NEWS
Tinubu Calls For More Currency Swap With China
Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has urged the Government of the People’s Republic of China to increase the $2 billion currency swap between Nigeria and China to enhance trade between the two countries.
He made the call on Thursday in Abuja, at a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, Wang Yi.
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He also called for an upward review of the $50 billion aid package for Africa, which China’s President Xi Jinping announced last year.
Recall that China and Nigeria recently renewed their currency swap agreement, valued at 15 billion yuan (approximately $2 billion), to enhance trade and investment.
Receiving the Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, Wang Yi, at the State House, the President said increasing the level of currency swaps will speed up the infrastructural development in Nigeria and deepen the strategic bilateral relations.
In his words, “We still demand more in the area of currency swap. The level you have approved as a government for Nigeria is inadequate considering our programme. If you can increase that, it will be well appreciated.
“Our bond should grow stronger and become unbreakable.
Regarding the 50 billion dollars pledged by the Chinese Government to support Africa, President Tinubu noted that the continent’s infrastructural needs would require more commitment, urging a review of the amount to reflect the continent’s reality.
“I am happy you are part of China’s highest decision-making body. We will want you to use your position to influence improved project funding. First, I say yes to the 50 billion dollar support, and thank you for contributing to African growth. The infrastructural needs of Africa are greater than that, and we want to move as rapidly as our other counterparts. All share your vision of rapid development. Africa values the relationship with China, and we seek deeper collaboration for infrastructural development,” he stated.
President Tinubu called on China to support Nigeria’s bid for a permanent United Nations Security Council seat.
“You are a member of the UN Security Council. We want you to use your influence to ensure Nigeria secures the seat,” the President said.
President Tinubu thanked President Xi Jinping for his warm reception during his visit to China last year.
He said Africa, particularly Nigeria, was prepared to meet developmental goals and contribute counterpart project funding.
“We are ready to move and reach the various developmental goals. Due to our deliberation, we signed many MOUs and planned many action programmes.
“My visit during FOCAC was a good experience. We signed several comprehensive MOUs during the visit. We planned several programmes of action. As a result of that deliberation, I made sure that immediately after I returned, I appointed one of the best brains available to coordinate Nigeria-China relations, Mr Joseph Tegbe. He will work to actualise various MOUs and promote a greater understanding of developmental programmes.
“It is good that you came at such a critical time. My visit to China was a good experience. Once again, accept my sympathy for the earthquake in Tibet. It was a natural disaster that nobody expected. We commend your Government for the rapid reaction to protect lives.
Yi thanked President Tinubu for appointing a Director General and Global Liaison, Nigeria — China Strategic Partnership, to oversee the implementation of the MOUs for the rapid development of the Nigerian economy.
“I would like to thank Nigeria for abiding by the one-China principle, and we will continue to support Nigeria in achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda, countering terrorism and ensuring regional security,” he said.
Yi said Chinese investments in the country would focus on employment generation and infrastructural development. He said the Chinese National Development Bank had started funding some development projects.
He said the Chinese Government would support including an African country in the UN Security Council, adding that “it was a historical injustice by the world that should be corrected”.
“We stand with Africa, and we will not support a country that invades another country,” he stated.
The foreign minister said China would welcome Nigeria’s membership in the BRICS and participation in the global development mechanism.
He said China fully supported Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), for a second term in office.
The minister lauded President Tinubu for his visionary leadership and consistency in projecting Africa’s needs, which require China’s support.
“You brought Renewed Hope to the people of Nigeria. Your economy has sustained sound momentum, and Nigeria’s global influence has steadily increased. Nigeria has played an important role in upholding regional peace and has become an important force for African stability.
“We congratulate Nigeria on its achievements and believe that, under your leadership, Nigeria will realise greater achievements,” the Chinese foreign minister stated.
In a daring move, geared towards addressing prevalent security challenges, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, summoned a security meeting in Iyamho, Etsako West Local Government Area.
It was gathered that notable attendees at the meeting, on Monday, were prominent political, religious, and traditional leaders, heads of security agencies in the state, and other key stakeholders.
They converged to brainstorm on how to address the peculiar security challenges in Edo North, where security breaches have become almost routine.
Gov Okpebholo, after the meeting held behind closed doors, assured that under his watch, criminal elements will not succeed in distabilizing Edo State.
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He vowed to deal with them decisively and make the state inhabitable for their activities.
Speaker Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), Rt. Hon Blessing Agbebaku; former governor of Edo State and Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole; Minister for Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh; former deputy governors of Edo State, Peter Obadan and Philip Shaibu, were at the meeting.
Others were the former Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Ogiadomeh; former Minister for State Budget, Clem Agba; traditional and religious leaders, security chiefs, and other stakeholders in the security sector.
Gov Okepbholo said the security stakeholders’ meeting became necessary to ensure peace and security are maintained across the state, particularly in Edo North.
He noted that political, religious, and traditional leaders attended the meeting, where they all discussed the security challenges facing the people and came up with possible solutions.
Gov Okpebholo pointed out that Edo people should expect a better security situation in the state, as all the deliberations will be properly utilized.
