By Jabiru Hassan

Humanitarian support and community engagement remain important tools for promoting peaceful coexistence and strengthening relationships between host communities and foreign investors.

This was recently demonstrated in Kano State, where a group of Chinese nationals donated food items and clothing materials worth millions of naira to vulnerable residents in Dawakin Tofa and parts of Kano metropolis as part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

The items, including bags of rice, cooking oil, spaghetti and wrappers, were distributed at the palace of the District Head of Dawakin Tofa under the supervision of the Madakin Kano, Alhaji Yusuf Nabahani Ci Gari, alongside the leader of the Chinese delegation, Dan Isah Chinese.

Speaking during the distribution, the district head commended the Chinese community for supporting vulnerable residents during a period of economic hardship and rising living costs.

He also highlighted Dawakin Tofa’s economic potential, noting its agricultural resources and the presence of the Dawanau International Grain Market, one of the largest in West Africa. He encouraged more Chinese investors to explore business opportunities in the area.

The donations were supported by organisations including the Henan Merchants Association of Nigeria, the Chinese Business Community Association of Nigeria (CBCAN), Shi Jin Quarry Nigeria Limited, Inner Galaxy Steel Company Limited, Yi Dong Nigeria Limited and Kanonxin Sheng Trade Limited.

Dan Isah Chinese said the Chinese community remained committed to strengthening cooperation and mutual understanding between Nigeria and China through investments and humanitarian support. Beneficiaries of the outreach described the gesture as timely and appreciated the Chinese community for its support.

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

The General Overseer of Marvels of Grace Christian Ministry, Kaduna, Pastor Solomon O. Agogo, has presented an acrostic tribute frame to former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, in recognition of his public service and advocacy.

The tribute frame features a graphic portrait of the former lawmaker alongside descriptive phrases built around the letters of his name, including “Sensitivity to People’s Cry,” “Humane and Helpful,” “Exemplary and Outstanding,” “Humour and Humility,” and “Sincerity and Transparency.”

Speaking during the presentation, Pastor Agogo said the tribute was inspired by his admiration for Sani’s contributions to society and his support for people across religious and social backgrounds.

“This tribute is a heartfelt expression of respect for Senator Shehu Sani, whose voice has remained consistent on issues affecting the people,” he said. According to the cleric, each letter in the acrostic reflects qualities of courage, compassion and commitment that the former senator has demonstrated in public life.

“In honouring him with this piece, we celebrate a life of conviction, sacrifice and dedication to truth,” Agogo added. Receiving the tribute, Shehu Sani appreciated the gesture and described the recognition as encouraging.He also thanked the cleric for his support and goodwill ahead of the 2027 political season.

By Abigail David

The abducted principal of Community Grammar School, Esiele, Alamu Folawe, has appealed to Bola Tinubu and Seyi Makinde to negotiate with her captors rather than use force to secure the release of victims abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.

In a video shared online on Friday, the visibly distressed principal said she and other abductees, including children, had spent 13 days in the bush under harsh weather conditions since the attack.

According to her, the victims had been exposed to rain, cold and intense heat while in captivity, as she pleaded with authorities not to allow the kidnappers harm them.

Folawe also appealed to the Nigeria Union of Teachers and the Christian Association of Nigeria to intervene, warning that attempts to rescue them through force had worsened their situation.

She claimed that a recent security operation angered the abductors and allegedly placed the life of one of the captives at greater risk.

The appeal comes nearly two weeks after gunmen attacked Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yamota, and L.A. Primary School, Alawusa, abducting seven teachers and 39 pupils on May 15.

During the attack, mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun was killed, while a motorcyclist and a security operative also lost their lives during rescue attempts.

Sources said the abductors later opened communication channels with the Oyo State Government and insisted they would negotiate only with the governor rather than the victims’ families.

Governor Makinde had earlier assured residents that his administration was working round the clock to secure the release of the abducted victims.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, announced the deployment of additional detectives from Abuja to support ongoing rescue operations, while the Defence Headquarters said troops had established contact with the abductors.