Columns
20th National Congress of CPC:
China’s New Journey Africa’s New Opportunities

20th National Congress of CPC:
China’s New Journey Africa’s New Opportunities
By CUI Jianchun
From October 16 to 22, the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) was convened in Beijing. H.E. Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee delivered a report to the Congress on behalf of the 19th Central Committee. The Congress elected a new Central Committee and the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI). President Xi was re-elected as the General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee. The international community closely followed this Congress, leaders of many countries and major political parties and dignitaries have sent congratulatory messages to Beijing. On a special note, President Buhari congratulated General Secretary Xi Jinping’s re-election, which well reflected the friendship of the two leaders and the high level of our two countries’ relations.
Xi’s report summarized in a comprehensive way the work in the past five years and the great changes in China in the past ten years, which is also the first decade of the new era in China, and reviewed three major events of great immediate importance and profound historical significance for the cause of CPC and the Chinese people. What’s more important is that, the report drew a blueprint for China’s future development, which will surely bring new opportunities for the further growth of China-Africa and China-Nigeria relations.
Firstly, China’s experience and practice show that every country must choose a path based on its own national realities. Democracy is an ideal that has always been cherished by China and its people. Now, we have developed whole-process people’s democracy, made all-around progress in improving the institutions, standards, and procedures of our socialist democracy, and advanced socialist consultative democracy by way of extensive participation. What’s more, we have reinforced the foundations that undergird the people’s running of the country, injected fresh vitality into democracy at the community level. China’s experience proves that democracy should and can come in many forms.
Nigeria and China share many similar national situations, such as large population and diversified ethnic nationalities. Both countries belong to the developing world and are on the path to pursue national development. Meanwhile, both countries are also trying to develop their own native systems which could serve their people’s interest most. During my communications with political party leaders of Nigeria, they showed strong interest in acquiring China’s experience of governance. I strongly believe that China’s exercise of “whole-process people’s democracy” could provide reference for Nigeria and other African countries to develop their own political institution which would uphold democracy while maintaining national unity and common development of different ethnic nationalities.
Secondly, the report has set forth that building a community with a shared future and standing firm in protecting international fairness and justice will be China’s consistent aim. China is a strong proponent and consistent practitioner of true multilateralism. We have taken a clear-cut stance against hegemonism and power politics in all their forms, and have never wavered in our opposition to unilateralism, protectionism, and bullying of any kind. We have improved China’s overall diplomatic agenda and worked actively to build a global network of partnerships and foster a new type of international relations. China is much aware of its duty as a responsible major country, and actively participates in the reform and development of the global governance system.
In this regard, China, Nigeria, and the whole Africa have many goals in common. Back to the middle of last century, both of us had fought together against colonization and hegemony. Even till now, the interests of developing countries are yet to be fairly accommodated under the current international governance. Guided by the spirit of the report of 20th Congress of CPC, China will continue to work closely with African countries to build a more fair and just international governance system in which the voice of developing countries shall be heard, and their calls be answered.
Thirdly, China will pursue a more proactive strategy of opening up. We have worked to build a globally-oriented network of high-standard free trade areas and accelerated the development of pilot free trade zones and the Hainan Free Trade Port. As a collaborative endeavor, the Belt and Road Initiative has been welcomed by the international community both as a public good and a cooperation platform. China has become a major trading partner for more than 140 countries and regions including Nigeria. It leads the world in total volume of trade in goods, and becomes a major destination for global investment and a leading country in outbound investment. Through these efforts, we have advanced a broader agenda of opening up across more areas and in greater depth. As economic globalization is beset by recession and fragmentation, China has been providing a rare source of stability for a turbulent world.
In recent years, China-Africa win-win cooperation, by docking the Belt and Road Initiative and Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) action plans, has focused on economic growth and development, reduced poverty through human resource capacity development, and helped to maintain sustaining peace and security on the continent. Today, the outcomes of China-Africa cooperation are all over the African continent. The roads, railways, airports, ports, high-rise buildings, stadiums and other structures that China helped build are evidences that the all-round cooperation between China and Africa is yielding fantastic results.
