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…
Author: Abimbola Ogunaike
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Serious allegations of deception, human trafficking and forced military recruitment have emerged as several African nationals claimed they were tricked into fighting for Russia in its ongoing war with Ukraine. Victims from Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya and other countries say they were promised well-paid civilian jobs in Russia but were instead detained, trained as soldiers and deployed to the frontline against their will. One of the alleged victims, 36-year-old Nigerian mechanic Bankole Manchi, recounted his ordeal in a widely circulated video. Manchi said he left Lagos after being offered what appeared to be a legitimate overseas job that promised him about…
By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola A talented Special Effects and Pyrotechnics Artist, James Akaie, tragically lost his life on the set of a Rock Bottom Flix production in Abeokuta on Friday,15 January, 2026, after a sudden explosion occurred during the final stages of filming. In a statement released on Saturday, 16 January , 2026, the film’s Producer and Director, James Abinibi, confirmed the incident and expressed deep sorrow over the loss. He said the accident took place in a designated effects preparation area outside the main set while James was experimenting with an unauthorized pyrotechnic stimulation involving a gas cylinder alongside…
By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) have commenced plans to restore dedicated tourism information desks at major airports across the country, as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s tourism value chain and improve passenger experience. The development was announced on Thursday, 15 January, 2026 in Lagos by the Director-General of NTDA, Olayiwola Awakan, during a visit to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FAAN, Olubunmi Onabanjo-Kuku, at the FAAN headquarters. According to a statement shared with thegazellenews.com on Saturday, 17 January, 2026, the engagement focused on deepening collaboration…
By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola The Lagos State Government has arrested 281 street urchins, popularly known as Omotaku, in a statewide enforcement exercise aimed at restoring public safety, environmental order and sanity across major roads and public spaces in the metropolis. The arrests were carried out during a week-long operation by the Lagos State Taskforce, which targeted several strategic locations on both the Island and the Mainland. According to the state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, the operation formed part of the state government’s intensified clampdown on street begging and related activities that pose risks to residents,…
By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola The Rivers State House of Assembly said that the Chief Judge of the state has already received and acknowledged letters relating to the impeachment process, countering claims that the required constitutional steps has not been followed. In a statement issued on Friday, 16 January, 2026 evening, the chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Enemi George, disclosed that the correspondence forwarded to the Chief Judge, including all relevant documents and notices of allegations of gross misconduct, had been duly delivered and acknowledged. George explained that the Speaker of the Rivers State House of…
The Chairperson of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM, ) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, on Saturday, 17 January, 2026 expressed sadness over the tragic and senseless death of a Nigerian national, Emeka Christian, in Pune, India, who was allegedly beaten to death by two of his compatriots, Chukwudi Okafor, 31, and Samuel Eze, over a romantic dispute. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, extended her deepest condolences to the bereaved family and loved ones, stating that no family should endure such heartbreak. NIDCOM boss through a statement signed by the Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocol, Abdur-Rahman Balogun,…
Delta State has been given the ahead to host the 15th Biennial Police Games (BIPOGA 2026), scheduled to take place from Friday, 7 February, to Friday, 14 February, 2026, in Asaba, the state capital, reports thegazellenews.com. This development was contained in recommendations of the Force Sports Planning Committee, headed by Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Fom Pam Joseph, at the conclusion of a two-day strategic conference and inspection exercise held in Asaba between Friday, 16 January, 2026 and Saturday, 17 January, 2026. Senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force that attended the conference, incclude AIG Suleiman Abdul, CP Dantawaye Miller, CP…
Tragedy occurred on Saturday, 17 January, 2026 as a 35-year-old woman and her six children were murdered at Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters in Kano State, reports thegazellenews.com. The Kano State Police Command, which confirmed the sad development, said the victims, identified as Fatima Abubakar and her children, were attacked at their residence by unknown hoodlums who reportedly broke into the house and inflicted fatal injuries using dangerous weapons on them. The Kano State Police Command Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Kiyawa, who confirmed the violent killings through a statement issued on Saturday, 17 January, 2026, said the command received a distress call…
On the evening of Friday, 16 January, 2026, the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, performed sacred ancestral rites during the Oshoosi Day observances of the ongoing 2026 World Obatala Festival in Ile-Ife, invoking divine and ancestral blessings for peace, moral rebirth and national renewal in Nigeria. The Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, who stated this through a statement issued on Saturday, 17 January, 2026, said the Ooni who is also the Permanent Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) led high-level spiritual rites at the Obatala…