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Activist-lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), has said the detention of the leader of proscribed Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, should be resolved out of court.

The popular lawyer described Kanu’s case as a political matter and that it should be sorted out outside the courtroom.

Falana spoke in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, while addressing reporters during a visit to Governor Alex Otti.

‘I cannot comment on pending proceedings. You understand me? Like you said, the case was in court today (Wednesday), but I believe that it is a matter that should be sorted out outside the courtroom.

‘For me, it’s a political case. And if you have a situation where some governments are negotiating with bandits or other criminal elements, there can be no basis for not having that matter resolved politically,’ he said.

Falana applauded the various landmark achievements of Abia State Governor Alex Otti in just two years and a few months in office.

The lawyer said he was in the state to defend a client and decided to visit the governor before his appearance in court.

Falana, who said he was familiar with the affairs of Abia State since 1999, praised Otti for providing good roads, schools, hospitals and other infrastructure across the state.

The lawyer said he had seen signs of good governance more than ever before, in the state.

‘I’m familiar with the entire country. I’m familiar with the affairs of Abia State. I’ve been coming here since the inauguration of the civilian government, since 1999.

‘I can say without any fear of contradiction that I’ve seen signs of governance, which were not there before. I’ve seen evidence of physical development.

‘I’ve gone around. I’ve seen good roads, I’ve seen good schools, and hospitals. I am very confident that the governor can do much more than he has done. He owes some of us a duty to ensure that he does not disappoint.

‘I’ve also spoken to people. It’s not enough to go around and see physical development without finding out from the people how they are faring. I’ve heard very positive comments from the people,’ he said.

Falana announced that part of his discussions with Otti was how to intensify his efforts and ensure that the people remain the centrepiece of the administration.

The lawyer stressed that the people must benefit from the dividends of democracy.

Commenting on the ongoing judicial reforms, the activist-lawyer regretted the lack of access to justice for the common man and made a case for the promotion of alternative dispute resolution.

According to him, justice is only accessible to politicians and the elites in Nigeria.

‘Right now, we have a lot of access to justice by the politicians. Only their cases move in court because political cases are time-bound.

‘Other cases, for me, must be time-bound. People make the mistake of saying that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man. The common man has no means to go to court. The judiciary is the last hope of the elite.

‘So, if you want the ordinary people to benefit from the judicial system, you must promote alternative dispute resolution. The majority of our people do not go to the Western courts. They patronise traditional rulers and community leaders to resolve problems.

‘So, the governments of our country, including that of Abia State, must also reform the customary courts and palaces of traditional rulers, where our people have daily access to resolve their disputes.

‘If people have confidence in their community leaders to dispense justice, we must promote such fora.

‘I would call on the governments of Nigeria to pay more attention to the traditional judicial system. It’s not enough to satisfy the elite.’

Chairman of Badagry Local Government in Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Hunpe, has said the council will unveil a comprehensive tourism calendar to showcase the town’s rich cultural and historical heritage to the world.

Hunpe told reporters in Badagry that a committee had been inaugurated to identify and compile tourism events in the coastal community, for proper documentation and projection.

He said the council would begin monthly promotion of events to woo local and international investors.

‘It will also boost the socio-economic activities of the community and increase government revenue earnings,’ he added.

The chairman said the initiative was part of efforts to reposition Badagry as a global tourism hub, considering its significance in Nigeria’s slave trade history, culture and eco-tourism attractions.

He said the council would partner with the state government, private sector stakeholders and traditional institutions to ensure the sustainability and international recognition of the calendar.

Hunpe said security agencies would also be involved to guarantee the safety of visitors and investors, stressing peace and security were vital to tourism growth.

He urged residents to embrace the initiative by supporting tourism activities and preserving historical monuments, noting community participation would make the project a success.

Daystar Christian Centre is set to hold its 30th anniversary in November with thanksgiving, testimonies, and special events in Lagos and on its online platforms.

Senior Pastor, Sam Adeyemi reflected on how the church has evolved. He noted that ‘In 1994, God gave me a revelation to teach biblical success principles to transform lives. Since then, Daystar has been a platform where individuals have discovered their potential and become positive examples to the world.’

