China-Nigeria Trade Volume Surpasses $22b- Envoy
…10,000 Nigerians Have Enjoyed Training Programmes in China So Far

By: Michael Mike

China-Nigeria trade volume has surpassed $22 billion, China Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai has said.

Speaking at the 1st Annual China-Nigeria Government Exchange Program Alumni Reunion Gala, in Abuja, Yu also disclosed that over 10,000 Nigerians have benefited from opportunities for the exchange provided by China.

Yu while noting that 2025 trade volume has surpassed that of the previous year, said that China’s direct investment to Nigeria increased by 130%, while Nigeria’s export increased by over 200%.

He said: “ I think this bilateral relations not only has a political meaning, but it’s actually more about people-to-people relations. And I’m very happy to let all of you know that our trade volumes, this year, already surpassed 22 billion U.S. dollars.

“That’s already surpassed the total amount of last year. And China’s direct investment to Nigeria increased by 130%. And another good news is Nigeria’s export increased by over 200%.”

The envoy also said his country is working closely with Nigeria authorities to implement the zero tariff policy announced in June 2025, which is meant to expand Nigeria’s export to China while also enhancing Nigeria’s position on the international global trading system.

He said: “We are working very closely with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to implement the zero tariff policy, which the Chinese government announced last June. That is, China is going to provide zero tariff for 100% of products from all 53 African countries, including Nigeria, to China.

“And I believe that this is going to expand Nigeria’s export to China and contribute also to the enhancing of Nigeria’s position on the international global system, the trading system.”

He noted that China-Nigeria are working on other various projects which are aimed at providing mutual benefits, stating that he believed that Nigeria and China are natural partners, as both countries shared the same interest.

He therefore said both countries need to work together to enhance the current global governance, to address the active representation of African countries, and to better let our voices be heard globally.

Yu, while stating that: “China’s today is Nigeria’s tomorrow,” noted that China and Nigeria shared a lot of similarities.

On bringing the alumni together, Yu said: “is to provide a platform for our alumni who attended the Chinese Government Exchange Programme to stay connected, to exchange ideas, and thus contribute to China-Nigeria relations.

“Indeed, over the years, China has provided over 10,000 opportunities for the training programme for Nigerians.

He said the training opportunities aimed at building the capacities and sharing experience of governance, to poverty reduction, to manufacturing, agriculture, public health, trade, investment, science, technology, innovation, food economy, digital economy.

He added that: “And I believe that this not only helps to enhance the capabilities of the individuals, but also contributes to the economic and social development of Nigeria.”

Yu said the alumni of the exchange programme cut across Nigeria’s cities of Abuja, Lagos, Maiduguri and Ibadan, among others.

China-Nigeria Trade Volume Surpasses $22b- Envoy

Sterling Strengthens Media Capacity on Sustainability Reporting

By: Michael Mike

In a deliberate move to deepen responsible sustainability reporting and strengthen the role of the media in national development, the Sterling Sustainability Working Group has convened a high-level sustainability training for journalists as part of activities marking the 2025 National Sustainability Week (NSW).

The Sterling Sustainability Working Group champions the sustainability mandate for the Sterling Financial Holdings Company that comprises of Sterling Bank and Alternative Bank

The strategic programme, organised by the Sterling Sustainability Working Group in partnership with the Climate Africa Media Initiative and Centre (CAMIC) in collaboration with NatureNews brought together selected media executives and journalists from across the country for a two-day hybrid engagement that began on Tuesday in Abuja.

Welcoming participants, Chairperson of the Sustainability Working Group, Mrs Bunmi Ajiboye, underscored the central role of the media in shaping public perception and policy conversations around sustainability.

She described the engagement as a pivotal intervention aimed at redefining how Nigeria’s development story is told.

According to her, sustainability has moved beyond a narrow environmental narrative to become a comprehensive development framework that touches the economy, innovation, governance and social inclusion.

She noted that journalists as custodians of public information, have a responsibility to frame these issues with clarity, accuracy and purpose.

