U.S. President-elect Joe Biden and President Xi Jinping of China

Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, on Monday in Beijing, said that Beijing and the US should initiate dialogue at all levels, Sputnik reports.

Wang said this at a meeting with the US-China Business Councils Board of Directors, according to the report.

Any issue can be discussed at the negotiating table, thus, it is possible to keep in touch on strategic and long-term issues.

The Chinese side is always ready to negotiate, the sides can draft a list (of topics) to promote dialogue, cooperation and to settle differences, the foreign minister was quoted as saying.

This suggestion comes amid reports that U.S. President-elect, Joe Biden, is likely to take a tough stance against China in his foreign policy thrust.

Biden is expected to come through with his pledge to mobilise Americas allies in a long-overdue determination to stand up to China, forcefully, multilaterally, and effectively.

In February, Biden had described Chinese President, Xi Jinping, as a thug, while US President, Donald Trump, had called Xi a great leader.

Trump had also admitted backing away from holding Beijing accountable for the Chinese presidents rampages in Hong Kong and Xinjiang, in order to gain advantages at the trade-talks table, Terry Glavin for the Canadian journal Ottawa Citizen wrote.

According to Glavin, Biden has gone out of his way to declare Beijings mass imprisonment of the Uighurs and the obliteration of Uighur culture, genocide.

Meanwhile, two years ago, Trump had said: President Xi and I will always be friends.He is for China, Im for the US, but other than that, we love each other.

He had also gone out of his way to cut Xi slack on Xinjiang.

Until now, the U.S. and the worlds liberal democracies have been all over the map in coming to terms with the perceived wrongdoings of Xi Jinping.

The issues have been about Hong Kong and Xinjiang, where Beijing has been accused of carrying out actions aimed against the Turkic Muslim Uighur minority, and Chinas takeover of key UN agencies.

Other contentious issues included Chinas alleged manipulations of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and its hostage diplomacy in one country after another, among others.

Over 300 separate bills targeting China have been drawn up in the U.S. in both Democrats and Republicans in Congress, and the important bills addressing the catastrophes in Hong Kong and Xinjiang enjoyed full bipartisan support.

On December 6, the US State Department listed over 80 Chinese companies mentioned in the US stock exchange in which U.S. retail investors have been investing unknowingly in Chinese companies involved in both civilian and military production.

Source: NAN News

Mr Yemi Kale, NBS Boss

By Folasade Akpan

The total value of Nigerias merchandise trade from January to date stands at N23.2 trillion, while trade in the third quarter of 2020 (Q3 2020) is N8.37 trillion.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said this in its Foreign Trade in Goods Statistics Q3, 2020 published on its website on Monday.

According to the report, the Q3 figure represents an increase of 34.15 per cent, compared to Q2, but a decline of 8.85 per cent, compared to Q3 2019.

Giving details, the NBS said that the import component was valued at N5.38 trillion, representing an increase of 33.77 per cent in Q3, against the level recorded in Q2 and 38.02 per cent compared to Q3 2019.

The value of imports in Q3 2020 represented the highest level for any quarter since 2017, it said.

On the other hand, export component accounted for N2.99 trillion of the total trade in Q3, indicating an increase of 34.85 per cent compared to the value recorded in Q2, but a decrease of 43.43 per cent compared to Q3 2019.

Aside from Q2 2020, the value of exports in Q3 2020 represented the lowest level of any quarter since 2017, it added.

Due to lower exports and higher imports compared to 2019, the trade balance recorded a deficit of N2.38 trillion during the third quarter.

This also represents the widest merchandise trade deficit since 2017. When compared to the deficit of N1.8 trillion recorded in Q2, the Q3 deficit rose by 32.45 per cent.

The report, however stated that the predominant export, remained crude oil, which was valued at N2.42 trillion, representing 81.02 per cent of total exports.

It said that non-crude oil was valued at N568.2 billion, or 18.98 per cent of total export during the period under review.

Categorising the imported goods, the report said that imported agricultural goods, increased in value by 21.13 per cent in Q3, compared to Q2 and 109.82 per cent compared to the corresponding quarter in 2019.

The value of raw material imports increased by 24.47 per cent in Q3, compared to Q2 and 114.95 per cent compared to the same quarter in 2019.

