China reaps fruitful results in ecological efforts

By Liu Yi, People’s Daily

Tall transmission towers are favorite nesting sites for many bird species, but birds nesting on these
towers can easily cause line tripping and threaten their own safety.
To address this issue, power grid workers have been actively exploring solutions. Instead of
simply expelling birds from the towers, they are now constructing artificial nests in non-electrified
sections of the towers, taking insulation treatment on part of the towers and other measures.
This approach has been widely adopted in various provinces, municipalities and autonomous
regions in China. Now, birds find their homes in these lovingly built nests on transmission towers,
creating a beautiful scenery that showcases the harmonious coexistence between man and nature.
In recent years, as the concept of ecological civilization has been increasingly popular, there has
been a profound shift in people’s attitudes toward nature. Man and nature is a symbiotic
relationship, and harm to nature will ultimately harm humanity itself. Conversely, respecting,
adapting to, and protecting nature can bring immense benefits to humanity.
The transformation of power grid workers, from expelling birds to nesting and protecting birds, is
a vivid reflection of this conceptual change.
Nature is the fundamental condition for human survival and development. China has actively
explored the path of harmonious coexistence between man and nature by respecting nature,
following its ways, and protecting it.
Significant achievements have been made in China’s efforts to keep skies blue, waters clear, and
lands clean. China’s innovative approach to marine plastic waste management, known as the “Blue
Circle,” has been honored with the 2023 Champions of the Earth award by the United Nations
Environment Program. The Chinese experiences in pursuing a modernization featuring harmony
between human and nature.
The respect and awe for the natural ecology is essential for achieving the harmonious coexistence
between man and nature.
In the past, people in certain regions blindly “marched into the desert,” and reclaimed land from
lakes and seas, only to find that they did not conquer nature but instead disrupted the ecological
balance.
Nowadays, people place great importance on the conservation of natural ecology, protecting and
cherishing the eco-environment. When protecting and restoring the ecology, they follow the laws
of nature and utilize the inherent power of nature. They employ a combination of natural recovery
and artificial restoration methods, adapting their approach based on local conditions and
implementing targeted strategies in different situations.
If humanity does not fail nature, nature shall never fail humanity. By respecting nature, following
its ways, and protecting it, the vitality and resilience of the ecosystem can be gradually restored.
To promote high-quality development in sync with high-standard protection is an inevitable path
in pursuing the harmonious coexistence between man and nature.
China never grows its economy at the cost of resource depletion and environmental degradation,
nor does it sacrifice growth in the process of ecological protection. Instead, it adheres to the
sustainable development path of achieving both ecological and economic benefits.

With an annual energy consumption growth rate of 3 percent, China has supported an annual
economic growth rate of over 6 percent. The country has established the world’s largest carbon
market and clean power generation system, with the proportion of coal in energy consumption
decreasing to 56.2 percent and the share of clean energy consumption increasing to 25.9 percent.
China has also been the world’s top producer and seller of new energy vehicles for years in a row.
Green development has become a defining feature of China’s high-quality development.
As the blue sky and white clouds have reemerged, the Chinese people are enjoying a more livable
urban and rural environment. Recently, the Central Economic Work Conference outlined China’s
economic plan for 2024, explicitly calling for advancing ecological conservation and promoting
green and low-carbon development. Respecting nature, following its ways, and protecting it,
China is unfolding a new and beautiful picture of harmonious coexistence between man and
nature.

Edu Gate: Groups Condemned Twisted Story Against Tunji Ojo, Commend Him For Decorum In Governance

…A foremost Nigerian Minister of repute

Prominent Civil Society and Pro-democracy Groups have condemned the recent attempt to drag the name of the Hon Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, Minister of Interior in the on going accusation against the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu.

According to the statement ” Let us first of all commend President Bola Tinubu for his prompt handling of the EduGate in the best interest of the nation and by allowing the relevant agencies to investigate the matter to its logical conclusion devoid of interference from any quaters”.

In the statement authored by Ismail Ibrahim Bakori, the President of Arewa Voters Assembly(AVA) and Comrade Segun Adegoke of the Progressive Action for Justice Unity and Democracy(PAJUD) stated that the democratic handling over of power on May 29, 2023, opened up fresh possibilities for a renewal of our political and socio economic life on the foundation of accountability and transparency on the part of elected public office holders.

“Our attention has been drawn to the barrage of mischievous accusations being labelled against Hon Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, Minister of Interior by hirelings of mischief and failed politicians from the People’s Democratic Party( PDP) in their desperate attempt to link him with Edu Gate”.

The groups posit that in less than eight months that President Tinubu assumed office, Ojo has come out with a well defined mission, vision, blueprint and seriousness of purpose in the onerous task of addressing the multifarious problems and challenges confronting the Interior Ministry. The promptness with which he tackled the international passport scarcity and other matters are eloquent testimonies that he is a star boy of the Tinubu’s administration and that he is focused and seriously minded political appointee of the government.

“We posit that since the beginning of the Nigerian democracy, the political firmament and landscape is over dosed with different genres of characters, ranging from the good, the bad and ugly. Sadly, the characters behind the campaign of calumny and distractions against Hon Ojo represents the ugliest part the Nigerian political elites. Their sixteen years of wasteful, fruitless, misrule and of the Nigerian state speaks negatively of them. They lacked the moral responsibility to launch any smear campaign, mudslinging and mischief making against Hon Ojo who instituted decorum in the affairs of the Nigerian Interior Ministry at the moment”. Adding that “Instead of throwing tantrums and vile mischief, the PDP should go back to the drawing table, put their house in order and give the ruling APC a credible opposition”.

