In a bid to enhance the safety and security of the nation’s airspace, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has embarked on the upgrade of its surveillance infrastructure across the nation’s airports and other remote installations across the country. To this end, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved an onsite visit to Spain by critical staff of the agency to inspect some of the facilities as well as engage technology solution providers to address security challenges as well upgrade the agency’s surveillance systems.
The Managing Director of NAMA, Engr Ahmed Umar Farouk who made this disclosure while receiving a delegation from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) at the agency’s corporate headquarters in Abuja noted that the Nigerian Air Force remained a valuable ally to the agency with regards to the safety and security of the nation’s airspace. He recalled that the collaboration between the two agencies over time had been critical to the sustenance of airspace safety and security in Nigeria. “NAMA handles civil operations, while the Air Force oversees security. Our close collaboration is vital for maintaining a safe and secure airspace,” the NAMA boss said. This is contained in a statement Wednesday by Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa.
In his remarks, the leader of the NAF delegation, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdulkadir stated that the Nigerian Air Force had recently enhanced its capabilities to secure the nation’s airspace with new platforms designed for national air defense and stationed with the Air Defense Group in Makurdi, stressing that the NAF had also completed its day training and was close to finishing night trainings, which would enable rapid response and interception of any intruders in the Nigerian airspace.
He also shared an update on the NAF’s enhanced capabilities to monitor and identify all aircraft entering and exiting the Nigerian airspace, adding that improved collaboration and partnership between NAMA and the NAF would sustain the current security and safety in the nation’s airspace. AVM Abdulkadir described NAMA and NAF as “twin children of the same mother”, saying that NAF’s responsibility for airspace security complements NAMA’s role in airspace management.
Joint training initiatives aimed at addressing the shortage of Air Traffic Controllers across the country were considered as the Nigerian Air Force training center in Kaduna which recently got accredited by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA) would see at least 20 NAMA staff being trained annually.
The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON has stated that Seafarers are the lifeblood of the maritime industry, which is essential to the success of the Blue Economy. This comes as the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, stated that Nigeria has the potential to be a maritime powerhouse, with the right policies in place.
The Minister, who stated this in Lagos during the commemoration of the 2024 Day of the Seafarer, assured in his keynote address that the Federal Government is committed to the development of the Nigerian maritime sector. This was contained in a statement signed Tuesday by the Assistant Director/Head, Public Relations,NIMASA, Mr Osagie Edward.
L-R: Chairperson, House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Hon. Khadija Abba Ibrahim; Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola; Director, Maritime Safety and Security, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Babatunde Bombata, and Chairman Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Sen. Wasiu Sanni Eshilokun, during the 2024 Day of the Seafarer Celebration in Lagos.
He stated that the theme for this year’s celebration; “Navigating the Future, Safety First,” aligns with the vision of the Ministry of the Marine and Blue Economy. “Seafarers are the lifeblood of the maritime industry. They endure the isolation of the open sea, the unpredictability of weather, and the myriads of challenges that come with navigating some of the world’s busiest and most perilous waters. Their resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment ensure that goods and resources reach every corner of our planet, supporting livelihoods and promoting international trade”, he said.
The Minister who was represented by the Director, Maritime Safety and Security in the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Babatunde Bombata, gave the assurance that the Federal Government remains committed to collaborating with industry stakeholders and steadfast in advocating for the rights and welfare of Nigerian seafarers. “We are committed to providing comprehensive training programmes, enforcing stringent safety regulations, and offering continuous support to ensure our seafarers are among the best trained and most resilient in the world. We are dedicated to building on this foundation, ensuring that Nigerian seafarers are equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of the modern maritime landscape”, he said.
Furthermore, he pledged the Ministry’s resolve to prioritize the growth and development of the Marine and Blue Economy Sector, noting that it’s development of the sector will greatly benefit all Nigerians and future generations. “We are working closely with stakeholders in the private sector, international organizations, and other government agencies to create an enabling environment for the growth of the Maritime and Blue Economy”, he stated.
He also used the opportunity to call for stakeholders’ support in the development of the sector, noting that the Ministry cannot undertake the task alone. “This celebration of World Seafarers Day presents a unique opportunity to explore emerging issues and propose innovative solutions to the challenges facing the sector. We must remain resolute and deliberate in promoting the growth and development of the Marine and Blue Economy Sector, as the Ministry cannot achieve this alone”.
On their part, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, along with his counterpart in the House of Representatives, applauded the seafarers for their resilience and assured them of the Government’s continuous support to guarantee their well-being.
