Yangtze River Delta advances high-quality integrated development

By Wu Qiuyu, Li Xinping, People’s Daily

The Yangtze River Delta is one of the most economically vibrant, open and innovative regions in China. It encompasses four major economic engines – Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui.

Shanghai serves as a frontier of openness and a prime innovation hub. Jiangsu province features strong real economy. Zhejiang province boasts a developed private economy. Anhui province possesses a rather comprehensive industrial system and rich scientific and technological resources…

On Nov. 5, 2018, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced at the opening ceremony of the first China International Import Expo that China would support integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta region, and make it a national strategy.

Over the past five years, the region’s night light development index jumped 57.24 percent, and the number of cities with a GDP of over 1 trillion yuan ($141.29 billion) increased to eight, or around 1/3 of the total in China. The integrated development strategy has brought tremendous changes to the Yangtze River Delta, writing a new chapter on Chinese modernization.

“In the past, when we encountered technical difficulties, we had to find solutions and resources by ourselves. Now we can directly post requests on the platform,” said Yang Weizhong, executive chairman of Shanghai Different Advanced Material Co., Ltd. (Shanghai Different), referring to an open competition platform for selecting the best candidates to undertake research projects launched by Shanghai’s Pudong New Area earlier this year.

According to him, developing high-performance hybrid fiber materials had been a headache bothering the company for years. Immediately following the launch of the platform, Shanghai Different posted its technical requests, which were soon picked up and solved by Jiangsu Gem Advanced Fiber Materials.

“Integrated development truly brings innovation resources to one focal point, opening up new possibilities,” Yang noted.

Innovation possesses the core position in China’s modernization drive. In recent years, the synergetic innovation index in the Yangtze River Delta region has been growing at 9.47 percent annually on average, and the region has shared 23 major scientific research facilities and more than 40,000 large scientific instruments. High-caliber technological supplies are effectively bolstering the high-quality economic development of the region.

On May 28 this year, C919, China’s self-developed large passenger aircraft, completed its first commercial flight, which was a testimony to the manufacturing muscle of the Yangtze River Delta. About 10 percent of the aircraft’s parts, 50 percent of its aluminum materials, and 50 percent of composite structural components were manufactured in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu province.

It marked a close collaboration andintegration of industrial chain resources among Yangtze River Delta cities, including Shanghai, Hefei, Hangzhou, Suzhou and Zhenjiang, which realized the dream of the Chinese people to make a large passenger jet of their own.

Under the promotion by Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, C919’s main manufacturer, around 1,000 enterprises in the nine cities and districts along the G60 Science and Innovation Corridor have been incorporated into the aircraft manufacturing chain.

In Changzhou, a series of innovative industrial clusters have sprouted up around the new energy industry chain, with production value already surpassing 500 billion yuan.

In Jiaxing, the Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Zhejiang and the Zhejiang Institute of Advanced Technology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences are thriving; top-tier scientific innovation platforms – China Nanhu Academy of Electronics and Information Technology, Nanhu Laboratory, and Institute of Flexible Electronics Technology of Tsinghua University, Zhejiang – have also been launched.

In Hefei, Chinese new energy vehicle giant BYD has built a new manufacturing base, while establishing supporting facilities for key components like power batteries, battery materials, high-voltage devices and wire harnesses in Bengbu, Chuzhou and Fuyang, to form a comprehensive industry chain.

“These epitomize the modernized industrial landscape in the Yangtze River Delta, the unique strengths bred by integrated development,” remarked BYD chairman and president Wang Chuanfu.

The ever-strengthening innovation and industrial chains come from the continuous unleashing of the talent chain. As the Yangtze River Delta’s primary attraction for talents and highland for innovation, Shanghai welcomes both domestic and foreign talents, while also encouraging various talents to fully realize their potential in the region.

Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui provinces have established incubators and empowerment centers in Shanghai to further tap the metropolitan’s advantages in talent attraction and innovation resources.

