Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called for transparency and mutual benefit in partnerships between Africa and global powers, particularly China. He said such relationships must promote shared prosperity and fairness.
Makinde made this call during the opening of the second Ibadan Forum, jointly organised by the University of Ibadan’s Department of History and Zhejiang Normal University, China. The event, themed “Convergence or Divergence? Africa’s Development in Global Partnerships and a Shared Future,” gathered scholars and policymakers to discuss Africa’s role in the global order.
Represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, Makinde urged African leaders to carefully assess international agreements and ensure they align with the continent’s interests. “We must not run opaque partnerships. They must be open to all stakeholders. That is how we promote convergence, not divergence,” he said.
He called for fairness in deals between China and African nations, stressing that cooperation must support Africa’s long-term growth. Makinde praised China’s economic progress and innovation but cautioned that African countries must remain strategic in their engagements. “We must ensure agreements are simple, transparent, and beneficial to all,” he added.
University of Ibadan Vice Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, also emphasized the need for Africa to shape its own development path rather than remain a passive participant in global partnerships. He described the UI-Zhejiang partnership as “a meeting of minds across continents,” and urged scholars to critically examine global narratives about Africa.
Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Rasheed Oyewole Olaniyi, highlighted the importance of deeper Nigeria-China collaboration in building a fair global order. He said both nations share a strategic partnership rooted in population strength, economic potential, and shared interests.
Professor Xu Wei, Deputy Director of the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University, reaffirmed China’s commitment to working closely with African universities. She called the Ibadan Forum “a bridge of knowledge and trust” and urged stronger links between academia, industry, and local communities to drive innovation and development.
The Ibadan Forum, which began in 2023, has become a major platform for dialogue between Nigerian and Chinese scholars, focusing on cultural exchange, academic research, and sustainable development.
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