NigeriaNews24

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  • Asue Ighodalo: The True Edo Pikin with progressive vision

    Asue Ighodalo: The True Edo Pikin with progressive vision

    There is no gainsaying the fact that the emergence of Dr. Asue Ighodalo as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in Edo State has sent chills down the spine of the opposition parties in the state ahead of the much-awaited 2024 gubernatorial election.

    After several failed attempts by political rivals to find a point of criticism in his candidature for the exalted seat of governor of Edo State, Dr. Ighodalo has continued to shine as the true, most distinguished and illustrious son of the soil in whom all Edolites are well pleased. This explains why the entire state is queuing behind him as the best person to steer its affairs in the direction of sustainable development.

    Dr. Ighodalo’s achievements and contributions to society speak for themselves. The ideals and culture of Edo State, where he hails from influenced him throughout his early years. Following his completion of elementary and secondary school in Edo State, Dr. Ighodalo attended the University of Ibadan to complete his studies before going overseas to further hone his abilities. Even though he travelled a lot, he never lost touch with his roots and was always involved in State issues. Dr. Ighodalo has a distinguished professional background in several fields, including law, finance, and entrepreneurship. As the CEO and creator of a prestigious investment company and a foremost Law firm, he has greatly boosted the Nigerian economy and given Nigerians a plethora of work prospects.

    The charitable works of Dr. Ighodalo have had a lasting impression on Edo State. He believes that education and youth empowerment are essential to realising the state’s full potential. He has committed himself to fostering the next generation of gifted people through scholarship programmes, vocational training initiatives, and establishment of educational institutions in Edo State.

    Despite what his detractors say, Dr. Ighodalo has always taken an active part in Edo State politics. As a respected member of the state’s leading political and sociocultural organisations, he has been a part of several forums such as Alaghodaro, Edo State Economic Team which have all birthed a prosperous future for Edo State.

    Dr. Asue Ighodalo is making a strong impression as the candidate of the ruling and dominant political party as the next governor of Edo State. This he has done by showcasing his extensive background, love for the state, and successful track record. In addition, sustainable economic growth, better infrastructure, high-quality healthcare, and expanded educational opportunities for all residents are all part of his vision for Edo State. His goals put a high priority on developing the agricultural sector, creating jobs, and using Edo State’s wealth of natural resources to promote independence and draw in outside capital.

    Political opponents of Dr. Asue Ighodalo may try to portray him as unfamiliar, but the reality is that he has proven strong ties within Edo State. His upbringing, education, career achievements, and strong political participation places him above others as a classic son of the state.

    His emergence as the PDP’s candidate for governorship of Edo State in 2024 also indicates the party’s confidence in his capacity to steer the state towards development and prosperity. Edo State has more to look forward to under the direction of a seasoned leader with Dr. Ighodalo at the helm.

    Asemota Amieghemwen
    Edo South PDP Chieftain/ Coordinator EdoforAi
    Benin city

  • China’s demographic dividend is turning into talent dividend

    By Qiu Haifeng

    With five million students graduating in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) each year, China has become the world’s leadingproducer of STEM graduates.
    According to global think tanks, approximately 50 percent of the world’s leading artificial intelligence (AI) researchers are trained in Chinese universities, making China the top provider of elite AI talents globally.
    Behind these numbers lies China’s transition from demographic dividend to talent dividend. After years of efforts, the average duration of education for China’s working-age population has steadily increased to 11.05 years. The country now ranks first in the world in terms of the size of talent pool, human resources in science and technology and the total number of researchers.
    Such growing talent dividend has provided strong support for technological advancements and industrial transformation and upgrading, bolstering the world’s second-largest economy’s confidence in future development.
    Prioritizing talent as its main resource, China is committed to buildinga leading country in education. By recognizing the importance of STEM education in nurturing innovative and versatile talents and maximizing the potential of human resources, new achievements have been made in this regard.
    From 2012 to 2022, the Chinese government’s budget spending on education increased from 2.2 trillion yuan ($304.13 billion) to 4.85 trillion yuan, with an average annual growth of 8.23 percent. China now has a nearly 900 million working-age population, and the average years of education for the newly added workforce has risen to 14 years.
    Besides, China boasts 3,074 higher-educational institutions, with a student enrollment of 47.63 million in various types of higher education. Home to over 200 million skilled workers, including more than 60 million high-skilled professionals, China has emerged as a country with the world’s largest number of talents specialized in a diverse range of industries.
    Research shows that in developing countries, the number of high-level talents, the overall quality of the talent pool, and the innovation vitality of talents collectively serve as a valuable resource for achieving leapfrog development. It is heartening to see these positive outcomes taking shape in China.
    In recent years, multiple breakthroughs have been made in quantum computing in China, such as developing the first quantum computing measurement and control system, first quantum computer operating system, and first quantum chip design software, largely due to the efforts of a research team led by Guo Guoping, deputy director of the Key Laboratory of Quantum Information of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. These achievements have made China the third country in the world with the ability to deliver a complete quantum computer.
    China now leads the world with over 6 million R&D personnel, and maintains the second position globally in R&D investment for multiple years.
    Japanese magazine Nikkei Asia said on its website that it is easy these days to construct a bearish view on China’s economic outlook. But a frequent omission from such narratives is the country’s zeal for innovation.
    China’s expanding investment in innovation is playing a crucial role in boosting productivity and fostering long-term, sustainable economic growth. According to the World Bank, human capital has contributed over 36 percent to China’s economic growth, and the number is still on a rise.
    International institutions and companies are increasingly drawn to China’s human capital potential and seeking to tap into the country’s talent dividend.
    Schneider Electric, a multinational based in France, has been making quick advances in China in 2023, launching a new R&D project approximately every two months. China has now become one of the company’s four R&D bases in the world.
    Why does Schneider Electric frequently expand its R&D presence in China? One key reason is China’s advantage in talent. According to Yin Zheng, executive vice president of Schneider Electric’s China & East Asia Operations, the company has been continuously strengthening its local innovation team. Over the past three years, the number of R&D staff in China has grown by 30 percent, surpassing 2,000 individuals.
    “We will continue to reinforce our R&D capabilities in China, establish more research institutions, promote innovation to support China in developing new quality productive forces, and share ‘Chinese wisdom’ with the rest of the world,” said Yin.
    Jiang Hao, vice president of Roland Berger Greater China, said in recent years, foreign companies have been rapidly setting up R&D centers in China. “The large number of exceptional management talents and skilled engineers in China has caught the attention of foreign companies, leading to a rise in investment toward building R&D centers in the county,” said Jiang.

  • China’s inbound tourism market sees continuous pickup

    China’s inbound tourism market sees continuous pickup

    By Zhao Shan
    To further promote Chinese-foreign personnel exchanges, China has adopted a visa-free policy for Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg on a trial basis, which is effective from March 14 to November 30 this year.
    According to Tongcheng Research Institute, the research arm under Chinese online tourism service provider Tongcheng Travel, the six countries included in the visa-free policy this time have close tourism exchanges with China. In March, the average daily bookings of inbound air tickets from Austria increased by 70 percent compared to the January-February period, while that from Switzerland also went up by 52 percent compared to the January-February period.
    In recent times, China has been continuously expanding its visa-free “circle of friends,” and the tourism industry is expecting a significant increase in tourist orders from visa-free countries visiting China in the near future.
    The head of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) recently noted that China’s recent unilateral visa-free policies for multiple countries are an important measure to help the global tourism industry recover.
    According to the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, outbound and inbound tourism from China is expected to proliferate in 2024 due to visa facilitation and increased airline capacity.
    The international cruise ship Zuiderdam recently arrived at Dalian port in northeast China’s Liaoning province. It was the first international cruise ship to visit a city in northeast China since China resumed international cruise transportation in September last year.
    The cruise ship carried over 2,000 tourists from 47 countries and regions to Dalian, who later visited various attractions in the city, including ocean parks, city squares and featured blocks.
    Recently, Zhengzhou, central China’s Henan province welcomed the first batch of tourists from Australia after the Spring Festival, most of whom came to Henan for the first time.
    In recent years, the Department of Culture and Tourism of Henan Province has been actively promoting the international tourism brand of the province. It has conducted systematic international promotion activities, built cultural brands for overseas markets and established a cooperation system for inbound tourism. Positive results have been achieved.
    In March, the province gradually welcomed thousands of tourists from countries and regions such as Australia, Italy, Germany, Luxembourg, South Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand.
    Recently, the attractiveness of China’s tourism market has been continuously increasing, with a large number of South Korean tourists visiting Zhangjiajie, a famous tourist city in central China’s Hunan province. According to statistics, from early January to the end of February, Zhangjiajie received 98,000 inbound tourists, a 34-fold increase compared to the same period last year, with 42,000 of them from South Korea.
    It is reported that Zhangjiajie has been focusing on creating unique tourism products to continuously attract South Korean tourists. Taking into account their preference for scenic landscapes, Zhangjiajie has introduced international tourism products centering on its amazing natural landscapes.
    Given the similarities between China and South Korea in “filial piety culture,” Zhangjiajie has successfully made its name in the South Korean tourism market, earning praise among Korean tourists that taking parents on a trip to Zhangjiajie is an expression of filial piety.
    In response to the rapidly recovering inbound tourism market, the tourism industry has taken swift action to enhance the appeal of Chinese tourism overseas.
    Recently, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism organized 13 regions across China, including Beijing and Shanghai, to participate in this year’s ITB Berlin, a tourism trade show considered one of the largest exhibitions in the global tourism industry.
    The Chinese delegation became one of the highlights of the event. China Tourism Group Travel Services Co., Ltd. exhibited over 50 distinctive inbound tourism routes to Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, and other places, providing diverse options for different European customer segments. It also held in-depth discussions with more than 40 overseas travel agencies regarding customized tours, family trips, and group tours.
    Xu Xiaolei, the Chief Brand Officer of China CYTS Tours Holding Co., Ltd., told People’s Daily that CYTS will continue to boost the inbound tourism market this year.
    “We will focus on addressing the pain points of inbound tourism, such as payment, internet access, translation, and tour guides. We will also explore simplified processes for overseas visa application centers, increase the promotion of tourism resources to overseas customers, expand our customer base, and make full use of resources such as multilingual websites developed by CYTS and specialized training for tour guides, so as to ensure the quality of our services,” Xu said.
    Sun Bowen, executive secretary-general of a research institute under Chinese online travel agency Ctrip, said that Ctrip will leverage technology, international resources, talent development, and e-commerce support programs to enhance the convenience of inbound tourism.
    It is reported that on Ctrip’s international platform Trip.com, overseas tourists can make reservations for various inbound tourism products and services, including hotels, flights, train tickets, car rentals, airport transfers, attraction tickets, travel photography, dining, WiFi, and SIM cards. Currently, Trip.com provides services in 24 languages, covering 39 countries and regions.