“Previously, for foreigners in China to work in the securities industry, they had to ‘follow local customs’ and sit China’s securities qualification exam – a tall task halting many international finance talents,” said Park Pu, Chairman of J.P. Morgan Securities (China).

“Now Pudong has set up an international finance qualification accreditation catalog system, creating favorable conditions to draw global experts,” Pu added.

Integrated development is not a simple equation of combining strengths, but rather realizing complementary advantages and building synergy to form new advantages of high-quality development.

As the strategy of integrated development moves ahead, the four major economic engines of the Yangtze River Delta will work together even more closely to propel high-quality development.

Disregard Jackson Ude’s Notorious Lies and Penchant for Blackmail against DSS, CSO Urges Nigerians

The Save Nigeria Movement (SNM), a formidable and frontline Civil Society Organisation (CSO) has urged Nigerians to disregard the unfounded and hilarious falsehood being peddled by one fugitive by name of Jackson Ude, a well known merchant of misinformation and fake news alleging among other spurious claims that the Department of State Security (DSS), Nigeria’s number one spy agency and the custodian of nations intelligence is embroiled in corruption.

The group in a press release widely distributed to journalists in Abuja by the Convener, Rev Solomon Semaka, registered their displeasure with the continued, unprovoked and unjustifiable attacks of a fugitive journalist on the integrity of the DSS which has been in the forefront of the war against corruption and threats against national security.

According to the statement, “it hurts to be continuously inundated with deliberate false narratives about an institution that has over the years distinguished itself and rendered the most professional loyal and dedicated service to the fatherland. The likes of Jackson Ude are indeed blinded by chasing empty media clout and their desperation has turned them into liars in their attempts to get comments and likes on their social media handles. But Jackson Ude as usual is only chasing clout and exchanging ignorance with his ilk. The DSS under Mr Bichi is more focused as ever for the records.

“There is no iota of truth in whatever the disgruntled sadist has said about the DSS and the distinguished Director General (DG) of DSS, Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi, OFR, who has been honest, accountable, meticulous and transparent all through his career, first as a personel and now the DG of DSS. To weave fictitious stories of increased ‘goodbye allowances’ whatever that means, which does not even exist and accuse him of diverting subsidy removal palliatives that has not been disbursed by the federal government is to say the least callous”.

The CSO is equally irked by other petty and absurd accusations brought against DSS by the attention seeking Jackson Ude whose entire career is characterized by mudslinging, ineptitude and mischief.

“The ignominious ignorance expressed by Jackson Ude in alleging that the DG of DSS is involved in illegalities and fraudulent activities only shows his lack of understanding of how international spy agencies like the DSS are run. For a man who was recalled from glorious retirement in 2018 and given the exalted office of DG of DSS because of his stainless track record, it is laughable to conjure lies that he’ll require the intervention of anyone to lobby for another term. It is even more laughable to drop names of his wife and the president daughter. Between the wife and the man who is DGSS, who can lobby?

President Tinubu already knows what do and he’ll reward hardwork accordingly Rev Solomon Semaka assured Nigerians. We know the risk Alh Yusuf Magaji Bichi took to ensure that democracy was not botched pre and post 2023 general elections. That the man is focused on the task and has refused to fail is provocative enough for all enemies of the country. But this is their headache. The service under Alh Yusuf Magaji is undaunted and Nigerians are watching the back of the service as expected.

“Vainly trying to stain the tenacious Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the President, Mr. Adegboyega Fasisi in this web of empty conspiracy theories is a joke taken too far. Alhaji Yusuf Magaji needs nobody to lobby for him and for the avoidance of doubt, Mr. Fasasi, is not running the DSS as claimed by clout chasers. The DSS has a primary duty to protect the President and a synergy between the DSS and the CSO should not be misconstrued as lobbying but strategic alliance in the interest of national security”.
 
