ADVERTISEMENT
The Sun Nigeria
  • Home
  • National
  • Columns
    • Broken Tongues
    • Capital Matters
    • Diabetes Corner
    • Duro Onabule
    • Femi Adesina
    • Frank Talk
    • Funke Egbemode
    • Insights
    • Kalu Leadership Series
    • Kunle Solaja
    • Offside Musings
    • PressClips
    • Public Sphere
    • Ralph Egbu
    • Shola Oshunkeye
    • Sideview
    • The Flipside – Eric Osagie
    • Tola Adeniyi
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • The Sun TV
  • Sporting Sun
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • National
  • Columns
    • Broken Tongues
    • Capital Matters
    • Diabetes Corner
    • Duro Onabule
    • Femi Adesina
    • Frank Talk
    • Funke Egbemode
    • Insights
    • Kalu Leadership Series
    • Kunle Solaja
    • Offside Musings
    • PressClips
    • Public Sphere
    • Ralph Egbu
    • Shola Oshunkeye
    • Sideview
    • The Flipside – Eric Osagie
    • Tola Adeniyi
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • The Sun TV
  • Sporting Sun
No Result
View All Result
The Sun Nigeria
No Result
View All Result
ADVERTISEMENT
Ley Your Dreams Come Alive – With FCMB Loans
Home Features

CHINA REPORT: Sight and sound of Buhari’s visit to China

27th April 2016
in Features
0
CHINA REPORT: Sight and sound of Buhari’s visit to China
5
SHARES
140
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

From AIDOGHIE PAULINUS, Beijing 

[email protected]

+8613104087006

Monday, April 11, 2016, witnessed the much-awaited President Muhammadu Buhari’s state visit to China. The visit, no doubt, generated concerns, hence, the Babel of voices that heralded it. While those sympathetic to the ‘Change Agenda’ okayed the visit, enemies of the government, particularly, those in the former ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), never saw anything good in it.

In the beginning 

Prior to the commencement of the visit, Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, had in a statement said the working visit was aimed at securing greater support from Beijing for the development of Nigeria’s infrastructure, especially in the power, roads, railways, aviation, water supply and housing sectors.

Adesina also said President Buhari’s talks with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang and the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples’ Congress, Zhang Dejiang, will also focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation in line with the Federal Government’s agenda for the rapid diversification of the Nigerian economy, with emphasis on agriculture and solid minerals development.

He stated that it was expected that in the course of the visit, several new agreements and memoranda of understanding to boost trade and economic relations between Nigeria and China will be concluded and signed, adding that the agreements include a framework agreement between the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the National Development and Reform Commission of the Peoples’ Republic of China to Boost Industrial Activities and Infrastructural Development in Nigeria.

Others agreements Adesina outlined were a framework agreement between the Federal Ministry of Communications and the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, and a Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria and China on Scientific and Technological Cooperation.

President Buhari’s entourage 

Buhari was in China in company with the National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Moguno (retd); Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Musa Mohammed Bello; Defence Minister, Brig General Mansur Muhammad Dan-Ali (retd); Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi; Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika; Minister of Power, Works & Housing, Babatunde Fashola; Minister of Science & Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu; Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah; and Water Resources Minister, Suleiman Adamu. Governors of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai; Jigawa State, Badaru Abubakar; Yobe State, Ibrahim Giedam; Benue State, Samuel Ortom; Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi; Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun, the Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, including heads of agencies and parastatals were also in attendance.

Ambassador Lolo took a swipe at President’s critics 

On the sideline of the visit, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bulus Paul Zom Lolo, apparently referring to critics of Buhari’s frequent overseas trip, said Nigerians owe the president a great debt of gratitude for always travelling abroad, using his goodwill for the benefit of Nigerians.

Lolo declared that those criticising the president were rather uninformed, noting that Nigeria has benefited a lot from the President’s frequent trips.

$6Billion infrastructure loan too

Apart from the $5 billion window revealed by Ambassador Lolo that the CBN Governor signed with China, which he said, was an addition to the nation’s foreign reserve, China and Nigeria also agreed on a $6 billion loan to fund infrastructural projects across the length and breadth of Nigeria.

Foreign Affairs Minister said the loan is a credit on the table as soon as Nigeria identified projects it would expend the loan on.  Stating that there was no agreement involved in the provisional loan, Onyeama added that what the nation needed was just to identify the projects and the nation would access the loan.

China grants Nigeria 700 scholarships

Minister of Science and Technology revealed in Beijing that the Chinese Government had granted 700 annual scholarships to Nigerians. The development is sequel to China’s earlier offer of 100 scholarships annually. In addition, 1,000 Nigerians would be given vocational and technical training by China annually.

Admitting that previous governments did not pay attention to science and technology, Onu, said it was a thing of joy that Buhari was paying the necessary attention and was committed to the growth of science and technology.

Dangote signed a $2 billion loan 

Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote on Tuesday, April 12  stormed Beijing to secure a $2 billion loan from the Industrial Commercial Bank of China Limited. The loan, according to Dangote, is for two cement plants in Nigeria, saying that the interest was fair enough.

