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    Aboderin-Talabi, others win African literary awards

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    Akada Children’s Book Festival founded by a children’s book author, Olubunmi Aboderin-Talabi, has emerged the 2023 Brittle Paper African Literary Platform of the Year.

    Aboderin-Talabi, who organised the first edition of the festival in 2019, is a director of PUNCH Nigeria Limited and author.

    This is just as a Ghanaian writer and culture curator, Sylvia Arthur, was named the winner of the 2023 Brittle Paper African Literary Person of the Year.

    The awards recognise individuals who have done outstanding works in advancing African literary culture and industry in the given year.

    According to a statement posted on the Instagram page of the organiser, other winners at the 9th edition of the awards include the South African digital content creator, Nokukhanya Ntsaluba, who won the Social Media Influencer of the Year and Samantha Rumbidzai Vazhure who won the Publisher of the Year award.

    Commenting on the awardees, the organiser of the awards, Brittle Paper, said those recognised are individuals who have done outstanding work in advancing African literary culture and industry in 2023.

    “We are really proud of everyone on the list. They have all stepped up to the plate and contributed towards making this year a huge success for the culture,” the organiser said.

    Aboderin-Talabi’s book festival, according to the organiser, won the literary platform of the year 2023 for “championing children’s literature in Nigeria and fostering a safe and inspiring space for children to explore books and ideas.”

    The organiser added, “The festival was founded by Olubunmi Aboderin Talabi, a children’s book author and influential figure in the Nigerian publishing industry. The festival is the first and largest Nigerian book festival exclusively for children.

    “Many of us know Talabi as a children’s book author but she has been in the Nigerian publishing space for much longer and in other roles.

    “She is currently the chairperson of the Association of Children’s Authors and Illustrators of Nigeria. Although her professional background is in corporate directorship, her true passion lies in writing for children, with 12 books published

    “With a career spanning 29 years in the publishing industry, primarily in newspaper publishing, she also holds an honorary doctorate in Media and Communications and serves on the board of The PUNCH, one of Nigeria’s top newspapers.

    “She is deeply committed to improving literacy and ensuring that children have better access to books, particularly, to read for pleasure.”

    Commenting on the literary platform award won by Talabi’s ACBF, the Editor, Brittle Paper, Prof Ainehi Edoro, said the ACBF was shifting Nigerian literary culture.

    “There is no doubt that ACBF is shifting Nigerian literary culture in ways that speak to the broader growth we are observing in African literature globally.

    “It is enabling infrastructural impact in the Nigerian literary space by signaling the possibility of a market and industry around children’s books,” Edoro said.

    On his part, the Publisher of Masobe Books, Othuke Ominiabohs, said with the Akada Children’s Book Festival, the future of African literature is promising.

    Ominiabohs said, “Because of Talabi and the ACBF, the future of literature and the continent at large is so much brighter: for a child who reads is an adult who leads.”

    The organiser also explained that Arthur won the African Literary Person of the Year award “in recognition of her outstanding contributions toward promoting the visibility of African and African diaspora literature on Instagram and other social media platforms”.

    Also, the organiser said Ntsaluba won the social media influencer of the year “in recognition of her outstanding contributions toward promoting the visibility of African and African diaspora literature on Instagram and other social media platforms”.

    Vazhure won the 2023 Publisher of the Year for “making space for Shona language literature, heeding the call of the great Ngugi wa Thiongo that we need to take seriously the “claims of our language on us.”

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    Chinese community in Nigeria celebrates 2025 lunar new year in grand style

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    Chinese Lunar New Year Nigeria

    The Chinese community in Nigeria celebrated the 2025 Lunar New Year in Abuja with vibrant cultural displays, cuisine, and diplomatic engagements

     

     

    The **Chinese community in Nigeria** recently marked the **2025 Lunar New Year**, also known as the **Spring Festival**, with a spectacular celebration in **Abuja**.

    The event, held at the **Chinese Cultural Centre**, featured a fusion of **Chinese and Nigerian cultural performances**, symbolising the strong ties between the two nations.

