National News
Partnership with China is Gradually Positioning Nigeria as Economic Gateway to Africa- Chinese Envoy

Partnership with China is Gradually Positioning Nigeria as Economic Gateway to Africa- Chinese Envoy
By: Michael Mike
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has said that the partnership between China and Nigeria is positioning the West African nation as a critical economic gateway for Africa.
Speaking at a seminar on “Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Achieve the Ten Partnership Actions in an All-Weather China-Africa Community with a Shared Future,” Ambassador Yu noted that significant progress has been made in implementing the ‘Ten Partnership Actions’ since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) last September.
The ‘Ten Partnership Actions’ encompass cooperation across ten critical areas, including cultural exchange, trade facilitation, industrial chain integration, infrastructure connectivity, sustainable development, public health, agriculture advancement, people-to-people bonds, green economy transition, and security cooperation.
These initiatives aim to catalyse the cause of China-Africa modernization and elevate the China-Africa community with a shared future to new heights.
The Chinese government has announced measures to expand its openness and collaboration with Africa, including extending zero-tariff treatment for 100% of tariff lines to all 53 African countries with diplomatic relations, enhancing access to exports from Africa’s Least Developed Countries, and promoting cooperation in green industries, e-commerce, and payment systems.
Yu said: “When the 2.8 billion-plus people in China and Africa unite in purpose and stride forward hand in hand, we will achieve glory on our paths toward modernization.”
He noted that the partnership between China and Nigeria has elevated their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, stating that as two major developing countries, their relationship now transcends bilateral dimensions and is gaining growing global significance.
Yu also said China stands ready to work hand in hand with Nigeria, support each other through thick and thin, jointly advance the ‘Ten Partnership Actions’ for China-Africa cooperation in modernization and implement the initiatives of the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of FOCAC.
He said: @Together, through our joint efforts, we will surely write a new chapter of the China-Nigeria Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”
Also speaking, the Director-General/Global Liaison of Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Joseph Tegbe, disclosed that the level of partnership with China is positioning Nigeria as the critical economic gateway for Africa.
He said: “After FOCAC 2024, Nigeria and Peoples Republic of China elevated their partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This marks the beginning of a dispensation where we are determined to work better and closer with the Peoples Republic of China.
“It marks a period when we are no longer satisfied with maintaining
mere relationships; but strive to build robust development partnerships that are based on mutual trust and respect, shared ambition, and collaborative efforts.
According to him, “It signals our Government’s serious intent to not only sustain but to deepen bilateral cooperation in ways that are systematic, accountable and aligned with Nigeria’s long-term development agenda.”
The DG noted that the broad aim of his office is to strengthen bilateral relations through trade, investment, infrastructure development, technology transfer, and capacity building.
“This partnership aligns with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and seeks to position Nigeria as a critical hub in Africa, fostering long-term sustainable development and economic growth.
“Drive Nigeria’s socio-economic growth by leveraging China’s advanced technology, expertise in infrastructure, and capacity for investment. Align with Nigeria’s national development priorities, such as the Renewed Hope Agenda to the BRI.
He outlined that the partnership for Trade Prosperity reflects China’s commitment to zero-tariff access for least-developed countries, including 53 African states.
“This is an unprecedented gesture by a major economic power and positions Nigeria to exploit China’s vast consumer market, especially in agriculture, manufacturing and digital trade.”
“This action was implemented about a week ago by the Government of China who removed tariffs on exports from 53 African countries, including Nigeria. Our strategy is to leverage this opportunity in our drive to become a net exporter to China like Brazil.”
Earlier, the Director of Centre for Contemporary China-Africa Research, Prof Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, said China and Africa have rejected colonialism, imperialism and subjugation of any kind by the colonial forces that drained Africa of resources, seized its human potentials and ensured dependency and
underdevelopment of the continent.
“Today Africa is coming out of the gloomy days, in its cooperation with China, Africa is, for the first time assured of the beacon of true modernization and development, through: first, building mutual trust, mutual assistance, mutual learning, exchanges and common development.
“This rapid mutual chemistry and mutual assistance cought the attention of the international community, which marked the surfacing of China in global governance, poverty reduction, industrialization, taking path to modernization and investing in African development.
He maintained that China accorded $5 billion in 2006 to African countries, $10
billion in 2009, $20 billion in 2012, $60 billion in 2015, S60 billion in 2018, $40 billion in 2021, and $50.7 billion in 2024.
“These are for investment, aid, credit lines and ultimately African modernization, growth and development. Chinese President Xi Jinping in September, 2024, posited that, China stands ready to work with Africa, to implement the 10 partnership action plans and to jointly advance modernization.
“President Xi believes that: “One-third of the world’s population lives in China and Africa, and there will be no global modernization without the modernization of China and Africa.”
“The 10 partnership action plans, to be implemented in the next three years. cover the areas of mutual learning among civilizations, trade prosperity, industrial chain cooperation, connectivity, development cooperation, health, agriculture and livelihoods, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, green development and common security.
“The 2024 FOCAC summit focused on the above ten partnership actions for modernization, aiming to build a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future.” He said.
Partnership with China is Gradually Positioning Nigeria as Economic Gateway to Africa- Chinese Envoy
National News
Vice President Shettima Joins President Tinubu, African Leaders for Burial of Former President Buhari in Daura

Vice President Shettima Joins President Tinubu, African Leaders for Burial of Former President Buhari in Daura
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday joined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other African leaders in Daura, Katsina State, for the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, 13 July 2025, in a London hospital.
Earlier in the day, President Tinubu received the remains of the former President at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina, where he inspected a military guard of honour before the Nigerian Air Force jet conveying the casket arrived at 1:51 p.m.

