News
VON’s Adding Mandarin Chinese to Global Broadcasting – DG
▪︎VON DG, Jibrin Ndace
Voice of Nigeria (VON) plans to start broadcasting in Chinese languages, specifically Mandarin.
The Director-General of VON, Malam Jibrin Ndace, disclosed during a Southern African Development Community (SADC) event held weekend.
Mandarin is a group of Chinese language dialects spoken across northern and southwestern China. Ndace told participants at the event that VON aims to reach a broader audience with pro-Nigerian content.
He emphasized that the broadcasting station is committed to promoting Nigeria globally.
He said: “I am currently exploring opportunities for VON to begin broadcasting in Mandarin, thanks to our partnership with the Chinese government.
“This collaboration will enable us to reach a vast audience in China and promote cultural exchange between our nations. Let us take control of our narrative and earn global respect.
We need to be intentional about creating a positive narrative about Nigeria and Africa,” he said.
Ndace also called for establishing a partnership between SADC countries and VON.
He promised to provide VON platforms for journalists from SADC countries to share their stories and vice versa.
“We can work together to promote positive narratives about our continent, encourage travel within Africa, and foster cultural exchange.
“We need to promote cultural exchange programs, educational initiatives, and economic partnerships that foster cooperation and understanding,” he said.
He urged stakeholders and diplomats to unite in promoting a positive narrative about Africa, celebrating its common future, and working towards a brighter tomorrow for all Africans.
News
US military strikes in Nigeria killed 155 Lakurawa terrorists -Report
Dando Sibu, a key Lakurawa commander, is reported to have survived the attack because he left the location less than five minutes before the second missile was fired.
Military strikes conducted by the US in December 2025 killed 155 Lakurawa terrorists in Sokoro, a report by The New Humanitarian has claimed.
The US focus was Lakurawa though the strikes didn’t touch other jihadist groups including Boko Haram, as well as the al-Qaeda-linked Ansaru.
The publication also claimed that the attacks left 200 additional Lakurawa fighters missing in the week following the operation.
The strikes, carried out in collaboration with Nigerian authorities, were believed to have involved Tomahawk missiles launched from a US destroyer positioned in the Gulf of Guinea.
The missiles targeted three districts in Sokoto State: Isa, Tangaza, and Tambuwal, though only Tangaza is widely recognised as a core area of Lakurawa.
It is believed that Tambuwal is not generally associated with organised armed violence; while Isa is a bandit stronghold largely controlled by Bello Turji.
Although details of the strike on Isa remain unclear, Turji is widely believed to have survived the attack.
A Lakurawa camp in Tangaza, however, reportedly suffered significant losses.
The New Humanitarian reports that there were two missile hits.
The first reportedly killed around 30 fighters. As surviving members converged to assess the damage and assist the wounded, a second missile struck, killing those who had gathered.
In total, an estimated 155 Lakurawa were killed, including 19 who were initially injured but later succumbed to their wounds.
Dando Sibu, a key Lakurawa commander, is reported to have survived the attack because he left the location less than five minutes before the second missile was fired.
However, in the week following the strikes, about 200 Lakurawa fighters were reported missing. The group was also said to have lost nearly half of its cattle, which is a major source of its revenue.
(The Sun)
News
Curfew, restriction for Akran of Badagry’s burial rites
Residents said the rites would affect social and commercial activities around the palace and may force many residents especially those working outside Badagry to return home early.
Following the death of the 89-year-old monarch, De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, the Akran of Badagry., restrictions have been imposed on vehicular movements around the palace vicinity with some sections of the road leading to the place barricaded.
Commuters were said to be directed to take alternative routes.
Sources said the traditional worshippers have started observing rites necessitated by the demise of the monarch.
Security and palace officials were seen restricting movement in the immediate vicinity.
Residents said the rites would affect social and commercial activities around the palace and may force many residents especially those working outside Badagry to return home early.
News
Akran of Badagry is dead, aged 89
The demise of the monarch marks the end of his 48-year reign on the throne, making him one of the longest-serving traditional rulers in Lagos State.
Photo: Akran of Badagry, De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi
The traditional ruler of the Badagry local government area in Lagos State, the Akran of Badagry, De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi, is dead, aged 89.
The demise of the monarch marks the end of his 48-year reign on the throne, making him one of the longest-serving traditional rulers in Lagos State.
According to the palace, the Akran was pronounced dead by medical experts, after a brief illness, and the traditional rites for his burial have gradually commenced.
Residents of Badagry, who are currently mourning the loss of their revered monarch, described his death as a heavy blow, noting that the town has lost not just a king but a father figure whose wisdom, counsel and presence brought reassurance in moments of uncertainty.
-
Health2 days agoEuracare Hospital replies Chimamanda Adichie, Clarifying Nkanu’s Death
-
News3 days agoLASG Announces Traffic Diversion Tonight At Fadeyi, Ojuelegba Bridge
-
Crime3 days agoTragic: Husband’s Body Found Days After Wife’s Killing
-
Sports2 days agoSuper Eagles beat Algeria 2–0, Atiku,Obi applaud the team
-
Sports2 days agoAFCON 2025: Billionaire Abdul Samad Rabiu promises Super Eagles Over USD1.5m if they win Semifinal
-
Health23 hours agoChimamanda Drags Euracare Hospital to Court Over Son’s Death
-
News2 days agoDr. Esege Nwandu Challenges Euracare Hospital’s Statement over Nephew’s Death
-
Crime3 days agoChimamanda Ngozi Adichie blames Euracare Hospital for son’s death