Ajiboye also said that effective storytelling by the media can drive action, dispel misinformation and elevate grassroots solutions that often go unnoticed. She said the training was designed to equip participants with the tools and insights needed to amplify credible solutions, influence behaviour and inspire collective responsibility among citizens and decision-makers.

She further highlighted Sterling’s sustainability footprint, citing the company’s investments in renewable energy projects, support for circular economy ventures, promotion of climate-smart agriculture and youth empowerment initiatives nationwide. These efforts, she said, reflect Sterling’s long-term commitment to embedding sustainability into business strategy and social impact.

She said: “This is not just a learning session; it is a call for partnership,” while urging journalists to work with stakeholders in building narratives that reflect Nigeria’s resilience, creativity and potential.

Participants at the training were drawn from reputable print, broadcast and digital media organisations and joined both physically and virtually.

They received expert-led sessions from seasoned media professionals, including Aliu Akoshile, Publisher of NatureNews Media; Akogun Ishiak Ajibola, former Managing Director of Daily Trust; and Victoria Bamas, Editor at the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR).

The training focused on strengthening digital reporting skills, deepening understanding of sustainability issues and positioning the media as a critical driver of informed public discourse and sustainable development outcomes in Nigeria.

Sterling Strengthens Media Capacity on Sustainability Reporting

Koranic recitation described as a symbol of unity among Muslims

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Governor Babagana Zulum has described the on going koranic recitation ceremony going on in Maiduguri as a symbol of unity for Muslims in the country.

The Governor commended the organizers of the “Musabaqah foundation” for hosting such an important program in Borno at this critical period of the history of the state adding that it will further unite the people.

He noted that the exercise last hosted in Borno in 1986 and coming back now is indeed of special significance to “Yerwa” land which has been a centre of Islamic excellence for over 1000 years and still counting.

Engr. Zulum commended his colleagues the Governors of Gombe Kebbi and Yobe states respectively for showing special interests in the recitation competition which has become a sound breeding ground for instilling discipline and leadership among young people in the country.

The Governor prayed that the competition would become a source of blessing for the region even as he pledged the sum of N120m on behalf of all his colleagues in the north east zone of Nigeria.

In his remarks Governor of Gombe Inua Yahaya regretted that islam was under threat in the region and a lot has to be done to reverse the damnation posed by these enemies by way of terrorism or in whatever name they come.

The Governor who is the chair of the northern governors forum called on muslims in the north to work hard and erase the negative image associated with their religion adding that such a damping image was of no special interest to the people.

Key note speaker, Prof Ibrahim Umara, of the political science department of university of Maiduguri (unimaid) traced the ancestry of the Kanuri people and their walk with islam over the centuries adding that kanuri are ancestors of the famous Nubia civilization before Bernin Kebbi, kukawa then Maiduguri.

The scholar averred that it was Kanem Borno empire that actually converted the Hausa people to Islam having contacted islam 1400 years ago and still counting.

Vc Usman Dan Fodio University, Prof Bashir Garba in his remarks called for more support to the centre for Islamic studies in his university so that the sponsorship of the competition can continue.

Shehu of Borno also appreciated Governor Zulum for hosting the event which was held last in 1986.

He remarked that discipline is one virtue which the competition is trying to achieve which is why the competition is commendable.

He equally posited that unity will also be achieved in the process of competition among the young folks coming up to become leaders of tomorrow.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Tijani Bukar who is also chair of the local organizing committee (LOC) however prayed that God will soon grant absolute peace to the state adding that the entire program will be successful as expected.

The 40th anniversary of the national Koranic recitation which started in 1985 is being hosted at the Indimi hall unimaid and will last for ten days and ends on Saturday for the grand finale.

Also present at the occasion was a representative of Governor of Yobe Mai Mala Buni, Dr Mohammed Bakura, Barrister Jamal Akintunde, Prof Adam Mustapha, traditional rulers and chief imams from across the region and many others from the university community.

Koranic recitation described as a symbol of unity among Muslims