News
Nigeria seeks China’s partnership on agriculture, ICT
Nigeria has sought deeper cooperation with China in water-saving agriculture, soil management and scientific research to address agricultural challenges in the northern part of the country and the Lake Chad basin.
Mukhtar Muhammed, permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, made this known on Saturday at the “Seasonal Life and Harmonious China” cultural exhibition at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja.
Mr Muhammed said Nigeria could draw lessons from China’s experience in using science and technology to improve agricultural productivity in areas affected by water scarcity and land degradation.
He said his recent technical visit to China, particularly the Yangling High-Tech Agricultural Demonstration Zone in Shaanxi Province, had demonstrated the potential of applying scientific innovation to Nigeria’s agricultural challenges.
“In Yangling, often referred to as China’s ‘Agricultural Silicon Valley’, we witnessed the seamless integration of modern technology with traditional farming.
“For example, we observed advanced water-saving irrigation systems and soil monitoring technologies that allow farmers to cultivate crops in arid conditions with minimal water wastage,” he said.
According to him, the experience was particularly relevant to Nigeria’s efforts to address land degradation and improve agricultural productivity in the northern part of the country.
“Seeing how China has successfully combated land degradation and improved agricultural productivity in the Loess Plateau is a powerful inspiration for our efforts in Northern Nigeria and the Lake Chad region,” Mr Muhammed said.
He said the ministry would seek stronger collaboration between Nigerian and Chinese ministries of science and technology, research institutions, universities and industries.
Mr Muhammed said the proposed cooperation would focus on practical areas including sustainable agriculture, water management, agro-processing and scientific research.
He also said Nigeria planned to expand scholarships and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) training for Nigerian scientists in Chinese universities, particularly in sustainable agriculture and water management.
The permanent secretary linked the proposed scientific cooperation to the growing economic relationship between both countries, particularly China’s expanded market access for African agricultural products.
He said Nigeria needed to strengthen its scientific and technological capacity to ensure that increased access to the Chinese market translated into tangible benefits for farmers and the wider economy.
“We must see this as a starting point. The policy does not just facilitate exports; it forces us to level up,” Mr Muhammed said.
He said Nigeria would also seek Chinese technology transfer to strengthen agro-processing and move the country from exporting raw commodities to value-added products.
Mr Muhammed also identified cassava, shea butter and cashew nuts as among the commodities that could benefit from improved processing technology for the Chinese and global markets.
Yang Jianxing, director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, said China remained committed to strengthening people-to-people exchanges with Nigeria as part of efforts to deepen the bilateral partnership.
Mr Yang said cultural cooperation provided an important platform for mutual learning between both countries, noting that the facility would continue to promote exchanges in culture, education, youth affairs, tourism and other areas.
“Cultural exchange is a vital component of China-Africa friendly cooperation.
“It serves as an important bridge for fostering mutual understanding and affinity between our peoples, as well as for promoting dialogue and mutual learning among civilisations,” he said.
He said the centre would continue to implement the outcomes of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit and agreements reached by the leaders of Nigeria and China.
The director added that it would expand programmes that bring the peoples of both countries closer.
The exhibition marked the China-Africa Year of people-to-people exchanges and the 55th anniversary of China-Nigeria diplomatic relations.
(NAN)
The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, over his comments on its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, saying he lacks the moral authority to lecture others on national unity.
The party accused Wike of contributing to political divisions and instability through his political activities, particularly in Rivers State.
The NDC spokesperson for the National Campaign Council, Dr Chiogo Constance Ikokwu, stated this in a statement in response to Wike's criticism of Obi over his action during the singing of the national anthem.
Wike had accused Obi of disrespecting Nigeria by remaining seated while the current national anthem was being sung at a town hall meeting in Lagos, but standing when the old national anthem was rendered.
He described the action as lawless and alleged that it showed Obi did not believe in Nigeria.
However, the NDC said Wike should examine his own political record before questioning Obi's commitment to national unity.
"Minister Wike needs to look in the mirror. It is extraordinary that someone whose political conduct in and outside Rivers State has been widely associated with deep divisions, political upheaval and prolonged instability can suddenly appoint himself the moral referee of Nigerian politics," Ikokwu said.
The party also accused the minister of contributing to political controversies surrounding the 2023 presidential election in Rivers State and engaging in political manoeuvring across party lines.
The party argued that Wike was in no position to preach political tolerance, unity and responsible leadership to others without first addressing issues within his own political camp.
"The singing of the old national anthem in Lagos was spontaneous and initiated by the people themselves. It was neither planned nor organised by anyone. If you watch another part of the video, you will also see that they went on to sing the current national anthem.
"Wike should stop distracting Nigerians with the anthem issue and focus on the failures of the government he is trying so hard to defend. What matters to Nigerians ahead of this election is the economy and the crippling hardship inflicted by the APC government," the statement said.
The party maintained that economic hardship and the state of the economy should take priority in discussions ahead of the January 16, 2027, election.
Wike has no moral authority to lecture Obi on national unity – NDC
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have demonstrated their attacking strength despite the absence of their leading striker, Victor Osimhen, following a 3-1 victory over Tanzania in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday.
Sports247 reports that Tolu Arokodare delivered an impressive performance, scoring twice in the second half to help Nigeria secure all three points and overcome the challenge posed by the Tanzanian side.
Nigeria made an encouraging start to the encounter, with Alhassan Yusuf opening the scoring in the second minute after connecting with a move involving Ademola Lookman. However, Tanzania responded through Alphonce Msanga in the 32nd minute to restore parity before the half-time break.
With Osimhen unavailable due to injury, attention was on how Eric Chelle’s men would approach the game without one of their most influential attacking players. The Galatasaray forward has remained a major figure for Nigeria, offering goalscoring ability, physical presence and experience in important international encounters.
However, Arokodare made the most of his opportunity, restoring Nigeria’s lead in the 53rd minute before completing his brace seven minutes later. His contribution demonstrated the attacking options available to the Super Eagles and provided encouragement for the coaching crew as they continue to assess their forward line.
Meanwhile, the absence of Osimhen has also raised discussions about Nigeria’s attacking depth and whether Arokodare can establish himself as a dependable alternative whenever the first-choice striker is unavailable. Although Osimhen’s importance to the national team remains unquestionable, the performance against Tanzania showed that Nigeria can still produce goals through other attacking options.
Sports247 gathered that Arokodare’s display could spark fresh conversations among Nigerian football supporters about the competition for the centre-forward position, particularly when Osimhen returns to full fitness.
With the Super Eagles set to face Tanzania again in the return fixture on November 17, attention will be on whether Arokodare can maintain his impressive form and continue making his case for a more prominent role in the Nigerian national team.
-
News4 days agoAPM holds Presidential Campaign in Plateau, Pledges Security and Economic Reset
-
News1 day ago
UNIJOS Appoints Patricia Lar as First Female Vice-Chancellor
-
News2 days ago
NiYA: Nigeria Awards ₦49m grants to 17 young entrepreneurs – Technology Times
-
News4 days ago
APM Flags Off State-by-State Campaign in Jos, Pledges Security, Economic Recovery
