My journey into traditional Chinese medicineBy Zaw Win Maung

A few years ago, a chance encounter with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) sparked my deep interest in this ancient culture. As I began to delve into classical TCM texts, I discovered that they not only contained various diagnostic and treatment methods such as pulse diagnosis, acupuncture, and massage therapy, but embodied the wisdom of ancient Chinese philosophy, such as the unity of humans and nature and living in harmony with nature.

Captivated by the allure of TCM, I decided to pursue a systematic study. I applied to Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, and I was overjoyed the day I received my admission letter.

At the beginning, I encountered significant challenges due to language barriers and cultural differences. The ancient Chinese classics and intricate processes of herb collection, identification and combination were quite daunting to me. Fortunately, I had the patient guidance of professors and the enthusiastic help of classmates to rely on.

I remember when I first started learning acupuncture, I was often too hesitant to actually use the needles. To encourage me, my senior classmates generously acted as patients, braving the discomfort to let me practice acupuncture techniques on their bodies. With their support and motivation, my acupuncture skills steadily improved, and my studies quickly got on track.

During my learning journey, the most memorable experience was my internship at the Yunnan Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. There, I had the opportunity to participate directly in patient care. I looked forward to every Saturday afternoon when I could shadow my mentor.To help me learn better, my mentor allowed me to observe and participate in pulse-taking and prescription writing alongside with her and the patients. After each patient consultation, she would give me a detailed explanation: what the patient’s pulse indicated, what it represented in terms of their conditions, and the role of each herb in the prescription. This approach helped shape my diagnostic thinking and was incredibly beneficial to me.

Even though this meant she could never leave work on time, she never stopped her meticulous teaching. As an ancient Chinese saying goes, “It’s easier to get a teacher of classics than a teacher of character.” I am deeply grateful for and cherish the teachers I have met on my learning journey in China, and I have personally experienced the importance of the master-apprentice relationship in TCM.

During my years of study, I have made many Chinese friends whose kindness and hospitality have deeply influenced me. When I felt anxious and exhausted from academic pressure, it was my classmates who helped me through those difficult times. They patiently helped me review my lessons, took me hiking and shopping, allowing me to experience the joys of life.

I remember the first time I was invited to a Chinese classmate’s family dinner. Sitting around a table covered by steaming dishes, tasting homemade specialties, and listening to the stories behind each dish – at that moment, I deeply felt the warmth and inclusiveness of the Chinese people.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to every teacher and friend I have met in China. Their guidance and support have greatly nourished me intellectually and emotionally. Every interaction and every patient act of assistance have become my precious memory, filling this journey with warm recollections.

My every day in China has been filled with challenges and surprises, and my progress has reinforced my conviction in the choice I have made. TCM has taught me not just the skills to heal and save lives but how to view life. The friendships I have built, transcending cultural and language differences, have become invaluable treasures in my life.

I have come to deeply understand that the power of culture lies not just in its uniqueness, but in its ability to connect hearts. I have discovered that people from different cultural backgrounds can forge strong connections. These experiences have not only influenced my career but also shaped my understanding of the world, making me more open-minded and inclusive.

On my future path, I hope to continue my studies in TCM. This is not just for my personal development; I also hope to share this profound and extensive knowledge with the world, allowing more people to understand and appreciate the culture of TCM.

I dream that one day I can promote TCM culture in my home country Myanmar and many other countries. I hope it can become a bridge connecting different cultures and peoples, contributing to mutual understanding and friendship among people from all over the world.

Carrying with me infinite gratitude and these profound insights, I will continue exploring TCM, bravely and resolutely.

“El-Rufai’s Unheeded Warnings: A Reflection on Nigeria’s Leadership Crisis”

By Sonala Olumhense

In March 2017, a remarkable memo sent seven months earlier to President Muhammadu Buhari leaked. It had been written by Nasir El-Rufai, the then Governor of Kaduna State and a member of the president’s inner circle, in September 2016.

Hate or love Mr. El-Rufai, he is a brilliant man. His brilliance — sometimes dedicated to questionable causes — was on display in the memo to his hero, in which he challenged Mr. Buhari to rise to the level of an unforgettable leader.

The governor offered three reasons for the memo. The third, particularly perceptive one, said, “I am of the strong opinion and belief that you are our only hope now and in the medium term of saving the Nigerian nation from collapse, and enabling the north of Nigeria to regain its lost confidence, begin to be respected as a significant contributor, and not the parasite and problem of the Nigerian federation.”

Governor El-Rufai provided Buhari with a full reading of the state of Nigeria. Choosing his words delicately, he said, “In very blunt terms, Mr. President, our APC administration has not only failed to manage the expectations of a populace that expected overnight ‘change’ but has failed to deliver even mundane matters of governance outside of our successes in fighting BH insurgency and corruption. Overall, the feeling even among our supporters today is that the APC government is not doing well.”

He analyzed the relationship between the governments at the federal and state levels. He looked at APC. He looked at various levers and levels of power and responsibility, including the public service, parastatals, and the judiciary.

The governor called on the wisdom of the 800-page Ahmed Joda Transition Committee Report. He cited the recommendations of the Oronsaye Committee on the reduction of duplication between parastatals and agencies.

He provided data and dates, names and identities, strategies and mechanisms, arguing, “It is neither too late nor impossible to achieve higher levels of policy coordination and consistency. It has been done in the past with the right chemistry between key economic policy centers. It must be done now.”

El-Rufai analyzed the immediate term and the medium. He took Buhari by the hand, nudged him on the elbow, rubbed his back, wiped his glasses, showed him contours and colors, and rephrased himself. The governor pleaded, flattered, and ordered fresh gworo. He yelled at someone for new Daura-style words of praise.

It was not the first time, it turned out, that El-Rufai was trying to get Buhari to wake up; right after the presidential election in April 2015, he had written his first advocacy of “real work” for the president.

“Expectations are at an all-time high,” he said. “It is a giddy moment for Nigeria because under your calm and consistent leadership, we have shown that achieving the impossible only takes longer. To sustain this, we must set the right tone and direction for your administration in a manner that is both timely and appropriate. You must send the right signals very early on that not only change has come to Nigeria but in reality, things will change in the shortest possible time.

“We must neither lose the enormous goodwill that you currently enjoy, nor the governance momentum people expect, once you are sworn in. I have seen these avoidable events happen to the Obasanjo, Yar’adua, and Jonathan administrations.”

Warning Buhari that things were far worse in Nigeria than in 1984 when he first served as Head of State, he advised, “You must, through your words, your personal example, and the selection of the team around you, unite our nation by creating a sense of inclusion that gives people of proven honesty, competence, and commitment roles in your government.

The mistake of the outgoing regime of creating a strong appearance of an Ijaw enclave, or the Katsina – Kano cabal of Yar’adua, must be deliberately avoided. There will be a strong ‘it’s our own turn’ sentiment among many of our own allies and comrades. This must be strongly resisted.”

He urged Buhari to deploy the ethos of sacrifice. “The fanfare, protocol, and the sirens that excessively separate the people from their leaders must be moderated as a matter of conscious and deliberate policy. You will have to set the tone for a new era of modesty.

“You have to make ostentation socially abhorrent and, to use the language of today’s youth, uncool. You will have to enjoin all APC governors, legislators, and ministers — and everyone in the service of the federal government — to do the same. Our people will make these sacrifices willingly when they see their leaders making the same.”

Buhari — we must believe that he really could read — ignored the governor’s memo in April 2015 and 2017. Either that or he simply burned them. For eight years, Buhari was far more averse to commonsense than Yar’Adua and Jonathan put together.

Towards the end of his tenure, when even praise-singers began to feel confident enough to describe before him the stench of his administration, he threatened to depart for Niger. Last week, the protests arrived at his door in Daura, with the message of anger transmitted to him first-hand.

