President Tinubu promised prior to last year's election a regulatory environment to encourage healthy adoption of digital assets, including cryptocurrency
AFP

President Bola Tinubu on Sunday appointed Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as the director-general and global liaison for the Nigeria-China strategic partnership, which was established during the former's visit to the Asian country in September.

Tegbe will be reporting directly to the president regarding the updates on the partnership.

The president's adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made this announcement via the presidency's official X handle.

He added that Tegbe -- a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria -- had graduated with first-class honors in civil engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, in 1988.

Tegbe is reportedly planning to soon present a plan to help Nigeria take advantage of the agreements made with China in Beijing.

In his strategic plan, Tegbe will detail the specific goals, deadlines, and performance measures for each area of cooperation. This will include priority projects, expected investments and the anticipated social and economic benefits.

The newly appointed leader is also responsible for managing daily operations, communicating regularly with his Chinese counterparts and making sure that all goals are achieved and aligned with the country's development objectives.

During the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, President Xi Jinping announced a commitment of 360 billion yuan, about $51 billion, in new funding for African countries over the next three years.

President Tinubu secured a promise from Jinping during his official visit to support Nigeria's plans for economic diversification, infrastructure development, technology transfer, and job creation.

Nigeria and China agreed to work together on expanding Nigeria's rail network, improving power distribution, and creating new industrial parks. The two countries also committed to forming hospital partnerships and working together on medical research.

As part of the agreement, Chinese healthcare professionals will be sent to help support Nigeria's healthcare system. China and Nigeria agreed to collaborate on education and talent development, focusing on vocational training, STEM education and academic exchanges.

Joint initiatives, such as setting up engineering technology academies and offering scholarships, will help prepare Nigerian youth with the skills needed for modern jobs.

Furthermore, it will also enhance Nigeria's agricultural practices through knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and investment in sustainable farming methods.

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