They assured of the readiness of the National Assembly to work with NIMASA and other stakeholders to support any legislation aimed at advancing the rights and safety of all seafarers.
“Together, let us continue to strive for a maritime world that is equitable and inclusive for all,” Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun stated.
On his part, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, acknowledged the uniqueness of the profession and the challenges faced. He noted that the theme for this year’s celebration, “Navigating the Future: Safety First,” is a call to address the challenging conditions seafarers face while navigating the sea. He emphasized the need for greater focus on their well-being and safety at sea.
“We recognize the humongous challenges Seafarers face while sailing; ranging from piracy, kidnapping, encounter at war zones exposure to health risks and unfair treatment. Notwithstanding all these, Nigeria has recorded zero piracy incidents in the last two years; we will not rest on our oars as the life of every seafarer matters”, Mobereola stated.
He assured that the Agency will continue to collaborate with both local and international organizations to address global issues affecting seafarers and ensure their safety while navigating the future.
“Nigeria has the young population to compete with other countries whose seafarers contribute immensely to their Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Hence, the Agency will continue to invest in training and capacity-building programs to enhance seafarers’ skills, welfare and employment opportunities”.
Dr. Mobereola used the opportunity to inform stakeholders that the Agency is working tirelessly to strengthen its legal frameworks by domesticating all Maritime Labour related ILO Conventions ratified by Nigeria. “These conventions include the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 as amended, the Seafarers Identity Document (SID) Convention as amended, and the Dock Work Convention”, he said.
“We will continue to focus on implementing programs and projects to improve seafarers welfare, including mental health support, safety training, and emergency assistance. Also we will continue to eliminate substandard vessels from our waters and ensure wrecks are removed to aid navigation and safety for our seafarers”, he assured.
He also mentioned that many beneficiaries of our Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) are currently undergoing mandatory sea-time training aboard ocean-going vessels.
The Agency is collaborating with key stakeholders like the NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Indigenous Shipping Companies and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), all geared towards boosting the capacity of the seafarers.
Katie Higginbottom from the International Transport Federation (ITF), who joined virtually, emphasized that seafarers are a critical part of the maritime sector. She also commended NIMASA’s renewed collaboration with the ITF to ensure seafarers receive the necessary attention from their respective governments.
Professor Max Mejia, President of the World Maritime University, who also joined virtually, expressed gratitude to the seafarers and described them as the modern day heroes who deserve celebration.
In their goodwill messages, stakeholders took turns to praise the invaluable contributions of seafarers to the global economy, urging governments to continue supporting them through favorable policies that will enhance their wellbeing in line with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006.
They include President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju; President of the Shipowners Association of Nigeria; Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Hassan; among others.”
The International Day of the Seafarer is celebrated annually on June 25 to recognize the contributions of seafarers to international seaborne trade and the world economy as a whole. The day is organized by the International Maritime Organization and recognized by the United Nations as an observance day.
Over 70 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have congratulated the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on his 59th birthday anniversary.
The CSOs described Sanwo-Olu who is the Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, as a selfless leader and patriotic Nigerian who is strongly dedicated to the progress and development of Lagos the commercial capital of the nation.
While wishing him God’s blessings in his efforts to improve the lives of Lagosians, the Convener of Campaign for Dignity in Governance & Coalition of 70 Civil Society Organizations, Razaq Olokoba in a goodwill message signed on behalf of the CSOs described Governor Sanwo-Olu as a courageous man who is committed to promoting peace, unity of South-west and the country at large.
“You are a hardworking leader, who is devoted to improving the welfare of the people through service delivery and good governance.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu’s passion and desire to serve the people has brought tremendous transformation in the well-being of the people. His quest for effective leadership and development of the state singles him out as a beacon of hope for people from different parts of the country who are residing in Lagos state.
“As a governor, he has continued to introduce ideas that will promote socio-economic cum political development. He has demonstrated leadership in carrying everyone in the state along and in so doing even allowed opposition voices to exist. His wisdom and acumen in the management of resources is exemplary,” He said.
Olokoba added “All who have visited Lagos State in recent times can attest to your transformational strides and the fact that the State is making tremendous progress under your leadership.
“We urge you to remain steadfast in displaying great courage and wisdom in protecting the interest of your people. We are also convinced that you’ll not relent in promoting peace and upholding the unity of your region (South-West) and Nigeria at large.