Solid minerals imports increased in value by 21.57 per cent in Q3 compared to Q2 and 77.23 per cent compared to Q3, 2019.

Manufactured goods imports increased in value by 23.18 per cent in Q3 compared to Q2 and 23.47 per cent year-on-year.

The NBS said that the value of energy goods imports decreased by 53.69 per cent in Q3 compared to Q2 and a considerable decline of 69.06 per cent year-on-year.

It added that other oil products imports, grew by 216.28 per cent in Q3 compared to Q2 and 32.38 per cent when compared to Q3 2019.

As for exports, agricultural goods export dropped in value by 22.6 per cent in Q3 compared to Q2 but increased 43.7 per cent year-on-year.

It added that the value of raw material goods export recorded a decline of 24.6 per cent in Q3 compared to Q2 and a decline of 61.9 per cent compared to the same quarter in 2019.

The value of solid minerals exports registered an increase of 253 per cent in Q3 compared to Q2, but a decrease of 12.2 per cent compared to Q3 2019.

Manufactured goods export decreased in value by 47.7 per cent in Q3 against the level recorded in Q2 and a considerable decline of 86.7 per cent compared with the corresponding quarter in 2019.

Meanwhile crude oil exports grew in value by 56 per cent in Q3 compared to Q2, but decreased in value by 35.3 per cent year-on-year.

Also, energy goods increased in value by 3.9 per cent in Q3 compared to Q2, but decreased by 20 per cent year on-year.

It added that other oil products increased in value by 13.1 per cent in the quarter under review compared to Q2, but decreased by 23.2 per cent compared to the same quarter in 2019.

According to the NBS, Nigerias imports by country of origin shows goods were imported mainly from China (N1.64 trillion worth or 30.51 per cent), United States (N482.3 billion or 8.96 per cent), the Netherlands (N443.5 billion or 8.24 per cent) and India (N354.1 billion or 6.58 per cent).

For exports by country of destination, Nigeria exported goods valued at N500.6 billion or 16.73 per cent to India, Spain N328.5 billion or 10.97 per cent, the Netherlands N227.8 billion or 7.61 per cent and South Africa N203.9 billion or 6.81 per cent.

By continent, during the quarter, Nigeria imported goods mainly from Asia, valued at N2.58 trillion.

Other major imports originated from Europe, valued at N1.8 trillion while imports from America amounted to N746.4billion and Africa N175.4 billion.

Imports from Oceania stood at N532.4 billion while goods valued at N12.5 billion originated from ECOWAS, the report said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

The Managing Director Yobe Microfinance Bank, Dr. Sheriff Mohammed Ibrahim and the Deputy Chief, Program and Rural Resilience Mercy Corps, Dr Faruq Kurawa

By Jessica Onyegbula

Yobe Microfinance Bank (YMB), on Monday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with Mercy Corps (MC), an international NGO, to facilitate economic recovery and move vulnerable people out of chronic poverty.

The MoU was signed by the Managing Director, Yobe Microfinance Bank, Dr Sheriff Ibrahim and the Deputy Chief of Program, Mercy Corps, Dr. Faruq Kurawa.

Ibrahim said the two organizations had earlier expressed their interest to collaborate, to facilitate and protect economic recovery and growth in vulnerable and conflict-affected areas.

He also said that the MoU aimed at moving people out of chronic poverty through expanded opportunities offered by the collaboration between their two organisations.

Mercy Corps Rural Resilience Activity will be implemented using a resilience, market systems development, conflict and nutrition-sensitive approach, to stimulate sustainable, systemic change at scale and bring long-term improvements to conflict-affected households, businesses, and Farmers.

This will involve the beneficiaries, through Yobe Microfinance Bank, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Nigeria Pitch Awards Logo

By Olanrewaju Akojede

Organisers of Nigerias longest running football awards, The Pitch Awards, on Monday said that the much-awaited grand ceremony would now hold on Dec. 22.

President of the awards, Shina Phillips, in a statement in Lagos, stated that the 7th edition of the event would be held at Ibis Hotel Ikeja, Lagos.

The 7th Award Ceremony, earlier scheduled for March, was postponed and rescheduled following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic which also led to the cancellation of major football events across the globe.

It has been our tradition since 2013 to schedule our award ceremonies to coincide with major Super Eagles match engagements.