The release also bemoaned the weak an unsubstantiated claims that Alhaji Yusuf Bichi has refused to implement the 40 percent increment approved for members of the intelligence community and has unilaterally stopped the payment of study leave allowance to personnel some of whom are overseas as well as the appointing Junior officers as Deputy Directors, describing it as crass ignorance about how security agencies and promotions in the federal civil service is done. But we don’t blame a fugitive who is in hiding. Soon he will beg for another “out of court settlement” as he has always done when called upon by the US courts and law enforcement. He knows what I am talking about. Can he tell us the outcome of similar defamation cases he has lost without any shred of evidence when challenged? Is that who Nigerians will take serious? For example, Jackson Ude lied against Engr Simbi Wabote and was sued for defamation in the US courts. He has since been begging for settlement instead of proving his allegations. The DSS under Alh Yusuf Magaji Bichi will not chase shadows.

“First of all, it is not possible for the DG of DSS to stop the federal ministry of finance from implementing the said 40%.There’s no justification whatsoever. The Service cannot stop the study leave allowances of personnel bearing in mind the premium placed on knowledge acquisition by the Service. It is better to ask questions rather than running to the media to spew gibberish. As for the promotion of officers, federal character and seniority are pivotal in a highly professional agency like the DSS and cannot be jettisoned by the Service,” the statement noted.

The CSO earnestly appealed to all well-meaning Nigerians and personnel of DSS to disregard what it described as “dissenting voices whose only motive is to sow seeds of discord and division with the sole intent of dampening the morale of
the Service over mundane issues like the DG’s personal gifts, which are purely discretional and the payment of wardrobe and packing allowances which are adminstrative issues”.

The group finally sent a stern warning to personnel and other interlopers who have found a new job of feeding misinformation to attack dogs to “desist or be prepared to face the full wrath of law as the current management of DSS has been very professional and has always prioritised staff welfare and comfort in the discharge of its mandate of securing the Presidency and maintaining national security”.

Shanghai FTZ’s Lingang new area sees fruitful results of opening up

By Xie Weiqun, Ji Juesu, People’s Daily

On Nov. 5, 2018, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced at the opening ceremony of the first China International Import Expo that China would expand the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ) to include a new section.

Since its inauguration on Aug. 20, 2019, the Lingang new area of the China (Shanghai) Pilot FTZ has launched a series of measures of opening up.

The gigafactoryof Tesla, the first solely foreign-invested car manufacturing project in China, was put into operation. Amundi BOC Wealth Management Co., Ltd., the first foreign majority-owned wealth management venture in China, opened for business. The first financial technology company fully funded by a multinational financial group HSBC FinTech was established.

The Lingang new area also became the first in China to allow well-known overseas arbitration institutions to set up offices and launch foreign-related arbitration activities.

In 2020, the actual foreign investment in the Lingang new area reached $520 million, and the figure increased to $2.04 billion in 2022.

In order to enhance its capability in allocating factor resources globally, the Lingang new area has launched a pilot program on high-level opening up of foreign exchange management in cross-border trade and investment. So far, the volumes of cross-border domestic and foreign currency settlements have exceeded 2 trillion yuan ($282.73 billion) and $40 billion, respectively.

The area completed China’s first purchase of liquefied natural gas using cross-border RMB settlement from a member country of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and established a new type of public service platform for international trade.

Besides, the area has launched an international ship registration system, which ranks first nationwide in the number of ships registered for international routes. In 2022, the container throughput of Shanghai Yangshan Deep Water Port reached 23.92 million twenty-foot equivalent units, accounting for 50.6 percent of the total throughput of the Shanghai Port.

The Lingang new area completed China’s first security assessment for cross-border data flow in the field of intelligent connected vehicles, built a new type of data infrastructure system that meets international advanced level, established dedicated channels for international data transmission, and built a high-performance computing center.

