News

China playing prominent role in coping with global challenges

Published

2 years ago

September 30, 2022

By Carlos Aquino

Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), China has made remarkable achievements, becoming the world’s second largest economy, the largest trading nation, as well as a major trading partner for over 120 countries and regions. It is an important engine driving global growth. Its success is inspiring many developing countries.
Over the recent years, Chinese President Xi Jinping has made important remarks on common prosperity for multiple times, stressing common prosperity is an essential requirement for socialism with Chinese characteristics.
Since the country began the reform and opening-up in 1978, it has maintained long-term economic growth. It has won the battle against extreme poverty and built a moderately prosperous society in all respects as scheduled the last year. These achievements all laid a solid foundation for the country to realize common prosperity for all.
In a 2019 visit to southwest China’s Yunnan province, I saw how the people there were living and working in peace and contentment. I was deeply impressed by the paired assistance mechanism adopted by primary-level CPC members there, which connected impoverished families to better educational, employment and medical resources. They were making concrete efforts to improve the wellbeing of the people.
China’s endeavors to promote common prosperity are shedding light on every country. At present, the world is seeing huge income gaps. Polarization between the rich and the poor has triggered social divide, economic polarization and rising populism in some countries. What’s more, low-income groups have been seriously impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Under such a background, every country needs to work for common prosperity and realize social harmony. In the global context, we must narrow the development gap between developed countries and developing countries and strive for fairer and more sustainable development.
China is playing a prominent role in coping with global challenges. The country has lifted more than 700 million impoverished rural people out of poverty, setting a good example for many developing countries in terms of fighting poverty. Through technology transfer to other developing countries, China is actively contributing to common development, which fully demonstrates the country’s sense of responsibility.
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) proposed by President Xi has built a platform of win-win cooperation and common development for all participating countries. By building modern railways, ports, airports and other infrastructure facilities, China has significantly facilitated the flow of commodities and personnel, and enhanced its economic competitiveness. Every country should learn from this experience.
Many developing countries see an urgent need to upgrade infrastructure. They enjoy huge a potential in cooperating with China.
So far, China has signed over 200 Belt and Road cooperation documents with more than 140 countries and 30 international organizations, which fully mirrors the attraction of the BRI.
Peru and China signed a memorandum of understanding on Belt and Road cooperation in April 2019. The two countries enjoy economic complementarity and a huge potential in connectivity cooperation. They have constantly enhanced cooperation under the BRI framework.
Peru is the second largest investment destination of China in Latin America. China’s investment has forcefully driven Peru’s economic and social development, bringing tangible benefits to Peruvians.
At present, Chinese companies such as COSCO Shipping Ports are constructing the Chancay terminal to the north of Peru’s capital Lima. This major terminal is expected to become an important transport and logistics hub on the coast of the South Pacific and largely facilitate Peru’s foreign trade.
China not only drives global growth, but also promotes global governance. It is playing an increasingly important role in international affairs. Under the current international circumstances, the world needs China to keep reviving the global economy and play the role of a major country in maintaining multilateralism, as well as opposing unilateralism and hegemonism.

News

N10bn Alleged Loot: EFCC Probes SGF Akume’s PA ,Torhile Uchi

Published

15 hours ago

March 14, 2025

Online Editor

Indications emerged that the personal Assistant to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF Senator George Akume, Hon. Andrew Torhile Uchi, is currently in the facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC over allegations bordering on corruption, bribery and money laundering amounting to a whooping N10 billion.

A highly placed source at the Commission yesterday, confirmed to our correspondent that the embattled Uchi was invited by the operatives of the Commission on Monday, upon a petition received by the anti-graft agency over Alleged properties he acquired in Abuja, Jos, Makurdi, Gboko and Wannune in Tarka, local government Area of Benue State amounting to over N6 billion.

According to the source, further investigations so far, has revealed that between December 2023 to date the anti-graft agency has been able to trace a whooping N1.6 billion that was allegedly used in buying purch cars through four new generations banks to nine car dealers in Abuja, Kaduna, Lagos, Jos and Makurdi respectively.

The source further added that two Bureau de change operatives are currently been investigated by the Commission, over their alleged involvement in the scam, owing that most of the funds credited to embattled Torhile Andrew Uchi, emanated from their coys.

He said that the Commission is currently working towards getting a court nod to widen the scope of their investigations to the properties in Abuja, Jos and other part of the country to ascertain the source of the income and how the properties were allegedly purchased.

As of the time of filing in this report Mr. Uchi, is still in custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, telling the dreaded operatives of the Commission how he allegedly got the funds which is largely believed to be proceeds from bribes.

Efforts to reach the spokesman of the Commission, Mr Dele Oyewale, proved abortive as his phone lines was said to be switched off.

News

Natasha suspended solely for unruly behaviour – Senate tells IPU

Published

2 days ago

March 13, 2025

Online Editor

The Nigerian Senate has formally responded to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s complaint to the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), refuting allegations that her suspension was linked to claims of sexual harassment.

According to Vanguard, Senator Natasha had petitioned the global body, seeking intervention over what she described as an injustice against her.

However, in a letter signed by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate insisted that her six-month suspension was due to “gross misconduct and unruly behavior”, not allegations of sexual harassment or assault.

The letter, read by Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, stated:

“The authority of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly refutes the deliberate misinformation and false narrative being circulated by certain media organisations regarding the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan.”

It further emphasized that “Senator Uduaghan was suspended solely for her persistent act of misconduct and disregard for the Senate Standing Orders.”

Additionally, the Senate called for a thorough investigation into the allegations she raised against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, maintaining that all due procedures were followed before her suspension.

Senator Natasha, however, vowed to continue her fight against “injustice”. Meanwhile, Senate President Akpabio has denied the accusations, asserting that he has never assaulted any woman.

The dispute between the two lawmakers intensified on February 20, 2025, after Natasha’s seat was changed during plenary. Their tensions date back to July 2024, when Akpabio rebuked her for alleged misconduct, telling her the Senate was “not a nightclub where anybody can talk anyhow.” He later apologized for the remark.

News

Gov Okpebholo recalls Edo Attorney General, Osagie, from suspension

Published

2 days ago

March 13, 2025

Online Editor

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reinstated the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Samson Osagie, exactly 37 days after his suspension.

A letter addressed to Osagie by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Ikhilor, Esq., and marked SGA. 15/NOL.XV111/215, conveyed the governor’s directive. The letter, dated March 12, 2025, and released at 8:15 p.m., stated that an investigative panel had exonerated Osagie of alleged financial infractions.

The letter read: “Having considered the report of the Investigative Panel set up by Government to investigate allegations of financial infractions reported against you, which has exonerated you from the said allegations, I write to convey the directive of the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, that you resume duties as the State Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice with effect from 12th March, 2025.”

Reacting to his reinstatement, Osagie expressed appreciation for the governor’s leadership, describing the decision as a testament to Okpebholo’s sincerity and vision for Edo State.

“I appreciate his sincerity of purpose and vision for the state. This is a clear indication that His Excellency, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, means well for the state. I use this medium to reiterate my commitment and loyalty to him and his administration,” Osagie said.

He further pledged to support the governor in advancing Edo State, emphasizing his dedication to ensuring progress and recovery in the state’s governance.