The anniversary celebrations will be held on Saturday, November 15 and Sunday, November 16, featuring worship services, global testimonies of transformation, and a special thanksgiving event. Deputy Senior Pastor, Nike Adeyemi, noted: ‘This anniversary is not just about our history, it is about celebrating God’s faithfulness and preparing for the next 30 years of impact.’

The senior pastors enjoined members and partners to share their personal stories of how Daystar has influenced their lives through platforms as Daystar Academy, Daystar Leadership Academy, Daystar Skill Acquisition Programme, Daystar Business Academy, small groups, and service ministries.

Founded in 1995 by pastors Sam and Nike Adeyemi, Daystar Christian Centre has grown into a global faith community, guided by its vision to ‘raise role models,’ people transformed by God to become examples in their families, workplaces, and societies.

In the past three decades, Daystar has expanded beyond its Lagos headquarters with members connecting online from Africa, Europe, North America, and beyond.

Its influence spans leadership training, youth empowerment, business development, and community transformation.

‘Our role models are everywhere, churches, organizations, nations, shining the light of Christ,’ Pastor Adeyemi added. ‘This celebration is about glorifying God for every life transformed and recommitting ourselves to the work ahead.’

The anniversary weekend is expected to draw thousands in physical attendance and millions more online.

Sir: The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has once again stirred public outcry, this time over its newly released subject combinations for the 2026 examination. In what appears to be a hurried and poorly thought-out reform, WAEC reordered subjects in a manner that defies logic, stifles student choice, and risks undermining years of learning.

At first glance, the new structure appears harmless, perhaps an attempt to align subjects more neatly by discipline. But a closer look reveals an alarming lack of coordination. Under the new arrangement, science students can no longer take Economics, a subject that has traditionally bridged the gap between science and the social sciences. Even more baffling, students in the Humanities are also excluded from offering Economics.

According to the new subject list, only students in the Business department are allowed to take Economics.

Make it make sense.

The biggest question is, why now? The 2026 WAEC exam is barely months away, yet the council expects students to abandon subjects they have studied since SS1. How does that support learning, fairness, or excellence?

Education reforms, by their nature, should be gradual, well-communicated, and rooted in consultation. This one feels like the exact opposite: hasty, disorderly, and devoid of empathy. No public engagement. No clear transition plan. No explanation of the rationale. Instead, students, parents, and teachers are left scrambling for answers.

Take, for instance, the case of a science student who has taken Economics since SS1, a student who dreams of studying Agricultural Economics or Environmental Management at the university. Under this new arrangement, the student can no longer sit for Economics in WAEC, despite two full years of preparation. How do you explain to such a student that their effort no longer counts?

Likewise, students in the Humanities, those in Literature, Government, or History, are also barred from taking Economics. In a world where interdisciplinarity is increasingly valued, WAEC seems to be doing the opposite: erecting walls between knowledge areas instead of building bridges.

The question must be asked: Whose interest is WAEC serving with this sudden change? It certainly doesn’t appear to serve the interests of Nigerian students. Nor does it seem aligned with the goals of educational development. On the contrary, it looks like another top-down directive, conceived without sufficient input from the real stakeholders, teachers, students, parents, or curriculum experts.

Education should open doors, not close them. It should encourage curiosity, not conformity. Yet, this new subject combination does exactly the opposite; it limits opportunity. By narrowing who can take certain subjects, WAEC is effectively dictating career paths for young people before they’ve even had the chance to decide for themselves. This is completely unacceptable.

WAEC’s mandate is to assess learning, not to restrict it. Its role is to measure what students have been taught, not to alter the structure of learning midway. When an examination body starts dictating what subjects belong to which departments, and does so without adequate preparation or consultation, it crosses into policymaking territory best left to curriculum development agencies and ministries of education. The Minister of Education must step up to the plate and intervene. He can’t allow WAEC to usurp the role of his ministry.

There’s no denying that reform is necessary. Nigeria’s education system needs periodic review to reflect evolving realities. But reform must make sense. It must be student-centred, data-driven, and inclusive. It must prioritise learners’ needs and ensure that every student, regardless of department, has access to subjects that support their dreams and potential.

