NSCDC: Audi’s Transformative Scorecard, Paradigm Shift- CWAI Recounts

A civil society and pressure group, non-profit and anti-corruption organization has stated that the crackdown on illegal miners has saved the economy huge financial revenue loss as a result of securing the mining sector which is a vital component of Nigeria’s economy. The CSO further observed that this destruction of over 350 illegal refineries has also assisted to reduce the menace of oil theft in the Niger Delta region as well as the arrest and recovery of critical assets and railway materials worth over 5 billion Naira.

It is instructive that the creation of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC’s Special Mines Marshals to combat the menace of illegal mining has also enabled the reduction of mining theft, oil and gas sector of the country as the present management of the NSCDC under the leadership of Dr Abubakar Audi is determined to nip in the bud these challenges once and for all.

Howbeit, the creation of the Civil Defence Academy in Jos, Plateau State, for career development and progression; the creation of NSCDC Arms Squad Training School at Ugede Development Area in Nasarawa LGA of Nasarawa State is very instructive; the massive acquisition of mini fire fighter tankers for disaster management in case of emergencies are worthy of note and big morale booster for the corps and the procurement of Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) vehicles for the NSCDC to use in fighting criminalities across the country is a welcome development under the present administration.

In a press release signed in Warri, Delta State by the Executive Secretary of Citizens Watch Advocacy Initiative (CWAI), Omoba Kenneth Aigbegbele on Tuesday, the CSO identified bad governance, abject poverty and unemployment as some of the root causes of attacks on our critical oil and gas assets including the mining sector in the country. He stated that poverty and hunger have contributed to the damages being recorded in the oil and gas facilities and that the degradation of the environment due to exploration and oil spills has not helped matters as it has deprived communities’ access to their traditional methods of livelihoods.

The organization observed that: “There is therefore the need to confront and tackle poverty and other issues, so as to reduce the menace.” That government should deploy special equipment, create forums to engage the various communities, collaborate and partner with private security guards, armed forces and intelligence services to stem the tide of oil theft and mining plundering.

In an effort to curb Illegal mining and create safe mining environment recently, the Federal Government commissioned 350 additional operatives of the NSCDC as mining marshals. This is happening barely few months after the first batch of 2,220 mining marshals were inaugurated. This is as the marshals underscore the Federal Government’s commitment to reforming the unlicensed operators across the country. According to reports, since the inauguration, over 200 illegal mining suspects have been arrested, 133 prosecutions underway and confiscated illegally mined minerals forfeited to the Federal Government. CWAI gathered that as part of its efforts to strengthen, protect and safeguard schools across the country, the Save School Initiative was launched for the protection of vulnerable schools and to reduce the menace of kidnapping in schools and the creation of the NSCDC Female Squad to aid in tackling kidnappings and other restiveness in schools which has yielded enormous dividends by the reduction of this heinous crime.

CWAI noted the various institutional nationwide reformations presently taking place across the corps as well as the new sense of belonging, increase in welfare packages for the corps, prompt payment of emoluments, allowances including the zero tolerance for corruption initiated by the new management. This, without doubt, has given the corps a pride of place in the paramilitary organizations in the country and has raised the ‘esprit-de-corps’ of the men and officers like never before seen. The robust welfare, motivated packages through massive promotions, conversion, upgrading and other benefits-in-kind are really commendable and not to mention the construction of official and residential buildings within and outside the NSCDC headquarters, including the procurement of operational and office equipment and the purchase of over 200 operation vehicles are also worthy of note.

The arrest of students for acts unbecoming of them across institutions of learning in the country; arrest of practitioners of same sex marriages is a major milestone; the commendations given by governors of Zamfara, Gombe, Ogun, Jigawa and Katsina states recently are also worth mentioning; the reduction of the incessant herders’ and farmers’ clashes and cattle rustling; the deployment of undercover corps officers to schools;  the collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to reduce criminal activities across the country with the toga ‘See Something, Say Something;” the robust relationships of inter-agency corporations and partnerships with sister agencies such as the Navy, Army, Customs, Immigration, NNPC, and civil society organizations, is a major achievement that must be applauded; the consistent advocacies carried out by the CG to intimate and assure Nigerians to believe in the corps’ operations to engender faith in security agencies, are all worthy of note.

