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China: Africa’s Most Reliable Companionon Africa’s Path to Development
China: Africa’s Most Reliable Companion
on Africa’s Path to Development
By: Our Reporter
Development is an inalienable right of all countries, not a privilege of a few. Recently, Chinese Premier Li Qiang solemnly declared at the High-level Meeting on the Global Development Initiative hosted by China at the United Nations Headquarters that China as a responsible major developing country, will not seek new special and differential treatment in current and future negotiations at the WTO. This is a proactive step that China takes in support of the multilateral trading system, and a significant move to implement the Global Development Initiative and Global Governance Initiative.
The tariff wars initiated by the United States have seriously undermined global trade and economic order, posing serious challenges to the development of all countries, especially in the Global South. As the world’s second-largest economy, China actively defends the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, firmly upholds the multilateral trading system, so that it can better focus on development issues and help bridge the development gap between the Global North and South. As the largest developing country and the continent with the highest concentration of developing countries in the world respectively, China and Africa are both vital members of the Global South. China is willing to work with Africa to effectively implement the Global Development Initiative and to be the most reliable companion on Africa’s path to development.
China practices the principle of inclusive and universal benefits through an open market, expanding vast space for Africa’s development. A universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization is vital for developing countries. Some developed countries are unwilling to fulfill their commitments on development financing and have even withdrawn funding from international development institutions.
At the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation Beijing Summit held last September, President Xi Jinping announced zero tariff treatment on products with 100% tariff lines for all least developed countries having diplomatic relations with China, including 33 African countries. In June this year, China extended the zero-tariff treatment to cover 100% of tariff lines for all 53 African countries that have diplomatic ties with China. From January to July 2025, China’s imports from Africa’s least developed countries reached 39.66 billion USD, with a year-on-year increase of 10.2%.
The facts prove that China’s proactive unilateral market opening measures will strongly drive the industrial development, promote employment growth and accelerate poverty reduction in Africa.
China shares advanced and practical technology to strengthen the core support for Africa’s innovative development. In a context where global technological barriers are increasingly prominent and key resources are concentrated in a few developed countries and multinational tech giants, “Intelligent Manufacturing in China” has enriched global supply, making previously inaccessible technology available.
At the AI Action Summit held in Paris in February, China signed the Statement on Inclusive and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence for People and the Planet together with other 60 countries and international organizations. Represented by Deepseek, Chinese AI models have broken the monopoly of Western tech giants through open-source modes, initiating an “AI democratizatio” process.
The supply of China’s advanced and practical technology promotes bridging the digital and artificial intelligence gaps, further empowering African industries and people, providing transformative power to Africa’s leapfrog development.
China provides green transition solutions to support a long-term future for Africa’s sustainable development. Possessing the world’s richest green resources such as solar and wind power, Africa remains one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change. China actively shares green transition solutions with Africa. The Blue Line built by a Chinese company provides green and convenient public transportation to Lagos residents. Major projects built by Chinese enterprises, such as Morocco’s Noor III and II Concentrated Solar Power Project and South Africa’s De Aar Wind Power Project, have illuminated millions of homes across Africa and lit the path to sustainable development. China’s new energy vehicles are rapidly entering the African market, offering new options to improve urban air quality.
China’s green development solutions have helped Africa avoid the old path of “polluting first, cleanup later” at the early stage of its industrialization, paving the way toward a more resilient and sustainable future.
China supplies quality and affordable products to firmly support African livelihoods. From home appliances and clothing that improve the quality of life, to smartphones and base station equipment ensuring communication, as well as machinery and transport equipment supporting infrastructure development, “Made in China” is becoming deeply and comprehensively integrated into the daily lives of the African people.
These Chinese products meet Africans’ pursuit of better life while effectively reducing the cost of improving livelihoods and industrial development, providing a foundation for meeting basic needs and improving life quality, thus injecting sustained momentum into Africa’s economic and social development.
In his speech on the African Union Day, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, called for building an Africa where every African can thrive in dignity and hope. China firmly believes that global prosperity and stability cannot be achieved when the rich get richer and the poor poorer. Regardless of international uncertainties, China will uphold the UN-centered international system, stick to multilateralism and free trade, strive to build an open world economy, and provide robust support for Africa’s development as a true friend walking hand in hand on Africa’s path to development .
China: Africa’s Most Reliable Companion
on Africa’s Path to Development
Security forces arrest suspect with 800 rounds of ammunition in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces in Zamfara State have arrested a 25-year-old suspect, Mannir Adam, for allegedly transporting 800 rounds of AK-47 ammunition concealed in the fuel tank of a motorcycle.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, a resident of Yankuzo village in Tsafe Local Government Area of the state, was intercepted at about 7:50 p.m. on Tuesday along the Gusau–Funtua highway.
He was arrested at a security checkpoint in Yankara while riding a red Boxer motorcycle.