The 7th award ceremony is to honour deserving award winners for the year, 2019. Unfortunately, the circumstances engineered by attempts to halt the spread of COVID-19 forced a major postponement of the event.

This years event will have few guests and sports editors and journalists only in attendance. This years award ceremony will mark the first award ceremony which will be held in Lagos, he said.

Phillips added: As organizers and as a responsible corporate citizens, we are mindful of the need to observe all government laid down COVID-19 protocols in order to keep our guests safe.

This is why physical attendance will be restricted as many nominees including members of the Super Eagles will follow the event online.

Major highlights of the award ceremony will include the announcement of winner of the King of the Pitch Award which will be a keen contest.

It is between Super Eagles and Leicester City F.C Midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, Manchester United Striker, Odion Ighalo and Super Eagles and Napoli FC sensation, Victor Osimhen.

In the womens category, the Queen of the Pitch Award will be a straight battle between Onome Ebi, Super Falcons and Henan Huishang FC player, Chiamaka Nnadozie of Rivers Angels and the Super Falcons and Barcelona Women sensation Asisat Oshoala, he said.

Phillips said that Football fans should expect tough contests in the Striker of the Year, Defender of the Year, Midfielder of the Year, Coach of the Year and the Football Friendly Governor of the Year categories.

Other categories to be decided at the Award Ceremony include the Sam Okwaraji Award for commitment to Nigerian Football, State with the Best Grassroots Football Development Programme.

There is also the Football Journalist of the Year in the Print, Radio, TV and Online categories, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

COVID-19 test kits

By Abujah Racheal
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says the country recorded 318 new Coronavirus (COVID-19) infections, with no related fatalities in the last 24 hours.

The NCDC made this known via its verified website on Sunday.

The public health agency stated that 124 people were discharged after recovery from the disease during the period under review, saying our discharges today include 60 community recoveries in Lagos State.

It added that the new infections took the countrys tally of COVID-19 cases to 69,255, noting that about 803,621 tests were conducted since the first confirmed case relating to the COVID-19 pandemic was announced on Feb. 27.

The health agency stated that Lagos recorded the highest number of the new infections with 104, while Kaduna, FCT, Rivers and Ogun confirmed 59, 50, 17 and 16 new infections respectively.

Others were; Kano-14, Nasarawa-14, Akwa Ibom-10, Katsina-10, Edo-7, Oyo-5, Sokoto-5, Plateau-4 and Taraba-3.

The centre said that a multi-sectoral national Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), activated at Level 3 has continued to coordinate the national response activities.

The NCDC noted that till date, 69,255 cases have been confirmed, 64,774 patients discharged and 1,180 deaths recorded in 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

Meanwhile, the agency advised Nigerians to continue to abide by the COVID-19 protocols by frequently washing their hands under running water, observing social distance and wearing of face mask.

Source: NAN News

President Muhammadu Buhari

By Lizzy Okoji
President Muhammadu Buhari has told African leaders to promote the implementation of arms control instruments and embargoes, to complement and consolidate African Peace and Security Architecture.

Buhari made the call at the 14th extra-ordinary session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) on Silencing the Gun, held virtually on Sunday.

According to the President, who was represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, the major challenge for Africa today is achieving a new trajectory of peace, security, stability, and a conflict-free Africa, following threats of terrorist activities and other crimes across the continent.

The major challenge for Africa today is achieving a new trajectory of peace, security, stability and a conflict-free Africa, following threats of terrorist activities and other crimes across the continent.

He said the increasing number of peace agreements and their ongoing operationalisation in conflict situations around the continent demonstrated a resolve to chart a new course.

Buhari said the assembly was encouraged by Africas efforts in the implementation of the AUs roadmap and the theme of this year, even in the midst of COVID-19.

The president noted that numerous challenges still abound in Africa, the reason the assembly is calling for endorsement for the extension period of the implementation of the AU master roadmap and amnesty month beyond 2020.

There will be immediate need to have the monitoring and evaluation mechanism put in place to gauge the implementation at the continental level.

We are beginning to equally see emerging intra/inter-state resurgence of conflicts in Africa, underscoring the imperative for the AU Mediation Support Unit to be strengthened.

Our member states are ensuring inclusive democratic governance, constitutionalism and facilitating access for AU mediators when necessary will also complement these efforts.

Threats of terrorist activities, other trans-organised crimes and external interference in the internal affairs of African States are increasing.

