The Nation Newspaper

Category: Discourse

  • Setting record straight on Akwa Ibom First Lady saga

    Setting record straight on Akwa Ibom First Lady saga

    By Paul Ini

    The perilous times are indeed here. The drama that  ensued shortly after the painful passing of Mrs. Patience Eno, the wife of the Executive Governor of Akwa-Ibom State could best describe the vile  and bile in the hearts of men. While the governor was yet to recover from mourning the wife of his youth, the agents of destabilisation in Akwa-Ibom, and their pliable media machinery went to town to misinform the public on who is taking over the office of the First Lady of the State.

    The governor was accused of appointing his daughter as the First Lady of the state following the tragic passing of his wife, Mrs. Patience Eno. These claims, however, are not only unfounded but also reflect a misunderstanding of the circumstances surrounding the issue. It is important to dispel these misconceptions and provide clarity on the role that his daughter, alongside other family members, has played since the beginning of the administration of the governor in 2023.

    Despite the unfortunate development, Governor Eno has navigated this period of grief with remarkable strength and dignity, showing his resilience as a leader while still honouring the memory of his late wife. However, the duties of governance do not stop, and as the governor, he has had to continue leading the state through its development goals.

    In his measured response to the raging misconception, the governor who appeared not perturbed by the antics of his detractors, explained that her daughter, Mrs Helen Obareki, was only appointed as the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady.

    He said, “Appointing our daughter, who had worked closely with her late mother, as the coordinator is not an appointment as First Lady. You don’t appoint a First Lady. The Office of the First Lady has responsibilities to the women of this state, and my wife had programs she was running—the GIFA, the support for the elderly, and other programs.

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    “As long as I remain governor, those programs will not die. There must be a coordinator, and it must be someone I see on a daily basis, someone who can walk into my room and brief me, not a distant person”.

    What should be stressed further is that , contrary to the claims that the Governor “appointed” his daughter as the First Lady, it is important to emphasise that no formal or official title of “First Lady” has been conferred upon her. What has occurred is a natural and necessary shift in familial responsibilities, where the governor’s children, including his daughter, have stepped in to support their father in various ways following the loss of their mother.

    It is common in many societies, particularly in Africa, where family institutions provide a support system for one another. Therefore in the case of the Enos, it is not out of place for the children or close family members to provide emotional and logistical support to a parent who has lost a spouse, especially in cases where the parent holds a demanding public office. This support can take the form of continuing charitable work initiated by the deceased spouse. In the case of Pastor Umo Eno, his daughter has only taken on a supportive role to help her father, by sustaining the lofty legacies of his late mother, thereby maintaining a sense of continuity in fulfilling the commitments of the governor to the people, particularly as it concerns women and other marginalised members of the society.

    The role of the First Lady in Nigeria is not a constitutionally defined office but rather a traditional one, where the spouse of the sitting governor (or president) assumes the position of a public figure dedicated to social causes. The position often involves spearheading humanitarian and developmental projects, with a focus on women, children, and vulnerable groups.

    Rather than getting distracted with non-issues, it is important to once again bring into public consciousness the pedigree of Governor Umo Eno, and the remarkable achievements he has recorded in little over a year he assumed office as the Executive Governor of Akwa-Ibom State.

     He has continuously maintained his posture as a man of integrity, compassion and a strong commitment to the development of the people.

    As a pastor and also a seasoned public servant, his values are rooted in faith, service to others, and humility. His leadership has always been about creating opportunities for the people of Akwa Ibom and addressing their needs, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, and economic development.

    Since assuming office, Governor Eno has continued the work of transforming Akwa Ibom State into a beacon of progress and prosperity. His focus on infrastructure, industrialization, and social welfare has been evident in the policies and programs he has implemented. His vision for the state transcends personal or familial ambitions, and any claims that he is using his position to promote his daughter are inconsistent with his established track record of selfless service.

    Under his watch, Akwa Ibom is experiencing significant growth in all the sectors. The Governor is deeply committed to fostering unity, peace, and development across Akwa Ibom. His administration has prioritized policies that empower the youth, provide better healthcare, and improve infrastructure, all aimed at enhancing the quality of life for the people.

    He has further expanded the frontiers of development he inherited from his predecessor. In education, health, environment, human capital development and food security, the governor is leading the charge, and galvanising the people to follow the path of socio-economic development in the state,

    The people of Akwa Ibom should not be distracted by the detractors of the governor. Rather, they should stand behind their governor, recognizing the sacrifices he has made and continues to make for the greater good of the state. Distracting from these accomplishments with baseless accusations does not serve the interests of the people. Instead, it is vital to appreciate the work Governor Eno is doing, while also allowing him the grace to navigate his personal challenges.