It has constructed five international submarine fiber optic cables and two landing stations, and is preparing for building a direct international submarine fiber optic cable connecting Shanghai and Singapore, to attract more data elements to China.

The Lingang new area continues to enhance its capacity in breeding innovation and collaborating innovation globally. From Nov. 6 to 8, the 6th World Laureates Forum was held at the event’s permanent site in the Lingang new area, convening over 300 scientists from 25 countries and regions.

Now, foreign talents employed or invited by entities in the Lingang new area can apply for a residence permit for up to five years, and the area grants one-time work permits for no less than two years to urgently needed talent.

Besides, the area has relaxed restrictions on the employment of high-end overseas talent in the modern service industry, and established a positive list for filed practice and qualification examinations.

In order to build cutting-edge industrial clusters with international competitiveness, the Lingang new area has gathered leading enterprises and attracted over 200 supporting enterprises to settle in the area. In 2022, the total output value of intelligent new energy vehicles in the area exceeded 260 billion yuan.

At the same time, the Lingang new area has launched the Dishui Lake AI Innovation Hub, joined by 150 AI companies with more than 5,000 AI R&D personnel.

The Lingang new area is developing a specialized industrial park for the biopharmaceutical industry, with a focus on constructing a high-level research-oriented hospital. It is also establishing an independent, controllable, secure and reliable industrial cluster for domestic large aircraft. China’s first domestically developed engine for large commercial aircraft has been successfully used, and the self-developed large passenger aircraft C919 has commenced commercial passenger flights.

On Oct. 27, the International Data Economy Industrial Park was officially unveiled in the Lingang new area. According to the plan, the industrial park will be built into a high-level bridgehead for international data cooperation, a high-standard pioneer zone for institutional innovation in the sphere of the cross-border data system, a high-quality hub gathering international data industries, and a high-capacity new center for data circulation infrastructure.

So far, the Lingang new area has initially established a relatively mature system of investment and trade liberalization and facilitation, and has built a number of functional platforms with a higher degree of openness. It has initially developed an open industrial system that is internationally competitive.

The area has optimized its government services, consolidating the exercise of 1,215 administrative matters at the municipal and district levels. It has implemented a registration confirmation system, reducing the time required for enterprise registration by 75 percent.

It has also carried out a unified certificate and license application program, realizing one-time processing for enterprise entry and approval.

Since its inauguration, the Lingang new area has witnessed a significant increase in its economic strength and overall economic output. The area has produced 102 breakthrough innovation cases. It has signed nearly 500 projects in cutting-edge sci-tech industries, with total investment exceeding 600 billion yuan. In the first half of 2023, the total output by industrial enterprises above designated size in the Lingang new area increased 52.6 percent year-on-year. The area’s fixed asset investment and tax revenue grew by 57.2 percent and 47.5 percent, respectively.

“Next China” is still China

By Zou Xiang, People’s Daily

A wave of executives from prominent foreign companies have been visiting China since the start of the year, seeking opportunities to expand their cooperation with partners in the country. With tangible actions, they have demonstrated confidence in the Chinese market. Their engagement underscores China’s enduring magnetic appeal to international investors.

Multinational corporations are in the best position to describe this magnetic appeal. A Q3 survey by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, which covered over 700 foreign-invested enterprises, found that 80 percent of the surveyed companies expect stable or rising profits this year, and nearly 90 percent anticipate stable or increased profits in the next five years.

From January to October, 41,947 foreign-invested enterprises were newly established in China, a  year-on-year increase of 32.1 percent. Actual investment from Canada, the UK, France, Switzerland and the Netherlands surged 110.3 percent, 94.6 percent, 90 percent, 66.1 percent and 33 percent, respectively, from a year ago.

Many foreign companies consider investing in China as a “must-have” option, as the open and continuously developing country remains a hotspot for global capital. As Chinese President Xi Jinping pointed out, China has become a synonym of the best investment destination, and that the “next China” is still China.

