National News
Developed Countries Should Assist to Free Africa from Shackles of Debt- Shanghai Institute

Developed Countries Should Assist to Free Africa from Shackles of Debt- Shanghai Institute
By: Michael Mike
The only way for Africa to be freed from the shackles of debt and get its development back on track is if assisted by developed countries, private financial institutions and international multilateral financial institutions.
This was this submission of an international online seminar with the theme “Africa’s Debt Situation and China’s Responses”, organised by the Shanghai Institute of International Studies (SIIS).
The seminar held at the weekend had in attendance experts and professionals from international organisations, enterprises, Chinese and foreign think tanks and representatives from universities, where they discussed in depth two major topics, assessing the debt situation in Africa, and China’s role in the African debt issue.
take stronger actions in providing financial support to developing countries and alleviating their debt
The seminar aimed to deepen the understanding of African debt crisis, and explore how China and the African community can deepen their cooperation with Africa. At the same time, the seminar called on all parties to coordinate and cooperate on this problem, especially the developed countries, private financial institutions and international multilateral financial institutions, and together they should take stronger actions in providing financial support to developing countries and alleviating their debt through actions by all parties can the world help Africa and the global economy to achieve inclusive and sustainable development.
Four guests from different countries and fields provided in-depth analysis on the topics. Professor Deborah Brotigam, Director of the China-Africa Studies Initiative Program at Johns Hopkins University, shared her research results and made constructive suggestions on China’s loans to Africa, the proportion of Africa’s external debt, China’s debt treatment for Africa, and China’s participation in G20 debt treatment.
Gregory Smith, emerging markets fund manager from M&G Investments analyzed the overall debt situation of African countries, deeply analyzed the manifestation and root causes of debt problems of African countries from the perspective of sovereign bonds and private creditors, and pointed out the importance of coordinated participation of different creditors.
Wang Luo, Director of China Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, provided a new perspective on China’s participation in African development and support for African countries to deal with debt challenges from the perspective of “debt to development”.
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Rui Wanjie, Founder and CEO of Rui Naxin Consulting, commented on the experience of dealing with debt crises in African countries in the 1990s and on China-Africa development cooperation, especially emphasizing the importance of quality cooperation and sustainable financing between China and Africa.
Chen Dongxiao, President of Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS), delivered the opening speech, while senior fellow Zhou Yuyuan from the Center for West Asian and African Studies and senior fellow Ye Yu from the Center of World Economy presided over the conference. Giles, head of the African-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, gave the concluding remarks.
Chen Dongxiao pointed out that although African economies in general showed signs of steady recovery, the debt problem remained serious. The international community has provided positive support to African countries through many agendas and initiatives, and how to enhance the effectiveness of debt response and global governance is still an important issue.
He insisted that China is a staunch partner of Africa in terms of mutual development and has been playing an active role in addressing Africa’s debt problems..
The session concluded with a response from senior fellow Zhou Yuyuan of the Center for West Asian and African Studies of the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies from the perspective of China’s contribution to Africa’s development cooperation, arguing that debt relief for Africa requires all relevant parties to balance to the relationship between short-term emergency relief and long-term debt governance.
The conference was open to the public and was attended by about 150 people from different countries.
Developed Countries Should Assist to Free Africa from Shackles of Debt- Shanghai Institute
National News
International Day of Democracy/ ActionAid Nigeria Demands Good Governance