    • Ini writes from Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State

  • Kyari’s NNPCL: A story of resilience, accountability, growth

    Kyari’s NNPCL: A story of resilience, accountability, growth

    By Kunle Akinlami

    He is perhaps the most vilified Chief Executive that ever headed the nation’s oil corporation, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL, Mallam Mele Kyari is indeed a cat with nine lives. He has miraculously survived high-powered machnations from entrenched powerful interests that are milking the nation dry through many fraudulent schemes in the oil sector. Unmitigated media smear campaigns were unleashed on him with the purpose of frustrating him out of the system so that business as usual will continue, at the collective detriment of the Nigerian people. He remained unperturbed, focusing on the herculean task of repositioning the nation’s oil corporation for greater efficiency and profitability and also ensuring energy security for the nation.

    Despite facing significant criticism,  he keeps his eye on the ball, and continues to deliver on the RenewedHope mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration with regard to oil sector reforms and energy availability and security.  Under the leadership of Mele Kyari, NNPCL,  has made impressive strides in revitalising Nigeria’s oil sector.

    Since his assumption into office  as the  Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPCL in 2019, Kyari has led a transformation that has improved crude oil production, enhanced transparency, and addressed long-standing inefficiencies within the corporation.

    One of Kyari’s most notable achievements is the substantial increase in Nigeria’s daily crude oil production. For instance,  in the last quarter of 2022, Nigeria’s oil output had plummeted to as low as 900,000 barrels per day (bpd), a sharp decline from its OPEC quota. However, by July 2024, under Kyari’s leadership, the country boosted its production to 1.53 million bpd, including condensates. This achievement represents a significant recovery for Nigeria’s oil sector and further underscores the efforts by Kyari to ensure the country meets its production goals, thereby increasing the foreign earnings for NIgeria.

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    It is imperative to also recall that when Kyari took over the reins at NNPCL, the corporation faced serious challenges. Nigeria’s oil production was suffering due to rampant oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and declining investments in oil infrastructure. The country was not only struggling to meet its OPEC quota but also losing revenue that could be used for national development.

    Kyari quickly took action to reverse the situation. By implementing security measures to curb pipeline vandalism and tackling oil theft head-on, the NNPCL made significant progress in addressing these challenges. One of the key successes during this period was the discovery of a four-kilometer illegal pipeline connected to the Forcados Terminal, which had been siphoning oil into the sea for nearly nine years. This illegal operation, once uncovered, was shut down, contributing to the overall increase in oil production.

    Through these targeted actions, Kyari’s leadership has succeeded in stabilizing and gradually increasing Nigeria’s daily production. By mid-2024, the country had regained its position as Africa’s leading oil producer, surpassing Angola and Algeria.

    Beyond increasing production, Kyari’s leadership has had a profound impact on indigenous oil operators in Nigeria. A clear example of this is the support provided to First E&P, a Nigerian oil company that was on the brink of collapse. First E&P had acquired the Anyala and Madu oil fields, located offshore in the Niger Delta, from Chevron but faced a significant financial shortfall when its multinational partner withdrew from the project.

    At this critical juncture, NNPCL stepped in to save the project. Kyari’s team reviewed the company’s development plan and committed to funding 100% of the required $725 million for the fields’ development. This bold move not only saved First E&P but also helped bring an additional 60,000 barrels of oil per day into Nigeria’s overall production.

    This intervention highlights NNPCL’s new role under Kyari as not just a national oil company but as a critical partner for indigenous oil operators. By providing both financial backing and operational flexibility, NNPCL has enabled Nigerian companies to thrive and contribute to the country’s oil production.

    One of Kyari’s most transformative initiatives at NNPCL has been the introduction of the Transparency, Accountability, and Performance Excellence (TAPE) agenda. Launched shortly after he assumed office, the TAPE agenda represents a bold commitment to opening up NNPCL’s operations to public scrutiny and improving its overall performance.

    Under the TAPE agenda, NNPCL made history by publishing its audited financial statements for the first time in 44 years. This unprecedented move has increased public trust in the corporation, as stakeholders and Nigerians alike can now access detailed financial and operational reports. Furthermore, NNPCL began releasing monthly financial and operations reports, further enhancing transparency and allowing for real-time assessment of the corporation’s performance.

    Kyari’s dedication to transparency has not only improved NNPCL’s public image but has also led to significant financial gains. In 2020, NNPCL reported its first profit in over four decades, recording a profit of N287 billion. This success continued in 2021, with the company announcing an even higher profit of N674.1 billion. By 2023, the company’s financial performance had skyrocketed, with a reported profit of N2.5 trillion for the 16-month period ending in December 2022.

    These achievements reflect Kyari’s vision of transforming NNPCL into a profitable and efficient national oil company that delivers value to the Nigerian people. His leadership has demonstrated that transparency and accountability can drive both financial success and operational efficiency.

    Despite challenges facing the sector, which could be traced to years of neglect of global best practices in the oil sector, inadequate critical infrastructure, security threats to oil pipelines and significant disruption being experienced by the global oil industry, which is reflected in the oil prices fluctuations,  to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mele Kyari’s tenure as GCEO of NNPCL has been marked by remarkable achievements in increasing oil production, supporting indigenous oil companies, and improving transparency and accountability. His leadership has brought stability to a sector that was previously mired in inefficiency, oil theft, and opaqueness.

    Under his guidance, NNPCL has transformed into a more transparent, profitable, and performance-driven organization. The TAPE agenda has set new standards for corporate governance within the company, while Kyari’s commitment to supporting indigenous oil operators has boosted Nigeria’s overall production capacity.

    Kyari’s leadership has laid the foundation for a more resilient and successful oil sector in Nigeria. His efforts are not just about increasing production; they represent a broader vision of ensuring that Nigeria’s oil resources are managed in a way that benefits all Nigerians and contributes to the country’s long-term economic stability.

    In appreciation of his giant strides at reforming the sector,  a group, focused on tackling rising cases of oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the oil rich Niger Delta region,   the Niger Delta Anti-Pipeline Vandalization and Oil Theft Task Force Group (NAVOTTFG) commended the NNPCL and its subsidiaries for stabilising the sector, through enablement of thriving operational environment.

    • Akinlami writes from Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory

  • The Abbas Tajudeen you don’t know at 59

    The Abbas Tajudeen you don’t know at 59

    By Musa Abdullahi Krishi

    October 1 every year is a special day for Nigerians, for it marks the country’s independence anniversary. It is double celebrations for the Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., whose birthday falls on the same day.

    While Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960, the Speaker was born on October 1, 1965. Nobody could have guessed at his birth that he would become a national figure, the Number 4 Citizen in his fatherland, almost six decades later.

    Until he threw his hat in the ring to contest for Speaker last year, many Nigerians knew little or nothing about him. Well, that’s Speaker Abbas Tajudeen for you! He had maintained a low profile almost throughout his 12 years in the House since his first arrival in 2011. He is the first and only person to be re-elected for the Reps seat for Zaria Federal Constituency. He has held the mandate in four electoral cycles since his entry into politics.

    My first one-on-one encounter with him was in March, 2018 when, as a parliamentary reporter covering the activities of the House for the Daily Trust Newspaper, I came across a bill he had sponsored. It was a draft legislation that sought the conversion of Kaduna Polytechnic—my alma mater and one of Nigeria’s first-generation polytechnics—to a federal university of technology.

    I picked interest in the bill. So, I approached him to shed more light on it, and he obliged. That encounter confirmed to me what I had heard about him—calm, calculated, intellectually deep. I saw a man who fit the bill of someone ‘minding their business.’ He had sponsored many bills before then, but never made any ‘noise’ about them. I wondered why a man of his intellectual depth with such a discerning mind kept to himself in the legislature, where cacophony was the order of the day among some lawmakers.

    Fast-forward to May 2024. I met him during the speakership campaign before his endorsement by the All Progressives Congress (APC) as its preferred candidate for the Number 4 Citizen’s seat.

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    After his emergence on June 13, 2023, he appointed me as his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity. My new role in the Speaker’s Office brought me closer to Speaker Abbas, a prince of the Zazzau Emirate, who holds the traditional title of the Iyan Zazzau.

    It soon dawned on me that I actually knew nothing about the Speaker’s intellectual depth. Here is a man who started his career as a primary school teacher between 1981 and 1988 with the Education Department of Zaria Local Government. He was not a fortuitous teacher. He was at the Katsina Teacher’s College from 1978 to 1981 and gained admission to the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, in 1982, and obtained a Diploma in Accounting (1984). He later bagged a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the same ABU in 1988.

    His quest for knowledge saw him obtain a Master’s Degree in Business Administration yet again from ABU in 1993. His Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is in Business Management from the Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, in 2010.

    Not many know that Speaker Abbas served as an Accountant II with the Bursary Department of the Kaduna State Polytechnic (now Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic), Zaria, in 1989, and later became Lecturer II with the Accounting and Finance Department of the same institution. He was the founding Head of Department. He became the youngest lecturer to join the services of the institution at the time.

    Two things happened recently, which partly necessitated my choice of the title for this piece. Speaker Abbas was the pioneer head of the department of accounting at the Kaduna State University (KASU) in 2005. The institution is about to hold one of its annual international conferences in November. One of the lecturers contacted me and said they wanted the speaker to be the guest of honour. They also plan to confer an award on the Speaker. When I told him the Speaker had worked at the institution about two decades ago and even started the accounting department, he marveled.

    The second incident was on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. Some students of KASU’s Department of Political Science visited the National Assembly on an excursion. They decided to visit the Speaker at his office to seek his fatherly advice and present him with an award. We were all taken aback that the students did not know the speaker had worked at the institution.

    But those were not the only reasons for my choice of the title. When Speaker Abbas sponsored a record-breaking 74 bills in the 9th Assembly, out of which 21 were signed into law by former president Muhammadu Buhari, it seemed nobody knew about it until the time for the speakership campaign. Like many Nigerians, I struggled to fathom why he didn’t make buzz about such unprecedented achievements. Working with him for just a year plus, I now know that he is shy, and doesn’t like attention to himself.

    On September 4, 2024, the Speaker had an interaction with the cohorts of the 3rd Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI), which the immediate past Speaker, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila founded in 2022. A cohort from Ogun State asked the Speaker about his personal values and how they aligned with his constituents. His response held everyone spellbound and confirmed that he is really not one to sing personal praises.

    “Well,” he said, “I’m somebody who doesn’t like speaking about himself. I always prefer people should say who you are, rather than you telling people who you are. But we are politicians. Sometimes, we need to go out of the way just to convince the doubting Thomases, who do not know you and may want to know you. The personal values I cherish most are nothing other than truth and transparency. That is what I think, largely, is holding our 10th House today. The House believes I am transparent to a greater extent; I am honest to them; I am open to them. It is the same thing that, within the last 13 and a half years, I have been giving to my constituents.”

    I have since discovered that the Speaker is a compassionate, generous, and unassuming personality. Generosity runs in his blood. No wonder, he earned a Hausa sobriquet in Zaria, and the entire Zazzau Emirate: Iyan Zazzau Alheri Ne, which roughly translates to ‘Iyan Zazzau is a blessing.’

    As a teacher, he is also very observant. You may think he doesn’t pay attention to what you’re doing, but you’re damn wrong! He is also likeable in every ramification. He is unaccustomed to loquaciousness. During a recent meeting with the Chief of Staff to the Speaker, Prof. Jake Dan-Azumi, he said, “You cannot sit in a room with Speaker Abbas Tajudeen for five minutes and not like him. He is that kind of person.”

    Speaker Abbas can tolerate anything, but not dishonesty. He reechoed this during a meeting with his media team in September last year. He said, “Just do your work the best way you can. I have plans for everyone. But let me tell you this: I can take anything, but not dishonesty.” He lives by this principle.

    You know what? Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., is jovial! Yes, you read that from me! It is inherent in him, and it seems it is his way of easing tension occasionally. His simplicity and humility know no bounds.

    Above all, the Speaker means well for Nigerians. He is concerned about the welfare and well-being of Nigerians. Daily, he talks about how to better the lives of the people. Honestly, he walks the talk. Since his assumption of office, he has engaged in and promoted many activities geared towards the betterment of the citizens.

    For two years running, he has asked his friends and well-wishers not to sponsor congratulatory adverts on his birthday. Rather, he requested that such funds be channeled to charity considering the country’s prevailing situation. That’s reasonable and responsible leadership!

    Being a proud teacher, he is a natural mentor that remains a role model to those of us around him and beyond.

    Recently, my team had an interview with the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, in which he eulogized the Speaker. I am compelled to share here.

    He said, “He is a great man who comes with a lovely demeanor. He comes unassuming, but highly loaded, highly intelligent, very humble, very selfless, and very liberal. I pity those who look at his lovely soft nature and think that is a weakness; no, it’s not. He’s a strong, firm, and highly principled man who believes in justice and fairness. You just have to know your limits. Once you cross those limits, the other side of him will be revealed.”

    As the Speaker marks his 59th birthday, I pray for more fruitful years and sound health in service to humanity.

    •Krishi is the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Speaker.

  • ‘Africa should find its own path to growth, wealth’

    ‘Africa should find its own path to growth, wealth’

    Nature’s Renaissance International (NRI) has urged leaders to use African solutions to solve Africa problems to lift its people out of poverty.

    Chief Executive, Dr Clinton Brown, who spoke at NRI’s event in Lagos, noted until Africa finds its own answers, it will remain poor.

    Brown said Africans are hardworking but they need leaders to coordinate its resources to achieve growth and transformation.

    The chief executive said NRI designed home-made products and a wealth creation programme to lift millions out of poverty.

