A suspect, Joseph Ajegba, has narrated how and why he shot his friend in Ikun-Akoko in Akoko South West local government area of Ondo State.

Ajegba, who was paraded alongside a notorious car theft syndicate at the police headquarters in Akure, said he shot his friend for having sexual relationship with his girlfriend in the house he rented for her in the community.

Narrating how he shot his friend, Ajegba said he had dropped a bush meat for his girlfriend earlier in the day and went out in the night for another round of game.

According to him, “I was surprised when I got to the house to see another man having a sexual relationship with my girlfriend.”

His words, “I went out hunting after I had taken some bottles of beer but I ran out of cartridges. I wanted to return to the house of my girlfriend to sleep there. When I got there, I saw the door locked. I now went to the window, and I opened it and saw a co-hunter sleeping with my girlfriend. That was why I shot the gun in my hand.”

Parading the suspects, the state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Abayomi Oladipo said, “On the 23rd of August, 2024 at about 2300hrs, a case of attempted murder was reported to the Police, the victim went to his friend who is a divorcee in her house. One, Ajegba Joseph ‘m’, a hunter aged 38 years who is also having an affair with the woman, went to visit her on the same day in possession of an unlicensed single-barrel gun. However, upon sighting the victim with the woman in bed, the suspect shot the victim through the window side.”

Oladipo who also informed that a syndicate who specialised in snatching cars was arrested by the command, noted that the suspects were members of a four-man gang who specialised in inter-state car theft and snatching.

According to the CP, through intelligence gathering, the suspects were arrested in Ogun State, where they usually take the stolen vehicles to sell, stressing that seven vehicles were recovered while efforts were ongoing to apprehend others.

“On July 11, 2024, a petition was received at the Command detailing a daring armed robbery. A Toyota Corolla, a Tecno POP 5 phone, and N1.5 million in cash were stolen at gunpoint. Our Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit, using advanced intelligence, traced the perpetrators of the crime to Ogun State, where some suspects were arrested,” he said.

The CP identified the suspects as Akinsanya Sarafa Adeniyi, an alleged notorious receiver of stolen vehicles, known in certain circles as “Oba Idan.”

Also arrested was a female accomplice who produced fake vehicular documents and others who aided the principal suspect in evading arrest.

“Despite our success, the mastermind remains at large, and our search for him continues.”

On August 11, 2024, the CP narrated that a commercial motorcyclist was attacked in another act of violence, while simply trying to earn his daily bread.

Contracted to carry a passenger to Oke-Agbe, Adefarati Road in Akungba Akoko, the motorcyclist was ambushed by the passenger and two others who emerged from the bushes.

“Shot in the thigh, he was left for dead as they fled with his motorcycle. Fortunately, the victim survived and was able to identify one of his attackers, leading to the arrest of Saheed Musa, a member of the Neo Black Movement (Aiye Confraternity),” the police chief said.

Nigeria has become the third largest debtor to the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) as of June 30, 2024, marking a significant increase in the country’s borrowing from the institution.

This development has reflected a substantial shift in Nigeria’s financial landscape under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

According to the World Bank’s latest financial statements, Nigeria’s exposure to the IDA has surged by 14.4%, rising from $14.3 billion in the fiscal year (FY) 2023 to $16.5 billion in FY2024.

This $2.2 billion increase in borrowing has propelled Nigeria into the top three IDA debtors for the first time, moving up from its previous position as the fourth-largest borrower in 2023.

The fiscal year 2024 spans from July 2023 to June 2024, during which Nigeria received at least $2.2 billion from the World Bank.

This period aligns with President Tinubu’s administration, underscoring the growing reliance on international financial support amid domestic economic challenges.

Notably, this debt pertains exclusively to the IDA and is separate from any outstanding loans Nigeria has with the World Bank’s International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD).

In comparison to other top IDA debtors, Bangladesh retains its position as the largest borrower, with its exposure increasing from $19.3 billion in 2023 to $20.5 billion in 2024.

Pakistan follows on the second position with a stable exposure of $17.9 billion over the same period. Meanwhile, India, previously the third-largest borrower with $17.9 billion in 2023, saw its IDA exposure decrease to $15.9 billion in 2024, allowing Nigeria to surpass it.