  • Xiangjiang New Area of China’s Hunan actively cultivates new quality productive forces

    Xiangjiang New Area of China’s Hunan actively cultivates new quality productive forces

    By Sun Chao, Du Yifei, People’s Daily

    Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visited a joint venture in Changsha, central China’s Hunan province on March 18, where he learned about local endeavors to accelerate the development of new quality productive forces and promote high-standard opening up.
    BASF Shanshan Battery Materials Co., Ltd. is located in the Xiangjiang New Area of Changsha. It was established by German chemical giant BASF and Shanshan, a leading Chinese lithium-ion battery materials supplier, in 2021.
    With a well-established research and development (R&D) system, a robust patent portfolio, as well as a low-carbon and sustainable supply chain, the company is dedicated to pioneering new chemical functionalities of positive electrode materials, in pursuit of a sustainable future.
    BASF Shanshan Battery Materials Co., Ltd. is a miniature of the Xiangjiang New Area’s efforts to cultivate new quality productive forces and expand new growth momentum and advantages.
    According to statistics, the Xiangjiang New Area’s R&D spending intensity, or the expenditure on R&D as a percentage of its GDP, for the first time exceeded five percent last year, ranking third among all new areas at the national level.
    In 2023, 27 specialized and sophisticated small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that produce novel and unique products, and 500 high-tech firms were newly established in the Xiangjiang New Area, ranking second and third among all state-level new areas, respectively. The area is home to 64 state-level innovation platforms, accounting for over 40 percent of the total in Hunan province.
    An industrial park of Zoomlion, a Chinese construction machinery and equipment manufacturer, in the Xiangjiang New Area, houses a number of heavyweight machines, including the all-terrain crane with the world’s largest tonnage, as well as the world’s tallest curved-arm aerial work platform. These innovative achievements highlight the strength of the Xiangjiang New Area in the field of intelligent manufacturing.
    To the west of Tongzipo Road, there is a thoroughfare connecting dozens of listed companies engaged in engineering machinery, new energy, new materials, and biomedicine, and a huge number of SMEs as well.
    Focusing on 15 industrial chains, the Xiangjiang New Area is determined to build itself into a nationally important high ground for advanced manufacturing and a hub of high-end industries.
    HS Photonics is one of the star enterprises in the Xiangjiang New Area. It has independently developed the first generation of quantum dot laser in the domestic industry, and co-developed the world’s first sample of silicon optical module by quantum dot laser with a leading Chinese optical chip manufacturer.
    The Xiangjiang New Area has made technological innovation an inherent part of its development, continuously unleashing new growth drivers.
    Since 2023, the National Supercomputing Center in Changsha has been approved to build a state-level open innovation platform for a new generation of AI public computing power, with internationally advanced and nationally leading computing capabilities. A 200-petaflop AI innovation center has been established.
    Besides, the Xiangjiang New Area is orderly promoting its scientific innovation programs, including four major science labs and ten landmark projects.
    The Xiangjiang New Area, occupying only 0.5 percent of Hunan province’s land area, generates eight percent of the province’s GDP. The new area’s total economic output grew from 160 billion yuan ($22.22 billion) in 2015 to 450 billion yuan in 2023.
    With innovation as its driving force and technology as an enabler, the Xiangjiang New Area is unleashing new vitality in its high-quality development.

