CSOs laud CDS Irabor, military on improved security ahead of 2023 polls

The Centre for African Liberation and Socio- Economic Rights (CALSER) says the Armed Forces has demonstrated preparedness and zeal towards a credible, transparent and violence-free elections in 2023.

The Centre noted that the apolitical stance of the military is reassuring and enough reason for Nigerians to celebrate the protection and perseveration of their nascent democracy.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja, Executive Director, Dr (Mrs) Cecilia Ikechukwu, described the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Lucky Irabor as the gamechanger in the war against insurgents, bandits and other criminal elements.

She said as a leader, the CDS understands the value of teamwork which he has entrenched since his appointment.

“We must admit that the Armed Forces’ involvement in internal security operations has indeed been the game changer in our efforts to address the threats posed by criminal elements and their sponsors across the country,” Ikechukwu said.

“This much has been evident in the numerous gains recorded in the war against Boko Haram terrorists, separationist agitators, kidnappers, bandits, religious extremists and other acts of criminalities.

“The level of inter-agencies collaborations championed by the indefatigable Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, is worthy of commendation. It goes, therefore, to highlight that the Chief of Defence Staff as a leader, understands the value of teamwork, which he has entrenched since his appointment to lead the critical Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“As a group, we are not surprised by the exploits of the Chief of Defence Staff because of his track record, which includes but is not limited to Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, where he led the ascendency of the military over the Boko Haram terrorist group in 2016 that saw to the recapturing of several local government areas that were hitherto under the control of the Boko Haram terrorist group, including the operational headquarters of the Boko Haram terrorist in Sambisa Forest.

“Our special commendation also goes to all heads of the various security agencies for putting the country’s interest at heart in ensuring that activities of criminal elements are neutralized and we have a country.

“We are buoyed by the fact that the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has risen above sentiments to give us a country by toiling night and day to ensure that we sleep with our eyes closed. This is remarkable and an indication that tough times await those planning to use the forthcoming general elections to cause unrest in the country.

“The capacity of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to deal with unscrupulous elements has never been in doubt. The apolitical stance of the Armed Forces is reassuring. It should give Nigerians a cause to celebrate in the protection and perseveration of our nascent democracy.

“As concerned stakeholders in the Nigerian Project, our position remains that the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria have proven to be reliable and well-positioned to defend and protect the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The Centre, therefore, called on all well-meaning Nigerians to extend their support to the Armed Forces in the preservation of our democracy cannot be overemphasized.

She added: “Our commendation and appreciation are high. The Chief of Defence Staff has demonstrated that purposeful leadership is all that is required to address the country’s numerous challenges.

“The Service Chiefs, the Commanders, officers, and men of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are indeed heroes of our democracy. We pledge our continued support in the country’s fight against crime and criminalities.”

The Centre, however, urged the Chief of Defence Staff not to rest on his oars in leading the Armed Forces in the most proactive and operationally effective manner.

Appreciating Gen Irabor’s Rare Wizardry

By Philip Agbese

It was a tragedy for Nigeria when, on 28th March 2022, the Abuja-Kaduna train came under attack leaving some passengers dead and many kidnapped by the bandits or Boko Haram as alleged.
While ransom was paid in bits, the kidnapped victims were also being released in bits; a situation that halted the Abuja-Kaduna train from resuming operations. This development plunged the country into chaos and fear as scores were held captive.

When hope of having all of them released seemed to have been lost, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor, waded into the matter and tactically brought the situation under control with the eventual release of what was left of the abducted train victims.
This particular development and special operations that involved a carefully crafted presidential think tank was made possible with the involvement of General Lucky Irabor and his show of patriotism, responsibility and desire to see that Nigerian citizens anywhere in the country are safe. It shows, in all ramifications, the mastery of the military art and craft by the gentleman General Lucky Irabor.
Hence, in General Irabor’s desire to secure the release of the train attack victims, he set up a seven-man committee, better known as the Chief of Defence Staff Action Committee, that was mandated to look into the situation and ensure the release of the remaining 23 victims that were still being held captive by the train attackers at the time.
In not mincing words, the Chief of Defence Staff Action Committee is the most efficient and effective committee so far in the country. Within a short period, the committee was able to articulate workable strategies that helped the Nigerian military achieve results in securing the release of the 23 victims that were left in the abductors’ den. This committee showed high intellectual capacity and military prowess and was able to have the armed forces and the various security agencies collaborate in the clandestine operation that was initiated, carefully planned and executed.

In his nature, swiftness and artistry, the Nigerian Armed Forces, under the command of General Lucky Irabor, was able to take the Kaduna train attackers and kidnappers by surprise, dislodged them and successfully rescued the remaining 23 victims in their den without recording any casualty.
In Nigeria’s leadership of the Armed Forces of all times, the personality, character, courage, charisma and purposeful leadership being experienced by the Nigerian Armed Forces under the amiable Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, has not been heard of. The Armed Forces is lucky to have such a gentlemanly general dedicated to seeing an active and successful military living up to its responsibility and ensuring peace and security are restored in the country. General Irabor has repositioned the Nigerian Armed Forces to an enviable height as one of the finest militaries in the world.
The heightened insecurity that Nigeria faced before the appointment of General Lucky Irabor as Chief of Defence Staff is now a thing of the past. Aside from pockets of security threats being experienced from time to time in different parts of the country, insurgency and organized crimes, as were experienced with the activities and menace of Boko Haram and bandits, have entirely reduced if not eradicated. Thanks to General Irabor’s determination and focus on ensuring that Nigerians are safe and that their security is paramount.
General Lucky Irabotr has proven that results will always be achieved with exemplary leadership. In the fight against insecurity in Nigeria, the military has continued to pay the supreme price and has shown serious commitment to security. Therefore, there is a need to ensure that the armed forces continue to get the necessary support to keep delivering on security operations and further ensure that the peace and security that have now been restored in the country are sustained.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, whom the country owes a debt of unalloyed gratitude for his purposeful leadership to the Armed Forces. Under his watch, the Nigerian military has brought insurgency and banditry under serious check and control. Almost nothing is heard of Boko Haram and bandits in addition to the general insecurity that almost overtook the country
earlier.
Undoubtedly, the security achieved under General Irabor is just the beginning of the security to be enjoyed by Nigeria and Nigerians. With General Lucky Irabor in charge, Nigeria’s overwhelming security threats and challenges are over. The Chief of Defence Staff is a man of competence, integrity, and capacity and an excellent military leader. He is success-oriented and has continued to push the armed forces to achieve nothing short of victory.
While we are grateful to the Nigerian military for their patriotism and commitment to tackling general insecurity in the country, we are thankful to General lucky Irabor, under whose watch; achieving security in Nigeria has been made possible. He set a standard that is worthy of commendation.

Agbese is a UK trained human rights activist and author.

2023 : I will ensure arrest, prosecution of violence promoters in Toto LG, says Nasarawa Speaker

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“… as Ohimege Opanda warns politicians, supporters against campaign of calumny, directs military to arrest trouble makers in his domain … “

Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, says he would not hesitate to direct security agencies to arrest promoters of violence in the name of politics in Toto Local Government Area of the State.

The Speaker disclosed this when he and his entourage visited the palace of Ohimege Opanda, Umaisha, HRH Alhaji Usman Abdullahi to receive the royal father’s blessings ahead of flag off of his third term campaign .

He said that he would not allow some selfish individuals and opposition parties to threatening the existing peace being enjoyed in the area in the name of politics.

” His Royal Highness, we will not allow those who did not wished Toto LG well to continue to cause disharmony and threatening the existing peace we are enjoying in the name of politics.

” His Excellency, Engr Abdullahi Sule and I made serious security efforts in which we have dismantled Darul-Salam and other terrorists in Toto Local Government.

” As we are all aware that before now, our people cannot go about their normal business and farms for fear of attacks but today our people are going with their normal business without any hindrance as peace has returned.

“” I will not hesitate to arrest the perpetrators and promoters of violence in Toto Local Government to serve as detterent to others and for peace to continue to reign in Toto,” he said.

He assured the first class traditional ruler of issues-based campaign at all times in the interest of peace and development.

The Speaker promised continous quality representation at the state legislature, if re-elected come 2023.

Responding, HRH Alhaji Usman Abdullahi, the Ohimege Opanda, has blessed and wished the Speaker well in his third term ambition.

The first class traditional ruler urged all stakeholders, political leaders of parties to caution their supporters against violence

” I have called on leaders of PDP, APC and other political parties here to play politics of decorum devoid of violence and character assassination.

” I have directed the military and other security agents to arrest trouble makers who are bent in causing disharmony and threatening the existing peace being enjoy in Toto Local Government.

The first class traditional ruler also urged politicians in the area to always engage in issues-based campaign in the interest of peace and for the overall development of the state.

Remember history, safeguard peace

By Zhong Sheng, People’s Daily

On Dec, 13, 1937, invading Japanese troops captured Nanjing and committed the extremely cruel Nanjing Massacre, slaughtering about 300,000 Chinese people. It marked a horrifying anti-human crime and an extremely dark page in human history.
The people today must be on the lookout given what had happened in the past.
On the ninth national memorial day for the victims of the Nanjing Massacre, China once again held a solemn ceremony to mourn the victims of the massacre. It demonstrated the Chinese people’s determination to remember history and firmly safeguard peace.
The Nanjing Massacre is a memory of China, of the Chinese nation and of the world.
On Dec. 18, 1937, journalist Charles Yates Mcdaniel from Associated Press wrote: “My last remembrance of Nanking: Dead Chinese, dead Chinese, dead Chinese.”
Marjorie Garrett, daughter of late U.S. physician Dr. Robert O. Wilson who personally witnessed the Nanjing Massacre, said the history of the mass killing shall be told to the young generation.
Megan Brady, great-granddaughter of Richard Freeman Brady, a surgeon who stayed in Nanjing during the Nanjing Massacre, composed a song titled Mercy to eulogize the vitality of life and the hard-won victory.
These voices from the international society condemning the atrocious crime and calling on people to remember the history are constantly arousing people’s aspiration for and adherence to peace.
History will not be changed with the course of time, and facts will never fade away due to repudiation from the artful tongue.
Recently, the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders held a press conference on the newly acquired cultural relics and historical data. A new batch of 453 historical materials was added to the memorial hall collection as new evidence of war crimes related to the Nanjing Massacre, including the original diary of Japanese soldier Jun Arai and photos of the Japanese army’s Unit 1644, which was as notorious as Unit 731 and committed heinous crimes of performing germ experiments on human beings in China.
Besides, in November, an American pawnshop owner donated to the Consulate General of China in Chicago a World War II (WWII) photo album that sheds light on the atrocious crimes committed by the Japanese army in China during WWII.
However, Japanese right-wing politicians are still adhering to a wrong perception of history, visiting or sending ritual offerings to the notorious Yasukuni Shrine that honors Class-A convicted Japanese war criminals from WWII, glossing over and even denying the Nanjing Massacre and disavowing the issue of “comfort women.” They even publicly questioned the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Declaration and the Tokyo Trial.
These practices seriously hurt the dignity and feelings of the people in the victimized nations in Asia, and represent a countercurrent that challenges the victorious outcomes of the World Anti-Fascist War.
Those who try to turn back the wheel of history are bound to find themselves on the wrong path again. There has been an obvious shift to right-wing politics and a rising trend toward military provocation in Japan over the recent years, which brings a sense of insecurity to the peace-loving people in Japan and the rest of the world.
Japan’s defense budget has kept growing for 10 consecutive years and the country is fanning up regional tensions to seek opportunities to further its military development. This is extremely dangerous and makes Japan’s Asian neighbors and the international community doubt whether the country could still stick to its “exclusively defense-oriented” commitment and follow a peaceful development path.
Japan must understand that only by facing and having deep reflections on its history of aggression, and making a clean break with militarism, can it win the trust of its neighboring countries in Asia and the international society, and go into the future with a responsible attitude.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan. Half a century ago, the two sides, with extraordinary strategic vision and political courage, made the decision of normalizing ties and opened a new chapter in bilateral relations.
Over the past five decades, the two sides have successively reached four political documents and a series of important common understandings. They have reaped fruitful results in their cooperation in various fields, brought about important benefits to the two peoples and promoted regional peace, development and prosperity.
The two countries need to treat each other with sincerity, engage each other with trust, abide by the principles of the four China-Japan political documents, and draw lessons from history. They should view each other’s development in an objective and rational manner, and translate into policies the political consensus that the two countries should “be partners, not threats.”
Major issues of principle such as history and Taiwan bear on the political foundation and basic trust in China-Japan relations, and therefore must be handled in good faith and appropriately.
The Japanese side should keep its promise, refrain from overstepping and crossing the line, and ensure that bilateral relations do not flip-flop or backpedal.
The solemn ceremony to mourn the victims of the massacre was held with the purpose to promote peace in the world. When the bell of peace rang up in the air of Nanjing, the conviction of remembering history and cherishing peace was passed on.
Justice will prevail! Peace will prevail! The people will prevail! It is the great truth of history. Today, China’s national rejuvenation has become a historical inevitability and China has grown into a great country that is able to safeguard peace for its people.
The country will always stand on the right side of history and the progressive side of humanity, firmly follow a path of peaceful development, and work with all peace-loving countries and peoples around the world to make more contributions to the long-term peace of the world.
(Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People’s Daily to express its views on foreign policy and international affairs.)

China further optimizes COVID-19 response with new measures

By Zhong Yin, People’s Daily

Local authorities across China have soon made specific policies to implement the 10 new prevention and control measures recently rolled out by the country on further optimizing the COVID-19 response, so as to contain the epidemic in a more science-based and targeted manner.
According to the 10 new measures, China will optimize nucleic acid testing, and quarantine measures imposed on high-risk areas must be lifted if no new infections are reported for five consecutive days. Besides, quarantine measures for COVID-19 patients and response measures at certain locations will be optimized.
The new measures ensure people’s basic needs to purchase medication and underline the need to accelerate vaccination rates especially for the elderly. They will also ensure smooth logistics and enhance the efforts to protect groups at higher-risk .
Over the recent three years, China has been closely monitoring the changes in the virus and the disease, continuously optimizing the prevention and control strategy and measures based on the situation and looking for the best plan..
China has issued nine editions of COVID-19 control protocols, rolled out a series of measures to optimize pandemic control, and effectively responded to more than 100 regional outbreaks at home and five global resurgences. The country has effectively coped with the uncertain pandemic with stable strategies and flexible control measures.
China’s practice fully indicates that its COVID-19 response has to a very large extent protected the lives and safety of the Chinese people and facilitated people’s life, production and investment.
With the weakening pathogenicity of the Omicron, increasing uptake of vaccination and growing disease response experiences, China’s COVID-19 prevention and control work is facing new situations and new tasks.
The 10 new measures represent further optimization of the country’s ninth edition of COVID-19 control protocols and part of the 20 measures announced in November this year based on the features of the virus and the development of the pandemic.
The optimized measures, which match the new COVID-19 dynamics and the features of the Omicron variant, are expected to make China’s COVID-19 control more science-based and targeted. They will make more efficient use of prevention and control resources, better coordinate epidemic prevention and control with economic and social development, and better ensure people’s life and production as well as the demand for healthcare.
It must be realized that these measures are made proactively, rather than passively. The don’t mean relaxation of COVID-19 control, let alone the so-called “lying flat.”
China has a huge population and a large number of senior residents, as well as massive patients of chronic and underlying diseases. It doesn’t have sufficient medical resources and the distribution of such resources remains uneven between regions.
The new measures target at the features of the dominant variant of the coronavirus in China as well as the epidemiological characteristics. They take into consideration the current COVID-19 dynamics and the assessment on the effectiveness of the current control measures. They also learn from the beneficial experiences accumulated across China.
The 10 new measures are exactly a concrete step taken to implement the people-centered philosophy that puts people and their lives and health in the first place, as well as a step that further optimizes prevention and control measures.
By ramping up the vaccination drive, especially among the elderly, and preparing more medical and healthcare resources, the new measures will enhance China’s capacity in pandemic prevention and control and lay a solid foundation for further optimization.

Tinubu, Sule will win in 2023, says Nasarawa Speaker

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“… as he inaugurates 60 man campaign team…”

Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, has expressed optimism that Sen. Ahmed Bola Tinubu, the Presidential Candidate of APC and Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State will come out victorious in the 2023 general election.

The Speaker stated this while inaugurating his 60- man third term campaign team in Umaisha, Toto LGA of Nasarawa State today.

He said that the APC Government at both the national and state levels have performed well.

The Speaker noted that the election of Tinubu and Sule would consolidate on achievements recorded by the party so far.

“APC is set for victory, no opposition party at the moment is alternative to APC.

” I am here to offically inaugurates my third term campaign team

” I have developed and still developing Umaisha/ Ugya constituency and the entire Toto Local Government Area.

” I have initiated different projects cut across health,, education, agriculture, solar power, electricity, employment, empowerment, road among others.

” I have lobbied for projects to Toto Local Government and Iam doing this to change on your lives positively,” he said.

Balarabe Abdullahi promised to do more, if given another mandate come 2023.

He commended Gov. Abdullahi Sule for his laudable projects in Toto LGA and other parts of the State.

” I want to commend His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule for bringing different projects to Toto LGA and for his efforts in dismantling Darul – Salam terrorists in the area,

” As the peace being enjoyed in Toto LGA today was a result of His Excellency security and my efforts,” he added

The Speaker solicited for the support of all and sundry to enable him, Gov. Sule and Sen Ahmed Bola Tinubu, the APC Presidential candidate to enable them come out victorious in 2023

” I want to call on you all to vote for me , Gov. Abdullahi Sule and Sen.Ahmed Bola Tinubu, the Presidential candidate of APC.

” This is to enable you and others enjoy more dividends of democracy,” he added

The Speaker assured Gov. Sule of his readiness to go to all the nooks and crannies of Toto to mobilise support for Tinubu, Sule and himself.

Besides, the Speaker advised his supporters not to join issues and retaliate to opposition parties insults.

” I want to plead with you not to insult anybody that insulted us. Let’s proof them on the day of election by rejecting them and voting APC in 2023.

Hon Aliyu Abdullahi Tasha, the Executive Chairman of Toto Local Government Area, Alhaji Aliyu Ahmed Tijani, former SSG, Hon Yusuf Musa Omaki, former lawmaker and State Coordinator Tinubu/Shettima in Nasarawa State, Hon Usman Labaran Shafa, member representing Toto/ Gadabuke constituency at the state legislature among others appreciated the Speaker for all his inclusive leadership.

They urged the people of the area to go to all nooks and crannies of the area to campaign for the Speaker, Gov. Sule and Tinubu.

They also urged the people of the area and the state to vote for the Speaker, Gov. Sule and Tinubu 2023 for more development to be achieved.

Juncao contributes to treatment of saline-alkali land in Jiangsu province

By Bai Guangdi, People’s Daily

Yancheng, which literally means the “City of Salt” in Chinese, is located in east China’s Jiangsu province. It is home to more than 455,000 hectares of coastal mud flat, which accounts for 70 percent of the total saline-alkali land of Jiangsu province.

Juncao, which in Chinese literally means “mushroom” and “grass”, can be used to grow edible and medicinal mushrooms. In 2019, Zhang Quanxing, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and professor at the School of Environment of Nanjing University, visited a demonstration base of Juncao in Pingtan county, southeast China’s Fujian province, and learned about the plant’s strong vitality, as well as its high economic and ecological value.

Later, he shared with Lin Zhanxi, chief scientist of the China National Engineering Research Center of Juncao Technology, the idea of planting Juncao grass on the coastal mud flat of Jiangsu province.

In April 2021, Yancheng started growing Juncao grass. Over the past year, the plant has brought about positive changes to the coastal mud flat in the city.

A Juncao test field in Caomiao township, Dafeng district, Yancheng, has planted 10 hectares of Giant Juncao grass, a Juncao grass variety that can grow about five to six meters tall.

The test field was once a piece of salty and barren land where nothing was able to grow.

The Juncao grass is sweet itself, but it tastes salty now because it absorbs the salt in the soil and thus lowers the salt content in the soil, according to Liu Bobin, professor at the Yancheng Teachers University.

Good news from Pingtan county confirmed the impact of Juncao grass. In June this year, a piece of mud flat in Pingtan county saw its salt content drop from 14.7 per mille to 1.3 per mille since it was planted with Juncao grass three years ago by a research team led by Lin.

Yancheng, which has a different climate from Pingtan county, has a higher requirement for the cold hardiness of Juncao grass. At present, researchers are working to cultivate a new variety of Juncao grass that suits the natural environment in Yancheng, so as to better solve the issue of soil salinization in the city.

Apart from improving soil ecology, Juncao grass has also laid a solid foundation for enriching biodiversity in Yancheng.

Yancheng has the world’s largest nature reserve for the protection of elks. Statistics show that over 7,000 elks inhabit the areas along the coastal mud flat in the city, including some 3,000 wild ones.

To ensure the source of food for the animals has always been a topic studied by the nature reserve over recent years, and Juncao grass is considered a substitution for traditional feed.

The nature reserve designated a piece of land as a Juncao test field, and the grass harvested there is fed to some of the elks.

According to Jia Yuanyuan, deputy head of the Yancheng research institute of elks, the animals enjoy eating the Juncao grass. However, it takes further scientific experiments to prove whether Juncao grass can be taken as daily feed for elks, she added.

If the result is positive, it will not only significantly reduce the feeding cost of elks, but also enrich the source of food for wild elk populations, Jia said.

Besides, Juncao grass is also a rich reserve of food for migrant birds staying, breeding or wintering in the city.

The strong capability of Juncao grass in nitrogen and carbon fixation has opened up even bigger prospects for the plant.

It is learned that different from other crops that take in nitrogen from the outside, Juncao grass is able to fix nitrogen in the soil through its photosynthesis, which improves the fertility of the soil and lowers the consumption of fertilizers. It is beneficial to the development of ecological agriculture.

Juncao grass can reduce greenhouse gases as well. “Based on experimental data, the photosynthesis efficiency of Giant Juncao grass is 4 to 21 times higher than that of broad-leaved trees. Each hectare of Giant Juncao grass can absorb more than 100 tons of carbon dioxide each year,” said Lin.

Yancheng would see broad prospects of carbon fixation if it plants Juncao grass on all of its mud flats, the scientist added.

China cultivates world’s first rice seeds in orbit


By Wu Yuehui, Yu Jianbin, People’s Daily
The third batch of space scientific experimental samples from China’s Tiangong space station were delivered to scientists after a return capsule, carrying astronauts of the Shenzhou-14 crew, touched down at the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region on Dec. 4, Beijing Time.
The returned experimental samples included three cold packs of rice and Arabidopsis, and a bag with four boxes of container-free materials.
Rice, the main crop for humans, is a major candidate crop for the life support system in future manned deep space exploration.
Rice breeding under space microgravity is one of the important directions of space botany research. To ensure long-term survival in space, humans must make sure that plants can complete the alternation of generations and successfully reproduce in space.
It was the first time in history that the full life-cycle growth experiment of rice was completed in space. Previously, only thale cress, rape, peas and wheat had successfully grown from seed to seed in the space environment, but the rice had not been able to complete the full growth cycle in such circumstances.
The life-cycle growth experiments of rice were handled by Zheng Huiqiong, a researcher at the Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and her team.
Flowering is a crucial stage for plant reproductive development. The team also systematically studied the effects of microgravity on flowering in space using the model plant Arabidopsis
Several life sciences experiments were done during 120 days in orbit. Experimental seeds of rice completed the entire growth process from seed to seed, and relevant images were acquired from space for analysis. The rice was grown after the pruning and it yielded the second crop of mature seeds in space.
Besides, the experiments also completed the analysis and sampling on seed germination, seedling growth and flowering of Arabidopsis under space microgravity.
Preliminary results showed that rice plants became looser in space with larger leaf angles. Short-grain rice grew shorter while the height of tall-grain rice was not significantly affected. Besides, the spiral upward movement of rice leaf growth controlled by the biological clock was more accentuated in space.
Moreover, the ratooning rice can sprout two ears of rice 20 days after pruning in space, which confirms the possibility of growing ratooning rice in a small closed environment. It has provided new ideas and a solid basis for the efficient production of crops in space.
It marked the first time in the world to apply ratooning rice technologies in space, and is expected to significantly increase the yield of rice per unit of volume.
Scientists for the first time studied the key biological clock-controlled genes that regulate photoperiodic flowering in space. They found that for Arabidopsis, the genes’ response to a microgravity environment is significantly different from that on the ground. It has provided a new direction for using modified flowering genes to make plants better adapt to microgravity in space.

Residents laud CHEC for corporate social responsibility  

 
Residents of Keffi in Nasarawa State have lauded construction company, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) for being responsive to its corporate social responsibility to the people.
 
 
They also commended the company for the pace and quality of the Keffi-Lafia Road which it is currently working on.
 
Also the people lauded the efforts of the Ministry of Works, led by the Minister, Babatunde Fashola, for the commitment towards the fruition of the road project, which is expected to be completed early next year.

A titled leader in Keffi, Mohammed Agwai, was full of gratitude to the company offering its equipment to help him clear out huge trees in his compound just off the Keffi-Lafia Road for a project that would be of benefit to the people of the state.
 
Agwai, who is the Shettiman Keffi, said besides the good quality of work being done by the company on the road it was constructing, it has been alive to its corporate social responsibility to the community where it was working.
 
 
He said, “I was clearing the site for a project. I had to clear the surrounding area which has been bushy with some trees around it and have spent so much money to cut down the trees. In the process of doing that I experienced that I could not uproot the trees from the ground. I tried for two weeks for who to help me do it and there was no headway. We have a time limit to do this. That was what happened and we were looking for how to get this big root out of the way. 
 
 
“I reached out to a friend who reached out. We took advantage of the work, the road construction of Keffi Lafia Road going on. I now had to reach a friend to help us reach out to the company to help us with their machines just to uproot the trees from the ground which it gladly did yesterday to my amazement.
 
“They responded within a very short time. I was so excited. I paid so much already and there was nothing I could do. They came and helped me remove all the roots so we can have the function. We are happy with the company. On behalf of our people, we are glad for this gesture and for building this road.
 
“This road has been a nightmare for so many years. We had so many problems on this road. Congestion, traffic, sometimes the traffic lasts for a whole day. This has been going on. But we are happy now, this road is now going on as if something magical is going on. It is so fast, and we are happy with the construction company. They are very friendly people. We have never had issues with them.
 
 
“They are a very serious company and we hope other companies in Nigeria would emulate them. What they are doing is good. They have been very responsive to the people. I am one of the title holders in Keffi and I can say the responses we get from the people is that the company is doing well. 
 
“This company takes care of their responsibility very well. They do corporate services wherever they are. This is just one of the help they are giving us. Without them I do not know how I would have managed this situation. We thank them and encourage them. In terms of employment, this company has impacted positively on this community. They have employed youths in this community. Most of their local staff and workers are indigenes of Keffi and Nasarawa State. It has improved the economy of the people. The quality of road they have also been doing is of very good standard. 
 
“We also have a message for the Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola. He is doing a  very wonderful job. We can see his passion in him particularly for this road and other roads too. He is driving it with all his energy. We know this project would be completed and delivered by him. We convey all our sincere gratitude to him. He is wonderful. The road has been here for ages until he came to work on this road. And we are very grateful for how it has improved our lives.”
 
Another leader in Keffi, Alhaji Sefiu Rafiu, was also full of gratitude for the CHEC.
 
Rafiu, who is the Pakati Yoruba Keffi said, “The company has been doing very well. It has been doing our work. We have been expecting this road to be done before now, but since this present administration started this work, it has been moving very fine. So there is no problem. We thank God for the company. They have been helping members of the community. They have employed our brothers. And they have improved the economy of this area. We would continue working with them and supporting them to do more.
 
 
Also a woman leader in Keffi, Hajiya Aisha Mohammed, expressed gratitude to the company.
 
“We are happy with what the CHEC is doing in Keffi. They are doing a good job and the road they are constructing is wonderful. Before it was not anything to write home about, but now it is very good and they are doing a good job and people are happy. There is nothing better than what they are doing,” she said.
 
 

NYCN, others pour encomiums on Sen. Akpabio

The National Youth Council of Nigeria, has described the immediate past minister of Niger/delta, Sen. Godswill Akpabio as a leader with quality.

The President of the Council, Dr. Solomon Adodo, stated this at the 2nd Godswill Akpabio leadership and youth mentorship lectures in Abuja, on Friday.

Adodo who expressed satisfaction on the Forensic audit of the Ministry of Niger/Delta Affairs also said it has gone a long way in proving that while Sen. Akpabio held sway in that capacity, he demonstrated high sense of prudence in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s stance against corruption. Stating that the Forensic Audit was the singke largest anti-corruption probe of the administration which put an end to multi-trillion naira looting of the commonwealth of the region and paved way for rapid development.

“Right from time, we knew Sen. Akpabio to be a a man of prudence and unrivalled integrity. The recent forensic audit of the Ministry which did not show any form of financial recklessness further lends credence to our strongly held position. As a result of the new order of development, the Niger Delta region has today become more peaceful under President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Today is a day we are all gathered here to speak to the essence of impactful leadership based on selflessness, integrity and sacrifice for the good of the generality of the people. I can summarize and actually reinforce the long standing phrase that, Sen. Akpabio is truly an uncommon leader throughout all his trajectory of leadership”, Comr. Adodo added.

On his part the keynote speaker, Okpanachi Jacob, applauded the National Youth Council of Nigeria for instituting the Godswill Akpabio Leadership and Youth Mentorship lectures as a pathway for breeding a new generation of disciplined and patriotic leaders, stating that Nigeria needs accountability and development driven public Servants now more than ever.

He therefore charged Nigerians to vote politicians who have patriotic leadership qualities and mentorship capabilities for supporting emerging young leaders. Comr. Okpanachi advised the Youth Council to set up a permanent Leadership and Youth Mentorship Center for the year round training and mentoring of young leaders.

Another speaker at the event Dr. Dominic Ogakwu of the Civil Society Groups for Good Governance noted that what Nigeria lacks is leadership and not leaders as examplified in the public and private conducts of Sen. Akpabio whom he described as an uncommon leader with conscience and passion for the upliftment of the downtrodden.

It will be recall that Sen. Godswill Akpabio, is the immediate past Minister of Niger/Delta affairs, he resigned to aspire for President at the last Presidential Primary of the ruling All Progressive Congress.

The former governor of Akwa-Ibom state was born on the 9th December. Thus the Godswill Akpabio Leadership and Youth Mentorship Lecture witnessed a large turn out of youth leaders who eulogized hus life of uncommon service to the Nigerian nation.