The continued fight against cyber-crimes, child abuse and the flushing out of illegal guard private operators; the arrest of smugglers, vandals and pipeline/oil thieves in the Niger Delta region have become an Herculean task that must be achieved, according to the CG, saying that the Service “is presently doing all it can to curb the proliferation of small arms across the length and breadth of the country.” He also read the Riot Act to the Corps’ commandants in the Niger Delta states, assuring them that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has a zero-tolerance to civil theft. He asked them to do all they can to nib crimes in the bud in line with a presidential order to rid the nation’s oil sector of economic saboteurs, vandals, criminals, oil thieves and other nefarious activities inimical to the growth of the sector.

CWAI can attest to the fact that the giant strides achieved so far by the current leadership are as a result of the strategic directions taken on the commissioning of the Standard Curriculum for NSCDC for entrenching career progression, effective supervision and transparent regulation of the Private Guard Companies in Nigeria which has reduced insecurity across the country. CWAI asserts that this is connected to a new reinvigorated legal department, successes in anti-vandalism, protection of farmers’ physical security at mining sites and the establishment of Special Female Squad (SFS) targeted at boosting the fight against insecurity and the location of the squad in all Commands across the country. This has also enhanced the safe school response coordination and the protection of schools in remote areas and border communities, which is done in collaboration with other security agencies of the Army and the Department of State Services (DSS) to foil attempts to attack schools. This is endorsed by all stakeholders.

Similarly, the Commandant-General has continuously urged security agencies/operatives to shun inter-agency rivalry to foster national security. The CG gave this charge at a recent security seminar tagged “Promoting Inter-Agency Collaboration Among Security Agencies.” He noted that “the rivalry was capable of eroding relationships building over time between security agencies and consequently rubbed off negatively on the provision of adequate security.”  

CWAI also endorsed the amicable settlement of conflicts and dispute resolutions between herdsmen, farmers, cattle rustlers and villagers, community leaders and bandits – all championed by the current management of the NSCDC. The pressure group also applauded the vision, mission and the ability to implement its mandate as regards the settlement of disputes through Alternative Dispute Resolute (ADR) between warring parties.

CWAI recognizes the importance of conflict and dispute resolution mechanism in today’s contemporary issues and conflict management, and commended the leadership for thinking out of the box and finding lasting solutions in today’s crises-prone society, where conflicts have become the order of the day with the support of the proactive Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Ojo.

CWAI emphasized a renewed vigour for the increment of national budget allocated to the NSCDC in view of the pivotal role it plays in the reduction of criminal elements in the protection of critical national assets and the reduction of kidnapping in our schools as a result of the school initiative, which if properly funded will give the NSCDC the impetus to do more for the nation and its workforce.

We are encouraged to commend the public procurement and contract approvals, accountability in procurement process and payments. We also applaud the transformation, vision and forthrightness of the leadership in changing the narrative to make the Corps the cynosure of all eyes through discipline, promotion of officers when due and capacity building of officers and men, including building strategic alliances with various ivory towers across the land, to upgrade the service institutions to meet with what is attainable globally and build robust sister inter-agency collaborations.

CWAI, therefore, has no hesitation in passing a vote of confidence on the Dr. Abubakar Audi-led management and calls on the international community and well-meaning Nigerians to support the NSCDC management and allow them to concentrate on their mandate and continuously support the proactive leadership to enable it further its commitment and efforts to the general wellbeing of the nation.

Group Reacts To Court Order Stopping Bayero From Parading Himself As Emir

The Kano Democratic Vanguard has condemned the recent judgement by Justice Amina Aliyu, which restrained Aminu Ado-Bayero and four other deposed Emirs from parading themselves as Emirs. 

This ruling according to Isah Jafar, the Convener of the group is a clear violation of justice.

Jafar said: “We urge the people of Kano to stand firm against the judgement and fight for the restoration of their beloved Emirate.

“The Kano Democratic Vanguard will continue to support the rightful Emir, Ado Bayero, and the people of Kano in their struggle against oppression.

“We demand that the judiciary reverses this judgement and restores the rightful Emir of Kano.

“The Kano Democratic Vanguard calls on all citizens of Kano to rise up against this injustice and demand the restoration of their traditional institution.”

Flourishing port development reveals China’s reform and opening up in new era

By Ye Qi, Luo Shanshan, People’s Daily

Ports serve as the gateways through which China opens up to the outside world.

As China continues to deepen reform across the board, a vast majority of ports in the country have flourished, from the north to the south, from the east to the west, and from border regions to inland areas.

