Connect with us

News

Failure of Nigeria Athletes to Attend Guangzhou World Athletics Relays, AFN Not Consistent with Fact- Chinese Embassy

Published

on

Failure of Nigeria Athletes to Attend Guangzhou World Athletics Relays, AFN Not Consistent with Fact- Chinese Embassy

By: Michael Mike

Chinese Embassy in Nigeria has punched hole in reason given by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria ( AFN ) for inability of Nigerian athletes to attend Guangzhou World Athletics Relays scheduled to be held in China from May 10 to 11, 2025, following alleged visa delays by the Chinese authorities.

The embassy in a statement on Saturday accused the AFN of inconsistency in its allegations, expressing that the embassy has always assisted in such matters in time past and had equally not failed to give needed assistance in recent case.

The statement read: “The Embassy of China in Nigeria has noted that, according to Nigerian media reports, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria ( AFN ) issued a statement announcing its withdrawal from the Guangzhou World Athletics Relays scheduled to be held in China from May 10 to 11, 2025, following visa delays by the Chinese authorities.

“The Embassy of China in Nigeria would like to state the following facts and position:
On April 24, the Embassy received a letter from the National Sports Commission of Nigeria (dated April 22) requesting assistance in processing visas for Nigerian athletes to participate in the event in China.

“The Embassy immediately communicated with the Commission and guided it to prepare the relevant materials so as to expedite visa application. On May 6, China Visa Application Centre received the relevant application materials submitted by the Nigerian athletes. The Embassy immediately activated the expedited procedure, provided the utmost assistance to the Nigerian applicants, and completed the visa issuance on May 8.

“The Embassy of China in Nigeria has always actively supported people-to-people and sports cooperation between the two countries, repeatedly expressed its welcome for Nigerian athletes to participate in events in China, and consistently assisted Nigerian citizens in visa applications in an efficient and professional manner. It should be noted as well that visa issuance is a matter of national sovereignty, and all foreign embassies require applicants to provide the corresponding documents and materials, as well as allow sufficient time for the application process.

“We regret that the Nigerian athletes were unable to participate in the event in China this time, but the statement issued by the AFN is clearly inconsistent with the facts. The Embassy of China in Nigeria remains committed to promoting friendly exchanges between the Chinese and Nigerian peoples and stands ready to continue providing support and assistance for exchanges and cooperation in various fields, including sports.”

Failure of Nigeria Athletes to Attend Guangzhou World Athletics Relays, AFN Not Consistent with Fact- Chinese Embassy

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Security forces arrest “Gwandara” notorious kidnap kingpin, logistics supplier in Bwari Abuja

Published

on

Security forces arrest “Gwandara” notorious kidnap kingpin, logistics supplier in Bwari Abuja

By: Zagazola Makama

Security forces have arrested a notorious kidnapper and major logistics supplier to bandits identified as Y’au Ibrahim Dauda, popularly known as “Gwandara 01”.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the suspect was apprehended by the Scorpion Squad at about 5:40 p.m. on Thursday in Bwari following actionable intelligence.

According to sources , Dauda has been on the wanted list of security agencies for his alleged role in several coordinated kidnapping operations within the FCT, particularly across the Bwari axis, from 2024 to date.

Investigations further linked him to multiple abductions around the Garam area of Tafa LGA in Niger State and Bwari, including the kidnapping of a pastor in 2024 at the El-Rufai Estate, near the Nigerian Law School, Bwari.

The sources said that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang and recover their weapons.

Security forces arrest “Gwandara” notorious kidnap kingpin, logistics supplier in Bwari Abuja

Continue Reading

News

VP Shettima Returns To Abuja After Successful Engagements At G20, AU–EU Summits In South Africa, Angola

Published

on

VP Shettima Returns To Abuja After Successful Engagements At G20, AU–EU Summits In South Africa, Angola

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Abuja from Luanda, Angola, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 7th African Union–European Union (AU-EU) Summit held in that country.

The Vice President had on Sunday departed South Africa for Luanda after a successful outing at the 2025 Group of 20 (G20) Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, where he also represented the President.

In Angola, Senator Shettima delivered President Tinubu’s statement in which the Nigerian leader intensified the nation’s call for Africa to secure permanent seats with veto-wielding authority on the United Nations (UN) Security Council, insisting that comprehensive reform of the global governance system is long overdue.

The President, in his statement, also tasked the European Union (EU) with co-creating peace and security initiatives alongside its African partners, anchored on African-led frameworks as a pathway to achieving sustainable stability across the continent.

The Nigerian leader reaffirmed the country’s firm commitment to advancing peace, security and democratic governance across Africa, and collaborating with the European Union to build a more stable, just, and prosperous world.

Earlier at the first session of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, the President urged world leaders to come up with a more equitable and responsive system to manage global financial flows and sincerely address the recurring debt crises in a manner that meets the needs of all nations.

In his speech delivered by VP Shettima on Saturday, President Tinubu noted that the multilateral frameworks, currently being relied on, no longer reflect the complexities of the present world, as they were “built in an era far removed from” the present challenges.

At the third session of the G20 Leaders’ Summit on Sunday, the President called for a global framework that benefits communities hosting critical minerals in Nigeria and Africa, ensuring value addition at the source.

He also backed the creation of global ethical standards for Artificial Intelligence (AI), aimed at accelerating development across the world.

VP Shettima Returns To Abuja After Successful Engagements At G20, AU–EU Summits In South Africa, Angola

Continue Reading

News

WAFAI COMMENDS PRESIDENT TINUBU FOR RECENT RESCUES; DEMANDS URGENT, DECISIVE ACTION ON NATIONAL SECURITY

Published

on

WAFAI COMMENDS PRESIDENT TINUBU FOR RECENT RESCUES; DEMANDS URGENT, DECISIVE ACTION ON NATIONAL SECURITY

The Women and Family Advancement Initiative (WAFAI), an NGO focused on family values, societal morals, policy implementation, and advocacy, has commended His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his resilience and commitment in securing the release of the 38 recently abducted church worshippers in Kwara State and some students from Saint Mary’s Private Secondary School, Papiri, in Niger State.

The Founder & CEO of WAFAI, Dr. Uche Francisca Obi, made the remarks in a press release today at the organization’s headquarters in Abuja. Dr. Obi said, “While we celebrate these victories, more must be done to curb the rising insecurity so that families across Nigeria can rest peacefully.”

She added, “The President’s efforts are greatly lauded, especially the good news that all 25 girls abducted from a school in Kebbi have regained their freedom. However, we are deeply concerned about the silence surrounding other kidnapped students still awaiting rescue. As a family-oriented leader, I share the pain of families yet to be reunited with their wards.”

Dr. Obi urged, “We call on the government to expedite efforts to safely return these students to their parents.”

She concluded, “Prioritizing security and tackling it head-on at this critical period will diminish narratives of foreign interference. Nigeria is a sovereign nation capable of handling its internal matters. With the willpower and right perspective from the government, insurgency can be defeated, restoring hope and self-sufficiency to families nationwide.”

WAFAI Media

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights