NUHU RIBADU PLANNING TO SEND EFCC AND ICPC AFTER BINANI AND HER HUSBAND

By Tanimu Abdullahi

In what is seen by observers as a desperate attempt to dim and shoot down the bright and ever-rising political star of Distinguished Senator Aishatu Dahiru Binani, and to clear the coast of what he sees as the biggest obstacle to his ambition to be the Executive Governor of Adamawa State come 2027, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, in what is clearly a misuse of office and insider privilege, is planning to send the statutory institutional attack dogs of EFCC and ICPC after Binani and her husband, Dr. Ahmed Moddibo.Reliable information filtering in from Abuja has it that Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who is the National Security Adviser, NSA, to the President, has directed the Minister of Education, Professor Mamman Tahir, who worked for Labour Party (LP) at the 2023 Presidential election and worked for People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at the 2023 Adamawa Governorship election, a longstanding associate of the NSA and who got the ministership by the graces of the NSA, to probe the tenure of Dr. Ahmed Modibbo as the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, (2007-2012) and thereafter lodge an official complaint before the EFCC and the ICPC, who will then use the complaint to go after Dr. Ahmed Modibbo.The Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, was established in 2004, and Dr. Modibbo served as its Executive Secretary in 2007 – 2012. His tenure ended 11 clear years ago and there have been three (3) other Executive Secretaries after him, namely Professor Charles Onocha, who served as the Acting Executive Secretary from 2012 to 2013, and Alhaji Dikko Sulaiman, who served as the Executive Secretary from 2013 to 2016, and the incumbent, Dr. Hamid Bobboi, who came to office in 2016. The question we are asking is: why the selective probe? Why leave out the tenures before and the tenures after that of Dr. Ahmed Modibbo and probe only his tenure? The answer is that probity and accountability are not what this probe is intended to secure, but an arbitrary misuse of office by a high level insider to drag down someone he sees as his political albatross so as to achieve personal political ends. The aim is to bring trumped-up charges against Dr. Ahmed Modibbo, rope his wife, Senator Aishatu Dahiru Binani into it, and hopefully kill her political future by the resultant criminal case. It is a desperate and ignoble witch-hunt, an attempt to give a dog a bad name so as to hang it.This is not surprising to discerning observers of political events in Adamawa State. Since the APC governorship primaries were concluded and Senator Aishatu Binani, against the much tauted and vaunted candidature of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, easily won the ticket of the party, all hell broke loose. Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and his powerful associates, swearing that Senator Aishatu Binani will never become governor of Adamawa State, went after her with all the firepower in their arsenal. When they couldn’t use the courts to stop her, they resorted to all kinds of backhanded and underhanded tricks, including a well-oiled media smear campaign and high-wired subterranean anti-party activities that almost destroyed their own party, just to halt the march of the woman of the people. From the results of the 2023 Governorship Elections, which actually indicated a victory for Senator Binani, their efforts did not work. So, using their strong connections, they stole the elections and gave it to a usurper. She turned to the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal to recapture her mandate; they overshot themselves by concocting a judgment that has jurists and intellectuals wondering what stretch of imagination was used to pull that obviously twisted judicial abracadabra. Now that Senator Binani has beaten them in so many negative attempts of destroying her political fortunes including the very fallacies of the concocted results announced by INEC after the gubernatorial elections – a situation that has gotten all the anti-Binani forces scampering for whatever cover they can find to save their croaked political necks – as a last-ditch effort, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu now came up with this probe to gain some respectability for what is clearly a vendetta crusade by a man who has always resorted to using the powers that be for personal political gains, instead of building his political profile by working for the people, against a woman who is truly a champion of the people, owing to her stellar career of selfless service to the people, who is only seeking political power to serve the people of Adamawa State. As with all the previous ignoble attempts to stop the inevitable march of Senator Aishatu Dahiru Binani to Dougerei House, this one also shall also fail, Insha Allah. We shall come out of this, stronger and better.

Tanimu Abdullahi, is a public affairs analyst, writes from Agwan Rimi in Kaduna.

Femi Gbajabiamila Cash and Carry: Dr. Salihu Bakari, Set to takeover ES TETFUND

A mind boggling scandal has been Uncovered in the administration of President Bola Tinubu, as his Chief of Staff Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, is allegedly accused of collecting millions dollars from a director of Research and Development, at the TETFUND, Alhaji Salihu Bakari, to appoint him as the Executive Secretary of the institution. 

A highly placed source confirmed to our correspondent that Alhaji Bakari, has allegedly boasted to his very close friend’s and allys that he has been assured of his appointment as the next Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, which will be announced officially next week. 

According to the source, he will be taking over from the Federal permanent Secretary in the Federal ministry of Education, Sunday Ochono, who was appointed as the Executive by the Buhari administration last year. 

Ironically, the current minister of Education Prof Tahir Mamman and the current Executive Secretary of Universal Basic Education, UBEC, Hamid Bobboyi, all hail from Adamawa State. 

The source further added that, based on principles of the Federal character it will be grossly inappropriate to appoint another indigene of Adamawa State to head the TETFUND. 

The source further revealed that Alhaji Bakari, is optimistic that he will secured the job owing to the fact that it cost him millions of dollars which exchanged hands with the President Chief of Staff directly to secure the appointment which will be announced next week by president Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

CSOs warn against needless protest against NNPCL Boss

…says NNPCL GCEO has demonstrated exceptional leadership
The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria (COCSON) and the Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association (BAVCCA) have cautioned against the planned protest by over 1000 lawyers, who have been calling for the sack of Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroluem Company Limited(NNPCL, Engr. Mele Kyari.

Recall that few days ago, Lawyers under the Coalition of Nigerian Legal Practitioners,had demanded the sack of Kyari, over scarcity and arbitrary hike in price of Premium Motor Spirit(PMS), across the country.

Their demand was contained in a petition addressed to President Bola Tinubu, dated October 30,2023, with subject “Petition Against The Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroluem Company Limited(NNPCL) And Call For His Immediate Sack,”and signed by Bernard Adesina, Peter Agbonghan, Igwe Chukwudi, and others.

The lawyers further threatened to mobilise over 1,000 lawyers to occupy NNPCL headquarters on November 2, 2023 to register their displeasure.

Speaking at a joint media briefing on Thursday in Abuja, Abimbola Ademola, Director of Admin, BAVCCA and Tijani Ali Danjuma, National Secretary, COCSON, described the planned protest as “unfortunate and ill-advised.”

Ademola pointed out that any disruption caused by protests or strike will not only worsen the situation but also will negatively impact the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

According to Ademola: We have gathered to express their unwavering support for Mr. Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), amidst the threatened protest by 1000 lawyers and various ethnic and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) concerning fuel hike and scarcity issues.

“COCSON and BAVCCA firmly believe that Mr. Mele Kyari has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to the betterment of Nigeria’s petroleum industry.

“Under his guidance, NNPCL has made significant strides in ensuring stability, accountability, and efficiency in the distribution and management of petroleum resources.

“We understand that the recent increase in fuel prices has caused hardship and raised concerns among the Nigerian people.

“However, we firmly believe that these measures, adopted by NNPCL and the Federal Government, are necessary to navigate the challenges posed by global economic fluctuations and to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Nigerian petroleum sector.

“The threatened protest by 1000 lawyers and other ethnic/CSO groups is unfortunate and ill-advised.

“We urge these groups to engage in constructive dialogue with NNPCL and other stakeholders, rather than resorting to disruptive actions that may undermine the progress made by Mr. Mele Kyari and his team.

“We would like to highlight that the Nigerian petroleum industry is a vital pillar of the country’s economy, and any disruption caused by protests or strikes will only worsen the situation and negatively impact the lives of ordinary Nigerians.”

The leadership of BAVCCA and COCSON,
therefore, called on all well-meaning Nigerians to support the efforts of Kyari and NNPCL in ensuring the availability and accessibility of petroleum products across the country.

While sounding a note of warning to those fanning the embers of discord and crises, COCSON and BAVCCA said they would not hesitate to proceed to court or employ every legal means, including but not limited to organisng a peaceful advocacy march, to ensure that these agents of doom are contained.

“COCSON and BAVCCA remain committed to promoting transparent governance and accountability in all sectors of the Nigerian economy.

“We believe that dialogue, collaboration, and understanding are the key to addressing the concerns of the people and working towards a prosperous nation,” Ademola said.

Rift in Edo government continues as Governor Obaseki allegedly gifts Speaker vehicles meant for his deputy

All may not still be well in the relationship between Governor Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu inspite of the much publicised reconciliation, apologies and acceptance of apology between the duo, this paper has learnt.

A reliable source at the Edo State government house, who fears to be mentioned to avoid victimisation informed this medium that a Toyota Landcruiser which was bought by the governor for the use of the Deputy Governor approximately three months ago as a replacement for the one given to him seven years ago has been handed over to the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku instead.

Miffed by this development, the source explained that in the first tenure of Governor Obaseki and Rt. Hon. Comrade Shaibu, only one vehicle, a Toyota Landcruiser was bought and allocated to the office of the Deputy Governor and that all the used escort vehicles in the convoy of the Deputy Governor were bought by friends of the deputy governor as support gifts in order not to expose him to unnecessary dangers.

“In the second tenure, the same vehicle allocated to the deputy governor about seven (7) years ago is yet to be replaced. It was because of this that it became obvious when a fast one was played on edolites last week, when in a twist of events, the Governor handed the Speaker a Toyota Landcruiser and a Toyota Hilux, instead of a Lexus sports utility vehicle that was approved for him.

“The Toyota Landcruiser was allegedly bought for the use of the Deputy Governor approximately three months ago as a replacement for the one given to him seven years ago,” the source explained.

The source lamented that this unfortunate incident where the Governor would deliberately deny the Deputy Governor of the vehicle, which was budgeted and bought in his name for a second tenure saying that the governor has also refused to release the vehicles for the assembly members, despite the N1.8billon approved and disbursed to the Governor to purchase their new vehicles.

He called on the good people of the state to rise against what he called “executive recklessness” which he insists must stop. He advised the governor to release the Toyota Landcruiser belonging to the deputy governor to him as this is statutory to the office.

“Naira Scarcity Intensifies Across States as CBN’s Deadline for Old Notes Approaches”

A widespread scarcity of Naira currency notes has been observed in various states, including Kano and Borno, as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) deadline for the use of old N200, N500, and N1000 banknotes swiftly approaches, set for December 31, 2023, as mandated by the Supreme Court.

The scarcity has sparked concerns within local business communities, leading to reports of severely limited cash availability in both banks and ATMs. Point of Sales (PoS) operators in Kano disclosed their challenges in obtaining sufficient cash from banks, compelling them to seek alternatives from local markets and fuel stations. Additionally, ATMs in various areas were reported to be non-functional, leaving residents and traders struggling to carry out essential transactions.

In Borno State, the scarcity has significantly impacted residents, traders, and local banks, forcing many to resort to online transactions due to the scarcity of physical cash. Banks in the state have enforced strict withdrawal limits, with some customers encountering difficulties accessing cash even from PoS points.

Furthermore, Bureau de Change (BDC) operators in Abuja shared their experiences, noting a worsening scarcity of Naira in recent days. This scarcity appears to be exacerbated by banks’ efforts to mop up cash ahead of the expiration deadline for the old notes.

The resurfaced Naira scarcity has raised widespread concerns, posing challenges for everyday transactions and causing significant inconvenience for businesses and individuals alike.

“Global Cooperation Urged to Strengthen Childhood Vaccination and Research”

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Pate, has called for international collaboration to enhance childhood vaccination efforts and vaccine research worldwide. Addressing the First Asia Pacific Summit on Infectious Diseases and Immunisation in Singapore, organized by the Asia Pacific Immunisation Coalition (APIC) under the theme “Vaccination for All: Access, Confidence, and Equity (ACE),” Pate emphasized the importance of equitable access, enhanced confidence, and global health equity in the face of challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties, and climate change.

Pate acknowledged the progress made in global health, highlighting increased life expectancies and reduced child mortality rates due to expanded access to vaccines. He emphasized vaccines’ role in mitigating the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, facilitating reopening, and aiding economic recovery.

Despite advancements, Pate highlighted persistent challenges, including millions of children lacking access to basic immunization and the rise of anti-vaccine movements. He outlined the summit’s key themes: access, confidence, and equity.

Pate stressed the need to prioritize equitable vaccine access, break down barriers, and integrate vaccine delivery within national health systems. Building confidence in vaccines, through clear communication and addressing misinformation, was underscored. Achieving equity in vaccine access, both within and between countries, was emphasized as fundamental for a healthier and more just world.

The summit, attended by experts, policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders worldwide, aimed to mobilize global efforts, strengthen partnerships, and maintain vaccines as a beacon of hope. The event featured panel discussions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities, focusing on innovative strategies for building trust in vaccines and fostering global collaborations for vaccine equity. The summit concluded with a call for sustained global cooperation in the field of vaccination and immunisation.

Candidate’s Cash-Based Campaign Raises Concerns About Nasarawa State Football Association’s Future

…Football Stakeholders Urge for Credibility, Accountability in Upcoming FA Chairman Election”

The forthcoming election for the position of Chairman in the Nasarawa State Football Association has been marred by allegations of cash-based campaigning. Football stakeholders have voiced their concerns about the implications of such practices on the future of the association.

Recall that the election, scheduled for November 4th in Keffi, is seen as a pivotal moment for the Nasarawa State Football Association. The state’s football community is eager to elect a leader who will prioritize credibility, transparency, and accountability in the administration of the sport.

However, recent reports have raised questions about the integrity of the election process. It has come to the attention of stakeholders that a certain candidate in the race has allegedly been engaging in the distribution of money to delegates, leading to accusations of attempts to influence the outcome of the election.

One particular concern is the candidate’s alleged push for an open ballot, a move that has been criticized for its potential to expose delegates who have received money but may choose not to vote for the said candidate. This has raised eyebrows among football stakeholders who question the candidate’s commitment to leading the association based on merit rather than financial influence.

Football enthusiasts, coaches, players, and fans are unified in their call for a chairman who will prioritize the interests of the sport and its development in Nasarawa State. They emphasize the importance of transparency, credibility, and accountability in the administration of the association.

Stakeholders have expressed their concerns, noting that if the candidate is genuinely qualified and dedicated to the role, there should be no need to resort to cash-based tactics to secure votes. They stress the need for a chairman who is elected on the basis of their vision and capabilities, rather than financial incentives.

As the election date approaches, the Nasarawa State Football Association community hopes that the focus will shift towards discussions of the candidates’ manifestos and their plans to foster growth, development, and inclusivity within the state’s football scene.

The question that remains is whether the election process will indeed be a reflection of the sport’s core values, including fairness, integrity, and a dedication to the betterment of football in Nasarawa State. Football stakeholders are watching closely, and their expectations are high for a future chairman who will prioritize the sport’s best interests over monetary incentives.

Five years on, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge promotes closer exchanges in GBA

By Hu Jian, He Linping, People’s Daily

Since the beginning of this year, traffic on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge has become increasingly busier this year.

Hong Kong youth Wong Yeuikyun commutes between Hong Kong and Guangdong province each week, and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge is the passage he uses most frequently.

During the eight-day Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday this year, Huang crossed the bridge with his family and had a wonderful time touring the Zhuhai countryside, soaking in the hot springs in Jiangmen, and shopping for souvenirs in Macao.

On Oct. 23, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge celebrated its 5th anniversary. Over the past five years, it has facilitated 36 million cross-border passenger trips and 7.5 million vehicle trips.

Traffic flow on the bridge has reached 2.35 million this year, and 7.02 million trips have been made by residents from Hong Kong and Macao passing through it. In particular, the bridge saw over 500,000 cross-border traveler trips during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday.

With the frequent flows of personnel, capital and logistics, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is fastening its pace of integrated development with the accelerated construction of major cooperation platforms.

At 8 a.m., tour guide Su Guiping led 38 tourists from central China’s Hubei province to Hong Kong through the bridge’s Zhuhai land port, kicking off a 4-day tour in Hong Kong and Macao.

“Many tourists want to have a glimpse of the bridge,” Su said.

The increasingly vibrant exchanges among Guangdong province, Hong Kong and Macao are driven by a strong mutual demand for each other. Many Hong Kong and Macao residents who have traveled to the mainland noted that they have had brand-new tourism experiences.

A Hong Kong resident surnamed Lai told People’s Daily that he purchased a lot of specialties in the mainland for his family and friends, with so many bags and packages that filled his car.

Similarly, tourists from the mainland are also showing an increasing enthusiasm for visiting relatives, shopping, visiting exhibitions and seeing concerts in Hong Kong and Macao.

During this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday, the National Day fireworks display illuminated Hong Kong’s sky after a five-year hiatus, and major activities such as lantern fairs and dragon dances were staged in Victoria Park. A total of 610,000 tourists from the mainland visited Hong Kong on the first four days of the holiday.

In the early morning of Oct. 20, the Zhuhai land port of the bridge witnessed another peak of truck departures. Lines of fully loaded trucks, carrying goods destined for Hong Kong or for export via Hong Kong, were waiting to pass the port.

Zhuhai-based Haimiao aquaculture trade company was the first enterprise to supply fresh seafood to Hong Kong after the opening of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. Seafood harvested in the afternoon could make it to Hong Kong around midnight and be on the tables of Hong Kong residents by noon the next day.

“Our efficiency has been significantly improved, and the shipped seafood can keep fresher,” said Weng Xipeng, general manager of the company.

The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge has significantly reduced the travel time between Hong Kong and Zhuhai, as well as between Hong Kong and Macao, from three hours to just 45 minutes. The 24-hour customs clearance service at the port makes the bridge a logistics artery of the GBA.

Zhuhai is promoting the construction of a new economic and trade corridor along the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. With the bridge extension as the axis, important facilities such as cross-border e-commerce operation centers, a Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao logistics park, an airport-based international smart logistics park, and the Gaolan Port Comprehensive Free Trade Zone are located from east to west.

This has actively facilitated the deep integration of personnel, logistics, capital, information, and innovation flows between the mainland, Hong Kong and Macao.

By the end of September, the total value of goods imported and exported through the Zhuhai land port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge reached 718.75 billion yuan ($98.24 billion). The market has expanded to involve more than 230 countries and regions, compared to 105 in 2018.

“The transportation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong is very convenient. Starting a business here, I can enjoy in-store decoration support, brand promotion and other aspects. This is very appealing to me,” said Chen Jiacong, a young man from Hong Kong who just graduated this year and runs a shop in a night market in Shenzhen.

Currently, cities in the Pearl River Delta, represented by Shenzhen, have basically established a well-functioning incubation system of innovation and entrepreneurship for young people from Hong Kong and Macao. This system supports entrepreneurial projects through measures such as entrepreneurial guaranteed loans, as well as subsidies for employment and entrepreneurship.

With continuous policy innovation, cooperation among Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao is deepening in areas such as education, healthcare, social security, and culture. The exchanges and connectivity among the three have expanded from tourism and family visits to employment, entrepreneurship, and people’s livelihood.

“The GBA is one of the most open and economically vibrant regions in China,” said Mao Yanhua, director of the Institute of Regional Openness and Cooperation at Sun Yat-sen University, and professor with the Center for Studies of Hong Kong, Macao and Pearl River Delta.

As the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge keeps playing its role as an efficient transportation route for people and an artery for economic and trade activities, the increasingly integrated GBA will undoubtedly usher in a new period of rapid development, Mao noted.

Asian Para Games mirrors Hangzhou’s achievements in barrier-free environment

By Liu Botong, Dou Hao, People’s Daily

Creating a barrier-free environment is crucial for safeguarding the rights and interests of people with disabilities. It aims to guarantee their equal and convenient participation in various social activities.

The 4th Asian Para Games, hosted in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang province, demonstrated its exceptional commitment to providing comprehensive accessibility for individuals with disabilities. It showcased its professional standards and attentive service by offering a wide range of barrier-free facilities both in and outside competition venues, including barrier-free ramps, barrier-free elevators, and barrier-free restrooms.

“The venue is great. We can move freely here,” said Chinese female wheelchair basketball player Huang Xiaolian, referring to the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium.

The needs of competitors and spectators of the Asian Para Games have been fully taken into consideration during the construction of the stadium, said Zhu Yizhi with the team operating the stadium.

After the Hangzhou Asian Games concluded, the stadium was soon converted to get ready for the Asian Para Games. To better facilitate wheelchair basketball players, the stadium was renovated to improve accessibility, adding ramps and modifying the locker rooms to appropriate heights, Zhu said.

It is learned that the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou has 19 competition venues distributed in eight competition zones, and 17 of them are converted from the Asian Games venues.

Barrier-free facilities can be found everywhere in the competition venues, including elevators with Braille buttons, accessible restrooms with voice guides and designated rest areas for guide dogs.

“From the entrances to functional areas of the venues, we have built a comprehensive and safe barrier-free environment,” said Chen Weiqiang, the chief spokesperson of the Hangzhou Asian Para Games.

In the restaurants of the Asian Para Games Village, high and low handrails have been installed along the walls, and Braille signs are posted. The height of the serving area has been adjusted so wheelchair users can easily access their meals. Additionally, the dishes ready for pickup are pre-plated, making it convenient for athletes to take them.

To provide a more comfortable living environment for athletes, the village has offered approximately 1,100 barrier-free beds. There are also various service areas in the village such as wheelchair charging stations and assistive device maintenance centers.

Inside the athletes’ rooms, multiple emergency call buttons are installed, along with collision protection strips, rounded-edge furniture, and barrier-free bathrooms, ensuring a safer and more comfortable living environment.

In the bedrooms, adjustable beds are provided to facilitate athletes in getting on and off the beds. Besides, for athletes who require assistance in their daily activities, the Asian Para Games Village has provided companion beds.

The barrier-free environment in Hangzhou is continuously improving, not only in terms of the Asian Para Games facilities, but also throughout the city.

“The society is becoming more and more friendly towards people with disabilities, and I feel very happy about it,” said a Hangzhou resident surnamed Zhang.

Zhang, who needs to travel in a wheelchair for many years, has become more enthusiastic about outdoor activities as Hangzhou’s barrier-free environment continues to improve. “Now, I have the option to travel by subway, barrier-free buses, or barrier-free taxis, and the overall experience is significantly better,” she said.

For example, at the customer service counter of a shopping mall in Hangzhou’s Linping district, an electronic dictionary can translate speech into sign language, and wheelchairs for rent are placed on the side of the desk. The mall is also equipped with accessible elevators, barrier-free signs, and other facilities, making it convenient for people with disabilities.

According to reports, in recent years, Hangzhou has made great efforts to promote the development of a barrier-free environment. The city has upgraded over 140,000 barrier-free facilities and important public venues, improved accessibility on 75 roads, and built over 3,000 kilometers of sidewalks with blind paths, 1,600 accessible public restrooms, and 3,500 accessible bus stops.

More than 380 sign language service points have been set up. Hundreds of accessible taxis are now running on the streets of the city, and five barrier-free tourism routes have been launched focusing on World Cultural Heritage sites.

