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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
GSS OMU-ARAN, GATEWAY SET, CELEBRATES GOLDEN JUBILEE WITH LEGACY PROJECTS
By: Michael Mike
All is now set as the 1971-1975 set of Government Secondary School, Omu Aran, Kwara State, otherwise known as the Gateway Set, will on Friday July 4, celebrate its 50th year anniversary, with series of legacy projects.
In a statement in Ilorin by Prof. Tajudeen Akanji, Chairman, Central Planning Committee, said many activities have been lined up for the celebration of the Golden Jubilee, on Friday.
According to him, activities lined up for the day include the launch and dedication of some legacy projects by the Old Boys, visit to His Royal Highness, the Olomu of Omu Aran and a communal walk.
He added that the Kwara State Government has indicated its willingness to partner with the set to construct and uplift some identified infrastructural facilities in the school.
Other events lined up for the Day is a lecture on : NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE IMPERATIVE OF PEACE AND SECURITY to be delivered by Comrade Isa Aremu, Director General, Michael Imodu Institute for Labour Studies, Ilorin and staging of a play: Flight Ticket by the school drama group.
Dignitaries expected at the event to be chaired by Major General Yemi Abidoye rtd, include representatives of Kwara State Government, Royal fathers and other important dignitaries, many of whom have made impacts in their fields of endeavours.
Some of the dignitaries who were also almunus of the College were Bishop Caleb Atolagbe, Mr Olusegun Abifarin, the first alumnus to become the principal of the school and indeed the longest serving principal of the school. Others include; Alhaji Mufutaudeen Balogun, a former MD of Harmony Security, Dr Dele Ige, Dr Segun Dogunro and Dr Depo Agboola, Engineers Kayode Adeoti, Dauda Awojobi and Jacob Oyedepo Navy Captain Yekini Mustafa, Chief Stephen Ayelabola, Mr Tunji Oyinloye, Adegoke Olanrewaju, James Aina, Professor Tajudeen Akanji, Professor Funsho Afolayan, Professor Olabode Bamgbola, among several others.
GSS OMU-ARAN, GATEWAY SET, CELEBRATES GOLDEN JUBILEE WITH LEGACY PROJECTS
Israel/Iran Crisis: Nigerians in Tehran Have Not Been Abandoned to Fate, Says FG
By: Michael Mike
The federal government has debunked the reported claim that Nigeria has abandoned citizens in Tehran, Iran to their fate as Israeli bombs continue it drop.
A statement on Saturday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa read: “The attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has been drawn to misleading and unfounded reports circulating on social media and certain news platforms that the Embassy of Nigeria in Tehran, Iran, has abandoned Nigerian nationals and departed the country due to the ongoing crisis with Israel.
“The Ministry categorically debunks these allegations and assures the public, particularly Nigerian citizens in Iran, that the Embassy of Nigeria in Tehran remains operational and committed to the welfare and safety of all Nigerian nationals in Iran. The consistent bombing in Tehran has, however, disrupted normal work schedules and forced staff to work remotely.”
The statement added that: “Given this unfortunate development, the Embassy is actively engaging with the Government of Armenia to grant access for the evacuation of Nigerians via Yerevan.
“Moreover, Nigerians in Iran requiring assistance are encouraged to contact the Embassy directly through its official emergency contacts:
Mr. Esson Anzaku +989393216872 and Abutalib +989024199018 +989393216872, and emails: Nigeria.tehran@mfa.gov.ng
anzakuesson02@gmail.com and lawshed@yahoo.com.”
The statement added that: “Nigerians in Iran are also advised to contact the various designated coordinators of the Nigerian Community in these three locations as earlier arranged.
“The Embassy has also advised members of the Nigerian Community to download the Iranian local messaging app, eitaa, and join the Nigerian group for regular updates.”
The statement further assured: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains vigilant in monitoring the situation and will continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard the interests of Nigerians worldwide.”
Israel/Iran Crisis: Nigerians in Tehran Have Not Been Abandoned to Fate, Says FG
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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