September 12, 2024

NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

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1 Group uses drama to tackle child marriage in Abuja community

2 Why gas flaring persists in Nigeria – Expert

3 Enhance $700m SURWASH programme implementation, FG tells states

4 Tinubu’ll land Nigeria safely from turbulence- Akume

5 Stakeholders seek multi-sectoral approach to nutrition outcomes

General News

FOCAC instrumental to $280bn trade between Africa, China – Tinubu

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu says the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has been instrumental to the flourishing economic partnership and trade between Africa and China, which has grown to about 280 billion dollars.

 

Tinubu said this in his opening remarks at the the 2024 FOCAC Summit holding in Beijing, China, from Sept. 4 to Sept. 6.

 

He said the establishment of FOCAC in 2000 had been pivotal in strengthening economic ties and reaffirming the commitment of China and African countries to mutual progress.

 

He said one of the highest points of the collaboration between Africa and China was the flourishing economic partnership and trade between Africa and China, which had grown to about 280 billion dollars.

 

According to him, this impressive figures speak volumes about the extent of the economic relationship and expanding integration of African and Chinese markets.

 

He also said the China-African relationship was built on a foundation of trust, mutual respect and the pursuit of common goals.

 

“As we look to the future, it is crucial that we maintain the momentum, peaceful dialogue, transparent business practices, diplomatic, conflict resolution remains at the forefront of our efforts.

 

“These values will ensure that the bond between Africa and China continue to deepen and benefit both regions for the generations yet to come.

 

“The partnership is not only about shared history, it is driven by a bold collective vision for the future. By pulling our strength and resources, we can unlock unprecedented level of growth and development for our nations,” said Tinubu.

 

The Nigerian leader said the Africa and China relationship was a bond that had not only endured but grown stronger since its inception in the early 50s.

 

“This relationship has transcended continental challenges and become a true testament to the power of mutual respect and cooperation.

 

“What began as a China support for African nations at independence has evolved into a rich, multifaceted partnership spanning trade, investment and diplomacy,” he said.

 

He said China had consistently demonstrated its commitment to Africa, not only through financial and developmental support, but also through cultural changes that brought China and African countries closer.

 

 

NAN reports that FOCAC  is the most comprehensive platform that promotes the China-Africa relationship.

 

Since its inception in 2000, FOCACaims to, among other things, foster cooperation for the development of China and Africa, with China supporting the implementation of the African Union’s 2063 Agenda – the blueprint for turning Africa into a future economic power house.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

edited by Sadiya Hamza

General News

VON partnering China to broadcast in Mandarin- D-G

By Mark Longyen

The Director-General, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Malam Jibrin Ndace, says the organisation is currently working in partnership with China to begin broadcasting in Mandarin, China’s official language.

 

Ndace disclosed this at a dinner organised by Southern African Development Community (SADC) group of ambassadors and High Commissioners on Saturday in Abuja.

 

He said that the initiative would enable VON to reach a vast audience in China and promote cultural exchange between Nigeria, China and Africa.

 

According to him, it will also go a long way to consistently tell positive stories about Nigeria and Africa, as well as promote a positive narrative about the nation and the continent.

 

“I am currently exploring opportunities for VON to begin broadcasting in Mandarin, courtesy of 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 let the world respect us.We need to be intentional about creating a positive narrative about Nigeria and Africa,” he said.

 

Ndace suggested the establishment of a partnership between SADC countries and VON, stressing that Africans share a common destiny, and should acknowledge and work towards it.

 

He said that by working together, they could collectively create a unified narrative that would showcase the best of Africa.

 

The D-G said he was willing to offer VON’s platform to all SADC countries willing to work with it, so as to consistently tell positive stories about Africa.

 

“We can offer our platforms to 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 the African continent, and foster cultural exchange.

 

“We need to promote cultural exchange programmes, educational initiatives, and economic partnerships that foster cooperation and understanding,” he said.

 

The VON boss noted that  Africa was replete with abundant beauty and diversity, which should be leveraged by its people and showcased to the world.

