China’s Chengdu strives to build better “15-minute community life circles”

By Song Haoxin, People’s Daily

In 15 minutes, people can walk a kilometer, listen to a couple of songs and browse several short videos. However, in Chengdu, capital of southwest China’s Sichuan province, more can be done in such a short period.

The city has built neighborhoods that enabled its citizens to reach various types of services within a 15-minute walk, such as kindergartens about 100 meters away from residents’ homes, parks for a walk after dinner, nearby shopping streets, and cultural exhibitions that are held in almost every block.

In October 2021, China’s Ministry of Commerce announced the country’s first batch of 30 cities where “15-minute community life circles” would be piloted, and Chengdu was on the list.

The pilot project has brought huge convenience to the people in Chengdu and significantly improved their sense of gain.

Xishulu community is one of the 12 communities in Chengdu to pilot the “15-minute community life circles,” where the idea of “a good life is just outside your doors” is very well explained.

A resident surnamed Ma, who has returned to Chengdu after retiring, now lives in Xishulu community. He quite enjoys living in the pilot community.

“It’s convenient. There are a park, a wet market and a bus station just outside my residential complex. Besides, there’s also a community service center where I can get government services, go shopping and take classes. I learn Chinese painting and calligraphy there. The circle enriches my everyday life,” Ma told People’s Daily.

In the community service center that Ma mentioned, there are a coffee shop, a university for the aged, a canteen, a retail store selling cultural products, an art gallery and other featured businesses.

The center is not only favored by seniors, but also frequented by young people.

“I always visit the community service center after work to have some coffee, go window-shopping and do craft making. It’s a great relaxation,” said a 28-year-old citizen surnamed Liang.

According to an official with the municipal bureau of housing and urban-rural development in Chengdu, the city has established 227 primary-level cultural facilities to build the “15-minute community life circles,” which shall offer not only convenient consumer services, but also accessible cultural experiences for citizens.

So far, the city has built 46 primary-level demonstration cultural centers and carried out beautification programs for 91 communities and over 100 book stores, to build a city-wide network that provides citizens with high-quality public cultural services at their doorsteps.

Chengdu’ Xindu district has developed a mini program that combines online and offline services. On the mini program, citizens can attend classes, watch performances and listen to lectures online.

Besides, to tackle the “last kilometer” problem of public transport, Chengdu launched a community bus service in 2013. Citizens who take the buses with a transit card are eligible to enjoy the service for free.

Different from that of regular bus routes, the average distance between two stations of the community bus service is just around 200 meters, and the stations are close to the gate of community complexes and other populous locations.

At present, 519 buses are running along the routes of the service in Chengdu with nearly 140,000 average passenger volume on a daily basis. Most of the passengers are seniors.

In addition, Chengdu has built multiple greenways, which makes cycling a new fashion in the city.

“The principle of putting people first is a character of public services. Chengdu is going all out to build the ’15-minute community life circles’ in accordance with the resources and industrial features in different districts and counties,” said an official with the Chengdu Municipal Development and Reform Commission.

The city will keep improving its public services system, upgrade the supply of public services, and promote high-quality and balanced development of public services, so as to build itself into a better city that people enjoy living and working in, the official added.

Defaming China’s optimization in COVID-19 response exposes political prejudices of the West

By Zhong Sheng, People’s Daily

China, enhancing the construction and coordination of its medical resources, has taken a series of detailed measures to protect its people’s lives and health to the fullest extent.
The country has converted nucleic acid testing booths into temporary “fever clinics” and launched expansion programs for first-aid centers. It has mobilized hundreds of key enterprises to keep improving the production and supply of major medical materials and guided them to precisely distribute the materials in accordance with infection peaks in different regions. It has also worked to guarantee the prevention and control needs of key regions and high-risk groups.
China has adapted its prevention and control protocols to the evolving situation, coordinated COVID-19 response and economic development in a science-based manner, and shifted its focus from preventing infections to ensuring people’s health and preventing critical cases. The adjustment is scientific, timely and necessary.
However, some media outlets in the West, turning a blind eye to the facts and ignoring science, viciously defamed the adjustment in China’s COVID-19 response, which completely deviates from the professional ethics of journalism and has no credibility at all.
COVID-19 is a major test for every country. Since its outbreak, China has always followed the principle of putting people and their lives above everything. It has gathered all available resources to protect the life and health of every Chinese citizen, withstanding rounds of resurgences and successfully getting over the toughest time.
The country has issued nine editions of prevention and control plans and diagnosis and treatment plans, which has helped it avoid the widespread infections of the original strain and the Delta variant that are relatively more pathogenic than the other variants.
As a result, the numbers of critical cases and deaths have been significantly reduced, and the country has won valuable time in vaccination and medicine development, as well as the preparation of medical resources.
China has kept its COVID-19 severe cases and death rates among the lowest in the world. Despite the pandemic, average life expectancy in China went up from 77.3 to 78.2 years. Even when the global Human Development Index dropped for two years straight, China went up six places on the Index.
The optimization of China’s COVID-19 prevention and control measures mirrors the country’s scientific and practical attitude.
At present, the virulence and pathogenicity of the Omicron variant have significantly declined, and China is continuously improving its capability in terms of medical treatment, pathogen detection and vaccination.
It was under such a background that China optimized its prevention and control measures and downgraded its management of COVID-19 from Class A to Class B.
The optimization came in time and is of great necessity. It is a strategic and visionary move to coordinate the COVID-19 response and the development of the economy and society at a higher efficiency, and to protect the fundamental interests of the people.
Every country needs to go through an adaptation period when adjusting the COVID-19 prevention and control measures, and China is no exception.
Under the joint efforts of all relevant parties, China’s COVID-19 situation is within expectations and controllable. Local authorities and relevant departments are working actively to expand medical resources, establish a hierarchical diagnosis and treatment system, improve the supply of medicines, and gather all resources to protect high-risk groups such as seniors with underlying diseases, women in maternity and children.
International personages that are objective and impartial believe that China has gained enough experiences and is well-prepared for the COVID-19 response. They said the country is capable of ensuring a smooth transition.
Facts have proved that China’s optimization in its COVID-19 response measures is by no means “lying flat.” Those who have “laid flat” are exactly some Western countries that enjoy abundant medical resources.
These Western countries had already succumbed to the virus. They prematurely removed the face mask mandate, stopped quarantining the infected and abandoned the tracking of close contacts. They failed to formulate solutions to the social problems caused by the wide spread of the virus, which finally led to the loss of lives and health of the people.
According to a report issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S., the life expectancy of Americans dropped for the second year in a row in 2021, declining nearly a year from 2020 to 2021. The decline in life expectancy was attributed primarily to mortality from COVID-19, the report said.
Surrendering itself to COVID-19, the U.S. has triggered a trauma that’s almost incurable to its society. Over a million Americans died because of the virus, which exposed the systemic flaws of the U.S. government in responding to public health crises.
By defaming China’s optimization in COVID-19 response measures, some Western media laid bare their deep-rooted political prejudices. Over the past three years, they ignored China’s achievements in pandemic control and attacked every single control policy released by China.
From smearing China on the COVID-19 origin tracing to fabricating the so-called “lab leak” rumor, and to pointing fingers at China’s optimization in control measures, they have made the pandemic response an ideological issue. They are addicted to putting politics first and following double standards, which has severely damaged the global unity in fighting COVID-19.
China has always put people and their lives first. It is sincerely protecting the health and well-being of the Chinese people and assisting the international community to fight COVID-19. With the solidarity of over 1.4 billion Chinese people and the support of an increasingly strong national strength, China and its people will finally secure a victory over the virus.
(Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People’s Daily to express its views on foreign policy and international affairs.)