The casket, draped in the Nigerian flag, was conveyed by a senior military pallbearer team led by Major General Mike Alechenu, and wheeled in a solemn procession to the hymn “God Be With You Till We Meet Again,” flanked by a full military guard of honour.

Vice President Shettima had accompanied the body of the late President from London, alongside the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the late President’s widow, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, and close family members.
Upon arrival in Daura, the remains of President Buhari were received by a large crowd of mourners chanting praises of Allah and offering prayers for his soul. The body was later interred at his private residence in a ceremony attended by a cross-section of dignitaries and ordinary citizens alike.

President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima were joined at the burial by former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, Prime Minister of Niger Republic Ali Lamine Zeine, and former President of Niger Issoufou Mahamadou. Also in attendance were governors, ministers, service chiefs, former governors, captains of industry, Islamic clerics, and representatives from across the continent, including an envoy of the President of Chad.

Vice President Shettima Joins President Tinubu, African Leaders for Burial of Former President Buhari in Daura
National News
Accion MfB Launches AccionMonie App to Transform Digital Banking in Nigeria

Accion MfB Launches AccionMonie App to Transform Digital Banking in Nigeria
By: Michael Michael
Nigeria’s leading microfinance institution, Accion Microfinance Bank (MfB) has launched AccionMonie, a transformative digital financial services platform designed to empower individuals, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and low-income households.
A statement on Tuesday said through AccionMonie, the microfinance bank is expanding digital capabilities for financial
access and empowerment across the spectrum of underserved individuals and businesses. The user-friendly platform offers instant access to essential services, including loans, savings, capital,
and other forms of support.
It started that the launch of AccionMonie is a key part of the bank’s “Always there to lend you a hand” campaign, which reinforces its long-standing commitment to small business growth and the
welfare of low-income households. The campaign positions Accion MFB not just as a financial provider but as a trusted partner in its customers’ journey towards business success and economic empowerment.
In Nigeria, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are one of the key growth drivers of the economy. Estimated at about 37 million, MSMEs currently account for 86 per cent of employment and 48 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
However, despite their strong
potential, the MSMEs continue to be impacted by existential challenges, notably access to capital and finance, infrastructure and an enabling business environment.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Accion MfB, Taiwo Joda, described the launch of
AccionMonie as an important milestone and a testament to the bank’s culture of innovation; one that ensures its products and offerings continue to reflect the evolving needs of its customers.
He said: “At Accion Microfinance Bank, we believe in the potential of every MSME to drive inclusive economic growth. That is why we are committed to empowering them with the financial support they need to grow, innovate, and make a lasting impact in their communities and beyond.”
On his part, the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of the bank, Stephen Olalere, stated that AccionMonie and the combination of the bank’s extensive network of over 74 branches in 12 states will address the persistent challenge of limited access to financial services faced by many small businesses in Nigeria. He added that the platform’s user-friendly features will simplify payments and offer much-needed support for both businesses and individuals.
The Chief Digital Officer of the bank,
Paul Ehiagbonare, said this is a bold move towards digital leadership, maturity and excellence. He stated that: “For us, AccionMonie is a reflection of the much needed customer empowerment through digital tools and technologies. We are not only providing access to finance but standing beside our customers as partners, supporting their ambitions when others
may not and doing so timely and more efficiently. Our goal is to be a reliable ally on their journey toward growth, stability, and long-term success.”
He stated that AccionMonie offers a range of customer-focused features designed to promote financial inclusion and empower users. One of its unique offerings is Save2Loan, which allows customers
to save between N50,000 and N250,000 over 90 days and qualify for a loan worth twice their savings. He noted that this feature is expected to encourage a stronger culture of saving while expanding access to credit.
He explained that customers can also fund their AccionMonie accounts directly using any debit card, which is an easy, seamless process that eliminates the need for long queues at banking halls. Another key
feature is the targeted saving option and locked savings, which helps users plan and save for long-term goals such as tuition, rent, or investment while earning competitive interest.
He noted that customers can also earn for referring others, adding that account management features include on demand
bank statement, account upgrade features, secure access, transfer limit management amongst others.
The AccionMonie app is now available for download on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or directly via this link: https://onelink.to/57z27p.
Accion Microfinance Bank has been in operation for over 16 years and is a pioneer in Nigeria’s microfinance sector, providing innovative financial solutions. The bank’s long history of supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses has greatly contributed to economic growth and
development.
The bank has solid shareholder investments from three major banks – Ecobank, Zenith Bank and Citi Bank – as well as International Finance Corporation, a World Bank member, and Accion Investments, all of which contribute to its strong financial base and allow it to serve an ever-increasing number of customers.
Accion MfB Launches AccionMonie App to Transform Digital Banking in Nigeria
National News
Buhari’s Passing: FG Declares Tuesday Public Holiday to Honour Deceased Ex-President

Buhari’s Passing: FG Declares Tuesday Public Holiday to Honour Deceased Ex-President
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, 15 July, 2025, as a Public Holiday in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
This is in futherance to the seven days of National mourning declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on Monday on behalf of the Federal Government, following the approval of President Bola Tinubu.
The Minister, in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, stated that the holiday is a mark of respect for the late President’s service to the nation, his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, and his enduring legacy in governance and national development.
He said: “President Muhammadu Buhari served Nigeria with dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of our great nation. This public holiday provides an opportunity for all Nigerians to reflect on his life, leadership, and the values he upheld.”
He urged citizens to use the day to honour the late President’s memory by promoting peace, patriotism, and national cohesion, in line with his vision for a prosperous and united Nigeria.
He noted that as earlier announced, the National flags are to fly at half mast for the seven days of mourning period from Sunday 13th July, 2025.
The Federal Government extends deepest condolences to the family of the late President, the people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians, while praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
End
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