    Led by **Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai**, the celebration showcased **traditional Chinese performances** alongside captivating displays by **the National Troupe of Nigeria**.

    The event was attended by **top government officials**, including the **Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Oraeluno Obi Raphael**, and **Deputy Director General, Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Xu Zhentao**.

    The festival also attracted **members of the diplomatic community and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria**, reinforcing the growing **bilateral relationship** between both countries.

    A highlight of the celebration was the **exquisite display of Chinese cuisine**, allowing guests to indulge in a variety of traditional dishes, showcasing the **rich culinary heritage** of China.

    Ambassador **Yu Dunhai**, who hosted the festival for the first time since assuming office, reflected on the **4,000-year-old history** of the **Spring Festival**, emphasising its deep connection to **family and tradition** in Chinese culture.

    “There is no doubt that the **Spring Festival** is the best window into the **spiritual world and values** of the Chinese people,” he stated.

    He also highlighted the **global significance** of the festival, noting that it was officially recognised as a **United Nations floating holiday in December 2023** and later **inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity**.

    Ambassador **Yu Dunhai** reaffirmed the strong diplomatic and economic ties between **China and Nigeria**, highlighting the implementation of the **FOCAC Beijing Action Plan**.

    He recalled the **successful visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi** to Nigeria earlier in the year, which aimed at enhancing cooperation between both countries.

    “The trade volume between **China and Nigeria** exceeded **$20 billion in 2024**, making Nigeria China’s **largest engineering contract partner**, **second-largest export market**, and **third-largest trade partner in Africa**,” he noted.

    Looking ahead, the **Chinese envoy expressed optimism** about **increasing trade volumes** and expanding economic collaborations, recognising Nigeria’s immense growth potential.

    Speaking at the event, **Permanent Secretary Oraeluno Obi Raphael** commended China’s commitment to **cultural diplomacy** and highlighted the **historical ties and shared values** between both nations.

    “Both Nigeria and China boast **rich and diverse cultures**, with deep historical roots that resonate in contemporary times. From **Nigeria’s vibrant festivals** to **China’s colourful traditions**, we find common ground in our values of **family, community, and respect for elders**.”

    He reaffirmed the **Nigerian government’s commitment** to strengthening **bilateral and cultural ties**, pledging support for policies that **promote cultural exchange, artistic collaborations, and tourism opportunities** between both nations.

    The **2025 Lunar New Year celebration in Nigeria** was not only a festival of **music, dance, and cuisine** but also a testament to the **growing friendship and collaboration** between **Nigeria and China**.

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    Meetings Africa 2025: countdown to the Premier Pan-African event begins

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    Meetings Africa 2025

    Meetings Africa 2025, hosted in Johannesburg, will connect global business leaders and spotlight Africa’s diverse destinations and opportunities

     

    The countdown to *Meetings Africa 2025* has officially begun, and with less than a month to go, excitement is building across the continent.

    On 1 February 2025, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange was buzzing with activity as the media launch event for this eagerly anticipated gathering was held.

    The event, hosted by South African Tourism in partnership with the Gauteng Tourism Authority, Johannesburg Tourism Company, and the Sandton Convention Centre, is set to take place from 24 to 26 February 2025 at the prestigious Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, in the Gauteng Province.

    This year’s edition promises to be even more significant, as it paves the way for the historic G20 Summit, which will be hosted on African soil for the very first time in November 2025.

    In 2024, *Meetings Africa* generated an impressive economic impact of R145 million directly, with an additional R275 million in indirect impact.

    This brought the total contribution to South Africa’s economy to R420 million. This success builds on the achievements of 2023, when the event contributed R388.5 million, with R133.9 million coming directly and R254.5 million indirectly into the country’s economy.

    Speaking at the media launch, South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Honourable Patricia de Lille, emphasised the event’s importance in connecting Africa’s business events stakeholders with influential international buyers.

    “*Meetings Africa 2025* aims to continue to spotlight Africa’s diverse destinations and unique offerings for business events by unlocking Africa’s Opportunities Through Quality Connections,” she remarked.

