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CMG Hosts “Written in the Sky: My China Story” Release Ceremony in Abuja

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By Michael Onjewu, Abuja

The China Media Group (CMG) hosted a special release ceremony of the global solicitation results, themed “Written in the Sky: My China Story” at the Shehu Musa Yaradua Center in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.

This prestigious event celebrated cultural and linguistic exchanges between Nigeria and China, attracting distinguished personalities from various sectors.

Among the notable attendees were Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu, Yu Dunhai, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Song Jianing, CMG Africa Bureau Chief; Chris Isigusor, the National President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, alongside members of the diplomatic community, business leaders, academic scholars, media executives, and journalists.

In his remarks, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris emphasized that media outlets are essential in guiding society and fostering mutual understanding.

Minister Idris, represented by the Director of Public Relations and Protocols, Suleima Haruna commended the China Media Group for its dedication to delivering credible news and producing impactful content for both nations.

He stressed the need for balance in reporting, particularly in showcasing national achievements, and called for creating inspiring content that fuels aspirations for future growth. He called for a united front in tackling fake news, emphasizing that collaboration between Nigerian and Chinese media is vital in addressing the challenges posed by misinformation.

Also speaking, Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu said the event serves as a platform to reflect on China’s profound impact on individuals and nations worldwide. He described the “Written in the Sky, My China Story” initiative as a powerful testament to the ability of storytelling to bridge cultural divides.

Earlier in his remarks, Ambassador Yu Dunhai said the recent elevation of China-Nigeria relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership at the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) aims to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including media, as evidenced by the signing of several bilateral cooperation documents.

The ceremony also commemorated the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, featuring certificate presentations to CMG Africa partners, cultural performances, keynote speeches, and a display of captivating “My China Story” entries.

“Written in the Sky: My China Story” is an initiative by CMG that invites submissions of touching stories and special experiences with China. Over 73 individuals from across the African continent responded, sharing their unique China stories.

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SDGs must be integrated into development plans – FG

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The Federal Government has emphasized that achieving the **Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)** requires their full integration into national and sub-national development plans rather than treating them as isolated initiatives.

 

The **Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire**, made this call during the **North-East Regional Consultation in Gombe**, part of Nigeria’s **2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR)** preparations for the **High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York this July**. Represented by **Dr. Bala Yunusa, Senior Technical Adviser**, she explained that the **United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)** established the HLPF as a global review mechanism for the 2030 Agenda. Nigeria, now conducting its third VNR, is engaging stakeholders across all six geopolitical zones to assess progress, challenges, and future opportunities.

 

A statement from her **Special Assistant on Media and Strategic Communication, Desmond Utomwen**, highlighted the urgent need to accelerate SDG progress. Citing the **2024 UN Sustainable Development Goals Report**, she revealed that only 17% of SDG targets are on track, nearly 50% show minimal or moderate progress, and over one-third have stalled or regressed. She attributed Nigeria’s slow SDG progress to dwindling financial resources, the COVID-19 pandemic, and persistent insecurity.

 

Orelope-Adefulire stressed the importance of **robust Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting (MER) mechanisms**, including SDG Progress Reports and the VNR, to track achievements and challenges. She called for stronger collaboration among public and private sectors, the UN Development System, donor agencies, academia, and civil society to ensure no one is left behind.

 

Referring to the **“Pact for the Future”** adopted during the **79th UN General Assembly**, she reaffirmed world leaders’ commitment to bold and transformative actions for SDG acceleration. She also echoed **UN Secretary-General António Guterres’** call for massive investments and strategic partnerships to drive key transitions in food security, energy, and digital connectivity.

 

She commended **Nigeria’s Multi-Stakeholder Core Working Group for the 2025 VNR**, acknowledging the contributions of members from government agencies, the UN Development System, private sector groups, civil society organizations, and academia.

 

The **North-East Regional Consultation** brought together 150 participants from six states, focusing discussions on institutional frameworks for SDG implementation, progress across the 17 SDGs, and challenges and lessons learned.