Other notable IDA borrowers include Ethiopia, whose exposure grew from $11.6 billion in 2023 to $12.2 billion in 2024.

Kenya and Vietnam both hold exposures of $12.0 billion. Alongside Tanzania, Ghana, and Uganda, these countries round out the top ten IDA debtors, collectively accounting for 63% of the IDA’s total exposure as of June 30, 2024.

The IDA, a crucial arm of the World Bank, focuses on providing concessional loans and grants to the world’s poorest countries. These loans feature low interest rates and extended repayment periods, aiming to foster economic growth, reduce inequalities, and improve living conditions in developing regions.

According to reports, Nigeria secured a total of $4.95 billion in loans from the World Bank under Tinubu’s administration, amid growing concerns over the country’s escalating external debt servicing costs.

However, only about 16 per cent of these new loans have been received so far. The World Bank may approve an additional four loan projects for Nigeria this year, potentially totaling $2 billion.

Furthermore, data from the external debt stock report of the Debt Management Office (DMO) indicates that Nigeria’s total debt to the World Bank stood at $15.59 billion as of March 31, 2024.

Prospective Corps members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme posted to Jigawa State have voiced their dissatisfaction with the quality of meals provided for them at the orientation camp in Dutse, the State capital.

Reports indicated that numerous prospective corps members have criticized the NYSC management for serving what they claimed were insufficient and nutritionally deficient food portions.

The concerns were amplified by photographs shared online, showing a corps member holding a small serving of watery beans accompanied by a slice of yam.

One disgruntled corps member expressed frustration, stating, “That is what we have been facing. They have been feeding us this since we arrived at the camp. This is bad.”

The complaints have prompted a response from the NYSC’s acting spokesperson, Mrs. Carol Lembu, who assured that the issue would be promptly addressed. “Thank you for this information. We will look into this right away,” she stated.

Governors elected on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday declared that their resolve to support Rivers State governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, cannot be changed by any individual no matter how highly placed.

The governors stated this in response to a threat by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, Nyesom Wike, to set fire in their states for supporting Fubara.

They also described Wike’s comment as irresponsible and unbridled, and called on the heads of the national security apparatuses to take note of his threats to stoke the fire of violence at the sub-nationals as no one is above the laws of the land.

Wike, last week, threatened to set fire in states of PDP governors for supporting Fubara’s control of the party structure in the state.

The PDP governors had declared support for Fubara at their meetings in Enugu and Taraba States.

The battle between Wike and Fubara have defied several peace efforts even by President Bola Tinubu.

But reacting to Wike’s comment, the director general of PDP Governors Forum, Emmanuel Agbo, said governors of the party have always stood by and supported each other no matter the circumstances, a tradition Wike enjoyed in his days of travail as governor.

“Thus, we therefore maintain that our position on the affairs of the PDP in Rivers State, as unanimously resolved at our 2024, 3rd and 4th Meetings held in Enugu and Taraba States respectively are not subject to review by any individual no matter how highly placed.”

Agbo, in a statement, added that “the statements and threats to peaceful coexistence made by Wike to “Put fire” in the PDP controlled States are unbridled, irresponsible and without ambiguity totally unacceptable as it undermines efforts to build and maintain peace, cohesion, collaboration and mutual respect amongst leaders and members of the party. It is rather unfortunate that this is coming from someone who was once a member of this highly revered forum as a former governor.”

The governors stressed that the position of the Forum is neither personal nor does it, by any stretch of the imagination, undermine the relevance of any stakeholder in the party.

“Rather, as loyal party faithful, members of the Forum remain committed to that pristine practice that was intended to guarantee order, eliminate conflicting centres of loyalty epitomised by the situation in Rivers State and guard against distracting the Governor in the prosecution of his mandate. Wike benefitted wholly from that arrangement.

“We are irrevocably committed to working with the National Working Committee (NWC) of our great party, the PDP, in ensuring that Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State is conferred with all the privileges he is entitled to as a Governor elected on the platform of our party, both at the state and national levels.

“Our undiluted commitment to the unity of our party is paramount. The PDP has always been a party that values unity and collective progress. The recent actions of the governors, including their support for Governor Fubara, reflect their dedication to these values. It is crucial for all party members, including Wike, to work together towards common goals rather than pursuing personal vendettas.