“As you celebrate, on behalf of over 70 civil society organizations that I speak for, I pray that God will bless you with more wisdom, peace, and sound health.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu was born on 25 June 1965 and turns 59 years on Tuesday 25 June 2024.
The “618” online shopping festival, which occurs annually on June 18 in China, has not only garnered the interest of Chinese consumers but also attracted brands from all over the world. Many foreign enterprises joined this event to captivate Chinese consumers and expand their presence in the huge Chinese market.
During the first four hours of the shopping spree, over 10,000 brands saw their sales skyrocketing more than five times year on year on JD.com, a major Chinese e-commerce platform, with a notable presence of brands from overseas.
During the same period, 1,479 foreign brands saw their transactions double from the previous year on Tmall Global, an e-commerce platform under Alibaba that addresses Chinese consumers’ growing demand for international products. “The platform welcomed 342 new brands during this year’s shopping festival, all of which demonstrated impressive performance,” said an employee of Tmall Global.
Many well-known foreign brands, including those specializing in cosmetics and health supplements, were actively engaging in the shopping festival. For instance, Mistine, a cosmetics brand in Thailand, stocked over 1.9 million products, with 1.2 million items newly imported to China. WHC, a Belgium-based health brand, prepared over 650,000 units of high-purity fish oil, with 10,000 units for its Tmall debut and 160,000 promotional gifts, all flown to bonded warehouses.
“China has introduced policies and measures to boost consumption this year, aiming to revitalize the consumer market and unleash consumption potential,” said Wei Jigang, deputy director-general of the Center for International Knowledge on Development.
“The ‘618’ shopping festival provides insights into how Chinese consumers’ shopping patterns are evolving, based on their shopping carts,” said Wei.
A prominent shift can be seen in the rising sales of imported products, such as cosmetics, health supplements, and sporting goods, indicating new trends and growth drivers in China’s consumer market, along with the country’s continuous expansion of imports, Wei explained.
Imported health and nutritional supplements were highly favored by Chinese consumers during this year’s shopping festival. According to an executive of Tmall Global, health and beauty brands remain a substantial part of the overseas brands that have entered the Chinese market. Nutritional and anti-aging products are currently the fastest-growing new segment in the health category of the platform. There was also notable growth in premium alcoholic beverages and imported luxury goods.
A “retro” trend swept across consumers. According to statistics from Tmall Global, the sales growth of imported digital cameras doubled within the initial 4 hours of the festival. The retro-styled Japanese brand Olympus, in particular, saw an eight-fold increase in transactions.
Besides, there was a remarkable increase of 518 percent in the sales of motorcycle equipment, particularly helmets, and a 248 percent growth in overall transactions of imported CDs and DVDs on the platform.
The sports segment remained a highlight, with hiking, cycling, and water sports gear emerging as three new major trends in outdoor sports consumption.
According to Du Guochen, head of the e-commerce research institute of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, a think tank under China’s Ministry of Commerce, cross-border e-commerce has experienced rapid growth in recent years. Online sales have continued to grow rapidly in markets like Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, India, and South Korea, said Du.
“Japan, South Korea, and the United States are the main sources of imports for China, from which China buys cosmetics, clothing, and footwear. Southeast Asian countries remain the major destinations of Chinese exports, with a continuous improvement in the types of exported products and constant growth in high-tech product exports,” Du explained.
To accommodate the growing cross-border e-commerce demand, Chinese platform companies are dedicated to enhancing their transport capacity.
For instance, Cainiao, a world-leading cross-border e-commerce logistics company based in China, updates its parcel volume prediction every day through artificial intelligence (AI) technology. If parcel volumes surged across its core economic zones, the company would promptly launch direct logistics routes, said an executive of Cainiao.
According to statistics, during this year’s “618” shopping festival, the number of Cainiao’s sorting facilities in operation decreased from the usual levels, resulting in cost reductions and improved parcel flow.
Expanding imports is integral for boosting consumption. “From a global perspective, China’s increase in imports provides great opportunities for countries around the world to tap into the Chinese market and promote economic growth,” said Wei.
“From the Chinese perspective, the imports of high-quality products and services are essential for China’s high-quality economic development and for improving people’s life quality. Besides, expanding imports can better build China into a trade powerhouse. Moving forward, China will continue to improve its import structure and increase the proportion of imported consumer goods, especially high-end products,” said Wei.
A mix of yellow and blue creates green, and that’s also the case with China’s efforts to combat desertification.