 

**Gombe State SDGs Focal Person, Engr. Sulaiman Turaki**, described the event as a critical dialogue shaping Nigeria’s next VNR. He urged stakeholders to actively contribute, ensuring the review accurately reflects progress, challenges, and opportunities while ensuring no one is left behind in the country’s development efforts.

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Nnamdi Kanu’s trial under ‘repealed’ law, mere charade – Lawyer

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Prominent human rights lawyer, Barrister Christopher Chidera, has raised concerns over the Nigerian government’s plan to prosecute Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), under the repealed Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013. He described the move as legally unsustainable and urged the administration of President Bola Tinubu to reconsider.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Chidera argued that since the 2013 Act has been revoked, it cannot serve as a legal basis for Kanu’s trial.

“Any attempt to prosecute the IPOB leader under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013 is legally untenable and procedurally flawed,” he stated.

He warned that continuing with the case under an obsolete law could undermine Nigeria’s justice system and attract international criticism.

Chidera further urged the government to negotiate with Kanu before March 20, 2025, to avoid exposing systemic flaws in the judiciary.

“The section of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013 on which the prosecution relies is no longer an active law in Nigeria. The jurisdiction to prosecute Kanu under this Act ceased with its repeal. Continuing with this prosecution would draw scrutiny and criticism both domestically and internationally,” he added.

With Kanu set to represent himself in court on March 21, 2025, legal analysts predict heightened scrutiny of the case.

“Reports that Mazi Kanu will assume his own defence signal a significant shift. His self-representation may reveal inconsistencies and vulnerabilities within Nigeria’s judicial system,” Chidera noted.

Describing the trial as a critical test for Nigeria’s judiciary, Chidera called on Tinubu’s government to seek a diplomatic resolution before the March 20 deadline.

“Political dissent cannot be extinguished by force, and the Biafran struggle will not be subdued by crackdowns or detention without trial,” he emphasised.

As the court date approaches, all eyes remain on how the government will handle the high-stakes legal battle, with potential implications for Nigeria’s political and judicial credibility.

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2027: Stakeholders allege Akpabio, others have sold APC to PDP in Akwa Ibom

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ey stakeholders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State have raised serious allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, state party chairman Stephen Ntukekpo, and Minister of Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo. The group claims that these leaders have sold out the party to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in return for the latter’s support for Akpabio’s bid for a third term as Senate President in 2027.

The accusations were made public through an open letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu, titled “The Worrisome State of the APC in Akwa Ibom State: A Call for Your Intervention”. The letter was signed by Elder Okokon James, Peter Ibanga, and Chief Victor Affiah, who represent the Uyo, Eket, and Ikot Ekpene Senatorial districts, respectively.

In the letter, the APC stakeholders express their frustration with the actions of the party’s leadership in the state, stating that Ntukekpo and Ekpo have openly claimed to be acting on Akpabio’s orders to deliberately weaken the party in Akwa Ibom. According to the group, this was done to facilitate an easy victory for the PDP in the upcoming 2027 elections. They argue that this arrangement is part of a deal to secure support for Akpabio’s third-term Senate ambitions.

The group warns that if urgent intervention is not taken to revitalize the APC in the state, party members will abandon the party and join a coalition of opposition forces, undermining President Tinubu’s prospects in his second term campaign. They allege that the APC in the state has been effectively dismantled by its own leaders, leaving little support for Tinubu when he visits next year.

“This is a betrayal of trust,” the stakeholders write, accusing Akpabio and Ekpo of undermining the party that helped propel Akpabio to the Senate Presidency. They further allege that if the party’s situation worsens, the responsibility will fall squarely on the shoulders of Akpabio and Ekpo.

The letter also criticizes the inaction of Governor Umo Eno and his team, suggesting that while the Governor is strengthening his political base, APC leaders in the state are failing to make any significant moves to bolster the party.

In response, the Senate President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, dismissed the allegations, calling them “spurious and mischievous.” Eyiboh defended Akpabio’s efforts, pointing to the numerous appointments the Senate President has secured for party members, which he argues are evidence of his commitment to strengthening the party.

Eyiboh further labeled the signatories of the letter as “non-existent” and stated that the claims were baseless and intended to stir unnecessary controversy.

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