 

He urged Africans to celebrate their diversity, cultures and achievements, and define themselves by their strengths, resilience, and beauty.

 

“We are not defined by our challenges; we are defined by our ability to overcome them.

 

“Let us unite in our efforts to promote a positive narrative about our continent, celebrate our common future and work towards a brighter tomorrow for all Africans,” Ndace said.

 

Also speaking, Angolan Ambassador to Nigeria José Zau said that the bloc’s 32nd anniversary was a reminder of the strong bonds of solidarity and cooperation that existed among its 16 member-states.

 

Zau said that it also marked the transfer of SADC’s chairmanship from President Joe Mrosso of Mozambique to President Emerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe.

 

He said that Mnangagwa’s chairmanship would focus on promoting innovation, which he described as crucial to unlocking opportunities for sustainable economic growth and development.

 

The ambassador said that over the years, SADC had faced numerous challenges, including the fight against apartheid in South Africa, the consolidation of independence, and the implementation of democratic systems.

 

According to him, it has made significant progress in promoting economic growth, social justice, and human development, through the collective efforts of its members.

 

He expressed appreciation for the support and cooperation which SADC had received from Nigeria, saying that the bloc looks forward to strengthening ties with other countries.

 

“We will continue to work towards achieving lasting peace and security in the region, particularly in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the province of Cabo Delgado in Mozambique.

 

“As we celebrate this anniversary, we are reminded of the importance of our partnership with other regions and countries, including Russia.

 

“Our mission is clear; to promote sustainable, equitable growth and socioeconomic development through regional cooperation, deep integration, good governance, and lasting peace and security.

 

“We are committed to creating a better future for the people of Southern Africa, and we are making steady progress towards achieving our goals,” the envoy said.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 16-member SADC is a strong African subregional bloc,  which focuses on industrialisation, food security, adventure tourism, emerging as a stable and effective bloc in international relations.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Foreign

Nigeria can replicate China’s media approach to driving modernisation – Expert

By Sarafina Christopher

Mr Shen Haixiong, Director-General of China Media Group (CMG) said Nigeria could replicate China’s media approach to driving modernisation.

He said this on Friday in Abuja at a seminar organised by CMG with the theme: “Global Opportunities in Deepening China’s Reform in the New Era.”

According to Haixiong, a strategic media approach could help bridge the gap between government initiatives and public understanding.

He noted that CMG has been striving to tell the story of China’s reform, it’s opening up, and the process of its modernisation as well as how it is actively building bridges and ties for exchanges, dialogue and mutual learning with the rest of the world.

“We are actively fulfilling our media responsibilities, producing a large number of high-quality features and documentaries like “Charting the Decade,” and “Our Journey,” – in order to present to the world the vitality and impressive practices of Chinese modernisation.

“We actively promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges through brand projects such as the CMG Forum, the CMG media partners mechanism, and the “Opportunities in China” Global Media Dialogue.

“We believe in promoting exchanges and mutual learning among civilisations, and establishing platforms for collective wisdom and discussion.

“We are actively expanding our international ‘circle of friends,’collaborating extensively with cultural institutions, international organisations, and think tanks from various countries.

“We are jointly exploring and sharing the global opportunities arising from China’s deepening reforms in the new era, and contributing greater efforts to achieving a world of peaceful development, mutually beneficial cooperation, and shared prosperity,” he said.

In his remarks, Mr Raphael Oni, the Dean of Diplomatic journalists in Nigeria, said as Nigeria seeks to modernise its infrastructure and services, the insights from the seminar have provided a roadmap for leveraging media as a powerful tool for change. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

General News

Nigeria, China hold crucial talk on Evergreen City- Envoy

 

By Salif Atojoko

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, said his team had a meeting on Thursday with the management of China National Building Materials Corporation (CNBM), Beijing, China.

He said, in statement on Friday, that discussion at the meeting focused on areas of mutual interest with respect to the Evergreen City Project.

