Author: Our Correspondent

By Anne Azuka

Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads and Public Information), Mr Charles Aniagwu on Monday said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was not interested in fighting any political battles but would steadfastly continue to reply to critics with massive projects delivery ahead of 2027.

Aniagwu, who was recently directed to oversee the State Information Ministry, spoke specifically on the state of affairs in the state at a press briefing in Asaba, the state capital.

Flanked by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, and the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment (Projects and Policies), Mr Olisa Ifeajika, the Commissioner said Governor Oborevwori was not interested in any political fight but was primed to responding to critics with the delivery of many more viable projects.

“We have seen a whole lot of publications in different places, including those that are insinuating that he is leaving the PDP.

“Oborevwori is a very proud member of the Peoples Democratic Party. Today, Oborevwori is a clear leader amongst leaders of the party in Nigeria, and he is not in any way hungry to abandon the Peoples Democratic Party.”

Aniagwu remarked that Governor Oborevwori had kept faith with the continuation and completion of inherited projects, while also initiating new ones.

“Having continued with the numerous projects he inherited, he is currently advancing the state with completion of ongoing roads, while also initiating more projects.

He listed some of the inherited, ongoing and completed projects to include the Okpanam-Ibusa bypass; Beneku bridge; Asaba /Ughelli dual carriageway, particularly sector C1 and C2, Sector A and with repairs in Sector B as well as the 6-story High Court Complex in Asaba.

On initiating new projects, Aniagwu, said the Warri and Effurun skyline would never be the same again as Julius Berger was handling the laudable projects with three flyover bridges and road expansion works currently ongoing in the corridor.

According to him, “other roads have been completed within Asaba and the capital territory, while in Delta South a lot of roads in Warri, Isoko North and Isoko South have also been completed, while new ones have also been initiated.

“In Sapele and Okpe, a lot of road projects are ongoing, while some have been completed like the Ohorhor-Adagbrasa-Ugolo-Okuodiete road, Ezesi Road dualisation in Orerokpe and other internal roads in Sapele.

“In Delta North, Eweshi-Utagba-Uno and Ndemili-Utagba-Uno Road in Ndokwa West, Akumazi-Umuocha and Owere-Olubor roads have been completed, while the Issele-Azagba-Otulu road is currently ongoing.”

Aniagwu also said Governor Oborevwori had been building bridges of possibilities, connecting communities and giving room for both business interaction and for people to also have some form of interaction with their kiths and kins in their neighbouring local government areas.

“His business, at the moment, is governance and he is not going to lose sight of it.

“Because of side talks and because he believes that this is not the time to begin to play politics, what he is doing at the moment is to ensure that he keeps faith with all Deltans.

“He believes that every Deltan deserves the dividend of democracy and that is what he has concerned himself all about.

“I also recall that in one of our outings at the UPU celebration at Uvwiamuge-Agbarho, in Ughelli North Local Government Area, the Governor asked his kinsmen and Deltans to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“He was very clear when he noted that the support for Tinubu also is equal to support for him, that is not politicking; that is governance because, the times we are in now is not for politics but governance.”

In the Education sector, Aniagwu said the administration had established and operationalized a campus of the Southern Delta State University, at Orerokpe, as well as introduced a College of Health Sciences at the institution’s main campus in Ozoro.

He said the administration had also upgraded facilities in several general hospitals and over 150 primary healthcare centres and provided substantial funding to numerous Colleges of Nursing, Midwifery, and Health Technology, and established a College of Health Technology at Ovrode, which is now operational.

On the housing sector, the Commissioner said, “the administration has commenced the building of 50 housing units made up of 30 three bedrooms and 20 two bedrooms in Ozoro, Kwale and Owa-Oyibu as a pilot scheme, while eight units of duplex are also being constructed to accommodate more Commissioners in the quarters.

“As part of its efforts at diversifying the economy of the state, the administration has sealed a deal with UTM LNG for the harnessing of the huge reserves of natural gas in the state.