For instance, Alashankou Port in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region sees around 60 trains and 350 vehicles passing through on a daily basis. Thanks to the development of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC), a trade and logistics passage jointly built by provincial-level regions in western China and ASEAN members, Xinjiang is becoming a core area of the Silk Road Economic Belt though far away from China’s coastline.

In southwest China’s Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, the Youyi Pass, or Friendship Pass, is currently under construction on the China-Vietnam border, which will turn the vision of intelligent and modern cross-border transportation into reality.

Port activity is a barometer of the national economy.

On the west coast of Bohai Bay, giant vessels are frequently seen arriving and leaving the coal terminal of Huanghua Port in Cangzhou, north China’s Hebei province. Huanghua Port serves as a crucial link for transporting coal from west and north China to the eastern and southern regions of the country. The port handles more than 200 million tons of coal every year, but its development was hindered by dust pollution in the past.

To solve the problem, the new philosophy of innovative and green development was adopted by the port, and an intelligent whole-process dust suppression system has been developed to control coal dust throughout the entire process of port operations. Today, the port is completely free of coal dust, with wastewater effectively recycled and reused.

In China, traditional ports are embracing the intelligent, digitalized, low-carbon and green development of the shipping industry, providing strong support for high-quality economic development.

At Yangshan Port, east China’s Shanghai, bridge cranes are bustling with activities while large vessels come and go at a high frequency, demonstrating the dynamic and robust Chinese economy to the world. In recent years, Shanghai has been actively pushing for the clustering of shipping service companies, the integration of industrial chains, and the development of market-oriented factors.

Fujian province in southeast China is striving to build a large-scale, intensive, and specialized port cluster that serves the whole country and faces the world. Based on ports in the Beibu Gulf, Guangxi is making every effort to build a cooperative network of port cities between China and ASEAN countries.

In the first half of this year, China’s coastal and inland waterway ports saw over 15.21 million arrivals and departures of vessels, with total cargo throughput reaching 9.18 billion tons, representing year-on-year increases of 14.35 percent and 4.85 percent respectively.

To address the obstacles in customs clearance processes, efficiency, and costs, China’s ports and customs authorities have been innovating their management approaches and continuously deepening reforms to streamline administration, delegate power, improve regulation and upgrade services.

At a multimodal transport center of a national logistics hub port in Alashankou, Xinjiang, the average customs clearance time has been reduced from 34.5 hours last October to just 5 hours. In the first half of this year, the number of inbound and outbound freight vehicles through the highway port of Alashankou increased by 42.6 percent year on year.

The “green channels” for fast customs clearance of agricultural and sideline products now cover all highway ports between China and Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. The sixth port area of the Ningbo-Zhoushan Port in Yiwu, east China’s Zhejiang province, has adopted a unique approach known as “single declaration, single inspection, single release” to handle export containers on sea-rail intermodal trains, helping commodities made in Yiwu reach global markets more efficiently.

China has been promoting high-standard opening up, steadily expanding institutional opening up with regard to rules, regulations, management, and standards, and building new systems for a higher-standard open economy, creating more space for China’s development and providing new opportunities for global growth.

While pursuing its own development, China has also been making greater contributions to global development. In particular, the rapid development of Chinese ports has provided essential support for the country’s high-standard opening up.

China has launched special freight trains for importing bananas from Southeast Asia. Many high-quality products of ASEAN countries, such as Lao Beer and Angkor Beer, now have their Chinese distributors. An ILSTC tourism promotion alliance has been established. Rapid construction is underway for the modern agricultural industrial park in Lao capital Vientiane.

At the Horgos International Border Cooperation Center on the China-Kazakhstan border in Xinjiang, citizens from both countries can engage in face-to-face negotiations and transactions within the enclosed cross-border economic and trade cooperation zone. So far, the center has attracted over 3,500 businesses.

Today, the China-Europe freight train service reaches over 200 cities in 25 European countries, while the Silk Road Maritime shipping routes link more than 100 ports in 43 countries worldwide. As the major trading partner of over 140 countries and regions, China is making steady progress on the path of high-standard opening up.

South China Sea issue should be resolved by countries directly concerned

By Koh King Kee

Recently, countries like the United States (U.S.) and the Philippines have been fueling fire on the South China Sea issue.

