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China promises Africa on nine developmental strategies

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China promises Africa on nine developmental strategies

China promises Africa on nine developmental strategies

By: Michael Mike, Abuja

China has promised to work with African states to implement nine development strategies 

Presenting a key note address: “Uphold the Tradition of Always Standing Together And Jointly Build a China-Africa Community With a Shared Future in the New Era” on Monday in Dakar. Senegal at the opening ceremony of the eighth ministerial conference of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping said: “In the run-up to this Conference, our two sides have jointly prepared the China-Africa Cooperation Vision 2035. Under the first three-year plan of the Vision, China will work closely with African countries to implement the following nine programmes.”

He highlighted the nine programmes to include; the medical and health programme by helping the AU achieve its goal of vaccinating 60 percent of the African population by 2022, promising that China will provide another one billion doses of vaccines to Africa, including 600 million doses as donation and 400 million doses to be provided through such means as joint production by Chinese companies and relevant African countries. In addition, China will undertake 10 medical and health projects for African countries, and send 1,500 medical personnel and public health experts to Africa.

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The Chinese President also promised to assist Africa with poverty reduction and agricultural development programme, this would be done with the  undertaking of 10 poverty reduction and agricultural projects for Africa, and by sending 500 agricultural experts to Africa; and the country will also set up a number of China-Africa joint centers for modern agrotechnology exchange, demonstration and training in China, encourage Chinese institutions and companies to build in Africa demonstration villages for China-Africa cooperation on agricultural development and poverty reduction, and support the Alliance of Chinese Companies in Africa for Corporate Social Responsibilities in launching the initiative of “100 Companies in 1,000 Villages”.

Jinping also promised to encourage the trade promotion programme with the opening of “green lanes” for African agricultural exports to China, speed up the inspection and quarantine procedures, and further increase the scope of products enjoying zero-tariff treatment for the least developed countries (LDCs) having diplomatic relations with China, in a bid to reach 300 billion US dollars in total imports from Africa in the next three years, with China providing 10 billion US dollars of trade finance to support African export, and build in China a pioneering zone for in-depth China-Africa trade and economic cooperation and a China-Africa industrial park for Belt and Road cooperation, and undertake 10 connectivity projects for Africa, form an expert group on economic cooperation with the secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and give continued support to the development of the AfCFTA.

In the area of investment promotion programme, Jinping said China will encourage its businesses to invest no less than 10 billion US dollars in Africa in the next three years, and will establish a platform for China-Africa private investment promotion. He said: “China will undertake 10 industrialization and employment promotion projects for Africa, provide credit facilities of 10 billion US dollars to African financial institutions, support the development of African SMEs on a priority basis, and establish a China-Africa cross-border RMB center. China will exempt African LDCs from debt incurred in the form of interest-free Chinese government loans due by the end of 2021. China is ready to channel to African countries 10 billion US dollars from its share of the IMF’s new allocation of Special Drawing Rights.”

The Chinese President said in the area of digital innovation programme, China will undertake 10 digital economy projects for Africa, set up centers for China-Africa cooperation on satellite remote-sensing application, and support the development of China-Africa joint laboratories, partner institutes, and scientific and technological innovation cooperation bases. China will work with African countries to expand Silk Road e-commerce cooperation, hold online shopping festivals featuring quality African products and tourism e-commerce promotion activities, and launch a campaign to market 100 African stores and 1,000 African products on e-commerce platforms.

He said China in the area of the green development programme will undertake 10 green development, environmental protection and climate action projects for Africa, support the development of the “Great Green Wall”, and build in Africa centers of excellence on low-carbon development and climate change adaptation; while in the capacity building program, China will help build or upgrade 10 schools in Africa, and invite 10,000 high-level African professionals to seminars and workshops. 

Jinping said: “We will implement “Future of Africa — a project for China-Africa cooperation on vocational education”, and start an employment “through train” scheme for African students in China. China will continue to work with African countries to set up “Luban Workshops”, and encourage Chinese companies in Africa to create at least 800,000 local jobs.”

He said in the cultural and people-to-people exchange programme, China will support making all African countries having diplomatic ties with China approved destinations for Chinese tourist groups. “We will hold African film festivals in China and Chinese film festivals in Africa, as well as a China-Africa youth services forum, and a China-Africa women’s forum,” and in the peace and security program. China will undertake 10 peace and security projects for Africa, continue to deliver military assistance to the AU, support African countries’ efforts to independently maintain regional security and fight terrorism, and conduct joint exercises and on-site training between Chinese and African peacekeeping troops and cooperation on small arms and light weapons control.

China promises Africa on nine developmental strategies

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China has shown to be Africa’s friend, development partner, Insists Stakeholders

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China has shown to be Africa’s friend, development partner, Insists Stakeholders

By: Michael Mike

Stakeholders in diplomacy, academia, and the media have dismissed the claim that China has ulterior motives in Africa, insisting that the Chinese Government has come to the continent as a friend and key development partner.

They made this point at the Media Executives Forum and Book Launch held in Abuja at the China Cultural Centre.

The event, which featured the unveiling of Balancing the Narrative: China-Africa Relations authored by seasoned diplomatic journalist Raphael Oni, brought together diplomats, media professionals, and scholars to discuss the impact and perception of China’s growing involvement in Africa.