On fiscal discipline and efficient resource allocation, Aniagwu said “over N200 billion has been paid to liquidate the state’s debt stock while contractors are being mobilised with new jobs with outstanding job certificates paid as they fall due.”

He added, “just yesterday, the Governor drove round the entire city to identify many projects that require attention and I can assure you that he is also ready to revamp the state’s broadcast outfits in Asaba and Warri.

“As part of breathing a new lease of life on the stations, the Governor has directed that I submit a report on the stations within the three weeks”, he added.

By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

The police in Akwa Ibom have arrested four officials of the state fire service for illegal lease of five service trucks belonging to the state government.

It has also warned against attacks on herdsmen and restated it’s stand on the implementation of the provisions of the grazing law

State Police Commissioner Mr Baba Azare told s press conference in Uyo yesterday that the officials illegally leased the trucks at the rate of N150,000 per truck per day for a period of three years.

Luck however ran out of them two months to the end of the contract when the deal was blown open.

“Based on credible information from a Good Samaritan that 4 of the state fire service trucks were stolen and taken to Port Harcourt, River State by some officials of the service.

“The Command moved to recover the said trucks and further investigation revealed that the fire trucks were leased out to some multinational companies at the rate of N140,000 per truck per day for initial period of 3 yrs.

“The link company share was N80, 000 while the fire service officials share stood at N60, 000 per truck per day, the deal was done in 2021 and was expected to terminate by 2024. However, about two months to the expiration of the deal the command acted and recovered the vehicles.

“The four suspects arrested in the case will be charged to court soon while the trucks will be release to the Government to continue to serve the good people of the state while we continue to look for others at large.” Azare explained.

On the menace of herdsmen in the state, the commissioner said that ,” we are aware of issues such as Fulani herdsmen encroaching on farms and destroying crops, as well as senseless attacks on Fulani cows by troublemakers.

“Let it be clear that the Police will not fold their arms and allow miscreants to unleash terror on law-abiding citizens. The state has a law on grazing, and we will ensure full compliance with its provisions. Anyone arrested in connection with these crimes will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

The command the commissioner said also rescued a Director with the Ministry of Justice and his niece were kidnapped by five armed men lady year.

“Our operatives in the Command immediately swung into action and busted the kidnappers’ den in a thick forest located within Ikot Ukpong Village, Abak Local Government. A thorough search was conducted within the forest, and the victims were rescued unharmed from an abandoned soak-away .
“The victim’s car was also recovered by the police along Etinan Road where it had been abandoned. Also, the Toyota Sienna vehicle used to kidnap the victims was also recovered while 2 of the suspects were neutralized. Further Investigation led to the arrest of one Ability Etim Samuel ‘m’ (aged 45 years) and one David Vincent Samuel ‘m’ (aged 36 years).” He said.

By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

The Ifa Ikot Okpon community in Uyo Local Council of Akwa Ibom have slammed a suit of N600 million on the state government over illegal demolition and forceful acquisition of their ancestral land.

This is even as residents of the community have been thrown into tears following the demolition of more than 182 buildings by the state Ministry of Lands and Town Planning in December last year .

Village Head of Ifa Ikot Okpon Etteidung Uwem Udo told newsmen in his palace yesterday that the state government has never acquired land from the community as there was no record in the Ministry of Lands to prove it.

Udo disclosed that owners of the demolished buildings were shocked when a bulldozer brought by Ministry of Lands with security operatives invaded their community on 19 December last year and demolished houses with household valued property inside while some of the owners have gone out for work.

“As we speak now 182 families have no where to live after their houses were demolished.” He said.

He maintained that even if there was such document, the state government would have notified owners of the building on the planned demolition.

“It is known that government takes land for overriding public interest . But in this case what is the public interest here.

The monarch alleged that the state government gave the land to some people who came up with papers claiming portions of the land contrary to claims that the land has been acquired for development and challenged them to produce any document to prove that the community land has been acquired.

