Author: Ibrahim Abusadiq

By Lawal Sale

In his efforts to transform the Lagos state transport infrastructure, Lagos state governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu embarked on a working visit recently to Beijing, China at the headquarters of the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) to meet with the executives of the Corporation.

The governor announced this in his X official handle (formerly Twitter), where he expressed delight that the Red Line Rail project covering Agbado to Otto is ready for commissioning in few weeks’ time. He revealed that the inauguration of the line is just weeks away. “We are set to provide more relief for commuters.” He said.

He further said, “This significant milestone is a testament to our commitment to enhancing transportation for millions of Lagos residents.”

Disclosing that we eagerly await the official commissioning, I’m pleased to share that HE President Bola Tinubu has agreed to grace the occasion heralding the launch of the Red Line Rail for commercial operations.

The governor maintained that Lagos will continue to work for us all, and that’s a promise we intend to keep fulfilling.

– Lawal Sale is Abuja based Global Affairs

By Lawal Sale

It has been one China, and there will always be one. China. That China is the People’s Republic of China which was affirmed at the United Nations during its 26th session in October. 1971.

With this affirmation of People’s Republic of China as the only “China,” the Republic of China also known as Taiwan, ceased to be another China from the day of that resolution but remained an inalienable part of sovereign People’s Republic of China.

It is worthy of note that prior to the UN’s 26th session, on October 1, 1949, the People’s Republic of China was founded, and the Central People’s Government became the only legitimate government of the whole of China.

The new government replaced the previously expelled KMT regime in a situation where China, as a subject under international law, did not change, and China’s sovereignty and inherent territory did not change as well.

It is evident that to date, about 185 countries out of 195 member states of the United Nations have acknowled the one-China principle and established full diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China on the basis of the “one-China” policy.

Analysts pointed out that the position of these member countries once again, acknowledged and strengthened the consensus of the one-China policy among the international community. In fact, the latest country to establish diplomatic relations with P.R. China among the 185 mentioned earlier, was the Micronesian state of Nauru in the Pacific.

In Africa, for instance, all the 54 countries except one adhere to the one-China principle and have strong diplomatic ties with the Beijing government.

Nigeria, with over 50 years of establishing diplomatic ties with China, recently restated its dedication to the one-China policy; this position was contained in a statement by Honourable Jafaru Yakubu, the chairman House of Representative Committee on Nigeria-China Relations.

The lawmaker reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to constantly adhere to the one-China principle noting that “there is but one China in the world, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, and Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole China.

Similarly, in January 2017, Nigeria yet took another final decision and reaffirmed its commitment to One-China Policy. “The Federal Government, then made a significant and historic move when the then Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister announced to the world during a joint press conference with the visiting Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, that Nigeria would no longer allow Taiwan to continue to operate in Nigeria as a country with an unofficial embassy, but would be committed to “One-China Policy”.

A Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria and China was signed in respect of Nigeria’s commitment to supporting the policy and recognising People’s Republic of China as the sole legal authority undertaking diplomacy and other bilateral relations.

Decades past, China has been persuading Taiwan for a peaceful national reunification, but there is a recalcitrant set of people in the island that are being propelled by foreign forces to rebel against the idea of reunification with the mainland China.

President Xi Jinping, in his address marking the 130th anniversary of People’s Republic of China founder Mao Zedong’s birth, said, the “reunification” of Taiwan is “inevitable”, adding that “the realisation of the complete reunification with motherland is an inevitable course of development, is righteous and is what the people want. The motherland (China) must and will be reunited,” he said.

It will be recalled that an election in Taiwan was held on 13th January, 2024 where the ruling Democratic Progressive Party that is clamouring for independence won the presidential election despite China denouncing the candidate as a separatist, and called on the people of Taiwan to make the right choice while noting the harm the DPP’s candidate will bring.

Furthermore, in the aftermath of Taiwan’s elections, a statement from the Chinese government reiterated its stance that “the Taiwan’s question is China’s internal affairs. Whatever changes take place in Taiwan, the basic fact that there is only “One-China” in the world and Taiwan is part of China will not change; the Chinese government’s position of upholding the one-China principle will not change, according to the statement.