I do not know who Buhari blames for the protests. El-Rufai’s memos provide clear evidence of how much he championed the bad governance that has grounded Nigeria, for which he is responsible.

Mr. Tinubu, for whom El-Rufai’s memo may well have been written, blames the protests on forces beyond his policies or the continuation of Buhari’s, the quality of his government, and the poverty of his example.

No, the shame of Nigeria did not start with Buhari and Tinubu. But for men and a party who arrived in 2014 wielding a broom and a banner that screamed “CHANGE,” it is remarkable that despite poverty, insecurity, and hunger taking over in their hands, none of them can find the courage to accept responsibility.

It is perhaps not surprising that as Nigerian security forces spent the last 10 days aiming live bullets at hungry but unarmed protesters, Nigerian youth have fruitlessly scoured all of Paris, painfully unable to win Olympic medals. Raise your hand if you know any so-called leaders who invest in opportunities for the youth at home, even as their children are buying million-dollar homes and attending schools abroad.

The best lesson from the current situation in Nigeria is the same as it has always been: if Nigeria is to change, Nigerians must translate their pains and frustrations into a cudgel for repelling bad politicians at the polling booth.

That is why, in November 2022, I called the 2023 elections “a rejection election,” writing, “Unless you agree with those who say the present is not bad enough; unless you want to be much worse off in 2030 than you are in 2022; unless you want to shut the doors of hope to your grandchildren; unless you agree with those who say you are blind, deaf, and dumb; to you has been granted the power to say, ‘No, Never Again!’”

Whatever happens at these protests, the final challenge is for Nigerians to fight to choose who leads them. Cocoyam will not produce yam.

Exploring the Untapped Healing Powers of Aloe Vera Beyond Cosmetic Use”

About a week ago, an old acquaintance sent me an article written by someone who claimed to have cured his prostate problems by cooking and eating cassava. I became concerned immediately after reading the article because some people do not realize that not all cassava species can be cooked and eaten like yam.

I spoke with a friend who has a farm about this article and also inquired about edible cassava. He shared a tragic story with me. He told me that his father almost died after eating cassava when he was young. His father was fortunate to survive, but the scars remain. Those who ate with his father all died.

I previously discussed cyanide when sharing the story of the woman who made cassava peels into flour to feed her family, which resulted in hospitalization and the loss of one family member. In humans, the clinical signs of acute cyanide intoxication include rapid respiration, a drop in blood pressure, rapid pulse, dizziness, headache, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, mental confusion, twitching, and convulsions. You do not have to experience all these symptoms due to cassava consumption. If you must cook it, ensure it is the variety used like yam.

Last week, I began a discussion on aloe vera, a plant widely regarded as one of the most effective herbal remedies for skin conditions. Its gel-like components are known to heal the skin from various minor ailments, potentially improving skin texture and preventing wrinkles. Some preliminary evidence even suggests that topical aloe vera gel could slow skin aging.

In a 2009 study involving 30 women over the age of 45, those who took oral aloe vera gel saw increased collagen production and improved skin elasticity over 90 days. Reviews also suggest that aloe vera could help the skin retain moisture and improve skin integrity, which is beneficial for dry skin conditions.

Aloe vera is great for treating burns, sunburn, small abrasions, cuts, dry skin, frostbite, cold sores, eczema, psoriasis, and inflammatory acne. A team of plastic surgeons compared aloe vera gel to one percent silver sulfadiazine cream for treating second-degree burn wounds. They reported in the Journal of Pakistan Medical Association that burn wounds among patients treated with aloe vera healed significantly quicker compared to those treated with silver sulfadiazine. The researchers also noted that patients in the aloe vera group experienced significantly more and earlier pain relief.

Many people experience mouth ulcers or canker sores at some point in their lives. These usually form underneath the lip or inside the mouth and last for about a week. Studies have shown that aloe vera treatment can accelerate the healing of mouth ulcers. For example, a 2022 review of nine randomized controlled trials concluded that aloe vera treatment could accelerate the healing of mouth ulcers better than other interventions. It also offers a shorter healing time. Another study found that aloe vera gel not only accelerated the healing of mouth ulcers but also reduced the pain associated with them.

A 2014 study published online by Cambridge University Press looked at tomato plants coated with aloe gel. The report showed evidence that the coating successfully blocked the growth of many types of harmful bacteria on the vegetables. Similar results were found in a different study with apples, suggesting that aloe gel could help fruits and vegetables stay fresh and eliminate the need for dangerous chemicals that extend the shelf life of produce.

Additionally, aloe vera has been found to alleviate depression and improve learning and memory, according to a study published in Nutritional Neuroscience. This was after a study was conducted on mice, showing that aloe vera enhances learning and memory while also alleviating depression.

Other benefits of aloe vera include halting the growth of cancer tumors, lowering high cholesterol, boosting blood oxygenation, easing inflammation, and soothing arthritis pain. Aloe vera also protects the body from oxidative stress, prevents kidney stones, acts as a laxative, alkalizes the body, and cures ulcers. It is beneficial for digestive disorders and can reduce high blood pressure. The plant nourishes the body with minerals, vitamins, enzymes, and glyconutrients, prevents and treats candida infections, and functions as nature’s own “sports drink” for electrolyte balance.

Some evidence suggests that using aloe vera orally could improve symptoms in patients with IBS and constipation. According to Dr. Jesse P. Houghton, Senior Medical Director of Gastroenterology at SOMC Gastroenterology Associates in Portsmouth, Ohio, “It is one of the most well-studied benefits of the aloe plant; it acts as a natural laxative via two mechanisms — it provides hydration with its high water content and contains anthraquinones, which act as a stimulant laxative.”

Thanks to its natural anti-inflammatory properties, “aloe vera also serves as an excellent acne treatment,” explains licensed Naturopath and Head of Practice at Acupuncture Jerusalem in Israel, Jamie Bacharach. She adds, “Whether applied to pimples or general areas of redness and irritation, aloe vera has been found to soothe and diminish the appearance and prominence of acne and even acne scars.”

“Aloe is my favorite natural choice for treating sunburns,” says Dr. Adrienne Haughton, a dermatologist with Stony Brook Medicine in Commack, New York. “Aloe gel is cooling and has anti-inflammatory properties, so it will immediately provide some relief from the discomfort associated with sunburn.”

A study titled “Anti-Cancer Activity of Aloe Vera Ethanolic Leaves Extract against In Vitro Cancer Cells” by Karpagam et al., concludes that aloe vera ethanolic leaves extract was effective in treating cancer by inhibiting tumor growth with the highest cytotoxic activity. Isolation of active compounds responsible for such action is essential to treat cancer.

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My strong connection with China

By Kevin Watkins

As I made my way back home, I could not stop thinking about the performance and was filled with regret for not expressing my gratitude to the dancer who gave me the garland. Upon my return to Hastings, I bought a New Zealand jade bangle for the young lady, even though I did not know her name. Therefore, I decided to send a letter to Guilin with the photo attached.

Maybe it was a fateful coincidence, or what the Chinese people often refer to as yuanfen, that led my letter and gift to reach the dancer, building a bridge of friendship between us. To this day, we still treat each other as brother and sister, often swapping stories about our lives.

In 2005, I went back to Guilin to re-encounter its unique charm. By Ronghu Lake, I came across two young Chinese women and we exchanged email addresses. Through our correspondence, I learned that they came from rural areas, and their parents had made every effort to provide them with educational opportunities. This stirred deep emotions within me and sparked a bold idea: I had once connected with the woman who invited me to dance through a photo; could there be more instances of such yuanfen?

