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3RD BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE FORUM:China Commits To Refinancing, Completing Abuja-Kano, Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri Railways

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3RD BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE FORUM:
China Commits To Refinancing, Completing Abuja-Kano, Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri Railways

As President Jinping pledges more investments in Nigeria’s power generation

By: Our Reporter

In what could best be described as a major milestone for Nigeria at the ongoing Belt and Road Initiative Forum (BRI) in Beijing, China has committed to refinancing and completing the Abuja-Kano and Port- Harcourt-Maiduguri railway projects.

President of Peoples Republic of China, Xi Jinping, made the pledge today while responding to requests made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who, was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, at a bilateral meeting with the Chinese leader in Beijing.

It would be recalled that since the launch of the projects, China is yet to release funds for the two major railway projects in Nigeria largely due to cutbacks and commitments.

China had agreed to provide 85 per cent financing for the construction of the Abuja-Kano and Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri railway projects, while Nigeria which had the duty of paying the balance 15% paid its part of the funding from inception of the project through appropriations.

The crucial infrastructure also termed a legacy project has the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation as the contractors named to execute the project.

The Chinese President who was visibly elated to receive the Nigerian delegation led by Vice President Shettima at the Peoples Building in China, pledged increased investment in Nigeria’s power generation and digital economy called for the protection of Chinese nationals working in Nigeria, saying he would, in turn, ensure that the Nigeria-China bilateral relation is stronger than before.

President Jinping promised that China will enhance political support and build cooperations in all fields, just as he appreciated Nigeria’s support of one China Policy.

Pledging to further deepen practical cooperations, the Chinese leader threw his weight of support behind the Renewed Hope Manifesto of President Bola Tinubu and his 8-point economic agenda adding that China will support Nigeria’s exports, especially as it relates to peanuts and others, even as the China – Africa talent initiative remains key in its cooperation with Nigeria.

In the area of security, President Jinping promised continued crackdown on terrorists, assuring categorically that China is committed to peace in the Sahel region, more so that its long-standing military trainings and MoUs on joint exercises remain sacrosanct.

Noting that China is committed to peace, President Jinping said, “Like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stated recently at the last United Nations General Assembly, Africa does not need to run away. Africa holds the key to the World. We support Nigeria to play key roles in international relations and upholding allies’ commitments.

“Mr Vice President, you spoke about upscaling and further upgrading of our strategic relationship, and I totally agree with you. Nigeria is developing with big potentials. I totally agree with you. Our foreign Ambassadors can stay and work out this upgrading”.

Speaking earlier, Vice President Shettima who delivered the well-wishes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described the rail projects as very vital to the President and people of Nigeria, saying it remained a legacy project that would further open up the nation’s economy, create jobs and boost trade and investments across the country.

The vice President said President Tinubu remains committed to a stronger Nigeria – China tie, addng that it was laddened with respect, non-political interference and mutual international cooperations.

“Our relationship commenced about 50 years ago, precisely in 1971 and it has been upgraded to a comprehensive partnership but we crave your indulgence, Your Excellency, to further upgrade this relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership because of the importance we attach to our relationship with China.

“When we met in South Africa at the China Plus 1 summit I was very honest and upright with you. Beyond the infrastructural support we are getting; why we love, cherish and respect China is that you treat us with respect and dignity. You don’t dictate to us who our friends are. We don’t forget our friends. China stood by us through thick and thin from the post-colonial struggles for independence in Zimbabwe, Angola, Mozambique, the struggle for the emancipation of our people in Southern Africa; China stood shoulder to shoulder with the African continent, we thus appreciate your friendship,” VP Kashim submitted.

President Jinping had before his audience with Vice President Kashim Shettima formally declared the Forum which had numerous heads of states and top government officials open.

Nigeria Will Leverage On Ties With China To Improve Digital Space, Says VP Shettima

Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima today said Nigeria will leverage its relationship with China to adopt programmes that will improve the country’s digital space, among other benefits.

Sen. Shettima also assured member countries of the Belt and Road Initiative of Nigeria’s readiness to “collaborate with the group and other emerging markets to bring about a positive shift in the growth and development of global economies.”