Thanks to the blue photovoltaic (PV) panels that block direct sunlight, reduce evaporation and lower wind velocity, as well as the moisturizing from the water used to clean the panels on a regular basis, a large portion of the yellow desertified land in northwest China is turning green, covered by lush vegetation.
However, the story is not that simple. The barbaric growth of grass on the desertified land would lower the power generation efficiency of the PV panels and even trigger fires. Therefore, sheep are raised there to consume the grass under the vast “blue sea” of PV panels.
Developing new energy, curbing desertification and increasing income for herdsmen, the “PV+sheep farming” model is a miniature of the Chinese wisdom in sand control.
Desertification control is a protracted battle. To win the battle, it calls for both perseverance and wisdom.
In the repeated trial of strength with sand, Dengkou county in north China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region has developed a successful approach to prevent sand with trees, fix sand with grass and restore soil with PV arrays, while Kekeya township in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region is growing cash crops such as apples, nuts and dates in shelter forests.
It is exactly because of these effective models that China has achieved the historic transition from desert displacing human settlement to green oasis replacing desert. China has blazed a special path of desertification prevention and control that follows the rules of nature and suits China’s national reality and local conditions.
These models are effective because they suit local conditions. The characteristics and water resource capacities of desertified land vary from region to region.
Even within the Kubuqi Desert, China’s seventh-largest desert, conditions differ. In the arid southern fringes of the desert, seeds of shrubs have been densely sowed by airplanes. On the northern edges, which have some water sources, arbor trees are planted as windbreaks. Along the cross-desert highways and rivers in the central part of the desert, shelter forests are grown. In the interdune lowlands and areas with shallow groundwater levels within the desert’s back-land, oases are nourished.
Only by proceeding from reality, applying a systematic thinking and developing desertification control models tailored to actual conditions, can new prospects of sand control unfold.
The best lessons are always learned from practice. Having a review of the desertification control experience of China’s Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program, one could find a series of “indigenous techniques,” all of which are the fruits of the people’s hard work and wisdom.
Straw grid, known as the Chinese “Rubik’s cube” for sand control, was exactly invented in the Tengger Desert in Zhongwei, northwest China’s Ningxia Hui autonomous region.
Learning from practice and the masses – this is where the wellspring of innovation in desertification control lies.
At a desertification control and afforestation base in the Mu Us Desert, Shenmu, northwest China’s Shaanxi province, a young man named Zhang Zhili aspires to become “a pine tree standing tall in the desert.”
After graduating from university, the man, born in the 1990s, started working in afforestation, setting up a four-person research team focusing on microbiological studies.
“If we succeed in cultivating edible mushrooms like red matsutake and penny bun under the forest, it could generate an additional income of 60,000 to 70,000 yuan ($8269-9647) per mu (667 square meters). This would encourage more people to invest in tree planting and afforestation,” Zhang noted.
From sand prevention to sand control, and to sand utilization – when desertification control harmoniously integrates with income expansion, and when new-generation practitioners apply novel concepts and technologies to “turn sand into gold,” the battle against desertification would gain a perpetuating, endogenous driving force.
Desertification is a major global ecological issue that impacts human survival and development. China is one of the countries most severely affected by desertification worldwide. China has persisted in focusing on sand prevention and control, continuously innovating and refining desertification control models, so as to contribute more Chinese wisdom and solutions to global efforts in combating desertification.
At an opencast mine operated by Inner Mongolia Pingzhuang Coal Group Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of CHN Energy Investment Group (CHN Energy), a 14-meter-high electric loader was working. The machine weighing 490 tons could scoop up 16 tons of coal in its bucket.
However, there was no one in the loader’s cabin. The machine was remotely controlled by operator Zhao Xiujun three kilometers away.
“With 5G technology, tilt sensors, temperature sensors and speed sensors, we can obtain precise retrieval of bucket position information, which helps reduce dust and noise,” said Zhao.
The technology is also prevalent in the opencast mines. For instance, the high-platform radar monitoring system can rapidly identify potential dangerous zones, shorten warning time, and help increase coal production yields; the intelligent blasting system can improve the accuracy of blast hole positioning to less than 5 centimeters, reducing the time for positioning 500 holes from one day to just two or three hours.
This is a vivid example of China’s efforts to promote the clean utilization of coal. Coal, a main energy source in China, accounts for over 55 percent of the country’s total energy consumption. As China accelerates the green development of energy, the coal industry is showing stronger momentum with a new image.
Green development does not mean eliminating coal consumption but rather promoting clean and efficient utilization of coal in line with national conditions.
China’s energy consumption will continue to grow steadily in the foreseeable future. Accelerating the transformation and upgrading of the coal industry and promoting clean and efficient utilization of coal is undoubtedly a practical choice to reduce pollution and carbon emissions while ensuring energy supply.
China is working to transform its coal industry towards high-end development to enhance the utilization efficiency of coal as a chemical raw material and foster new growth drivers.
For example, China’s Shaanxi Future Energy and Chemicals Co., Ltd. has produced a high-end Fischer-Tropsch wax with a high melting point, using the wax oil produced from its coal-to-oil plant. This product can be applied in plastic processing and rubber tire manufacturing, breaking the technological monopoly of other countries. Its price has remained stable and increased since this year, with all available stock already pre-ordered.
Besides, the company has developed a diesel fuel that can withstand extremely low temperatures, functioning effectively even in conditions below -20 degrees Celsius, by using high-value added absolute ethanol made from coke oven gas.
Developing high-value-added, refined, and differentiated products through technological innovation not only creates economic benefits but also ensures the stability of the industrial and supply chains.
China is working to transform its coal industry towards intelligent development to enhance safety and efficiency. Coal production is often accompanied by water hazards, fires, and rock bursts. Developing intelligent mines can mitigate high-risk situations and improve safety and efficiency.
One illustration of this is a coal mine in east China’s Shandong province, where intelligent transformation measures have resulted in a decrease in the workforce on a single working face from 15 to 5, and an increase of about 50 percent in monthly coal production.
By the end of April this year, there were 1,922 intelligent coal mining faces and 2,154 intelligent tunneling faces in China, leading to the rapid development of industries such as mining Internet of Things (IoT) and coal mining equipment manufacturing.
With a concerted approach to addressing challenges such as unbalanced construction and lack of key technological equipment, China’s coal industry will become more intelligent.
China is working to transform its coal industry towards green development for better environmental protection and lower carbon emissions.
For instance, at a mining-themed ecological tourism site of CHN Energy Zhunneng Group, another subsidiary of CHN Energy, the once ravine-riddled subsided mining areas have been transformed into a theme park where visitors can enjoy both agricultural picking activities and guided tours of the coal mining sites.
Besides, Xuzhou Coal Mining Group in east China’s Jiangsu province has repurposed coal gangue from coal washing for road construction and brick making.
To reduce carbon emissions in the coal industry, multiple regions in China are exploring carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies. For example, carbon dioxide captured from coal-fired power plants can be used in welding and the production of food-grade dry ice. As technologies advance and become more affordable, coal is expected to transition into a low-carbon energy option.
Coal is a gift from nature. China is transforming coal, the “black gold,” into “green gold,” by advancing green and low-carbon technologies and improving the structure of its coal industry, providing stronger momentum for high-quality economic development.
Community leaders in Nasarawa State have vehemently criticized Timadex Geomin Consult Limited for its recent publication in Punch newspaper, accusing the firm of making unfounded allegations against Governor A.A. Sule and the state government.
In a press statement signed by representatives from Kware (Amba) and Agaza (Igwo) communities in Kokona Local Government Area and sent to the Daily Sun on Thursday, the leaders clarified their stance. “The minerals in question, particularly lithium, were discovered in our peaceful communities,” stated Hon. Adamu Agye, Overseer of Agwada Development Area. He stressed the importance of government involvement for security and development.
Praising Governor Sule’s efforts, the leaders highlighted his role in coordinating and securing mining activities in the state. “We view the governor’s action as a necessary measure to prevent insecurity and illegal mining,” said HRH Abubakar S. Obagu, Osu Agwada. They confirmed that the communities had sought state intervention to protect themselves from illegal miners.
Contrary to Timadex’s claims, the community leaders asserted that no consent was given to the company by local authorities. “The two communities have no knowledge of any consent given to Timadex,” said Mr. Moyi Mathias, Village Head of Amba.
Expressing full support for the state government’s mining policies, the leaders praised the approval of Black Stones New Energy Limited and Black Gem New Energy Limited for their capacity to establish production and processing facilities. “We are fully in support of companies that bring development to our communities,” noted HRH Martins Kure Abashi, Sangarin Amba.
The community leaders disputed Timadex Geomin’s claims about corporate social responsibility efforts, calling them baseless. “There has been no corporate responsibility undertaken by Timadex in our communities,” asserted Hon. Owa Moses, Youth Leader of Agwada.