I asked for a picture of the two women in their traditional costumes. Then, I initiated a “challenge,” asking students in Hastings to find and identify them with only the photo as a clue. The first to accomplish the “challenge” would win a free trip to Guilin. This garnered significant attention from Hastings media and the public. Students flocked to libraries and computers, searching for any information about Guilin. During their search, they gained a deeper understanding of China’s history, geography, culture and our sister city. Eventually, two students managed to find the women just a week later, despite the distance and language barrier.

Later, they went to Guilin and met the two women, who were also given the chance to visit New Zealand. They toured some local attractions and schools in Hastings and other cities, and even participated in the annual Hastings Blossom Parade, riding on the float I specially designed for them. I was pleasantly surprised by how well we did in this “challenge” and felt extremely accomplished.

Thereafter, I became more enthusiastic about the activities that facilitate friendly exchanges between Hastings and Guilin, and other parts of China. For instance, I led a small singing group from New Zealand to perform in Guilin, participated in expos held in Guilin and Nanning, and the Shanghai World Expo, and was invited to deliver a speech in Hengshui, North China’s Hebei province. I also invited an equestrian team from Beijing and monks from the Shaolin Temple in Central China’s Henan province to perform in New Zealand, and gave speeches about China in multiple Hastings communities.

To celebrate the anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Hastings and Guilin, we designed window displays and exhibitions in the central business district, the council building, and other venues in Hastings to showcase images of China and decorative Chinese lanterns.

The belief in promoting mutual understanding between the two peoples has been driving me to move forward, and I was delighted to see the burgeoning relationships between the people of both countries.

In my view, the best way to understand a country is to go and see it for oneself, as a long journey always starts with a single step. For me, my connection with China has changed the trajectory of my life and enriched my experience. I hope that more people in New Zealand will see China’s remarkable development for themselves and feel the warmth and hospitality of the Chinese people.

Retracing the footsteps of Dr Norman Bethune

By Stephen Chappell（Canada）

My story with China began in the fall of 2005 when I came to China for the first time to teach English courses at Anqing Normal University in East China’s Anhui Province. Every morning I would take a walk in the park near the campus. One day I struck up a conversation with a senior who had just finished his Tai Chi practice. Upon learning that I was from Canada, he tightly held my hands and passionately recounted the story of Dr Norman Bethune, who had traveled all the way to China and fought alongside the Chinese people. At that moment I began to realize the deep affection that the Chinese people had held for Bethune.That night the trembling hands of the senior lingered in my mind. Tossing and turning, I made a firm decision. I wanted to truly get closer to Dr Bethune and understand the sincere friendship that this internationalist fighter had established with the Chinese people. In 2006 I went to Shijiazhuang, North China’s Hebei Province, to trace his footsteps.

There, by chance, I met Qi Ming, an English professor at the Bethune Military Medical College of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), which is now a non-commissioned officers (NCOs) School of PLA Army Medical University and a training school for NCOs. In fact the college was just one of many institutions named after this heroic figure in Shijiazhuang. We had candid exchanges about Dr Bethune’s stories and quickly developed a close friendship. With his recommendation, I delved into a wide range of historical materials. Over time, a vivid image of the person started to take shape in my mind: a man devoted to his belief and embracing life with love, genuine kindness and unwavering determination. With great respect, we visited the North China Military Martyrs Cemetery where Dr Bethune’s tomb is located. We bowed deeply and silently wished in our hearts: May the legacy of Dr Bethune endure and be passed down generation after generation among the Canadian and Chinese peoples.