“We had five meetings with the past commissioners for Land in the state including the state governor when he was the Commissioner for Land . We asked them to show us documents of the land being taken over by government and evidence of compensation to the land owners but it was not there .

” When Umo Eno was the Commissioner for Lands ,I knew that during one of our meetings we begged him that government should leave the land to owners and he promised that government has withdrawn from the land

” Now I don’t have access to governor Umo Eno, I would have reminded him of the scene in his office. I am pleading him now to come and rescue us from the hands of overzealous officials who have rendered our people homeless.” He explained.

However, victims of the demolished buildings have continued to cry out seeking government intervention in their plight.

One of them identified as Anthony Thomas Ekot 75 years old who had lived in the community for over 30 years adding that he was not at home on the fateful day when heavy equipment destroyed his house.

The case of Kokoette Sunday Eda who is Pastor with the Winners Chapel and Victor Ignatius are more pathetic and touching as his church was not spared while Ignatius was beaten to coma by soldiers and other security operatives monitoring the demolition exercise.

Eda while recounting the sad incident amidst tears said he had lived in the demolished building in the past 40 years but was shocked when government brought down the house few days to Christmas .

” I don’t know what to do now. My family and I are helpless. My consolation is that the governor is a fellow pastor like me . I now live at the mercy of Winners Chapel members in Uyo.”

Another victim is the retired staff of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) Charles Bassey who said he travelled to Warri in Delta state when his house was demolished.

Charles who broke in tears explained that there was no indication that the land he bought many years ago belongs to government.

“Before I bought the land , I verified it up to Ministry of Lands and I was not informed that the land is owned by the state government. Now, all my savings and investment throughout my service year is gone in a jiffy.”

Meanwhile ,the community have dragged the state government and its agents to court and demanded for compensation of N600m for the lands and prayed the court to compel government to negotiate through the state Estate Valuers for the buildings demolished and resettle the owners .

In a suit number HC 1/11/451/ 0514 between Etteidung Uwem Tom Udo , Etteidung Edet Effiong Udodong , Etteidung Ime Effiong Akpan and four others vs Hon Commissioner for Lands And Town Planning , Attorney General And Commissioner for Justice, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State and The Government of Akwa Ibom state as defendants, the community sought for reliefs in respect of the land and buildings demolished by security operatives.

The case would come up on February 11 for hearing .

The National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Samuel Anyanwu, resumed duty today at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja in defiance of the court orders that had removed him from office.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a High Court and Court of Appeal had removed Mr Anyanwu from office and recognised Sunday Udey-Okoye as the party’s national secretary.
Mr Anyanwu, speaking with reporters in his office shortly after the resumption of duty, said he was in office because he had appealed the judgements that removed him.

“Last December, precisely the 20th of December, the Appeal Court in Enugu took a dissenting judgment.“As a matter of fact, what the law says is that I should appeal, and I appealed the matter, appeal for a stay of execution, an appeal to the Supreme Court.

Obviously, what it means is that the position will remain as it is until it is determined by the Supreme Court.

“Today is our resumption day,” Mr Anyanwu said.

He described the comment made by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, that the PDP had recognised Mr Udey-Okoye as the national secretary as his personal opinion, not that of the PDP.

“He (Ologunagba) only made a statement, and as the national publicity secretary of my party, I will not want to disparage him in the media.

“Maybe he didn’t get the facts correct, or probably he never knew that the matter had been appealed and that it’s in the Supreme Court.

“He’s a lawyer, so he should understand that that is the position of the law,” he said.

Mr Anyanwu, urged party members to be strong, firm and united, adding that the PDP could rescue power in 2027 if they worked together as a team.

Any act or person that dares to undermine my position and duty as the National Secretary will not be condoned.”

Referring to the Appeal Court judgment in Enugu concerning the National Secretary position, Anyanwu clarified: “In Nigeria, the general rule is that when an application for a stay of execution has been filed and is pending, the judgment cannot be enforced until the application is determined.”

