Edo State Refutes Claims of Hoarding FG Rice, Asserts Proper Distribution

The Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, addressed accusations on Wednesday regarding the state allegedly hoarding rice provided by the Federal Government. At a press conference in Benin, Nehikhare clarified that the state received several trucks of 25kg rice bags earlier this year.

He emphasized that the quantity of rice received was insufficient to significantly alleviate the suffering of the masses and asserted that the distribution was conducted according to a predefined list. The rice was allocated to local governments, internally displaced persons (IDPs), the less privileged, and other vulnerable groups.

Nehikhare stated, “The Edo State Government did not purchase rice. Instead, we allocated N2.2 billion to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the procurement of various food items, including rice, to support vulnerable individuals as part of our deliberate government policy.”

Addressing the issue of the Federal Government’s rice, he mentioned, “A few months ago, the Federal Government provided us with several trucks of rice, which were distributed as per the guidelines they sent. The rice was directed to IDP camps, orphanages, and other designated recipients. The Edo State Government did not retain any rice.”

This clarification follows a statement from the Deputy Director of Media for the Asue Ighodalo Governorship Campaign Committee, Rev Olu Martins, who also denied allegations that the state had hoarded 20 trucks of rice from the Federal Government. The allegations, fueled by a viral video of protesters looting a house storing rice bags, were attributed to former governor Adams Oshiomhole, who Martins claims was merely speculating to incite sentiment against the current state administration.

NCAA Set for Improved Consumer Service, Complaints Resolution

The Nigeria Civil Aviation (NCAA) has commenced training its consumer protection officers (CPOs) and the airlines’ staff representative on using the soon-be-launched consumer protection portal to solve real-time passenger complaints against airlines.

The two-day training which began on Wednesday at the NCAA corporate headquarters in Abuja was declared open by the Acting Director General, Civil Aviation, Nigeria captain Chris Najomo.

Represented at the event by the Director Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu, the Ag.DG said the portal when launched before the year ends will foster faster and seamless resolution of passenger complaints.

The portal will also ensure the on-time performance of all the airlines operating in Nigeria.

“There has never been a consumer protection portal in the NCAA. This is the first. This is historic. When you check the time frame it took us to get to this point, you will see the determination to make it work” he said adding that the building of the portal started when he was the Director Public Affairs and Consumer Protection.

He noted that the portal has made the job easier for the 260 CPOs across all the airports in Nigeria.

Capt. Najomo said the portal building is a fulfillment of one of his action points for 2024 because it speaks to the ease of doing business environment the Authority is consciously creating.

The portal makes the processes of complaints and complaints resolution very easier.

“This postal is also for data collation. You will agree that data is a major issue in Nigeria. In the aviation industry, you can’t make a proper plan and get things right without data. This portal makes it easier for everyone including stakeholders” he noted.

“The portal will ensure transparency as we are onboarding all the airlines where people get to see all the number of complaints that have been sent to each airline. You can track the resolution process. We don’t need to name and shame because it is a self-reporting system. You are already naming and shaming yourself if you don’t perform well” he emphasized.

The Ag.DGCA emphasized that the NCAA officers responsible for monitoring the portal and the appropriate airline staff must be properly trained before the portal is launched to ensure proper utilization of the portal.

The Assistant General Manager, Consumer Protection, Mrs. Ifueko Abdulmalik said the portal is in line with NCAA’s automation of its processes amid reforms.

The portal is DG’s desire to automate the processes at NCAA in line with international standards. “In the times past, we did it manually but it wasn’t very efficient with automation, everything is simplified and we will have better results in consumer complaints resolutions she assured.

“We are onboarding the staff of the airlines so that they are also seeing the complaints in real-time. This makes the processes smoother, and faster and the consumers happier because that’s the ultimate goal” she noted.

On monitoring, she said even the Minister and the DGCA will be on the portal and they can monitor complaints resolutions all the time.

Also on the portal, the airlines can log the flights that have been delayed so the NCAA can monitor regulatory compliance she further stated.

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.

Stephen Chappell（right）poses with a museum caretaker on April 24, 2018 in Huangshikou township of Baoding city, North China’s Hebei Province, which is the location where Dr Norman Bethune died on November 12, 1939. (Photos provided by Stephen Chappell)

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.

Stephen Chappell signs the guest book at Bethune Memorial Hall in Bethune International Peace Hospital on April 25, 2018.

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.

Stephen Chappell stands beside a statue of Dr Norman Bethune on the grounds of the PLA Navy Anqing Hospital (Anqing 116 Hospital) in East China’s Anhui Province on May 24, 2018.

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.

Qi Ming（right）, an English professor, shares stories of Dr Norman Bethune with Stephen Chappell on April 23, 2018.

“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.”

Shanghai, my second home

By Peter Vestergren Aakesen (Denmark)

I come from Aarhus, the second-largest city in Denmark. It is located at the mouth of the Aarhus River and has a long history of trade and maritime activities, serving as a major gateway for interactions among Nordic countries.

In 2022 I moved to Shanghai due to job requirements. Located in the estuary of the Yangtze River, Shanghai also boasts a rich history of trade and shipping activities and is a hub for international exchanges. The shared characteristics between Shanghai and my hometown instantly drew me in, leading me to quickly develop a fondness for this city. As I immersed myself in its culture, I discovered its unique vitality and charm.

As a senior director in a multinational, the business environment is always my primary concern. China’s growth rate is one of the fastest among major economies in the world and Shanghai is full of business opportunities. The city is home to a large number of multinationals and highly competitive Chinese companies. Here everyone competes on a level playing field and outstanding talents are highly respected. Such a dynamic market environment always prompts us to remain competitive in order to maintain our market position, which is valuable for business development as it encourages a constant pursuit of improvement.

Our company always searches for business opportunities worldwide while striving to make a difference in addressing global issues. In China, I have been greatly inspired by the forward-thinking policies and effective institutional systems. In particular, China has implemented an energy development strategy including the dual carbon goals to enhance energy efficiency. Therefore, we have paid close attention to the demands of the Chinese market for low-carbon development in our product design and have received positive feedback from the Chinese government and businesses. We have come to understand that China is a reliable partner in our efforts to achieve net-zero emissions. In March this year, we opened a new advanced manufacturing plant in Changshu, East China’s Jiangsu Province, our largest standalone overseas investment project in nearly a decade. This milestone demonstrates our strong confidence in the Chinese market.

In Shanghai, the perfect blend of modernity and tradition creates a captivating atmosphere. The vibrant pulse of the international metropolis can be felt in downtown areas, whereas the old alleyways provide a tranquil insight into local daily lives. The cuisine in Shanghai, particularly the braised pork and soup dumplings, is something I deeply enjoy, and I have been actively honing my crab-eating skills. In China, dining is an important part of social life and people spend a lot of time eating and engaging in conversations. I find great joy in this social way that helps to quickly establish trust and foster connections among people.

I am also very passionate about searching for antique items in Shanghai. I have found jars that were once used for cricket fighting and old roof ridge tiles from traditional houses. I enjoy holding them in my hands and placing them prominently in my home. Exploring the profound Chinese culture is a truly enjoyable experience. My family and I are thoroughly immersed in understanding different aspects of Chinese culture such as the traditional Chinese wisdom of respecting nature, following the laws of Nature that govern all things and achieving harmony between humanity and nature. We have also incorporated Chinese cultural elements into our daily home decor. For us, the process of exploring and learning about Chinese culture is like searching for an oasis in our hearts.

Now, Shanghai feels like a second home to me. I have no feeling of being in a foreign land here and I am continuously fascinated by it. The city holds my interest and my exploration of it will go on indefinitely.

(Peter Vestergren Akesen is senior product director of Commercial Building Services, Grundfos)

Tinubu Addresses Nigerians, Admits Hardship and Reveals Plans

President Bola Tinubu has addressed the nation for the second time in a week, acknowledging the current economic hardships, particularly those resulting from the removal of fuel subsidies. In his August 7, 2024, statement, Tinubu admitted that there was an “avoidable lag” between the subsidy removal and the implementation of his administration’s plans, which compounded the difficulties faced by Nigerians.