The new WAEC subject combination fails all these tests. It is, at best, an administrative experiment carried out without foresight. At worst, it is an educational injustice that undermines the principles of fairness and equity.

WAEC must go back to the drawing board. It must engage teachers, parents, and education policymakers across the member countries. It must publish clear justifications for any change and provide enough time for schools and students to adjust. Most importantly, it must restore flexibility, allowing students to select subjects across disciplines in line with their aspirations.

Any reform of this magnitude should involve proper alignment with the National Universities Commission (NUC), especially as it directly affects university admission requirements and subject combinations. I doubt this is the case here.

Nigerian students deserve better. They deserve a system that empowers, not limits them. Education is the bridge to opportunity; WAEC should not be the one tearing it down.

Sir: The deficit in Nigeria’s housing sector remains very huge with some experts projecting that some 28 million housing units will be needed to bridge the gap; yet successive administrations have not demonstrated the will to address the shortfall.

Next to food and clothing, housing is the next basic necessity, but this appears not to be an issue with government. Right from the colonial times, housing provision has been problematic simply because the authorities than didn’t see housing as a priority. In fact, colonial masters only got involved in housing in the aftermath of the Bubonic plague that ravaged central Lagos in the 1960s. The colonial government needed a suitable accommodation for the victims hence the development of the Surulere Housing Estate. That marked the first time that the government will build houses for the people.

This contrasts with Britian where more than 50 per cent of houses are built by councils. If you take council housing out of the houses in London, the whole place will be empty. Here, they only got involved in the provision of housing for their own officials in Government Reserved Areas.

Unfortunately, this trend continued post-independence. Indeed, there was even no ministry for housing for several years, rather it was the ministry of works and housing and the concentration is always on works, with housing treated as a small part until professionals in the real estate industry cried out.

It was during the administration of the late president, Shehu Shagari, and Lateef Jakande in Lagos that government began to take housing as priority. Shagari built houses across most states of the federation; unfortunately, politics and corruption marred the project. At the state level, Jakande built houses at prices the people could afford, but then, this proved unsustainable.

The issues with housing are manifold. A critical one is finance. It starts with the absence of mortgage system that can enable the public to buy a house. Documentation is another problem. It takes years to get consent to transfer title on land and one still needs to pay between 10 to 15 percent of the cost of the land. This is aside the high cost of construction, especially in the regime of high exchange rates. With all these problems, how will the common man, people at the low end, have a house?

No one is suggesting that the houses be made for the people. The truth is that money invested in housing can be recovered from their sale. What the government should begin to do is give consideration to innovative solutions such as modular housing, dry construction and other approaches that have shown promise in addressing the needs of low-income families.

Bauchi State is gradually emerging as a model of purposeful governance and strategic investment in Nigeria. The recently concluded Bauchi State Economic and Investment Summit has further confirmed this trajectory, marking a historic moment for the state’s economy and future development.

The summit, the first of its kind in the state’s history, concluded on a high note with the signing of 47 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) across key sectors, including agriculture, solid minerals, power, tourism, and extractive industries. The total investment value of these partnerships stands at over $5.2 billion (approximately ?7.8 trillion). This milestone reflects growing investor confidence in Bauchi’s economic environment, policy direction, and leadership stability.

Among the landmark deals is a $2.7 billion agreement with the China Fuhai Energy Group for the establishment of a Petrochemical City Complex in Bauchi. Another is a $1 billion investment by the African Athlete Academy to develop a world-class sports and youth development facility aimed at nurturing talent and promoting youth engagement. These agreements mark a new chapter for Bauchi, positioning it as a hub for industrial and human development.

Behind these milestones stands a visionary leader who has tirelessly driven Bauchi’s transformation into a state poised for sustainable growth. Since assuming office in 2019, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has shown that leadership is about vision, inclusiveness, and results. His administration has prioritized long-term impact over short-term optics, delivering tangible benefits to the people.

Working closely with Governor Mohammed has given me invaluable insight into what ideal leadership looks like. He is remarkably approachable, deeply committed to public service, and steadfast in his mission to deliver initiatives that directly improve lives. He listens to advice, values teamwork, and treats everyone in his circle with respect and kindness. This atmosphere of mutual trust and open communication has enabled his team to function effectively and contribute meaningfully to his vision for Bauchi State.

