Nation
Nigeria Records N270bn Trade Deficit With China -Minister
The trade volume between Nigeria and China stood at over N1 trillion in 2012 with a deficit of N270 billion against Nigeria.
Mr Samuel Ortom, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, who disclosed this to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja, said the Federal Government was working hard to close the gap.
Our correspondent reports that Ortom spoke when a trade delegation from China, led by Mr Wonming Wang, the President of Africa Investment Network, visited him in his office.
Ortom said the delegation’s visit was in response to his visit to China to shop for more investors as part of efforts to correct the deficit.
“We are working round the clock to close the gap and this is why this Chinese delegation is here today.
“This is directly the result of my trade fair visit to China, specifically to Guangshou, where I met Mr Wang and these investors you are seeing here today.
“I told them about the potentials we have in our country. I am happy that they are here today to see things for themselves, and they have confirmed it.
“One of the challenges they have had are the over-exaggerated negative media reports that portray Nigeria as a horrible place to come.
“But they have come and seen things for themselves. Now, they have positive things to talk about and when they get back to China, I am sure they will tell their other colleagues.’’
Ortom said that Nigeria remained the first investment destination in Africa, citing the latest World Investment Report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
According to the report, released on Wednesday, Nigeria recorded a Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflow of 7.03 dollars in 2012 to retain its number one position for the second time in two years.
South Africa, Ghana and Egypt followed with FDI inflows of 4.572, 3.295 and 2.798 dollars respectively.
“The opportunities are there, and I keep saying that today we have a president who is willing to overcome the country’s unemployment challenges.
“The only way we can do it is when we are able to establish businesses and industries that will give massive employment to our people,’’ Ortom said.
Wonming said that the delegation was in Nigeria to seek the minister’s assistance on behalf of Chinese companies and businesses, who have indicated interest to invest in the country.
He identified the areas of interest as auto mobile, marble, medical equipment, solar energy, building materials and housing construction, among others.
“I am here to ask for the assistance of the minister to bring Chinese investments to Nigeria because you are the top investment destination in Africa for investment.
“In China there are thousands of factories and companies that want to come to Nigeria.
“The areas of investment are many, and we consider the assistance of this esteemed ministry as very crucial.’’
Nation
Cleric Preaches Love As Deputy Governor, Chief Judge Grace Wedding In PH
The Presiding Bishop of Kingdom Life Gospel Ministries Outreach, Port Harcourt, Bishop Victor Uzosike, has described love as the bedrock of human existence, family stability and societal harmony, stressing that without love, nothing meaningful can thrive.
Bishop Uzosike made this assertion while speaking to journalists during the wedding ceremony of his daughter, Praise Uzosike, to Architect Chibuzor Akubueze on Saturday, December 20, 2025. The solemnisation was held at the Kingdom Life Gospel Ministries Outreach, Port Harcourt, and was attended by dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond.
According to the cleric, love is not only the foundation of relationships but also a powerful force that determines the success of individuals, families and communities.
“If you do not love a place, that place will not bless you. If you do not love your children, they will not be useful to you. If you do not love your family, your family will become a strange island to you. What you do not love, you do not have. Love is the key,” he said.
Reflecting on his family’s journey, Bishop Uzosike said God’s love had sustained them through seasons of challenges and triumphs, noting that unity had remained their greatest strength.
“We have stayed together as one family. God has shown us love in miraculous and mysterious ways, especially during difficult times,” he stated.
Describing the wedding as an amazing and beautiful experience, the bishop expressed appreciation for the show of love from his daughter’s friends, many of whom travelled from the United Kingdom and Ghana to attend the ceremony. He revealed that some of them personally paid for their flights and accommodation, which he described as a rare display of genuine friendship.
He also disclosed that his first daughter, who lives in Manchester, United Kingdom, with her husband, could not attend the wedding due to tight schedules, but noted that she remains happily married and fulfilled.
While thanking guests for honouring his family with their presence, prayers and goodwill, Bishop Uzosike said he felt proud and grateful to God.
“One of the greatest gifts God can give to a man is children who are sound in all ramifications. My children can see, hear, speak and walk. That alone is enough reason to be grateful,” he said.
He praised the bride, describing Praise as an exceptional achiever who had distinguished herself academically. According to him, she completed secondary school at 15, graduated with First Class honours at 19, and earned distinctions in her MBA as well as her first and second master’s degrees.
“For a long time, people believed that highly educated women may not marry early or at all. Today, Praise has proved otherwise. She has made her mother and me very proud,” he said, describing her as a rare gem.
Bishop Uzosike also expressed joy over his son-in-law, whom he described as God-fearing, disciplined and professionally sound.
“He is well brought up, passionate about God and morally upright. His parents did a great job. My wife, Pastor Esther, also did an excellent job,” he added.
The wedding ceremony attracted prominent personalities, including the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Prof. Ngozi Odu; the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Matilda Ayemeyie; and several senior clerics.
Bishop Fidelis Ugbong officiated the solemnisation, while Apostle Chika Onuzo delivered the sermon, identifying communication, sex and money as key factors that can strengthen or weaken marriages.
Prof. Ngozi Odu also prayed for the couple and paid glowing tributes, drawing admiration from attendees.
The reception, held at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Port Harcourt, was equally colourful. Justice Matilda Ayemeyie proposed the toast, describing marriage as not always a bed of roses and emphasising patience, commitment and understanding.
The event was chaired by Chief Henry Nwabugo and attended by notable personalities, including retired Supreme Court Justice Mary Odili; Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey; Hon. Otunba Jumbo; Nze Best Anele; and Prof. Henry Ogiri, among others.
Guests were entertained with dance performances by the couple, while the parents’ outing added elegance to the celebration. The master of ceremonies, Ambassador Kingsley, kept the audience engaged with humour and interactive sessions.
Overall, the wedding was a remarkable blend of spirituality, culture and celebration, marked by love, joy and unforgettable moments.
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