News
Share development opportunities with CIFTIS to jointly promote global recovery
By He Yin, People’s Daily
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Aug. 31 sent a congratulatory letter to the 2022 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS).
In the letter, he stressed the significance of the event, showed China’s resolution to promote high-quality development by high-level opening-up, and expressed the country’s aspiration to jointly promote the open and shared services economy to inject impetus into the recovery of the global economy.
Service trade is the most dynamic part of today’s international trade. It is the source of global growth.
The CIFTIS is an international and comprehensive exhibition and platform at the state level established by China for service trade. It has constantly expanded its influence since its first session 10 years ago.
Themed “Cooperate for Better Development, Innovate for a Greener Future,” the 2022 CIFTIS has attracted over 70 countries and international organizations, and is physically participated by more than 400 Global Fortune 500 companies and industry-leading enterprises.
Given COVID-19 resurgences, increasing uncertainties and instabilities of the international situation, as well as the sluggish world recovery, the on-schedule CIFTIS is of special significance.
Some said the event will make a sound atmosphere for promoting the growth of global trade, and will create favorable conditions for global countries in terms of economic development.
The constantly increasing influence of the CIFTIS comes from China’s continuous efforts to expand opening up.
As one of China’s three major open exhibition platforms, the CIFTIS highlights opening up. In a congratulatory letter to the 2019 CIFTIS, Xi stressed that China is committed to promoting higher-standard opening up. A year later, he called on the world to work together to foster an open and inclusive environment for cooperation, unleash the power of innovation in driving cooperation forward, and promote mutually beneficial cooperation. Last year, the Chinese President promised that China would create more possibilities for cooperation, further improve rules for the services sector, and continue to support the innovation-driven development of small- and medium-sized enterprises. In the congratulatory letter to the event this year, he said China stays committed to broadening market access in the services sector, facilitating opening-up in cross-border services trade, expanding the function of opening-up platforms, and striving to establish a high-standard opening-up system for the services sector.
The CIFTIS, developing with China’s expanding opening up, is also driving China’s opening up.
China’s opening up measures, which are implemented as the country has promised, make the CIFTIS an appealing event.
When the world is facing an increase in de-globalization and trade protectionist rhetoric and actions, opening up and cooperation are even more precious. Only the countries that are able to open up and cooperate with others can grasp the opportunities in global development.
The CIFTIS is a witness to China’s expanding opening up over the recent years.
In 2019, Xi promised that China would expand market access for foreign capital in broader areas and create a first-class business environment. In 2020, he said the country would work on a negative list system for managing cross-border services trade and develop open platforms for the pilot program of innovative development of the services sector. Last year, the Chinese President said China would implement across the country a negative list for cross-border services trade.
These new measures announced by Xi to expand high-level opening up have achieved fruitful results and benefited all relevant parties. They have contributed Chinese strength to deepening global cooperation on service trade and investment, and enhanced development dynamism.
It is under such active strategies that China’s service trade has embraced prosperous development.
Last year, China’s service trade hit a record high of 5.3 trillion yuan (about $767.34 billion), and China has become the world’s third largest exporter of services. In the first half of this year, the country’s service trade maintained rapid growth, growing 21.6 percent year on year to 2.9 trillion yuan.
Service trade has become an important part and a new area of growth of China’s foreign economic and trade cooperation. In the future, China will definitely make greater contributions to the prosperity of global service trade, by establishing a high-standard opening-up system for the services sector, building national demonstration zones for innovative development of trade in services, fostering benchmark cities for global digital economy, and accelerating the new service economy with new digital business forms.
The 2022 CIFTIS chooses “Fuyan” as its mascot, which means “blessed swallow” in Chinese. Inspired by the Beijing swift, the mascot indicates the development of trade in services will benefit all the countries.
Just as the lively Beijing swifts that fly nearly 30,000 kilometers across over 30 countries during their migration each year, only by making long and tenacious efforts to foster opening up and cooperation can countries embrace development and prosperity.
China is willing to work with all parties relevant to implement the Global Development Initiative and promote healthy and sustainable development of service trade with the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, so as to and inject bigger impetus into global recovery.
News
HON. JA’AFARU YAKUBU HONOURED WITH DOUBLE TRADITIONAL TITLES OF CHIROMAN GASSOL AND MARAFAN BAKUNDI BALI
The Member representing Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ja’afaru Chiroma Yakubu (ADC), has been conferred with two prestigious traditional titles — Chiroman Gassol and Marafan Bakundi Bali — in recognition of his exemplary leadership, commitment to public service, and immense contributions to community development.
The traditional honours were officially bestowed on the federal lawmaker by the revered traditional ruler of Bakundi Chiefdom, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad Gidado Misa, the 10th Lamdo of Bakundi, during a colourful coronation ceremony attended by members of the royal family, community leaders, political associates, supporters, and well-wishers.
The conferment of the dual traditional titles has continued to attract widespread commendation from stakeholders across Taraba State and beyond, with many describing the recognition as a reflection of Hon. Ja’afaru Yakubu’s growing influence, grassroots connection, and unwavering dedication to the wellbeing of his people.
In a congratulatory message issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Comrade Bashir Umar Dali, the lawmaker was described as a courageous, humble, and visionary leader whose commitment to humanity and community advancement has remained outstanding.
According to the statement, the titles Chiroman Gassol and Marafan Bakundi Bali are symbolic recognitions of the lawmaker’s selfless service, people-oriented representation, and tireless efforts towards promoting unity, peace, and sustainable development across Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency.