One of the most striking areas of transformation under his administration is infrastructure development. Roads once plagued by neglect and impassability have been rebuilt and modernized, significantly improving mobility and connectivity across the state. The Ibrahim Bako Bypass (also known as the Gombe-Maiduguri Bypass) and the Sabon Kaura-Miri Road are prime examples of projects that have transformed transportation, stimulated economic growth, and fostered community cohesion. These developments are reshaping the face of Bauchi and restoring public trust in government.

Governor Mohammed’s focus on people-oriented governance is equally evident in his investments in education and healthcare. The education sector has undergone significant reforms, with hundreds of schools renovated or newly constructed and equipped with modern facilities. His administration has also prioritized the recruitment and training of qualified teachers to ensure every child in Bauchi receives quality education.

In healthcare, Governor Mohammed declared a state of emergency to address decades of neglect. Health facilities have been upgraded, and primary healthcare delivery has been strengthened, especially in rural communities. These targeted interventions have increased access to essential services and significantly improved the state’s overall health outcomes.

Agriculture, which is the backbone of Bauchi’s economy, has also received unprecedented attention. Through the provision of improved seedlings, fertilizers, and modern farming equipment, the government is helping farmers transition from subsistence to commercial agriculture. In partnership with organizations like CSC Farms, thousands of young people are being trained in modern agricultural techniques, creating a new generation of agro-entrepreneurs who are contributing to food security and economic growth.

Governor Mohammed’s hands-on approach is a hallmark of his leadership. He leads by example, conducting regular inspections of ongoing projects to ensure quality and efficiency. He remains accessible to the people, listening to their needs and expectations. This people-centric style of governance has made Bauchi’s government transparent, accountable, and relatable.

To those of us who work closely with him, Governor Mohammed is not just a leader but a mentor who inspires excellence. He values integrity, hard work, and loyalty. He treats his staff like family and constantly reminds us that leadership is about service, not privilege. This humility and sincerity have earned him the respect of colleagues, citizens, and development partners alike.

The success of the Bauchi Investment Summit is more than an economic milestone. It symbolizes a new era of renewal, growth, and progress for Bauchi State. It is a statement that Bauchi is ready to take its rightful place in the national and global economic space. It also reinforces Governor Mohammed’s commitment to building a self-sustaining economy anchored in innovation, investment, and inclusiveness.

As someone privileged to be part of this administration, I can attest that the foundation being laid today will shape Bauchi’s destiny for generations to come. The story of Bauchi under Governor Mohammed’s leadership is one of transformation, built on courage, foresight, and compassion. The momentum is undeniable, the progress measurable, and the vision crystal clear. Bauchi State is open for business, receptive to partnerships, and poised for a prosperous future. Under Governor Mohammed’s stewardship, the promise of a united, forward-looking, and thriving Bauchi is becoming a tangible reality.

Ogun Governor Dapo Abiodun, has celebrated Matilukuro Olanrewaju, a dedicated educator from Muslim High School, Ago Iwoye, who emerged the overall best teacher in the Senior Secondary Category during the 2025 Presidential Teacher and School Excellent Award

The prestigious recognition was announced during the World Teachers’ Day Celebration at the June 12 Cultural Center, Abeokuta, where the Governor, represented by Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, applauded the exceptional contributions of teachers across the state toward shaping the future of young learners.

Oyedele-Salako commended Matilukuro for his unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovative teaching methods, and positive impact on students’ learning outcomes.

She emphasised that the State Government remains dedicated to promoting and rewarding excellence among educators as part of its vision to elevate the standard of education in Ogun State.

The event was attended by top government officials, education stakeholders, and representatives from various schools.

The atmosphere was filled with excitement and pride as colleagues, students, and well-wishers celebrated Matilukuro’s remarkable achievement.

The recognition of Matilukuro Olanrewaju as the 2025 Ogun State Overall Best Teacher (Senior Secondary Category) stands as a testament to his passion, professionalism and enduring dedication to the teaching profession – a true reflection of the excellence Ogun State is known for.

