International

Western Propaganda: Africa and China Media Need to Collaborate

Published

6 months ago

January 24, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Western Propaganda: Africa and China Media Need to Collaborate

By: Raphael Oni

Africa and China have great potential for media collaboration, both culturally and politically, this will help combat negative reports on African and as well of China.The media collaboration will ensure objective news reporting. This will provide a unique perspective to their audience, rather than relying solely on international news agencies that some times sees stories from their own perspectives. Collaboration between African and Chinese media can bring numerous benefits for mutual benefits. It will help in creating a deeper understanding of both cultures and perspectives and can open up new opportunities for media coverage and technological exchange.

As a diplomatic reporters, I have decided to look into some Western reports on Xinjiang, and come to a conclusion that most of the western report on this province are not reflecting the truth about Chinese government. For decades, the western world has been spreading false information about Xinjiang, a province in western China. The lies have been used to undermine the Chinese government and paint a negative picture of its policies in the region.
One of the biggest lies is that the Chinese government is committing genocide against Uyghur Muslims. This claim has been debunked by various experts and organizations, including the United Nations. The western media has been using fake news and propaganda to make the issue seem worse than it is.
Another lie is that the Chinese government is suppressing Uyghur culture and religion. However, the reality is far from it. The government has invested heavily in preserving Uyghur culture, and there are currently thousands of mosques in Xinjiang, a testament to the freedom of religion. Moreover, the Chinese government is fighting against extremism, not Islam, and it has been successful in preventing terrorist attacks in the region.
The western world has been using the Xinjiang issue as part of its anti-China propaganda campaign. The goal is to weaken China’s global influence and portray it as a human rights violator. However, people should seek the truth and not rely on western propaganda.
The western world has been spreading lies about Xinjiang to serve its geopolitical interests. It is important for people to seek the truth and not fall for propaganda. This is the more reason why Nigeria media and Chinese counterpart must work together in order to debunked the falsehood promoted by Western media.
The Chinese government has also taken steps to improve the economic and social conditions in Xinjiang. The region has seen significant growth in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. The poverty rate has decreased, and the standard of living has improved for many residents.
Furthermore, the government has implemented vocational training programs to help Uyghur Muslims acquire new skills and find employment opportunities. These programs have been successful in reducing extremism and promoting stability in the region.
It is important to recognize that the situation in Xinjiang is complex, and there are different perspectives on how to address it. However, it is crucial to base our understanding on facts rather than propaganda. Only by seeking the truth can we make informed decisions about how to promote peace and stability in the region. Realiably, the Chinese government has taken some major steps to take the true story of the Province.
The Chinese government has also invited foreign journalists and diplomats to visit Xinjiang and see the situation for themselves. However, many western countries have declined the invitation or sent biased reporters who only focus on negative aspects. This shows that some western politicians and media outlets are not interested in finding the truth, but rather in spreading their own agenda. I am calling on African media men to take advantages China-Africa relation to establish more media engagement so that we can always tell our own stories.
One of the most effective ways to counter western propaganda is through cultural exchanges and people-to-people diplomacy. Many Uyghur students have been studying abroad and sharing their experiences with foreigners, which helps break down stereotypes and misconceptions. Similarly, more Chinese tourists are visiting Xinjiang and interacting with local residents, which promotes mutual understanding and respect. Collaboration among African and Chinese counterpart will create avenue to showcase the province on daily basis.
Some experts argue that the Xinjiang issue is not just about human rights or terrorism, but also about geopolitics and economics. Xinjiang is a strategic region for China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to connect Asia, Europe, Africa, and beyond through infrastructure projects. Some western countries believes that China’s rising influence may challenge their own dominance in global trade and investment. Therefore, they use Xinjiang as a pretext to criticize China’s policies and undermine its reputation.

Despite the challenges facing Xinjiang, there are also opportunities for cooperation and development. Many countries along the Belt and Road routes have expressed interest in partnering with China to build new trade corridors, energy pipelines, digital networks, etc. These projects can bring benefits not only to China but also to other regions that need investment and connectivity. By working together on common goals, we can overcome misunderstandings and conflicts caused by propaganda or ideology.
The fate of Xinjiang depends on the will of its people. They can decide how to preserve their culture, religion, language, identity while adapting to changing times. It is the people on ground that can create a future that is peaceful, prosperous, diverse yet united. As outsiders who care about human dignity and justice everywhere in the world, we should listen more than preach; learn more than judge; support more than condemn; respect more than dominate; love more than hate. The media both in China and Africa must double efforts to ensure that western propaganda become a thing of the past.