By Patrick Wemambu

Worshippers at the St. Paul’s Chaplaincy, Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka in Delta State have been told that they are a gift to the world. Rev. Fr. (Dr.) James Urien, Chaplain of the Church made the declaration Sunday while celebrating Mass in commemoration of the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord.

His words; “God the Father gave Jesus Christ as undeserved gift to the world. The gift of salvation is opened to everyone who believes. This is an example we need to emulate. You (my parishioners) are, therefore, a gift (blessing) to the world. Do something significant in your lifetime. Make the difference for which you will be remembered.
Your birth is not by chance. Your present position in life is not a mistake.”

He continued; “You are meant to bless the world with yourself. The wise men came with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. You must gift yourself to the world. Offer your talents, treasures, time, abilities, energy etc to improve the lives of others. It can come as a song, writing, speech, skill, innovation, fashion, spirituality, care, lifestyle, love, charity, etc.”

What does the Epiphany of the Lord mean? The homilist asked, retorting that it is God’s self revelation. Portraying Jesus as the saviour of the world, the preacher reiterated that the feast shows the universal dimension of salvation.

While arguing that in every religion, there is the notion of God but not of the full revelation in Jesus Christ found in Christianity, the Chaplain enthused that Jesus revealed Himself to the Gentiles by the means of a star. The mode of worship and approach might be different but there is a sense of God – he observed, avowing that the Epiphany revealed a new insight to God.

Just as the congregants of the St. Paul’s Chaplaincy learnt that the God made man that has come to dwell with humanity was revealed by Angels to the shepherds, they were informed that the Magi – Casper (Ethiopian), Balthazar (Persian) and Melchior (Asian) representing the three races known to the ancient world – discovered Jesus by interpreting the star.

Fr. Urien spoke on the theme of learning how to give to God; “We are good at receiving from God but not good at giving. Whenever we give, our giving should be meaningful and sacrificial. It should cost us something (2 Sam. 24:24).
Not every giving is worth the name. The Bible says in Jn 3:16 that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son. God gave His best to the world. The Magi gave significant gifts that were valuable. We too must present our gifts but not necessarily gold, frankincense and myrrh. The best gift to God is not money but ourselves in worship.”

Inquiring about the motive of giving, the cleric regretted that sometimes people give to please themselves – to satisfy ego, to be praised, to show appreciation, to improve a situation or to get a blessing. He appealed to individuals to learn to give for the right reasons.

The Sermonist identified the three groups of people in the Epiphany story. The first group: Herod (Haters – people who hate you because of your progress). Your progress is making them uncomfortable, he posited, explaining how Herod wanted to kill Jesus (Hatred). Disclosing that a man killed his wife, three children, mother and brother in-laws on the suspicion that they were plotting against him, Fr. Urien warned that haters are star killers who must be avoided.

The priest carried on with his analysis; “The second group in the Epiphany story are the priests and the scribes who ignored Jesus (Indifference). They knew the truth but were more interested in their selfish motives. As close as Bethlehem is to Jerusalem, they did not go to see the infant king. These people will not help unless it is in their favour.

“The third group: The Magi and Shepherds (Givers).They acknowledged the star in Jesus and adored Him. These were elders bowing low to the infant king. A demonstration of humility. We do same to our priests that we are older than. This encounter made them surrender their treasures. We need to belong to the third group by worshipping and offering our gifts of homage to God.”

Since individuals are gifted with gifts which make them unique, they would do well to be mindful of the people around them as they can either accelerate or ruin their gifts – Fr. Urien stressed. He noted that Samson was so gifted that he could not listen but ended up camping with his enemies.

The seven people Christians need for their gifts to manifest were highlighted; “Critics: Critics fight the gift. They are confrontational. They don’t hide it. Critics tell you what your friends will never tell you and help you in discovering your abilities. Clinicals: They are indifferent people. Neither for or against the gift. They are not supporting you and they are not fighting you. Their role is to distract you from the gift.
Celebrators: They are your fans. They admire your gift but will not take any responsibility for your person or gift. If someone promises something better, they will leave you.”

