State development

China Africa global governance reform gains momentum in Abuja

Published

1 year ago

September 18, 2025

China Africa global governance reform takes centre stage in Abuja seminar as scholars call for UN, IMF, and G20 reforms to include the global south

China Africa global governance reform was the central theme of a one-day seminar held in Abuja on Thursday, bringing together diplomats and scholars who strongly advocated for structural changes in global institutions.

Also read: Nigeria China Marine Cooperation to Boost Ports, Exports

The event, themed “Opportunities for China-Africa Cooperation under the Global Governance Initiative (GGI),” provided a platform to challenge the existing global order and propose inclusive alternatives.

Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Dong Hairong, highlighted the GGI as part of Beijing’s broader commitment to fairness, multilateralism, and shared global development.

Hairong argued that the current global landscape, shaped by geopolitical tensions, economic instability and health crises, justifies the need for deep reforms.

“GGI aims to build a fairer, more equitable international system through joint efforts of all countries and multilateral bodies,” she stated.

She added that the Nigerian government welcomes the initiative, seeing it as aligned with the core interests of both Nigeria and Africa at large.

She also reaffirmed China’s support for Nigeria’s bid for permanent membership on the United Nations Security Council.

The call for change was echoed by Professor Sheriff Ibrahim, Director of the Centre for Contemporary China-Africa Research.

He criticised the dominance of a few global powers in decision-making, particularly within the UN Security Council, International Monetary Fund (IMF), and G20.

“There is exclusion in global governance. The current structure is outdated and favours a handful of nations,” Ibrahim said.

He called for the inclusion of African, Pacific, and Latin American voices, and questioned the absence of the Chinese yuan in the global financial framework.

Referencing Nigeria’s position at the 79th UN General Assembly, Professor Ibrahim applauded the country’s assertiveness and noted that China had openly supported Nigeria’s ambitions on the world stage.

Charles Onunaiju, Director of the Centre for China Studies, emphasised domestic readiness as a crucial factor.

“You are either on the table or on the menu,” he remarked. “To be on the table, African countries must strengthen institutions, fight corruption, and prioritise people-centred development.”

Onunaiju praised China’s commitment to capacity-building, contrasting it with failed Western-led interventions.

He expressed optimism that the China Africa global governance reform through GGI would yield tangible results, describing the initiative as “a game-changer.”

The GGI, unveiled by President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Plus summit in September 2025, champions a just and inclusive approach to global governance.

Nigeria was among the first countries to endorse the initiative officially, calling it a timely response to today’s international challenges.

Also read: Nigeria China Marine Cooperation to Boost Ports, Exports

As the seminar concluded, a clear consensus emerged: Africa must strengthen its voice, deepen strategic partnerships—particularly with China—and work toward a more representative global order.

Related Topics:Africa China featured GGI Global Governance Nigeria

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State development

Bauchi Urges Girls to Pursue Education and Skilled Jobs

Published

1 week ago

October 26, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Bauchi girls’ education campaign urges students to complete school, learn vocational skills and pursue careers traditionally dominated by men

Girls in Bauchi State have been encouraged to complete their education, acquire vocational skills and pursue careers traditionally dominated by men as part of efforts to promote financial independence and reduce gender inequality.

Also read: Rest of World to Shut Down as Search for New Home Continues

The call was made on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at an event in Bauchi to mark the International Day of the Girl Child.

The event was organised under the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership Project in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria, Azurfa Women and Youth Development Initiative, and Fahimta Women and Youth Development Initiative.

Speaking at the event, Mustapha Idris, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at Fahimta Women and Youth Development Initiative, said the annual observance aimed to raise awareness of girls’ rights and promote their well-being.

He said the programme was designed to encourage girls to explore a wider range of professions and address gender disparities in the workplace.

Idris urged students to use their school holidays to learn practical skills, including shoemaking and soap production, which could help them earn an income and improve their economic prospects.

“Girls should not feel ashamed of learning a trade or engaging in legitimate businesses. These skills can provide them with sources of income, promote financial independence and reduce their reliance on others,” he said.

Monica Tanko, Executive Director of Azurfa Women and Youth Development Initiative, urged the girls to remain committed to their education and avoid leaving school before completing their studies.

She also encouraged them to develop practical skills alongside their formal education, saying the combination could help prepare them for future challenges and employment opportunities.

Tanko stressed the importance of self-reliance while encouraging the students to maintain their personal dignity as they pursued their ambitions.

Timothy Ibrahim, an engineer with more than 20 years of professional experience, encouraged the students to consider engineering and other professions in which women have traditionally been underrepresented.

He urged them not to allow gender stereotypes to discourage them from pursuing their interests, adding that girls could excel when they had access to opportunities, encouragement and support.

His message reinforced the event’s call for girls to look beyond occupations traditionally associated with women and explore careers across technical and professional fields.

The event was attended by female students from several schools in Bauchi metropolis, including Rafin Zurfi, Bakaro, Unguwar Doya, Gudun Sayawa and the Federal Government Girls’ College.

The International Day of the Girl Child is observed annually on October 11 to promote girls’ rights and draw attention to challenges affecting their development.

The Bauchi event used the occasion to highlight the importance of education, vocational training and access to a wider range of career opportunities.

The organisers’ message was that empowering girls requires more than keeping them in school.

Also read: Rest of World to Shut Down as Search for New Home Continues

Access to practical skills, supportive role models and opportunities to enter different professions can also help young women build greater economic independence and participate more fully in their communities.