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China-Nigeria cultures, civilisation contributes to world sustainable development – Envoy

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4 years ago

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Nigeria and China Flags
Nigeria and China Flags
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The People’s Republic of China on Friday extolled the Chinese-Nigerian culture and civilisation to have contributed to the world’s sustainable development.

The Chinese Ambassador designate to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun, said this in his address at the Sustainable Gastronomy Day (SGD) celebration held in Abuja.

Jianchun, represented by Mr Li Xuda, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, defined gastronomy to mean the practice or art of choosing, cooking and eating good food.

The event was organised by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) in collaboration with Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

Li said: “As some of us are aware, in 2016 the UN General Assembly designated 18th of June as international observance for SGD.

“It is really a great decision which acknowledges gastronomy as a cultural expression related to the natural and cultural diversity of the world.

“It reminds us that all cultures and civilisation, including China and Nigeria cultures and civilisation, are contributors of the world’s sustainable development.

“China and Nigeria have similarities in lots of fields, including gastronomy, Nigerians are always proud of their food culture and the cuisine in Nigeria dates back to 9000 years African tradition.

“I believe that our food culture will be better developed and our peoples’ living standard will further improve and our two countries sustainable development will be greatly promoted.”

Dr Ifeoma Anyanwutaku, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, commended the SGD initiative to connect people, planet and profit.

According to her, in the global tourism industry, gastronomy has become major tourist pull-factor and largely defines some inherent attractions in a tourist destination.

Anyanwutaku said: “For us in Nigeria, culture is our competitive tourism-advantage, most of which are identified by Nigerian cuisines and their methods of preparations.

“Sustainable gastronomy is therefore a call to action for us to improve our food and cuisines production processes without compromising the ability of future generations to access quality foods.

“With over 300 ethnic groups and their corresponding unique cuisines, Nigeria has enormous potential of becoming the Mecca of Food tourism in Africa.

“To this end, the Federal Government recognises the pivotal roles that sustainable gastronomy can play in Nigeria tourism development, in line with its efforts to reduce mass poverty and youth restlessness.”

On his part, Sen. Rochas Okorocha, lawmaker representing Imo-West Senatorial district, underscored food, clothing, shelter and education to be four basic necessities of life, which showcases culture of people.

He mentioned that cerebration of SGD has become key to sensitise people more on the importance about intake of balanced diet to promote nation building.

“In Nigeria we do not eat right, 90 per cent of our nation’s population does not eat right.

“We must use this day to educate our children on what food means and what quality food means; in Nigeria we take carbohydrate, garri in the morning then we change it to pounded yam.

“This is why sugar disease is on the increase, you are what you eat; and two things are key, if you eat right and stay in good environment you cannot be sick,” Okorocha said.

The high point of the event was exhibition of Nigerian and Chinese cuisines as well as display of traditional dances.

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International

Finnish Court Jails Simon Ekpa Six Years for Terrorism

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3 months ago

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September 1, 2025

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Simon Ekpa
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A Finnish court on Monday sentenced Nigerian-born Finnish politician Simon Ekpa to six years in prison for terrorism-related offences.

The Päijät-Häme District Court found the 40-year-old former Lahti municipal councillor guilty of participating in a terrorist organisation, incitement to commit crimes for terrorist purposes, aggravated tax fraud, and violations of the Lawyers Act.

Prosecutors said that between 2021 and 2024, Ekpa promoted the independence of the so-called Biafra region in Nigeria through illegal means, using social media to influence followers and support armed groups the court classified as terrorist organisations.

The court ruled that Ekpa provided weapons and explosives through his contacts and urged his supporters on X, formerly Twitter, to commit crimes in Nigeria. He denied all charges.

Ekpa was arrested in December 2024 and tried over 12 sessions earlier this year. A three-judge panel delivered the unanimous verdict, ordering him to remain in custody.

 

 

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International

In Brazil, Tinubu Calls for Innovation-Driven Transformation in Nigeria

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3 months ago

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August 27, 2025

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President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
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President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to positioning Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s development, with a focus on technology, food security, and innovation.

Speaking to Nigerians in Brazil on Wednesday, Tinubu described his visit as a strategic step to deepen bilateral ties and learn from the South American country’s rapid development.

“Once upon a time, Nigeria and Brazil stood on the same level. Look at Brazil today — its technology, its food systems. We must ask ourselves: what do they have that we don’t? We have the brains, the energy, and the youth. We have everything we need. Now, we must act,” he said.

The President stressed that his government is laying the foundation for partnerships in manufacturing, technology, and cultural exchange, with the goal of unlocking Nigeria’s potential.

Acknowledging the difficulties citizens face due to ongoing economic reforms, Tinubu insisted that the measures are necessary for long-term prosperity.

“Yes, the reforms are tough — like bitter medicine. But once the fever is gone, you know the cure was worth it,” he said.

He commended the Nigerian diaspora community in Brazil, urging them to see themselves as critical stakeholders in building a new Nigeria.

“You are the pride of our nation. Your diversity, your commitment — it reflects the Nigeria we are working to build. I salute you all,” Tinubu stated.

The President further called for unity and resilience among Nigerians, adding that the dream of a prosperous nation must be pursued with urgency.

“If Wole Soyinka, at over 90, can still dream and act, then we have no excuse. The dream must be realised. The time is now,” he said.

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International

Tinubu Arrives in Brazil for Two-Day State Visit After U.S. Stopover

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3 months ago

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August 25, 2025

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stepping out from Airplane
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President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Brasília, Brazil, for a two-day state visit focused on deepening bilateral ties and securing new investments.

Tinubu, who flew in from Los Angeles after attending the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Japan, was received at the Brasília Air Base by senior Brazilian government officials, including Ambassador Carlos Sérgio Sobral Duarte, Secretary for Africa and the Middle East, and Carlos José Areias Moreno Garcete, Brazil’s Ambassador to Nigeria.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, also joined the reception. Other cabinet ministers, heads of key agencies, and private sector representatives later welcomed the president at his hotel.

The official welcoming ceremony, with full military honours, is scheduled for Monday at the Planalto Palace.

According to presidential aides, the visit will focus on activating multi-billion-dollar agricultural investments, advancing the $1.1 billion Green Imperative mechanisation project, and attracting fresh foreign direct investment in Nigeria’s agriculture and energy sectors.

Tinubu is also expected to participate in a Nigeria–Brazil business forum, bilateral meetings, and the signing of agreements and memoranda of understanding in technology, aviation, renewable energy, and climate resilience.

The presidency has not disclosed when the president is expected to return to Abuja.

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