According to the sources, a search conducted by the operatives led to the discovery of 800 rounds of live ammunition for an AK-47 rifle, which had been carefully hidden inside the motorcycle’s fuel tank.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly picked up the ammunition from the Bawa area in Saminaka Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
He was reportedly transporting the ammunition to Kucheri village in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where it was suspected to be destined for armed bandits operating in the area.
Security sources described the arrest as a major breakthrough in efforts to disrupt the supply of arms and ammunition to criminal groups terrorising communities in Zamfara and neighbouring states.
The suspect is currently in custody while further investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the network involved in the illegal arms supply chain.
Security forces arrest suspect with 800 rounds of ammunition in Zamfara
Police arrest robbery suspects, recover firearms in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police Command in Plateau has arrested two suspected armed robbers and recovered firearms during an intelligence-led operation in Jos North Local Government Area.
Police sources said the suspects were arrested on March 9 at about 9:15 p.m. by a team of operatives acting on credible intelligence.
The suspects were identified as Emmanuel Yakmoe of Angwan Rukuba and Alfred Song of Furaka Junction, both residents of Jos North.
According to police, a locally fabricated pistol was recovered from the suspects at the time of their arrest.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects had allegedly robbed one Nandi Budadi Taki of his iPhone 16 Pro Max at gunpoint.
Further investigation led to the recovery of an additional Beretta pistol from Yakmoe at his residence in Angwan Rukuba.
Police said the suspects had confessed to the crime, adding that discreet investigation was ongoing.
The command also said efforts were being intensified to arrest other members of the robbery syndicate and recover additional weapons.
Police arrest robbery suspects, recover firearms in Plateau
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Leadership Amid Turbulence: The Stewardship of Dr. Lucky Ikharo at the National Assembly Service Commission
Leadership Amid Turbulence: The Stewardship of Dr. Lucky Ikharo at the National Assembly Service Commission
By Ayo Ajayi
In times of institutional uncertainty, leadership is often tested not by comfort but by crisis. At the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), Abuja, such a moment emerged amid internal tensions and the spread of misinformation among sections of the workforce. At the centre of this storm stood the Commission’s Secretary, Dr. Lucky Ikharo, whose calm disposition and administrative experience have helped steady the institution through turbulent waters.
For many within the Commission, the period has been marked by a mix of rumours, misrepresentation, and what some observers describe as half-baked narratives circulating among staff who may not be fully informed about the workings of the system. In such an atmosphere, maintaining discipline, order, and institutional focus requires more than routine administration—it demands patience, clarity of purpose, and steady leadership.
Dr. Ikharo has sought to provide exactly that. Known among colleagues for his methodical approach to public service administration, he has remained focused on ensuring that the Commission continues to function effectively despite the distractions created by internal disagreements and misinformation.
His journey within the National Assembly bureaucracy reflects years of dedication to institutional development.
Dr. Ikharo joined the National Assembly Service Commission in 2002 as an Assistant Chief Administrative Officer. Through diligence and professional commitment, he steadily rose through the ranks of the public service, eventually attaining the position of Director in 2017.
Dr Lucky Ikharo was among the pioneer staff members entrusted with the responsibility of coordinating the Commission’s Meeting Secretariat, a role he diligently handled for over nine years. In that capacity, he played a critical role in ensuring the smooth organization and documentation of the Commission’s high-level deliberations.
Following this period, Dr. Ikharo broadened his administrative horizon by serving in various departments within the Commission. These experiences exposed him to the diverse operational dynamics of the institution and helped shape his deep understanding of its administrative processes.
Dr. Ikharo serves as the Secretary to the Commission. His journey through different strategic units of the organisation has positioned him well for the role, affirming the popular saying that he is indeed a round peg in a round hole.
Over the years, he has held several strategic positions within the Commission. Between 2017 and 2019, he served as Director of Promotions, Discipline and Appeals, a role that placed him at the heart of staff management and administrative justice within the organisation. He later served as Director of Procurement and General Services from 2019 to 2020, overseeing critical operational and procurement processes of the Commission.
Beyond his administrative responsibilities, Dr. Ikharo is also a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Training and Development (NITAD), reflecting his commitment to professional development and capacity building in public service.Observers say his leadership style is defined by calm engagement rather than confrontation. At a time when rumours and internal tensions threaten to distract the Commission from its statutory mandate, his stewardship has focused on maintaining stability, reinforcing administrative procedures, and ensuring that the institution continues to carry out its responsibilities to the legislature and the Nigerian public.
Indeed, leadership within public institutions often unfolds quietly, away from public applause. Yet it is precisely in such moments of internal turbulence that the character of a public administrator becomes most visible. For Dr. Lucky Ikharo, the challenge has been to keep the Commission steady, demonstrating that experience, patience, and commitment to institutional integrity remain essential pillars of effective public service leadership.
Leadership Amid Turbulence: The Stewardship of Dr. Lucky Ikharo at the National Assembly Service Commission
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