for global capital, emphasizing that the state offers long-term partnership opportunities. Sanwo-Olu stressed Africa's central role in the Commonwealth's future, noting that by 2050, one in four people globally will be African. He described the Commonwealth's 56 member states and 2.7 billion people as a strong platform for trade built on shared values. The governor stated that Lagos is investing in infrastructure, including ports, airports, rail corridors, and technology, to attract global capital. He also pointed out Lagos's economic strength, generating roughly a third of Nigeria's GDP and ranking among the top five economies in sub-Saharan Africa if it were a standalone entity. Sanwo-Olu mentioned his administration's THEMES+ agenda, which focuses on development across transportation, health, education, security, social inclusion, and youth empowerment. He announced that Lagos would host the "Invest in Lagos 3.0" summit on June 8 and 9 at Eko Hotels and Suites, in partnership with the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, to engage global investors and showcase opportunities. Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, also outlined Lagos's strategy for mobilizing capital and deepening engagement with internation
Must ReadShipping in the Strait of Hormuz has once again been severely affected by blockades imposed by both Tehran and Washington. Despite Iran's announcement on Friday to reopen the strategic waterway, the United States did not reciprocate for vessels bound for or departing from Iranian ports. After a brief period on Friday when dozens of commercial vessels passed through, Iran reclosed the passage on Saturday, warning that approaching ships would be considered targets. Since Sunday, only four ships have successfully transited the strait in either direction, according to marine tracking firm Kpler. These include the Iranian-flagged Nova Crest, which is sanctioned by the US, and the sanctioned gas tanker Axon I, which was allowed by Iran to enter the Gulf for the UAE. The gas tanker G Summer also crossed, but did not appear to dock at an Iranian port. The Panama-flagged Starway, owned by China-based firm Hechuang International Group, made a U-turn after passing westwards through the Iran-approved route. The US military reported that its forces have directed 27 vessels to turn around or return to an Iranian port since the blockade began. The sanctioned container ship Shamim and the Iranian-flagged bulk carrier Artman were reportedly intercepted and redirected to Chabahar. The LPG tanker Raine also turned back towards the strait after nearing open seas. President Donald Trump stated on Truth Social that the container ship Touska was seized for failing to respond to a warning. Iran also