The increasing foreign investment in the Chinese market stems from a firm belief in the prospects of China’s development. This year, the momentum of world economic growth is sluggish. Destabilizing, uncertain and unpredictable factors are increasing. Economies around the world are facing significant challenges. However, the Chinese economy has withstood the pressure, maintained stability, and improved its quality.

China’s GDP grew 5.2 percent year-on-year in the first three quarters, ranking among the top performers among major economies, and the resilience, vitality, and potential of China’s economic development continued to show this October. China still remains the largest engine driving global growth, and is expected to contribute 1/3 to global economic growth this year.

Facts speak for themselves. The fundamentals of the Chinese economy – its strong resilience, enormous potential, vast room for maneuver and long-term sustainability – remain unchanged. The high-quality development of the Chinese economy injects strong positive energy into global economic growth, bringing about more market opportunities, growth opportunities, and cooperation opportunities.

The confidence in investing in the Chinese market comes from the increasing openness of China. The recently concluded 6th China International Import Expo (CIIE) saw a total of $78.41 billion worth of tentative deals reached for one-year purchases of goods and services, setting a record high, and representing a growth of 6.7 percent compared to the previous year.

These solid figures serve as concrete evidence to the world that “Modernization for 1.4 billion Chinese is a huge opportunity that China provides to the world.”

Besides, the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation concluded with 458 deliverables. During the forum, Chinese and foreign companies reached business deals worth $97.2 billion.

China has generated fresh momentum for greater openness, stronger cooperation, and better development through platforms such as the CIIE, China Import and Export Fair, China International Fair for Trade in Services, China International Consumer Products Expo, and through its efforts to pursue high-quality and high-level Belt and Road cooperation.

“We will continue to pursue high-quality development and high-standard opening up. Chinese modernization will bring the world more and greater opportunities for the modernization of all countries.” The remarks made by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the 30th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting represented not only a solemn promise, but also practical actions.

China enjoys distinct advantages such as a socialist market economy in systemic terms, a supersize market in terms of demand, a full-fledged industrial system in terms of supply, and abundant, high-caliber labor force and entrepreneurs in terms of human resources. These inherent advantages manifest the internal logic and strong resilience of China’s economic growth, which also determines that the long-term trend in attracting foreign investment in China will not change.

An international accounting firm said in a report that China will still remain the most attractive growth market in the world. Looking ahead, China’s resolve to foster a market-oriented, law-based and world-class business environment will not change. And its policy of providing equal and quality services to foreign investors will not change. It will continue to improve the mechanisms for protecting the rights and interests of foreign investors, further shorten the negative list on foreign investment, fully ensure national treatment for foreign investors.

Practice will continue to prove that investing in China is investing in the future, and choosing China is choosing the future.

McKinsey Global Institute estimated that in 2020, 55 cities in China with 27 percent of the country’s population were “higher income” cities, and by 2030, this number will reach 93 cities, covering 44 percent of China’s population. “If you are looking for growth, the answer is very simple,” the organization noted.

In an open and continuously developing China, the Chinese market, full of infinite possibilities, is bound to attract more multinational companies to invest and thrive there. Together with Chinese enterprises, they will write more splendid chapters of creating new opportunities for the world with high-quality development.

RUN Knocks Jackson Ude Over False Allegations against DSS, Bichi

Following a spate of false and misleading media articles emanating from a notorious blackmailer by the name Jackson Ude and targeting the revered and impeccable personality of Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi OFR mni, the Director General (DG) of the Department of State Security (DSS) and his agency, an Abuja based Civil Society Group, Rising-Up for a United Nigeria (RUN) has expressed shock at the brazen level of intentional and calculated mischief by enemies of the State who masquerade as journalists.

RUN which is as an advocate for good governance and policy reforms through the fight against corruption and abuse of office questioned the motive of the renegade Jackson Ude, whose purported investigative journalism career has been riddled with gaffes and scandals of treasonable proportion against the Nigerian state and her institutions.

