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Markets Rally As Trump And Xi Revive Hopes For Breakthrough In Trade Talks

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(DDM) — Global financial markets opened the week on a positive note, buoyed by optimism surrounding renewed trade negotiations between the United States and China, following a weekend of promising diplomatic headlines that appeared to ease tensions between the two largest economies in the world.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the upbeat market sentiment came just weeks after former U.S. President Donald Trump had threatened to impose a 100% tariff on Chinese exports, a move that rattled investors and stirred fears of a prolonged trade war.

Trump had also hinted he might cancel an anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, a threat that seemed to deepen uncertainty over the future of global trade relations.

Now, the two leaders appear poised to meet later this week, with analysts describing the development as a potential turning point in one of the most consequential geopolitical rivalries of the 21st century.

The renewed diplomatic tone has been met with visible enthusiasm on Wall Street and major Asian markets, as investors hope the talks could yield progress on tariffs, technology transfers, and supply chain cooperation.

However, as some financial experts pointed out to DDM, the unfolding narrative feels familiar, a pattern of tension, brinkmanship, and short-lived truces that has characterized the U.S.-China trade saga for years.

As one analyst put it, “It’s like watching a sequel where no one remembers how the last film ended, because the story never really concluded.

At the heart of the latest flare-up lies China’s long-standing dominance over rare-earth minerals, a cluster of 17 elements essential to modern electronics, including smartphones, electric vehicles, and military technology.

READ ALSO:  Fidelity Bank Champions Gymnastics Development in Nigeria

Beijing recently announced plans to tighten export restrictions on these minerals, a move widely seen as a strategic countermeasure against U.S. trade pressure.

DDM learned that this is not the first time China has leveraged its rare-earth supremacy in global economic disputes. For over three decades, Beijing has maintained firm control over the mining, processing, and export of these critical materials, gradually implementing policies to protect domestic industries and limit foreign dependency.

As global demand for high-tech products continues to surge, so has the strategic importance of these minerals, and by extension, China’s influence over global supply chains.

Western nations, including the United States, have repeatedly sought ways to diversify sourcing and reduce reliance on Chinese exports, but with limited success due to the country’s entrenched production capacity and environmental regulations that deter rare-earth mining elsewhere.

Market watchers told DDM that while the upcoming Trump-Xi meeting may cool tensions in the short term, the underlying issues remain deeply structural.

The trade dispute goes beyond tariffs and deficits; it touches on technological sovereignty, intellectual property rights, and control over resources that define the modern economy.

In the meantime, investors appear content to ride the wave of optimism. Major U.S. stock indexes edged higher in early trading, while Asian equities also surged amid hopes of a thaw in relations.

Analysts warn, however, that markets have often misread the durability of such truces, and any setback in talks could quickly reverse gains.

As both leaders prepare for what could be a defining moment in their bilateral relations, the world watches closely, not just for signs of compromise, but for clues as to whether the U.S. and China can finally script an ending to this long-running trade drama.

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For now, optimism reigns on Wall Street, but history suggests the final act of the Trump-Xi trade saga may still be far from written.

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From Anambra Soil to Global Market: Nwosu’s Blueprint

By Paschal Azubuike

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Maize and yam farming
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To Build Palm Oil and Cassava Estates Like Malaysia and Prosper Our Rural Families

In the quiet farmlands of Anambra, where generations have tilled the soil with hope, a new dawn is rising.

For too long, our rural communities have worked hard yet gained little.

Our cassava farmers heroes in worn slippers, process their harvest with bare hands.

Our palm oil producers still rely on age old methods, while nations like Malaysia turned palm oil into a global goldmine.

But in this season of political and farming awakening, one man stands with a vision rooted in our soil and aimed at the world, John Nwosu of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

African Democratic Congress (ADC) gubernatorial candidate, Mr. John Chuma Nwosu

African Democratic Congress (ADC) gubernatorial candidate, Mr. John Chuma Nwosu

Nwosu isn’t just promising development.

He is promising dignity and wealth, actually, a return of pride to the farmers who feed our land.

Nwosu’s blueprint is bold and transformative:

  • Build modern palm oil plantations and processing estates

  • Develop cassava value-chain zones powered by technology

  • Train and support rural farmers with access to finance
  • Create storage, processing, and export hubs
  • Turn our villages into international agro investment destinations

This is not politics as usual; this is a mission to lift our rural families from subsistence to prosperity.

A mission to ensure that the hands that plant are the hands that profit.

A mission to turn Anambra into Nigeria’s food to wealth capital.

“Proudly Anambra” palm oil and cassava products

Imagine Ogbaru, Ihiala, Aguata, and Ayamelum booming like Malaysia’s Selangor and our youths returning home to run agro-industries, instead of fleeing in search of survival.

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Imagine women farmers earning globally competitive incomes, while branded “Proudly Anambra” palm oil and cassava products on shelves from Lagos to London, Dubai to New York.

For years we watched the world grow wealthy from crops that originated here.

Now, John Nwosu says “it is our turn; it is Anambra’s turn”.

No farmer will be forgotten. No rural child will be left behind.

With ADC, our land will work for us not the other way around.

This is not just agriculture, it is liberation. It is job creation. It is rural revival.

And it begins with one vote. One commitment. One vision for prosperity rooted in the red soil of home.

Ndi Anambra, the future is in our farms and the future is now.

Vote John Nwosu, vote ADC!

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Fidelity Bank Champions Gymnastics Development in Nigeria

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Fidelity Bank takes hunger solution initiative to Kano during Ramadan
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Fidelity Bank Champions Gymnastics Development in NigeriaLeading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has been unveiled as the headline sponsor of Gymfest Championship 2025, a premier gymnastics event dedicated to nurturing physical literafidecy, confidence and life skills in children and young people.