Openness an intrinsic path toward global prosperity and development

By He Yin, People’s Daily

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement took effect for Indonesia on Jan. 2, which means the freetrade pact has taken effect for 14 of its 15 members so far.
It fully indicated the huge appeal and vitality of the RCEP will inject new impetus into regional economic integration.
As the world’s most promising free trade area covering the largest population and boasting the most diverse membership, the RCEP has released constant dividends through tariff reduction and expanding market access over the past year.
It has facilitated the free flow and efficient gathering of the factors of production, made closer the trade and investment cooperation among its members, and contributed to higher- and deeper-level regional economic integration.
The trade pact has injected strong positive energy into the prosperous development of the region and even the world at large, and brought tangible benefits to enterprises and people.
According to statistics, the exports of Korea and Singapore to other RCEP members grew by 18.7 percent and 19.1 percent in the first half of 2022, respectively. In the first nine months of 2022, the trade volume between Thailand and other RCEP members increased 10.1 percent year on year.
Auramon Supthaweethum, head of the Department of Trade Negotiations under Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce, said the most obvious benefit of the RCEP’s implementation is that the trade pact has boosted trade between its members and further facilitated regional economic integration.
Indonesian Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan noted the RCEP is expected to increase technology transfer and boost the development of supply chain in the region by expanding exports of goods and services.
Despite the fluctuations in global investment, most RCEP members have seen rapid growth in the utilization of foreign direct investment. The Asian Development Bank recently lifted its forecasts for economic growth in Southeast Asia, which to some extent reflected the positive impacts from the RCEP on regional and national economic development.
As the largest RCEP economy, China champions true multilateralism and follows open regionalism. It has worked with relevant parties to advance the high-quality implementation of the RCEP, so as to make the world’s largest free trade area release more dividends.
From promoting the development of trade of goods and ensuring that preferential rules of origin play their roles, to implementing customs procedure and trade facilitation rules at a high standard and further opening up the service trade sector, China has continued working with relevant parties to advance trade facilitation and investment liberalization.
In the first 11 months of 2022, China’s total trade with other RCEP members reached 11.8 trillion yuan ($1.71 trillion), up 7.9 percent year on year and accounting for 30.7 percent of China’s total imports and exports.
According to a report released by the HSBC in November the last year, 93 percent of the surveyed enterprises said their trade with China might increase in the future, and over 40 percent of the respondents expected that their business in China would increase by at least 30 percent in 2023.
The Asia-Pacific has entered a key stage of post-pandemic recovery. Economies in the region are seeing disorders in the supply chain, tension in food and energy supply, as well as increased pressure from inflation.
Under such a background, RCEP members have worked hand in hand to promote the implementation of the comprehensive, modern, high-quality and mutually beneficial free trade pact. Together, they have sent a positive signal of safeguarding multilateralism, following open cooperation, promoting free trade and striving for common prosperity. It is not only significant to the RCEP members, but also will inject new impetus into the in-depth development of economic globalization.
Peter Drysdale, head of the East Asian Bureau of Economic Research at the Australian National University, pointed out that the RCEP has already demonstrated its potential of projecting Asian dividends to the globe in its first year of implementation.
Openness is a key driving force behind the progress of human civilizations and an intrinsic path toward global prosperity and development. China will keep staying committed to a win-win strategy of opening-up, open up more sectors of the economy in a more thorough fashion, and provide new opportunities for the rest of the world with its own development.
The country is willing to work with all relevant parties to implement the RCEP at a high standard, promote the building of an open world economy, and create bright prospects for the future of the world through openness.

Seattle’s Ocean Pavilion brings marine conservation, sustainability to the forefront

By Abdulhammed Sakariyau Korede

The ongoing construction of the Seattle Aquarium Ocean Pavilion is minimizing the use of toxic and ecologically harmful materials such as plastics, vinyls, biocides, and other red-list materials throughout to create a public monument geared to environmental sustainability and marine conservation.

The project, led by LMN Architects, is the first substantial addition to the aquarium since 2007. The new construction includes 4645 m2 (50,000 sf) of immersive living exhibits, back-of-house elements, theatrical spaces, and views of the surrounding natural landscape and the urban waterfront.

The main materials being used in the construction are FSC Alaskan Yellow Cedar (harvested from tribally owned and managed forests) for the façade, concrete, curtain wall, insulated glass units, composite metal panels, a carpet created from old fishing nets, acrylic glazing for habitat windows, and paper composite sheet material.