On April 11, the leaders of the U.S., Japan and the Philippines held a trilateral summit in Washington and issued a Joint Vision Statement after the summit, smearing and attacking China on the South China Sea issue.

Besides, the U.S. and the Philippines carried out joint military exercises in the South China Sea, and the U.S. has deployed the Mid-Range Capability missile system, also known as Typhon, in the Philippines.

These moves have escalated tensions in the South China Sea, further complicated the situation, and posed grave threats and dangers to regional peace and stability.

The U.S. has been frequently building exclusive blocs in the Asia-Pacific region, including its attempts to strengthen the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) among the U.S., Japan, India and Australia, advance the AUKUS security partnership among the U.S., the United Kingdom and Australia, and host the U.S.-Japan-South Korea trilateral meeting at Camp David and the U.S.-Japan-Philippines trilateral summit.

The intention is to further its geopolitical interests in the region and contain China’s development. Such attempts by the U.S. and some of its allies to create division and confrontation in the South China Sea have raised concerns among ASEAN nations.

Under the instigation of external powers, certain Philippine politicians have been actively engaging in reckless confrontations and provocations in the South China Sea in disregard of the interests of their nation and people. Such acts serve no purpose other than undermining the joint efforts of regional countries in addressing the South China Sea issue and will ultimately damage the long-term interests of the Philippines.

The South China Sea issue should be resolved by countries directly concerned through dialogue and negotiation. The intervention of external forces only complicates the situation and hinders the resolution of the South China Sea issue.

The Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), signed by China and the ten ASEAN countries in November 2002, is a milestone in the dialogue relations between ASEAN and China. It reflects the shared aspirations of ASEAN countries and China to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea and is instrumental in stabilizing the situation in the South China Sea.

The countries involved in the South China Sea issue should adhere to the principle of the DOC, exercise restraint, and avoid any actions that could complicate or escalate disputes.

ASEAN has always stayed independent and self-reliant, believing that its own affairs should be decided by ASEAN itself. ASEAN countries value their stable and sound relations with China, advocate for jointly promoting peace and stability in the region, and pursue win-win outcomes through cooperation. ASEAN is neither willing nor likely to participate in any U.S.-led exclusive blocs aimed at confronting China simply to please the U.S.

The South China Sea issue should not be exaggerated. As long as dialogue and consultation are maintained and differences are handled properly, the issue is not insurmountable. In October 2023, China and ASEAN announced the start of the third reading of Single Draft Negotiating Text of the Code of Conduct (COC) and agreed to accelerate negotiations so as to reach at an early date an effective and substantive COC that is consistent with international law.

ASEAN countries and China should work together to actively promote negotiations on the COC, strengthen cooperation on marine fisheries, scientific research, ecology, and security, and build the South China Sea into sea of peace, friendship and cooperation.

(Koh King Kee is president of the Centre for New Inclusive Asia, a Malaysian think tank)

Coalition Dismisses Former Rivers Lawmakers’ Attempt to Shut Down State Govt Expenditure

The National Vanguard for Rule of Law (NVRL) has laughed off the attempt by former Rivers State Assembly lawmakers to shut down the state government expenditure.

In a statement signed by Comrade Johnson Babatunde, the group described the move as “illegal, null and void”.

Recall that the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly purportedly shut down all expenditures of the government until Governor Siminalayi Fubara presents his budget before the House.

The former lawmakers voted to block the Rivers State Consolidated Revenue Account thus preventing Governor Fubara’s administration from spending any money on behalf of the state.

However, in response, Babatunde reminded Amaewhule and 24 others that their seats were declared vacant on December 13, 2023, after they dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“We read a report in the media, credited to former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by the former Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, wherein the former lawmakers passed a resolution shutting down all expenditures of the state government, pending when His Excellency Governor Siminalayi Fubara re-presents the 2024 budget estimates of the State before them,” the statement said.

“We view the action of the former lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike as illegal, null and void.

“For the records, Governor Fubara had in December, 2023, signed the budget of N800 billion into law after presenting it before lawmakers led by the former speaker, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie, who passed it into law.

“We use this opportunity to remind Amaewhule and 24 others that there seats were declared vacant on December 13, 2023, after they dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“They remain former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and not current members. How then do they expect Governor Fubara to present the 2024 budget of Rivers State before them?

