Chinese Embassy Supports Automobile Industry In NIgeria, Takes Delivery Of GAC Brand

The Chinese Ambassador to NIgeria, His Excellency, Mr. Cui Jianchun has said that NIgeria has potentials of growing the automobile industry, exporting to other countries in the process.

According to a statement signed by the  Executive Assistant to GM Commercial CIG Motors, Adaugo Okoroji he expressed this on July 9, 2021, when receiving delivery of  a  diplomatic fleet from GAC Motors  in the Nigerian capital Abuja. 

"This remarkable development will place Nigeria on an industrial landmark to other African countries both in economic advancement as well as strengthened diplomatic ties with the aim of encouraging foreign investment.

"The  Diplomatic Delivery of the GAC Nigeria vehicles to the Chinese Embassy underlines the strength and cooperation between both Nations, bringing Know-how and Technology to a new level and marking the start of further Industrialization; while creating jobs and improving the living standards through independent manufacturing, in order to achieve a sustainable socio-economic development in Nigeria," he said.

The Chinese Ambassador said that the ceremony is the result of a long lasting relationship between GAC Motors Nigeria and the Lagos State Government. In a Milestone that was celebrated on the 4th of March, 2021. 

"GAC MOTOR Nigeria entered a successful Joint Venture with the Lagos State Government, where H.E. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu signed an agreement to assemble and Produce GAC vehicles in a state of the art assembly plant in Lagos, marking the next step of the GAC Motor Brand’s local operation and effort to impact positively in the life of Nigerians," he added.

H.E Mr. Cui Jianchun, in his speech,  used the platform to express China’s and his personal support for the Nigerian Industry and the support and growth of GAC Motor Nigeria together with Lagos State and the Nigerian Government. 

He also used the platform to inform the audience that, “This really is an important time for me, I want to share with you, that yesterday I presented my strategy – Nigeria China GDP Strategy for the next 50 years cooperation. 

"I want to let you know that this year is very special year, as both countries are celebrating 50 years anniversary since we started diplomatic relations 50 years ago in 1971. What I mean here is that in my strategy, one of the most important prioritized areas is the INDUSTRY.” 

He further added “Without Industry you cannot get rich, you cannot get young people to work in this country, so what I mean here is that today is a good testament that the Chinese embassy including myself support the industry, the Motor industry in Nigeria in form of GAC Motors Nigeria. 

"I believe that in the future if we get the confidence and get the support from the young Nigerian people, that GAC Motor Nigeria could send more young Nigerians to go to China to learn not only about Chinese culture, but most importantly about skills. In my strategy I think Industry, Technology and also Talent is very important for the development of Nigeria. 

“I also want to take this opportunity to mention that GAC Motor not only represents a Chinese brand, I do believe this is also a good opportunity to let young Nigerians represent a local brand like GAC Motor Nigeria.”

He assured that the partnership is gearing towards reinforcing the commitment of both parties in fostering massive economic growth of the Nigerian Economy through business collaborations with China and as a role model for other countries and brands to follow this business model on a political and diplomatic level. 

Following the handover, GM Commercial and Head of Communication of GAC Motor Nigeria, Mr.Jubril Arogundade  said he was delighted by the development.

” GAC Motors is today, very delighted to venture into a partnership with the Chinese Embassy. 

"This partnership is not just about growth, but it is a huge reflection and significance, to importance of the wide acceptance of the Chinese innovations and technology in the world and especially here in Nigeria where GAC Motors also operates its automobile company. 

"GAC Motors identifies with young, innovative and brilliant individuals, and our business in Nigeria has enormously carried them along as the visionaries of tomorrow. 

"We are glad to continue to showcase our strength in automobiles innovation through their young energies. 

"Our brand has brought hope to the youth by creating industrialization; a factory where many talented Nigerians will have the opportunity to work and prosper as well. These youths are the future of Nigeria and the future is important to us at GAC Motor.”