“Our findings on the fabricated allegations against him revealed that he truly established the said company 10 years ago, but resigned from the directorship in the 2019 when he contested for the House of Representatives seat and has not been involved either in the management of the company or being a signatory to the accounts company anymore. Furthermore, Hon Ojo gave proper account of himself during his appearance on a Channels TV programme few days ago. And the Certified True Copy of Corporate Affairs Commission has been made available to the Nigerian public to authenticate his claims and the veracity of the rumour mill.

Accordingly, we posited that Hon Ojo reformed the Interior Ministry from an obscure public holiday declaration outfit to a world class result oriented one. Also he is working to ensure respect for any citizen holding Nigerian passport in his policy of implementation of principle of reciprocity in international relations by stopping the visa on arrival privilege granted foreign nationals whose nations subject Nigerians to tedious visa application regime among other new found progressive initiatives.

“It is evidently clear that Hon Ojo has warmed himself into the hearts of Nigerians with his above average performance in office thereby putting the Tinubu administration into positive reckoning but very sadly rented critics are working so hard and tirelessly to pollute the atmosphere with baseless, unwarranted, misplaced, political motivated and unsubstantiated allegations against him. The same people of questionable integrity that left behind legacies of terrible misdeeds, bizarre grafts, mindless rapacity, failed third term agenda and unimaginable atrocities”.

“They are devilish and leprous to the extent that Nigerians are not ready to allign with their campaign of blackmail laced with sinister motives against Hon Ojo”.

“We urge Hon Ojo to ignore further campaign of calumny and distractions against him from the axis of mischief makers and agent provocateurs calculated to distract him from accomplishing the mission assigned to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Because the entire allegations are targeted towards deflating the tide of public opinion in favour of the present government. In fact, we must state it clearly and categorically that Hon Ojo is a victim of conspiracy by the cartel of passport racketeering he dismantled, now fighting back to take destroy his unblemished reputation and time honoured record of excellence and honesty”.

They concluded that after all, Nigeria is a country founded on constitutional democracy anchored on the rule of law and due process. And that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is trying to entrench the country along such path and place Nigeria on the comity of nations with his Renewed Hope Agenda.

CSOs call for reversal of dissolved university governing councils

Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria (COCSON) has called on the President Bola Tinubu-led federal government to reverse its decision to dissolve Governing Councils of all federal universities in the country, describing the action “as inimical to growth of university education and unlawful”.
The Coalition which is an umbrella body to no fewer than 100 civil society groups in Nigeria made their position known at a press conference addressed by its National President and National Secretary, Obiora Chidozie and Alh. Husseini Ibrahim respectively, Wednesday in Abuja.
The group stressed that the governing council is the highest decision-making body of every university, and once it is dissolved without immediate replacement, it stalls every major decision in the university. They however cautioned that the dissolution is already taking a toll on university administration and that the present situation where presidential powers are being used to usurp the powers of the university system should be urgently reversed.
The Coalition cautioned the federal government that university education must be taken seriously going forward, adding it was an absolute error for President Tinubu to dissolve the Governing Councils of federal universities and demanded the reinstatement of the university boards to avoid further negative impact on the university system.
Their demands read: “If sanity is to prevail, Councils of Universities should be allowed to complete their tenures as enshrined in the law, and on completion, the government can reappoint or bring its own people. If we allow this to be a precedent, then it will take our university system to the past and once more take it away from the global best standards which have been achieved in the past few years. If unchecked, a time will come when politicians and civil servants will take over the entire university system and begin to tell them what to teach, how to teach, and when to teach.
“This is a serious national issue, President Tinubu must show a worthy example in conformity with the extant laws of our great country. The present situation where presidential powers are being used to usurp the powers of the university system should therefore be urgently reversed.
“Let those whose duties it is to supervise our universities, once appointed and assumed office, if nothing is found against them individually, be directed immediately to take charge of the universities and bring the system into normalcy for the period when their tenures are still in place.
“The government should enthrone university autonomy and it is an error for the Governing Councils of federal universities to be dissolved without reference.
“If the Renewed Hope slogan of this government will give Nigerians real hope, it must be founded on Rule of Law not rule of illegality,” the Coalition stated.
Excerpts of the concerns raised by COCSON read:
“We appreciate President Tinubu for his interest and commitment to improve universities, but in the light of this commitment, we believe that it is an error for the Governing Councils of federal universities to be dissolved without reference to the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2003 which is also referred to as the Universities Autonomy Act No. 1, 2007. Section 3(2A) of the Amendment Act states as follows with respect to the tenure of Governing Councils: “The Council so constituted shall have a tenure of four years from the date of its inauguration provided that where a Council is found to be incompetent and corrupt it shall be dissolved by the Visitor and a new Council shall be immediately constituted for the effective functioning of the university.
“The Federal Government, by the existing laws, have no power to dissolve the governing council, unless they are found incompetent or wanting, sadly the university system is left hanging without a head and now subjected to political dictates. As a matter of fact, even recruitment of staff within our universities is subjected to the whims and caprices of powerful civil servants in Abuja.
“This is why, at present, the university system is almost grounded as even promotions, matriculations, and convocations are not held as they should at this time of the year since the Pro-Chancellors and Councils are expected to approve the dates, including honorary doctorate and other awards. At best, Vice Chancellors have to come before civil servants in Abuja for approval.
“Lastly, another clear example of the dangers of dissolving governing councils in varsities comes handy with the raging brawl at the Federal University of Health Science Otukpo, where fear of implosion had gripped the institution after the Vice Chancellor had reportedly sacked his deputy over lack of cooperation. Such a development would not have happened if Council was in place.
“From what we observed the booming chaos is worsened because the Registrar is not fully acquainted with his duties as a university Registrar. Like the Vice Chancellor, he is inexperienced at the university level where he had not worked prior to his being smuggled into the University from National University Council (NUC) on the altar of nepotism. Hence, all these happenings should be of serious concern to President Tinubu.
“There’s been also indiscriminate increment of tuition fees of different universities across the country at the expense of the ordinary Nigerian who is still suffering the excruciating pain occasioned by the removal of petrol subsidy.
“There are other problems such as arbitrary increases in school fees in several universities and a lot of internal fighting in the Universities today.”

