Connect with us

Foreign News

Nuclear Energy: Kogi, Chinese Govts Discuss Partnership

Published

on

Share

Mr Cui Jianchun, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nigeria, says China is keen on exploring viable areas of partnerships with Nigeria, with interest in nuclear energy.

Cui made this known on Monday in Lokoja when he was received by Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi at the Government House, noting that the Kogi is a key state of interest for the partnership.

He said that his key interest as Ambassador was to facilitate China’s investment and also utilise China’s technology for the benefit of Nigeria and certain states like Kogi.

Newsmen report that Cui was accompanied by a delegation from the China National Nuclear Cooperation (CNNC).

Cui said he was hopeful that the meeting would birth a historical moment, where the CNNC would be able to establish one of its two Proposed Nuclear Power Plants (NPP) in the state.

He said that the establishment of a nuclear energy plant would further attract investment to the state, improve its infrastructure, tax revenue, job creation and attract vast social economic developments.

“China is a leading reference in areas of modern infrastructures amongst the international community.

“Although Nigeria and China have enjoyed good relationship and have achieved a lot, and states like Kogi could also benefit from China’s vested interest.

“In the areas of modern infrastructure, Information Communication Technology, industry, investments and import/exports opportunities.

“I am also hopeful that China, which is the world’s largest consumption market, could in the nearest future have a policy where Nigeria, particularly states like Kogi, could export more products into the Chinese market,” Cui said.

He said that the Embassy would also work towards establishing a department of Nuclear Energy at the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, and other institutions in the state.

This, the envoy noted, will be part of the Embassy’s plans to nurture local breed in the field.

Cui also urged the Kogi government to, in a similar vein, encourage and facilitate some of its young engineering talents for exchange programmes in the country.

Gov. Bello exchanging souvenirs with Amb. Cui of China during the visit.


Responding, Bello thanked the ambassador for finding Kogi worthy of such recommendation, noting that the meeting s between two sincere governments who are both interested in the advancement of their peoples.

“I want to thank the Chinese government for finding Kogi State worthy for such huge investment and I appreciate you and your delegation for this auspicious visit.

“After the presentation I and the members of my cabinet were already very enthusiastic to internalise these plans in the state.

“And to foster the relationship with the Chinese government by engaging in every discussion in the interest of the people of the confluence state.

“I also want to guarantee you of a great relationship with the CNNC team with the state and the state would be glad to have a stronger tie with China,” the governor said.

Bello also urged the Chinese government not to relent in sharing their wealth of experience with the Nigerian nation in areas where the country was currently facing temporary difficulties.

Newsmen report that fielding questions from their Presentation, representatives of the CNNC noted that nuclear energy was a safe technology for humans, plants and the environment.

Newsmen also report that the nuclear plant, once established, would end the power challenge confronting the nation. (NAN)

Foreign News

U.S Will Start Revoking Visas for Chinese Students

Published

on

Share

The United States says it will begin revoking visas of Chinese students and tighten screening for future applicants from China and Hong Kong, the US State Department said on Thursday.

“The U.S. will begin revoking visas of Chinese students, including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields,” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on social media platform X.

In a press release, the State Department stated that it would also revise visa criteria to enhance scrutiny of all future visa applications from the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong.

It was not immediately clear how many students currently in the United States would be affected or whether any exemptions would apply.

According to the Institute of International Education (IIE), about 277,000 Chinese students were enrolled at U.S. universities during the 2023-2024 academic years, making them the second-largest group of international students after those from India.

The U.S. already applies strict visa rules for Chinese nationals in certain academic disciplines, particularly in science and technology.

China’s Foreign Office said it filed a complaint against the unjustified step.

Washington’s discriminatory actions expose the lie of freedom and openness that the U.S. has always boasted about, said spokeswoman Mao Ning in Beijing.

The new measures come amid reports that the State Department has halted new visa interviews for international students and exchange visitors while it reviews screening procedures, including expanded checks on social media activity.

The pause reportedly affects F, M and J visa categories, including those for students, interns and au pairs, with further instructions expected in the coming days.

However, relations between Washington and Beijing have deteriorated further since U.S President Donald Trump took office in January.