  • Shenzhen accelerates development of low-altitude economy

    Shenzhen accelerates development of low-altitude economy

    By Cheng Yuanzhou, People’s Daily

    After meals were packed, weighed, and mounted to drones, these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) took off under unified control, and arrived at office buildings across an overpass in just two minutes. They autonomously delivered the meals and returned.
    The delivery drone fleet has become a spectacle in a commercial area in Longgang district, Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong province.
    “In this commercial area, the drones deliver over 300 orders every day. During the lunchtime, they take off and land almost every minute,” said Yan Yan, head of public affairs for drone operations at Meituan, a Chinese shopping platform for locally found consumer products and retail services.
    According to Yan, Meituan has opened multiple drone routes in Shenzhen, delivering a total of over 200,000 orders to communities, office buildings, tourist attractions, hospitals, and universities. The platform has established a community drone delivery model that is able to delivery orders to destinations within 3 kilometers in 15 minutes.
    In fact, food delivery by drones is no longer a novelty in Shenzhen. From sightseeing to urban security, from medical assistance to emergency rescue, and from agricultural and forestry protection to power line inspections, the low-altitude economy is finding more and more application scenarios in Shenzhen.
    For instance, taking a helicopter ride operated by Heli-Eastern has become a convenient transportation option for citizens going from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport to areas like Guangming and Pingshan districts of Shenzhen; a “lifeline” for transporting blood products via drones from the Shenzhen Blood Center to hospitals in Nanshan and Bao’an districts has been established; at the power transmission management office of Shenzhen Power Supply Bureau Co., Ltd., 5G-enabled drones have been employed regularly in high-voltage cable terminal inspection on transmission towers.
    “Shenzhen has listed the low-altitude economy as one of the 20 key strategic emerging sectors for development. The city aims to drive the development of this new sector with technological innovation and by creating more application scenarios,” said Zhao Ke, an official of the Shenzhen Municipal Bureau of Transport.
    According to Zhao, Shenzhen has opened 126 low-altitude air routes and established 89 unmanned aerial vehicle takeoff and landing points. Last year, the city saw 600,000 flights of cargo drones and 20,000 flights of helicopters, Zhao said.
    Yang Jincai, chairman of the Shenzhen UAV Industry Association, revealed that by 2023, Shenzhen reported low-altitude economy output of 96 billion yuan ($13.35 billion), and was home to over 1,700 companies engaged in the industry. The city has developed a complete industrial chain covering drone R&D, design, manufacturing, operation and support.
    Currently, Shenzhen holds a market share of over 70 percent in the consumer drone sector globally, and 50 percent in the industrial drone sector.
    The rapid development of the low-altitude economy in Shenzhen is attributed to the city’s strategic efforts to seize development opportunities and continuously improve relevant policy systems.
    In 2017, Shenzhen became a comprehensive demonstration zone for the general aviation industry. In 2019, measures were introduced to designate airspace for micro and light UAVs. On Feb. 1 of this year, regulations on the promotion of the low-altitude economy in the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone officially came into effect, normalizing the development of the low-altitude economy in terms of infrastructure, flight services, industrial applications, technological innovation, and safety management.
    Zhao said that the first phase of a project on promoting infrastructure for intelligent low-altitude integration in Shenzhen is currently accelerating its pace. The project aims to preliminarily establish an infrastructure network, air connectivity network, flight route network, and service network to support the low-altitude economy.
    Besides, innovative platforms such as a smart air traffic operation laboratory are also being constructed. In the future, Shenzhen will gradually carry out UAV operations and integrated flight verification, as well as develop regulations, standards, and norms for low-altitude flights.

  • Alleged Budget Padding: Plot to Destabilising Tinubu’s Administration -Northern Group

    As hordes of media and underhand wars rage regarding the allegations of budget padding against the Senate by the now suspended Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, the Northern Frontier Watch (NFW), has come forward to reiterate the innocence of the Senate, warning those bent on destabilising the current administration to desist forthwith and face the full wrath of the law.

    Recall that the Senate has been embroiled in allegations of budget padding following the revelation of Senator Abdul Ningi that the sum of N3.7 trillion in the budget was not tied to any project and that the President was operating a two-faced budget that favoured the southern part of the country against the northern region.

    Addressing a press conference at Arewa House Kaduna to state their position in the ongoing fiasco, the National Coordinator of NFW, Alhaji Usman Shehu faulted those casting aspersions on the Senate and described them as a flock of misled and misdirected individuals without any idea about the passage of budgets and the role of the National Assembly.

    According to the press text, “the National Assembly has done nothing wrong as far as the 2024 budget is concerned. The budget went through the normal due process with all Senators in attendance. There was no violation of any of the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is however, not possible that the National Assembly will approve exactly what has been submitted to it as many Nigerians have been misled to think.

    “Since 1999, it has been customary for the National Assembly to include new line items in the Appropriation Bill to fund specific projects in their constituencies or take out some items that are not in the interest of Nigerians. Either ways, there is an increase or reduction in the amounts initially budgeted. Those questioning this open practice are simply stirring the hornets nest with sinister motives”.

    The group further dissociated the North from the needless outbursts of Senator Ningi, stating that the allegations raised were his personal opinions howbeit misinformed hence his inability to openly defend same on the floor of the Senate. “All discernible citizens can now clearly see that Senator Ningi’s misinformed allegations were his personal opinion and not the collective stand of the Northern Senators Forum. He could not defend same on the floor of the Senate when given an opportunity. He has owned up to his shortcoming and admitted same as his personal opinion even though wrong. It is therefore glaringly evident that other unpatriotic factors might have informed his views. The Senate is a unified institution that stands at the forefront of promoting national unity, we will therefore not fold our arms and watch some Individuals foment crisis in the name of the North”.