As December approaches, all eyes in Nigeria’s boxing and entertainment circles turn once again to the year-end edition of GOtv Boxing Night: Boxing Jamz Music, the signature fusion of sport and live performance that has become a fixture on the national events calendar. The event, featuring top-tier bouts and star-studded musical performances, has evolved beyond a celebration of sporting excellence to become a catalyst for local economic growth and creative industry development.

Now a December tradition, GOtv Boxing Night: Boxing Jamz Music has evolved into a platform that blends the grit of boxing with the energy of Nigerian entertainment. What began as an effort to revive interest in domestic boxing has become a multifaceted experience that generates income, promotes tourism, and offers visibility to both emerging and established talent.

Each edition draws thousands of attendees, from die-hard boxing fans to music lovers, while millions follow through live television broadcasts. This level of engagement stimulates business across multiple sectors. Hotels near the venue record spikes in bookings, transport operators see higher demand, and restaurants and bars enjoy increased patronage.

The economic ripple extends to the informal sector. Ushers, security personnel, stagehands, camera operators, and temporary staff find work opportunities during the period. For many, the December edition provides an extra income stream during the festive season. In the broader context, this flow of commercial activity underscores how sports and entertainment contribute to community-level economic growth.

For Nigerian boxers, GOtv Boxing Night remains the country’s most reliable professional platform. It offers fighters fair purses, broadcast exposure, and career visibility before local and international audiences. Several boxers who started on the GOtv stage have gone on to secure regional and global fights, a clear sign of how sustained private-sector investment can strengthen the local sports ecosystem.

The consistency of the event has also brought stability to athletes’ careers. With regular editions throughout the year and the flagship Boxing Jamz Music event in December, boxers can plan their training and livelihoods more effectively. The organisers’ commitment to athlete welfare, transparent contracts, and proper medical supervision has helped elevate professional standards in the sport.

The addition of the Music Jamz segment each December has expanded the event’s appeal and turned it into one of the biggest parties of the festive season. The December crowd does not only come for the punches; they come for the performances that light up the night. Over the years, the stage has hosted some of Nigeria’s biggest stars, including Burna Boy, Teni, Mayorkun, 9ice, Zlatan, Wande Coal, and Styl-Plus, among others. Their presence has helped position the event as a true convergence of sport and popular culture, a year-end celebration that captures the energy and rhythm of Nigerian entertainment.

By merging boxing with live music from leading and emerging artists, the organisers have created a hybrid experience that attracts diverse audiences and bridges two of Nigeria’s most vibrant industries. This model has proven effective not only for fan engagement but also for supporting the broader creative sector.

Artists, dancers, stylists, makeup artists, videographers, and content creators all benefit from the production of GOtv Boxing Night: Boxing Jamz Music. The event requires a wide network of professionals, from sound engineers to lighting designers and stage setup teams, creating direct employment and project-based income. This collaboration between sports and entertainment also drives online content creation, amplifying the visibility of Nigerian talent locally and abroad.

Beyond economic activity, the December event promotes tourism. Each edition attracts visitors from across Nigeria and other African countries. These guests boost the hospitality and transport sectors, while media coverage projects Lagos as a vibrant hub for sports and entertainment. For tourism stakeholders, the consistent hosting of GOtv Boxing Night: Boxing Jamz Music demonstrates how event-based tourism can diversify local economies and enhance Nigeria’s image as a destination for major events.

From an organisational perspective, GOtv Boxing Night continues to set a benchmark for private-sector involvement in sports promotion. The planning, logistics, and production quality reflect growing professionalism within Nigeria’s events industry, one that builds investor confidence and encourages similar initiatives. The integration of music and boxing also highlights how partnerships across creative and athletic sectors can deliver long-term social and economic benefits.

For government and industry stakeholders, the model offers practical lessons. It shows that with consistent funding, professional management, and collaboration, private enterprises can play a central role in driving sports development, youth employment, and creative-economy growth. GOtv Boxing Night: Boxing Jamz Music stands as proof that structured partnerships between corporate sponsors, sports promoters, and creative professionals can produce outcomes aligned with national goals on youth empowerment and economic diversification.

As the December edition draws near, anticipation goes beyond the promise of title fights or headline performances. The event’s impact now resonates across multiple levels, from the boxer earning a living, to the street vendor making festive sales, to the young creative finding work on a production crew. Each participant contributes to a wider story of how sports and entertainment, when strategically developed, can drive sustainable growth and community development.

