NEWS
Okpebholo Dangles Chinese Varsity Exchange Programme Before Students
The Edo State Government and the Federal Republic of China are exploring avenues for institutional collaboration aimed at deepening the exchange of knowledge across education, culture, and technology.
Governor Monday Okpebholo received a high-level delegation from Fujian Jiangxia University, China, led by the President of the institution, Mr. Ling Qzdan, during a courtesy visit to Government House, Benin City.
The delegation expressed keen interest in partnering with Edo State Government to advance bilateral cooperation between academic institutions in both regions.
Welcoming the delegation, Governor Okpebholo remarked that his administration had long anticipated such an engagement, emphasizing that meaningful partnerships with nations like China are critical for sustainable knowledge transfer and capacity development.
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“We are delighted to welcome you to Benin City; one of the oldest cities in Africa and the world, rich in cultural heritage and history,” the governor stated.
“News of your visit brought us great joy, as this collaboration with China is one I have earnestly looked forward to. It presents an opportunity to exchange knowledge across education, culture, science, and technology. Learning is a lifelong pursuit, and the transfer of knowledge is central to our administration’s vision for transformation.”
Governor Okpebholo further emphasized Edo State’s cultural depth and expressed optimism that China would benefit from the richness of Edo’s heritage, just as Edo State stands to gain from China’s technological advancements.
“This partnership, particularly the agreement between Fujian Jiangxia University and Ambrose Alli University (AAU), is of immense value to us. We are excited by the possibilities and believe that this collaboration will be mutually beneficial. We look forward to sharing our culture with China and gaining insights from your educational and technological systems.”
In his remarks, Mr. Ling Qzdan, President of Fujian Jiangxia University, explained that the purpose of the visit was to formalize cooperation and strengthen institutional ties in the domains of education, culture, technology, and scientific research.
He observed that both institutions: Fujian Jiangxia University and Ambrose Alli University, share similar facilities and academic disciplines, which provide a strong foundation for long-term collaboration.
“This visit is intended to consolidate a robust partnership between Fujian and Benin City, particularly in education and cultural exchange,” Mr. Qzdan noted.
“We believe that through joint initiatives and leadership dialogue, we can significantly deepen collaboration and foster academic excellence. We are here to seek meaningful cooperation with Edo State’s educational sector and to promote mutual learning and understanding between our people.”
Speaking at the event, the Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu described the partnership as a strategic milestone that will reshape the future of education in the state.
“The purpose of this visit is to facilitate institutional collaboration between Edo State and China,” he explained. “By September, we will begin finalizing the documentation to initiate a technical agreement between Fujian Jiangxia University and our own Ambrose Alli University. This is a remarkable step forward.”
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Governor’s commitment to ensuring that every Edo child is equipped to compete globally, adding that reforms are underway to dismantle systemic barriers to education.
“We are committed to building a globally competitive student population grounded in science, technology, and life skills. The Governor has made it clear that Edo children must not only participate in but lead innovation.
The Chinese are global leaders in infrastructure and technological advancement. Their integration into our educational ecosystem will not only bolster learning outcomes but also stimulate broader economic development.”
The visit marks a significant step toward international academic and cultural cooperation and reflects Edo State’s commitment to global engagement in education and human capital development.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development was disclosed on Friday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.
Akwa Ibom occupies a strategic position in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with major federal investments expected to strengthen infrastructure and economic activities across the state.
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One of the major projects is the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which has an approximately 82.8-kilometre stretch passing through Akwa Ibom.
The project, according to the statement, “promises improved connectivity, expanded trade, greater investment and new economic opportunities for communities across the region.”
Beyond infrastructure, the administration’s interventions in education, agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment and social protection are also designed to improve livelihoods and broaden economic participation.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) is among the initiatives highlighted, complementing Governor Umo Eno’s investments in roads, aviation, tourism and human capital development.
The statement noted that the Uyo rally provides “another opportunity to strengthen the APC’s growing political presence in the South-South and make the case for continuity in 2027.”
Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni was among 100 people honoured with the DTN@100 Award.
She joined a list of distinguished recipients recognised by the Daily Times newspapers. The contributions of the awardees to national development will be documented in a special publication, titled Nigerian Grand Book.
Daily Times which started publication in 1926 gave the awards as part of its centenary celebrations in Lagos. The centenary theme is: “Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future.” Chairman, Folio Media Group and Publisher Daily Times of Nigeria Fidelis Anosike said: “We proudly celebrate Elohor Aiboni, Executive Vice President and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, for her well-deserved recognition at the Daily Times Heroes Award. As a visionary female leader, Elohor has shown that true leadership is defined by action. Her forward-thinking policies continue to drive real, positive change across our nation.”
In her response, Elohor said: “Although this award is presented to me, I do not regard it as mine alone. I share it with my colleagues across the Shell Companies in Nigeria, our partners, and the many people I have had the privilege of working with and learning from over the years.”
Elohor was commended for her achievements in a career in the energy industry that started in Shell in 2002. In addition to serving in operational roles within and outside Nigeria, she has worked as asset manager for Bonga, leading up to her appointment as Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) in 2021, the first female to hold the post. Early this year, she took up the role of Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, also the first female and Nigerian to hold both roles.
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In her acceptance speech, Elohor also called for concerted efforts towards educating the girl-child. She said: “If we are serious about shaping Nigeria’s future, we must be equally serious about educating and empowering the Nigerian girl child. Education provides not only knowledge, but also confidence, choice and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to her community and country.”
Photo Caption – L-R: Energy and Investment Solicitor, Sam Aiboni; Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni; actress Rita Dominic; and Daily Times Chairman, Fidelis Anosike, during the award presentation at Harbour Point, Lagos.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic qualification for the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The President commended the team for their impressive 3-1 victory over Brazil in Wednesday’s semi-final, describing their achievement as a remarkable milestone that has brought immense pride and joy to Nigerians at home and abroad.
In a statement issued on Thursday, November 5, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu also praised the coaching crew and everyone whose hard work and support contributed to the team’s successful campaign.
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With the Flamingos set to face Japan in the final, the President urged the players to remain focused, confident and determined as they pursue the historic world title.
“I encourage you to approach the final with the same fighting spirit and belief that have brought you this far. I have confidence in your ability to make history by winning the coveted world title,” he said.
Tinubu also called on Nigerians to rally behind the young players, describing them as national ambassadors whose achievements continue to showcase the country’s sporting excellence.
He said the team’s performance would inspire a new generation of girls to pursue their dreams without limitations.
“Once again, Nigeria is proud of you. Go for the trophy, Flamingos!” the President added.
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