The cooperation between China-Nigeria is also steadily growing. Last week, I participated in the ground-breaking ceremony of the new building of the ECOWAS Headquarters and the handover ceremony of the Nigerian Agricultural Technology Demonstration Center. Both of the above Abuja-located projects are aided and constructed by China and warmly welcomed by the ECOWAS member states and Nigerian Government. More than that, projects like Abuja-Kaduna railway, Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone, currency swap, satellite launching, and joint marine scientific exploration, are the first of its kind in Africa. With further implementation of the report of 20th National Congress of CPC, the future of pragmatic cooperation between our two countries will be even more promising.
Since the establishment of China-Nigeria diplomatic relations 51 years ago, the relationship between China and Nigeria have enjoyed a strong development on the basis of mutual respect, mutual trust and mutual support. As the 14th Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, I left no stone unturned to raise the bar of our bilateral relations. My strategy of China-Nigeria 5GIST GDP and initiative of Share the Chinese Harmony and Perform Nigeria-China Symphony have scaled up the two countries’ cooperation crossing from political sector to security field, from economic collaboration to people to people exchanges. The convening of the 20th National Congress of CPC further injected strong impetus to our bilateral ties. Guided by its spirit, we will continue to work with Nigeria to further enhance political trust, deepen practical cooperation, strengthen people-to-people exchanges, enhance multilateral collaboration, and accelerate the implementation of the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative. Holding dear humanity’s shared values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy, and freedom, we’ll together build a brighter future for China-Nigeria relations and a better world for humanity.
**Cup is Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria.
Columns
Birthday Celebrations: Ageless Plus One They Puke

Birthday Celebrations: Ageless Plus One They Puke
By: Balami Lazarus
As I write this piece, I was caught between the beautiful literary works of two great African poets and not knowing who to quote because they say the same thing poetically in different ways, going by their subject matter. As the writing progresses, I will definitely make reference to one of them to qualify this discourse.
The “Ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead” I read recently has explicitly expressed our individual differences exhibited by man in lifestyles and even in death. The book written in spell said that even in death, individuals are different.
I hereby believe that some persons are battling with parents, relatives, friends, and acquaintances who are trying to impose their ways of life and styles on them, refusing to accept the fact that likes and dislikes make us different as humans. When I got to understand myself as an individual adult who has a mind of his own, making me positively different, that was the beginning of my journey to self-freedom as an individual.
As humans, we are physically the same, but we easily forget that you and I are entirely different. I have always tried to single myself out from the crowd to make a difference in terms of things that are personal and not against the law. With this in mind, I have developed a very strong, self-independent mindset, which has made me principled, and I don’t play to the gallery. That has also made me stand out like an inselberg mountain. However, for the purpose of family, collective responsibilities, and public interest, I must stoop with love and understanding for the sake of progress, growth, and development.
Therefore, my dislike for birthday celebrations makes me different from you or anyone out there. Moreover, it is of no value to me as I live. With this, I recalled when a young school pupil was asked at a children’s program, Would you like to be like Aliko Dangote ?
He answered and said, “No, we are different.” For me, that was a brilliant answer, for it entails so many things.
I have long disciplined and have control of my mind, body, and soul to outgrow so many things that are not necessary or important for me to either have , do, or use. This has helped me to brush aside and ignore so many things. Perhaps for the purpose of association or friendship, I might like or admire some things about the individual concerned, but the fact remains I will not and shall never be you nor do as you do because even in death—funeral/burial—we are different.
Most birthdays are celebrated empty of how old the celebrants are because they are ageless. What is the rationale behind this?. Does it make sense? . My father, of blessed memory, was good at record keeping. He taught us, as his children, to be mindful of important dates and years for future use and documentation. He further reminded us that “your birthday has been properly celebrated during your naming ceremony. Why another birthday celebratio”n?
I have seen where some people took birthday celebrations as if they were a personal achievement, and some even took offense when you did not identify with them by either phone calls , text messages, or other social media handles. Shamelessly, few among these individuals confront you with the anger of a black mamba showing all over them as if it were an obligation to celebrate with them on this self-meaningless and childish glee, which I see as generational encroachment because as a mature adult, you no longer need such celebration. This is my opinion.