“The Hangzhou Asian Para Games is not only a major sporting event, but also an important opportunity to showcase the warmth and inclusiveness of the city,” said Chen. “We will make Hangzhou a caring city with barrier-free environment construction,” he added.

Shenzhou-17 manned spaceship successfully launched

By Liu Shiyao, Gu Yekai, People’s Daily

At 11:14 a.m. on Oct. 26, a Long March-2F carrier rocket was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, sending three astronauts on the Shenzhou-17 manned spaceship into preset orbit. The launch mission was a complete success.

The Shenzhou-17 manned spaceship is the second mission to China’s space station since the space station entered its development and application stage. The mission’s primary goal includes completing the in-orbit crew rotation with the Shenzhou-16 trio, before they carry on to conduct an approximate six-month stay in space.

During this period, the crew will engage in in-orbit trials of space science and application payloads, conduct astronaut extravehicular activities, and perform payload extravehicular operations, which will also involve the installation of extravehicular payloads and maintenance tasks on the space station.

Besides, the mission will continually evaluate the functional performance of the space station assembly, accumulating precious data and experience regarding space station operations. This initiative aims to assess the coordination and compatibility of the ground support center in managing space station operational tasks, thereby enriching the operational efficiency and troubleshooting capabilities of the space station.

So far, the Shenzhou series of manned spacecraft have all been developed under the leadership of the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST). As the Chinese space station has entered the development and application stage, there will be frequent launch missions of the Shenzhou series, which raises higher requirements for spacecraft development.

“Previous Shenzhou models were produced using a 2D blueprint manufacturing method. Newer models like the Shenzhou-17 have been transitioned to 3D digital manufacturing. Utilizing 3D models to fully convey product definition and process information improves design efficiency and enables ‘visualization’ of the production process,” said an employee with the CAST.

As the Shenzhou-17 spaceship approached the space station combination, the microwave radar independently developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation played a critical role in measurement during the rendezvous and docking process.

The radar can accurately output the distance, velocity, angle and other relative motion parameters between the spacecraft and space station, with low transmit power, high measurement accuracy and strong anti-interference capability.

At the same time, the laser rendezvous and docking radar developed by China Electronics Technology Group Corporation provided precise positioning and measurement support, accurately guiding the rapid rendezvous and docking.

With the full activation of the space station application and development phase, astronauts are playing an even more prominent role in manned spaceflight missions. To better support astronauts working and living in space, the performance of supporting products for the Shenzhou-17 crew has also been further improved.

Through innovative applications of new technologies, in-orbit physical exercise equipment and living supplies for astronauts have been upgraded. They will provide more reliable and convenient guarantees for the astronauts’ safe, healthy and efficient work during their six-month stay in orbit.

The Shenzhou-17 and Shenzhou-16 crews will work and live together in orbit for a period of time. The handling capacity of the environmental control and life support system will be increased to meet the demands of six people. So far, the system has been operating stably in orbit for approximately 900 consecutive days.

As a national space laboratory, the orbiting Tiangong space station has carried out applications in an orderly manner, with remarkable outcomes in technology transfer and transformation.

During their stay in orbit, the Shenzhou-17 crew will continue conducting space science experiments and various technology tests.

So far, with close cooperation between astronauts and ground technicians, 70 space experiments have been completed in fields like aerospace medicine, life ecology, biotechnology, materials science, fluid physics, fluid dynamics and others, as well as eight research efforts on human-factors engineering.

A large amount of experimental data has been obtained, and some experimental samples will return with the Shenzhou-16 spacecraft. Some projects have already yielded phased application results.

Lin Xiqiang, deputy director of the China Manned Space Agency, noted that China has a well-equipped near-Earth manned space station and manned transportation system, a mature system for astronaut selection, training and support, as well as manned flight missions scheduled at a frequency of twice per year.

“China is now ready and has made preparations to invite foreign astronauts to participate in flight missions to the Chinese Space Station,” Lin added.