“Edo 2024: Shaibu Refutes Betrayal Claims, Insists Support for Obaseki Incurred Political Cost”

Gubernatorial aspirant and Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu, has responded to allegations that he betrayed Governor Obaseki after serving as his deputy in the 2016 and 2020 elections. Shaibu emphasized that he was convinced to become the deputy governor in 2016, and there were no objections to his appointment during that time.

While appearing on Arise TV’s flagship program “The Morning Show” on Wednesday, he dismissed the claims of his ineligibility to contest the election on the fact that he is from the same place as Oshiomhole, as a tactic employed by the governor and his supporters to divert attention from the real issues of the upcoming election. He stressed that the people of Edo State are not interested in experimentation but instead want a candidate who is accessible and action-oriented from the start. Shaibu highlighted his close connection with the people and clarified that his relationship with Oshiomhole’s clan is not the focus; rather, it is his qualifications and offerings. He also mentioned that the PDP has not previously awarded its ticket to someone from Edo North, yet this has not hindered others from the same region from participating in the race.

In regards to the purported meeting at Chief Mike Oghiadomhe’s house where an aspirant was endorsed, Shaibu acknowledged his respect for him but clarified that the gathering consisted of mutual friends as Chief Ogiadomhe did not have the authority to convene a PDP meeting. He also dismissed the significance of those present, noting that they were individuals who consistently lost elections in recent times, thus rendering their meeting irrelevant to his campaign.

Regarding the recent actions taken by the governor against him, Shaibu expressed feeling betrayed as he played a significant role in Obaseki’s electoral victories in both elections. He claimed to have contributed politically and financially to the campaigns, providing vehicles and even falling victim to fraud during the electoral process. Consequently, Shaibu estimated that he lost approximately 20% of his political capital in Edo North due to his support for the governor in 2020.

Disputing allegations of betrayal against Comrade Oshiomhole, Shaibu contended that such claims demonstrated a lack of political insight. He asserted that his disagreement with Oshiomhole was part of their agreement to combat godfatherism in Edo State. Shaibu clarified that Oshiomhole did not make him politically but rather supported his appointment as deputy governor. Furthermore, Shaibu asserted that he was instrumental in convincing Oshiomhole to join politics in Edo State, having established the initial structure for his gubernatorial campaign.

Shaibu emphasized that the election should not revolve around Edo Central alone, as he aimed to transcend ethnic politics and focus on propelling the state’s development. He outlined his plans for infrastructural advancement, including investment in rail lines and road improvements to stimulate the state’s GDP growth. Additionally, Shaibu pledged to drive agricultural development and create over 300,000 jobs in the sports sector. He also vowed to revitalize the industrial park to ensure sustained economic progress in Edo.

Addressing the concern of outsiders becoming governor, Shaibu underscored the desire of the people for someone familiar with their needs and experiences. He emphasized that his involvement in the system has equipped him to tackle the challenges facing Edo. Shaibu promised not to appoint Special Advisers younger than himself but assured that his commissioners would be younger, as energy was crucial for effective governance and seamless succession planning.

Shaibu emphatically stated that he would not utilize public funds for private infrastructure projects, emphasizing his commitment to ethical governance.

Regarding funding for his campaign following the withdrawal of allocations to his office, Shaibu expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and goodwill he has received from the people of Edo State. He expressed confidence that his campaign has gained momentum and that the electorate desires positive change, which he believes he can deliver.