I will not conclude this article without telling readers that I do attend ceremonies like Thanksgiving, graduations, award presentations, marriages, namings, and funerals, among other important events, but not birthday celebrations; that is always Plus (+) One, year in and year out. What is a burlesque? And this brings me to where I will have to quote one of the two African poets, Wole Soyinka and John Pepper Clark (Abikus). Suffice to say, Plus (+) One is like the Abiku in Wole Soyinka’s poem “I am Abiku calling for the first… repeated time , ageless though our puke.” This is the way of many birthday celebrants .
Finally, I smell the spoor of some readers saying in their minds that this writer is out of date , a bushman, socially bankrupt, and does not belong. I guess I am right . Well, in recollection, calmness, and stillness, I stand to say we are different.
Balami, a publisher/columnist 08036779290.
Birthday Celebrations: Ageless Plus One They Puke
Columns
RE: SDP ‘now Nigeria’s new bride’?

RE: SDP ‘now Nigeria’s new bride’?
By: Dr. James Bwala
This caption drew my attention as I woke up this morning. “SDP is now Nigeria’s ‘new bride’; we’re ready to unseat Tinubu in 2027.” Mr. Dogara, an official, described the SDP as “the new bride of Nigeria,” claiming the party’s membership is growing rapidly across the country. “I was supposed to be surprised, but I laughed so hilariously knowing the political landscape we are operating in and how some people can turn in their dreams and hold on to a belief that they are still kings as they were in that dreamland.
The metaphor of a “new bride” in political discourse often symbolizes freshness, hope, and transformative potential within a political landscape. In Nigeria, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) emerged as one such entity purported to represent renewal and progressive change. However, despite this symbolic promise, the SDP lacks substantive impact in Nigeria’s complex political environment. The party’s existence does not translate into genuine institutional reform or meaningful democratic consolidation. Instead, Nigerian politics remains marred by entrenched issues such as corruption, ethnic divisions, and electoral malpractice that hinder any new political actor from effecting substantial change.
Moreover, the SDP’s inability to distinguish itself from established parties suggests that it fails to embody the qualities associated with a “new bride.” Rather than offering innovative policies or an alternative governance model, it appears as another participant in Nigeria’s cyclical political stagnation. Consequently, while multiple avenues exist to identify a “new bride” politically—such as ideological novelty or reformist zeal—the SDP conspicuously lacks these attributes in contemporary Nigerian politics.
Despite its initial allure, the SDP’s platform lacks the ideological clarity and policy depth necessary to challenge Nigeria’s entrenched political norms. In essence, the SDP’s failure to articulate a distinct political vision or leverage grassroots support further underscores its inadequacy as an agent of change within Nigeria’s entrenched political system. Furthermore, the SDP’s lack of strategic alliances and failure to galvanize a broad-based coalition further diminishes its potential as a transformative political force in Nigeria.
The party’s lack of a coherent strategy to address Nigeria’s pressing socio-economic challenges further exacerbates its inability to resonate with the electorate and establish itself as a credible alternative. Without a compelling narrative or a robust grassroots engagement strategy, the SDP remains ill-equipped to navigate and influence the complex political terrain of Nigeria, leaving them in stark contrast to what one might expect from a truly revitalizing political entity.
The SDP’s inability to distinguish itself from the existing political framework further limits its capacity to attract voters seeking genuine change. Moreover, the absence of a clear and compelling policy agenda not only hinders the SDP’s ability to differentiate itself from established parties but also limits its appeal to a populace yearning for substantive political reform. Without a clear vision or innovative approach, the SDP’s efforts to engage with Nigeria’s diverse electorate remain superficial and largely ineffective.
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The party’s failure to articulate a clear stance on key national issues, such as corruption and electoral reform, further alienates it from voters who are desperate for meaningful progress and accountability in governance. The SDP’s struggle to resonate with the electorate is exacerbated by its lack of charismatic leadership.
Compounding this issue is the party’s inability to effectively leverage grassroots movements or build a robust network of support at the community level. Moreover, the party’s outdated strategies and lack of engagement with Nigeria’s youthful population further diminish its appeal as a viable alternative to the entrenched political entities. This is further compounded by the SDP’s failure to articulate a clear and compelling vision that distinguishes it from established parties, leaving it adrift in a sea of political sameness.