He said the Chinese delegation was led by Mr Li Xinhua CNBM Group Executive General Manager, in the company of Mr Yin Zhisong, Chairman of Sinoma International Engineering Company.

“This prospective collaboration requires structured and effective follow-up. Our team will not fail to ensure that the next steps are achieved in a timely and meticulous fashion.

“Our team was briefed on the composition and production process of new technologies being produced by CNBM with a historic overview of their decades-long development process across service lines,” he said.

Additionally, he said his team witnessed a demonstration of CNBM’s cutting-edge emissions control infrastructure with a dynamic display of constantly changing emissions values from the entities.

“The company’s commitment to decarbonisation was inspiring in its accountability but more impressive in that it equally provides a fresh and articulated pathway to enhanced operational efficiency,” he said.

According to Ngelale, a significant initial investment by CNBM to modify industrial process has now become a net-positive source of long-term savings, increased revenues, and ecological sustainability.

CNBM is valued at well over 100 billion dollars and it is the world’s topmost producer of fiber glass, gypsum board, wind blade technology, and other critical materials.

Ngelale also had a bilateral meeting with China’s Ecology Minister, Mr Zhao Yingmin, who represented China’s Special Envoy on Climate, where areas of mutual concern and cooperation in the sphere of climate action were broached.

“The Nigerian and Chinese sides share the view that new and clean energies must be sufficiently financed, developed, and operationalised before any attempt at modifying traditional energy supply and demand ecosystems can occur.”

The two sides exchanged views on how to deepen coordinated collaboration within multilateral fora in the areas of common perspectives and approaches.

He said these areas include various ways in which climate change is impacting emerging markets in the global south.

“I communicated Nigeria’s position relating to its development of a truly circular economy amid its new push for value chain localization across renewable energy technology manufacturing industries and the need for Nigerian workers to benefit from the energy transition on a mass scale.

“I further emphasized that China’s new Africa Solar Belt programme will be incomplete if it does not inculcate supply chain diversification into developing markets, especially Africa’s largest market.

“This point was well received by the Chinese side with further discussion expected in this direction in the time to come,” he said.

Ngelale added that the two sides also agreed to advance technical cooperation in afforestation and counter-desertification efforts.

He said this would empower vulnerable Nigerians to find sustainable economic opportunity in the process of building the nation’s climate resiliency.

“Nigeria’s active carbon sink development is one that wins for our people and for our environment.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

General News

Project Evergreen committee strategises with Chinese partners

By Salif Atojoko

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen, said the committee held a strategic meeting with the management of CATL, EV Battery Manufacturer, on Wednesday in Ningde, China.

 

He said the meeting was part of a working visit by the team overseeing the execution of Nigeria’s renewable energy technology manufacturing zone, Evergreen City, to the company.

 

In a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, Ngelale said that the team included Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State and Dr Lazarus Angbazo, Managing Director/CEO of the Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria (InfraCorp).

“We began with a tour of their facilities, which provided a window into the company’s history, present, and future development plans.

 

“We were given a no-photographs-allowed tour of the automated production lines, which were an inspiring marvel to behold.

 

“After the tour, our team interfaced with CATL’s Executive Management and apprised them of our zone’s progress with a detailed view into what our collaboration would entail,” he said.

Ngelale said the management of CATL made a presentation of how their technologies and associated financing platforms could be tailored to the unique requirements of Evergreen City.

 

He said that Sule detailed local policy and how the partnership would be supported at the sub-national level, “While I communicated the vision of the zone in the context of the specific technologies being produced by CATL.

 

“InfraCorp MD, Dr Lazarus Angbazo asked pertinent questions about their proposed concepts of collaboration. We all agreed on finite next steps.

“We are thrilled about the opportunity to site the EV Battery Manufacturer supplying Tesla, BMW, and others within our Lithium-rich zone. But we have a lot of work to do before any of us will be celebrating,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Foreign

New plant species found in south China

Chinese researchers on Tuesday said they had discovered a new fern species in south China, and named it Cyrtomium adenotrichum.