I came back to Canada in 2015 after retirement in China, yet my connection with Dr Bethune did not end there. In April 2018 I had the privilege of returning to China as a member of the Canada-China Friendship Society in Ottawa to retrace Dr Bethune’s footsteps. Along the way, everyone I encountered showed great commitment to preserving these important historical sites, silently recounting the touching stories of Dr Bethune’s deep connection with the Chinese people.In Niuyangou village of Tangxian county in Hebei Province, we saw the small house where Dr Bethune once lived and the former site of the Medical School of the Shanxi-Chahaer-Hebei Border Region that he helped establish, a predecessor of the Bethune Military Medical College of the PLA. At that time Bethune resolutely rushed from Yan’an to the war front on the Shanxi-Chahaer-Hebei border region, frequently abbreviated as the Jin-Cha-Ji border region. With the medicines and medical equipment that he brought, he helped establish a model hospital in Songyankou village of Gengzhen township in Wutai county, North China’s Shanxi Province and a medical school in Niuyangou village, training “a medical team which never leaves” for the Chinese Eighth Route Army.

However, the crazed rampage and pillaging by the Japanese invaders left most villages in North China devastated, forcing the newly established school to relocate from the border region to Gegong village in Tangxian county. The model hospital in Shanxi was razed to the ground. In his sorrow and anger, Bethune changed his mind from a settled hospital to a mobile service where wounded soldiers could receive necessary and timely treatment based on their different conditions. They could be then transferred to units behind enemy lines for further treatment.

We saw this important invention at the Norman Bethune and Dwarkanath Kotnis Memorial Hall in Tangxian county. The mobile service was like a stretcher, resembling the Lugou Bridge (Marco Polo Bridge). The medical equipment and drugs installed could be used to perform 100 surgeries, change medication 500 times and prepare 500 prescriptions. When two of these stretchers were combined, they formed an operating table, greatly enhancing the flexibility of field transfers.

To alleviate the suffering of the wounded, Dr Bethune always carried this mobile service, setting up mobile operating tables as close to the front lines as possible. In Baiyintuo, Shunping county, Hebei Province, we hiked approximately 4 kilometers along a trail where Dr Bethune treated the wounded. Standing atop the mountains with rugged paths beneath our feet, we envisioned Dr Bethune leading his mobile medical team through the battlefield to save lives and provide medical assistance. In just four months of 1939, Dr Bethune and his medical team traveled 750 kilometers in central Hebei, performed 315 surgeries and donated his blood multiple times to the wounded soldiers.We then headed to the Baiyintou historical site and a monument to Dr Bethune. The site is in a deep valley of the Taihang Mountains in Shunping county. The large and impressive monument depicts Dr Bethune and a nurse on horseback with an aide in tow. Since 2018 the Canada-China Friendship Maple Leaf Festival has been held at the site every year and Canadian delegations have been invited to attend. I also hope to attend the festival in 2025. Qi told me they are now planning to build a Bethune International Memorial Park in the valley to honor Dr Bethune and other international friends who have made great contributions to the birth of New China.

At the end of our journey, we arrived at Sunjiazhuang village in Laiyuan county of Hebei Province. In this village that witnessed the final days of Dr Bethune’s life, I felt a deep sense of grief. In the winter of 1939, while rescuing wounded soldiers on the front lines of Motianling in Laiyuan county, Dr Bethune accidentally cut his left middle finger, which led to a fatal blood poisoning infection. He gave his life for the Chinese people in the Taihang Mountains.

Dr Bethune was laid to rest in the Jin-Cha-Ji Martyrs Cemetery in Juncheng Nanguan, Tangxian county. Next to his grave stands another tombstone with the engraving “The Grave of a Canadian Friend, Jean Ewen.” Ewen was the only Canadian nurse who came to China with Dr Bethune. They fought side by side during the turbulent years of war, forging a deep friendship. In her final moments, with a deep attachment to this land, Ewen chose to leave her ashes in China and be buried alongside Dr Bethune’s tomb. She was a witness to his noble soul and magnificent life.”A man’s ability may be great or small, but if he has this spirit, he is already noble-minded and pure, a man of moral integrity and above vulgar interests, a man who is of value to the people.” These words I once read from “In Memory of Norman Bethune” written by Mao Zedong were confirmed during this journey. After years of extensive pursuit, Dr Bethune’s legacy continues to encourage and inspire me.