“The Forum insists that it is incumbent on the National Working Committee of the PDP to invoke both official provisions and unofficial good offices platforms to find an amicable solution to the crisis in its Rivers State chapter. Similarly, if indeed the larger interests of Rivers State is their individual motivation, the warring parties should allow themselves to be guided by a spirit of give and take and eschewing, at all times, the incendiary posturing that inflames passions among their followers.

“It is inevitable for us to encourage dialogue and reconciliation continuously. The PDP has established mechanisms for addressing grievances and resolving conflicts, such as the recently constituted disciplinary and reconciliation committees; thus it is important for Wike to engage with these processes constructively, as dialogue and reconciliation are the pathways to resolving differences and strengthening the party.

“The Forum calls on the heads of the national security apparatuses to take note of threats by Wike to stoke the fire of violence at the sub-nationals as no one is above the laws of the land.”

Less than 24 hours after his loan move to Turkish Super Lig side Galatasaray, Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has witnessed a remarkable surge in his social media followership.

The reigning African footballer of the year joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan from Napoli for the 2024/25 season on Tuesday after the Italian club agreed to the dry loan move.

The move has not only boosted Osimhen presence in European football but also significantly elevated his social media profile.

According to sportsration.com‘s report, since Galatasaray officially announced the agreement with Napoli on their social media platforms, Osimhen has gained over 100,000 new followers on Instagram, with his count rising from 4.4 million to 4.5 million in less than 24 hours. This rapid growth underscores Osimhen’s influence as one of Africa’s most prominent footballers and highlights the excitement surrounding his move to Turkey.

Osimhen’s transfer to Galatasaray followed a dramatic transfer saga that saw his anticipated move to Chelsea collapsed on deadline day.

The Nigerian international was on the verge of joining Chelsea, but negotiations failed to progress, leaving him to stay in Naples. This came despite a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli, who were prepared to pay Osimhen a staggering €30 million per year over a four-year contract. However, the Nigerian super star opted to continue his career in Europe, leading to his loan move to Galatasaray.

The surge in Osimhen’s social media following further cements his status as one of the most influential African footballers globally, and his journey at Galatasaray is set to be closely followed by millions of fans around the world.

The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has proposed one year post-graduation training for engineers and called on the federal government to return funding of the council’s activities.

The President of COREN Engr. Prof. Sadiq Abubakar made the call on Tuesday at the 32 Engineering Assembly with the theme: “Regulating Engineering Profession for Shared Prosperity in Nigeria” in Abuja.

Prof Abubakar also disclosed that COREN and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) will commence accreditation of technical colleges in Nigeria in the coming academic session.

He said, “In response to the goals of the current FGN Administration, the Council approved the resuscitatation of the Supervised Industrial Training Scheme in Engineering (SITSIE) under the new name of Engineering Residency Programme (EREP) and planned to engage the National Assembly to seek legislative backing.

“This is a one-year post-graduation training programme for all engineering graduates of an accredited university or polytechnic, designed to meet practical experience requirements for the purpose of registration with COREN as a professional engineer or an engineering technologist similar to the practices of Medical, Pharmaceutical, etc professions”.

Prof. Abubakar said relevant organisations like NUC, NBTE, ITF, MAN, NSE, NATE, and others have been contacted and all expressed their readiness to participate and support the initiative.

He also stated that the Council has approved the creation of a new register for the cadre of Engineering Artisans in line with its mandate.

“The new NSQ levels 1-2 under the NSQF which FGN included in the Scheme of Services of Nigeria has given the required recognition and backing to the laudable policy”.

He added that arrangement has also reached advanced stage with NBTE and other relevant organisations for the inauguration of the SSC4E.

“This will herald the commencement of the processes of training, certification and licensing of artisans in Engineering Sector in Nigeria. COREN is the awarding body, NBTE is the regulatory body while NAE will chair the SSC4E comprising of diverse interest groups in Engineering including employers of labour, professional bodies, academia, private sector, etc in line with NSQF manual approved by NSC,” he said.

Speaking further, he said COREN, in order to check the incessant failures of engineering infrastructure, especially building collapse across the country, has constituted a “National Technical Committee to drive the ERME at national level similar to existing practice at regional and state levels”.

He added that the ERME inspectors are to be supported by Engineering Intelligence & Surveillance (EIS) Task Force and EIS Whistle Blowers operating at national, regional and state levels.

