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Prioritising Interests of Citizens Will Help Nigeria Attain China’s feat – China

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Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Zhou Pingjian
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Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Zhou Pingjian, says the African country can achieve the same feat as China if its government can prioritise the interests of its citizens and open itself up to the world.

Zhou expressed this thought on Wednesday 28th August 2019 in Abuja at a ceremony to honour outstanding Nigerian advocates of China-Nigeria relations.

The event was also in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the founding of China on Oct.

1.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 48 recipients of the China Alumni Association of Nigeria were honoured for their contributions to strengthening China-Nigeria bilateral relations in different sectors.

Zhou said China was able to attain  greatness and success because the government considered the interests of its people first before any other thing.

He also attributed China’s successes to the strong leadership provided by its founding political party and its openness to the world.

The envoy urged Nigeria to emulate China.

According to him, at the founding of China in 1949, it could not produce anything significant, but 70 years after, it became a global force with every household across the world using “made in China” products.

Zhou, who said that sharing the same independence date with Nigeria was significant, urged the award recipients to continue their good works in different sectors in order to strengthen the bilateral relations between both countries.

“A lot of things have contributed to the achievements of China in the past 70 years and another one is, we have friends like Nigeria and the world and China pursues an opened policy.

“Putting people first, strong leadership of the political party, and openness to the world have helped us make great strides in the economic and social development in China.

“In 1950, the first year after the founding of the People’s Republic, the trade value between China and the world was only 1.13 billion U.S. dollars, but last year trade value hit 4.6 trillion U.S. dollars.

“In 1978, there was almost no Foreign Direct Investment in China and in 40 years, we attracted more than two trillion dollars in Foreign Direct Investment.

“In 1949, there were no Nigerian students in China but today, there are more than 7,000 students pursuing higher learning in China.

“We are opened to the world and that is a key element to understand why China can achieve something in 70 years.

“Mutual understanding and friendship between two countries is the foundation of a successful bilateral relation,” Zhou said.

The Chinese envoy further called on the award recipients to continue to promote relations between both countries which he described as very strategic and important.

He added that as one of the largest economies in the world, China valued its relationship with Nigeria, which he described as the largest developing country in Africa.

Also speaking, Hon. Buba Yakub, Chairman House Committee on Foreign Affairs lauded Nigeria-China cordial relations which he said was evident in so many laudable developments in Nigeria.

Congratulating the award recepients, Yakub urged them to take up the challenge to evolve strategies that would take the bilateral relations to a higher level.

“As the year 2019 marks the 48th year of uninterrupted diplomatic relations between the People’s Republic of China and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, both countries have thus far enjoyed a cordial relationship.

“As evidence of the deepening economic and socio-cultural integration today, China-Nigeria relations are regarded as a pace-setter for not only Africa, but within the global economic community.

“The history of this relation has become a reference point to so many countries especially in the areas of Trade and Investment.

“The highlight of the recent decade involving Nigeria-China relations is the massive inflow of Foreign investment to address critical infrastructural gaps in Nigeria.

“Nigeria is poised to be the next viable destination for China’s Foreign investments in view of its economic potentials.

“This significant feet have been realized by determined efforts of both countries and also the advocates of China-Nigeria relations of which we are here to celebrate today,” Yakub said.

Speaking on behalf of the award recipients, Dr. Sheriff Ghali called on fellow awardees not to forget the reasons why they were honored and keep working to build the unity of both nations.

Ghali urged them to work towards changing the negative misunderstandings of other countries to the China-Africa-Nigeria relations which is perceived as imperialism.

He urged them not to relent in the already good works of strengthening bilateral ties which they already started. (NAN)

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Abuja Stampede: CAN Mourns

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By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The National Leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at the weekend, said it is disturbed by the tragic events at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama on Saturday morning.This was contained in a statement issued by CAN signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and made available to journalists in Abuja.

.The statement reads in parts, “We have learned that at least ten people, including children, lost their lives in a stampede while trying to seek help from the church.
”This tragedy is not just statistics; it represents real families who are hurting. Each person lost was someone’s beloved family member.
We wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church and to the families affected by this terrible incident. We stand together with you in this time of sadness and prayer.”Many people arrived early, hoping to receive palliatives that would help them during tough times. What was meant to be a day of support turned into a disaster, leaving a heavy impact on all of us and reminding us how fragile life can be.”This incident is part of a troubling pattern, as Nigeria has experienced two other tragic stampedes this month. On December 18, during a Christmas funfair at a school in Ibadan, a stampede resulted in the deaths of 35 children, with six others critically injured. The event aimed to distribute cash and food to over 5,000 children. This tragic event is currently under investigation, focusing on better crowd control measures.”Just a few days later, another stampede occurred during a rice distribution event at a centre in Anambra State. Reports indicate that at least 22 people lost their lives, and 32 others were injured. These heartbreaking incidents highlight the challenges of managing large crowds during charitable events. “In the face of these tragedies, we recognise the importance of coming together to support those who are grieving. It is crucial that we listen to one another, share our feelings, and offer help in any way we can. This is a time for compassion and understanding as we help one another heal.”As we reflect on these devastating events, we invite all Nigerians to come together with kindness and understanding. Let us support one another and work towards creating a place where everyone feels safe and valued. The concern shown in response to this incident highlights our shared humanity.”Together, we can honour the memory of those we have lost by committing to a future filled with hope, where every life matters, and where we can gather in safety and peace, sharing in the abundance of food and support that we can provide for one another as a nation.”May those who have passed find eternal rest, and may God comfort all who are grieving”.