Speaking at the launch, Oni, who recently participated in a media training programme in China, described the book as a product of his experience and research.

He said: “There is a gap in understanding China’s role in Africa. A lot of misinformation is being circulated, especially through Western media. This book is my effort to correct that.”

Oni, who is the Editor-in-Chief of Diplomatic Extra, a magazine dedicated to foreign affairs and diplomatic reports, pointed to China’s numerous contributions in areas such as infrastructure, education, and technology, citing projects like roads, railways, and airport construction supported by Chinese funding and expertise.

He also highlighted capacity-building programmes that send Nigerian professionals and students to China for training.

on his part, the Director, Centre for Chinese Studies in Nigeria, Mr. Charles Onunaiju, commended Oni’s work, stating that it contributes to knowledge-driven cooperation. He noted that: “There are myths surrounding China-Africa relations, but what we need is deeper understanding and accurate information.”

In his remarks, the President of the African Union of Journalists and erstwhile President of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mr. Christopher Isiguzo, urged Nigerian political leaders to emulate China’s development-driven approach. “China’s progress is rooted in long-term planning and strong national vision. We can learn a lot from that,” he said.

Diplomatic representatives from the High Commissions of Sierra Leone and Malaysia, as well as the Ambassador of Mexico to Nigeria, also delivered goodwill messages. They praised the book and emphasized the importance of cultural and media exchanges in building international partnerships.

Participants at the event called for greater collaboration between African and Chinese media to present more balanced narratives and foster mutual understanding. They urged African journalists to take the lead in shaping the continent’s global image by telling stories grounded in fact and experience.

The forum concluded with a consensus that China remains a reliable ally in Africa’s development journey and that dispelling misinformation through responsible journalism is essential for strengthening bilateral ties.

China has shown to be Africa’s friend, development partner, Insists Stakeholders

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6th Anniversary: My promise of transforming Gombe now reality, says Gov. Yahaya

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6th Anniversary: My promise of transforming Gombe now reality, says Gov. Yahaya

Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, on Thursday, declared that his vision of transforming the state, set six years ago, has now become a tangible reality.

He stated this in Gombe during a state-wide broadcast marking the sixth anniversary of his administration’s leadership in the state.

According to Yahaya, his government has achieved remarkable progress since 2019, with visible development in every region of the state serving as undeniable proof.

He noted that the transformation agenda spanned education, healthcare, the economy, roads, infrastructure, and security, among other key areas of governance and public welfare.

Yahaya noted that his administration met public expectations by delivering quality governance, making Gombe a national benchmark across various development sectors.

“When we began this journey six years ago, we promised to transform Gombe into a development model. Today, that promise has come to fruition,” he said.

He said that every corner of Gombe bears evidence of growth and change, reflecting the state’s steady advancement under his leadership.

In the health sector, Yahaya said his government revamped and equipped 114 primary health centres, recruited personnel, and revitalised healthcare delivery across the state.

On education, he emphasised a holistic, data-driven strategy that improved learning outcomes and earned praise from the Federal Ministry of Education and development partners.

“We have also overhauled Gombe’s road infrastructure, delivering over 900 kilometres of rural and urban roads to enhance accessibility and economic growth,” he said.

These projects, he added, have linked communities, boosted trade, and eased the movement of people and goods across the state.

“All township roads under this scheme feature solar-powered streetlights, improving visibility at night and enhancing local security,” Yahaya noted.

Addressing water scarcity, the governor stated that over 900 boreholes had been constructed during his tenure to improve access to clean water.

He thanked the people of Gombe for their steadfast support and vowed to consolidate on achievements during the remaining two years of his second term.

“In the next two years, we’ll enhance Gombe’s strengths in commerce, agriculture, and renewable energy,” Yahaya pledged.

He reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, good governance, and youth empowerment to prepare them for a dynamic and changing world.

6th Anniversary: My promise of transforming Gombe now reality, says Gov. Yahaya

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Soldier arrested in Rivers over attempted rape, theft, and assault on police officer

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Soldier arrested in Rivers over attempted rape, theft, and assault on police officer

By: Zagazola Makama

The Police in Rivers State have arrested a serving soldier over an alleged attempted rape, theft, and assault on a police officer in Kpor Division, under Zone 16, Yenagoa.

Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Cpl. Dinebari Legudu, who claimed we was attached Special Forces, in Maiduguri, was arrested on Wednesday following a complaint by a 17-year-old female, Peace Baridor, of Bera community.

According to the police, the teenage girl reported that the suspect, whom she recently befriended on Facebook, visited her residence around 3:30 p.m. on the same day and allegedly attempted to rape her. She managed to escape and locked the suspect inside the house.

“In her absence, the suspect ransacked the home and allegedly stole N150,000 belonging to the girl’s mother before breaking out and fleeing,” the statement said.

Upon receiving the report at about 6:05 p.m., officers from the Kpor Division, acting swiftly alongside the complainant, traced and apprehended the suspect. Upon interrogation, it was revealed that he is a serving soldier currently on pass from his unit in Maiduguri.

The police also reported that the suspect resisted arrest and assaulted one of the arresting officers during the operation.

He is currently in police custody and investigation is ongoing.

Authorities said due process would be followed and the military hierarchy has been notified for necessary administrative procedures.

Soldier arrested in Rivers over attempted rape, theft, and assault on police officer

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