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Nigeria and South Africa Boost Economic Ties with New Trade and Investment Council

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Nigeria and South Africa have officially launched the Joint Ministerial Advisory Council on Industry, Trade, and Investment, marking a significant milestone in their efforts to strengthen economic cooperation and foster growth between the two prominent African nations.

This development, announced by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday during the Nigeria-South Africa Business Roundtable in Cape Town, signals a new era of partnership aimed at boosting trade and investment across both countries.

During the roundtable, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu reassured the gathering of business leaders, government officials, and trade stakeholders that Nigeria is fully open for business.

He emphasized that the country is committed to providing a stable environment, bolstered by security and the rule of law, where businesses can thrive.

His remarks were aimed at addressing concerns that may be deterring South African investors from expanding their businesses and franchises in Nigeria.

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Tinubu also called for South Africa to reciprocate, urging the country to create an environment that allows Nigerian companies to flourish within its borders.

President Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to improving its investment climate, noting that the government is working tirelessly to remove obstacles and facilitate the growth of businesses.

He also highlighted the ongoing economic reforms that are already starting to bear fruit.

These reforms, he said, are designed to serve the people of Nigeria and contribute to Africa’s overall prosperity.

“Nigeria is undergoing stringent economic reforms that will serve our people and bring prosperity to the continent,” Tinubu remarked.

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He further emphasized that Nigeria offers one of the best investment opportunities in the world, with returns that are unmatched elsewhere.

The focus of the meeting was on the operationalization of the Joint Ministerial Advisory Council, which was first introduced during President Ramaphosa’s State Visit to Nigeria in 2021.

The council was established to address critical trade and investment challenges, align policies between the two nations, and create a favorable environment for business growth.

Ramaphosa also recognized the strategic importance of both countries in their respective regions and the need to diversify their trade relations. While South Africa has a large trade deficit with Nigeria—largely due to oil and gas imports—both leaders acknowledged the necessity to move beyond a dependency on these industries.

They discussed the importance of diversifying trade, aiming to create a more balanced and mutually beneficial economic relationship.

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“We are encouraged by the presence of South African companies in Nigeria, just as we welcome Nigerian companies in South Africa,” Ramaphosa said.

However, he also acknowledged that there are still challenges in the business environments of both countries that hinder the expansion of investment and sometimes complicate the operations of companies.


 

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“We Must Not Burn Down Our Only Nation With Terror and Violence” – Peter Obi Urges

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Peter Obi, former presidential candidate and influential political figure, has raised concerns over the escalating insecurity in Nigeria, specifically bringing out the increasing cases of kidnapping and killings across the nation.

In a statement shared on his X handle, he decried the alarming frequency of these crimes and called for immediate action to address the menace.

Obi expressed deep worry over how this wave of insecurity has affected every aspect of national life.

He picked examples from the agricultural sector, where farmers are forced off their farmlands by threats of violence, to the educational and health sectors, where teachers, lecturers, and healthcare workers are becoming frequent targets of kidnappers.

In one of the most recent incidents, the Manager of the College of Nursing Sciences in Ihiala, Anambra State, was brutally killed.

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This tragic event was followed by the kidnapping of two Reverend Sisters, both key contributors to the education sector.

One is a school principal, while the other is a teacher.

The former governor also questioned the extent of the problem, asking how many cases go unreported if the reported ones are already so overwhelming.

He urged the government to deploy all available resources to combat insecurity, rescue those in captivity, and restore peace in affected areas.

Additionally, he made a heartfelt appeal to the perpetrators, urging them to abandon their criminal activities and adopt peaceful ways of life.

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“Nothing justifies these kidnappings and killings. We must not burn down our only nation with terror and violence,” Obi stated.


 

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Wildfire Rages in Los Angeles And Forces Mass Evacuations

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Wildfire erupts in Los Angeles causing evacuation in certain neighbourhood counties. The fire stared out in the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday and approached the landmark Hollywood sign.

Many people including celebrities lost their home due to the fire and others had to evacuate before the fire reaches them. It was reported that 5 people died due to the fire and more than 137,00o people have evacuated their homes.

The fire fighters and the government are trying to manage the fire however due to the high winds and dry weather the fire keeps spreading.

The fire has destroyed many buildings including museums, schools, homes, pet shelters and many more. The government are still responding to the calls and trying to deal with fire to prevent more damages.


 

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Governor Abba Yusuf Says He’s Focused on Serving Kano, Not Worried About 2027 Re-election

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Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has made it clear that he isn’t concerned about the possibility of re-election in 2027.

Speaking in Kano, the governor emphasized that his focus is on delivering results during his current term, not on political pressures for a second term.

Yusuf explained that his priority is fulfilling the mandate given to him by the people of Kano, stressing that his achievements in office will be the measure by which he should be judged.

“What I am concerned about is not re-election.

I am more focused on delivering the dividends of democracy in this first term,” he said.

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“I want the people of Kano to assess my performance at the end of this tenure.”

Reflecting on his political journey, Yusuf reminded his audience that he won the 2019 and 2023 elections against formidable opponents, despite not holding any political office at the time.

He credited his victory to the will of Allah and stated that his future was in His hands.

“I am destined to be a Governor,” Yusuf declared, adding that whether or not he serves a second term depends entirely on God’s will.

“If Allah wills it, I’ll serve a second term. If not, then I won’t. So, why should I bother myself?”

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Yusuf also made it clear that he would not succumb to any political pressure on his mandate.

“My performance will speak for me, not political pressure,” he said confidently.


 

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