– Lawal Sale is an Abuja-based Global Affairs Analyst

By Mohammed Baba Busu

The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), says it will continue to partner sister agencies to enhance water transportation safety in the country.

Its Managing Director, Abubakar Sadiq-Yelwa, said this in a statement by Nura Tanko-Wakili, Head, Press and Public Affairs, N-HYPPADEC, in Minna on Tuesday.

He said such partnership was imperative to encourage compliance with safety measures on inland water transportation.

Sadiq-Yelwa described as shocking, the boat mishap at Tungan Leda in Shagunu District in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger.

He expressed concern that boat operators were exposing innocent lives to danger in spite of efforts by relevant authorities to put a stop to the menace.

Sadiq-Yelwa sympathised with the family members as well as government and people of Niger and Kebbi states over the incident.

The managing director expressed the commission’s heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and prayed for the repose of their souls.

He also sympathised with other victims and wished them fast recovery.

The boat according to the local authorities was conveying over 80 passengers with a lot of goods from Duga Mashaya in Niger to a neighbouring market in Wara, Kebbi.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that local authorities confirmed the recovery of five corpses, many passengers rescued and 12 others missing.

Preliminary investigation attributed the accident to overloading of the already won-out boat which has undergone many repairs.

NAN

By Mohammed Baba Busu

The National Hydro Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has taken over the rehabilitation of Mana Water works in Bida, Niger.

Managing Director of the commission, Abubakar Sadiq-Yelwa disclosed this when he led a team of professionals and the Niger State Ministry of Water Resources to the area on Tuesday.

He said that the take-over was to ease access to portable water in Bida town and its environs in the local government area.

He said the project would cost more than N200 million for its resuscitation and expansion.

Sadiq-Yelwa explained that Bida town had been grappling with acute water shortage for drinking and domestic use for decades.

He added that the project, aside from ending water shortage, would also end water-borne diseases in the area.

He said the people of Bida and its environs would now get pipe-borne water for drinking and domestic use.

He expressed satisfaction with the work done, attributing the job to the engineers drafted by the commission and the state water board, who were providing technical support to the ongoing project already at 60 per cent completion.

He explained that the commission’s area office in Bida would sustain the supervision and monitoring of the project.

He, however, applauded President Bola Tinubu’s led administration commitment to the N-HYPPADEC communities in the country.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sa’ed Samira Investment, Shafi’yi Yabagi, said the project covered upgrading of eleven KVA to 33 KVA lines, expansion, reticulation and provision of more booster stations, treatment plant, distribution pipelines, reservoir, among others.

The Project Engineer, Amidu Muhammad, hinted that the project was initially awarded by the state government in 2017 at the cost of more than N100 million but was abandoned untill recent intervention by N-HYPPADEC.

He said that when completed, the project would be able to treat 10,000 cubic metres per hour, to ease the suffering of about two million beneficiaries

The Assistant Area Manager, Mana Water Board in Bida, Muhammad Yahaya described the situation of the area before N-HYPPADEC intervention, as terrible.

He said the completion of the project would bring succour to the plight of the citizens in Bida town and its environs.

He lamented that before the intervention, the entire power line was completely vandalized.

He added that the water works, which could pump over 10,000 litres per hour, was not working to capacity due to lack of power supply, hence it completely went down for over 10 years.

NAN

By Mohammed Baba Busu

Farmer Gov. Mohammed Umaru Bago, has called on youth to strive to be among the best in their academics and chosen carrier for societal development.

The governor made the call when he received an outstanding daughter of the soil, Maimunat Mohammed Nna, from Guduko, Edati local government area of the State in Abuja.

This is contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim and made available to newsmen in Minna on Wednesday.

Bago expressed delight with the zeal, determination, hard work and academic performance of young Maimuna and said she is a pride to the State.

The governor maintained that hard work and resilience play a major role in achieving success in life.

Bago promised that his administration would do everything possible to encourage youth who are diligent and outstanding in their daily endeavours.

It would be recalled that Maimunat Mohammed Nna is presently a postgraduate student of Mass Communication with a Major in Digital Media and Broadcasting at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria.

She is also a holder of a Second Class Upper degree in Mass Communication and a polyglot gifted with excellent command of spoken and written in six languages including English language.