The two economic powers are engaged in a deepening trade dispute and competing for global influence across multiple fronts.(dpa/NAN)

Continue Reading

Foreign News

4 killed in South Korean Navy plane crash

Published

on

Share

A South Korean Navy patrol plane with four people on board crashed on a mountain in Pohang, a city in the south-eastern part of the country.

The Yonhap news agency reported on Thursday, citing authorities.

The crash happened at 1:50 pm (0450 GMT).

According to the report, witnesses said smoke was seen rising from the mountain.

The bodies of all four people aboard the plane have since been recovered, Yonhap reported.

The navy, in a short statement to reporters, said the crash occurred after the aircraft took off for a training exercise, but crashed due to unidentified reasons.

The navy said that it is investigating further details.

Fire workers were dispatched to the scene to extinguish the blaze.(dpa/NAN)

Continue Reading

Foreign News

Israel Rejects Latest Gaza Ceasefire Proposal

Published

on

Share

 The Israeli Government has rejected the latest proposal for a ceasefire and release of hostages in the Gaza Strip, local media reported on Monday.

“The proposal received by Israel cannot be accepted by any responsible government,’’ the Times of Israel quoted an unnamed senior official as saying, who didn’t give any further details.

According to the ynet news website, the proposal was made by a Palestinian-American businessman who has reportedly been involved in direct negotiations with Palestinian extremist group Hamas for some time.

According to Hezbollah-affiliated Arab broadcaster Al-Mayadeen, the proposal involves a 70-day ceasefire to allow both sides to conduct negotiations on an end to the war.

With Hamas is to release five living hostages and the bodies of a further five from Gaza.

The draft is far removed from the proposal drawn up by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, ynet quoted an Israeli official as saying.

Witkoff’s recently submitted draft provides for the release of 10 living hostages in exchange for 45 to 60 days of ceasefire.

According to Israeli sources, at least 20 hostages are still being held alive in the Gaza Strip, with the fate of three further abductees unclear.

In addition, the Islamists are still holding the bodies of 35 hostages abducted from Israel during the attacks it launched on Oct. 7, 2023. (dpa/NAN)

Continue Reading

Read Our ePaper

Top Stories

General News7 minutes ago

Okpebholo Applauds Tinubu at two-year Mark

ShareGov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo has extended heartfelt commendations to President Bola Tinubu as he marks his second anniversary in...

General News39 minutes ago

First Lady Donates 7 Vehicles to YOWICAN

Share The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu on behalf of her organisation, Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) has presented seven new 18-seater...

Foreign News56 minutes ago

U.S Will Start Revoking Visas for Chinese Students

ShareThe United States says it will begin revoking visas of Chinese students and tighten screening for future applicants from China...

FEATURES1 hour ago

We Have Made Undeniable Progress: President Bola Tinubu’s Second Anniversary Speech

ShareFellow Nigerians, as we mark the second anniversary of our administration, I salute your resilience and undaunted spirit. Two years...

Education2 hours ago

How female Medicine Degree Holder Abandoned Certificate for Carpentry- Bugaje

ShareThe Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Bugaje has expressed the need to promote inclusivity, especially...

Education2 hours ago

WAEC Apologies for Conducting English Exam Late, Cites Leakage  Prevention

ShareThe West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has apologized for delay in conducting  English Language Paper 2 in the ongoing 2025...

Health2 hours ago

UNICEF Promotes Menstrual Hygiene for Girls

Share The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has encouraged girls to embrace menstruation with pride and confidence, recognizing themselves as vital...

Uncategorized3 hours ago

Tinubu Repositioning Nigeria for Sustainable Growth – Gov. Yahaya

Share Gov. Yahaya of Gombe State has lauded President Bola Tinubu for the implementation of viable social and economic reforms...

Foreign News4 hours ago

4 killed in South Korean Navy plane crash

ShareA South Korean Navy patrol plane with four people on board crashed on a mountain in Pohang, a city in...

Uncategorized4 hours ago

Zulum Clears N4.5bn Workers’ Gratuity in 1 year

ShareGov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has paid the gratuity and other entitlement of civil servants amounting to N4.5 billion in...

Copyright © 2021 Daily Asset Limited | Powered by ObajeSoft Inc