“COREN is ever ready to improve its performance in regulating engineering education, training of practitioners and their practices in line with the global ethics and standards to ensure the prevention of the failures engineering infrastructure and safeguard lives and Properties of the citizenry. The Council is therefore appealing to the FGN to continue to fund COREN similar to its peers in funding regime for the benefit of the nation the health sector. It is our hope and prayer that the FGN would reconsider its position to return the Council into funding regime for the benefit of the nation” he said.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development Ahmed Musa Dangiwa said the standards COREN sets and the professional ethics it enforces are critical to ensuring the quality, safety, and resilience of housing and infrastructure projects across the nation.

Dangiwa commended ongoing reforms and restructuring in COREN to effectively and efficiently implement the provisions of the COREN amended Act in monitoring and enforcing compliance in engineering practice.

He said, “As the Minister of Housing & Urban Development, I can tell you that effective regulation of the construction/built sector is key to my ministry, especially to curb the ugly developments of incessant collapse of buildings and other infrastructure”.

He commended COREN for rising to the occasion by playing a leading role amongst the Regulators in the built environment.

He further appreciated COREN for developing checklist to provide verifiable complete documentation of the construction process that allows tracking of actions or inactions to establish culpability in building collapse in Nigeria.

“This is geared towards finding lasting solution to the menace of building collapse in Nigeria,” he added.

Former spokesman to Obi/Datti campaign organization, Kenneth Okonkwo, has said the opposition parties cannot take power from President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Kenneth Okonkwo alleged that President Tinubu was able to overthrow the due process of Nigeria system to achieve his presidential ambition. He stated that the President cannot allow his overthrow by the opposition in 2027.

The lawyer said the opposition political parties in Nigeria have failed to live up to their expectations by holding the government responsible.

He explained this in an interview with Arise TV, on Tuesday.

He added that opposition parties have failed to prove to Nigerians they can provide good government if elected.

“Well, let me make it clear that as long as politics is concerned, the secret of acquiring political power is cohesion amongst your own group and collaboration with others. So coming together will always be an unbeatable denominator in a democratic process of acquiring power.

“However, I sincerely agree that the opposition is failing because they are concentrating on acquiring power from a ruling party rather than immediately after the election concentrating on consolidating their platforms and then taking on the ruling party on policies to convince Nigerians that they are the alternative force that should take over.

“The issue of the opposition trying to take power from a Tinubu will be a tall dream. And the reason is this, our electoral system and judicial system have been overthrown. As long as the electoral process is concerned. Here are my reasons, I was a member of the presidential team and I can tell you unequivocally that our electoral jurisprudence has been destroyed.

“And the courts did this by giving INEC discretion to do whatever they like. The courts say INEC has discretion on whether to transmit electronically or not. This is not what the law says. Let me make it clear in my own opinion. So power does not proceed any longer from the will of the people in Nigeria but from the discretion of INEC and from the desecration of the judiciary,” Okonkwo said.

The Nollywood legend aligned with the position of the former governor of Jigawa State, that the opposition would be wasting their time if they did not come together and form strong force before next election and live up to their responsibility of holding the current administration to account.

He emphasized that the Court in the last presidential election cases failed to uphold the law, but played to favour the APC.

Kenneth Okonkwo continued, “And having that as bottom line, the opposition they are just wasting their time. What Lamido said is true because a Tinubu outside government was able to overwhelm the system. What about a Tinubu inside government? Now let me tell you why I say our electoral jurisprudence has been overthrown. The court said if you do not bring your petition, if you do not bring all your witness statements on oath, if you don’t bring all your evidence within 21 days, your case is dead.

“Respectfully again, that’s not what the law says. The law says in section 285, subsection 5, petitions should be presented within 21 days. According to rule 4, subsection 1d, petitions simply means the facts that you need to prove, the grounds and the relief sought. It is not the evidence.

“In rule 5, the rule for procedure for election said evidence need not be stated in the petition but the court may give order that you should provide further particulars to prevent surprise and avoid unnecessary expense and to ensure fair and proper hearing of the suit.

“Meaning the court by subpoena can allow subpoena witnesses to give evidence after 21 days because that’s the only way that you will avoid unnecessary expense to the petition and ensure fair hearing. Why? An adverse witness will never voluntarily give you evidence that you will use against it.”

