The decision by Nigerian educational authorities to teach Mandarin was a direct outcome of a recent curriculum review, Mandate Secretary for Education in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Danlami Hayyo said on Wednesday at the commissioning of a new “Chinese Corner” at the Government Secondary School in Nyanya, one of the two “Chinese Corners” introduced this week in the local secondary schools.
“In the recent review of our curriculum, the Chinese language was selected as one of the international languages to be taught in our senior secondary schools,” Hayyo said, adding that this demonstrates the FCT’s foresight in introducing the subject.
Mandarin will join Arabic and French as an optional foreign language course in Nigerian public senior secondary schools.
According to Mohammed Sani Ladan, director of the FCT Secondary Education Board, the 15 “Chinese Corners” established since 2013 in Nigerian schools have been far more than just physical spaces. “They are symbols of friendship and cooperation,” he said, noting that they also provide opportunities for students and teachers to learn Mandarin, access scholarships, and prepare for global engagement.
In separate interviews with Xinhua, school officials and students expressed appreciation for the initiative, emphasizing the immense opportunities the “Chinese Corners” would unlock, from teacher training to international scholarships.
Mojisola Akerele, principal of the Government Secondary School in Tudun Wada, told Xinhua that the new learning centers would enable students to acquaint themselves with the Chinese language through donated books and resources.
Speaking at the commissioning events, Yang Jianxing, cultural counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, described the “Chinese Corners” as a “bridge narrowing the hearts of young people from the two countries.” He said that learning the Chinese language offers possibilities for Nigerian youth, from participating in economic and trade exchanges to furthering studies in Chinese universities.
In a televised statement aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV, the group’s military spokesman Yahya Sarea said the missile targeted a military target in the city of Jaffa (Tel Aviv), while the three drones hit targets in the city of Beer Sheva and the port city of Eilat.
“Eilat will remain under the continuous targeting of our military operations,” Sarea said.
Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that a drone hit a hotel in Eilat and damaged its gate, while the missile and other drones from Yemen were intercepted. No casualties were reported.
According to Israeli media, following the launch, air defense sirens were activated in large areas of central Israel, including the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, sending millions rushing to shelters.
The Houthis, who control much of northwestern Yemen, have launched attacks at Israel since the war in Gaza broke out in October 2023. Israel, in response, conducts retaliatory strikes on Houthi-held areas.
The Houthis say their attacks aim to show solidarity with Palestinians, demanding an end to the war and blockade in Gaza.
According to the ministry, a restoration specialist took the artifact and sold it to a silver jeweler she knew. The silver jeweler then sold it to a gold jeweler for 180,000 Egyptian pounds (about 3,735 U.S. dollars), who subsequently sold it for 194,000 Egyptian pounds to a gold smelter. The smelter melted the bracelet along with other jewelry before reshaping it.
The ministry said all four suspects confessed, and the money involved was seized. Legal action has been taken against them.
The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities reported the bracelet’s disappearance on Tuesday. The item belonged to King Amenemope, a pharaoh of ancient Egypt’s 21st Dynasty who ruled from 993 to 984 BC. The bracelet, decorated with a lapis lazuli bead, vanished from a safe in the conservation laboratory on the museum’s second floor.
In response, the antiquities ministry formed a special committee to review the lab’s artifacts and circulated a photo of the missing bracelet at Egypt’s airports, seaports, and land border crossings.
The EMC is the oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East, housing over 170,000 artefacts. It has the largest collection of pharaonic antiquities in the world, according to the museum’s official website.
Museums housing ancient artefacts are a vital pillar for attracting tourists and a significant source of foreign currency in Egypt.
Before joining the cabinet, Iradukunda has been serving as the Permanent Secretary in MINICT since 2020.
Iradukunda joined the public service from the Allan&Gill Gray Philanthropy (AGGP) where he served as the Rwanda Country Director. Before AGGP, he was a Senior Director at MASS Design Group overseeing operations in Rwanda and ensuring coordination across other global offices for the design collective.
Iradukunda holds a Diploma of Public Service Innovation from Cambridge University Judge School of Business. He is an MBA alumnus of the African Leadership University School of Business and holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computer Science from Oklahoma Christian University.
Among others, Iradukunda has an educational experience through his work with Bridge2Rwanda as a professional career advisor focusing on talent development, coaching, and counseling scholars and professionals regarding their personal and career development.
He is also a Certified Career Direct Consultant with Crown Financial Ministries, through which he conducts assessments and offers personalized guidance on academic and career choices.
Iradukunda co-founded both ELERwanda, which promoted entrepreneurship among youth; and Academic Bridge, Ltd., a software development firm.
He also serves on the Board of Directors for Bridge2Rwanda and as the chairman of Water Access Rwanda, a social enterprise that provides clean water to people in rural areas.
Other appointees include Dieudonne Gatete who was named Director of Cabinet in the Office of the President (OTP). Gatete, born in 1985, is long-serving officer of the National Intelligence Security Service, most recently served as liaison officer in the Eastern African region.
Viviane Mukakizima was appointed Deputy Director of Cabinet, while Ambassador Claude Nikobisanzwe was named Chief of Protocol in the OTP.
In the Office of the Prime Minister, Leonard Minega Rugwabiza was appointed Head of the Delivery Unit.
Among others, Ambassador Moses Rugema was named Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Nigeria. Canoth Manishimwe was appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure, replacing Gisele Umuhumuza, while Clement Kabiligi was named Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service and Labour.
In MINICT, Eraste Rurangwa was appointed Permanent Secretary, succeeding Yves Iradukunda, who now joins the Cabinet as State Minister.
Thaddée Tuyizere was appointed Vice Chairperson of the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) while Jimmy Christian Byukusenge was named Director General of the Rwanda Public Procurement Authority (RPPA). Colonel Claude Nkusi was appointed Deputy Director General of the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA).
While smaller, local events have previously been held, this marks the first time a major global promotion is bringing a high-stakes, international tournament to the region, solidifying Rwanda’s role as a growing hub for world-class sporting events.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Elias Schulze, General Manager of PFL Africa, shared his vision for the event, emphasising its potential to inspire Rwandan youth and cement the country’s role as a growing sports hub.
Featuring top-tier fighters from across the continent, the main card includes thrilling matchups across four weight classes: Patrick Ocheme (Nigeria) vs. Abdoul Razac Sankara (Burkina Faso) in the featherweight division; Nkosi Ndebele (South Africa) vs. Simbarashe Hokonya (Zimbabwe) in bantamweight; Shido Boris Esperança (Angola) vs. Octave Ayinda (Cameroon) in welterweight; and Maxwell Djantou Nana (Cameroon) vs. Justin Clarke (South Africa) in heavyweight.
The athletes, described by Schulze as “proven rock stars,” have advanced through gruelling quarterfinals to compete for a spot in the finals in Benin this December.
“This is really showcasing the exceptional talent that has developed up till now,” said Schulze, describing the high-calibre fighters competing in four weight classes.
Broadcast to 40 million households across the continent via Canal+, SuperSport, and other platforms, the semi-finals will also reach global audiences, putting Rwanda in the spotlight.
{{Perfect stage for MMA
}}
Schulze, who first visited Rwanda in 2006 as an intern, marvelled at the country’s transformation over the past two decades.
“The infrastructure development is enormous,” he noted, praising the government and private sector’s investment in sport and culture. BK Arena, opened in 2019 with a 10,000-seat capacity, is a centrepiece of this progress.
“It rivals venues in Paris, London, or Dallas,” Schulze declared, citing its cleanliness, modern amenities, and ability to host world-class events. “You won’t know the difference.”
The arena’s selection for the semi-finals underscores Rwanda’s growing reputation as a rising hub for international sporting events, from the Basketball Africa League to cycling and now MMA.
Schulze credited Rwanda’s visa-free policy for Africans and streamlined processes for international visitors, which facilitate events like PFL’s by enabling fighters and fans from countries like Uganda and Kenya to attend.
“Rwanda has built an ecosystem for sports, not just for East Africa but for the world,” he said.
{{Inspiring youth through resilience and discipline
}}
A core mission of PFL Africa, inspired by chairman Francis Ngannou’s own journey, is to create a global-quality MMA ecosystem where African athletes can thrive without leaving the continent. Schulze emphasised the sport’s alignment with Rwanda’s ethos of resilience, self-mastery, and discipline—qualities he sees reflected in both MMA fighters and the nation’s post-1994 recovery.
“When I think of Rwanda, I think of getting knocked down but saying, ‘Next time, I’ll win,’” he said. “That’s what MMA is about.”
The event aims to inspire Rwandan youth through community engagement. PFL Africa is collaborating with Rwanda’s Ministry of Sports and local combat sports federations to organise activities during fight week, including gym visits and school programs.
“I was on the phone with Francis [Ngannou] yesterday, and he was talking about how self-discipline is so important, both when you haven’t made success yet and even when you’re successful,” Schulze shared. “That message of self-mastery and resilience is what the youth need, and we hope to bring it through our athletes, with activities in gyms or schools during fight week.”
Adding a local flavour, the event features fighter James Opio, who grew up in Rwanda before relocating to Uganda. Schulze highlighted Opio’s “homecoming” as a key draw, urging Rwandans to support him.
