President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as Director-General and Global Liaison for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, a move aimed at harnessing the benefits of the partnership between the two countries.This development comes after President Tinubu’s visit to China in early September, where several key agreements were reached.
Tegbe, a distinguished professional with a first-class degree in Civil Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, will report directly to President Tinubu.
He brings 35 years of experience in business strategy to the table, having worked with Fortune 500 companies and African conglomerates, advising on strategic planning, investment, and portfolio reviews.
His impressive background also includes being the senior partner and head of advisory services at KPMG in Africa, covering the Middle East.
As the Director-General, Tegbe’s primary responsibilities will include submitting a strategic action plan to ensure Nigeria benefits from the agreements reached in Beijing.
He will lead day-to-day operations, engage with Chinese counterparts, and ensure deliverables align with national development goals.
The strategic plan will outline specific deliverables, timelines, and key performance indicators for cooperation areas, including priority projects, investments, and socioeconomic outcomes.
The Nigeria-China partnership focuses on various sectors, including expanding Nigeria’s rail network, upgrading power distribution, creating industrial parks, and establishing hospital alliances for medical research.
Education and talent development will also be prioritized through vocational training, STEM education, and academic exchanges.
Furthermore, the two countries will collaborate on improving Nigeria’s agricultural practices through sustainable farming techniques.
President Xi Jinping pledged $51 billion in new financing for African nations over three years and support for 30 infrastructure projects to boost connectivity and create one million jobs.
With Tegbe at the helm, Nigeria is poised to capitalize on these opportunities and foster a stronger partnership with China.