The Federal High Court in Lagos has jailed one Courage Ipaka for impersonating Nigerian singer Chinedu Okoli, popularly known as Flavour N’abania.

The convict was sentenced to two years imprisonment for duping a U.S. citizen, Yvelte M. Thompson, of $53,000.

Justice Dehinde Dipeolu handed down the sentence on Tuesday after Ipaka pleaded guilty to two counts brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The judge also gave Ipaka the option of a ₦2 million, fine and ordered the forfeiture of ₦7.9 m to the victim.

The EFCC’s Prosecutor Suleiman Suleiman presented evidence through the investigator, Azibagiri Ekpar, who explained how Ipaka executed the fraud.

“Ipaka impersonated Flavour by claiming he would organise shows in the United States and received payments through his Bitcoin wallets,” Ekpar said.

Ekpar further revealed that the EFCC uncovered the scam after receiving a petition from one Eyitayo Abiodun and others on behalf of Thompson.

“We invited Flavour, who came forward and denied any involvement in the allegations. Our investigation led us to Benin City, where we found that Ipaka Courage was the real culprit,” Ekpar said.

He added, “Ipaka admitted in his statement that he impersonated Flavour and scammed Mrs Thompson of $53,000 in 2021.

“Ipaka said he converted the funds into naira and deposited them into his Access Bank account.

“The sum of N7.9m was recovered from Ipaka’s accounts through the manager’s cheques from Zenith and Access banks.”

Justice Dipeolu, after reviewing the evidence, sentenced Ipaka to two years imprisonment with the option of a fine.

The Federal Government and the People’s Republic of China have agreed to partner on a crackdown on financial intelligence on anti-monetary laundering and countering the financing of terrorism.

A joint statement by the two countries on ‘Establishing a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Building a High-Level China-Nigeria Community with a Shared Community with a Shared Future’, released by the State House on Wednesday, said both countries would collaborate to encourage flexible and diverse regional and monetary and financial cooperation such as local currency swaps, to facilitate trade between China and Nigeria and make contributions to global financial stability.

At the invitation of the President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping, President Bola Tinubu was in China for a State Visit on Tuesday, and to attend the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

The statement said, “The two countries agree to carry out international cooperation on financial intelligence on anti-monetary laundering/ countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) and support Nigeria’s efforts to safeguard the order of its financial and foreign exchange markets and to crack down on financial crimes, including money laundering.”

According to the release, both countries have also committed to support the World Trade Organization’s focused multilateral trading system, oppose trade protectionism, promote trade and investment liberalisation and facilitation, and create a transparent and non-discriminatory business environment for cooperation.

“The two sides further support the establishment of more friendly relations between Chinese and Nigerian provinces/states and municipalities with a view to expand and deepen cooperation at the sub-national level.

“The two sides are committed to stepping up protection of lawful rights and interests of each other’s citizens on their territories and create a favourable business environment for each other’s companies.

“The two sides agreed to strengthen coordination and cooperation in multilateral affairs and jointly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order underpinned by international law and the basic norms governing international relations guided by the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. The two sides advocate an equal and orderly multi-polar world and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation and jointly uphold peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom, the common values of humanity, and commit to a new approach to international relations focusing on win-win cooperation.

“The two sides agreed that, over half a century since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, both countries have shown respect to each other and treat each other as equals. The relationship between the two countries has withstood the test of international changes, the mutual trust has been enhanced continuously, and practical cooperation has yielded fruitful outcomes. The two countries have embarked on a path of seeking strength through unity for a win-win cooperation.

“The two sides reaffirmed their firm support to each other on issues related to their respective core interests and major concerns, particularly sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Chinese side supports the Renewed Hope Agenda of Nigeria and the efforts made by Nigeria to maintain national unity, peace, security, and social stability, as well as promote economic development and improve people’s welfare. The Nigerian side firmly adheres to the one-China principle, acknowledges that there is but one China in the world, and the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. Nigeria opposes any form of “Taiwan Independence” or interference in the internal affairs of China and firmly supports all efforts made by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification.