    The press text equally exposed those clandestine scheming to denigrate the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by appearing to be attacking the Senate President and questioning his role in the budget padding saga as well as the suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi.

    “The attacks on the Senate President are actually a decoy to embarrass, denigrate and discredit the current administration. From plotting artificial forex crisis to staged-managed abductions, the camp of the enemy is determined and relentless to subvert the adminstration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu but they will not succeed”, the statement noted.

    The press conference ended by calling on all security agencies to “clamp down heavily and mercilessly on anybody or group of persons trying to foment trouble under any guise including the self-serving, sanctimonious banner of fighting for the North”.

    NFW, which is a front line civil society organisation in northern Nigeria has been relentless in monitoring and appraising policies and political developments that affect Northern Nigeria since the return of democratic rule in 1999

  • CSOs Pass Vote Of Confidence INEC Chair, Dismiss Attacks

    The Coalition of about 300 Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria, COCSON, Friday, vehemently condemned calls for the sack of Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof Mahmood Yakubu.

    The Coalition made the condemnation during a press conference held in Abuja, where they said a particular group, United Nigerians Diaspora, UND, made the allegations with threats to storm streets of Abuja, Lagos and Kano to call the INEC chairman to resign or be forced out of office.

    Members of the Coalition present at the press conference include; Change for impact; Hope Builders Restoration; Empowerment Solutions Initiative; Citizen Engagement Network; Education Access Initiative; Tinubu Nationals for Better Government; Poverty Eradication Foundation; Peace and justice Initiative; Transparency and Accountability Network; Advocacy for Media Freedom; Inclusion Now Project; Lets Build Nigeria Initiatives; Rural Development Association; Urban Renewal Association; Sustainable communities; Anti – corruption movement; Children’s Right Advocacy Group; Peace and Rights Advocacy; Justice, peace and Equity Social change; and Urban Development and planning.

    They said: “It has come to our attention that the ‘United Nigerians Diaspora (UND)’ has organized a protest, making unfounded allegations against Mallam Yakubu and demanding his resignation or disgraceful removal from office. We strongly condemn this attack on the credibility and integrity of an individual who has dedicated his service to ensuring free and fair elections in Nigeria.

    “Mallam Mahmood Yakubu has demonstrated exceptional leadership during his tenure at INEC. He has been instrumental in driving significant electoral reforms, improving the electoral process, and strengthening the trust of Nigerians in the democratic system. His commitment to transparency, impartiality, and accountability in conducting elections is commendable and has contributed to the progress of our democratic journey.

    “The allegations made against Mallam Yakubu by the UND Group are baseless, false, and defamatory. They not only undermine the efforts of INEC but are also detrimental to the democratic principles we hold dear as a nation. It is our duty as members of the civil society to ensure that such malicious attacks are condemned, and our democracy is protected.

    “We call upon the UND Group and other parties involved to halt the spread of false information and engage in constructive dialogue with INEC and relevant stakeholders. It is crucial that concerns regarding the electoral process are addressed through appropriate channels and in a responsible manner.

    “Furthermore, we urge the Nigerian public and the media to exercise caution and responsibility when reporting on such sensitive matters. The dissemination of inaccurate or unverified information can have serious consequences for our democracy, and it is our collective duty to ensure the preservation of truth and accuracy in reporting.

    “In conclusion, we stand in solidarity with Mallam Mahmood Yakubu and no doubt affirm our confidence in his leadership at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). We commend his unwavering dedication to democratic values and the progress our nation has made under his guidance.”

  • WHO IS AFRAID OF BICHI?

    By Tunde Kayode

    SOMETIMES, BEING HATED FOR DOING GOOD IS THE PRICE ONE MUST PAY FOR REFUSING TO COMPROMISE ON INTEGRITY- UNKNOWN

    I have watched with keen interest, the relentless attempts by different groups and sponsored individuals to tarnish the reputation of the Director General of the Department of State Services, Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi. Of particular note are the efforts to pin a “corruption label” on him. His appointment by former President Mohammadu Buhari, was a testament to his integrity, principles, steadfastness and commitment to upholding democratic values. Although I am not affiliated with the DSS, it is clear from numerous articles and commendations from respected sources that Mr Bichi has garnered significant praise and recognition for his leadership style and impeccable reputation. It is no longer news that his appointment came on the heels of one of Nigeria’s most harrowing episodes in history. Bichi’s selection as I have come to discover, was based on the need to ensure that someone who regards the rule of law, is committed to transparency and prioritises the protection of democratic institutions took charge.
    It was, therefore, not shocking that Mr Bichi discharged his duties with so much intentionality in preserving and maintaining stability of the country. This is in addition to spearheading various transformative initiatives within the DSS, particularly concerning the welfare of both serving and retired staff. His dedication to these objectives was evident when he was reappointed in 2022 to head the agency for another four years, a news which sparked widespread celebrations among the DSS personnel.