The researchers found 10 wild Cyrtomium adenotrichum on a cliff in Nandan County under Hechi City, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

This is according to the Guangxi Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmaceutical Science.

The findings, recently published in PhytoKeys, an international journal of plant taxonomy, revealed that the new species belongs to the family Dryopteridaceae and the genus Cyrtomium.

The plant has a height ranging from 5 to 15cm.

The species features a sparsely glandular leaf axis, a unique structure that easily distinguishes it from other species in the genus Cyrtomium.

Due to its rarity, small population and fragile habitat, the researchers classified the species as critically endangered based on the criteria set by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species.

Research on the biological, ecological and medicinal value of the species will be further conducted, according to the researchers. (Xinhua/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Cecilia Odey/Tayo Ikujuni

Foreign

Xi Jinping meets U.S., Secretary of State Anthony Blinken

By Fortune Abang

President Xi Jinping of China, on Friday met with the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

In a statement by the China Africa Press Centre, President Xi said that this year marked the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the U.S.

The statement quoted President Xi saying, “ over the past 45 years, the relationship has gone through winds and rains, and has a number of important inspirations to offer.

“China and the U.S., should be partners rather than rivals; help each other succeed rather than hurt each other; seek common ground and reserve differences, rather than engage in vicious competition.

“Both should honour words with actions, rather than say one thing but do the opposite. I proposed mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, to be the three overarching principles.

“They are both lessons learned from the past and a guide for the future. At present, transformation not seen in a century is unfolding in a profound way, and the international situation is fluid and turbulent.

“It is the shared desire of the two people and the international community to see China and the U.S. strengthen dialogue, manage differences and advance cooperation.

“I have said many times before that the planet is big enough to accommodate the common development and respective prosperity of China and the U.S.

“China is happy to see a confident, open, prosperous and thriving United States,” Xi stated.

The Chinese president expressed hope that the U.S. could also look at China’s development in a positive light.

This, according to him, is fundamental issue that must be addressed, just like the first button of a shirt that must be put right, in order for the China-U.S. relationship to truly stabilise, improve and move forward.

“When President Biden and I met in San Francisco last year, we launched the San Francisco vision that is future-oriented.

“In the last couple of months, the two teams have followed upon our common understanding, maintained communication in various areas, and made some good progress.

“There are still issues to be addressed, which require further efforts. Your visit this time was agreed upon between President Biden and I in our phone call several weeks ago. I hope you will find it productive.” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Omowole

General News

FCCPC summons Chinese supermarket owner over alleged discrimination

By Ginika Okoye

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), has summoned the owner of a Chinese supermarket located in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), for alleged restriction of Nigerians.

The supermarket located at Royal Choice Estate, Lugbe, allegedly permits only Chinese citizens access to purchase groceries.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the supermarket was under lock and key when officials of the FCCPC visited in reaction to a viral video where citizens frowned at the supermarket’s policy.

Ms Boladale Adeyinka, the Director, Surveillance and Investigations of FCCPC, who led the team, said the essence of the investigation was to verify the allegations and the contents of that viral video.

”On arrival, we noticed that the supermarket which is right behind me, was sealed and padlocked externally.

”Inquiries have shown that yes, as at this morning this supermarket was opened and people were here.

”CCTV footage also shows that at about 8:29 a.m., two vehicles departed from these premises allegedly containing the owner of the supermarket, whom we have been able to identify by name and we have her contact details.

”Now the summon is to serve notice on her to appear before the FCCPC by April 24 at 11 a. m.

”There are other regulatory tools to be deployed if she fails to honour this summons, ” she said.

Adeyinka said that if the owner of the supermarket failed to hour the summon, the commission under its powers, would seal the premises until she complied.

Mr Sanusi Shuiabu, the Estate Assistant Facilities Manager, said the supermarket was primarily established to cater for the groceries needs of Chinese residents and other tenants of the estate.

He said that there were no agreement restricting the supermarket to Chinese residents only.

Shuiabu said the owner of the supermarket who he simply identified as Cindy was a tenant in the estate.

