Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has called for more transparency, fairness, and accountability in Africa’s growing partnerships with global powers, especially in the evolving relationship between Nigeria and China. He emphasized that such collaborations must be built on the principles of mutual benefit and shared prosperity if they are to truly advance Africa’s development goals.
Speaking at the opening of the second Ibadan Forum held at the Ibadan Business School, Governor Makinde, who was represented by his Deputy, Bayo Lawal, said African nations must be more deliberate in defining the terms of their engagement with foreign powers. The forum, jointly organised by the University of Ibadan’s Department of History and Zhejiang Normal University of China, brought together scholars, policymakers, and thought leaders to discuss the theme “Convergence or Divergence? Africa’s Development in Global Partnerships and a Shared Future.”
Governor Makinde urged African leaders to critically examine international agreements and ensure that development partnerships serve the interests of their people rather than external powers. He stressed that transparency and inclusiveness are key to ensuring that Africa’s global collaborations yield sustainable progress.
“We must not run opaque partnerships. They must be open to all stakeholders. That is how we promote convergence, not divergence,” he said, calling for collective responsibility in ensuring that global partnerships contribute to Africa’s long-term development.
The governor highlighted the significance of the ongoing Nigeria-China relationship, acknowledging China’s rapid economic growth and technological advancements as examples of what strategic planning and innovation can achieve. However, he cautioned that African countries, including Nigeria, should approach such partnerships with prudence, ensuring that they foster genuine progress rather than dependency.
“Partnerships must resonate with African leaders. The presence of the Chinese government in Africa must be a convergence, not a divergence. Let’s ensure these engagements are truly beneficial to Nigerians,” Makinde stated.
He also urged African nations to be strategic in consumption and investment decisions, drawing inspiration from China’s model of industrialization and innovation while tailoring it to local realities. According to him, partnerships that prioritize knowledge transfer, capacity building, and local enterprise development will have a more lasting impact than those focused solely on resource extraction.
The Ibadan Forum 2025 served as a platform for intellectual exchange between Nigerian and Chinese academics, underlining the growing importance of educational diplomacy in shaping global relationships. The ongoing partnership between the University of Ibadan and Zhejiang Normal University, which began in 2018, has already yielded research collaborations, student exchange programs, and deeper cultural ties between both institutions.
Participants at the forum, including Professor Olutayo Adesina, Acting Head of the Department of History, and Dr. Monsuru Muritala, commended the initiative, describing it as a crucial step toward deepening understanding between Africa and China.
Governor Makinde’s remarks reinforced Nigeria’s stance on building equal partnerships that empower its citizens, strengthen local institutions, and secure a fair place for Africa in the global economic order. His message echoed a growing sentiment across the continent — that Africa must engage the world from a position of confidence, clarity, and collective vision.
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