Those at the ceremony included H.E. Mr. Cui Jianchun, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr.Guo Zhiqiang Counselor of the Chinese Embassy, Mr.Jubril Arogundade GM Commercial and Head of Communication of GAC Motor Nigeria, as well as Mr. Qian Jin Business Director of GAC Motor Nigeria, Attended the prestigious handover ceremony.

It would be recalled that GAC Motors has invested in the future of mobility in Nigeria, and have continued to strengthen our value through strategic partnerships with Government and organizations, while delivering excellent service which is primary to the brands representation.

GAC Motor Nigeria in recent years has achieved continuous growth results, fully demonstrating the quality, performance and excellence in service of this Premium product and the trust it enjoys within the Governmental and Diplomatic environment.

Kidnapped Students : Kaduna Speaker Commiserates with School Management, Parents

Mike Odeh James

Speaker Kaduna State House of Assembly , Rt. Honourable Yusuf Zailani today visited Bethel Baptist High School , Kaduna to Commiserate with the Management of the school and parents  of Kidnapped students.

More than 100 students of the school were captured early Monday ,July 5 ,2021 morning in what many described  as  the worst kidnapping case in the State .

The Speaker ,who was represented by Hon . Ekene Adams expressed sadness over the incident and promised to work closely with the Executive arm of Government to ensure the kidnapped students are rescued.

Speaking during the visit Hon. Ekene Adams said:  " I' m here on behalf of the Speaker Kaduna State House of Assembly Rt. Honourable Yusuf Zailani ,who wanted to be here in person, but could not due to the demise of his sister

"He sent me here to encourage you all at this trying times and inform you that government is never asleep over the security challenges of our dear state." 

On the issue of  kidnapped students , he said, " It is unfortunate that certain people have choosing to play politics with the security situation challenging our unity but enough is enough." 

He however said, "  Let's keep hope alive and support the government and the governor in the fight against this menace of insecurity and their agents because only our collective efforts can give us the desired results .

" I thank you, I will return with your grievances to the speaker and believe measures Will taken and efforts will be made towards securing the freedom of this pupils I thank you all for your understand and may God Almighty help us."

We See All African As Brothers, Hon. Zailani Assured Visiting South West State of Somalia President

The Speaker of Kaduna State House of Assembly/Chairman Northern Speakers Forum, Rt. Honourable Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani has said that Nigerians see all Africans as their brothers.

According to a statement signed by his SA Media and Publicity, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, Zailani expressed this when he received the President South West State of Somalia, Abdiaziz Hassan Mohammed alongside his delegation, at the Kaduna State House of Assembly on Tuesday July 6, 2021.

"Here in Nigeria, we see all African countries as our brothers and remain poised to playing the big brother role, owing to our population strength of over 200 million inhabitants," he said

Zailani told the visitors that Somalia has a lot of similarities with Nigeria. 

"Just like ours, your country is a Federal Republic. Your country has a lot of potentials and I believe in the nearest future, it would be a pride to our dear African continent.

"I am pleased that your country's  new provisional constitution which  was passed in August 2012, is further reforming Somalia, leading to the formation of the Federal Government of Somalia, paving way for massive reconstruction of your capital city,  Baidoa after years of insurgency almost brought it to its knees," Zailani said.

Speaking further, he said South West State of Somalia

 population estimate of 2017, which is over 5 million citizens, should be an advantage for them to plan better.

"Kaduna State our sub national, boasts of a population of a little over 10 million. We are taking advantage of that human resource in developing talents in sports and other non formal education sectors like agriculture.

"Kaduna is the largest producer of ginger,  in Nigeria and it's quality is said to be among the most sought the world over, we are also one of the largest producer of Maize.

"Presently, the state government has embarked on a massive urban renewal scheme, which is targeted at creating an enabling environment and shoring up direct foreign investments in the state," Zailani informed.