“Come out for James, or for rockstar fighters like Ochi, Sankara, and Ndebele,” Schulze said. “This is the peak of the sport.”
Looking ahead, Schulze envisions Rwanda as the heart of MMA in East Africa, potentially across the continent.
“We want to pull top talent and grow local federations,” he said, describing PFL’s “pull and grow” model.
By empowering athletes, including women who compete for equal prizes, and fostering inspiring stories like Ngannou’s, PFL Africa aims to make MMA a top sport alongside football and basketball.
“Rwanda has the potential to be associated with the explosion of this sport,” Schulze added.
The semi-finals, with early-bird tickets already selling out, promise an “engaging, dynamic, entertaining” spectacle, according to Schulze. “Come out on October 18,” he urged. “You won’t be disappointed.”
The semi-finals are expected to boost the local economy, with thousands of attendees, including international visitors, filling hotels, restaurants, and local businesses. Schulze noted that 80 people, including 50–60 fighters and their teams, will be flown in, likely with RwandAir, while local vendors at BK Arena will see increased activity.
Gasamagera made these remarks during a meeting held on September 18, 2025, between Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, and members of the National Consultative Forum of Political Organizations.
Ingabire, the founder of DALFA-Umurinzi (an unregistered political party in Rwanda), has been in detention since June. She faces charges of attempting to undermine the government, spreading false information, and planning activities intended to incite public unrest.
Her trial was scheduled to begin on September 2, but she rejected the panel of High Court judges assigned to her case, claiming she did not trust them to deliver justice, since it was the same panel that had previously requested investigations against her in a case involving other members of DALFA-Umurinzi.
On September 11, members of the EU Parliament demanded that Ingabire and others facing similar charges be released immediately, alleging that their cases were politically motivated.
Minister Nduhungirehe described the EU Parliament’s request as contemptuous, though not surprising, since it was not the first time such demands had been made while Ingabire was under detention.
“This did not surprise us,” he said. “They demanded the immediate release of Victoire Ingabire. Their request was full of contempt. It’s actually the third time: they did it in 2013, 2015, and now again in 2025.”
Gasamagera argued that the EU Parliament’s action was not only disrespectful but also reflected a colonial mindset.
“It is not just arrogance,” he said, “it is like considering Rwanda as if it were one of your provinces.”
He reminded the forum that when Victoire Ingabire was released in September 2018, it was through a presidential pardon granted by President Paul Kagame after she had admitted her wrongdoing and pledged not to reoffend. Gasamagera stressed that those now calling for her release endorsed her past actions.
“We all know what happened. We know this woman’s behavior, how she asked for clemency, and how she was pardoned after committing to change. That pardon was granted because she promised not to repeat her mistakes. Those who now advocate for her are the same people who stood by her then. But for us, the unity of Rwandans is a principle that cannot be compromised or bargained away.”
Minister Nduhungirehe also highlighted that the EU lawmakers rushed to conclusions while ignoring the basic legal principle that a person is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. He noted that Ingabire has not yet gone through intensive trials, making the EU Parliament’s intervention premature.
Named Delphi-2M, the model marks a major advance over earlier AI-based risk predictors, which typically focus on a single illness, said study co-author Moritz Gerstung, a data scientist at the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg. He noted that Delphi-2M could help doctors identify high-risk patients early, opening opportunities for preventive measures long before symptoms appear.
In the study, researchers adapted a large language model to forecast the likelihood of 1,258 diseases based on a person’s medical history, combined with factors such as age, sex, body mass index, and lifestyle habits like tobacco and alcohol use. The tool was trained on health data from 400,000 participants in the UK Biobank, which tracks long-term biomedical information.
Results showed that Delphi-2M matched or exceeded the accuracy of conventional single-disease models and outperformed algorithms relying on biomarker data to estimate risk across multiple conditions. The AI excelled in forecasting illnesses with predictable progression, including certain cancers, and could calculate disease probabilities decades in advance depending on medical records.
To test its broader applicability, the team validated Delphi-2M using health data from 1.9 million people in the Danish National Patient Registry, a database of nearly 50 years of hospital records. Predictions for the Danish cohort proved only marginally less accurate than those for UK Biobank participants.
Despite its promise, the researchers acknowledged limitations. The UK Biobank, for example, records only a participant’s first incidence of disease, which could affect long-term prediction accuracy. The team plans to expand testing with datasets from multiple countries to improve the model’s precision and global relevance.
The FCAP equips community members with the skills to work collaboratively, make transparent decisions, and lead their own development.
Through weekly FCAP meetings, village members identify challenges, select profitable projects, and receive a seed microgrant from Spark Microgrants to bring their plans to life.