“We use this opportunity to remind the courts that Amaewhule and his group are no longer members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, therefore, any attempt to secure an injunction to deny Governor Fubara access to the consolidated revenue fund of the state, or deny ministries, departments and agencies in Rivers State access to their accounts to implement the 2024 budget be denied or thrown out of the by courts.

“The banks too must be aware of the current status of the former lawmakers and not deal with them as current members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“We have observed that the enemies of Rivers State have decided to target the Rivers State Government budget and accounts in their bid to scuttle the giant strides recorded by Governor Fubara in the course of implementing the 2024 budget, which has earned the governor accolades across the state and beyond.

“Recall that, immediately after signing the 2024 budget into law, Governor Fubara flagged – off the Trans-Kalabari road project phase 2 as well as the Elele-Omoku Road project that cuts through Ikwerre, Emohua and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Areas of the state and many other laudable projects.

“These achievements have unsettled the pro-Wike camp and they have decided to attacks the finances of the state to slow down the provision of dividends of democracy to Rivers people by Governor Fubara.

“We call on the good people of Rivers State and Nigerians to ensure the former Rivers lawmakers Don’t succeed in their evil against Rivers State. “

China receives high international recognition for contributions to Aid-for-Trade initiative

By Yan Yu, People’s Daily

Aid for Trade is a way to help developing countries address trade-related obstacles that constrain their ability to engage in international trade. Its primary objective is to improve the trade capabilities of developing countries, particularly the least-developed ones, and facilitate their integration into the global trade system.

During the 9th Global Review of Aid for Trade recently held by the World Trade Organization (WTO), China’s Ministry of Commerce held a session themed “Aid for Trade: China’s Practice on Food Security.”

At the session, Lin Zhanxi, inventor of Juncao technology, and Yang Huade, head of a team of senior Chinese agricultural experts assisting Burundi, shared how China’s Juncao technology and hybrid rice technology have significantly boosted food security in the least-developed countries.

At the session, Seruwaia Kabukabu, a 46-year-old farmer who lives in Serea village of Fiji’s Naitasiri province, shared the changes brought about by China’s Juncao technology to local residents.

Kabukabu developed a passion for Juncao technology after being trained at the Juncao demonstration center in Nadi, Fiji, in 2019. Later, she led local women, disabled individuals and students to grow Juncao mushrooms.

“Juncao technology is a great gift that China has sent to Fijian people, which allows more Fijian farmers like us to increase income and improve our livelihood,” said Kabukabu during the session.

Evrard Ndayikeje, director general of the National Agency for the Promotion and Regulation of Cooperative Societies in Burundi, said that with the strong support of China, Burundi has introduced Chinese rice technologies, built agricultural value chains and set up rural cooperatives to develop rice trade, aiming to realize Burundi’s vision of turning into “emerging country in 2040 and developed country in 2060.”

The Aid-for-Trade initiative was proposed at the sixth WTO Ministerial Conference held in December 2005, to help the international community recognize the importance of trade for development and mobilize resources to address trade-related constraints faced by developing and least-developed countries, said Song Wei, a professor with the School of International Relations and Diplomacy at Beijing Foreign Studies University, during an interview with People’s Daily.

Since its inception, China has actively responded to the initiative, fulfilled its international obligations, and helped other developing countries, particularly the least-developed ones, to improve their trade capabilities so as to facilitate their poverty reduction and independent development processes, added Song.

Mao Xiaojing, head of the Institute of West Asian and African Studies of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation (CAITEC), Ministry of Commerce, noted that China has made multifaceted efforts to provide aid for trade to other developing countries, especially the least-developed ones, over the years.

She said that China has strengthened trade-related infrastructure construction in recipient countries for better transportation and trade facilitation, and granted zero-tariff treatment to 98 percent of taxable products from Togo, Eritrea and other least-developed countries to help them expand exports.

Besides, China has established relevant platforms such as the China International Import Expo (CIIE) and the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) to offer these countries favorable treatment and policy support, such as providing free standard exhibition booths to the least-developed countries. Moreover, through technical support and personnel training, China has also helped recipient countries to improve their production capabilities, expand trade volume, improve trade structure and facilitate trade development.

Recently, a group of Rwandan students visited Jinhua University of Vocational Technology in east China’s Zhejiang province, to learn livestreaming e-commerce. This visit was inspired by the successful story of James Kimonyo, Rwanda’s ambassador to China, who had promoted Rwanda’s coffee on a Chinese livestreaming platform two years ago. The ambassador’s efforts resulted in the rapid sales of the coffee products, which garnered the admiration of people in African and other developing countries for the magic of Chinese e-commerce.