Cheerleaders who praise you and assure you of being present always were said to belong to the fourth category. Aside encouraging you the most because of your gifts, cheerleaders are very good in motivating.

The homilist proceeded with the other people needed for gifts to manifest; “Champions: These are people who succeeded. They fight to protect the gift and the gifted. For example, Peter, James and John followed Jesus as their champion. They are people you are vulnerable to. They inspire you to be at your best. Coach: The person that guides you. Life coach or mentor. They tell you the truth. They are not your friends per say but mentors. They ask you difficult questions to know your purpose. They are disciplinarians. They will train with you until you become the best version. Christ: He is the giver of the gift and sustains the gifted who are faithful to Him.”

Conversely, persons to be avoided for gifts to manifest were given to include deceivers, doubters, dictators, distractors and demoralizers. For people requiring those to help shape their paths, they were advised to hold on to friends, families, foes, fans and financiers.

Tips on how to manifest individual talents were given by the officiating pastor; “Identify your gift and stop making excuses.
Believe in your ability and take a bold step.
Learn from others and practice.
Turn your obstacles to stepping stones. Know the kind of people you associate with. Pray to God for the grace to succeed.
Focus and make the needed sacrifices.”

By Patrick Wemambu

Regardless of its potency, there is not enough darkness in the world to extinguish the light of even a small candle – Christians have been assured. Giving the guarantee Sunday during Mass at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Umuochi-Utchi, Warri Diocese in Delta State, the Parish priest, Rev. Fr. Leonard Okoli, declared that since darkness cannot stop the light from shining, the benefits of the latter must be appreciated by those who walk in it.

“Darkness cannot overcome light. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it (John 1:5). This is fulfilled in the journey of the shepherds and wise men from the East (in today’s passage). The star of the newborn led them to Herod but temporarily disappeared. Then, it seemed like the star was lost, like darkness had overcome light,” Fr. Okoli explained.

He added; “Herod was in control and was at the brink of killing the child Jesus, but did not succeed because evil cannot prevail over good. Evil may manifest itself and be more pronounced than good, but in the final analysis, good must prevail over evil. The star reappeared and led the wise men to Jesus.”

Quoting Numbers 24:18, the preacher declared that Balaam prophesied that the rising star would dispossess Edom. In spite of the fact that Herod was an Edomite who was very uncomfortable hearing about the appearance of the star, his attempts to kill Jesus failed. He could not extinguish the light – the Church was told.

Espousing on the Epiphany of the Lord, the homilist stressed that it is basically a feast of celebration of how the glory of the Newborn King was manifested to the Gentiles. Maintaining that Christians celebrate the revelation of the Savior to the Gentiles which signals hope of redemption for the pagans, the reverend gentleman highlighted that it is not enough for Christ to be born. It is also important that He be made known.

The Holy Trinitarians were further enlightened that the Feast of the Epiphany celebrates the revelation of Jesus to a world already waiting to receive Him. And to the wise men already waiting to see Him.

Fr. Okoli offered a context and background to the gospel. Said he; “Balak the king of Moab asked a seer named Balaam to curse the Israelites. But instead, God made Balaam bless Israel saying ‘A star shall rise out of Jacob, and a sceptre spring from Israel.’ Balaam also prophesied that, ‘The sceptre shall not leave Judah, nor a ruler from his thigh, till he comes that is to be sent and he shall be the expectation of nations’ (Gen 49:10). These prophecies informed the wise men such that when they saw the star, they recognized its significance and followed it.”

Warning Christians not to be discouraged when surrounded by evil, misfortunes and disasters – the priest called on his listeners to be hopeful, because Jesus is present with them. With Him as their light, the darkness of evil cannot overcome them. Stressing the importance of remaining in the light, the preacher advised that it is to enable believers to receive Christ with all their hearts and live according to his commandments.