The Vice President stated these in his keynote address themed, “Digital Economy As A New Source Of Growth”, delivered during the High-Level Forum at the onging 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, China.

The Vice President who spoke on Nigeria’s efforts at leveraging collaborations with partners to deploy technology in addressing some of its challenges, noted: “We are keen on using the instrumentality of the existing robust Nigeria-China bilateral relations to maximally key into projects under the platform of the Digital Silk Road for the improvement of our digital space.”

Speaking about Nigeria’s efforts in leveraging the digital space to create jobs and diversify the economy, Sen. Shettima said, “Nigeria has recorded a number of achievements including a digitalized public service, developed banking and e-payment systems, electoral reforms through the introduction of the electronic registration of voters and e-transmission of votes, thus creating ripple effects of job creation and human capacity building opportunities for our teeming youth population.”

Continuing, the VP said, “We have recently unveiled the new strategic blueprint, accelerating our collective prosperity through technical, as part of the Federal Government’s initiative to accelerate the diversification of the Nigerian economy by enhancing productivity in critical sectors through technological innovation.”

He added: “Through this strategic blue print, the Federal Government aims to achieve three key objectives namely: Accelerate the growth of Nigeria as a global technical talent hub and net exporter of talent. One of the goals of this talent hub is to train three million early to mid-career technical talents throughout the next four years (2022-2027); Deepen and accelerate’its position in global research in key technology areas; and Raise the complexity and dynamics of Nigeria’s economy by significantly increasing the level of digital literacy across the country.”

The Vice President also spoke about Nigeria’s broadband penetration rate from 50 to 70 per cent by the end of 2025 and the Central Bank of Nigeria’s domestic card scheme code named “Afri Go” to rival foreign cards like Master and Visa cards, and stregthen the national payment system.

The Vice President was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu; Minister of Transportation, Mr Saidu Alkali; Ambassador of Nigeria to China, Baba Ahmad Jidda and others.

3RD BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE FORUM:
China Commits To Refinancing, Completing Abuja-Kano, Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri Railways

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KACRAN Applauds Buni’s Leadership, Cites Job Creation and Food Security Gains in Yobe

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KACRAN Applauds Buni’s Leadership, Cites Job Creation and Food Security Gains in Yobe

By: Michael Mike

The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has commended Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, for what it described as visionary leadership that has significantly improved job creation, food security, and overall wellbeing of citizens in the state.

In a statement signed by its National President, Khalil Mohammed Bello, the association said the desire of any society is to have a leader who prioritizes the welfare, security, and long-term prosperity of the people, noting that Governor Buni embodies such qualities.

KACRAN praised the governor’s humility and accessibility, describing him as a leader who maintains close contact with citizens to better understand their needs and challenges. According to the association, this people-oriented approach has contributed to sustained peace and unity in Yobe State.

Highlighting key achievements, the group noted that Buni’s administration has consistently invested heavily in agriculture by procuring and distributing farm inputs to farmers at subsidized rates. This, it said, has boosted food production and strengthened food security not only in Yobe but across neighboring states.

The association also lauded the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Livestock, which it said has reinforced Yobe’s position as a leading livestock hub in Nigeria. It added that the construction of modern markets across major towns has further enhanced commercial activities within the state.

On human capital development, KACRAN pointed to the award of scholarships to thousands of students for studies within and outside Nigeria, as well as the construction and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure to improve connectivity between rural and urban areas.

The group further commended the governor for creating employment opportunities through recruitment into the civil service and various empowerment programmes targeting youths and women.

KACRAN also acknowledged the efforts of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), led by Mohammed Goje, in providing relief materials to internally displaced persons and vulnerable populations affected by insurgency, floods, and other disasters.

It noted that during the ongoing Ramadan, the state government has intensified food distribution initiatives, ensuring that thousands of households receive daily support as part of broader measures to cushion economic hardship.

While stressing the importance of proactive governance, KACRAN urged other state governments and the Federal Capital Territory to emulate Yobe’s approach to investing in agriculture, human development, and security in order to avert potential food crises and improve living standards nationwide.

The association concluded that sustained commitment to these priorities would promote peace, unity, and long-term stability across the country.