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Benue unveils Zeva Premium Lager Beer

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The Benue Government on Sunday unveiled a new beverage, Zeva Premium Lager Beer, produced by Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC).

Gov. Hyacihth Alia, who presented the new product to the public in Makurdi, said the product was a significant step toward economic rejuvenation, industrialisation, and sustainable development of the state.

Alia stated that the product has further expressed the state’s readiness to harness her resources, build and revive dormant industries, and foster local economic growth.

The governor said the brewery would create a sustainable value chain, turning agricultural raw materials like cassava, sorghum, millet, and maize into high-value products.

He said the beer was an economic strategy to boost state internally generated revenue, reduce dependence on federal allocations, create jobs for the youth, address unemployment, and foster economic stability.

Alia said that through the BIPC, the state has initiated negotiations and interventions to ensure that the Benue Brewery, now managed by Nigerian Breweries, was revived and repositioned for optimal productivity, but their efforts failed.

“Having seen the economic potentials of the brewery industry on our local farmers and the economy of the state, we floated Food Basket Brewery that will produce quality beverages that can compete on national and global stages.

“The launch of Zeva Premium Lager Beer is a game-changer for the agricultural and economic landscape of Benue State.

“The brewery’s operations will directly impact the lives of our farmers, the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and overall economic development of the state.” he said

The governor stated that through the BIPC, the state has initiated various projects aimed at revitalising existing industries and establishing new ones.

He said though there were other beer beverages in the country, the Benue brand remained the best in the market.

Alia urged the people to drink beer responsibly.

The governor commended the Managing Director (MD/CEO) BIPC, Dr Raymond Asemakaha, along with the management and entire staff of the company, for their relentless efforts, dedication, and commitment to bringing change to the state.

The BIPC Managing Director (M-D/CEO), Asemakaha, said in his remarks that the launching of the beer would increase the state GDP by 17 per cent.

Asemakaha said that the target of the company was to create 10,000 jobs by 2025, adding that they have already created 411 direct jobs within one year.

“Zeva Premium Lager Beer represents more than just a new product. It is a symbol of innovation, resilience, and the indomitable Benue spirit.

“As we unveil this premium beer today, we do so with the knowledge that it will contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of our dear state in several critical ways,” he said.

The M-D disclosed that the Food Basket Brewery would not only produce Zeva Premium Lager Beer but also an array of other assorted brands that would cater to diverse tastes and preferences.

He said Zeva Premium Lager Beer was more than just a drink; it was a celebration of the Benue spirit—a spirit of resilience, determination, and excellence.

The high point of the event was the unveiling of the Zeva Premium Lager Beer product to the public by the governor. (NAN)

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NAFDAC, Manufacturers Collaborate to Strengthen Food Safety Culture in Nigeria

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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has partnered with the Association of Food, Beverages, and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE) to promote a food safety culture in Nigeria.

This collaboration was announced in a statement issued by NAFDAC’s resident media consultant, Mr Olusayo Akintola, to newsmen in Abuja on Sunday.

He said the event took place in Lagos on Friday, where NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof.

Mojisola Adeyeye, was represented by Mrs Eva Edwards, Director of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (FSAN).

The statement quoted Adeyeye, highlighting that the collaboration stemmed from an end-of-year stakeholders’ dialogue session with NAFDAC.

She said the session provided an opportunity for both parties to have open discussions on strategic objectives.

Adeyeye noted that the FSAN dialogue had become a key part of NAFDAC’s calendar, marking its third consecutive annual edition.

She said the session aimed to share insights and tackle challenges related to ensuring the safety and quality of food supplied to Nigerians.

The NAFDAC Director-General emphasised that the event underscored the vital role of AFBTE in protecting public health and maintaining consumer trust.

“It also served as a platform for discussing important food safety concerns and sharing information on new regulatory processes for food manufacturing facilities in Nigeria.”

Adeyeye pointed out the far-reaching impact of unsafe food, which not only affected public health but could also harm economies and trade.

She stressed the importance of the food sector in adopting robust food safety standards, innovative solutions, and a food safety culture.

“NAFDAC, alongside AFBTE, is committed to guiding the industry towards voluntary compliance with regulatory requirements.

“This meeting is an opportunity to discuss how we can improve our services and better support you. What worked well in 2024? What didn’t, and how can we improve?”

She also mentioned that NAFDAC had received several applications from manufacturers requesting changes to product formulations, and the agency would work to verify these necessary changes.

The statement also quoted Mr Fred Chiazor, Chairman of the Technical Committee of AFBTE, who commended NAFDAC for facilitating the meeting, which provided an opportunity for industry stakeholders to collaborate on progress for the upcoming year.

He noted that AFBTE members had become more strategic in their thinking and encouraged them to speak openly about issues they encounter. (NAN)

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