Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, joined dignitaries across the Diplomatic Corps, Government, Corporate Nigeria, and Industries to celebrate the People’s Republic of China’s 76th anniversary at a colourful celebration held in the Grand Ballroom of the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Monday, September 22.

In his keynote speech on the ‘Nigeria-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’, Speaker Obasa extended heartfelt congratulations to the government and people of China on the historic milestone and toasted to stronger ties between the two nations, which share October 1st as their Independence Day.

He traced Nigeria and China’s strong and enduring partnership to the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1971, and commended their treatment of each other as equals and with mutual respect. According to him, the relationship between the two countries has withstood the tumults of international changes, but mutual trust has been enhanced continuously while practical cooperation has yielded fruitful outcomes.

He cited a recent media report credited to the Consul General of China in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, who said that bilateral trade between China and Nigeria reached $15.48 billion between January and July 2025. The Speaker also referenced the renewal of a 15 billion Yuan ($2 billion) currency swap agreement, which is expected to strengthen cooperation and promote bilateral trade and investment between both countries, and streamline trade transactions by eliminating the need for US dollars as an intermediary currency.

Not forgetting also, the Speaker continued, the upgraded military partnership between the two countries, with China focusing on local arms production and military training as part of efforts to improve security in Nigeria and across Africa, which he said is already bearing fruit.

He linked these significant outcomes to the resolutions reached during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s State Visit in September 2024, to China and to attend the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), principal of which is a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership which primary focus is to build a high-level China-Nigeria Community with a shared future, underpinned by strategic mutual trust and support for core interests, including sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“During the visit, President Xi Jinping and President Tinubu had a cordial and in-depth exchange on China-Nigeria relations as well as international and regional issues of mutual interest, Obasa recalled, adding, “The two Presidents agreed that both countries stood at a new historical starting point as significant representatives of major developing countries and emerging economies. And they resolved that their strengthened strategic cooperation will propel a new dynamic for China-Africa relations in the new era.”

Particularly, Speaker Obasa praised China’s support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, which promotes economic development and improves people’s welfare, while maintaining national unity, social stability, security, and peace.

He also highlighted China’s contributions to infrastructure projects in Lagos, saying, “Lagos has witnessed remarkable growth through significant Chinese investments in the development of critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and rail systems, which have enhanced our economic landscape and enriched our societies.”

Obasa called for continued collaboration to address global challenges like climate change and economic inequality and expressed confidence in a shared prosperous future.

In her welcome address, Yuqing, the Chinese Consul General, said that the increase in trade volume reflected the growing strength of China-Nigeria relations, describing Nigeria as China’s second-largest trading partner in Africa. Yuqing corroborated Obasa’s declaration that the elevation of relations between both countries to a comprehensive strategic partnership at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit had created broader prospects for cooperation.

According to her, collaborations in infrastructure, energy resources, trade, culture, and education continue to deepen while bringing tangible benefits to the citizens of both nations. “Nigeria and China, guided by the principles of mutual respect and mutual benefit, and all-round cooperation, have yielded remarkable results,” she said.

Yuqing also commended the Chinese community in Nigeria for contributing to cultural exchanges, local development, and charity initiatives, urging them to remain bridge-builders in strengthening China-Nigeria friendship.

The office of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has been reopened by the National Assembly after being sealed for over six months. The unlocking occurred on Tuesday morning, with the Sergeant-at-Arms of the National Assembly, supported by security operatives, officially removing the seal from her office located in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing. Sealed Since March Over Suspension The office had been sealed since March 6, 2025, following the senator’s suspension from the Red Chamber. A video shared on Tuesday captured the moment the Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji, removed the red tape from the door. “I, Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director, Sergeant-at-Arms, hereby unseal the office. The office is hereby unsealed. Thank you,” he announced during the process. Senator Faced Senate Suspension Over Protest Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had been suspended for six months in March after staging a protest against the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a plenary session on February 20. The Senate cited misconduct as grounds for the disciplinary action, barring her from all legislative activities Court Deems Suspension Unconstitutional Although the senator’s suspension officially lapsed in September 2025, she had yet to resume her legislative duties due to resistance from the Senate leadership and pending legal matters. On July 4, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled the suspension as excessive and unconstitutional, providing a legal boost to her efforts to return to the chamber. Return to Office Still Uncertain Despite writing to the Senate to inform them of her readiness to resume, her request was reportedly turned down by the National Assembly. While the unsealing of her office suggests progress, it remains unclear whether she will be granted full access to the facility or allowed to participate in Senate proceedings. Plenary Resumption on October 7 May Bring Clarity As the Senate prepares to reconvene on October 7, it is still uncertain whether Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan will be able to return to her seat alongside her colleagues. A formal Senate resolution on her status is still pending.

Fuji and Apala fans are in for a treat as contemporary Apala-Fuji star, Wasiu Haruna Ishola L1, prepares to release his highly anticipated double album, Masterpiece, in Lagos this November. Supported by Big Bodeyy Promotions, the launch is scheduled for the second week of the month.

The album offers two distinct listening experiences — one side rooted in Fuji rhythms and the other in pure, original Apala music — giving audiences a fresh yet authentic take on indigenous Nigerian sounds.

Popularly known as Lagunja 1, Wasiu Haruna Ishola is the son of late Apala legend Haruna Ishola Bello and brother to renowned musician Musiliu Babatunde Haruna Ishola. With Masterpiece, he both honours his lineage and recognises the influence of his mentor, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde K1 De Ultimate, whose artistry helped shape his approach to music.

“This album is both a tribute to tradition and a bold step into the future,” Lagunja 1 said. “It is dedicated to my late father and to my mentor, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde K1 De Ultimate, while embracing digital innovation.”

He stressed that Nigerian musicians must embrace global advancements to rejuvenate audience tastes:

“We have to explore more, acquire new knowledge and take advantage of the ever-evolving digital world,” he added.

With its seamless blend of heritage and modern artistry — and inspired by K1 De Ultimate’s groundbreaking style — Masterpiece is positioned to be one of the standout Nigerian music releases of the year.