This process provides both financial assistance and expert guidance, helping residents gain the confidence to drive their own initiatives.
Community members happily report gaining valuable skills in financial management and in designing effective development plans.
Clémentine Nyirakamagaza explained that she was among the first in Bucyaba village to attend training sessions part of the FCAP. Today, she leads FCAP activities in her community.
“When FCAP started in our village, some people did not understand it and participation was low. We were trained first, then we went out to sensitize others. Those who accepted joined the groups, and together we started solving problems,” she said.
“The program gave us confidence. I realized that taking care of the household does not only mean providing food, but also paying attention to cleanliness. The training became a starting point for self-development. Today, I have been able to buy two plots of land and renovate my house,” added Nyirakamagaza.
Phineas Rwamanywa, who is differently abled, testifies how the skills he gained through the FCAP and the microgrant he received from Spark Microgrants transformed his life.
“Through FCAP and Spark Microgrants’ support, our village chose cattle farming. I was lucky to be among those selected to receive a cow. It calved, and the money from the calf, funded other development projects while continuing to rear cattle,” he said.
“As a person with a disability, FCAP did not exclude me. Instead, it showed me that anyone, no matter their condition, can work and achieve the development they aspire to,” added Rwamanywa.
Aime François Niyonsenga, the Deputy Mayor of Gakenke District in charge of Economic Development, confirmed that the project has transformed citizens’ attitudes and participation in government programs.
“This project has changed many things, especially the mindset. Citizens now actively take part in government initiatives and community projects. For example, when it comes to subscriptions for community-based health insurance [Mutuelle de Santé], they now achieve 100% coverage,” he noted.
Residents commonly use the grants provided by Spark Microgrants to invest in farming, small businesses, tailoring, and digital services including those offered through platforms such as Irembo, among others.
M Hotel, one of Rwanda’s leading hotels, has stepped up its readiness to welcome guests who will arrive for the championship. The hotel has also introduced a range of new offers and services designed to enhance the experience of visitors during this historic event.
Michael Ho, M Hotel’s Operations Manager, explained that preparations have been ongoing for months to ensure world-class service.
“We have spent more than two months preparing to welcome our guests during the championship period, in line with the tradition of excellence at M Hotel,” Ho said.
To make the event even more enjoyable for guests, the hotel has unveiled special promotions, including discounts on food and beverages.
M Hotel has long established itself as a top destination for high-profile visitors. It has hosted distinguished guests attending major international gatherings in Rwanda, such as the 2022 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and the 73rd FIFA Congress.
The hotel is particularly renowned for its fine dining options, including the Panda Restaurant, which meets international standards, and two stylish bars—the “Lark” lobby bar and the “Heron” pool bar. Its modern kitchen, run by professional chefs, offers a wide variety of expertly prepared dishes.
Management has also invested in staff training to ensure exceptional service throughout the championship period.
M Hotel features 114 rooms, including both standard and VIP options, fully equipped with amenities to meet guests’ needs.
The hotel also boasts 11 conference rooms, with capacities ranging from six to 500 people, each equipped with amenities to host meetings and events smoothly.
With these preparations and innovations, M Hotel aims to be a key hub of hospitality during the UCI Road World Championships, ensuring visitors enjoy both the thrill of world-class cycling coming to Africa for the first time, and Rwanda’s renowned warmth in service.
The team arrived in Kigali on Thursday, September 18, 2025, aboard the national carrier, RwandAir.
“Murakaza neza i Kigali! This morning, we had the pleasure of flying the @BritishCycling team from London to compete in the UCI Road World Championships, proudly hosted in Rwanda from 21–28 September 2025. Join us in wishing them the very best in the races ahead!” RwandAir shared the news on X.
The championships, taking place from September 21 to 28 in Kigali, will feature thirteen races and bring together 1,400 participants from 109 countries and teams. A total of 917 riders are registered to compete for the coveted rainbow jerseys.
In the men’s category, the Elite Road Race will see the largest field with 219 riders, followed by the Men’s Junior Road Race with 172 participants. The Men’s Under 23 Road Race and the Team Time Trial Mixed Relay will feature 149 and 117 riders, respectively. Among women, the Elite Road Race has 129 confirmed riders, while the Women’s Junior and Under 23 events will host 91 and 107 participants. Individual time trials across categories will see competitors ranging from 53 to 103 riders per race.
Rwanda has registered 54 riders, placing it among the top six delegations. Other notable delegations include Spain (67), Italy (66), Canada (63), and Great Britain (34).
The event is expected to attract massive global attention, with 700 accredited journalists from 124 countries covering the races. Some 80 television broadcasters will air the competition worldwide, reaching an estimated 330 million viewers.