The signing of the agreement was witnessed by President Buhari.

El-Rufai, Amaechi detest controversy 

Unknown to many, Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai and his friend, the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, do not like controversy as some would want us to believe. They always try as much as they can to steer themselves out of controversy.

This other side of theirs that people don’t know was displayed by the duo during the President’s visit to China when Daily Sun accosted them for interview.

In an apparent move to stay clear of any controversy or media attention, the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, chose to remain silent.

For el-Rufai in particular, even though he had granted several issues-based, constructive and insightful interviews that hit the newsstand to this reporter in the past, it wasn’t the first time he would refuse granting interview to his over five-year media friend, most importantly, if he knew it would serve the public any good than controversy.

In all, el-Rufai and Amaechi were very noticeable as they participated fully during the visit and were not left behind in the array of activities lined up for the president and his team. While el-Rufai was in Agbada and sometimes, French Suit, Amaechi adorned the traditional Niger Delta attire throughout.

Buhari in the Forbidden City

Having arrived at the Beijing Capital International Airport  (BCIA) in the evening of April 11th and received by China’s Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Cheng Guoping, President Buhari had on April 12 attended the the China-Nigeria Forum on Production Capacity and Investment Cooperation. The event which took place at the Diaouyutai Hall, State Guest House, was organized by the China-Africa Development Fund, in collaboration with the Nigerian Embassy in China.

Buhari had during the forum, moved for the reduction of trade imbalance that had existed between the two countries. The imbalance is currently in favour of China and Buhari asked both business partners to work harder towards reducing it.

Buhari said the future was bright for both Chinese and Nigeria business communities, expressing confidence that the Nigerian policies will make Nigeria the investment destination of the choice of the Chinese investors.

Speakers from both sides dwelt on the Nigeria-China economy, showing great potentials for robust economic relations between both countries. Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission, Xu Shaoshi, who particularly spoke on the potentials of China in production capacity, said China viewed Africa as a potential destination for deepening production capacity.

From the venue of the forum, Buhari proceeded to the ancient Palace Museum located in the ‘Forbidden City,’ the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. He was accompanied by the National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Moguno (retd); governors, aides and journalists.

The museum displays ancient Chinese architecture and arts and showcases the history of the imperial court of the last two dynasties. The collection so far contains 1,800,000 sets of artefacts.

The building of the museum began from 1406 to 1420 in the reign of the Ming dynasty Yongle Emperor. The Forbidden City served as the seat of power for twenty-four emperors over the course of 491 years. It is divided into outer and inner courts.

In the evening of April 12, the president met with his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall where they had talks that largely centred on the economy. Both countries agreed to reinforce military and civil service relations and signed agreements and memorandums of understanding in various sectors.

President Buhari had during the bilateral talks, directed the setting up of technical committees to firm up discussions on new joint Nigeria/China rail, power, manufacturing, agricultural and solid mineral projects.

China assured Nigeria that it will offer full assistance in the development of infrastructure in the country, coupled with capacity building.

Part of the fruitful talks President Buhari had with Jinping was China’s readiness in establishing key projects in Nigeria such as refineries, power plants, mining companies, textile manufacturing and food processing industries.

During the encounter, an assistance of $15 million agricultural aid was offered to Nigeria in order to set up 50 agricultural demonstration farms in the country.

Similarly, President Buhari, on April 13 met with the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China, Mr. Zhang Dejiang. He also held talks with Li Keqiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China. At both sessions, economic issues took greater part of Buhari’s agenda. On this day, the president also inspected the China Aerospace Science Technology Corporation Centre in Beijing.

On the sideline of the visit, President Muhammadu Buhari also had a session with African ambassadors in China and also had audience with Nigerian community in China in the premises of the Nigerian Embassy in Beijing where he also commissioned the new residence of the Nigerian Ambassador.

President Buhari left Beijing in the morning of Thursday, April 14, for Shanghai and Guangzhou. The president toured the Shanghai Free Trade Zone and Commercial Aircraft Cooperation of China Ltd and visited the Guangzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone. In both cities, Buhari took steps that would advance the economic fortunes of Nigeria.

sunnews

sunnews

Related Posts

Rising fertiliser price: Nigerians should brace up for food scarcity –Chukwu, Ebonyi don
Features

Rising fertiliser price: Nigerians should brace up for food scarcity –Chukwu, Ebonyi don

26th June 2022
6 months after Abuja pyramid launch: Nigerian rice disappears from markets
Features

6 months after Abuja pyramid launch: Nigerian rice disappears from markets

26th June 2022
My rag to riches story –Gregory Ibe, APGA governorship candidate
Features

My rag to riches story –Gregory Ibe, APGA governorship candidate

26th June 2022
Next Post
The wing commander is dead and Chris, the Customs officer, bled to death

The wing commander is dead and Chris, the Customs officer, bled to death

US Presidential Primaries: Trump sweeps all five states, Clinton 4

US Presidential Primaries: Trump sweeps all five states, Clinton 4

Press freedom declines in Africa, world—Freedom House

Press freedom declines in Africa, world---Freedom House

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Highlights

Ecuador president: Indigenous leader is trying to stage coup

China: Xi taking part in Hong Kong anniversary but no word on visit

European mayors duped into calls with fake Kyiv mayor

Iran and EU say Vienna nuke talks will resume in coming days

Britain: Strike snarls UK trains for a third day

Soludo blames delay in commencement of road construction on non passage of revised 2022 budget

Trending

Ogun: 5 die, 3 injured on Abeokuta-Sagamu expressway accident
National

Ogun: 5 die, 3 injured on Abeokuta-Sagamu expressway accident

26th June 2022
0

(NAN) Five persons have been confirmed dead on Saturday while three others sustained injuries, in an accident...