He told the South West State of Somalia that Kaduna State practices open governance, which is an indices for rating transparency in governance.

The Speaker added that although the state is multi cultural and multi religious, they cohabit peacefully.

"What I will tell you today is, you can learn from the system of governance in our state and there is no better teacher, than the Executive Governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, who inspires us all.

"The key to success is having a dedicated, focused and committed leader. If that is in place, every other thing falls inline," he added.

He pointed out that Somalia which maintains an informal economy mainly based on livestock, remittances from its people working abroad, and telecommunications, has huge potentials. 

"I believe Mr. President, you have the capacity to translate same to reality," he added.

Zailani speaking further, said, "Once again I welcome you to Kaduna State and NIgeria, and I will take  you on a tour of our beautiful capital city of Kaduna metropolis, so you can see for yourself and observe one or two things you can take back to Somalia and it's wonderful people."

In his remarks, the President of the South West State of Somalia, Abdiaziz Hassan Mohammed said that they learnt a lot from their visit to Kaduna State.

"it is an honour to us to visit this historic city and heart of the Northern Nigeria Kaduna State.

"We learn a lot from the state government. We had meetings with commissioners, governor and his deputy.  Now we are in Kaduna Assembly where  we have been briefed on  governance.

"On behalf of the South West State of

Somalia, the president thanks you for the hospitality shown to us throughout our visit.

"We have learnt a lot from this our visit," he admitted.

 The Entourage of the President of the South West State of Somalia included, Abdulahi Ali Watiin (Chief of Staff of the President),  Abdifatah Mahat Abdi (Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the President),  Ahmed Mathobe (Ministry of Planning, Investment and Economic Development) and  Ahmed Mohammed Hussein (Minister of Finance).  

Others are, Mohammed Ali Hassan, (Minister of Commerce and Industry), Kasim Mohammed Abubakar (Member of Parliament), Shuaib Nour Hussein (Secretary, Office of the President). Ahmed Ibraahim Bulle (Camera Man, Office of the President) and  Feysal Mohammed Isack (Reporter, Office of the President).

2023 Presidency: Zoning A Party, Affair, Atiku Group Replies Southern Governors

Following the demands by the Southern Governors Forum that all parties should cede thier Presidential candidates for the 2023 elections to the zone, a group loyal to former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has called on them to remain calm and hope for the best.

This was contained in a statement signed by National Coordinator Northern Youth Advocate For Atiku (NOYAA), Honourable Yahuza Yusuf   in his reaction to the Southern Governors Forum.

The group told Atiku's supporters that there is no cause for alarm, stressing that zoning remains a party affair, not that of the governors.

"We as ardent supporters of our leader and mentor, urge all youth and his supporters across the country to remain calm. We are optimistic that democratic tenets of political parties cannot be hijacked by governor's," it stated.

Honourable Yusuf explained that Atiku has the wealth of experience and the charisma to lead NIgeria to prosperity of given the chance in 2023.

"Looking at his pedigree, none living for now, is a near match. Atiku remains the best shot for NIgeria in 2023," the statement added. 

It would be recalled that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who is the Wazirin Adamawa was the candidate of main opposition, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 elections, where he helped the party reclaim several States from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

2023: Mr. LA Admired Bride Of Kaduna Central

Less than two years in to the 2023 general elections that would usher in a new administration, politicking for governor, Senatorial and Houses of Assembly seats have commenced in earnest.

Candidates are quietly but vigorously reaching out to critical stakeholders and forming strategic alliances so that the outcome would favour them come 2023.

Kaduna State in North West of the country  is one of the key battleground states and elections into whatever  office would be keenly contested by contending forces. 

Right now, the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) and the main opposition, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), are locked in a make or mar jostle over which party wins in Nigeria's third most populous state .

In the same vein, one of the make or mar contests would take place in Kaduna Central Senatorial District. 