In a release made available to journalists in Abuja by its National Convener, Amb. Solomon Adodo, a copy of which was sighted by our correspondent, the group maintained that it is gross to even link an honourable gentleman and professional like Alhaji Yusuf Bichi with any from of graft and corruption as he has clearly demonstrated a high degree of transparency and zero tolerance for corruption in his entire glorious career as a thoroughly disciplined security officer with unmatched candour.

The statement reads in part, “the lame and ill-informed allegation that the current DG of DSS has increased his severance package if at all it exists, from ₦120 million to ₦200 million is simply empty clout chasing and a display of the highest level of ignorance fused with deliberate mischief on the part of someone who claims to be an international investigative Journalist like Jackson Ude. It is infantile to believe that an appointee of the government can actually decide how much their pay should be. This street journalism and those who practice it should hide their faces in shame.

According to RUN, it is also inconceivable to even speculate that the DG has a hand in the allowance of personnel of the Service including the ₦35,000 subsidy removal palliative as alleged by the wannabe journalist who hides to throw his volley of journalistic garbage without coming out to own up to his bucket of lies, adding that he should not think he is invisible as the hands of the law will catch up with him.

“It is true that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the ₦35, 000 for civil servants across board as part of a wider deal signed by the Nigerian Labour Congress with effect from 1st September. The truth, however is that, no Ministry Agency or Parastatal has been paid including Polytechnic and University lecturers. Agents of mischief and misinformation who jump at conclusions without making the right investigations should stop heating the polity”. “Jackson Ude and his ilk should know better that the DSS is not a political body to be dragged into whatever vendetta he has against the government, he has obviously been blinded by the hatred he has for efficiently functional systems in Nigeria and the fact that DGSS Bichi refused to make any compromises in the course of his duty”, the statement added.

The group urged Nigerians and the management of DSS to “disregard the antics of crisis entrepreneurs who take delight in dragging the reputation and integrity of people and institutions of government to disrepute for their personal, selfish and fiendish purposes, noting further that it is a breach of national security to willfully and intentionally attempt to set Nigerians against the DSS and the actions of Jackson Ude should not be excused for any reason to serve as a deterrent to others”.

Group Celebrates Msuaan, Extol his Legendary Exploits in Youth Development Unity

Rising-Up for a United Nigeria (RUN), a quintessential rights group dedicated to youth and national development through proactive policy interventions has described Chief Hon. Mike Msuaan (MON) as a beacon of hope for the Nigerian youth and a bridge builder who has made giant exploits beyond his Tiv and Benue roots.

This followed the conferment of a well deserved and meritorious Chieftaincy title of Otunba Akweje and Yeye Akweje on him and his wife Mrs. Joy Msuaan by the Olowu of Owu-Kuta Kingdom in far away Osun State by HRM (Dr) Adekunle Oyelude Makama, CON amidst pomp and unending celebration, in recognition of his exemplary political stewardship.

In a statement signed and widely distributed to journalists in Abuja by Amb. Solomon Adodo, the group expressed satisfaction with the numerous achievements of Hon. Mike Msuaan (MON) in the area of youth mentorship, job creation, educational development, capacity building and cross cultural networks which have earned him national recognition and acclaim.

According to the statement, “we delighted to identify with this illustrious and legendary youth leader who has over the years prioritized job creation, award of scholarships, mentorship skills acquisition and the building of bridges for peace and national development. His installation as Akweje of Owu-Kuta is a clear indication that the whole world is keenly watching and excited with the silent but legendary exploits of his political career. We are indeed proud of him. He is our ambassador and a role model to emerging leaders”

As a young man of exceptional leadership abilities as well as striking attributes of humility, honesty, integrity, unwavering wisdom, a dependable personality and one with dedication to duty, RUN joins well meaning Nigerians and especially youth leaders in congratulating Otunba Akweje Msuaan on this “milestone which has served to solidify him as a promising gentleman who is strategically placing himself for greater service, no doubt, this title will be a source of encouragement to him to continue to serve the country and humanity”.