SDP’s inability to leverage its historical significance and past achievements has rendered it almost invisible in a rapidly evolving political environment. Lacking the dynamic qualities and fresh perspectives typically associated with a ‘new bride,’ the SDP struggles to captivate the electorate’s imagination or promise substantial change in Nigeria’s political discourse. In a political landscape where the electorate is increasingly seeking genuine transformation and innovative solutions, the SDP’s inability to adapt and present a forward-thinking agenda leaves it struggling to remain relevant.
Without a strategic overhaul and a willingness to embrace innovation, the SDP risks fading into irrelevance as voters gravitate towards parties that offer tangible solutions and visionary leadership. The SDP’s inability to resonate with the aspirations of a diverse and dynamic electorate underscores its struggle to remain pertinent in Nigeria’s competitive political arena.
Despite these challenges, the SDP continues to participate in elections, albeit with diminishing influence and limited success. Such circumstances underscore the necessity for the SDP to undergo a transformative renewal, one that prioritizes innovative policies and embraces the dynamic energy of Nigeria’s younger generation. Engaging with the youth through meaningful dialogue and showcasing a commitment to addressing their concerns could potentially revitalize the party’s image and reconnect it with a demographic that is pivotal for electoral success.
By fostering an environment that encourages the participation of emerging leaders and by aligning its policies with the progressive aspirations of the populace, the SDP could potentially redefine its role in Nigeria’s political future. By doing so, the SDP may not only rejuvenate its appeal but also position itself as a credible alternative capable of driving meaningful change in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape. For now, contrary to its claims and dreams of unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, according to Abubakar Dogara, the party’s national vice chairman for the North-Central Zone, the party needs to look inward and look at the vast grounds they are dreaming of breaking to make an impact in 2027.
*James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.
RE: SDP ‘now Nigeria’s new bride’?
Columns
VP Kashim Shettima: Fate, Faith, and Lessons (1)

VP Kashim Shettima: Fate, Faith, and Lessons (1)
By: Dr. James Bwala
Vice President Kashim Shettima’s political trajectory is emblematic of the intricate interplay between fate, faith, and the lessons derived from Nigeria’s fraught political landscape. His ascent to the vice presidency amid a controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket underscores the delicate balance he must maintain in a deeply religious and ethnically diverse nation. This position has thrust him into debates about inclusivity and representation, compelling him to advocate for equitable power-sharing despite prevailing sectarian tensions.
Shettima’s public endorsement of a Southern Christian Senate President, even at the expense of perceived meritocracy, reflects his commitment to national unity over narrow religious or regional interests. Such gestures reveal an understanding that faith should foster cohesion rather than division—a lesson critical in Nigeria’s volatile sociopolitical climate. However, this idealism exists against a backdrop where governance often appears disengaged from citizens’ urgent needs. This disconnect between leadership and citizenry challenges Shettima to bridge the gap, urging him to align his actions with the foundational values of empathy and accountability that can steer Nigeria towards a more inclusive future.
Ultimately, Shettima’s experience illustrates how personal conviction and political pragmatism coalesce within leadership roles constrained by structural violence and historical grievances. His journey teaches that navigating Nigeria’s complexities demands not only strategic acumen but also an unwavering faith in dialogue and inclusivity as tools for lasting peace. In this context, Shettima’s leadership journey serves as a testament to the necessity of balancing personal beliefs with the broader imperative of fostering national unity. His efforts underscore a critical lesson: that sustainable governance in Nigeria hinges on leaders who prioritize collective well-being over entrenched divisions. His leadership demonstrates the critical importance of empathy and a genuine commitment to national progress in overcoming deep-seated challenges that threaten Nigeria’s stability.
His ability to navigate these challenges with a focus on dialogue and inclusivity not only affirms his commitment to national progress but also exemplifies the potential for leadership that transcends personal and political divides. His leadership approach, characterized by a deliberate effort to embrace diversity and promote equitable representation, reflects an understanding that Nigeria’s future hinges on the strength of its unity. His vision for a unified Nigeria, though ambitious, is a necessary pursuit in a nation where historical divisions have too often been exploited for political gain.