    Six years on from his initial appointment, the impact of his leadership across the country continues to resonate. In the words of Napoleon Bonaparte, give me just a handful of good men, and I will change the course of history. Indeed, few good men can truly shape the destiny of the nation. An astute, modest, passionate, humble, detribalised and quintessential officer stands out in his visionary and leadership traits. Little wonder successive governments without prejudice found him worthy.

    It also came as no surprise that when Bola Ahmed Tinubu became President in 2023, he retained Mr Bichi. Of course, the outstanding accomplishments of the DG spoke for him and as the saying goes; merit knows no colours, creed or political affiliations. Mr Bichi’s continued tenure under President Tinubu’s administration is a testimony to the universal recognition of his competence and devotion to national security.

    However, it is to be expected that a man of such uprightness and capability like Mr Yusuf Bichi would attract unwarranted hostility, for throughout history, individuals of exceptional merit often find themselves targeted by envy and resentment. People have sponsored false reports detailing fabricated instances of embezzlement, bribery and misappropriation of funds within the organisation. These allegations are aimed at tarnishing his reputation and eroding public trust in its ability to effectively maintain Nigeria’s stability.

    He suffers these stabs on his character by those who are afraid and tremble at the prospects of his morality. His attackers know that as long as he remains true to his convictions and honesty, his seat as DG of the SSS remains firmly secured and will continuously attract the President’s favour. So they continue to mudsling, hoping to cast dirt on his personality. But why the hate for a man of peace and compassion? Who is afraid of Bichi? And for what? Who is afraid of the power of his positive influence? Who, within or outside the corridors of power, feels threatened by Bichi’s unbeatable record ideals of integrity, empathy and justice? What drives them to attack his character and undermine his authority? How can they justify their fear of someone who only seeks to uplift and unite? Why do they tremble at the mere mention of his name? What secrets do they harbour that compel them to fear Bichi’s influence? What actions has Bichi taken that have stirred such fear among certain individuals or groups? How does Bichi’s presence challenge the status quo?

    As he continues to face these attacks, it serves as a heart-breaking reminder that the brightest flames often attract the most envy and the harshest winds of adversity. As a law enforcer, investigator, security analyst and protector of national interests, it is inevitable that he will encounter resistance and criticism. Therefore, if he faces hatred, it should come as no surprise. After all, as the saying goes, the path of duty is often a lonely one.

    As long as God stands as his ally, all efforts to undermine him will always be futile. For when divine favour shines upon a man, even the strongest storms cannot shake his resolve nor dim his light. Not even the concerted efforts to smear his reputation with baseless accusations of corruption would stick. Those who truly know him would defend him and vehemently refute the fraud claims. Such malicious endeavours, though persistent, would continue to crumble in the face of his unassailable character and obligation to decency and justice. Like arrows aimed at a fortress built on solid rock, these allegations find no purchase against the steadfast resolve and moral fortitude of this exemplary individual. In a world often fraught with cynicism and doubt, the steadfast integrity and resilience of individuals like Mr Bichi serve as beacons of hope and inspiration, reminding us that virtue, in the end, will always prevail.

    Tunde Kayode writes from Ibadan, Oyo State

  • Lawyers, Bloggers Condemn Corruption Allegations Against FCT Chief Judge

    Lawyers, Bloggers Condemn Corruption Allegations Against FCT Chief Judge

     

    …pass vote of confidence on Chief Judge Nigeria

    Three non-profit organizations, Lawyers in Defence of Good Governance and Democracy, LIDOGG, Coalition of Civil Society Organizations of Nigeria, COCSON, and the Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association in Nigeria, BAVCCA, Wednesday, declared allegations of corruption and nepotism leveled against the Chief Judge of he Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf as baseless.

    The CSOs made their declaration during a press conference held in Abuja in light of the allegations raised in a recent audit report, where they also passed a vote of confidence on Justice Baba-Yusuf.

    The Conveners of the group, Comrade Adewale Ogunnoiki, Barr. Caroline Bello and Dr Ibrahim Abubakar, expressed pain as and described the unnecessary attacks on the judiciary as unfortunate, whereby subjecting the judiciary to ridicule in the course of their duty, hence the judges are not allowed to defend themselves despite the alleged media attacks they receive.

    It will be recalled that an online media according to them without a verifiable address made a publication on February 4, 2024, where it alleged that the Federal Court in Nigeria paid the sum of N1.5 billion for vehicle contracts without any evidence to support these transactions. The audit report suggested a lack of proper documentation and transparency in the process of awarding and executing these contracts.

    Meanwhile, Comrade Adewale Ogunnoiki, cautioned that it is imperative to consider Justice Baba-Yusuf’s proven track records which are devoid of any corruption before making hasty judgments based on allegations alone.

    He said: “We, as representatives of LIDOGG, BAVCCA COCSON, have conducted our investigations into these allegations to ensure that we present a fair and balanced perspective.

    “After careful analysis of the available facts, we reiterate our vote of confidence on the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory.”

    Meanwhile, the groups highlighted Reasons for Vote of Confidence passed on Justice Baba-Yusuf; Integrity and Reputation: The Chief Judge has built a reputation for integrity, fairness, and professionalism throughout his career. It is crucial to consider this track record before making hasty judgments based on allegations alone.