Two years ago, the ruling party, APC 's candidate for the Senatorial seat, Uba Sani was locked in battle of wits with  Comrade Shehu Sani who was the Senator representing  Kaduna Central at the Senate.

Shehu Sani was edged out of the APC by a combination of forces loyal to  the Governor and Uba Sani, his former  protege. 

He went on to contest under the banner of People's Redemption Party (PRP) and lost, finishing third after APC and the PDP.

However, a third and powerful force appeared on the scene in 2019, it was the force that would change the political landscape of Kaduna Central Senatorial District for good.

Mr Lawal Adamu Usman, who many had not heard of before, declared for the PDP and won the primary election in the party to become the PDP flag bearer in the Kaduna Central Zone.

At the election proper, Mr. LA as Lawal Adamu Usman is popularly known,  took the polity of the state by storm.

With youthful ambience, vigour and politicking that was devoid of bitterness, violence and the normal political demagogues that characterised the polity, Mr Lawal Adamu Usman  dashed to the second position after being narrowly edged out by the candidate of the APC

 

However, many political watchers and  analysts have said that Mr. LA won in that contest but simply edged out by "Federal Might".

Even at that, many more were puzzled at how the youthful candidate came out of the bolt and almost clinched the Kaduna Central Zone senate seat

" Mr LA did his homework very well. As a political analyst and  young with a good vision for his people, he painstakingly addressed the issues confronting the people and presented himself as one who could solve these issues, "  Mr Dahiru Mohammed Umar, the Chairman of Alterkonsult said.

Umar further explained that while other candidates were engaged in mudslingings, Mr. LA was busy visiting communities in the seven local government areas  that make up his zone.

"Each time, he visits, he would identify with the women, elderly, farmers, traders and the youth.

"As a youth himself, Lawal Adamu Usman connected well with the youth and showed respect to the elderly. He did not bother to campaign as others did,"  Dahiru added.

According Dahiru Mohammed Umar, "I believe strongly that Mr. LA won the senatorial seat but was edged out by those who continue to hold Nigeria back. 

Mr Umar  said that given the unpopularity of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the intra-party squabbles in the party, it was seriously weakened and everyone could see that it was heading for the rocks.

He continued further, "We did an assessment tour of all the seven local government areas in Kaduna Central Senatorial District and found out only two candidates were very visible.

"Honorable Lawal Adamu Usman was overwhelming favoured by all to win, while the PRP came second. 

He further explained,  "However, during the election proper, we observed many irregularities such as late arrival of voting materials, the non-use of PVCs and thumbprinting of ballot papers. 

As law abiding Nigerians we made our findings known to the authorities, but the Federal Government is led by APC."

According to Geoman Christopher, the Youth Leader of the Igbo Community in Chikun Local Government Area,  "We all know that the Igbos in Chikun Local Government constitute a huge voting block.

"We voted massively for Mr Lawal Adamu Usman. Not only the Igbos, the Idomas, the Igalas, the Yorubas and the natives of the state supported LA.

"If you combine the votes of the non-indigenes and the indigenes in areas such as Kakuri, Kajuru, Gonin Gora, Kakau, Television, Sabo, the PDP candidate won overwhelming".

Moving to Igabi,  Bala Jelani Kabir a resident, also believed that Mr. Usman won going by the number of supporters who thronged out to vote for him .

He continued,  "Even today or next election, all the people of Igabi would troop out massively for Lawal Adamu Usman for what he stands for."

As the the 2023 polls draws nearer, Mr. Lawal Adamu Usman has indicated that he would contest for the Kaduna Central Zone ticket. He made this known in a post on his Facebook page.

Furthermore, Umar, his close associate also confirmed that Mr. LA would be in contention.

"We can't afford to lose the likes of Lawal Adamu, he is an asset for the people of Kaduna as a whole and so we are putting pressure on him to contest and Insha Allah, he would contest," Umar said.

ODDS IN HIS FAVOUR 

Political pundits in the state have posited that given the current state of quandary in the ruling APC in Kaduna, the party has become so weak to mount serious campaign and win.

