News
Putin, Xi praise ties hours after Trump sworn in
By Francesca Hangeior
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping praised their deepening cooperation in a video call on Tuesday, hours after Donald Trump’s inauguration as US president.
The Republican has promised to take a hard line on Washington’s adversaries, threatening heavy tariffs on Beijing and warning Moscow of “big trouble” if it does not settle the Ukraine conflict.
Putin, addressing Xi as his “dear friend”, said Russia and China were building ties “on the basis of friendship, mutual trust and support”, despite external pressure.
“Russia and China’s joint work plays an important stabilising role in international affairs,” Putin said in the call.
Xi said he hoped to work with Putin to take ties with Moscow to “new heights” this year, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.
“Both sides should continue to deepen strategic coordination, resolutely support each other, and safeguard the legitimate interests of both countries,” CCTV reported Xi as saying.
The two countries should also “expand bilateral relations, driving practical cooperation to deeper levels”, he added.
Moscow and Beijing have strengthened military and trade ties since Russia sent troops into Ukraine, alarming the United States, which views both as malign actors on the world stage.
China has sought to depict itself as a neutral party amid the nearly three-year conflict.
But it remains a close political and economic partner of Moscow and has never condemned Russia’s actions, leading some NATO members to brand Beijing an “enabler” of the conflict.
Both sides have made much of Xi and Putin’s supposedly strong personal bond, with Xi calling the Russian leader his “best friend” and Putin lauding his “reliable partner”.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The federal government has endorsed the establishment of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal Polytechnic in Gwarinpa, Abuja.
The decision was part of the government’s drive to ensure that every state in the country had at least one federal polytechnic.
The approval of Bola Ahmed Tinubu Polytechnic was conveyed in a letter dated January 9, 2025, by the Education Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
It was addressed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The FCT Minister’s office confirmed receipt of the letter on January 16, 2025.
In the correspondence, Dr. Alausa urged Wike to identify suitable locations in Gwarinpa for both temporary and permanent sites of the polytechnic.
A joint team from the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Board for Technical Education have been listed to inspect the proposed locations before finalizing the site selection.
The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal Polytechnic is expected to boost technological education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship development, aligning with the government’s commitment to enhancing technical skills and economic empowerment across Nigeria. [With GWG report]
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) reports that the fire incident at its Buguma Wellhead 008, operated by its subsidiary, NNPC Eighteen Operating Ltd (NEOL), was directly caused by the activities of pipeline vandals attempting to compromise the Christmas Tree and steal crude oil.
This unfortunate act of sabotage, which also resulted in severe damage to the well’s back pressure valve, reflects a disturbing pattern of repeated attacks on wellheads in the zone. Since March 2023, crude oil theft on this asset has been persistent, with criminals now resorting to extreme measures, including the use of dynamite to destroy installations and illegally access hydrocarbons.
NNPC Ltd remains committed to combating these fires and mitigating the financial losses associated with these criminal activities, which place a significant burden on the nation’s economy. The company is working closely with relevant security agencies to put an end to these acts of vandalism.
Additionally, NNPC Ltd reaffirms its commitment to supporting communities affected by these destructive activities and will continue to provide necessary relief efforts to mitigate the impact on those affected.
Olufemi O. Soneye
Chief Corporate Communications Officer
NNPC Ltd.
Abuja
20th January, 2025
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