The event, organized by, Tee Tumblers Gymnastics Club in partnership with the Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN), will take place on November 8, 2025, at The Podium in Lekki, Lagos.

Speaking on the sponsorship, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, emphasized the bank’s commitment to youth development through sports.

“Our sponsorship of Gymfest is borne out of our devotion to developing sporting talents, especially in young children. Gymnastics builds discipline, resilience and confidence, and we believe that by supporting platforms like Gymfest, we are investing in the future of Nigeria’s youth,” she said.

Now in its second edition, Gymfest is expected to attract over 1,500 attendees, including 200 to 250 young gymnasts aged three and above, who will compete across levels from Pre-level to Level 7. The event will also feature the Gymfest Souk, a vibrant marketplace with approximately 50 vendors offering products and experiences for families and fitness enthusiasts.

“The Gymfest Championships aim to provide a dynamic platform for young and talented gymnasts to showcase their skills, creativity, and passion for the sport. Nigeria, and indeed Africa is rich with untapped gymnastics talent. This event serves as a celebration of that talent and a means to nurture it toward the global stage.

READ ALSO:  Food Prices Drop Slightly In Abuja But Remain High For Residents

“Our ultimate goal is to establish a world-class gymnastics training centre in Nigeria, where athletes can train safely, effectively, and to international standards. Additionally, we seek to develop a coaching education centre to empower aspiring gymnastics coaches through professional training and continuous development,” said Yoyin Akpose, CEO of Teetumblers and Program Director of the event.

Gymnastics remains one of the most underrepresented sports in Nigeria, yet it offers immense potential. According to the International Gymnastics Federation, over 30 countries have medaled in Olympic gymnastics events, with nations like the United States, China and Russia dominating the sport. Nigeria’s participation has been limited, but with structured grassroots programs and increased investment, the country can begin to compete on the global stage.

Fidelity Bank’s sponsorship of Gymfest aligns with its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) pillar of Youth Empowerment. Through this pillar, the bank has consistently supported initiatives that equip young people with skills, opportunities and platforms to thrive. This latest partnership also advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, which promotes inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.

As Gymfest 2.0 prepares to spotlight Nigeria’s next generation of gymnasts, Fidelity Bank’s involvement underscores the transformative power of corporate support in shaping a more dynamic and inclusive sporting future.

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Food Prices Drop Slightly In Abuja But Remain High For Residents

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(DDM) – Food prices in Abuja have recorded a slight drop following increased food supply across markets, but residents say the relief is hardly felt as costs remain high for basic staples.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that although the price of major commodities such as rice, beans, and cooking oil has declined compared to last year, many households in the capital still struggle to afford them due to persistent inflation and rising living expenses.

A market survey shows that a 50kg bag of local rice, which sold for as high as ₦75,000 in 2024, now sells between ₦63,000 and ₦65,000.

A small bucket, known locally as a ‘mudu,’ sells for ₦2,200, down from ₦2,500.

Similarly, a bag of foreign rice now sells for ₦80,000–₦85,000, while a ‘mudu’ goes for between ₦2,000 and ₦3,500 depending on the market.

The downward adjustment also extends to other staples.

A bag of white beans now costs ₦95,000, while brown beans sell for about ₦110,000, down from ₦130,000–₦140,000 recorded last year.

DDM observed that prices of cooking oil have also eased slightly, with a 25-litre keg of groundnut oil selling around ₦73,000 and palm oil going for about ₦65,000.

However, traders and consumers say the reduction is marginal and does not translate into real relief.

“We still buy at high prices from suppliers because diesel, transport, and packaging costs have all increased,” lamented Musa Garba, a trader at Dutse Market.

Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, attributed the slight price drop to government programmes such as the NAGS Agro-Pocket Programme.

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He said the initiative boosted local production by injecting nearly 500,000 metric tons of wheat, maize, cassava, and other crops into the market.

“This ramped-up production is what’s responsible for the drop in food prices,” the minister said.

Despite that, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reports that while Nigeria’s headline inflation rate eased slightly to 20.12 percent in August 2025, food prices in Abuja remain up to 20 percent higher than the national average.

For most residents, the so-called improvement offers little comfort.

“Before, I could buy a ‘mudu’ of rice every two days, but now I have to manage what I buy for a whole week,” said Aisha Abdullahi, a mother of four living in Kubwa.

Peter Dama, National Chairman of the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria (RIMAN), told DDM that farmers continue to face unsustainable production costs despite government claims of progress.

“Farmers are producing at very high costs, yet they are being asked to lower prices without any subsidies,” Dama said.

He stressed the need for dialogue between government and stakeholders to address challenges such as fertiliser costs, transportation, and energy prices.

“If the government sits with associations, we can find realistic strategies. But imposing policies without adequate support won’t solve the problem,” he added.

Economist Daniel Onyejuwa told DDM that the president’s directive for price reduction was “more political than economic.”

He argued that inflation in Nigeria is largely cost-driven, linked to production inefficiencies, forex instability, and infrastructure decay.

“Transportation and logistics costs are the biggest drivers of food inflation,” Onyejuwa explained.

READ ALSO:  From Anambra Soil to Global Market: Nwosu’s Blueprint

“When trucks spend days on bad roads, it adds to the final cost consumers must pay.”

He further noted that Nigeria’s rice import embargo has created supply gaps that local production cannot yet fill.

“Until the gap between demand and supply is closed, prices will remain relatively high,” he added.

Experts agree that while the government celebrates temporary relief, sustainable solutions depend on inclusive agricultural reforms, rural infrastructure upgrades, and energy cost management.

As Abuja residents enter another harvest season, many still struggle to balance optimism with reality.

For now, the slight price drop may signal progress, but everyday life for millions remains defined by tight budgets and rising living costs.

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