Xiamen’s Yundang Lake: A Chinese practice of man-nature harmony

By Zhao Yongping, Yan Ke, Wang Yinxin, People’s Daily

Xiamen, capital of southeast China’s Fujian province, with its many “green accolades” such as the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honor Award, International Garden City, and national-level ecological city, is a garden city that is beautiful and ecologically friendly.
The city’s Yundang Lake, with its picturesque scenery, is known as an eco-signature of Xiamen.
However, the mesmerizing scenic spot today used to be a “stinky lake” that locals never wanted to come near.
With a water area of 1.6 square kilometers, the Yundang Lake was once an inner-bay fishing port. In the 1970s, it became an inner lake due to the seaward embankment. The rapid development of factories around the lake resulted in a large amount of sewage discharged directly into the lake, causing severe pollution.
“Back then, people passing by would run away quickly, covering their noses,” said Chen Qingfu, a water quality administrator at the Yundang Lake conservation center.
At that time, the Xiamen Special Economic Zone was just established, and huge efforts were made to advance development, which led to a shortage of funds for environmental governance.
The pollution in Yundang Lake became a challenge for Xiamen – whether the city should sacrifice the ecological environment in exchange for economic growth and how it can strike a balance between development and environmental protection.
On March 30, 1988, Xi Jinping, who then served as Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Xiamen Municipal Committee and executive vice mayor of Xiamen, convened a special meeting on strengthening the comprehensive treatment of the Yundang Lake, creatively putting forward the request to carry out law-based governance of the lake, intercept and treat sewage, dredge the lake and build embankments, revitalize the water and beautify the environment.
This marked the beginning of a transformation of the Yundang Lake.
The lake was then comprehensively managed by law. About half a year later, the Xiamen Municipal People’s Congress adopted a motion on accelerating the comprehensive treatment of the Yundang Lake, which made clear the principles and direction of the governance.
Interception of sewage solved the problem of water quality from the source. Back then, there were 125 polluting enterprises by the lake. After a thorough investigation into them, many of these polluters were shut down, relocated or transformed as requested by the treatment plan.
In December 1991, just one week after the last batch of wastewater from an MSG plant was discharged to a pipe network, the water quality of Yundang Lake began improving.
However, it was difficult to further lift the water quality if the lake was not dredged over years of deposited pollutants. Therefore, the government launched large-scale dredging operations, followed by the construction of embankments, as well as the building of a lake island. This not only improved water quality, but also significantly enhanced flood control capabilities.
Besides, innovative efforts were made to connect the lake and the sea utilizing the sea’s natural tidal difference. Sluice gates were installed in the seawalls to let water in during high tide and release water during low tide. At the same time, guide banks were built to circulate the water and effectively enhance the overall flood control and water exchange capacity of the lake area.
In order to restore the water ecology, since 1999, an initiative to restore the aquatic ecosystem has been underway along the shores of Yundang Lake through the experimental planting of mangroves. As the planting area gradually expanded, the marine ecosystem was revitalized, and water birds could once again be seen frolicking on branches.
The right approach produced immediate results. After three years of intensive efforts, the first phase of the comprehensive treatment of Yundang Lake was completed, achieving the goal of basically removing the foul smell from the lake. Improved water quality brought back egrets, and Xiamen’s nickname – Egret Island – finally matched reality.
In 1992, a long-awaited dragon boat race was held on the Yundang Lake, joined by crowds of people. This was the best test of the achievements in the lake treatment.
The treatment of the Yundang Lake is not an overnight task. Over the past 30 years, Xiamen has adhered to the principle of the 1988 meeting and continuously promoted the governance of the Yundang Lake focusing on source control, intermediate reduction, and end treatment. Approximately 1.13 billion yuan ($158.72 million) has been invested in the first four phases of comprehensive treatment, and the fifth phase is currently being implemented.
According to data released by the Yundang Lake conservation center, the ecological improvement of the water environment in the lake area is significant. The concentration of ammonia nitrogen in the water body has decreased from 39.4 milligrams per liter in 1987 to 0.076 in 2022.
A total of 63 species of swimming organisms, 123 species of phytoplankton, 73 species of zooplankton, and 14 species of benthic organisms have been discovered in the lake area. Additionally, 95 species of birds have been recorded in the lake area. The Yundang Lake has become an ideal destination for migratory birds to winter each year, including cormorants.
“The water quality has improved year after year, and citizens have become happier and more satisfied with life,” said Chen. According to him, in the past, most local residents would complain about the lake, but the Yundang Lake today is very popular.
“Many people come to inquire about the opening time of the sluice gates because they want to be there early to capture photos of the egrets,” he told People’s Daily.
Ecological advantages have become development advantages. Nowadays, the picturesque Yundang Lake area has attracted a large number of corporate headquarters and modern service enterprises, serving as an administration, finance, commerce, tourism, and residence center of Xiamen.
Ecology concerns the well-being of the people. How to handle the relationship between development and environmental protection is a global challenge. The remarkable transformation of the Yundang Lake is a vivid reflection of China’s ecological progress.
Promoting harmony between humanity and nature is one of the essential requirements of Chinese modernization. China is pursuing high-quality development and high-level environmental protection simultaneously, adhering to the path of sustainable development that seeks win-win outcomes for both environment and development.
China respects nature, follows its ways, and protects it. Its practical exploration of the building of a beautiful China has offered replicable Chinese solutions to the rest of the world.

China makes efforts to ensure power grid safety while protecting birds

By Ding Yiting, Yao Xueqing, You Yi

China is one of the countries with the richest avian resources in the world and serves as a crucial pathway for the transboundary migration of migratory birds.

With the largest power system globally, China boasts a transmission network spanning over 2.26 million kilometers of 35 kilovolts and above. How can the country ensure a secure power supply while also providing a safe habitat for birds to inhabit and reproduce around transmission towers? People’s Daily journalists had an interview to find the answer.

With swift acceleration and a sharp dive, a raptor seized its prey. After finishing the “meal,” it hovered momentarily and landed on a transmission tower, which 110-kilovolt lines run through. At the top of the tower, there was an artificial nest woven from vines, serving as the “home” for this formidable bird.

It was in Zoige county, Aba Tibetan and Qiang autonomous prefecture, southwest China’s Sichuan province. In this region, situated at an average altitude of around 3,500 meters, the staff of the Aba branch of State Grid Sichuan Electric Power Company have built a number of artificial nests for falcons, black kites, and other raptors.