The Chinese government has also emphasized the importance of poverty alleviation in Xinjiang, particularly in rural areas. In recent years, it has launched various programs to improve agricultural productivity, provide basic infrastructure and public services, and create job opportunities for farmers and herders. These efforts have helped reduce poverty rates and improve living standards in many remote and underdeveloped areas. Moreover, the government has encouraged private investment and entrepreneurship to diversify the local economy and promote innovation. This approach has yielded positive results, as evidenced by the growth of e-commerce, tourism, and other industries in Xinjiang.
However, some challenges remain in terms of ensuring social harmony and stability which is not peculiar to China alone. The government needs to address grievances among different ethnic groups, enhance communication with civil society organizations, and respect human rights principles while maintaining law and order. It also needs to counter extremist ideologies that may pose a threat to national security or regional stability. These tasks require a comprehensive strategy that involves political dialogue, economic development, cultural exchange, education reform, media literacy, and international cooperation. In all the above the media must play a pivotal role.
The Media should as a matter or urgency continue to engage all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue based on mutual respect and understanding and report this because they have firsthand information not depending of so call agencies. The media should also engage the government, civil society organizations, academic institutions, religious leaders,business communities, and individuals from different backgrounds. By listening to each other’s concerns and aspirations with an open mind, we can build trust and empathy across borders. By collaborating on common challenges and opportunities with a spirit of partnership rather than rivalry or domination, we can create a better future for all people in Xinjiang as well as the wider world.
Raphael Oni a Senior Diplomatic Correspondent writes in from Abuja Nigeria.

Western Propaganda: Africa and China Media Need to Collaborate

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International

UK Appoints New Country Director to Lead UK-Nigeria Trade and Investment Relations

Published

1 week ago

July 18, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

UK Appoints New Country Director to Lead UK-Nigeria Trade and Investment Relations

By: Michael Mike

The United Kingdom has appointed Mr. Mark Smithson the Country Director for the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) in Nigeria. He takes over from Chim Chalemera who recently concluded a three-year posting in that role.

Smithson is an experienced civil servant having undertaken a wide variety of roles both in the UK and overseas. In this new role, he will lead on the UK-Nigeria’s trade and investment relations to deliver an increased high value inward investment and greater exports into the UK and Nigeria as well as support market access and trade policy priorities.

To mark his arrival to Nigeria, Smithson said:“Nigeria is a country of huge importance to the UK and the world. Our historical, cultural, people to people and business ties are deep and ever growing.

“I am delighted to take up this new role as the DBT’s country director and I look forward to forging partnerships with the Nigerian government, the private sector and the UK supply chain and to seize the opportunities this great country and our unique partnership offer to deliver a more prosperous future to both our countries.”

Prior to Smithson’s arrival to Nigeria, he was based in London (2021-2024) where he led the DBT’s Capital Investment agenda first covering European and US large corporates and since September 2022 as His Majesties Government’s global account manager for large institutional investors from Southeast Asia with a focus on Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.

Smithson headed up the Consular Section at the British Consulate General in Barcelona, Spain, between 2007 and 2013. During his time in Spain, Mark dealt with many high-profile consular cases and sporting events.

In 2013 he transferred to the US to head up of Consular services covering Florida, US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico from the British Consulate General in Miami where Mark oversaw an extensive outreach programme with US government agencies and dealt with several crisis including deployments as Rapid Deployment Team leader.

He transferred to Atlanta, USA in 2017, to lead on the UK’s Tech & creative Trade and Investment agenda covering the southeast of the USA before transferring to Bangkok in 2018 where he served till 2021 to lead the team in Thailand to drive forward an increase in exports and investment and lay the ground for the UK-Thailand Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO).

Smithson is married to Patima who is Thai, and they have a three-year-old toddler.

UK Appoints New Country Director to Lead UK-Nigeria Trade and Investment Relations

International

Prepare for Rainy Days, Invest in UK Properties, Property Consultant Advises Nigerians

Published

4 weeks ago

June 29, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Prepare for Rainy Days, Invest in UK Properties, Property Consultant Advises Nigerians

By: Michael Mike

Nigerians have been asked to considering investing in properties in the United Kingdom as another way of preparing for the rainy days.

Director, UK-based Property Consultancy Firm, Daniel Ford International, Yemi Edun said Nigerians owning a property in the UK is a brilliant investment and a perfect pension plan that can match inflation anytime.

Edun who spoke at the sidelines of UK Property Roadshow Holding in Abuja called on Nigerians to embrace the opportunities offered by the Berkeley Groups to own properties in the UK.