“The two sides spoke highly of the leading roles played by FOCAC in advancing the quality of cooperation between China and Africa over the past 24 years since, i.e. establishment of FOCAC, believing that the successful convening of the Beijing Summit of FOCAC opened a new chapter of unity and cooperation between China and Africa. Guided by the Declaration of the Beijing Summit on Jointly Building a High-level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future and Action Plan, the two sides are willing to deepen their mutually beneficial practical cooperation between China and Africa to achieve common development and prosperity.

“The two sides reiterate their firm support to each other in independently seeking a development path that suits their own national interest and will further strengthen exchanges on experiences of governance. Nigeria highly commends that under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people have made great transformation through a Chinese path to modernization, and subscribes to the opinion that the Chinese path to modernization expands options of development and solutions of practices for mankind in seeking modernization. They also commended each other’s efforts towards the prioritization of sustainable development and economic growth through the implementation of various developmental initiatives aimed at achieving poverty alleviation and enhanced food security.

“The two sides spoke highly of the overall planning, coordinating and driving roles played by the Intergovernmental Committee and its Sub-committees between China and Nigeria and decided to continue their active coordination under this mechanism, as well as maintain close communication on the convening of the second Plenary Session of the China-Nigeria Intergovernmental Committee and sessions of its Sub-committees.

“Nigeria applauds and supports the vision of Building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind, The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and the Global Civilisation Initiative (GCI) proposed by President Xi Jinping. Both sides pledge to support each other’s efforts in multilateral affairs, including the UN, the G20 and BRICS. Both sides agree to support the increased calls for UN Security Council reforms with balanced geographical representation to reflect current geo-political realities. Both sides agree that human rights, including the right to development, are a common cause for all humanity and oppose the politicisation of human rights issues, i.e. the interference in other countries’ internal affairs under the pretext of human rights.

“China appreciates the efforts of Nigeria in enhancing regional peace and solidarity and promoting regional integration, with a strong emphasis on respecting democracy, good governance, and the rights of citizens. China supports the West African countries in addressing differences through friendly dialogue and consultations and to carry forward the regional integration. In this regard, China also urges other international actors to refrain from actions that could turn the region into a space for geopolitical contestation.

“Guided by the Cooperation Plan between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Jointly Promoting the Belt and Road Initiative, both countries remain committed to advancing high-level cooperation of the Belt and Road Initiative and FOCAC Conference outcomes with the Renewed Hope Agenda and the Eight Priority Agenda of the Nigerian Government to jointly promote high-level practical cooperation across board.

“China welcomes Nigeria to expand trade between the two countries through platforms such as the China International Import Expo (CIIE), the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) and the China Import and Export Fair (the Canton Fair), Lagos and Abuja International Trade Fairs, the Annual Nigerian Mining Week and through new channels such as e-commerce and overseas warehouses in China. China supports the import of more quality products from Nigeria into its market. Nigeria is willing to strengthen its partnership with China in the development of energy and mineral resources and to work with Chinese companies to set up plants in Nigeria to meet local consumption and export needs. China will encourage more competent Chinese companies to invest in Nigeria to contribute to the diversified and dynamic development of Nigeria’s economy.

“The two countries will seize the opportunities of developing productive capacity, further deepen overall reform, jointly explore cooperation in areas such as digital economy, green development, blue economy and agricultural modernisation, and foster new growth drivers in cooperation. Nigeria welcomes the Global Initiative for Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance and Global Initiative on Data Security proposed by the Chinese side and appreciates China’s efforts in promoting the rights of developing countries in artificial intelligence, network, data and other fields.

“The two sides agree to deepen cooperation on the infrastructure connectivity between the two countries. China proactively supports Nigeria in developing its domestic infrastructure construction, including transportation, ports and free trade zones, towards achieving integrated development and connectivity for industries. The two sides will make joint efforts to fully support Nigeria’s geographical and development advantage in West Africa to establish Africa’s flagship projects on cross-national and cross-regional cooperation.”

The Aramoko Archdeaconry of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Ekiti West Diocese, has suspended a vicar, Rev. Emmanuel Gbenga Erinle, over alleged s3xual misconduct.

The suspension order was conveyed to the embattled priest through a letter dated September 2, 2024, and signed by the Bishop of the Diocese, Rt. Revd. Cornelius Adagbada.

“The Diocese frowns upon the alleged s3xual misconduct, considering that such nefarious acts were making worshipers leave the church daily for other churches,” the letter stated.