While welcoming indigenous mining companies, the leaders emphasized the need for proven capacity and integrity. “Any company must have an unquestionable mining history and capability to operate,” said Emmanuel B. Omale, Youth Leader of Agaza.
They called on relevant authorities to ensure only reputable companies receive licenses. “We urge the Minister of Solid Minerals Development and other agencies to grant licenses only to capable companies,” stated Usman K. E, District Head of Agwada.
Vowing to resist any attempts to support illegal mining, the leaders made their stance clear. “We will strictly resist any individuals or groups supporting illegal mining activities,” warned Sylvester Ngazi, District head of Amba.
The leaders however, appeal to the public to disregard Timadex Geomin’s accusation against governor Abdullahi Sule noting that claims are baseless aimed at tarnishing the good image of the governor.
We live in interesting times much in fulfillment of the great Chinese adage!. Interesting because of the elastic capacity of political spin doctors to connect totally unrelated political dots to fit into predetermined mindsets.
Barely three years ago, the usually combustible atmosphere in Benue State was inflamed by contrived controversies over the siting of a Federal Polytechnic in Wannune, in Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to trending narratives then , the Polytechnic was originally sited in Adikpo in Kwande Local Government Area in the Zone A axis of the State.
The Adikpo school was birthed by Senator Barnabas Gemade who was representing the zone at that time.
According to the purveyors of the story , the polytechnic has been moved to Wannune in Zone B due to the machinations of Senator Gabriel Suswam the immediate past Senator representing Benue North East in the National Assembly and the secretary to the government of the Federation, Senator George Akume who had worked independently to vanquish the achievements of Senator Gemade by erasing one of his star accomplishments as Senator.
Now that the governor of BenueState, Hyacinth Alia, has revealed those behind the relocation of the polytechnic from Kwande to Tarka Local Government would the kwande people apologise to sen. Suswam for falsely accusing him over what he knew nothing about?
The governor confirmed that the removal of the Federal Polytechnic Adikpo to Wannune in Tarkaa, was done by some powerful Abuja politicians who did it in collaboration with officials of the Federal ministry of education then.
If you recall, some sponsored pens took turns to write press articles in national dailies, and social media platforms and cluster WhatsApp groups accusing the former governor and Senator of not protecting their interest, over something that decided by members of then Buhari Federal cabinet.
Unfortunately, no matter how much Senator Suswam, tried to explain, the people of kwande refused to listen to reason, their elites whom we thought would do diligent investigations and explain things to their people back home were in the forefront the attacks on Suswam.
But thankfully, Governor Alia has cleared the air on the true state of things and we thank him immensely for it, and we hope that next time before you accuse public officials on any matter, you will do your research properly or we will continue to throw away and losing good representation, both at home and at the National level.
The storyline then was that Suswam, wanted the state owned College of Education in Katsina Ala to be taken over by the Federal Government while Akume will rather have a polytechnic sited in his ancestral village of Wannune.
The rumour mills then had no doubt been fed by conspiracy theories laden with negative political innuendo, portraying Senator Gabriel Torwua Suswam, of engaging in a selfish game of musical chairs but, the truth behind the relocation of the polytechnic has been unravel by the governor himself.
Very few people then had taken a step backwards to undertake a dispassionate assessment of the state of things. Most people seem consumed by the sentiments of the discussion rather than the facts.
As of three years ago, logic on its head to insinuate that Senator Gabriel Suswam, being a seasoned political player will endorse the “ relocation “ of an institution from a highly populated part of his senatorial district to a place outside of it when he was on the ballot for the 2023 presidential poll was idiotic. That will amount to political suicide.
Secondly, while it is true that the senate in 2017 approved a Bill by Senator Gemade to site a Polytechnic in Adikpo, the same bill was never concurred to in the House of Representatives , neither was it gazetted by the President but,now the issue is in the public domain.
In any case, Senator Suswam has never had a hand in the Adikpo project because he wasn’t in the senate when the bill was presented with the confirmation of the governor today, while addressing the good people of kwande/ Ushongo on a thank you visit in Adikpo.
As a matter of fact, he was in DSS detention when that bill was passed!. To therefore impute that he is part of a design to rob his zone of such a project is mischievous and uncharitable .
As a proud member of the Tiv community, it is incumbent on him to celebrate such a great feat as bringing a federal institution to any part of Tivland giving the consequential chain of development it will bring to the area.