“The Zoige wetland is abundant in water and grass, providing a habitat for over 200 species of birds. In the past, these birds used to build nests on transmission towers, using materials such as iron wire and cow hair. However, bird-related faults have become the third leading cause of line tripping, after lightning strikes and external damage,” said Liu Yong, director of the digitalization department of the Aba branch of State Grid Sichuan Electric Power Company.

There aren’t too many tall trees in the grassland, which makes transmission towers the preferred nesting sites for many bird species. In the past, local authorities attempted to deter birds from perching on the towers by installing repellent devices, but the effect was limited. Pondering over this issue, power workers came up with the idea that instead of trying to prevent birds, they  should create artificial bird nests to guide the birds towards safer locations for nesting.

Last April, the Aba branch installed 32 artificial bird nests and 14 sets of high-definition video devices along a 110 kV transmission line. Additionally, partial insulation treatment was applied to the tower structure, in order to avoid large birds from coming into contact with exposed live wires while perching on the top of the towers.

“Our artificial bird nests are spacious and comfortable, and the locations of installation were carefully chosen. They are typically placed in non-electrified sections of the transmission towers, guiding birds to engage in safe activities within the designated areas, and ensuring the safety of both the birds and the power grid,” Liu explained.

According to officials from State Grid Corporation of China, since 2016, the corporation has launched a public welfare project aiming to study the habits of rare raptors around the transmission lines in grassland areas on plateaus, develop artificial bird nests suitable for different regions, and label each nest with a unique “house number” for easy monitoring and management.

So far, the project has been extended to the grassland areas of six provincial-level regions, including Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Sichuan province, Xizang autonomous region, Gansu province, Qinghai province, and Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

Over 5,200 artificial bird nests have been installed, resulting in the successful hatching of nearly 4,000 chicks. This initiative has effectively protected the grassland ecology on Chinese plateaus.

Many transmission lines are situated in remote areas with limited accessibility, long distances and dispersed locations, thus it is necessary to enhance protection efficiency and accuracy. Jiangsu province has utilized technologies such as big data to develop nest site prediction models, which have proven to be highly effective.

The Tiaozini wetland in Yancheng, Jiangsu province serves as a crucial stopover point on the East Asian-Australasian flyway for migratory birds. From November to the next June each year, a large number of bird species, including the oriental white stork, a first-class nationally protected animal, choose to stay or winter in this area.

At the transmission operation and maintenance center of State Grid Yancheng Power Supply Company, a large screen displayed real-time footage from a transmission tower located over 90 kilometers away near the Tiaozini wetland. In the footage, a pair of oriental white storks with white feathers and fiery red legs were busy constructing a new nest.

“This is a system that monitors biodiversity around the power grid. Whenever a nest is detected by the cameras, drones are automatically deployed to inspect and capture images. Once our employees confirm the presence of rare bird species like the oriental white stork, we immediately install protective equipment on-site. This not only enhances the effectiveness of protection but also reduces patrol costs,” said Song Yanqiu, a staff member of the digital technology department of State Grid Yancheng Power Supply Company.

Song told People’s Daily that with the monitoring system, the utilization rate of bird protection devices on the transmission lines has increased by approximately 20 percent. This system allows for observing and safeguarding the birds without causing disturbance or intervention.

In Anhui province, power grid workers have launched a biomimetic light emission project for birds, utilizing visual micro-cameras to identify birds and emit ecological light beams to guide their flight paths without causing harm.

In Shandong province, a new type of composite insulation bird guard has been developed, significantly reducing the rate of bird-related faults in power grids.

The continuous application of technological methods has yielded more effective results in the protection of power lines and birds.

Since 2021, State Grid Corporation of China has implemented the bird-protecting project at 23 sites across 18 provincial-level regions, including Tianjin, Jiangsu, Anhui, Jiangxi, and Shandong. This project aims to promote multi-party collaboration, technological innovation, and patrol and rescue efforts, resulting in the successful rescue of over 13,000 birds protected at various levels.

Ganduje’s visit: Nasarawa residents demand reversal of March 18 mandate, call on Tinubu to end killings, criminalities in Nasarawa

Visit by the All Progressive Congress, APC national chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje to Nasarawa Saturday was characterized by spontaneous demand for the return of the March 18 governorship mandate given to the opposition PDP in the state.

Residents who expressed pain over prevailing insecurity, killings and criminalities across the state asked Ganduje to be Democratic and manly enough to ensure the return of the mandate stolen in Nasarawa.

A cross session of women carrying placard with various inscriptions, lamented that the visit of the APC national chairman to the state to commission a 1.7km street and the remodeled lodge was not just ridiculous for a national chairman of a party when insecurity has become the order of the day.

In Lafia, residents who expressed their disappointment over poor development of the state since Governor Abdullahi Sule took over from Almakura, noted that the Sule’s achievement is only a lips service with nothing to show.

Mrs. Fatima Adamu lamented that the road construction that governor Sule is celebrating and bringing the Vice president, Shettima and the APC national chairman to commission put together were not up to 8km.

“Governor Sule is rather painting a picture showing that he has done nothing serious in areas of infrastructure. Bringing the Vice president and the national chairman of his party to commission a less than 8km road is ridiculous when other state governors are commissioning hundreds of kms of roads and other infrastructures.

” How can a Vice president come to a state to not only commission a 3.5km road but commending the governor for doing nothing to justify his about five years in office?. We should not celebrate mediocrity”, Fatima lamented.