    “The event serves as a platform for business deals, knowledge sharing, and cross-sector partnerships, with a strong emphasis on enabling meaningful networking opportunities to support industry growth.”

    Mlungisi Mabaso, Acting Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, also addressed the audience during the launch. He highlighted the economic benefits of hosting such major events, stating, “As a city of a thousand hellos, we are the beating heart of business connections for South Africa and the continent.

    Events like *Meetings Africa* not only attract visitors to our shores, but they also create economic opportunities that generate jobs, boost our township economy, and grow our already solid reputation as a premier business hub for the continent.”

     

    **Event Highlights:**

     

    – **Business Opportunities Networking Day (BONDay):** 24 February 2025
    – **Exhibition Days:** 25-26 February 2025
    – **Venue:** Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg

     

    With the business tourism sector continuing to grow, *Meetings Africa 2025* is set to become a cornerstone of the African events calendar.

    The event’s continued success underscores South Africa’s position as a global leader in business tourism and a gateway to Africa’s vast economic opportunities.

    For more information and to register, visit [www.meetingsafrica.co.za](http://www.meetingsafrica.co.za).

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    Nigeria showcases rich royal legacy at Kings and Queens of Africa exhibition

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    Nigeria Kings and Queens of Africa Exhibition

    Nigeria’s royal legacy takes centre stage at the Louvre Abu Dhabi in a breathtaking exhibition exploring African heritage from January 28–30, 2025

     

    The cultural heritage of Nigeria will take centre stage at the highly anticipated *Kings and Queens of Africa: Forms and Figures of Power* exhibition, scheduled to run from January 28 to 30, 2025, at the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

    Also read: Anambra Government clarifies stance on traditional worship, emphasizes crime prevention

    This extraordinary event is part of the broader *African Museums Today and Tomorrow* programme, which aims to highlight the richness of Africa’s cultural contributions to global heritage.

    The exhibition will feature a remarkable collection of approximately 300 objects, offering an in-depth exploration of African royalty, with a special focus on Nigeria’s iconic kingdoms.

    Representing Nigeria at this prestigious event, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, emphasised the nation’s significant role in shaping the global cultural narrative.

    “This exhibition is not only a celebration of Nigeria’s kingdoms, but also serves to elevate our nation’s position in the global conversation about African heritage and cultural preservation,” Musawa stated.

    She described the exhibition as an opportunity to showcase the powerful symbolism, spirituality, and artistry of Nigerian royal traditions, from the ancient Yoruba Kingdoms to the Benin and Hausa Kingdoms.

    The exhibition will present a stunning array of artifacts, many of which have been loaned through the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) and form part of Nigeria’s national collection.

    These treasures, spanning centuries of royal history, offer visitors an intimate look at the cultural and artistic achievements of Nigerian monarchies.

    Key highlights will include objects from the Yoruba Kingdoms of Ife, Owo, and Ijebu. These items include intricate terracotta portraits of royal figures and depictions of Queen Oluwo, showcasing the remarkable craftsmanship of Yoruba artists in the 12th to 15th centuries.

    In addition to the Yoruba pieces, the exhibition will also shine a spotlight on the Benin Kingdom. Known for its sophisticated copper alloy and ivory works, the Benin Kingdom’s artifacts demonstrate the exceptional artistry that defined the Edo dynasty.

    These objects reflect the powerful royal authority of the Benin kings and the kingdom’s lasting influence on global art traditions.

    Furthermore, the exhibition will feature objects from the Hausa Kingdoms, underscoring the region’s complex societal structures and its broad cultural and political impact across Africa.

    These items highlight the intricate royal traditions and artistic achievements that have shaped African heritage over centuries.

    Musawa noted that the exhibition represents Nigeria’s continued commitment to cultural diplomacy and international collaboration.

    By lending these significant objects to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Nigeria reinforces its dedication to sharing its cultural treasures with the world and promoting a deeper understanding of African heritage.

    The exhibition also serves to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates, fostering cooperation in art, culture, and tourism.

    “This collaboration not only highlights Nigeria’s rich cultural assets but also enhances our international standing, creating lasting connections between Africa and global audiences,” Musawa added.

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