“St. Paul admonishes that ‘You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober’ (1 Thess. 5:5). Let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light. Let us conduct ourselves accordingly as children of the light. We should become shining lights for others to see. As we begin the new year 2025, let us trust in God’s protection and blessings,” Fr. Okoli concluded.

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

There are conflicting information over allegation of the shutdown of Sabon Tasha main market located along Kachia road in Sabon Tasha area of Kaduna town.

The Sabon Tasha market was rumoured to have been shutdown twice between Thursday and Friday January 2025, according to information circulating the area among residents in Sabon Tasha and environments.

However, when our correspondent visited the market scene on Friday afternoon, everything seemed calm and normal with the main entrance gate into the market widely open and marketing business going on without any crises of closure as speculated in some quarters.

However, when contacted, some traders confirmed the information of the closure of the market, some others especially the market leaders vehemently denied knowledge of any information on closure, saying nothing of that nature occurred.

Speaking to Hon. L. Madami, the Sarkin Kasuwa (Chief of Market) Sabon Tasha,he expressed shock when asked to explain the rational behind shutting down the popular market at a time when many are complaining of severe hardship in the country.

The Sariki further explained that, “I’m surprise and shock because I’m hearing about the closing of the market from you. As the “Sarkin Kasuwa” I doubt if there’s anything like that. If there’s anything like locking of the market I would have been inform.

“Even if a rumour, and you know rumours destroys. Thank God you are here, I’m here in the market. The quacks ones would not bother coming to verify. But when you came, did you see any shop locked? So thank you for coming.

“But these are rumours, we’ve no problem in the market here, the traders are doing their business peacefully. The traders are doing fine. I’m happy you’ve gone round and seen that everything is going on peacefully.

“So they’re just rumor mongers. There has not been anything like lock down of tge market even yesterday or any other days. There was no plan to move the traders from here to a new market. No We’ve not gotten that messages. There’s nothing like moving the market from here.

“There are all rumors. No police presence because we’ll be the one to involve police that there’s disruption but there’s none, “the chief of market explained.

However, when contacted, Mr Austin Maduka Chairman Igbo traders Association Sabon Tasha Kaduna and treasurer Sabon Tasha market committee confirmed that the market was locked on Thursday and Friday for some hours.

His words: “The Igbo association is a registered one in this market. Why the market was locked was because of what we heard and what they told us from Kaduna market board.

“Because I’m also a member of committee of Sabon Tasha market by my position, and I’m the treasurer of Sabon Tasha market. So Kaduna state Market board called us on Tuesday.

“And we met with the MD. They told us before that they want to upgrade the old market structures under the previous government. The market was demolished and they transfered us to this temporary site so that when they finish, we can come back to the upgraded market.

“Along the line they called us and told us that the contractor working on the market did not fufill the promised he made and there’ll be no market again. That they’ll now build the old market.

“The contractor that brought us here had agreement with the owner of the land, but since he transfer us here he did not pay anything to the man. Therefore the owner want the land back since the time he gave them has passed.

“They went to court, court say they should pay the money, about 5 million pay year or handover the land to the owner. And that they’ll transfer us to Angwan Boro new market down there. Boro market is privately owned and not government owned.

“So we need to come talk things over. So it becomes a problem to all our members in this time of economic hardship, when people are struggling to feed themselves, we don’t know what will be the outcome.
“We don’t know how much is the rentage or purchase. So it’s given thousands of traders sleepless nights.

“And we agree that the market will be lock so that all other people will join. It was peaceful agreement and not by force. And we had the meeting and now come back. So that’s the reason of locking the market so that other people will join. So it was a peaceful agreement and not a forceful one.

“We don’t know that the land owner had arrangement with the contractor. The market was lock yesterday Thursday and today Friday for some hours for us to wait and together with our Chairman to see sir Gbagyi himself. Market board suggested going to the new market in Ungwan Boro.

All effort to see the owner of temporary market land and the contractor for further clarification proved abortive, as they were unavailable. End

Backs issuance of Panda Bond, kicks against foreign interference

Commits to infrastructural financing for Nigeria especially railway

Reaffirms commitment to African security, stability

By Gabruel Udeh

The Chinese government has agreed to Nigeria’s request to increase its currency swap line and its plan to issue Panda Bonds.