It was strange to observe that the zeal for political victories whether real or pyrrhic outweigh concrete issues of development in Benue state. Rather than pull resources together to celebrate rare privileges such as this, some actors will rather expand the fault lines in the state and paint others black in order for them to take center stage. This is politics of self abnegation, a case of cutting your nose to spite your face.
International institutions have been optimistic about China’s economy and raised their forecasts for China’s growth, saying China has witnessed impressive trade expansion, out-of-expectation growth in manufacturing, and stable macroeconomic data. This fully demonstrates the international community’s confidence in the Chinese economy.
China has been consolidating and building momentum for economic recovery and growth, boosting confidence worldwide and creating new opportunities for multiple parties to benefit from its development.
According to a mid-year update of the January 2024 World Economic Situation and Prospects report released by the United Nations on May 16, the outlook for China registers a small uptick with growth expected to be 4.8 percent in 2024, compared with 4.7 percent in the January 2024 forecast.
International financial institutions such as the Asian Development Bank, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and UBS have recently revised upward China’s growth forecast in 2024.
All these indicators demonstrate that China remains an important stabilizer and driving force of global economic growth.
The foundation for China’s stable economic growth is continuously consolidated.
Since the beginning of this year, the Chinese economy has been steadily recovering and turning for the better. In the first quarter of 2024, China’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew 5.3 percent year on year, with three drivers of economic growth – consumption, investment, and exports performing well, and the four major macroeconomic indicators of growth, employment, inflation, and international balance of payments generally remaining stable.
According to the General Administration of Customs of China, in the first quarter of 2024, China’s total import and export of goods expanded 5 percent year on year in yuan terms, and the foreign trade in goods stood at 10.17 trillion yuan ($1.4 trillion). Historically, for the first time, the country’s foreign trade scale has exceeded 10 trillion yuan during the same period, while the growth rate has hit a six-quarter high. Besides, China’s trade with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and other BRICS nations has shown a growth rate that surpasses the overall growth rate.
China has played a positive and significant role in providing cost-effective products to global markets as a world manufacturing powerhouse and creating demand for products from other countries as a major consumer market of the world.
The momentum of China’s economic growth is becoming increasingly evident.
Pursuing high-quality development, China’s manufacturing has stood out with new technologies and products. According to the data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) output surged 30.7 percent in the first five months of 2024 compared with the same period a year earlier to 3.93 million units, while NEV sales hit 3.9 million units, marking a rapid increase of 32.5 percent. Such robust expansion has driven up the market share of China’s NEVs to 39.5 percent in May this year, up from 36 percent a month earlier.
New forms and models of foreign trade in China have also gained momentum. In the first quarter of 2024, China’s imports and exports of intermediate goods increased by 4.4%. Meanwhile, the country’s cross-border e-commerce trade rose by 9.6% year on year to 577.6 billion yuan. The number of overseas warehouses established by Chinese enterprises for cross-border e-commerce purposes rose by 11.8%.
These developments reflect the improvement of China’s economic structure and efficiency, the rapid growth of new quality productive forces, and the steady enhancement of new development momentum.
China has been opening its door wider and wider to the outside world.
China continues expanding high-level opening up and sharing its development opportunities and dividends with all parties in the world, marked by increased market access, accelerated opening up of the modern service industry, enhanced services for foreign investors on an equal footing, and stronger protection of intellectual property rights and legitimate rights and interests of foreign investors.
Walter Doring, chairman of the Academy of German Hidden Champion, said that over 90 percent of some 500 leading German enterprises have engaged in partnerships with China, adding that collaboration with China is indispensable for any enterprise aiming to lead the global market.
China’s sustained and stable economic growth is instrumental for global economic recovery.
With the robust domestic market, China contributes over 30 percent of the global economic growth. China is not only the world’s most promising and vast market but also a major trading partner of over 140 countries and regions. With the expansion and upgrading of the consumer market and technological innovation, China’s economy will continue to grow steadily, generating even greater positive spillover effects on the world economy.
In the face of a complex and fast-changing international landscape, the Chinese economy has the confidence and strength to forge ahead.
As China advances modernization through high-quality development, its mega-market of over 1.4 billion people will continuously unleash new demands and growth vitality.
China is ready to continue sharing opportunities with other countries, so as to achieve common development and constantly write stories of win-win cooperation.
North China’s Tianjin Port is always bustling with vitality. Every day, the port welcomes a steady stream of over 100 colossal container ships, with more than 20,000 heavy-duty trucks thundering across its vast expanses.
