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How Russia-Africa Trade Increased To $18bn After 1st Summit -Putin
Russian President, Vladimir Putin, has said that Russia-Africa trade reached 18 billion dollars in 2022, which was necessitated by the first Russia–Africa Summit held in Sochi, Russia in 2019.
Putin said this yesterday at the ongoing Russian-African summit and Economic and Humanitarian Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia.
He said that Russia’s government, business and the public were sincerely interested in further deepening multifaceted trade, investment and humanitarian ties with Africa.
The Russian president said this would meet the needs of all countries and promote stable growth and prosperity.
“I have no doubt that by working together, we will be able to increase our trade substantially in the near future.
“Incidentally, in the first six months of 2023 alone, our export-import transactions with African countries increased by over one third.
“The structure of our trade looks good as well: machinery, equipment, chemicals and food account for over 50 per cent of Russia’s exports to Africa.
“We are aware of the importance of uninterrupted supply of food products to African countries. This is vital for their socioeconomic development and for maintaining political stability.
“This is why we will continue to give special attention to supplying wheat, barley, corn and other grain crops to our African friends, as part of humanitarian aid provided under the UN World Food Programme,” he said.
Putin said Russia’s trade with African countries in agricultural products increased by 10 per cent amounting to 6.7 billion dollars, and had already demonstrated record growth between January and June 2023 by 60 per cent.
He said Russia exported 11.5 million tonnes of grain to Africa in 2022 and almost 10 million tonnes in the first six months of 2023.
He explained that these had been taking place in spite of the “illegal sanctions” imposed on its exports, which constituted a serious impediment for exporting Russian food, complicating transport, logistics, insurance and bank transactions.
“We are witnessing a paradox. On one hand, the West seeks to block our grain and fertiliser exports while accusing us of the current crisis on the global food market.
“This is outright hypocrisy. We saw this approach in all clarity with the so-called grain deal brokered with the participation of the UN Secretariat.
“It was initially designed to promote global food security, mitigate the threat of hunger and help the poorest countries, including in Africa,” he said.
However, he said that in almost a year since the so-called deal was concluded, a total of 32.8 million tonnes had been exported from Ukraine.
The Russian president said over 70 per cent ended up in high-income and above-average income countries, including the European Union.
“I would like to draw your attention to the fact that countries like Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia and several others received less than three per cent of this total, or under one million tonnes.”
He further said that among other things, the reason Russia agreed to take part in the “so-called” deal was because it contained commitments to lift the illegitimate obstacles for supplying grain and fertilisers to the global market.
Putin, however, noted that none of all what was agreed upon or promised, materialised.
“None of the conditions relating to lifting the sanctions against the exports of Russian grain and fertilisers to the global markets had been fulfilled.”
He said the country faced obstacles when trying to deliver mineral and fertilisers to the poorest countries that needed them for free, as its government discussed during the meeting with the leadership of the African Union.
“We managed to send only two shipments – just 20,000 tonnes to Malawi and 34,000 tonnes to Kenya, with 262,000 tonnes of these fertilisers blocked in European ports.
“All the rest remained in the hands of the Europeans, even though this initiative was purely humanitarian in nature, which means that it should not have been exposed to any sanctions, as a matter of principle.
“Ok, some may not want Russia to enrich itself, as they say, and use its revenue for military aims; fine.
“But these were free shipments! But no, they would not let them through, in spite of all this empty talk about their desire to help the poorest countries,” he said.
He assured that Russia could fill in the gap left by the withdrawal of the Ukrainian grain from the global market, either by selling its grain or by transferring it for free to the neediest countries in Africa.
Putin also announced that in the next four months, his government would supply at no cost 25,000–50,000 tonnes of grain each to Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, the Central African Republic as well as Eritrea.
“Ukraine produced about 55 million tonnes of grain in the past agricultural year, as exports amounted to 47 million tonnes, including 17 million tonnes of wheat.
“While Russia harvested 156 million tonnes of grain last year, it exported 60 million tonnes of which 48 million tonnes was wheat.
“Russia’s share of the world wheat market is 20 percent, while that of Ukraine is less than five per cent. This means that Russia is a significant contributor to global food security and a solid, responsible international supplier of agricultural products.
“On this note, hose who claimed that this was not the case, that it was only to secure the so-called grain deal to export Ukrainian grain, were simply twisting the facts and telling untruths.
“We are seeking to actively participate in the formation of a more equitable system for the distribution of resources and we are doing our best to prevent a global food crisis,” Putin assured.
He further assured that Russia would continue to support states and regions in need, as well as those that need humanitarian supplies.
The Tide source reports that the summit which started on July 27 and will end on July 28 has its theme as “Technology and Security in the Name of Sovereign Development for the Benefit of Humankind”.
The Tide source is one of the media partners of the Russia-Africa Summit 2023 and its Managing Director, Mr Buki Ponle, is also attending the event.
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo