MAO CITY EMBRACES AKPEHE

By Emeka Obasi

When China opened up Changsha to Africa in 2019, opportunities engulfed the entire Hunan Province, just around the Central Region. Austen  Athan Akpehe cashed in on that to  flaunt individual Nigerian entrepreneurship and is succeeding.

Presenting gifts from Hunan province to the Nigerian ambassador to China in Beijing

Changsha occupies important space in Chinese History because it was there that Mao Zedung attended Middle School and later came under the influence of Sun Yat – Sen. That marked the beginning of a new nation that has risen from the turbulent ages of the Far East to the World’s strongest economy, after the US.

Akpehe’s company, Hunan Galaxy Global Trade Development, has just been granted operating licence by the Chinese and is located in the choice China – Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation Promotion Innovation Demonstration Park (Gaoqiao Grand Market), Changsha.

An excited Akpehe proudly announced the breakthrough to me in a chat, with a promise to create a lasting positive impression. “I intend to sell positives of the Nigerian man to the Chinese and our politicians back home,” he said.

The Nigerian, from Benue State, has eyes on diverse interests that run from Mining, which will will involve exploration and extraction, Trading, Media and Sports. His idea is “to build potential partnerships and alliances with financial institutions for development.”

Akpehe has grabbed the opportunity harmoniously. “The Chinese government, is through the China – Africa Free Trade Zone and Belt and Road Initiatives, creating unending and genuine opportunities for companies to operate in a professional manner.”

The China – Africa Trade Expo is not configured as a one – way traffic. It aims to promote more Made in Africa products, fostering business ties between the two sides. Countries like Congo and Malawi have gone ahead to create consulates.

At the 3rd Expo in  June 2023, the Jigawa State government showed interest. A powerful delegation led Deputy Governor Aminu Gumel, took time to study the environment. The Deputy Governor is not just a politician, he is an Engineer.

From L-R, Vice president Beijing Foreign Cultural & Trade Association Ms Linda Wang, CEO Hunan Galaxy Global Trade Development Mr. AustinAkpehe, Nigerian Ambassador to Beijing Mr. Babagana Wakil, and the Manager Hunan Galaxy Global Trade Development Mr. Gabriel Ajulo

Changsha, with a population of over 10 million inhabitants, ranks among the top 35 cities of the world. It is China’s top Tourist City and referred to as the Construction Capital of the World, small wonder it is also nicknamed Star City.

One major attraction is the statue of Chairman Mao which occupies a prominent position on Orange Island. The legendary leader wrote a poem, Changsha, and I love the first line – ‘Alone I Stand In the Autumn Cold’. Akpehe does not envisage walking alone.

I believe there are begging opportunities for more Nigerian entrepreneurs. As the Federal Government keeps harping on diversification, the Chinese have opened their doors to export. From Made in Aba shoes to Adire, produced in Abeokuta, we must get moving.

Hunan Broadcasting System is second only to the largest in the world, the China Central Television (CCTV).This is  another virgin area that could be explored by the Nigerian media in terms of collaboration and training. The world has gone beyond facing the West in the field of communications.

Akpehe is a man of many parts and is highly connected. He enjoys cordial relationship with a horde of Liberians, prominent among them, former president George Weah who opened the first business window to the Nigerian through a contract in France.

Soccer brought the duo together. ”In 2001, I was privileged to play in a Charity Game organised by Selection of African Footballers   Based in Europe ( SELAF ) in Paris. It involved some of the best African stars, like Weah, Cyril Domoraud, Morlaye Soumar, Ahmed Ouattara, Musa Saib, Roger Hitoto and Samba Brice.

“I was one of the three young African players that featured alongside the stars against Parcy Sur. From it, I got a contract in France, thanks to Weah, with a strong recommendation by my agent  Sekou Coulibaly,” Akpehe said.

Before migrating to Europe, he was a home leaguer, playing for Stationery Stores and Nigerdock, both based in Lagos. Within the West African Sub Region, Akpehe plied his trade in Ghana with Asante Kotoko and Cote d’Ivoire, with Stade Abidjan.

After hanging his boots, Akpehe acquired University education, earn UEFA B Licence, turned Player Agent and established the Galaxy Sports Development Company. In 2019, he opened a Sports Academy in Makurdi. There is one in Abuja, as well.

This man should be of interest to some of President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet members. Solid Minerals minister, Dele Alake, has been preaching a new dawn. Minister of Trade, Doris Uzoka – Anite, is known to be bold and focused. They have a willing partner, waiting.

Sports minister, John Enoh, should get closer to Akpehe. We need to be talking about a Sports Village after the dismal outing in Paris. The Chinese can set up that facility through existing ties that began in 1970.

Akpehe is bent on exposing the Nigerian Professional Football League to Chinese companies. This will put more money on the table. Benedict Akwuegbu and Odion Ighalo played in China but not much is known there about the the NPFL .

*****@Saturday Vanguard