Group Celebrates Msuaan, Extol his Legendary Exploits in Youth Development Unity

Rising-Up for a United Nigeria (RUN), a quintessential rights group dedicated to youth and national development through proactive policy interventions has described Chief Hon. Mike Msuaan (MON) as a beacon of hope for the Nigerian youth and a bridge builder who has made giant exploits beyond his Tiv and Benue roots.

This followed the conferment of a well deserved and meritorious Chieftaincy title of Otunba Akweje and Yeye Akweje on him and his wife Mrs. Joy Msuaan by the Olowu of Owu-Kuta Kingdom in far away Osun State by HRM (Dr) Adekunle Oyelude Makama, CON amidst pomp and unending celebration, in recognition of his exemplary political stewardship.

In a statement signed and widely distributed to journalists in Abuja by Amb. Solomon Adodo, the group expressed satisfaction with the numerous achievements of Hon. Mike Msuaan (MON) in the area of youth mentorship, job creation, educational development, capacity building and cross cultural networks which have earned him national recognition and acclaim.

According to the statement, “we delighted to identify with this illustrious and legendary youth leader who has over the years prioritized job creation, award of scholarships, mentorship skills acquisition and the building of bridges for peace and national development. His installation as Akweje of Owu-Kuta is a clear indication that the whole world is keenly watching and excited with the silent but legendary exploits of his political career. We are indeed proud of him. He is our ambassador and a role model to emerging leaders”

As a young man of exceptional leadership abilities as well as striking attributes of humility, honesty, integrity, unwavering wisdom, a dependable personality and one with dedication to duty, RUN joins well meaning Nigerians and especially youth leaders in congratulating Otunba Akweje Msuaan on this “milestone which has served to solidify him as a promising gentleman who is strategically placing himself for greater service, no doubt, this title will be a source of encouragement to him to continue to serve the country and humanity”.

Gov. Sule presents N199.9bn 2024 budget to Nasarawa State Assembly.

“… as education gets highest allocation…”

Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, has presented the 2024 budget proposal of N199.9 billion to the State House of Assembly for consideration and approval.

The Acting Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abel Yakubu Bala while receiving the budget in Lafia today assured Gov. Sule and the people of the State of giving the budget accelerated passage.

The Governor said that the budget if passed into law would complete the ongoing projects and existing ones with more to be initiated for the overall development of the State.

Gov. Sule said that his administration would continue to achored on transparency, accountability and rule of law as well as transparency for the overall development of the State.

The Governor tagged the 2024 Budget as ” Budget of Renewed commitment”

” I am delighted to lay before you a total budget size of N199, 879, 370,709.43 for the 2024 fiscal year

“Recurrent Expenditure- A total of N112, 925,350,954.18 representing 56 % of the total budget is earmarked for Recurrent Expenditure.

“Capital Expenditure- The sum of N86, 954,019,755.50 representing 44% of the total budget is set aside as Capital Expenditure for the year 2024.

” The Budget for the various sectors is as follows:Administrative Sector: Education- N41.9bn, Health N27.5bn, Environment N5.5bn, Local Government N6.3bn, Finance N13.1bn, Trade and Investment N3.8bn, Ministry of Science and Technology N1.7bn, Ministry of Works- N22.7bn, Water Resources N4.1bn, Lands and Urban Development N8.6bn, State Assembly N4.3bn and Information, Culture and Tourism N 2.6bn.

Sule assured the Assembly and the people of the State of full implementation of the budget, if finally passed into law.

Besides, he said that his administration has prioritized infrastructural development in order to improve on the standard of living of the people of the State.

Sule also said that his administration has employed 3500 secondary school teachers for quality education in the State.

He further said that his administration has absorbed casual staff in to permanent and pensionable appointments.