    “Africa is behind in development and technology. We formed this organisation to remedy our economic situation. Nigeria is the strongest economy in Africa followed by South Africa, yet Africa is still behind compared to Western countries and Asia.”

    He noted Africa is blessed with material and human resources but we need to harmonise them to create wealth, stressing we should use home products to enhance our living standard.

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    “Government has no solution to our problems. It is you and I that can salvage Nigeria by harmonising our products and technology, even if we make mistakes, we will eventually improve. This is what other countries did.”

    NRL Brand Ambassador, Browny Igboegwu, said NRI would work with business ventures and individuals to create success through marketing and empowerment.

    He said NRI business orientation was meant to enhance individual potential, adding Lagos State has a vibrant economy and Lagosians are enterprising people.

    Igboegwu added Lagos is a fertile ground for business to thrive, stressing besides marketing products, NRI empowers people to develop their potential in business.

    Highlight of the event is award of cars by the management to distributors and resourceful contributors.

  • ‘Carlots.ng unveils tool to combat price inflation

    ‘Carlots.ng unveils tool to combat price inflation

    Carlots.Ng has launched a Car Valuation Tool to combat inflation of vehicle prices.

    AT a time car buyers are frustrated by inflated prices, this tool comes in handy.

    The tool, available free on the Carlots.ng platform, gives users access to accurate and real-time vehicle pricing information.

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    By entering details of make, model, year, and vehicle condition, users can see a price range based on market data. Buyers no longer need to rely on inflated dealer prices, and sellers can list their vehicles, knowing they are providing a fair and competitive offer.

    Chief Executive Officer, Ikwu Onyeka, noted this tool will empower buyers and sellers to make informed decisions, levelling the playing field in a market that has lacked transparency.

    As Carlots.ng continues its mission to streamline car trading in Nigeria, this latest innovation marks a step toward transforming the industry.

  • Borno flood: Livestock impact assessment underway

    Borno flood: Livestock impact assessment underway

    President Bola Tinubu has said the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development should assess impact of the Borno flood on livestock.

    The Permanent Secretary, Chinyere Akujobi, told  Governor Babagana Zulum in Borno.

    She noted the President’s concern and commitment to address consequences of the disaster on livestock.

    Dr. Akujobi said in recognition of a livestock-focused approach in  managing disaster, the ministry formed an Expert Working Group (EWG).

    This group will assess damage to the sector and develop strategies to aid stakeholders.

    EWG comprises veterinarians, animal scientists, agricultural economists, and stakeholder engagement experts.

    The delegation, led by the permanent secretary, met with Zulum and Shehu of Borno. Both noted challenges caused by the disaster and stressed importance of a recovery plan.

    The team also met with representatives from the livestock value chain to understand the hardship faced by farmers. These stakeholders reported losses and called for government aid to help them recover and sustain their families.

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    In addition, a Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), World Bank-assisted initiative, is establishing a model veterinary hospital to train, and coordinate support services. 

    Dr. Akujobi noted these efforts will strengthen resilience of the sector, safeguarding animal and public health.

    The assessment will offer insight to guide interventions to aid post-disaster recovery in the sector. Akujobi stressed that a collaboration among government agencies, private sector, and development partners is essential for the recovery of affected livestock farmers, which in turn will support the broader economic recovery of the state and country.

  • Economic summit to focus on inclusive growth, others

    Economic summit to focus on inclusive growth, others

    Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has said its 30th Summit (NES 30),  will foster inclusive development, a sub-theme of the event.

    The summit seeks to promote equitable growth, improve competitiveness, and design policies to foster social inclusion and resilience.

    The first summit in 1993 marked a pivotal shift in Nigeria’s economic trajectory.

    Amid economic struggles, the inaugural summit advocated a move from state to private sector-driven economy, setting the stage for reforms.

    For decades, the economy was dominated by state-owned enterprises, with huge public investments aimed at growth. NES 30 builds on that foundation, aiming to deepen reforms and promote an economy that benefits all citizens.

    Acting Head of Strategic Communication and Advocacy, Ayanyinka Anyanlowo, said in a statement that this  year, emphasis is on inclusive development.

    He said the event will explore strategies for diversifying the economy, create jobs, and ensure all communities access education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.

    By leveraging the talents of Nigeria, NESG noted the summit hopes to drive innovation, attract investments, and reduce poverty.

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    The objectives of NES 30, it said, include addressing challenges, improving competitiveness, and identifying policies for inclusive growth.

    It added collaboration between public and private sectors will be central to discussions, as stakeholders ensure stability and progress for all.

    The Summit will highlight Nigeria’s role in driving Africa’s transformation through investment, industry growth, and innovation.