    “No Evidence: There is no evidence to back up this false and fabricated story. This is an unverified story concocted just to malign the integrity of the Chief Judge.

    “Due Process: The legal system in Nigeria provides a framework for addressing allegations of misconduct. We encourage all parties involved to follow due process and allow investigations to take place unhindered.

    “Commitment to Accountability: The Chief Judge has consistently demonstrated a commitment to transparency and accountability in the judiciary. It is essential to recognize and appreciate these efforts in ensuring an impartial justice system.”

    He therefore urged all parties involved, including government agencies and the public, to allow a the Chief Judge to breathe and refrain from engaging in character assassination or spreading unverified information.

    In a related development, the group also condemned the recent nepotism allegations leveled against the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, which according to them, Justice Ariwoola never influenced the National Judicial Council, NJC, into appointing his relatives, who are heading diverse positions across the judiciary bureaucracy.

    “The propagators of this fake news are disgruntled element, who are hell bent at looking for a bad name to tarnish and discredit the reputation of the CJN.

    “We therefore call on Nigerians to discard this cheap blackmail from persons who are out to defame Justice Ariwoola, who has positively transform the judiciary and reposition it for high productivity.

    “He (Justice Ariwoola) has been able, through his proactive and pragmatic steps to improve the sanity and independence of the judiciary”, they said.

    Meanwhile, the groups pointed out that even members of the Bench and Bar including the Judiciary staff have showered encomium on his sterling performance, since he took over the helm of affairs of the Judiciary in the country.

  • Innovation drives China’s high-quality economic development

     

    Innovation drives China’s high-quality economic development

    By He Yin, People’s Daily

    China received about 1.6 million patent applications in 2022, ranking first in the world, according to the World Intellectual Property Indicators 2023 report recently issued by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

    According to WIPO’s Global Innovation Index 2023, China ranked 12th globally, with six indicators ranking first in the world. Besides, the 24 world-level science and technology clusters in China also for the first time made China the top in the world in the relevant ranking.

    All these figures prove that China, which has joined the ranks of the world’s innovators, is still improving its capability in sci-tech innovation.

    Innovation is the primary driving force behind development and the strategic underpinning for building a modernized economy.

    Against the backdrop of a sluggish global economic recovery, China’s economy has rebounded and improved. The country is making solid progress in promoting high-quality development and advancing the construction of a modern industrial system. Furthermore, significant breakthroughs have been achieved in sci-tech innovation.

    According to statistics released by the National Bureau of Statistics this August, the new kinetic energy index of China’s economic development (taking 2014 as 100) was 766.8 in 2022, up 28.4 percent from a year ago. The innovation-driven index was 336.3, an increase of 15.5 percent over the previous year. The knowledge capability index stood at 193.4, up 5.9 percent year-on-year.

    China boasts the world’s largest talent pool with the most complete categories, with the total number of talent resources reaching 220 million. The number of R&D personnel is expected to surpass 6 million in 2022.

    International observers said that China has continuously enhanced its capability in sci-tech innovation to support high-quality development, and promoted a virtuous cycle of academics, innovation, and production.

    As innovation-driven development advances and sci-tech innovation continues to empower the real economy, new industries and new driving forces are constantly growing and expanding, thereby enhancing their role in driving economic growth.

    From January to October this year, China’s investment in high-tech industries increased by 11.1 percent year-on-year, outpacing overall investment by 8.2 percentage points. The industrial added value of automobile manufacturing grew by 11.3 percent, while the figure in electrical machinery and equipment manufacturing increased by 13.6 percent, compared to the same period last year.

    Innovation remains at the heart of China’s modernization drive. The innovation and commercialization of new technologies have become important driving forces for economic development.

    Thanks to the innovation and application of advanced technologies, the Chinese economy has constantly opened up new fields and new tracks. A number of industries with long industrial chains, high technology content, and strong driving capabilities have accelerated their development. The rapid growth in China’s exports of new energy vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, and photovoltaic products in recent years is clear proof of this.

    China will continue to be an economy that creates huge opportunities for bilateral cooperation, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance of the Republic of Singapore Lawrence Wong in Beijing. He noted that China boasts a huge economy with many advantages in areas such as advanced manufacturing and green economy, and also possesses a vast market.

    Huge opportunities lie in China’s fertile ground for innovation. Unilever has established its Asian R&D center in north China’s Tianjin municipality; Schneider Electric has inaugurated its automation R&D center in Wuxi, east China’s Jiangsu province; Honeywell has chosen Shanghai as the location for its global automotive parts R&D center; Volkswagen has announced its plan to develop and produce electric vehicles at a new base in Hefei, east China’s Anhui province.

    The Chinese market not only offers a large consumer base for multinational corporations, but also serves as a fertile ground for the incubation, roadshow, and promotion of new technologies and models.

    More and more heads of multinational companies investing in China believe that many technological innovations originate from China first and then go to the rest of the world. China has become a breeding ground for large-scale application of emerging technologies.