The statement further noted that Hon. Ja’afaru Yakubu has consistently distinguished himself through impactful representation, empowerment initiatives, and developmental interventions aimed at improving the lives of the people.
“Your commitment and selfless contributions to the growth and progress of the people continue to inspire many across Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency and beyond,” the statement read.
Comrade Bashir Umar Dali also prayed for greater wisdom, strength, honour, and divine guidance for the federal lawmaker as he continues to shoulder greater traditional and leadership responsibilities in service to the people.
Observers have described the conferment of the two traditional titles as a major endorsement of Hon. Ja’afaru Yakubu’s leadership credentials and his increasing relevance in the socio-political and traditional landscape of Taraba State.
The titles Chiroman Gassol and Marafan Bakundi Bali are regarded as highly respected honours within the traditional institution, reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional character, loyalty, service, and commitment to the development and unity of their communities.
News
EID-EL-KABIR: BELLO BABAYO BELLO COMMENDS TINUBU, SHETTIMA, GOMBE GOVERNOR AS HE FELICITATES WITH MUSLIMS NATIONWIDE
The Executive Director, Networks, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC), Engr. Bello Babayo Bello, FNSE, has extended warm felicitations to Muslim faithful across Nigeria, particularly the people of Gombe State, on the occasion of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, urging citizens to continue promoting peace, unity, love, and national development.
In a goodwill message released to journalists on the occasion of the Islamic festival, Engr. Bello described Eid-el-Kabir as a sacred celebration that reflects the virtues of sacrifice, obedience, faith, compassion, and gratitude to Almighty Allah as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
He called on Muslims to use the spiritual significance of the season to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, support one another, and continue praying for the peace, stability, and prosperity of Nigeria.
Engr. Bello also commended the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his commitment to national development, economic reforms, infrastructural advancement, and efforts aimed at strengthening unity and progress across the country.
According to him, the administration of President Tinubu has continued to demonstrate determination in laying foundations for long-term growth and national transformation through bold policies and strategic governance initiatives.
The NDPHC Executive Director equally praised Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, for his loyalty, dedication, and support toward the actualization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
He noted that the Vice President has continued to play a vital role in promoting stability, inclusion, and effective coordination within government.
Engr. Bello further applauded the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, for what he described as purposeful leadership and remarkable strides in infrastructural development, healthcare, education, youth empowerment, and peaceful coexistence in the state.
He said the governor’s developmental policies and inclusive style of governance have continued to attract admiration and confidence from the people of Gombe State and beyond.
“Eid-el-Kabir remains a season of reflection, gratitude, sacrifice, and devotion to Almighty Allah. It is also a period that reminds us of the importance of unity, compassion, tolerance, and service to humanity. As we celebrate, we must continue to pray for our leaders and for the continued peace, progress, and prosperity of our dear nation,” he stated.
Engr. Bello urged Muslim faithful to extend love and kindness to the less privileged, widows, orphans, and vulnerable members of society during the Sallah festivities, stressing that charity and generosity are central teachings of Islam.
He also commended the people of Gombe State for sustaining the culture of peaceful coexistence, harmony, and mutual respect among diverse communities.
The engineering professional and public administrator expressed optimism that Nigeria would continue to witness greater development, unity, and economic advancement under the leadership of President Tinubu.
He prayed for Allah’s continued guidance, wisdom, protection, and blessings upon the President, Vice President, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, and all leaders across the country.
Engr. Bello finally wished Muslim faithful in Gombe State and across Nigeria a peaceful, joyous, and spiritually fulfilling Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
News
Dogara Celebrates Eid El-Adha, Urges Nigerians to Embrace Unity, Sacrifice, and Compassion
Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Board of National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC), has extended heartfelt felicitations to Muslims across Nigeria and around the world on the occasion of Eid El-Adha.
In his Eid message, Dogara described the festival as one of the most profound moments in the Islamic faith — a sacred season that embodies the enduring virtues of sacrifice, obedience, faith, and total devotion to God, as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS). He noted that beyond its spiritual significance, Eid El-Adha serves as a powerful reminder of the values of compassion, generosity, and love for humanity.
According to him, the celebration offers an opportunity for reflection and renewal, urging Nigerians to recommit themselves to the ideals of unity, peace, and mutual understanding. He observed that the true essence of Eid lies not merely in celebration, but in the willingness to serve others selflessly and uplift the less privileged.
“Eid El-Adha reminds us that greatness is found in sacrifice, service, and compassion for one another. It is a season that calls us to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, extend kindness to those in need, and renew hope for a better and more united nation,” Dogara stated.
The former Speaker stressed that the lessons of Eid should transcend religious and ethnic boundaries, especially at a time when Nigeria needs collective commitment to peace, justice, and national cohesion. He called on citizens to rise above division and work together in the spirit of patriotism and shared destiny.
“As we celebrate this sacred festival, may the spirit of sacrifice inspire us to build bridges of understanding, promote harmony across our communities, and work collectively for a more peaceful, just, and prosperous Nigeria,” he added.
Dogara further prayed that the blessings of Eid El-Adha would bring joy to families, healing to communities, and progress to the nation. He encouraged the faithful to use the occasion as a time for spiritual renewal, deeper devotion to God, stronger family ties, and renewed commitment to the common good.
“As families gather in prayer and celebration, may this Eid remind us of our shared humanity and our collective responsibility to serve with humility, love, and sincerity. May the Almighty accept our prayers and sacrifices, bless our homes with peace and happiness, and guide our nation toward greater unity and prosperity,” he concluded.
Dogara wished all Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyous Eid El-Adha celebration filled with divine blessings, love, hope, and renewed faith in the future of Nigeria.
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