Taiwan

Mr Andy Yih-Ping Liu – Representative of Taipei Trade Office in Nigeria on Friday said that Taiwan was probably one of the best role models for Nigeria to develop its non-oil economy.

Liu, who was also the Taiwanese ambassador to Nigeria disclosed this in Lagos in a workshop organised by the Taipei Trade Office in Nigeria.

The theme of the workshop is ‘2023: The Role of the Media’.

He said that although, Nigeria and China have already had a diplomatic relations, but in terms of development, in terms of economic, social education, Taiwan was probably one of the best role models for Nigeria to develop its non oil economy.

“Years ago, your government has been so practical, so more thinking about having a model of non oil economy from such a far away Asian country.

“Because Taiwan, the only thing we have is human brain. And the only way we can make money is to import raw for material, process it to become end product and sell it” he said.

Mr Roger Chen – Deputy Counselor, who presented the business session talked about Taitra.

Chen who represented Cris Lin, the Director, Taiwan Trade Centre, Lagos said that Taitra was a trade promotion network that helped businesses to connect.

He said that it was founded in 1970 with 1300 specialists and five offices in Taiwan.

He said that Taitra was the eight largest textile importer and more information was on its website https/thpc.taiwantrade.com.

In its panel session, Mrs Adenike Tadese, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said that the media has a unique position as both a conveyor and a recipient of information.

Tadese who was the HOD, voters education and publicity, (INEC) said that media messages could shape public opinion and set agendas.

She said that the media should educate citizens by carrying out voter education and public enlightenment.

Also, Mrs Abiola Beckley, Lagos Vice Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ) said that the right atmosphere must be created for the media.

Beckley said that media could not do it alone that if media had to report accurately, there are other channels that had to give it support.

She appealed to all stakeholders and employers of media personnel to do the needful during election.

Another panelist, Mr Obafemi Obadare, Punch Newspaper editorial board member said that one of the challenges confronting election was how to get voters back to the polls.

Obadare said that the middle class people in Nigeria have left election for the lower class.