More than a year-end tradition, GOtv Boxing Night: Boxing Jamz Music has become a case study in how consistent investment in sports and entertainment can transform local economies, support talent, and inspire national pride. As it returns this December, the event continues to prove that the true value of boxing lies not only in the competition inside the ring but in the opportunities it creates far beyond it.

At the turn of the 21st century, precisely from October 10 – 12, 2000, the first ministerial conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Beijing, following earlier consultations. Nearly 100 ministers from China and 44 African countries were in attendance. A joint declaration at the end of the conference among other things explained that the two sides were ‘highly appreciative of the stable development of Sino-Africa relations over the past decades, have full confidence in the future cooperation and agree that there exists a solid foundation for friendly relations and cooperation between China and Africa, given their time-honoured traditional friendship’.

Twenty-five years later, the trajectories of China-Africa cooperation have justified the optimism expressed at the inaugural conference that the two sides ‘have full confidence in the future cooperation’, even as they agreed ‘that there exists a solid foundation’, for such cooperation, nurtured by ‘their time-honoured traditional friendship’.

China-Africa cooperation even before the founding of the FOCAC process has time-honoured pedigree. From 1967, China set out to construct in Zambia and Tanzania, the nearly 2,000km railway line, offered an interest-free loan to cover costs of constructing the line and supporting infrastructure of stations and training school as well as the supply of motive power and rolling stock. The interest-free loan was repayable according to the agreement in 30 years.

The proposal for the project, later dubbed the freedom line or Tazara railways was outrightly rejected by major Western powers then, and even the former Soviet Union as economically unviable. China accepted to build it and duly completed in 1974.

In 1971, 26 African countries including Nigeria were among 76 other countries in the world that voted in the UN General Assembly to enable China regain her seat at the United Nations and provided the subsisting international consensus that there is only ‘One China’ in the world, and that Taiwan is an inalienable and integral part of China’s sovereign expression and territorial integrity.

The vigorous exchanges and mutual support were the basis for the time-honoured traditional friendship between China and Africa and consequently formed the ‘solid foundation’, on which the FOCAC process was built. The point need to be made that despite the phenomenal growth in China-Africa cooperation especially at the turn of the 21st century, with the establishment of FOCAC, the relationship is neither new nor transactional as some commentators want to describe it. It is rooted in traditional friendship and solidarity shaped by common experience of colonial domination and imperialist exploitation but more importantly a shared aspiration of social and economic well beings for their respective peoples.

In her traditional support for infrastructure construction, which began with the Tazara railway, China within the framework of the FOCAC mechanism further energised and reinforced by the Belt and Road framework for international cooperation have helped Africa to build and renovate more than 10,000 kilometres of railways, about 100,00km of roads, more than 1,000 bridges and nearly 100 ports.

Among the major infrastructure projects, includes the first transnational electrified railway line between Ethiopia and Djibouti, spanning over 750km and have significantly reduced both the time and cost of travel between the Ethiopia industrial heartland and the Djibouti port, the Mombassa-Nairobi standard gauge railway in Kenya, and the Lekki Deep Sea port in Lagos. The Lekki Deep Seaport with estimated economic benefits of about $360 billion would also create about 170,000 new jobs.

These are few among the many infrastructure connectivity projects in Africa built by China in the elaborate framework of the cooperation between the two sides. The projects respond to the original deficit in the struggle for Pan African Unity, a challenge taken up at the meeting of the defunct Organization of Africa Union (OAU) at its special session at Lagos, in 1980. The vision of continental connectivity and industrial take-off contained in the iconic document, Lagos Plan of Action’ was immediately countered by the World Bank and vitiated by lack of political will but has through the framework of the FOCAC process returned to the earlier blueprint with ‘Africa engaging more with herself through connectivity and trade than at any other time in her post-colonial history.

Economic and Trade cooperation have emerged as the flagship of the engagement between the two sides. For 16 years in a straight row, China has been Africa’s largest trading partner with the volume reaching a record of 295.74 billion USD in 2024, an increase of 6.1% from the previous year. Since the establishment of FOCAC in 2000, the trade volume between China and African countries have risen with average annual growth of 14.2%, rising from meagre 13.94 billion US dollars to the current record level.

