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By Gloria Ikibah

The Federal Government has called for a careful adaptation of China’s development and poverty reduction strategies to Nigeria’s realities, stressing that the country must learn from international models without abandoning its own institutions, values and priorities.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, made the call at a one-day workshop organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

The workshop, themed, “Nigeria’s Poverty Alleviation Efforts: Adopting China Modules and Its Relevance in a New Era — The Place of Policy Makers, Development Partners and Diplomatic Reporters,” brought stakeholders together to examine possible lessons from China’s development experience.

Ahmed who was represented by the immediate past Spokesperson of the Ministry,  Kimiebi Ebienfa,  said Nigeria, like many developing countries, continued to face poverty, unemployment and inequality, making bold and collaborative solutions necessary.

“No single institution or country holds all the answers. That is why the constructive study of international models, the adaptation of best practices, and strengthened partnerships are essential for delivering inclusive progress for our citizens,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary said China’s experience offered useful lessons in long-term planning, infrastructure-led growth, targeted poverty reduction and the mobilisation of domestic resources.

He, however, cautioned against copying the Chinese model wholesale, stressing that Nigeria’s unique institutions, social structure and values must guide any adaptation.

“Yet every country’s path must be shaped by its unique institutions, social fabric and values.

“Our objective should be to assess which elements of the China model can be responsibly contextualized for Nigeria, enhancing agricultural productivity, expanding social protection, leveraging public–private partnerships, and investing in human capital — while ensuring transparency, accountability, and respect for democratic governance,” he said.

Ahmed said policymakers, development partners and the media all had important roles to play in tackling poverty.

He charged policymakers with developing practical frameworks that would translate international lessons into reforms suited to Nigeria, while protecting fiscal sustainability and strengthening institutions.

“Policy makers must design coherent frameworks that translate lessons into context-appropriate reforms, safeguard fiscal sustainability, and build the institutional capacity to implement and monitor results,” he said.

On the role of development partners, the Permanent Secretary said they could provide technical expertise, funding and international experience, but stressed that their interventions must be aligned with Nigeria’s priorities.

“Development partners bring technical expertise, financing and international experience; their support is most effective when aligned with Nigeria’s priorities and subject to rigorous oversight and mutual accountability,” he said.

Ahmed also highlighted the role of diplomatic correspondents and the wider media in shaping public understanding of government policies and holding stakeholders accountable.

“Diplomatic correspondents and the wider media are critical in shaping public understanding, scrutinizing policy choices, and holding stakeholders accountable.

“Clear, accurate and balanced reporting fosters informed public dialogue and helps ensure that poverty-alleviation strategies are responsive to citizens’ needs,” he said.

He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to deepen international partnerships to support Nigeria’s development goals through investment, technology transfer and capacity building.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is committed to supporting these efforts by deepening international cooperation, promoting knowledge exchange, and mobilizing partnerships that advance Nigeria’s development objectives.

“We will therefore continue to engage bilateral and multilateral partners to attract responsible investment, technology transfer and capacity-building programs that respect our development priorities,” Ahmed said.

The Permanent Secretary urged participants at the workshop to have frank and evidence-based discussions and produce practical recommendations capable of accelerating poverty reduction.

“As you deliberate over the course of this workshop, I encourage frank, evidence-driven discussions that weigh opportunities against risks, and that prioritize the welfare of Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations.

“Let this forum produce practical recommendations on policy adaptation, partnership modalities, and communication strategies that can accelerate sustainable poverty reduction in our country,” he said.

Ahmed commended DICAN for organising the workshop, saying stronger collaboration between policymakers, development partners and the media would be critical to lifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty.

“On behalf of the Ministry, I wish you productive deliberations and actionable outcomes that will strengthen the contributions of policymakers, development partners and the press in lifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty,” he said.

Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of DICAN, Comrade Idehai Frederick, called for stronger collaboration between Nigeria and China to tackle poverty and accelerate economic development.

Frederick said China’s experience in lifting more than 800 million people out of extreme poverty offered useful lessons for Nigeria, but stressed that the model must be adapted to the country’s peculiar socio-economic realities.

“China’s historical feat of lifting over 800 million people out of extreme poverty provides a compelling blueprint. However, adaptation rather than direct replication is key to achieving meaningful impact within Nigeria’s unique socio-economic landscape,” he said.
He urged policymakers to move from blanket subsidies to targeted, data-driven interventions at household and community levels, while prioritising infrastructure, industrialisation, the digital economy and stronger economic partnerships.

Frederick also called on the Chinese Government to expand fellowship opportunities, media exchange programmes and technical journalism training for DICAN members.

He further urged the Chinese Embassy to establish stronger links between Chinese businesses in Nigeria and DICAN, saying this would provide a platform for promoting corporate social responsibility, trade achievements and market opportunities.

On trade, the DICAN chairman said Nigeria must take advantage of China’s zero-tariff policy for African exports by strengthening local supply chains, improving product standards and expanding non-oil exports.

“We invite the Chinese Government to expand fellowship opportunities, media exchange programmes, and technical journalism training for DICAN members.

“Fully leveraging this policy requires strengthening local supply chains, improving standardization, and expanding non-oil exports from Nigeria to Chinese markets,” he said.

Frederick said journalists had an important role to play in promoting development and ensuring that policies were properly communicated to the public.

“Media professionals are not merely observers of policy; we are critical partners in documenting and accelerating national development,” he said.

He expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy for their support, adding that DICAN will continue to promote informed public understanding of Nigeria’s foreign policy and development partnerships.

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The Osun State Police Command,on Tuesday confirmed the killing of two civilians during an alleged attack on a patrol team while responding to a distress call in Ikire community of Irewole Local Council.

A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, stated that the killing occurred on Monday along the Ibadan–Ife Expressway.

According to Ojelabi, the patrol team, accompanied by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ikire Division, was responding to a distress call over alleged abduction of one Sunkanmi when they came under heavy gun attack by suspected political thugs.

The statement further stated that the police patrol vehicle, forcefully taken away by the assailants, was later abandoned and subsequently recovered with multiple bullet holes and a destroyed windscreen.

Meanwhile, the newly appointed Commissioner of Police (CP) of Osun State, Ibrahim Zungura, has visited the scene of the incident for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation and subsequently directed a comprehensive investigation to be conducted by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) over the incident.

MEANWHILE, Osun State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, has raised the alarm over alleged plans to create fresh tension in local councils across the state, urging security agencies to protect council officials and workers.

Lawal’s allegation followed a statement by the Osun State Government alleging that some stakeholders were planning to cause crises at local councils and motor parks following the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

In a statement by Osun APC Director of Media and Information, Mogaji Kola Olabisi, the APC chairman cautioned Governor Ademola Adeleke against any action capable of plunging the state into another round of political tension.

On his part, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and immediate past governor of Osun State, Gboyega Oyetola, yesterday, decried post-election violence allegedly recorded in some parts of the state, describing the development as a threat to democratic values, peace, and harmonious co-existence.

He, therefore, urged the police and other security agencies to rise to the challenge by restoring peace and tranquillity in the areas affected by alleged killings and violence.

In a statement by his Special Adviser, Dr Bolaji Akinola, Oyetola contended that the attacks on citizens constitute a threat to “peace, heritage and democratic values of the people of Osun State.”

He emphasised that no political ambition or commercial interest could ever justify the loss of human life, appealing to all stakeholders to reject violence and embrace dialogue in resolving disputes.

The minister also urged the security agencies to deploy adequate personnel to volatile locations, reclaim public spaces from hoodlums, and ensure that all those responsible for the killings and other acts of violence are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.

The statement stated: “We are expressing our condolences to the families of those killed in the violence, while charging the Osun State Police Command and other security agencies to act decisively to restore order and protect residents, particularly in areas affected by the unrest.

“Politics must be a vehicle for development, not a catalyst for bloodshed. We are appealing to residents across the state to prioritise peace and restraint. The progress and prosperity of Osun State must not be sacrificed on the altar of political or commercial interests.

“We are also affirming our commitment to the peace, security and development of Osun State, urging citizens to work together to preserve the state’s long-standing reputation for civility, enterprise and democratic values.”

The Nation

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The United States has paused immigrant visa applications as the Donald Trump administration moves to tighten screening and limit entry for applicants considered likely to depend on government assistance.

A US State Department official confirmed the development on Tuesday, saying the initiative was launched at American embassies and consulates in early August, per report by The Guardian UK.

The department said visa appointments had to be adjusted to accommodate “in-depth training” for consular officers as part of efforts to strengthen the assessment of applicants.

The State Department has been working on updated guidance and training since early this year, the official said, “to ensure all consular officers are fully equipped to evaluate every visa applicant comprehensively and consistently”.

Applicants who had already secured interview appointments were reportedly informed by email that their appointments had been cancelled and that they would be notified of new dates.

The move is intended to ensure that immigrants do not become reliant on US public benefits, according to agency officials. It is also part of a broader immigration crackdown by the Trump administration targeting both lawful and undocumented immigration.

The latest development comes amid several other measures introduced by the administration to tighten access to the United States.

This week, the Trump administration announced plans to revoke visas from some asylum seekers who initially entered the US on tourist or business visas. Up to 200,000 people currently seeking asylum could be affected by the move, which would potentially become the largest mass visa revocation exercise in US history.

The action is being carried out in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security.

Visa applicants have also faced additional requirements under Trump, including scrutiny of their social media histories and increased processing costs.

The immigrant visa pause follows an earlier attempt by the Trump administration to restrict applications on a similar “public charge” basis. That policy included a suspension of immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, but a federal judge recently overturned the measure.

Reacting to the ruling, Joanna Cuevas Ingram, senior staff attorney at the National Immigration Law Center, said: “The court made clear that immigration laws cannot be used to justify discrimination,”

She added: “We are determined to ensure every person and family this ban harmed receives appropriate relief and will continue to hold this administration accountable to its obligations under the law.”

The latest visa restrictions are expected to create further difficulties for applicants who have already spent significant amounts of money and made travel arrangements for interviews.

Brian Simmons, an attorney at immigration law firm Fragomen in Washington, told the Financial Times that many applicants affected by the pause likely “spent thousands of dollars and disrupted their lives to attend scheduled interviews, only to have their appointments cancelled at the last minute”.

It remains unclear when the cancelled appointments will be rescheduled, leaving many applicants facing further uncertainty over their immigration plans.

The development comes as the Trump administration continues to introduce stricter immigration policies, several of which have faced legal challenges in US courts.