President Tinubu Appoints Director-General for China Partnership, Tegbe to Lead Strategic Initiative
In a move aimed at harnessing the benefits of its partnership with China, President Bola Tinubu has appointed Mr. Joseph Tegbe as the Director-General and global liaison for Nigeria-China strategic partnership. The appointment comes on the heels of agreements reached during Tinubu’s visit to China in early September 2024.
Tegbe, a seasoned professional with nearly 35 years of experience in business strategy, brings a wealth of expertise to the role. He holds a first-class degree in Civil Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University (1988) and is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.
As Director-General, Tegbe will report directly to the President and will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the strategic partnership. He will engage continuously with Chinese counterparts to ensure that all deliverables align with national development goals. The strategic plan outlined by Tegbe will outline specific deliverables, timelines, and key performance indicators for each area of cooperation, including priority projects, projected investments, and expected socioeconomic outcomes.
The partnership between Nigeria and China aims to promote economic diversification, infrastructure development, technology transfer, and job creation in Nigeria. The two countries have agreed to collaborate on expanding Nigeria’s rail network, upgrading power distribution, and creating new industrial parks. They also plan to establish hospital alliances, collaborate on medical research, and deploy Chinese healthcare professionals to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.
In education, the partnership will focus on vocational training, STEM education, and academic exchanges. The joint initiatives include establishing engineering technology academies and providing scholarships for Nigerian youth to acquire modern workforce skills. Additionally, the partnership aims to improve Nigeria’s agricultural practices through knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and investment in sustainable farming techniques.
Tegbe’s extensive experience in business strategy makes him an ideal candidate for the role. Prior to his appointment, he was the Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG in Africa, with responsibilities extending to the Middle East. He has also led subnational governments on investment missions to countries such as South Africa, Denmark, China, India, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates.
The appointment of Tegbe as Director-General is seen as a significant step in deepening Nigeria’s relationship with China. The two countries have pledged to support each other’s development goals, with China committing to provide 360 billion yuan (approximately $51 billion) in new financing for African nations over the next three years.
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