We also see maritime security threats, including the proliferation of small arms and light weapons and the challenges of porous border are also visible.

It is in this regard that we blame the slow implementation of the African Common Defence Policy, hinged on the establishment of the African Standby Force, Buhari said.

According to him, constant and adequate coordination between the Regional Economic Communities and the AU should be encouraged.

Source: NAN News

Ghanas flag

Polls officially opened on Monday in Ghanas presidential and parliamentary elections under strict COVID-19 protocols.

Long queues formed at the polling stations long before voting began at 0700 GMT.

Some 17 million voters are on the register to cast their ballots.

Voting will end at 1700 GMT and counting will be at the polling stations.

The Electoral Commission says it will declare the results in 24 hours although the law gives it 72 hours.

Voters will choose a new president and 275 parliamentarians.

There are 12 presidential candidates although only the incumbent, Nana Addo Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former President John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress have any real chance of winning.

There are 914 parliamentary candidates.

In a radio and television broadcast on Sunday night, Akufo-Addo called on voters to exercise their franchise in peace. (PANA/NAN)

Source: NAN News

Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, Coordinator, Defence Media Operations

By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Defence Headquarters says the Air Component of Operation Thunder Strike, has killed scores of bandits in air strikes on their camp at Kuduru Forest area of Kaduna State on Saturday.

The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Enenche said the air raid was conducted sequel to credible intelligence which indicated that a group of bandits had launched attack on troops from the forest.

He said that the confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions led to the identification of the camp.

According to him, the Air Component dispatched Nigerian Air Force (NAF) attack aircraft to engage the location scoring devastating hits which destroyed the bandits logistics structures and killed several of the criminals.

The NAF attack aircraft and an ISR platform later provided close air support as the Police advanced from Sarkin Pawa through Tawali towards Kofa area.

The attack aircraft engaged the bandits at the objective, ahead of the ground forces, while the ISR aircraft provided situational awareness throughout the operation, he said.

Source: NAN News

Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, Coordinator, Defence Media Operations.

By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Defence Headquarters says troops of Sector-1 Operation Whirl Stroke on Sunday eliminated three bandits and recovered arms and ammunition in an encounter at Tsehombe-Adaka village in Benue.

The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, in a statement on Monday, said the troops responded to a distress call about an attack by suspected armed herdsmen in the community.

Enenche said troops immediately mobilised to the location leading to a shootout between troops and bandits.

According to him, the gallant troops overwhelmed the bandits by superior firepower, following which troops successfully neutralised three of the bandits while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

Troops recovered one AK47 rifle loaded with one magazine containing 5 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.

The gallant troops have continued to dominate the area with aggressive patrols to deter further attacks, while efforts are ongoing to locate and neutralise other bandits that might still be hibernating in the area, he said.

Enenche, however, urged members of the public to continue to provide credible information to the troops operating within their localities.

Source: NAN News

NiMet predicts sunny weather

By Gabriel Agbeja

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted cloudiness and sunshine from Monday to Wednesday across the country.

NiMets weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja predicted sunny and dry conditions over northern region throughout the forecast period on Monday.

According to it, North central region is envisaged to be sunny and dry as well. Partly cloudy skies with sunshine intervals are anticipated over the inland within the forecast hours.

The coastal cities however, are expected to be in partly cloudy to cloudy conditions with chances of few thunderstorms over Lagos, Ijebu, Akwa Ibom in the afternoon and evening hours, it said.

Sunny and dry conditions are anticipated over Rivers and the northern region throughout the forecast period on Tuesday.

According to NiMet, North central cities are also expected to experience sunny and dry conditions throughout the forecast hours.

Partly cloudy and sunny conditions are anticipated over the inland while partly cloudy to cloudy conditions should prevail over the coast during the morning hours.

There are chances of few thunderstorms over parts Cross River and Rivers state in the afternoon and evening period.

It forecasts dust haze conditions over River, Lagos, Ogun while envisaged sunny and hazy conditions over the North central region within the forecast period on Wednesday.

NiMet further forecast partly cloudy to sunny conditions over the inland cities throughout the forecast hours.

Partly cloudy to cloudy skies are envisaged over coastal cities of the South throughout forecast period with chances of isolated thunderstorms over Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Rivers during morning hours. (NAN)

Source: NAN News