International Day of Democracy/ ActionAid Nigeria Demands Good Governance
By: Michael Mike
As the world commemorates the International Day of Democracy under the theme, “From Voice to Action,” ActionAid Nigeria has insisted on good governance and the repair of the fractures in the nation’s democracy in order to ensure its foundational pillars are not eroded.
A statement on Monday by the Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu noted that the theme of the day serves as a powerful call to move beyond merely expressing the will of the people (voice) to taking decisive steps to translate that will into tangible results and good governance (action).
He noted that: For Nigeria, this year’s commemoration is not a theoretical exercise; it is an urgent demand for a system where the voice of the people is not just heard, but is acted upon to repair the fractures in our democracy and ensure its foundational pillars are not eroded.”
Mamedu also noted that “Our democracy is at a critical juncture. While we have sustained a continuous civilian rule for over two and a half decades, the promise of democracy, accountability, good governance, and credible elections remains, for many, an illusion.”
He highlighted the recent 2025 Chandler Good Government Index, which ranked Nigeria at a dismal 116th out of 120 countries, and the Mo Ibrahim Index of African Governance, which places us 33rd out of 54 African nations, stating that these “are not mere statistics; they are a damning indictment of a system that is failing to deliver on its most basic duties. This trust deficit is palpable and it stems from a leadership that often operates without genuine accountability to the citizens it purports to serve.”
He added that these figures, alongside a national unemployment rate that has remained stubbornly high and a multidimensional poverty index showing that a third of our population lives in abject poverty, paint a picture of a democracy that is not delivering on its promise.
He noted that the Rivers State situation in 2025 serves as a chilling testament to this democratic regression, a situation where a state of emergency was declared to settle political scores.
He further noted that the situation with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan further questions Nigeria’s rule of law and the abuse of power within our legislative arm, lamenting that despite a court order and the expiration of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension, the National Assembly has continued to bar her from resuming her duties, citing a pending appeal.
Mamedu said this refusal to adhere to a judicial pronouncement is a clear example of legislative impunity, and it disenfranchises the entire Kogi Central Senatorial District. He added that it is a deeply unsettling precedent that suggests political institutions can act as they please, with little regard for the checks and balances designed to protect the rights of citizens and their elected representatives.
He stressed that this deliberate obstruction of a lawmaker’s mandate is not just an attack on an individual; it is an assault on the core tenets of representative democracy and a clear message that dissent will not be tolerated, even when it is legally sanctioned.
He said: “As we confront these domestic challenges, we must draw lessons from global trends, particularly from the Gen Z-led movement for accountability and democratic reform in Nepal. Angered by systemic corruption and a lavish political elite, Nepalese youth took to the streets in 2025, demanding a government that serves the people rather than itself. Their digitally powered protests, which saw the use of social media platforms like TikTok and Telegram for mobilisation, culminated in the resignation of the Prime Minister and a push for a new political order. This movement is a powerful reminder that a digitally-native generation is no longer content with the status quo. They are demanding transparency, accountability, and a genuine say in whom their leaders are. For Nigeria’s democracy to thrive, it must empower its youth and engage with their demands for good governance, for it is this generation that will either inherit a broken system or build a more equitable one.”
He said on this International Day of Democracy, ActionAid Nigeria calls on all tiers of government and stakeholders, including the judiciary, civil society, and every Nigerian citizen, to demonstrate a renewed commitment to accountability. We demand the immediate reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to her senatorial seat in compliance with the Federal High Court’s judgment. The Presidency must be held accountable by refraining from actions that undermine federalism, as seen in the Rivers State crisis.
He added that: “The National Assembly must also be held accountable by playing its role of check and balance on the Executive arm. Furthermore, we call for the swift passage of electoral reform legislation, including provisions for electronic transmission of results, to ensure our electoral process is transparent and accountable. We also call on our Judiciary to actually be the hope of the common man and be bold and quick in giving judgements on issues that are of national interest and have bearing on interpretation of our constitution, like the case of the ability of the President to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State and remove an elected Governor and serving State House of Assembly Members.
International Day of Democracy/ ActionAid Nigeria Demands Good Governance
National News
NAF airstrikes neutralise bandit hideout in Chikun in Kaduna

NAF airstrikes neutralise bandit hideout in Chikun in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft have carried out a precision strike on a notorious bandit hideout in Kunti, within Sohon Gaya community of Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
Zagazola learnt that the operation followed credible intelligence reports of heightened bandit activities in the axis, with the criminals reportedly wielding sophisticated weapons, including assault rifles and heavy-calibre arms.
Sources confirmed that at about 1200hrs, two NAF helicopters were sighted conducting the successful strike on the location, which had been a source of terror to the surrounding communities.
In the aftermath of the air interdiction, friendly ground troops arrived the target area in Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to secure the location, assess battle damage and mop up fleeing elements of the bandits.
The timely synergy between air and ground components ensured effective neutralisation of the threats while also restoring confidence among residents of Sohon Gaya community.
NAF airstrikes neutralise bandit hideout in Chikun in Kaduna
National News
Hilda Baci Concludes GWR Jollof Rice Attempt, Awaits Confirmation

Hilda Baci Concludes GWR Jollof Rice Attempt, Awaits Confirmation
By Halima Abdulkadiri
Celebrity chef Hilda Baci on Saturday successfully wrapped up her ambitious bid to set a new Guinness World Record (GWR) for the largest pot of jollof rice.
The reports gathered that Baci cooked approximately 200 bags of rice in a massive 22,619-litre pot, which measured six metres in both width and height. The cooking process lasted about nine hours.
She now awaits official confirmation from Guinness World Records on whether her feat will be certified as a new world record.
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