On the decamping of Senator Solomon Ewuga, residents who spoke with our correspondent in Lafia and Karu said that the former senator Ewuga does not have any political value but only looking for where he could eat

David Adagazu, a youth leader Karu said that “Ewuga is a political business man who only swing to where he could take care of his stomach.

“How many people followed him to APC? All the people he contacted to follow him to APC declined, including some youths who are his ardent followers from his community.

Residents call on president Bola Tinubu to address the prevailing insecurity that has plagued the state in recenGanduje’s visit: Nasarawa residents demand reversal of March 18 mandate, call on Tinubu to end killings, criminalities in Nasarawa

Visit by the All Progressive Congress, APC national chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje to Nasarawa Saturday was characterized by spontaneous demand for the return of the March 18 governorship mandate given to the opposition PDP in the state.

Residents who expressed pain over prevailing insecurity, killings and criminalities across the state asked Ganduje to be Democratic and manly enough to ensure the return of the mandate stolen in Nasarawa.

A cross session of women carrying placard with various inscriptions, lamented that the visit of the APC national chairman to the state to commission a 1.7km street and the remodeled lodge was not just ridiculous for a national chairman of a party when insecurity has become the order of the day.

In Lafia, residents who expressed their disappointment over poor development of the state since Governor Abdullahi Sule took over from Almakura, noted that the Sule’s achievement is only a lips service with nothing to show.

Mrs. Fatima Adamu lamented that the road construction that governor Sule is celebrating and bringing the Vice president, Shettima and the APC national chairman to commission put together were not up to 8km.

“Governor Sule is rather painting a picture showing that he has done nothing serious in areas of infrastructure. Bringing the Vice president and the national chairman of his party to commission a less than 8km road is ridiculous when other state governors are commissioning hundreds of kms of roads and other infrastructures.

” How can a Vice president come to a state to not only commission a 3.5km road but commending the governor for doing nothing to justify his about five years in office?. We should not celebrate mediocrity”, Fatima lamented.

On the decamping of Senator Solomon Ewuga, residents who spoke with our correspondent in Lafia and Karu said that the former senator Ewuga does not have any political value but only looking for where he could eat

David Adagazu, a youth leader Karu said that “Ewuga is a political business man who only swing to where he could take care of his stomach.

“How many people followed him to APC? All the people he contacted to follow him to APC declined, including some youths who are his ardent followers from his community.

Residents call on president Bola Tinubu to address the prevailing insecurity that has plagued the state in recent time leading to reckless killing of citizens by bandits rampaging the state.

*Pls, act with ripped attention. Appreciate you kindlyt time leading to reckless killing of citizens by bandits rampaging the state.”

Nasarawa: Women boo Ganduje, Sule and Ewuga as the APC National chairman commissions Gov. Sule’s 1.7km road

Nasarawa protesting women on Saturday booed the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress Abdullahi Ganduje, Gov. Abdullahi Sule and other dignitaries enroute to the government house via Jos- Shendam road, Lafia, to witness the rejoining of Senator Solomon Ewuga, who had prior to the 2023 elections, indicated that he was done with partisan politics opting to contest for the vacant stool of Aren Eggon following the passing of the late revered paramount ruler of the Eggon people His Royal Majesty Dr Bala Abaine Angbazo.

Sen Ewuga, therefore, stayed away from the PDP campaign to persuade Engr Sule to support him in his bid to become the Aren Eggon.

Through the Governorship campaign. Sen Ewuga worked underground for Engr Sule in pursuit of his chieftaincy ambition. On election day, it was reported that he sent words to his polling unit and pleaded with the youths to vote for Sule but received a shock of his life when the Youths advised him to vote and go away to avoid physical embarrassment.
He reportedly voted for Engr Sule and took off following threats from the youths who voted overwhelmingly for Dr. David Ombugadu of the PDP. It was further reported that his candidate Sule roundly lost in his unit and in his Ward to Dr. Ombugadu.

In an interview with Awinyi Alushi, a youth leader in his village said they believe it was to demonstrate the total loss of support among his people as a result of the politics of stomach infrastructure which has been his style for a long time that has caught up with him, in the contest for the vacant Aren Eggon stool, when Ewuga didn’t get a single vote from the Kingmakers!

Yesterday, he along with Ganduje and other Nasarawa APC leaders drove to the venue of the so- called defection while protesting women booed them along Jos Road in Lafia.

Governor Sule had reportedly approached Ganduje and Vice-President Shetima to entice Ewuga to formally go back to the APC before the Supreme Court Judgment to give the public impression that Dr. Ombugadu’s camp is divided, hoping this will help Sule hold on to the daylight election robbery at the Supreme Court.

The planned defection was to take place before now, but according to sources, all the people Ewuga approached to decamp along with him refused to follow him, knowing it was a political distraction organized and payed for by Governor Sule and his godfathers to distract the public and the judiciary from his daylight robbery of the popular mandates given to the PDP flag bearer Dr. David Ombugadu.

It was stated that other political actors who refused to join Senator Ewuga in this commercial defection reportedly include Nathaniel Aboki, immediate past Senatorial candidate of the PDP in Nasarawa North Senatorial Zone; Senator Patricia Akwashiki, Sen John Danboyi among several others including elders and youths, his age long supporters. They reportedly declined Ewuga’s invitation to follow him into Governor Sule’s political doldrums meant to cover his shameful defeat even in his own local government area in the last governorship election.

Nigerians are aware that Sule could neither deliver President Tinubu nor a single senator to the APC in Nasarawa state.