Retracing the footsteps of Dr Bethune, I wrote these words:

“The legacy of Dr Bethune fills me, as a Canadian, with pride. I am determined to do my utmost to share Dr Bethune’s story with more Canadians, ensuring that his great legacy lives on forever.

“Today, carrying forward the legacy of Dr Bethune has become my lifelong pursuit. In my heart, the radiance that shines from this internationalist fighter, who crossed oceans and continents to come to China with great determination, possesses an eternal vitality that transcends time and space.

“It is akin to the majestic Taihang Mountains in China, where the loyal bones of heroes rest, standing tall and verdant year after year.”

Paul Kagame Sworn In for Fourth Term as President of Rwanda

On Sunday, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame was sworn in for his fourth term after winning a landslide victory in last month’s elections, securing over 99% of the vote. The inauguration ceremony, held at a packed 45,000-seat stadium in Kigali, was attended by several dozen African heads of state and dignitaries.

Kagame, who has led Rwanda since the 1994 genocide, took the oath of office before Chief Justice Faustin Ntezilyayo, pledging to “preserve peace and national sovereignty” and to “consolidate national unity.” His overwhelming victory, with 99.18% of the vote, highlights the iron grip he holds on the nation, though rights activists criticize the lack of democratic processes in Rwanda.

Only two candidates were allowed to run against Kagame, with the leader of the Democratic Green Party, Frank Habineza, securing just 0.5% of the vote. The outcome has been seen as a reminder of the restricted political space in Rwanda, where critics allege Kagame’s government rules through fear and repression.

Despite the criticism, Kagame is credited with transforming Rwanda from the devastation of the genocide into a nation known for stability and economic growth. However, his administration faces accusations of stoking instability in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by allegedly backing the M23 rebel group.

Kagame’s latest term follows controversial 2015 constitutional amendments that shortened presidential terms but reset the term limit clock, allowing him to potentially remain in power until 2034.

Hundreds Flee Khan Yunis as Israel Prepares for New Offensive in Gaza

Hundreds of residents in Khan Yunis, Gaza, fled their homes on Sunday following fresh evacuation orders from the Israeli military. The orders were issued ahead of a new operation targeting Palestinian militants reportedly hiding in the area.

The Israeli army dropped leaflets and sent mobile messages early in the morning, warning residents to leave the Al-Jalaa neighborhood, which had previously been designated a humanitarian safe zone. The military cautioned that the area would soon become a “dangerous combat zone.”

Residents, many of whom have been displaced multiple times during the ongoing Gaza war, quickly gathered their belongings and left, fearing missile strikes and ground battles. Crowds, including families from the Hamad neighborhood, loaded what they could onto pick-up trucks or walked to safer areas, carrying essential items.

Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN refugee agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), reported that over 75,000 people have been displaced in southwest Gaza in recent days. “The people of Gaza are trapped and have nowhere to go,” Lazzarini said, emphasizing the dire situation.

The military also conducted a strike in Khan Yunis on Sunday, injuring several civilians, according to residents. The ongoing conflict, which escalated after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. Israel’s retaliatory offensive in Gaza has led to the deaths of at least 39,790 people, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

Surge in Spice Prices Leaves Many Nigerians Struggling to Afford Essentials

The prices of essential spices such as ginger, turmeric, chili pepper, and garlic have sharply increased, making them increasingly unaffordable for many Nigerians. This price hike has been attributed to a combination of factors, including heightened demand and reduced availability, especially in Kano State, where these spices are not typically grown.

The surge in demand for these spices began during the COVID-19 pandemic, as more people became aware of their medicinal and nutritional benefits. Traditional medicine practitioners have also contributed to this increased demand by using these spices in the production of herbal remedies.