Secondly, by the hike in school fees in state owned institutions of higher learning, the APC and its candidates have been demarketed to a point of no return. 

This could be seen in the recent bye election in Zaria where the candidate of the APC was roundly trounced.

Mr. LA's huge popularity, coupled with his philanthropic leanings have also given him an edge over any candidate of the APC.

Another thing that would work in his favour is his visibility in  the seven local government areas of his zone. 

After the 2019 election, he did not just retire or take a backseat.

He was constantly on the road from one ward to the other, training women, buying fertilisers for farmers, giving scholarship to indigent students and caring for the poor.

All these have given him a solid footing in 2023.

North West Concludes Plans For Cricket Clinic In Kaduna

Plans have been concluded by the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, North West Zone to hold a one-day Coaching Clinic on Development of Cricket.

A statement signed by the Zonal Coordinator North West, Alhaji Abdullahi Idris, said the clinic will be held on July 5 in Kaduna.

"We have concluded arrangements in collaboration with the Kaduna State Ministry of Sports Development and the Cricket Association to hold a one-day clinic to develop the sport at the grassroots," it said.

The Zonal Coordinator informed that the clinic which is targeted at primary and secondary schools within Kaduna is tagged, "Catch Them Young."

"We are optimistic that on July 5, the main bowl of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium will come alive to host this very important clinic," he added.

The statement however, warned all participants that they must strictly adhere to all COVID-19 protocols, to halt the spread of the virus.

"We expect all participants to ensure strict compliance to COVID-19 protocols as handed down by the NCDC by use of facemasks, hand sanitizers and others," it added.

Protect Local Dialects, Culture By Using Cultural Days in Schools- Stakeholders in Education

The Director of Women hood school of health science-kaduna Mr Nurudden bello has called on Nigerians to take advantage of school cultural day celebration toward uniting students ,while teaching the young once the importance of  promoting their  traditional and cultural dance and attire

Speaking to journalist during the school cultural day celebration,he says there is need to teach the young once the vital roles local dance play in uniting the people irrespective of their tribe,cultural and historical background.

According to him, apart from sports, entertainment industries which unifies Nigerians, culture is another avenue that  bringing Nigerians together

Student Cultural Troupe  from different  tribes ,entertained the guests with their best and  cultural performance,food and drinks s in their traditional  and cultural attires that makes todays event a remarkable one

Adding that the school has many students from different cultural background,hence the need for each and every one of them to immensely showcase his/her culture for the benefit of the general public to know the values of other people tribes and cultures to promote peace and unity among all the Citizens across the 36 states of Nigeria

He explained that the essence of the celebration is to create the awareness in the students that “we are different types of people, but civilisation has taught us to live together as one.

The educationist added  its really high time for all Nigerian schools to be celebrating cultural day to help teach our children the importance of our langugaes,cultural backgrouns,so as to learned to live together and promote better understanding amond dofferent faith base organization.

Over seven indigenous tribes participated in the contest which included Yoruba, Hausa, Fulani, gyagyi, Nufe,Adara and other tribes.

The program is aimed at promoting religious, cultural and ethnic harmony through cultural dance.

 

The school director stressed the need for parents to be teaching their childrens their local languages, and promote wearing traditional and cultural dressing in order to save their culture against going extention

“its high time to stand up and start teaching our children our culture and our real identity not copying foreigh cultures”

“Our culture is good more than the once our childrens are borrowing from foreign countries”

Pastor Yohanna Buru , The national president of peace revival and recounciliation foundation of Nigeria is a special guess at the event

He called on federal republic of Nigeria to create a National cultural day celebration with the aims of bringing together all the cultural troups across the country

Adding  that this would sure help in bringing back peace,unity and better understanding among different faith base organization across the country

He urged every parents to be teaching their kids their local tribes and langugaes,so as to save their own against going extinction