Responding, Rt. Hon Abel Yakubu Bala, the Acting Speaker of the House appreciated Gov. Sule for good presentation of the budget.

Abel congratulated Gov. Sule over his well deserved merittorius elevation to the status of a Fellow, Nigeria Society of Engineers.

He commended Gov. Sule for his transparency and fiscal financial discipline.

” Your Excellency, during the oversight function, preliminary reports indicate that since the creation of Nasarawa State, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has never be high and above projection.

” Infrastructural development have also received a boost and to this, we commend you most sincerely,” he said

The Acting Speaker appreciated Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, the former Speaker of the House for his remarkable achievements in the passage of many bills and resolutions in the last eight years and six months.

” He has contributed immensely to the stability of the legislature and the State.

” Rt. Hon Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi is a team player, dedicated, goal getter, transparent, hard working and resilient.

” He is an asset to this State and we shall continue to tap from his wealth of experience and reservour of leadership style,” he said

The Acting Speaker reassured that the 2024 Appropriation Bill will be given expeditious action which to be passed into law before Dec. 31st, 2023″

It would be recalled that on Nov.22, 2023, Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, presented N148.9bn 2023 budget to Nasarawa Assembly for consideration and approval.

Nasarawa Assembly elects new Speaker, Deputy.

Nasarawa State House of Assembly today elected Hon Danladi Jatau (APC. Kokona West) as its new Speaker.

The House also elected Hon Mohammed Oyanki (PDP Doma North) as its new Deputy Speaker.

Mr Ibrahim Musa, the Acting Clerk of the House announced the result during the House emergency sitting today in Lafia.

Hon Suleiman Azara ( APC- Awe South) nominated Hon Jatau for the position of Speakership which was seconded by Hon Larry Ven- Bawa ( APC- Akwanga North).

Hon Jatau was elected unopposed.

Hon Solomon Yakubu Akwashiki ( SDP- Lafia Central) nominated Hon Mohammed Oyanki, PDP Doma North for the position of Deputy Speaker which was seconded by Hon Hajara Danyaro ( APC- Nasarawa Central).

Hon Oyanki was also elected unopposed

The clerk thereafter sworn in Hon Jatau and Hon Oyanki as Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively.

In his acceptance speech, Hon Jatau, who untill his election as Speaker, was the Deputy Majority Leader of the House thanked the Honourable Members for the confidence reposed on him.

He pledged to promote unity among members of the House and other arms of government for the overall development of the State.

The new Speaker also pledged effective synergy with the executive arms so that the people of the State would continue to feel the impact of democracy.

Nasarawa Assembly elects new Speaker, Deputy.

Nasarawa State House of Assembly today elected Hon Danladi Jatau (APC. Kokona West) as its new Speaker.

The House also elected Hon Mohammed Oyanki (PDP Doma North) as its new Deputy Speaker.

Mr Ibrahim Musa, the Acting Clerk of the House announced the result during the House emergency sitting today in Lafia.

Hon Suleiman Azara ( APC- Awe South) nominated Hon Jatau for the position of Speakership which was seconded by Hon Larry Ven- Bawa ( APC- Akwanga North).

Hon Jatau was elected unopposed.

Hon Solomon Yakubu Akwashiki ( SDP- Lafia Central) nominated Hon Mohammed Oyanki, PDP Doma North for the position of Deputy Speaker which was seconded by Hon Hajara Danyaro ( APC- Nasarawa Central).

Hon Oyanki was also elected unopposed

The clerk thereafter sworn in Hon Jatau and Hon Oyanki as Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively.

In his acceptance speech, Hon Jatau, who untill his election as Speaker, was the Deputy Majority Leader of the House thanked the Honourable Members for the confidence reposed on him.

He pledged to promote unity among members of the House and other arms of government for the overall development of the State.

The new Speaker also pledged effective synergy with the executive arms so that the people of the State would continue to feel the impact of democracy.