KACRAN Applauds Buni’s Leadership, Cites Job Creation and Food Security Gains in Yobe

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CDS urges Borno, Yobe residents to take ownership of fight against terror, says enemy operating from within

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CDS urges Borno, Yobe residents to take ownership of fight against terror, says enemy operating from within

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has raised fresh concerns over internal complicity in the protracted insurgency in the North-East, urging residents of Borno and Yobe to take ownership of the fight against terrorism.

Oluyede’s position, articulated after a high-level security meeting in Maiduguri, signals a strategic shift in emphasis from purely kinetic military operations to community-driven counterinsurgency, as Nigeria battles the enduring threat posed by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province.

The meeting, which lasted about four hours, brought together top military commanders, including the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar and other top military officials.

At the heart of the CDS’s message is a troubling reality: the insurgency is being sustained, in part, by individuals that sometimes embedded within affected communities.

According to Oluyede, intelligence reports indicate that many of those responsible for attacks over the past 15 years originate from the same communities bearing the brunt of the violence.

This assertion reinforces long-standing concerns within security circles that local knowledge terrain familiarity, social networks, and community cover has continued to provide operational advantages to insurgents.

He cited a recent example in Kukawa, where troops discovered wounded terrorists hiding within the community during post-attack clearance operations, pointing to the challenge of distinguishing between civilians and collaborators.

The dynamics complicate military efforts, as insurgents exploit familial and social ties to evade detection, making intelligence gathering more difficult despite sustained offensives.

The CDS’s call for residents to “take ownership” reflects a recognition that military القوة alone cannot decisively end the insurgency without active civilian cooperation.

Oluyede’s remarks suggest a push to recalibrate this dynamic by encouraging residents to see the fight as a collective responsibility rather than solely a government burden.

The CDS also acknowledged the evolving tactics of insurgents, particularly the increasing use of drones and other technological in attacks.

Oluyede disclosed that the Nigerian military is adapting, including the deployment of advanced drone systems to enhance surveillance, targeting, and battlefield coordination.

CDS urges Borno, Yobe residents to take ownership of fight against terror, says enemy operating from within

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FG Pushes for Correctional Reform via Public-Private Partnership

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Dr Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary of Interior, (center), CG Nigerian Correctional Service (NCOS) Sylvester Nwakuche, Mni. (R) and Executive Director of Hope Behind Bars Africa, Funke Adeoye (L).

FG Pushes for Correctional Reform via Public-Private Partnership

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Nigeria’s correctional system into a hub of rehabilitation, skills development, and national productivity through strategic Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

The pledge was highlighted at a stakeholders’ engagement on optimizing correctional farm centres, industries, and PPP opportunities, organized by the Ministry of Interior in collaboration with civil society and development partners.

Representing the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Permanent Secretary Dr. Magdalene Ajani stated that modern correctional facilities must focus not only on confinement but also on equipping inmates with practical skills for reintegration into society. “Correctional centres must evolve into institutions of transformation—where inmates are prepared to become productive members of society upon release,” she said.

Ajani emphasized the importance of PPPs in achieving this vision, describing them as critical tools for combining government oversight with private sector expertise, innovation, and investment. She added that correctional farm centres and industries could become centres of excellence in agriculture, agro-processing, and value-chain development, contributing to both inmate rehabilitation and national food security.

The Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, disclosed that the Service currently operates 18 farm centres and 10 cottage industries nationwide, spanning crop production, livestock, fisheries, and poultry.

He noted that collaboration with the private sector would boost productivity, introduce modern techniques, and create sustainable value chains.

Stakeholders, including representatives from government, civil society, development organisations, and the private sector, agreed on the need for actionable and scalable models to drive tangible impact.

On his part, the Chairman of the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions Hon. Chinedu Ogah, called for greater accountability, innovation, and commitment in optimizing correctional farms, noting that agriculture remains a critical driver of economic growth and national security.

The engagement aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s broader reform agenda, which prioritizes institutional strengthening, economic productivity, and sustainable development. Participants were urged to leverage partnerships that transform correctional facilities into engines of productivity, reduce recidivism, and enhance community safety.

The Ministry of Interior reiterated that the success of correctional reform depends on collective action, sustained investment, and a shared commitment to building a humane and development-oriented correctional system.

FG Pushes for Correctional Reform via Public-Private Partnership

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