“We came here for a peaceful discussion regarding security, and all our leaders are here, both traditional and religious leaders. The closed door meeting was successful as we had a good deliberation, and discussions were fruitful. We had a perfect discussion. Let us watch it from here. Things will be perfect in our land,” he stated.
Comrade Oshiomhole, after the meeting, commended Gov Okpebholo for his approach to handling security issues in the State.
He appreciated him for the security meeting and assured Edo people that the Gov Okpebholo-led administration will make Edo State safe for all to live and do business.
“Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has come to Edo North to discuss with the people what he has been doing and what he will do in terms of security of lives and property in Edo State.
“The meeting lasted for three hours, and it enabled the Governor to listen to comments from stakeholders and all those present. The Governor gave us the assurance that he will continue to ensure Edo is safe for us all,” he said.
Comrade Oshiomhole said Gov Okpebholo has provided vehicles and motor bikes for the police and other security agencies.
“The Governor recognized that the local people have their own role to play. We have discussed how the community will work with security agencies and forward any information they have to the Governor through available channels.
“The Governor came to meet us and to hear us out. This is the first time a Governor is doing this. I do not think during my time as a governor, I came for security meetings like we have done today.
“The people have expressed their confidence in the Governor. They have reaffirmed their loyalty and commitment to work together with the security agencies so that Afenmai land will be safe,” he added.
Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Bishop Gabriel Dunia, appreciated all who came for the stakeholders’ meeting and urged them to collaborate to ensure peace in Edo State.
“We are very much appreciative of our Governor and all the traditional rulers who have come for us all to deliberate on the security of our people and our land. People have spoken their minds on the way forward, and we will work with it to ensure our land knows peace,” he stated.
A traditional ruler from Edo North, His Royal Highness (HRH), Mallam Ali Suleiman, said the security meeting has given stakeholders confidence, while traditional rulers have resolved to collaborate with security agencies and stakeholders to ensure peace in Edo State.
“Today, we are experiencing a landmark event in response to security issues agitating our minds. The Governor came here by himself, not delegating anyone to handle the meeting.
“We have been very worried about the development. The Governor came here himself and also the Minister for Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh and this has given us confidence and we the traditional rulers have resolved to work with security agencies and all stakeholders to ensure the State is safe for us all.”
The Vatican has disclosed that Pope Francis died of a stroke, which caused a coma and irreversible heart failure, according to his official death certificate released on Monday.
The 88-year-old pontiff passed away on Monday morning, nearly a month after being discharged from hospital following treatment for double pneumonia.
In the statement released by the Holy See Press Office, the cause of death was identified as “a stroke, followed by coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.”
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The certification was issued by Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State.
The medical report also detailed the Pope’s history of health challenges, including “acute respiratory failure caused by multimicrobial bilateral pneumonia, multiple bronchiectases, high blood pressure, and Type II diabetes.”
His death was confirmed through electrocardiographic thanatography.
“I hereby declare,” wrote Dr. Arcangeli, “that the causes of death, to the best of my knowledge and judgment, are as stated above.”
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, became the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church in 2013 and was widely recognized for his efforts to modernize Church doctrine and promote global social justice.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has presented a comprehensive account of his achievements in office so far to his kinsmen at Udomi, Irrua, in Esan Central Local Government Area.
He made his efforts at a grand victory reception at the Udomi Primary School compound to celebrate his electoral success and victory at the tribunal.
Gov Okpebholo highlighted the strides made by his administration in less than six months and reaffirmed commitment to developmental policies and people-centered governance, pledging to continue working for the progress and prosperity of Edo State.
The Governor emphasized that he would lead with the fear of God, uphold transparency, and ensure prudent management of State resources for the collective good of the people.
Gov Okpebholo disclosed that his administration had extended electricity supply to the Udomi-Uwessan community to stimulate economic activities and foster commercial and industrial growth in the area.
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In his words, “We have commenced the development of Edo State. Our initiatives span across Edo South, Central, and North. In Esan land, we have awarded multiple road contracts to open up the region and drive economic growth.”
He also noted the installation of transformers to enhance electricity supply and boost local productivity, adding that communities such as Uwessan, Unewa, and Uromi are benefitting from extensive road construction projects aimed at improving transportation, easing the movement of goods and people, and reducing travel time.
Highlighting his administration’s efforts in education, the Governor said, “We are building new classroom blocks, renovating existing ones, and securing school premises with perimeter fencing to ensure a safe, conducive, and affordable learning environment.”
Gov Okpebholo assured that his administration would remain focused on key development areas, including road infrastructure, education, employment creation, and youth empowerment.
“By God’s grace, Edo State will witness a transformation, and the milestones we have recorded are a testament to our performance,” he added.
He expressed deep appreciation to his kinsmen for their unwavering support, stating, “My performance is rooted in the love and encouragement I receive from my people. Now more than ever, we need your prayers—they are vital to the journey ahead.”
He concluded with a strong declaration of purpose, thus, “We are blessed to have this opportunity to serve. The power we hold will be used for the benefit of Edo people. The freedom we long desired is already here with us.”
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