The Ewuga gravy train is meant to be a cover for Sule, but it has ended up a futile effort to hide the massive rejection of Governor Sule in Nasarawa state.

However, In a move that sparked public scrutiny, the former governor of Kano state and the current APC chairman Abdullahi Ganduje had earlier arrived in Akwanga Local Government to commission another 1.7 km internal road and a remodeled VIP lodge located in Akwanga, home local governmentof Engr Sule, a significant achievement for him after almost 5 years in office.

In a statement sent to journalist, Ibrahim Yusuf leader of the concerned citizens of Nasarawa state Akwanga chapter articulated the sentiments of the community, stating, “We appreciate any effort towards development, but it’s disheartening to see such a high-profile delegation commissioning what appears to be a relatively small-scale project after over 4 years of our son as governor of the state adding that “we are a laughing stock.”

There are more pressing needs and larger infrastructural gaps that require urgent attention in our community.”

“While any development is welcomed, it feels like a disproportionate expectation and resource use at this time. There are schools without proper facilities and roads in dire need of repair within our locality and this?. He asked.

The group continued to voice their discontent, drawing comparisons between the scale of development projects in Kano State under Ganduje’s tenure and the seemingly disproportionate projects being commissioned in Nasarawa state most especially, this one in Akwanga.

“It’s baffling to witness a stark contrast between the magnitude of road projects in Kano, all exceeding 100km, and the insignificance of a 1.7km road being celebrated here,” Ibrahim Yusuf further remarked.

He then challenged Ganduje, stating, “We demand an explanation on how a VIP lodge, in any way, addresses the pressing developmental needs of our community.”

Addressing Ganduje’s remarks on Lafia, the state capital as developed’ the group condemned what they perceived as derogatory comments towards Nasarawa people.

“Disparaging our state capital as “developed” only reflects a lack of respect for our people. Lafia does not match any local government in Kano in terms of infrastructural development or otherwise.
“It looks like Ganjude and their returnee colleague, Solomon Ewuga, are hired to shore up Sule’s very sagged popularity, and both are not the best models.”

He reiterated that Sen. Ewugu had already made public his reason for returning to Nasarawa APC politics while Ganduje’s antecedents speak for itself, and if this is their style, then they have an upheal task convincing the already determinedNasarawa people at this time.”

Nasarawa: Women boo Ganduje as he commissions Gov. Sule’s 1.7km road

Nasarawa protesting women on Saturday booed the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress Abdullahi Ganduje, Gov. Abdullahi Sule and other dignitaries enroute to the government house via Jos- Shendam road, Lafia, to witness the rejoining of Senator Solomon Ewuga, who had prior to the 2023 elections, indicated that he was done with partisan politics opting to be either a traditional rule or a resting elder statesman.

However, In a move that sparked public scrutiny, the former governor of Kano state and the current APC chairman Abdullahi Ganduje had earlier arrived in Akwanga Local Government to commission another 1.7 km internal road and a remodeled VIP lodge located in Akwanga, home local governmentof Engr Sule, a significant achievement for him after almost 5 years in office.

In a statement sent to journalist, Ibrahim Yusuf leader of the concerned citizens of Nasarawa state Akwanga chapter articulated the sentiments of the community, stating, “We appreciate any effort towards development, but it’s disheartening to see such a high-profile delegation commissioning what appears to be a relatively small-scale project after 4 years of our son as governor of the state adding that “we a laughing stock.”

There are more pressing needs and larger infrastructural gaps that require urgent attention in our community.”

“While any development is welcomed, it feels like a disproportionate expectation and resource use at this time. There are schools without proper facilities and roads in dire need of repair within our locality and this?. He asked.

The group continued to voice their discontent, drawing comparisons between the scale of development projects in Kano State under Ganduje’s tenure and the seemingly disproportionate projects being commissioned in Nasarawa state most especially, this one in Akwanga.

“It’s baffling to witness a stark contrast between the magnitude of road projects in Kano, all exceeding 100km, and the insignificance of a 1.7km road being celebrated here,” Ibrahim Yusuf further remarked.

He then challenged Ganduje, stating, “We demand an explanation on how a VIP lodge, in any way, addresses the pressing developmental needs of our community.”

Addressing Ganduje’s remarks on Lafia, the state capital as developed’ the group condemned what they perceived as derogatory comments towards Nasarawa people.

“Disparaging our state capital as “developed” only reflects a lack of respect for our people. Lafia does not match any local government in Kano in terms of infrastructural development or otherwise.
“It looks like Ganjude and their returnee colleague, Solomon Ewuga, are hired to shore up Sule’s very sagged popularity, and both are not the best models.”

He reiterated that Sen. Ewugu had already made public his reason for returning to Nasarawa APC politics while Ganduje’s antecedents speak for itself, and if this is their style, then they have an upheal task convincing the already determinedNasarawa people at this time.”