The languages she uses and communicates fluently are, English, Hausa, Nupe, Yoruba, Igbo and Igala.

 

Gov. Bago visits President Tinubu in Lagos, harps on Agricultural Initiatives.

By Mohammed Baba Busu

Farmer Governor Umaru Bago, highlighted agricultural plans for 2024, including the preparation of over one million hectares of land for farming

Bago stated this when he visited President Bola Tinubu in Lagos.

He expressed condolences over the loss of Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

Bago spoke highly of the late Governor, remembering him as a dedicated politician committed to improving the lives of his people.

He praised the late Governor’s significant role in advancing the All Progressives Congress (APC) and admired his determination to lead Ondo State effectively.

The Governor also extended New Year greetings to the President.

While answering questions from journalists, Bago highlighted plans for 2024, including the preparation of over one million hectares of land for farming.

The governor detailed initiatives to enhance rice and cotton production, as well as maize cultivation, to meet the high demand from poultry farmers.

The governor also mentioned Niger State’s prominence in sesame production and discussed irrigation investments.

Addressing the recent crisis in Plateau, Gov. Bago termed it ‘unfortunate’ and shared plans for a condolence visit to Plateau State by the North-Central Governors Forum.

He stressed the importance of strategic discussions on such matters, advocating for open dialogue to address issues and ensure the voices of the people are heard.

It would be recalled that Governor was accompanied by stakeholders from the state, including the former Minister of Sport, Engr. Sani Ndanusa, the immediate past Deputy Governor, Ahmed Ketso, Sen. Mustapha Sani, Professor Yahya Kuta, Chairman, Implementation Committee, AA Kure University, Minna

Others are the Member representing Bida/Gbako/Katcha Federal constituency, Hon. Saidu Musa Abdul, Hon. Lado Suleja and, a few others.

By Mohammed Baba Busu

The Etsu Nupe and Chairman Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, says disunity among the Nupes at home and in The Diaspora will not be tolerated.

The traditional ruler has also admonished them to make meaningful investments in Nupe kingdom with the view to boosting the development of the area, Niger State and Nigeria in general.

The Etsu Nupe spoke when he received some notable sons of the Emirate who recently bagged traditional title on a “thank-you” visit to his Wadata Palace in Bida, Niger, on Monday.

According to him, disunity is a retrogressive force against the efforts to ensure the even socio economic and political development of the Kin Nupe, Niger State and Nigeria at large.

He, therefore, admonished all Nupes across the world to always love one another for peace, unity and progress to thrive.

Alhaji Abubakar also challenged wealthy sons of the emirate, especially those in The Diaspora, to return home and establish industries in the kingdom.

He said such would facilitate the socio-economic development of Kin Nupe.

The Royal father further noted that making investments and establishing industries would greatly help in reducing the rising unemployment rates and biting poverty in the country.

Similarly, Etsu Nupe attributed most of the problems affecting Nigeria, including insecurity, to youth’s restiveness occasioned by unemployment and poverty.

Alhaji Abubakar said traditional institutions would always honour those who contributed to the development of Nupe Kingdom, the state, country and humanity.

“Those that are given traditional titles are people of proven integrity who show concern to the development and socio-economic well-being of the emirate.”

He said the honour was to encourage others to live exemplary lives, in any position, for the general good of the country.

The traditional ruler also commended his subjects for living in harmony with one another and urged them to sustain the peaceful co-existence among the people

He also commended people in the kingdom for their support to his peace agenda, adding that peace was a basic ingredient for development.

The king said peace being enjoyed in area was due to people’s resolve to live in peace, harmony with one another and urged them to sustain the good understanding.

The royal father urged Nupes to shun acts capable of tarnishing the image of the area.

Responding on behalf of the new title holders, retired AIG Umar Abubakar-Manko, a former “Wucinbe Nupe”, newly elevated to “Giyan Nupe”, promised that they would not fail the Etsu Nupe, Bida Emirate and Niger State in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Giyan Nupe commended the Etsu Nupe for bestowing the honour on them.

He also promised that they would do everything humanly possible to bolster the development of Nupe kingdom, Niger state and Nigeria as a whole.