Recently, China and Nigeria renewed their currency swap agreement, valued at 15 billion yuan (approximately $2 billion), to enhance trade and investment between the two nations.

This agreement, valid for three years, aims to strengthen financial cooperation and promote the use of both currencies in bilateral transactions.

Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi made this disclosure at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday while fielding questions from State House journalists after meeting with President Bola Tinubu.

Yi stated that “the currency swap agreement shows how well we have carried out our financial cooperation and sustained its momentum. As with regard to Nigeria’s wish to increase the line of the currency swap we will favourably study and consider the issue, our cooperation is going well in many ways, in terms of finance.”

Yi expressed confidence in the economic cooperation with Nigeria, especially in the areas of finance, adding that: “For instance, we welcome the panda bonds to be issued. We welcome Nigeria to issue panda bonds in China, because we have full confidence in Nigeria’s credibility. And by issuing panda bonds, Nigeria will gain good revenue and the safety is guaranteed through financial support, we are working to contribute to Nigeria’s infrastructure development in particular railway.”

He added that “Just a few days ago, Chinese banks supported through financial funds, the building of the phase three of the railway modernisation project, and it has been delivered. So there are many details that are taking place between our cooperation.”

The Chinese Foreign Minister also outlined China’s steadfast commitment to supporting peace and stability in Africa.

He reiterated China’s opposition to foreign interference, stating that China firmly supports the African Union and regional organisations like ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) in their constructive roles.

Yi, in his response to a question regarding Africa’s security situation, stated, “Only through global solidarity can we together respond to the various security challenges.”

He outlined China’s commitment to bolstering Africa’s security capacity by providing 1 billion yuan (approximately $140 million) in military assistance, which will include training for 6,000 military personnel and 1,000 police officers from various African nations. “We will continue to support the building of the African standby force and rapid response forces,” he added, emphasising China’s dedication to enhancing peacekeeping operations in collaboration with African countries.

At the United Nations Security Council, Yi assured that “China’s vote will always go to Africa,” reaffirming Beijing’s commitment to amplifying the voices of African nations on global platforms. He also highlighted China’s role as a significant contributor to peacekeeping operations on the continent.

He further elaborated on China’s strategy for achieving security through development, stating that Beijing aims to utilise 360 billion yuan in funding support announced at the FOCAC summit to deepen cooperation across various sectors. “Through this partnership, we will work with Africa to address the root causes of insecurity and achieve long-term stability through development,” he explained.

Recognising Nigeria’s pivotal role as chair of ECOWAS and its influence in Western Africa and the Sahel region, Wang expressed China’s support for Nigeria in rallying regional countries towards unity and cooperation. “China supports Nigeria in achieving strength through unity and promoting security through cooperation,” he stated.

Yi reiterated China’s commitment to fostering a robust partnership with Africa based on mutual respect and shared development goals. This visit marks a crucial step in reinforcing China-Africa relations as both regions navigate an increasingly complex global landscape together.

Yi’s statements on security interference were echoed by Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, who highlighted Nigeria’s leadership role within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and its broader influence on the continent. Tuggar remarked, “Nigeria has consistently proved effective in leading other countries in our region in addressing challenges to peace and security.”

He stressed that collaboration with major powers like China is vital for Nigeria’s efforts to maintain stability.

Tuggar also expressed concerns about external influences complicating Nigeria’s ability to lead regional security initiatives. “Whenever Nigeria is left out of such arrangements, it becomes more challenging,” he stated.

He called for a focus on domestic production of military equipment, advocating for local manufacturing capabilities as a means to enhance Nigeria’s self-reliance in defence matters.

“We want to work with countries like China in domesticating production of military equipment,” Tuggar added.

He stressed that Nigeria’s responsible governance and constitutional adherence have earned it confidence from international partners.