Nowadays, China’s e-commerce companies are expanding into developing countries, facilitating the access of local products to broader markets.

“For example, some Chinese e-commerce companies have provided cross-border e-commerce training for many African countries to teach local people how to sell their products to China and other markets via e-commerce platforms. These training sessions have helped local residents boost their income and employment prospects, while also promoting local women’s employment,” said Song.

In recent years, China has been actively leveraging its e-commerce experience to assist other developing countries, especially the least-developed ones, in reducing poverty and promoting economic development, which has become a new highlight of the Aid-for-Trade initiative, added Song.

Gerd Muller, director-general of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), noted that aid programs launched by China have forcefully enhanced the localized production capabilities of least developed countries and supported their sustainable development.

Taufiqur Rahman, head of the Development Division of the WTO, said China’s development has provided a source of strength and references for other developing countries, and China’s Aid for Trade efforts have helped the least-developed countries in their own development.

Diverse applications of new technologies on display at 2024 WAIC

By Xie Weiqun, Shen Wenmin, People’s Daily

The 2024 World AI Conference (WAIC) and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance was held in Shanghai from July 4 to 6, featuring 107 forums, more than 1,500 exhibitions and over 50 launch events.

With an exhibition area of more than 52,000 square meters, the conference featured a “full-domain connection hall” of 6000 square meters for project incubations, procurements and investment matchmaking. Nearly 100 large models were exhibited, and China’s first full-sized general-purpose humanoid robot prototype was also launched at the conference.

The AI exhibition held during the conference attracted more than 500 renowned enterprises. At the exhibition, visitors were amazed by how new technologies are transforming industries across the board. For instance, a large model developed by Chinese AI software provider SenseTime can bring photos to life, animating figures’ expressions and movements in photos to create dynamic videos. Besides, Alipay’s smart assistant can quickly answer questions and handle tasks with the command of users.

Among the exhibits, there were not just large language model application products but technical and service products supporting their operations.

INTSIG Information Co. Ltd., an industry-leading tech company specializing in business data, AI, and mobile applications, has launched a large model accelerator that can speed up pre-training, corpus development, practical implementation and other processes for large model applications. This accelerator can quickly parse unstructured data from lengthy documents of hundreds of pages and intelligently reconstruct the correct reading order of documents.

The conference also featured a dedicated demonstration zone for humanoid robots, showcasing more humanoid robots than ever before. For instance, at the exhibition booth of Robot Era, a robot developer in Beijing, a large screen displaying a humanoid robot climbing the Great Wall attracted huge attention. Besides, the “Healthy Loong” humanoid robot developed in Zhangjiang High-tech Park, Shanghai, announced its open-source status, aiming to advance towards general AI. These novel and impressive humanoid robots made visitors feel as if they were stepping into the future world.

According to statistics, the conference received over 300,000 in-person visits and 2 billion online views, an increase of 90 percent from the previous session, setting new records.

The advancement of AI technology, while driving economic and social development, has brought risks and challenges, including deepfakes, privacy breaches, and intellectual property disputes.

Andrew Chi-Chih Yao, a Turing Award winner and academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, believes that the risks of AI manifest in the extension and expansion of cybersecurity threats, as well as in unforeseen social risks.

Strengthening global AI governance urgently requires building consensus through dialogue and cooperation. The Shanghai Declaration on Global AI Governance, issued at the conference’s opening ceremony, presents China’s proposals for global AI governance.

This year’s WAIC featured the first High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance. Over three days, a total of 1,300 guests from more than 50 countries and regions participated in thematic discussions.

Xue Lan, dean of Schwarzman College and head of the Institute for AI International Governance of Tsinghua University, said that to promote global AI governance, it is important to strengthen collaborative governance, expand multi-level and multi-channel bilateral and multilateral exchanges and dialogues, and advance international AI big science cooperation to jointly address the risks and challenges brought by AI technology.

This conference featured 107 forums, focusing on topics such as model algorithms and computing power, embodied intelligence, and industrial ecology.

When discussing the future development of large models, Zhang Yaqin, dean of the Institute of AI Industry Research, Tsinghua University, outlined several key trends.