    With the theme: “Collaborative Action for Growth, Competitiveness, and Stability,” it said NES 30 will mobilise leaders to create opportunities for generations. This event is seen as a critical moment for reflecting on Nigeria’s progress in the last 30 years and charting a course toward a future of shared prosperity and resilience.

    For three decades, the summit has brought together national and global policymakers, business leaders, and experts. As the nation and continent face complexities of the 21st century, lessons from past summits will guide Nigeria towards inclusive growth and sustainable development.

  • ‘How 75 years of China aided FRCN’s stories, global narrative’

    ‘How 75 years of China aided FRCN’s stories, global narrative’

    By Muhammad Bulama

    As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, it is essential to reflect on the remarkable journey China has undertaken. On behalf of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the government and people of China for this historic milestone. China’s development story is nothing short of inspirational, and as I reflect on my recent visit to the country, I am reminded of the importance of shared stories in fostering stronger ties between nations.

    A Personal Journey to China

    In October 2023, I had the distinct honor of accompanying Vice President Kashim Shettima, on an official visit to China. The visit was more than just a diplomatic mission; it was an opportunity to witness firsthand the strides China has made in technology, infrastructure, and international collaboration. From Beijing to Shanghai, what stood out was not just the towering skyscrapers or the state-of-the-art transport systems but the sense of purpose and unity that drives China’s progress.

    Our visit highlighted the ever-growing bond between Africa and China, one built on mutual respect and a shared vision for development. For decades, China has been a reliable partner for Africa, particularly Nigeria. From infrastructure projects to healthcare initiatives, the benefits of this collaboration are visible across the continent. During my stay, I was particularly moved by the commitment to deepening these relationships, with both sides emphasizing the need for more robust people-to-people exchanges.

    Strengthening Media Cooperation

    One of the highlights of this year’s China-Africa Cooperation Forum was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the FRCN and the China Media Group (CMG). This agreement marks a new chapter in the collaboration between our media institutions, setting the stage for significant advancements in media technology, training, and content production. We are at the cusp of a media revolution, and I firmly believe that Nigeria, alongside China, can play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative for a more inclusive and balanced global media landscape.

    This MOU also symbolizes a commitment to mutual learning. Chinese media has made impressive strides in leveraging new technologies to tell their story to the world. Nigeria’s media can learn from this experience, especially in content creation, distribution, and digital transformation. By working together, we can develop a media ecosystem that respects our diverse cultures while promoting shared values of progress and cooperation.

    Yunzhong Jinshu: Finding Stories That Matter

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    The China Media Group’s initiative, Yunzhong Jinshu (meaning “Golden Stories in the Clouds”), is a perfect example of how media can transcend borders. This event seeks to find and record meaningful stories that reflect China’s global impact. African media, including FRCN, has a responsibility to adopt similar initiatives—to document the stories that show our nations’ interconnectedness.

    Yunzhong Jinshu is a testament to how media can shape perceptions and bring people closer. During the event, I saw how stories of individuals, once hidden in the vast expanse of africa Continental, were brought to the forefront. These stories are not only inspiring but serve as bridges connecting diverse cultures. African media can emulate this by focusing on stories of Africans who have benefited from partnerships with China, whether in education, business, or technology.

    Shared Responsibility and Mission

    As we look to the future, African media has a critical role to play in documenting and sharing the stories of Africa’s growth in collaboration with China. Our responsibility extends beyond merely reporting the news; we must be the custodians of our shared histories, ensuring that future generations understand the significance of our ties.

    The shared mission between Nigerian media and CMG is clear: to build a platform that tells authentic stories while embracing technological innovation. The recent advancements in artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and big data provide us with tools to make our storytelling more immersive and impactful. Through these tools, we can bring our stories to the world and challenge the stereotypes that often define African and Chinese narratives in global media.

     Looking Ahead

    As we celebrate China’s 75th anniversary, we must also celebrate the China-Africa friendship that has stood the test of time. Our media collaboration, especially with institutions like CMG, will continue to evolve, allowing us to not only tell our stories but also shape the global narrative. The bonds forged between China and Africa through media cooperation will become even stronger as we continue to learn from one another and innovate together.

    May the stories we continue to share inspire future generations, strengthen our ties, and lead us to even greater achievements.

    •Bulama is the Director General  Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN)

  • China-Africa Agricultural Cooperation: boosting value addition in Africa

    China-Africa Agricultural Cooperation: boosting value addition in Africa

    By Yi Xin

    During the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held earlier this month, Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina hailed the success of hybrid rice in his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. In fact, hybrid rice has been such a game-changer in Madagasgar’s grain production that it is celebrated on the 20,000 ariary banknote.

    Since 2007, China has been working with Madagascar on hybrid rice technology. Now this high-yielding crop has outperformed traditional varieties by two to three times and its cultivation has expanded to 50,000 hectares in Madagascar. 