Shettima’s advocacy for equitable political representation, as evidenced by his controversial yet principled stance on promoting a Southern Christian Senate President to ensure balance and inclusivity, further illustrates his dedication to transcending religious and regional divides. This commitment to bridging divides is a testament to his belief in a Nigeria where leadership is defined by the ability to rise above entrenched sectarian loyalties and foster an environment of mutual respect and cooperation. Shettima’s approach is not merely theoretical; it is grounded in a pragmatic understanding of Nigeria’s complex political landscape and the pressing need for leaders who can navigate these intricacies with both wisdom and courage.
The Vice President remained committed by prioritizing national unity and inclusivity, even when faced with potential backlash from entrenched interests. By demonstrating a willingness to engage with diverse communities and advocate for equitable representation, Shettima exemplifies how faith can be harnessed as a unifying force rather than a divisive tool. By prioritizing a leadership style that embraces diversity, Shettima challenges the status quo and inspires hope for a political culture that values cooperation over conflict.
This vision aligns with the notion that true leadership requires courage to enact meaningful change and a dedication to principles that transcend immediate political expediency. By fostering an inclusive political environment, Shettima not only highlights the potential for faith to act as a bridge across divides but also demonstrates an understanding that true progress in Nigeria hinges on leaders who are willing to prioritize long-term national stability over short-term political gains, a sentiment echoed by those who champion the need for leaders who embody both integrity and a vision for inclusive governance.
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Shettima’s approach to governance, marked by a deliberate effort to balance religious and regional representation, serves as a testament to his belief in the power of inclusive politics to foster national cohesion. By navigating the complex interplay of religion and politics with a focus on fairness and representation, Shettima underscores the potential for faith to facilitate dialogue and mutual respect among Nigeria’s diverse populace. Shettima’s efforts to promote inclusivity and balance in political appointments, as evidenced by his advocacy for a Southern Christian Senate President despite potential controversy, reflect his commitment to fostering national unity and countering religious bias. Shettima’s vision for governance, therefore, emphasizes the importance of transcending religious and regional biases to create a political landscape where diverse voices contribute to national development.
His advocacy for equitable representation is a pragmatic approach to addressing the historical imbalances that have often fueled distrust and division among Nigeria’s ethnic and religious groups. His leadership philosophy, thus, not only challenges the status quo but also aims to redefine the political narrative by fostering an environment where every Nigerian feels represented and valued. Shettima’s leadership, therefore, becomes a beacon of hope in a political landscape often marred by division and distrust.
In this context, Shettima’s leadership is not only a reflection of his personal beliefs but also a strategic response to the broader challenges of religious bigotry and political imbalance in Nigeria. His approach, as observed in his recent initiatives, is a testament to his belief that sustainable progress can only be achieved through genuine collaboration and understanding among Nigeria’s multifaceted communities. Shettima’s endeavors, as highlighted by his leadership style, underscore a profound understanding that true progress in Nigeria is contingent upon dismantling the barriers of division and fostering a culture of cooperation and mutual respect among its citizens. His advocacy of balanced initiatives has sparked significant discussion, illustrating his willingness to prioritize national unity over parochial interests.
Shettima’s efforts to promote inclusivity and balance in political representation highlight his commitment to addressing the deep-seated issues of religious and ethnic division, demonstrating a leadership style that prioritizes unity over divisiveness. Shettima’s vision for a more cohesive Nigeria is not without its challenges, yet it reflects a strategic foresight that prioritizes long-term stability over short-term gains. His dedication to fostering a more inclusive political landscape is further reinforced by his efforts to engage with leaders across different regions and religious affiliations, promoting dialogue as a means to bridge the gaps that have long hindered national cohesion.
His actions resonate with a broader vision for a united Nigeria, where diversity is celebrated as a strength rather than perceived as an obstacle to progress. His approach, rooted in both fate and faith, suggests that leadership can transcend entrenched divisions by embracing a broader vision of national identity that is inclusive and equitable for all citizens.
* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.
VP Kashim Shettima: Fate, Faith, and Lessons (1)
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