Nasarawa Sanitation: Our priority is to ensure hygiene, safety against disease outbreak - Environment Commissioner

Nasarawa Sanitation: Our priority is to ensure hygiene, safety against disease outbreak – Environment Commissioner

26th June 2022
Iraqi PM heads to Saudi Arabia, Iran for new dialogue

Iraqi PM heads to Saudi Arabia, Iran for new dialogue

26th June 2022
Ecuador president: Indigenous leader is trying to stage coup

Ecuador president: Indigenous leader is trying to stage coup

26th June 2022
China: Xi taking part in Hong Kong anniversary but no word on visit

China: Xi taking part in Hong Kong anniversary but no word on visit

26th June 2022
ADVERTISEMENT

Follow us on social media:

Latest News

  • Ogun: 5 die, 3 injured on Abeokuta-Sagamu expressway accident
  • Nasarawa Sanitation: Our priority is to ensure hygiene, safety against disease outbreak – Environment Commissioner
  • Iraqi PM heads to Saudi Arabia, Iran for new dialogue
  • Ecuador president: Indigenous leader is trying to stage coup
  • China: Xi taking part in Hong Kong anniversary but no word on visit
  • European mayors duped into calls with fake Kyiv mayor
  • Iran and EU say Vienna nuke talks will resume in coming days
  • Britain: Strike snarls UK trains for a third day
  • Soludo blames delay in commencement of road construction on non passage of revised 2022 budget
  • Soludo restates passion for sports, promises to develop sector
  • Egypt’s president holds talks with visiting Qatari emir
  • Pope hails families, blasts ‘culture of waste’ after Roe
  • NOSDRA confirms Well leakage at Eroto’s OML 18
  • I’m proud of our youths excelling at home, abroad, says Buhari in Rwanda
  • Russia fires missiles across Ukraine, cements gains in east
  • New Colombian president pledges to protect rainforest
  • Allinor Ugochukwu emerges NBA Owerri branch chairman
  • ICAN inaugurates new executives
  • Why I can’t kiss deeply in movies –Chizzy Alichi, actress
  • Peter Obi: Igbo youths blow hot over alleged assassination plot

Categories

  • Abuja Metro
  • Anambra Watch
  • Arts
  • Broken Tongues
  • Business
  • Business Week
  • Cartoons
  • Citizen Joe
  • Columns
  • Cover
  • Culture
  • Duro Onabule
  • Editorial
  • Education Review
  • Effect
  • Elections
  • Entertainment
  • Events
  • Features
  • Femi Adesina
  • Food & Drinks
  • Frank Talk
  • Funke Egbemode
  • Gallery
  • Global Square by Kenneth Okonkwo
  • Health
  • Insights
  • Kalu Leadership Series
  • Kunle Solaja
  • Kunle Solaja
  • Letters
  • Lifeline
  • Lifestyle
  • Literary Review
  • Marketing Matters
  • Muiz Banire
  • National
  • News
  • Offside Musings
  • Opinion
  • oriental news
  • Politics
  • Press Release
  • PressClips
  • Public Sphere
  • Ralph Egbu
  • Shola Oshunkeye
  • Sideview
  • South-west Magazine
  • Sponsored Post
  • Sporting Sun
  • Sports
  • Sun Girl
  • Tea Time
  • The Flipside – Eric Osagie
  • The Sun Awards Live
  • The Sun TV
  • Thoughts & Talks
  • Time Out
  • Today's cover
  • Tola Adeniyi
  • Travel
  • Travel & Tourism
  • Trending
  • TSWeekend
  • Turf Game
  • Uncategorized
  • Updates
  • Views from Abroad
  • Voices
  • World
  • World News
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Paper Ad Rate
  • Online Ad Rate
  • The Team
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

© 2019 The Sun Nigeria - Managed by Netsera.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • National
  • Columns
    • Broken Tongues
    • Capital Matters
    • Diabetes Corner
    • Duro Onabule
    • Femi Adesina
    • Frank Talk
    • Funke Egbemode
    • Insights
    • Kalu Leadership Series
    • Kunle Solaja
    • Offside Musings
    • PressClips
    • Public Sphere
    • Ralph Egbu
    • Shola Oshunkeye
    • Sideview
    • The Flipside – Eric Osagie
    • Tola Adeniyi
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • The Sun TV
  • Sporting Sun

© 2019 The Sun Nigeria - Managed by Netsera.

Posting....