More importantly, the structure of trade which previously revolved around export of Africa energy and mineral resources and imports of China’s manufactures are shifting in favour of high value-added sectors such mechanical and electrical products, digital services and green technologies. In 2024, African countries exports of processed agricultural products to China demonstrating strength in agro-processing and manufacturing significantly increased. China’s exports to Africa which includes photovoltaic modules, industrial robots and smart phones showed remarkable boost.

In overall, the shift in China-Africa trade towards diversification, higher value-added and technology intensive sector is becoming increasingly significant. Additionally, Chinese investments in the manufacturing, agro-processing sector energy and digital economy is scaling up Africa’s industrialization with cumulative investment that reached $42.12 billion, with nearly Chinese 3,300 operating in 51 African countries . To give greater impetus to Africa’s access to the Chinese market, the Chinese side instituted the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, specifically designated to give products from Africa’s exposure to China’s huge market.

At this year’s 4th edition of the Expo, 176 contracts worth $11.39 billion were signed, a 45.8% increase to the previous edition of the Expo held in 2023. In addition to existing mechanism for concessional access of African products to the Chinese market, China proposed last June as a part of the implementation of Ten Partnership Action Plan, outlined by President Xi Jinping at the heads of State Summit of FOCAC held in 2024, to grant zero tariff treatment on 100% of tariff lines for exports from 53 African countries with diplomatic ties.

Since the creation of FOCAC in 2000, it has propelled bilateral cooperation of the two sides into a phase of rapid, comprehensive and stable development. In addition to the creation of multiple cooperation mechanism and trade facilitation initiatives, it has enabled a long term institutional support for China-Africa relations.

While China-Africa engagements at different levels are well known for tangible outcomes and deliverable, it is also fostering values through mutual learnings and governance experience sharing. Through the FOCAC process, inter-party consultations and civilizational dialogues are gaining momentum, and bridging the geographical gaps between the two sides.

The China-Africa journey within the framework of the FOCAC process is still a work in progress despite the crucial milestones it has reached. At the Beijing summit of last year, President Xi Jinping proposed to characterize China-Africa as ‘all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for a new era’.

More than 60 years ago, when the Chinese Venerable Premier, Zhou Enlai visited Africa, in Ghana he outlined the eight principles of China’s support and assistance to Africa. Among the eight principles, the forth explained that ‘in providing aid to other countries, the purpose of the Chinese government is not to make the recipient countries dependent on China but to help them embark step by step on the road to self-reliance and independent economic development’. This position is as valid today as it was, more than six decades ago, when it was pronounced on African soil.

The historic imperative for Africa is to meet China half way in the open brotherly embrace and make the opportunity of China to contribute to the concrete advantage of Africa’s renaissance, with FOCAC as the mutual roadmap.

A new platform CameraHubs has intensified efforts to launch Africa’s marketplace for cameras, audio equipment, broadcasting gear, and stage lighting to boost creatives in their work.

The launch is slated for December 1, 2025.

The brains behind the platform, Eugin Joachin, a Nigerian businessman with over 20 years of experience in the photographic equipment industry, said the inspiration for CameraHubs came from decades of watching creatives struggle.

‘I have seen photographers cry after discovering they bought fake gear or they are finding it difficult to get exactly what they want .I have seen churches spend months trying to bring in basic microphones, trusses, stage lights and other equipment. I have also seen middlemen inflate prices unnecessarily. CameraHubs is the big break Africa’s creatives have been waiting for,’ he said.

He said the target audience are photographers, cinematographers, content creators, churches, clubs, broadcasters, and entertainers, adding that creatives don’t just need equipment; they need guidance, inspiration, and opportunities to connect.

‘The platform will connect buyers directly to different distributors, retailers and manufacturers. Buyers will also be able to browse multiple shops, compare prices, and choose what suits their budgets,’ he said at a media parley in Lagos.

‘This is not just another online store. It is a hub where industry players, manufacturers, retailers, and professionals come together in one space. If you are a photographer, a filmmaker , club owners, churches you will find exactly what you need without stress,’ he added.