    China’s sci-tech innovation not only provides sustained momentum for its own economic growth, but also brings tangible development opportunities to the rest of the world.

    China has established sci-tech cooperation with over 160 countries and regions, and signed 116 inter-governmental agreements on sci-tech cooperation, creating a new pattern of all-round, multi-level, and wide-ranging open cooperation in the field of science and technology.

    China has also signed inter-governmental agreements on sci-tech cooperation with over 80 Belt and Road countries. Together, they have established more than 50 joint laboratories, built over 20 agricultural technology demonstration centers and some 70 overseas industrial parks.

    Additionally, China has set up 10 overseas science and education cooperation centers and nine transnational technology transfer centers with relevant countries.

    Denis Simon, a distinguished fellow at the Institute for China-America Studies, noted that China’s technological achievements are remarkable and playing an increasingly crucial role in the global innovation landscape. China has become an important participant in cutting-edge innovation on the international stage and a significant contributor to solving global challenges, Simon added.

    China will continue to deeply implement the innovation-driven development strategy, integrate sci-tech innovation resources, lead the development of strategic emerging industries and future industries, accelerate the formation of new productive forces, and stimulate stronger advantages and momentum, so as to drive high-quality economic development with innovation.

     

     

    以创新之力推动中国经济高质量发展

    人民日报和音

    世界知识产权组织近日发布的《世界知识产权指标报告》显示，2022年中国专利申请量约160万件，居世界第一。该组织此前发布的《2023年全球创新指数》显示，中国排名第十二位，其中6个指标排名世界第一；中国拥有24个全球顶级科技集群，在全球顶级科技集群排名中首次跃居世界第一。这些都说明，迈入创新型国家行列的中国，科技创新能力仍在继续提升。

    创新是引领发展的第一动力，是建设现代化经济体系的战略支撑。在世界经济复苏乏力的背景下，中国经济回升向好，高质量发展扎实推进，现代化产业体系建设取得重要进展，科技创新实现新的突破。中国国家统计局今年8月发布的数据显示，2022年中国经济发展新动能指数为766.8，比上年增长28.4%。从主要构成指标看，创新驱动指数为336.3，比上年增长15.5%；知识能力指数为193.4，比上年增长5.9%。中国已成为全球规模最宏大、门类最齐全的人才资源大国，人才资源总量达到2.2亿人，2022年研发人员总量预计超过600万人年。国际人士认为，中国不断提升科技创新能力，以科技创新支撑高质量发展，推动学术、创新和生产形成良性循环。

    随着创新驱动深入推进，科技创新持续赋能实体经济，新产业新动能不断发展壮大，对经济增长的带动作用提升。今年1—10月，中国高技术产业投资同比增长11.1%，快于全部投资8.2个百分点；汽车制造业、电气机械和器材制造业工业增加值同比增长11.3%、13.6%。中国坚持创新在现代化建设全局中的核心地位，新技术的创新与商业化成为经济运行的重要驱动力。得益于先进技术的创新和应用，中国经济发展的新领域新赛道不断开辟，一批产业链条长、技术含量高、带动能力强的行业加快发展。近年来，中国新能源汽车、锂电池、光伏产品“新三样”出口快速增长即是明证。

    “中国将继续是一个能为双边合作提供巨大机会的经济体。”新加坡副总理兼财政部长黄循财日前在北京表示，中国经济规模巨大，在先进制造、绿色经济等领域有很多优势，还拥有巨大的市场。巨大机会，厚植于中国崇尚创新的沃土之中。联合利华在天津设立亚洲研发中心，施耐德电气中国自动化研发中心在无锡启用，霍尼韦尔公司汽车零部件的全球研发中心设在上海，大众汽车宣布将在合肥的新基地开发电动汽车并进行生产……中国市场不仅是跨国公司竞逐的大市场，也成为新技术和新模式的孵化器、路演区和展示推广平台。越来越多在华投资的跨国企业负责人认为，很多科技创新都来自中国，随后扩展到全世界，中国是推动新兴技术超大规模应用的热土。

    中国的科技创新不仅为本国经济增长提供持久动力，也为世界带来实实在在的发展机遇。中国与160多个国家和地区建立科技合作关系，签订了116个政府间科技合作协定，构建起全方位、多层次、广领域的科技开放合作新格局。中国与80多个“一带一路”共建国家签署政府间科技合作协定，共建50多家“一带一路”联合实验室，在共建国家建成20多个农业技术示范中心和70多个海外产业园，建立10个海外科教合作中心，建设9个跨国技术转移中心。美国中美研究中心特聘研究员丹尼斯·西蒙认为，中国的科技成就举世瞩目，在全球创新版图中日益发挥着重要作用，成为国际前沿创新的重要参与者、解决全球性问题的重要贡献者。

    中国将继续深入实施创新驱动发展战略，整合科技创新资源，引领发展战略性新兴产业和未来产业，加快形成新质生产力，激发出更强劲的优势与动能，以创新之力推动经济高质