Discovering "new world" in Barcelona

By Cui Shixin, People’s Daily
The 20-story-tall Columbus Monument, having witnessed the vicissitude of the times, is
unquestionably the most eye-catching structure, when looking at downtown Barcelona from a
rooftop near the piers.
Perched atop the towering monument is a statue of Christopher Columbus, whose right arm raises
high and points to the sea, as if proclaiming his belief that drove him beyond his peers – beyond
the ocean lies land.
It was 530 years ago in 1493 when Columbus, triumphant from his first voyage to the Americas,
walked up the curved steps leading to the gates of what was then the royal palace, situated at the
corner of what is now Plaza del Rey in Barcelona. There, he informed his sponsors of the findings
of his voyage, and Barcelona became the first place to hear his discovery of the New World.
Columbus, an Italian, now “stands” above the Barcelona skyline as one of the city’s most striking
landmarks. This reveals the spirit of exploration and openness to new ideas that characterize
Barcelona, known as the “Pearl of the Mediterranean.”
The old alleys and passages in Barcelona give an initial impression of the eclectic mix of East and
West. There are remnants of ancient Roman walls, old Gothic-style structures standing in the core
area, and buildings adorned with mosaic patterns that evoke the city’s history with the Arabs. The
solemn King Martin’s Watchtower recalls the glorious past of Barcelona’s rise in the
Mediterranean Sea.
Barcelona’s most iconic buildings are the works of the “maverick architect” Antoni Gaudi. Born in
1852 into a family of blacksmiths making boilers for generations, Gaudi developed a strong ability
to deconstruct space and a unique intuition for sculpture. His childhood leg disability left him
unable to play with other children, so he spent more time alone observing nature, inspiring his
later architectural concept that emulates organic forms.
Gaudi keenly observed that nature contains no straight lines and very few perfect circles.
Therefore, his buildings shun the two geometric figures, instead featuring undulating shapes,
uneven surfaces, twisted door panels, leaning columns, meandering benches, and parapets of
varying heights.
In his design, chimneys resemble huddles of helmeted warriors and ancient beasts, while doors
and windows resemble mystical masks and gaping mouths. Mushroom-like works, candy-like
buildings, rainbow lizards, and walls decorated with splashes of colorful mosaics all create his
fantastical, fairy-tale world.
Some of Gaudi’s contemporaries regarded his architecture as “madness.” Yet today, seven of his
works have been designated UNESCO World Heritage sites. Over half of Barcelona’s tourist
attractions are Gaudi’s creations, including Park Guell, La Pedrera, and Casa Batlló. In other
words, Gaudi’s imaginative architectural works have practically upheld Barcelona’s tourism
industry.
Gaudi’s most “insane” work is undoubtedly the Sagrada Familia. The structure commenced
construction in 1882 and still remains unfinished today, but it has already been designated a
UNESCO World Heritage site.
Although the Sagrada Familia is surrounded by cranes and scaffolds, all who behold this edifice,
into which Gaudi poured 43 years of effort, cannot help but be moved and awed by its imaginative
details and intricate craftsmanship.

Still under construction, it is an undiscovered “new world” inviting imagination and exploration,
because its final form remains unknown. This makes the Sagrada Familia one of Barcelona’s most
thought-provoking marvels.
Barcelona nurtured not only Gaudi but many other brilliant masters, including artistic geniuses
like Pablo Picasso.
Next to the whimsical Casa Batlló is the graceful, lace-like Casa Lleó i Morera, and the Neo-
Gothic style Casa Amatller. Their contrasting styles earned the street the nickname the “Block of
Discord.”
But through a lens of innovation and inclusiveness, such beauty of the differences is the harmony
that is most in keeping with the form of nature. Meandering Barcelona’s vibrant streets, which
embrace diverse inspirations, one may chance upon delightful discoveries of the “new world.”
This is the allure that draws visitors from afar.
Barcelona has had its share of struggles between the old and the modern, between heritage and
innovation. In June 1926, when the city was celebrating the opening of a tram, an elderly ignorant
of the novel transport was struck down and soon passed away after being taken to the hospital.
The elderly was Gaudi. He was then immersed in his architectural imagination. This misfortune
seems to symbolize the clash between the old and the new. Yet Barcelona’s spirit, nurtured through
centuries as a port city open to the sea and the world, persevered in embracing both heritage and
progress.
In the early 1990s, after decades of effort to win the 1992 Olympics bid, Barcelona’s concern was
to integrate modern stadiums with the natural Mediterranean landscape.
Despite massive construction, the main Olympic complex redesigned from the prior World’s Fair
site on Montjuic Hill retained the original facade and style, as well as the hill-shaped form.
Looking up from the harbor area at the bottom, one can behold verdant slopes, which evoke a
sense of natural harmony between the mountains and the sea.
Yet, just as the 1992 Olympics pioneered igniting the cauldron with an archer’s arrow in tribute to
the ancient, Barcelona’s spirit of innovation endures. The Torre Glories, World Trade Center
Barcelona, and Montjuic Communications Tower still showcase cutting-edge designs.
Even vintage sites like Casa Batlló and La Pedrera have become a part of the Gaudi Digital
Museum built under China-Spain cooperation.
Wearing virtual reality and augmented reality devices, visitors to these sites can see fish
materializing in abstract windows, and a giant turtle swimming from a fireplace painted with a
tortoise back pattern. While rooms stand vacant in reality, devices fill the space with furnishings
and objects from Gaudi’s era in visitors’ eyes.
This immersive experience is made available by the digital technology of Chinese tech giant
Baidu, which brings Gaudi’s concepts and imagination to life and gives visitors an immersive and
fresh experience.
As people have “personas” online, cities have “city personas” too. Barcelona’s seems like
innovation and inclusiveness. In fact, innovation and inclusiveness complement one another, like
wings on a bird. Exposure to diverse innovations nurtures acceptance; an inclusive mindset, in
turn, draws in more innovation. This symbiosis – a discovery of the “new world” in Barcelona – is
the true enlightenment of the “Pearl of the Mediterranean.”