Tinubu urged citizens to remain patient and confident in his government’s ability to navigate the economic challenges. He highlighted upcoming measures, including making education more affordable and providing student loans, to alleviate the financial burden on Nigerians. The President reassured the public that the government’s initiatives are aimed at improving the nation’s future and promised continued efforts to address the current turbulence.

Rita Edochie Criticizes BBL Trend

Veteran Nollywood actress Rita Edochie has expressed strong disapproval of the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery trend. In a recent Instagram post, she warned women against undergoing the procedure, suggesting that they would ultimately regret their decision and face difficulties in maintaining their enhanced figures. Edochie also criticized the men who encourage such surgeries, suggesting that divine retribution awaits them. She urged women to avoid altering their natural bodies and claimed that doing so would lead to financial and personal struggles.

Cardoso, Kyari, and Lokpobiri Testify Before Senate Committee on Oil Sector Sabotage

On August 7, 2024, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Olayemi Cardoso, NNPC CEO Mele Kyari, and Minister of Petroleum Heineken Lokpobiri testified before a Senate Adhoc committee investigating alleged economic sabotage in Nigeria’s petroleum industry. Senate Chairman Senator Opeyemi Bamidele warned that the investigation would scrutinize all involved parties, focusing on compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act and the transparency of NNPCL’s Direct Sale and Direct Purchase arrangements.

In related news, Cardoso addressed concerns about Nigeria’s high interest rates, currently at 30%. He clarified that the rates are set by the CBN’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) based on data, not individual decisions. Despite criticisms from figures like Aliko Dangote and Peter Obi, Cardoso assured that interest rates would eventually decrease as economic conditions improve.

Warri Refinery Workers Plan Protest for August 19

Support staff at Warri Refinery & Petrochemical Company Limited (WRPCL) are set to resume their protest on August 19, 2024, citing dissatisfaction with their working conditions and pay.

In an open letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the workers criticized the NNPCL management for not addressing their grievances. Their demands include improved remuneration and a fair review of their conditions of service, which they claim have been ignored since 2015.

The protest is also prompted by a recent recruitment notice favoring younger candidates, which the staff argue is an attempt to exclude those who have served for over a decade. The letter highlights their lack of benefits compared to other NNPCL staff and their ongoing struggle for better conditions.

Tinubu Appoints Aminu Masari as TETFund Board Chairman

On August 7, 2024, President Bola Tinubu appointed Aminu Masari, the former governor of Katsina State, as Chairman of the reconstituted board of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

The announcement was made in a statement by presidential spokesman Chief Ajuri Ngelale. The new board also includes Senator Sani Danladi, Mr. Sunday Adepoju, Mr. Nurudeen Adeyemi, Mrs. Esther Onyinyechukwu Ukachukwu, Mr. Turaki Ibrahim, and Mr. Aboh Eduyok.

President Tinubu emphasized that the board’s role is crucial in supporting and improving the quality of tertiary education in Nigeria.

NSCDC Arrests 12 Suspects for Vandalism During Abuja Protests

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) FCT Command has detained 12 individuals suspected of vandalizing public infrastructure in Abuja amid the ongoing nationwide hunger protests.

NSCDC Spokesman, CSC Samuel Idoko, reported on Wednesday that three suspects were apprehended while attempting to vandalize the Moshood Abiola Stadium after scaling its fence. In Jabi, four individuals were arrested for attempting to damage street lights, and a scavenger was picked up on the newly commissioned Wuye bridge for suspicious behavior in the early morning hours.

FCT Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, warned against vandalism and urged the public to report any suspicious activity. He emphasized that vandalism undermines societal progress and promised strict action against offenders. Dr. Odumosu also encouraged peaceful dialogue as a means to address grievances, assuring residents of their safety during the protests.