Edun said: “We won’t get involved in anything that will be untoward property-wise. So this is encouraging Nigerians to come buy homes in the UK. Yes. As an option.

“As an investment option. As a second home. As a mitigation for their currency that keeps crashing, you know.

“And you ask me who buys? We have people in inheritance money, divorce settlement, up-and-coming technology people, farmers, bankers, you know.

“They buy for a certain amount. In another 10 years that property has doubled or tripled, you know.

“It’s a good pension plan so that when you retire, you have income that can match inflation. Because imagine you buy a property and you are getting a rent of two million Naira. Two million Naira is a lot of money.”

Speaking on why London should be of particular interest, Edun said: “London is special. The age long connection is one of the reasons that people get to London and they don’t suffer a cultural shock.

“Most Nigerians can get to London and you won’t even notice he’s a foreigner. So English language, schools, medical, lifestyle, football, and it’s just six hours away.”

He said the Roadshow helps to remove some of the barriers as prospective buyers have the opportunity to meet with developers like Berkeley Groups.

He added that: “We have come with what I call the buffet of properties that we’ve hand-picked, you know, specially for them, negotiated good deals that they would otherwise not be able to get themselves.”

The Berkeley Groups is one of the leading property firms in the UK and they are quoted on the London Stock Exchange.

Prepare for Rainy Days, Invest in UK Properties, Property Consultant Advises Nigerians

International

France denies secret deployment of troops in Benin against Niger

Published

2 months ago

June 5, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

France denies secret deployment of troops in Benin against Niger

By: Michael Mike

France has denied media reports that it has clandestinely deployed troops in Benin Republic as part of plans to counter the junta government in Niger Republic.

A Nigerian newspaper in an article entitled ‘French Military Transport Plane Drops Off French Soldiers in Benin Republic’, alleged that France took the measures following the expulsion of its troops from Niger Republic.

The report in itself is a follow-up to allegations by the military junta in Niamey that France has set up a military base in Benin to also enforce the continued border closures between the two neighbouring West African countries.

In response, the French Embassy in Nigeria described the report as baseless, unfounded and part of the growing disinformation aimed to sustain the growing anti-French sentiment.

The statement read: “The French Embassy wishes to inform the public that the aircraft mentioned in this article is not a French military aircraft, nor has it connections to France. Furthermore, Beninese and French authorities have denied the existence of French military bases or of plans to establish French military bases in Benin at multiple occasions in the last months, in the context of growing disinformation campaigns on that topic.

“In every country, French security and defense cooperation is based on a partnership of equals and full respect for sovereignty. Any action or programme is carried out with the full agreement of relevant authorities. We remain available to answer questions from journalists and hope Leadership will take these clarifications into consideration.”

Also speaking on the condition of anonymity, a senior officer of the French Embassy, noted: “I don’t need to tell you that most of the information in this article is fake. We have no military bases in Benin. Our cooperation with Benin is not hidden but explained in detail on our Embassy website (https://bj.ambafrance.org/-Cooperation-de-defense-), so if we were trying to hide it, we would be doing a terrible job… As all French military cooperation, it is based on request from the partner country and done with the utmost respect for its sovereignty.

“And finally, of course, Niamey authorities have never demonstrated the ineffectiveness of military cooperation with France: cooperation was working very well before the July 2023 coup and giving good results. Accusing us of training terrorists, as the current Nigerien Prime Minister is doing, is so ridiculous. I can’t even understand why the media would report on that without disproving it.”

Earlier, the Beninoise government Spokesperson, Mr. Wilfried Houngbédji, refuted the alleged presence of French military operations which would justify the continued closure of Niger’s border with Benin.

He iinvited the junta leader, General Tiani as well as independent media from Niger to come and see on site the absence of such bases.

He said: “A military base is not a needle in a haystack after all! The Prime Minister can deploy the satellite resources he wants with his current military allies to check if we have a military base.”

Houngbédji also made the distinction between “Fortified Forward Points” and military bases, affirming that Benin has several military camps intended to ensure national security and fight against terrorism.

He stressed that these installations are known to everyone, and that others are planned to be built, particularly in border communities.

“Now, if he talks about our Fortified Forward Points, our small military camps that we have built to secure our country and fight against terrorism, that’s something else. We are making them and today we have around twenty of them and there are others planned to be made. There are some in our border communes in particular and the Head of State spoke about it about two years ago in a message on the state of the Nation; it’s known to everyone ,” clarified Houngbédji.

He noted that the Beninoise Government has invited General Tiani to send the independent media to verify their claims. “They should come and see if there is a base here ,” he challenged.

France denies secret deployment of troops in Benin against Niger