    The China-Africa relationship is a deep and multifaceted one. The collaboration on hybrid rice between China and Madagascar epitomizes the extensive agricultural partnership that has been developing since the 1950s. In recent years, China-Africa agricultural collaboration has become more solid, with notable progress in technology transfer, agricultural industrialization and capacity building.

    The agricultural sector is among the ten partnership actions for cooperation with Africa announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the 2024 FOCAC Summit. What is especially noteworthy about this initiative, officially known as the Partnership Action for Agriculture and Livelihoods, is that China will encourage two-way investment for joint ventures and create at least one million jobs for Africa by helping the continent retain added value from its agricultural products. As a matter of fact, cooperation to bolster local value chains is already yielding fruits in many African countries.

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    Cassava Cultivation in Nigeria

    Cassava cultivation in many African nations has been hindered by challenges such as low productivity and underdeveloped processing capability.

    The Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, a global leader in cassava research, has extended its expertise to Nigeria by working with Nigeria National Root Crops Research Institute and sharing sophisticated breeding and cultivation technologies. The collaboration focuses on research, training and the dissemination of best practices.

    In Abuja, a modern agricultural demonstration base was established to enhance local cassava production capabilities. It also serves as a hub for regular training workshops on cassava cultivation and processing. As a result, locals have expanded their product range to include cassava-based biscuits, cakes and noodles, which are higher-value products compared to traditional cassava outputs. This initiative is a significant step towards transforming Nigeria’s cassava industry and aligns with the broader goals of China-Africa agricultural cooperation to boost food security and economic development in Africa

    Rubber Industry in Côte d’Ivoire

    Côte d’Ivoire, a nation rich in natural resources, is the third-largest producer of natural rubber globally.

    Historically, Côte d’Ivoire faced limitations in rubber processing, constraining exports to raw rubber, which offers little added value to the farmers. By joining efforts with China’s Mainland Group in 2020, the country has made a pivotal shift toward value addition in the industry.

    The Mainland Group put into operation three rubber processing plants in Dabou, Duekoue and San-Pedro of Côte d’Ivoire, which have together generated over 1,600 local jobs and a combined annual processing capacity of approximately 400,000 tons—accounting for one-third of the nation’s rubber output. According to Mr. Dosso Adama, the Côte d’Ivoire Ambassador to China, these facilities have significantly bolstered the country’s rubber production capabilities. They have added substantial value to the industry, spurred local economic growth and brought tangible benefits to the populace.

    These are just two examples of how agricultural cooperation helps to retain added value in Africa. The Beijing Action Plan (2025-2027) adopted at the FOCAC Summit aligns with these efforts. It articulates China’s commitment to incentivizing enterprises to engage in comprehensive industrial chain cooperation with Africa, spanning from agricultural and aquaculture production to processing, machinery manufacturing, and logistics. This is designed to assist Africa in extending its industrial chains and amplifying its value creation, and dovetails well with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

    As the world grapples with destructive impacts of climate change and a challenging economic outlook, China-Africa agricultural partnership can be a big boost to food security and economic growth in Africa, and bring lasting benefits to peace, stability and prosperity of the world.

    •Xin is a Beijing-based observer of international affairs.

  • Delta CARES, positions agriculture as a new frontier

    Delta CARES, positions agriculture as a new frontier

    By Julius Obiora

    Delta State is rewriting its story under the administration of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori. For a state that has largely focused on the oil and gas sector as its lifeline, it is opening up a new frontier – agriculture. Like a sensible government, Delta is seeking to diversify its economy and also maximise its agricultural potential through investing in crop production, livestock and aquaculture.

    Speaking in Asaba, the state capital, on Tuesday at the flag-off of the disbursement of agricultural inputs to beneficiaries under the Result Area 2 – FADAMA (Food Security) of the Delta Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus, D-CARES, the governor announced the release of N1bn counterpart funding for the Africa Union Development Agency, New Partnership for African Development (AUDA NEPAD), to empower 2,000 farmers for food production, livestock and aquaculture.

    It is good that Oborevwori wants to  kill two birds – empowerment and food security – with one stone. This investment would definitely boost food production and food security. For a nation faced with a food inflation rate of 37.5% and 16% of the populace facing food insecurity, moves like that of Delta State to boost food production are welcome all over the country. Addressing the 6, 020 beneficiary farmers, Oborevwori committed government support to their growth and urged them to maximally utilise the inputs.

    “Our farmers must receive the necessary support to continue their vital contributions to our economy,” Oborevwori said.

