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Nigerians in S/Africa urge compatriots to have faith in incoming govt

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The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) has urged fellow citizens to have faith in the incoming government following the successful conduct of the March 5 Presidential and National Assembly Elections.

The President-General of NICASA, Mr Benjamin Okoli, gave the advice in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He said the outcome at the polls should be a reflection of the choice of Nigerians.

“Our expectation is that the elections should reflect the will of the Nigerians and we hope the conduct of elections will improve in the future.

“Nigerians deserve to have the best in terms of election preparations and implementation.

“What we have seen so far lives so much to be desired.

“This is because of ballot box snatching as seen on social media.

“We hope the incoming administration will address all issues and improve the performance of INEC in the next dispensation.

“We hope Nigerians will be happy with the outcome and pray they accept the outcome of the polls in good fate.

“There is no point strangling the peace of the country because of the election.

“We want Nigeria to have peace and pray for peace to be consolidated. We pray that Nigerians should have faith in the government that is about to come.”

According to him, Nigerian citizens in the Diaspora, especially those living in South Africa are at the forefront of calls for electronic voting in the nation’s elections.

He said it was a good development that it was implemented.

He also said that they were at the forefront of calls for Nigerians abroad to be allowed to vote, but decried failure to implement such.

“We have other countries in Africa whose citizens abroad were allowed to vote during their elections, like South Africa, Kenya, and other African countries

“Nigeria has what it takes to implement this, so we in South Africa will continue to push for Diaspora voting; we hope that will be considered by the next government administration and next assembly.

“They should be able to put it into consideration and enact it into law, for Diasporas to vote.

“We are all Nigerians and contribute massively to the development of the Nigerian economy, and our contribution should not be disregarded.

“We should be recognised as well because we are Nigerians; we trust in Nigeria as our fatherland and have a firm belief that Nigerians will make that happen.”

He revealed that Nigerians in South Africa are following with keen interest every step of the electoral process in the country through social media and on mainstream television.

“We hope the right candidates emerge winners and that the wishes of Nigerians stand; the general election is a yardstick for Nigeria’s glory.

“This is because African countries are watching Nigeria as the most populous black nation in the world.

“We are the determinant in the economic growth in Africa, especially in the Sub-Saharan, so we are at the forefront of economic policy and what happens for Africa to grow.

“It will mean that whoever emerges as the next President of Nigeria has lots of work to do, in terms of integrating the African economy and leveraging the benefits to Nigeria.

“As well as making sure Nigeria benefits from greater trade in Africa.”

He, however, said that there was no issue related to killings or violent crimes between South African and Nigerians, as of the time this report was filed.

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China Introduces Instant Tax Refunds for Foreign Tourists to Boost Shopping Experience

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China Introduces Instant Tax Refunds for Foreign Tourists to Boost Shopping Experience

China has revamped its tax refund policy for foreign tourists, shifting from a refund-upon-departure model to a more convenient refund-upon-purchase system, according to the State Taxation Administration (STA).

The STA announced on Tuesday that under the new system, foreign visitors can now claim Value Added Tax (VAT) rebates instantly at designated tax-free stores. This change allows tourists to use their refunded amount immediately for additional shopping, enhancing their overall experience in China.

Previously, VAT rebates could only be withdrawn upon departure, but with the new policy, tourists will be able to access their refunds in real-time during their stay. The policy, which was initially tested in cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangdong, has now passed all operational requirements and will be rolled out nationwide.

The STA emphasized its dedication to improving policy guidance and simplifying refund procedures to better serve international visitors.

Li Xuhong, Vice-President and Professor at the Beijing National Accounting Institute, welcomed the change, stating that the nationwide implementation would raise China’s tourism service standards. “It will foster a friendly, efficient, and convenient tourism environment,” Xuhong added.

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Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to One-China Policy Amid Taiwan’s Trade Office Claims

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Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to One-China Policy Amid Taiwan's Trade Office Claims

Rep. Jaafaru Yakubu, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on China-Nigeria Parliamentary Relations, has reiterated Nigeria’s firm commitment to the One-China Policy, following recent comments by Taiwan’s Trade Mission Head in Nigeria, Andy Yih-Ping Liu.

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, Yakubu firmly declared that Nigeria continues to recognize Taiwan as an integral part of the People’s Republic of China. He rejected Liu’s claim that Taiwan was not part of China, labelling it as “propaganda” aimed at undermining the strong diplomatic ties between Nigeria and China.

“For the record, United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, adopted in 1971, recognised the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate representative of all of China, including Taiwan,” Yakubu stated. “The One-China Policy remains the cornerstone of China-Nigeria relations.”

He emphasized that since Nigeria and China established diplomatic ties in 1971, the country has consistently upheld this principle. “Efforts by Taiwan’s trade office to challenge this stance are futile and will not succeed,” Yakubu added.

Yakubu criticized Liu’s comments as an attempt to draw Nigeria into China’s internal matters, accusing the Taiwanese official of deliberately sowing discord and provoking a diplomatic rift. “Nigeria’s relationship with China is built on mutual respect and non-interference in each other’s political matters,” he said.

In response to Liu’s claim that China acted as a bully, Yakubu pointed to the positive trajectory of Nigeria-China relations. “Contrary to these baseless assertions, Nigeria has enjoyed a mutually beneficial partnership with China, yielding tangible results for both nations. Since 1971, our ties have grown significantly.”

He highlighted the strategic nature of the partnership, referencing the elevation of the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the 2024 FOCAC Summit in Beijing. “Today, Nigeria stands as China’s second-largest trading partner in Africa, with bilateral trade surpassing 20 billion dollars,” Yakubu noted.

Furthermore, Yakubu praised China’s role in Nigeria’s infrastructural development, with investments in sectors such as rail networks, roads, ports, power stations, and water treatment facilities.

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Shettima Warns Media Against Romanticising National Challenges

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Shettima Warns Media Against Romanticising National Challenges

Vice President Kashim Shettima has cautioned Nigerian media practitioners against the growing tendency to romanticise serious national issues, describing the trend as a dangerous departure from the media’s constitutional duty of promoting truth and accountability.

Represented by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Modibbo Umar, the Vice President issued the warning on Tuesday while delivering a speech at the 17th LEADERSHIP Conference and Awards held at the Old Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja.

“We must resist the temptation to romanticise serious national issues or frame them in ways that distort public understanding,” Shettima said. “Doing so only weakens the fabric of our democracy and derails our collective efforts at nation-building.”

The Vice President’s remarks came as stakeholders in governance, business, and civil society gathered to reflect on the theme of the event, “Challenges and Opportunities in Nigeria’s Fiscal Federalism.” The conference provided a platform for thoughtful engagement on some of the country’s most pressing issues, with a focus on the responsibilities of leadership at all levels.

Shettima also used the occasion to commend LEADERSHIP Newspapers Group for its consistent contributions to national discourse and its commitment to celebrating excellence in leadership.

“I commend LEADERSHIP Newspaper for the vision to convene this vital discourse and for shining the light on those who have chosen to lead with courage and competence. May we never tire of striving for a better Nigeria,” he said.

The annual LEADERSHIP Conference and Awards continues to be a major event that brings together influential voices to deliberate on national progress and honour individuals and institutions making meaningful impact in society.

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