By Adeola Badru

Following his new role as Director-General for the Nigeria-China strategic partnership, Joseph Tegbe has expressed a steadfast commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s global relationships, especially China.

Tegbe in a statement on Monday remarked that, “I will work diligently to bolster international collaborations with China that can drive sustainable development and economic growth for Nigeria.”

Emphasising the importance of strategic partnerships in today’s interconnected world, he underscored the significance of the agreements made during President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to China.

He stated, “These agreements represent a pivotal opportunity for Nigeria. By leveraging our relationship with China, we can access vital resources, technology, and investment that will help us realise our national development goals.”

The newly appointed DG highlighted his immediate objectives, saying, “My first task is to develop a comprehensive strategic action plan that outlines specific deliverables and timelines.”

“This plan will ensure that we maximize the benefits from our partnership with China, focusing on key areas such as infrastructure, healthcare and education.”

Regarding the healthcare initiatives, Tegbe noted, “Collaborating with China to enhance Nigeria’s healthcare system is not just about improving facilities; it’s about building a robust framework for medical research and knowledge exchange.”

“We aim to establish hospital alliances and deploy skilled healthcare professionals to address the pressing health challenges in our country.”

Tegbe also emphasised the role of education in this partnership, adding: “Investing in our youth through vocational training and education is crucial. We want to create opportunities for young Nigerians to develop the skills needed in a rapidly evolving job market.”

“This initiative will not only empower individuals but also contribute to the overall growth of our economy.”

On the topic of agricultural development, he remarked, “Our partnership with China will also focus on transforming Nigeria’s agricultural practices.”

“By sharing knowledge and investing in sustainable farming techniques, we can enhance food security and improve the livelihoods of our farmers.”

Tegbe, who said he is optimistic about the future, said, “With background in civil engineering and 35 years of experience in business strategy and advisory, I am ready to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.

“I believe that through collaboration and innovation, we can achieve remarkable outcomes for Nigeria.” Thereby realising the Renewed Hope Agenda, ensuring that all initiatives are in the best interest of the Nigerian people.”

“Together, we can unlock the immense potential of Nigeria’s partnerships on the global stage, ensuring that we not only meet our immediate needs but also lay the groundwork for long-term prosperity,” he said.

His commitment to transparency, accountability, and strategic execution will be crucial as Nigeria navigates this new chapter in its international economic relations.