He said that the development of these models will become multimodal, cross-modal, and multi-scale, predicting that AI will soon be integrated into edge devices like TVs, smartphones, and cars. Moreover, he said that large models will evolve into tools for developing intelligent agents capable of autonomous task planning, code writing, tool manipulation, and path optimization.

Zhang further explained that large models have already been applied to enhance the automation and intelligence of critical infrastructure such as transportation systems, communications networks, and power grids, paving the way for embodied intelligence. He also foresaw a future where large models are interfaced directly with biological systems, potentially leading to a groundbreaking fusion of digital, physical, and biological intelligence.

It is reported that the 2024 WAIC brought together 132 procurement groups and identified 126 project procurement needs, with an estimated total purchase amount of 15 billion yuan ($2.06 billion). Additionally, 24 major industrial projects were signed up, with a total investment of over 40 billion yuan.

1000 Bloggers, Tinubu-Shettima Support Group Salute Agric Minister Kyari Over Massive Job Creation

Over 1000 bloggers under the aegis of the Bloggers and Vloggers Content Creators Association in Nigeria (BAVCCA) and Tinubu -Shettima Support Group have lauded the creation of 60,000 jobs in various rural economies across the country under the leadership of the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari.

The bloggers and Tinubu-Shettima Support Group in a joint statement on Sunday signed by the Vice President of BAVCCA, Dr. Adebayo Olugbenga, National Coordinator of Tinubu-Shettima Support Group Alhaji Shehu Mohammed and the Secretary, Hon Uche Okafor respectively expressed their unwavering support for Kyari’s transformative leadership and the significant progress made in the agricultural sector under his stewardship in the last one year.

The State reads in part, “It is with great pride and enthusiasm that we, the members of the Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association in Nigeria, and the Tinubu-Shettima Support Group gathered here today to pass a vote of confidence in the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari.

“In the past one year, Senator Kyari has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to revolutionizing agriculture in Nigeria, and we are here to applaud his remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication to this crucial sector of our economy.”

They pointed out that the agricultural sector under the watch of Kyari, has injected an estimated value of N309 billion into the Nigerian economy in the last one year, as the money was injected through the harvest of agricultural produce.

And commended the minister for the provision of rural infrastructure, such as the construction of 77.8km of asphalt roads; construction of 130.9 km of earthen roads; provision of 102 motorized and solar-powered boreholes and installation of 6,504 solar street lights, as well as generating over 60,000 jobs in various rural economies.

Enumerating some of the Minister’s achievements, they said the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security had launched dry season farming with cultivation of 118,657 hectares of wheat in 15 states in the acceleration of all-year-round farming in a bid to ensure food and nutrition security.

They noted that at the end of dry season farming, that one of the participating States, Jigawa, had produced 55,000 metric tonnes of wheat.

The Vice President of BAVCCA disclosed that the Federal Government has also supported 107,429 wheat farmers with inputs such as fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides, resulting in an output of 474,628 metric tonnes.

The leadership of BAVCCA and the Tinubu-Shettima supporters observed that in response to the Presidential directive, the Ministry of Agriculture had released 42,000metric tonnes of assorted food commodities made up of maize, millet, sorghum, and garri, from the National Strategic Food Reserve to National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for onward distribution to vulnerable Nigerians.

As part of measures to reduce escalating prices of food items in the markets, they expressed joy that the Federal Government procured and distributed 58,500 metric tonnes of milled rice to all States of the Federation and Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

According to the statement, “To reduce malnutrition and stunted growth among children, the Federal Government had embarked on fortification of crops with Vitamin A micro-nutrient to enrich nutrition content and health value of food commodities.

“In response to persistent food inflation, the Federal Government has distributed 60,432metric tons of improved seeds, 887,255mt seedlings, 138numbers of value kits, 501,726 litres of agrochemicals, 62,328.5 metric tonnes of inorganic fertilizers, 1,000kg fungicide, and 33,200 equipment to farmers across different value chains to enhance production.

“The Ministry also received 2.15 million bags of fertilizer from the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) for distribution to farmers free of charge, adding that the distribution of the farm input has begun across the States.

“As part of measures to guarantee the protection and safety of farmers in their farmlands, there has been an improvement of farmland security with the provision of additional resources to Agro Rangers and other security agencies.

“On livestock production and animal health, the Federal Government had in the last one year procured and distributed 14,056,467 doses of anthrax spore, foot, and mouth diseases vaccines for risk-based vaccination exercise in 22 high-risk states across Nigeria.”

The groups further noted with satisfaction the establishment of animal health centres and veterinary hospitals, six micro earth dams and eight boreholes, 164 milk collection centres, eight cottage feed mills, and seven livestock centres in the country.

On Mechanisation, BAVCCA explained that the Ministry had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with John Deere and Tata Africa to assemble in-country and supply 10,000 tractors with implements and accessories at 2,000 units yearly, as well as 100 units of combine harvesters to support production.

The groups explained that the Federal Government had partnered with the Brazilian government for the sum 995,000 Euros to provide mechanisation hubs across the Federation.

They are confident that under the continued stewardship of Kyari, the agricultural sector will thrive, contributing to the country’s food security, economic prosperity, and sustainable development.

“Kyari’s dedication, innovation, and tireless efforts have truly set a new standard for agricultural leadership in Nigeria.

“We, the members of BAVCCA and Tinubu-Shettima Support Group, pledge our unwavering support and commitment to working alongside the Minister to further strengthen the agricultural sector and realise our collective vision of a prosperous, food-secure, and environmentally sustainable Nigeria,” the statement assured.

Coalition lauds NCC’s commitment to telecoms’ sector increase in contributions to nation’s GDP

The Coalition on Transparency and Rule of Law (CTRL) has commended the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for its commitment to the nation’s telecoms sector which has led to an increase in its contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The coalition also praised the leadership of Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, for his vision and strategic goal alignment.

In a statement signed by Sunday Thomas, the coalition said: “We are thrilled to acknowledge the recent remarks made by Dr. Aminu Maida, reaffirming the commission’s commitment to significantly enhancing the telecoms sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s GDP.

“Dr. Maida’s leadership and creative vision are commendable, demonstrating the NCC’s dedication to driving economic growth and development.”

The coalition further praised Dr. Maida’s ambitious target of achieving a 25% increase in the telecoms sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s GDP, noting that it showcases the commission’s proactive stance in harnessing the potential of the telecommunications industry.

The group also acknowledged Dr. Maida’s leadership style, which has fostered an open-door policy, encouraging industry stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue with the commission.

“We extend our heartfelt commendation to Dr. Maida and the NCC for their dedication to driving sustainable economic growth and development in the telecoms sector,” Thomas added.

“Their commitment is aligned with our mission to champion policies and practices that uphold transparency, accountability, and sustainable economic growth.”

The coalition expressed its support for the NCC’s endeavours, acknowledging the imperative need for synergistic collaboration between the public and private sectors.

They believe that the NCC’s commitment will catalyze other sectors to strive for similar growth and contribution to Nigeria’s GDP.

“We believe that Dr. Maida’s 25% target is feasible, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact of this initiative on our economy and the lives of Nigerians,” Thomas concluded.

Coalition Condemns Sustained Police Siege on Rivers LG Secretariats

The Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) has expressed dismay at the continued siege laid by the Police on the 23 Local Government Council secretariats in Rivers State, despite the court declaration nullifying the tenure elongation of the outgone council chairmen.

In a statement signed by its Chairman Dr. Julius Bernard, the Coaltion of 1,000 civil society groups said this action is a gross violation of the rule of law, an affront to democracy, and a deliberate attempt to undermine the authority of the judiciary.

Berger lamented that the Police, under the guise of maintaining law and order, have become an instrument of oppression, denying workers access to their offices and causing loss of man-hours.

“We recall that the state High Court had nullified the amended Local Government Law that backed the tenure elongation of the former chairmen, and the appeal court dismissed the appeals filed by Martin Amaewhule and others for lacking in merit,” he said.

“It is therefore surprising that the Police have continued to barricade the council secretariats, days after the tenure elongation controversy appeal was dismissed.

“We call on the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, to immediately withdraw policemen from the council secretariats and respect the judgment of the court. The continued presence of Police at the council secretariats is a clear violation of the principle of separation of powers.

“We also urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call the Inspector General of Police to order and direct him to immediately withdraw policemen from the council secretariats. We commend the Rivers State Government for their swift inauguration of new caretaker chairpersons after the expiration of the tenure of the last officials.

“We also applaud the Organised Labour for their bold stance in calling for the withdrawal of policemen from the council secretariats. We urge all well-meaning Nigerians to join us in condemning this brazen attack on democracy and the rule of law.”