NAN reports that the supermarket was under lock and key when the FCCPC official visited. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Foreign

Women empowerment, key to national dev’t, says wife of Chinese envoy

By Sarafina Christopher

Madam Liang Huili, Wife of the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun has underscored the need to create more opportunities for the empowerment of women in order to foster national growth and development.

The wife of the Chinese ambassador highlighted the need on Friday in Abuja, at an event organised by the embassy to commemorate the International Women’s Day 2024.

The event tagged, “The Women In Culture” was organised with the support of the Society of Nigerian Artists.

According to her, women are creators of human civilisation and drivers of social progress as they have recorded extraordinary achievements across all fields of endeavour.

“We need to create more job opportunities for women and crack down on violations of women’s rights and interests.

“In China, the gender gap in compulsory education has been largely closed with women accounting for more than 40 per cent of the country’s workforce with more than half of China’s Internet start-up businesses set up by women.

“We need to enhance global cooperation in advancing women’s development.

“Without a peaceful and stable global environment and sustainable development, and without leveraging the UN’s key coordinating role, the cause of women’s development cannot move forward.

“We should create new opportunities for women to participate in decision-making and be more involved in national, economic, cultural, and social governance.

Liang also added that In pursuing development, there is a need to remove barriers and create an enabling environment in which women are motivated, their creativity is unleashed to the fullest, and they truly feel satisfied, happy and secure.

“We need to eliminate prejudice, discrimination and violence against women and make gender equality a social norm observed by all.

“We need to ensure that women advance at the forefront of our times,”Liang said.

Speaking at the event, Mr James Sule, the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, expressed appreciation to China for their support and contribution towards promoting women’s empowerment.

The permanent secretary, who was represented by his Special Adviser, Aisha Bello, declared that the significance of the role of women in national development, both in Nigeria and around the world cannot be overemphasised.

“Women have always played a pivotal role in shaping societies, driving economies and fostering innovation.

“In Nigeria, women have been at the forefront of various industries and sectors contributing significantly to the socio economic development of our nation, from intrapreneurship, politics, education, healthcare, arts, technology amongst others , women have shown the ability to lead, inspire and create change,” he said.

Sule also reiterated the ministry’s commitment to supporting women in reaching their goals and fulfilling their potential.

“The ministry will leverage initiatives such as mentorship and skills development programs, as well as funding opportunities as we intend to provide women with the requisite tools and resources needed to succeed in their chosen field.

“We will also strive to create a more inclusive and supportive environment that enables women to thrive and excel in the creative and cultural industries,” he said.

Mr Muhammad Sulaiman, the President of the Society of Nigerian Artists emphasised that Nigeria must deliberately take advantage of its present day situation to look inwards to proffer solutions through social and empowerment programmes.

“These programmes includes microcredit schemes, skills trainings, and short term workshops for mothers and widows, and then the protection of women’s rights at their workplaces,

“The creation of a fair playgrounds for women in leadership positions and in advocating rights to beneficial business opportunities,” Sulaiman said. (NAN)www.nannews.ng

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

The collapsed China bridge
Foreign

Ship causes bridge collapse in China, at least 2 dead

At least two people died after a ship collided with a bridge in the southern Chinese metropolis of Guangzhou on Thursday morning.

The local authorities said on Chinese social media platform Weibo, that it caused the structure to partially collapse.

Three people were still missing while a sailor suffered minor injuries, authorities said.

According to preliminary findings, two cars plunged in the water and three more fell onto the vessel as a result of the incident in Guangzhou’s Nansha District.

Images from the scene of the accident showed a bus that appeared to have fallen into the cargo hold of the freighter.

According to Chinese media reports, only the driver was on board the bus.

The operator was unable to contact him after the accident.

The authorities said that the cause of the crash was initially unknown.

Chinese state television showed footage of the scene of the accident, in which the freighter could be seen wedged between two bridge pillars, with a significant gap in the two-lane bridge above it.

Rescue workers immediately rushed to the scene of the accident. (dpa/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Cecilia Odey/Chioma Ugboma

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