According to Wang Bin, a manager with China Ocean Shipping Agency Tianjin Co., Ltd., the cargo and container throughput of the port has been rising steadily.
“We are obviously busier this year than the last,” said Wang, who has been working at the port for two decades.
Ports are a “barometer” of the economy. As a gate to the sea of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region in north China, Tianjin Port handled 9.58 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in the first five months of this year, up 5.1 percent year on year, hitting a historical high.
At the crack of dawn, Wang arrived at the Yuanhang International Ore Terminal, the largest ore terminal of Tianjin Port, where the massive bulk carrier “Cape Asia” was ready to discharge its mammoth cargo of 171,400 tons of iron ore.
Since November 2023, the terminal has witnessed a dramatic surge in its operations. From February to April this year, the terminal’s monthly throughput has maintained double-digit growth compared to the same period last year, reaching a new high in the last five years.
Completing his work at the ore terminal, Wang immediately made his way to the roll-on roll-off terminal, or ro-ro terminal, to handle relevant procedures.
“This year, we have seen a rapid increase in the number of ro-ro vessels, so I have to make more frequent trips to the terminals,” said Wang.
As a major auto import and export hub in north China, Tianjin Port exactly mirrors the surge in China’s automotive exports.
After lunch, Wang rushed back to his office. “I need to handle the work for the liner service between Tianjin Port and Ethiopia, and coordinate the container operations,” he explained.
Wang noted that the liner service has seen a notable increase this year, leading to a container shortage caused by the high volume of cargo. As someone who routinely liaises with Ethiopian shipping companies, Wang said this was an unprecedented situation for him.
Tianjin Port maintains trade connections with over 500 ports in more than 180 countries and regions worldwide. It has close ties with “old friends” and is also gaining more “new friends.” On May 6, Tianjin Port launched a direct container shipping route to the east coast of South America. On May 15, a direct route to the east coast of the United States was opened. On May 16, it launched a new direct shipping route to Central America.
“Tianjin Port remains committed to expanding its shipping routes and will never cease its steps of opening up,” said Liu Yakun, Wang’s colleague who is responsible for container shipping businesses. According to Liu, enterprises have been showing a strong demand since the launch of the three new routes.
The port’s increasing regional presence has unleashed its potential for transshipment to and from the inland.
At 4:00 P.M., Wang arrived at the Huisheng Terminal. Across the street, heavy-duty trucks loaded with containers were departing the Tianjin Xingang North Container Central Station for destinations as north as Jilin and as west as Xinjiang. Cargoes from 14 provinces were being shipped out from Tianjin Port via sea-rail intermodal transportation.
On the other side, a project to expand the station is currently underway. “The uptick in foreign trade in specific inland provinces has boosted the need for sea-rail intermodal transportation, creating a highly optimistic market outlook.” said an employee of the station.
As dusk fell, Wang concluded his work at the Huisheng Terminal and made his way to the world’s first smart zero-carbon container terminal at Tianjin Port. While the three 200,000-ton berths of the terminal were occupied by massive vessels, not a single staff member was visible. Instead, Level-4 autonomous artificial intelligence (AI) transport robots hauled containers, with operators in the central control room maneuvering levers and buttons based on real-time video feeds to load and unload containers. Several wind turbines were spinning vigorously outside the central control room, supplying electricity to the terminal. The terminal has achieved self-sufficient green power supply, resulting in zero carbon emissions throughout the entire process.
Currently, all container and dry bulk cargo berths at Tianjin Port are covered by shore power, and multiple terminals have achieved self-sufficient green power supply.
“When I started working here, some of the terminals were just dirt lots; 20 years later, the terminals have been increasingly intelligent and clean,” Wang said.
Tianjin Port has been constantly enhancing its smart port construction with the continuous growth of ships and gradual expansion of the port. This year, the port launched an intelligent container terminal control system with fully autonomous and controllable software and hardware. It has also introduced China’s first integrated intelligent system for general cargo with independent intellectual property rights.
Intelligent systems have greatly improved the operational efficiency of the port. For instance, the maximum daily unloading volume of the traditional berths at the Yuanhang International Ore Terminal increased by nearly 90 percent following its transition to automated operations.
Deep into the night, Tianjin Port’s terminals were still bustling with activities, marked by increased throughput volumes, a constant flow of vehicles and vessels, and intelligent machinery working tirelessly. The activities of a single day at Tianjin Port vividly showcase the dynamic momentum and robustness of the Chinese economy.