    “Agriculture remains a key pillar of our development strategy, and, through this disbursement, we aim to enhance food production, increase household incomes, and ultimately improve the livelihood of thousands of Deltans.”

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    Surely, agriculture has the potential to be a money spinner. Whether it be in food production under poultry; fish farming, cassava cultivation, maize crop, pepper production or vegetable farming. But the next line in speech perhaps addressed the positive step towards agriculture. The state’s MORE agenda stands for ‘Meaningful Development, Opportunity for All, Realistic Reforms and Enhanced Peace and Security.’ 

    Three beneficiaries of the programmes – Friday Imonikebe, Paul Ejuone and Ifeoma Akinjare – expressed their appreciation to Governor Oborevwori. They also thanked him for keeping his promise on road projects across the state, including the construction of Emevor-Orogun Road phases 1 and 2. Earlier in the year, the governor said that he would renovate roads to the farm settlements when he visited the Agro-Industrial Park, Aboh-Ogwashi, where rice would be milled and other grains processed.

    “We will work with the Ministry of Works to see how we will manage this road to enable us to take these produce out,” he had said at that event.

    Since coming onboard as governor in 2023, Oborevwori has focused on the agricultural sector. He is also tackling youth unemployment and his administration has intensified the Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme (AADS) in the state. The AADS is a 2020 Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) scheme with states to engage 370,000 youth in agricultural production. The loan which is repayable within a maximum tenor of six years is charged below 10% per annum to farmers involved in the production of 13 agricultural commodities to include rice, maize, cassava, cotton, wheat, tomato, poultry, fish, sorghum, oil palm, cocoa, livestock/diary, and any other commodities, as may be listed by the CBN from time to time.

    But, really, Oboreveori’s strides in the agricultural sector should not come as a surprise to anyone that has been following him. On his campaign trail to becoming Delta governor, he had stated his intentions clearly.

    “I shall engage the youth in farming through a structured process that will encourage cluster farming alongside supporting and promoting out-growers associations,” he had said at that time.

    “Robust and focused agricultural extension services will be put in place to support the farmers. Input provision, mechanisation and cooperative farming will be aggressively pursued.”

    Last year, under the AADS initiative, the state government partnered with Afritropic, an Agriculture based Service Provider, to establish greenhouses in the farm settlements located at Mbiri in Ika North East Local Government Area, (Delta North senatorial district), Kpakiama town in Bomadi Local Government Area (Delta South senatorial district) and Deghele (Elume) in Sapele Local Government Area (Delta Central senatorial district). The greenhouse farms would have 30 tents, solar-powered water systems, office buildings and rest rooms. And in January 2024, after inspecting an AADS project of 30 greenhouses for the cultivation of tomatoes and other vegetables at Mbiri Farm Settlement, the governor was pleasantly surprised. He learnt that each of the green houses is capable of producing three tonnes of tomatoes every cultivation cycle. That’s huge. And the stuff needed for the agricultural revolution.

    “You see, our people go to the North to get tomatoes and this place has been existing for some decades now,” Oborevwori said.

    “So, this farm settlement is a very good choice to do this greenhouse planting for the production of tomatoes and other vegetables. People erroneously think that we are an oil- producing state and so we can depend on only oil. No, we cannot depend on oil alone. With the removal of the oil subsidy, we should also encourage our people to go into farming because it will help us. Food security is very important. Our people consume a lot: so, we must make food available and that’s why I have come here.”

    It can only be imagined when these pilot greenhouse farms are replicated across the state.

    “If you go through my MORE agenda, I said that there is going to be sustainable agriculture sector reforms,” Oborevwori said.

    “We are going to support them because we have N2 billion Special Agricultural Intervention Fund and we will disburse that money within this month.”

    Though known for being a major site of the oil and gas activities, Delta State doesn’t want to stick to that, especially when it is also geographically suited for agriculture. For instance, given its aquatic environment, it is only a logical move to diversify into fish farming, even on a scale which would be the envy of other states. Also, it has been acknowledged how farming is a win-win in terms of direct consumption and source of revenue both in Naira and foreign exchange. Hence, like it is being advocated globally, all hands in Delta are encouraged to be involved in some sort of farming. 

    “Together, we are building a more resilient Delta, one that is prepared to overcome challenges and seize opportunities,” Governor Oborevwori said, urging Deltans to embrace farming wherever they are, be it in rural or urban areas.

    Deltans must, however, support the drive of the state government. Reports that buildings were destroyed by some persons in Kpakiama farm settlement is not encouraging. While this incident has been nipped in the bud by a relocation, it is always the best to strive for peaceful conflict resolutions. It is only via peace and cooperation that Delta’s agricultural revolution can see the light to bear the needed fruits.

    •Obiora, a public commentator writes from Warri, Delta State