Malam Kasimu Jafaru, a spice trader at the Yankaba vegetable market in Kano, highlighted that the medicinal value of spices like turmeric, cloves, and ginger has driven their popularity. Another spice trader, Bello Isah Bango, noted that many Nigerians have continued to use these spices to boost their immune systems, a habit that started during the pandemic.

Despite Nigeria being one of the world’s largest producers of ginger, with an annual output of 31,000 metric tons, the production in Kano remains minimal. This scarcity has driven prices to unprecedented levels. For example, a bag of ginger that once sold for less than N50,000 now costs N265,000, while a measure that used to cost under N1,000 has skyrocketed to N11,000.

The sharp rise in prices has forced many traders out of the business due to the high capital required. Isah Bello Mai Citta, a veteran ginger farmer, described the current situation as unprecedented in his two decades of experience, noting that the export of these commodities to Europe and Asia has further exacerbated the price hike.

Abulrasheed Rimingado, Chairman of the Kano State chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), explained that the high cost of cloves is due to the fact that they are imported, and the devaluation of the Naira, along with the country’s forex policies, has made importation more expensive. Additionally, ginger-producing states faced severe pest infestations in the last planting season, resulting in poor yields and further scarcity.

Efforts are reportedly underway to begin local production of cloves in Nigeria, which could eventually help stabilize prices. However, until then, the cost of spices is likely to remain a burden for many Nigerians.

The Power of Faith in Action: A Path to Miracles

As we journey through the month of New Beginnings, it’s crucial to reflect on whether a fresh start is possible in your life. If the answer is yes, then consider which area of your life needs this renewal—be it motherhood, marriage, career advancement, or spiritual growth. Identifying your goal is just the first step; achieving it often requires both physical and spiritual efforts.

The Bible teaches us in James 2:17-20 that faith without works is dead. Simply believing in God is not enough; we must act on our faith to see miracles manifest. Prayer is one such act of faith, as it reflects our belief in a Supreme Being who can do the impossible. The Bible assures us that those who have faith receive answers to their prayers, as Jesus said in Mark 11:24, “Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

Taking action is crucial. The Bible is filled with stories of people who paired their faith with action and witnessed extraordinary results. For instance, Abraham was justified by his works when he offered his son Isaac upon the altar. His faith, combined with his actions, was made perfect, earning him the title of “Friend of God” (James 2:21-24).

Similarly, Hannah, who was tormented by her rival due to her barrenness, poured out her heart to God in prayer and made a vow. She promised to dedicate her child to the Lord if He would grant her a son. God answered her prayer, and she bore a son, Samuel, who went on to serve the Lord.

These examples show that when we match our faith with action, God moves on our behalf. Whether it’s as simple as buying baby clothes in faith or partnering with your spouse in prayer, these actions can unlock the blessings of God.

In times of difficulty, don’t give up on God. If you do, where else will you turn? Faith in action opens the door to new beginnings, and the Lord is always ready to perform visible miracles in your life. Never lose hope in the Immortal and Invisible God, for He is capable of transforming your situation and giving you a fresh start.

NDIC Disburses N5 Million to Majority of Heritage Bank’s Defunct Customers

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has announced the successful disbursement of N5 million each to 82.36% of the former customers of the now-defunct Heritage Bank. This payout follows the revocation of Heritage Bank’s license by the Central Bank of Nigeria on June 3, 2024, due to ongoing financial instability and regulatory violations.

The NDIC noted that the remaining 17.64% of insured deposits pending payment are primarily tied to accounts with Post-No Debits instructions or those lacking a Bank Verification Number (BVN).

The NDIC began the reimbursement process just four days after Heritage Bank’s closure, utilizing BVNs to efficiently identify and credit depositors’ alternative accounts in other banks. This approach has been hailed as a significant milestone in prompt depositor reimbursement, with over 82% of the insured deposits disbursed to date.

For those with deposits exceeding N5 million, the NDIC explained that the remaining balances, classified as uninsured deposits, would be paid as liquidation dividends after the realization of the bank’s assets and the recovery of outstanding debts.