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China ready to help Nigeria boost export, industrialisation – Envoy
Cui Jianchun, the Ambassador of the Peoples Republic of China to Nigeria, has said that China was ready to work with Nigeria to develop her value-added industries, boost exports and grow the economy.
Cui gave the pledge on Wednesday, in Abuja, at a scholarship awarding ceremony by the Embassy to some students of the University of Abuja.
According to Cui, developing Nigeria’s industries to promote exports was one of the embassy’s strategies, under his administration.
He explained that his Five GIST strategies; political consonance, economic cooperation, military and security collaboration and international relations were holistic approaches to developing mutual relationships and synergetic effects between both countries.
“We need value-added industries, I know this is the dream of the Nigerian people, how can we have our own value-added industry?.
“This Monday I talked to the first lady and she told me that in Nigeria we have cassava, the product is in the UK and Nigeria has to import Nigerian Cassava from the UK.
“And she asked me if there is a possibility that we can have the machine to have our processed cassava products to export to the international market. So, we need a value-added industry.
“I hope that more products, more commodities could go to the Chinese market because the middle class in China is over 400 million, larger than the U.S population.
“So, do not let people make you think that the U.S is the number one consumption market. We believe that in the coming ten years, we could produce more in Nigeria and export to the Chinese market,” Cui said
Cui said that recently, China hosted an International Import/Export summit in Shanghai where the Nigeria Consular General in Shanghai also participated.
At the award ceremony, Cui said that the scholarship was aimed at encouraging the students, as they play a critical role in the development of every society.
“We believe that it is important for the Chinese Embassy to find a way to develop Abuja University.
“We believe that we can do things better to make a difference, so, this award is a little incentive to the students, encouraging you to spend your spare time to gather information and study Chinese history,” Cui said.
Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Abuja, expressed appreciation to the Chinese government and all it was doing through its Embassy in Nigeria.
Na’Allah said that the Chinese Embassy had done a lot towards the development of Nigeria and the University, while urging the recipients of the scholarships to be committed to their studies, be of good behaviour and also, in turn, contribute to the advancement of humanity.
“It is indeed another great occasion for the University of Abuja, following the exceptional support that this University received last year from the Chinese Embassy.
“The smartest thing for any nation is to invest in young people because young people will grow, they will become leaders, they will find themselves in different aspects of life.
“I am delighted that the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria has decided today that even more students that got from last year will be given scholarships in their different areas of studies.
“I hope that all of you that are benefitting today will have that commitment in your heart. This scholarship is to propel you to be committed to humanity,” Na’Allah said. (NAN)
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial
“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader
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