To honor sustainability, one of the core institutional values of the Seattle Aquarium, other design and construction strategies include the use of electrification, and the elimination of fossil fuels, embodied carbon reduction, and heat sharing between the life support and building systems.

Design-wise, the pavilion is to serve as an armature for immersive living exhibits, ecological experiences, exposed back-of-house elements, theatrical spaces, and hands-on exploration. It includes well-placed views of the surrounding landscape and urban waterfront, which connect local stories to the interpretive experiences. Within this context, the design moves away from the traditional “theater of ecosystems” model of aquarium design and acknowledges the rich interplay between human life and ocean life while offering a working model of a thriving human culture that fosters a prosperous marine environment and ocean ethic.

To visibly honor and acknowledge the Aquarium’s location on the traditional lands of the Coast Salish peoples, the project team worked closely with local tribes and Indigenous communities to inform and shape the programming, design, and cultural framework for the building, landscape, exhibits, and public art. Engagement included hearing traditional stories from tribal elders, workshops with tribal youth, and regular design sessions with Indigenous consultants.

“The site of the Seattle Aquarium Ocean Pavilion is a prominent place in the new waterfront where the waterfront public spaces, the connection to Pike Place Market, and proximity to the Salish Sea intersect. It is a place of importance in the urban framework,” said Mark Reddington, Partner, LMN Architects, “The Ocean Pavilion as the connecting piece in this location demonstrates Seattle’s commitment to fighting climate change. At a time when the world is struggling with massive environmental challenges, and when Seattle is transforming its central waterfront to be integrated with the ecology of the ocean, this project capitalizes on that convergence to elevate the public experience, understanding, and support for the health of the world’s ocean.”

Miami firm partners Islands of Bahamas to promote Ocean conservation

By Olubusi Olakayode Nifemi

After a successful run in 2022, Miami’s immersive underwater wonderland, Hidden Worlds Entertainment Inc. – an impactainment company creating attractions with a purpose – is teaming up with The Islands of The Bahamas to present, ‘Our Ocean, Our Future’, an educational and entertaining marine journey to promote planet stewardship and bring awareness to ocean conservation. After much anticipation, the riveting oceanic adventure will come to life from Wednesday, February 15 – Wednesday, March 4, 2023 at Ampersand Studios located in one of Miami’s most iconic neighborhoods, Wynwood.

The “Our Ocean, Our World” experience will engage senses (smell, sight, sound) of guests through immersive art displays.

‘Our Ocean, Our Future’, an educational & entertaining marine journey to promote planet stewardship and bring awareness to ocean conservation. Wednesday, February 15 – Wednesday, March 4, 2023. Presented by Hidden Worlds Entertainment and The Islands of The Bahamas in Miami, Florida.

‘Our Ocean, Our Future’, an educational & entertaining marine journey to promote planet stewardship and bring awareness to ocean conservation. Wednesday, February 15 – Wednesday, March 4, 2023. Presented by Hidden Worlds Entertainment and The Islands of The Bahamas in Miami, Florida.

Using the latest digital projection technology, 360-degree audio environments and immersive fine-dining, Hidden Worlds showcases the wonders of the world’s at-risk ocean ecosystems. The “Our Ocean, Our World” experience will engage the senses (smell, sight, and sound) of guests through immersive art displays.

Daniel Hettwer, Hidden Worlds Entertainment CEO, is thrilled to unite with The Bahamas, a destination sharing the same philosophy to ultimately save the ocean.

“Everyone is drawn in by the outward beauty of The Bahamas and in this case, we’re focusing on the ‘inner beauty,’ specifically their conservation efforts. The nation has been a leader in banning single use plastics and has always prioritized shark conservation,” said Daniel Hettwer. “Our charity partner, Beneath the Waves, has discovered the world’s largest seagrass meadow by studying tiger shark migration patterns. This area is estimated to be the world’s largest blue carbon sink benefiting all of humanity. It is unlikely that this discovery would have been made without shark conservation by The Bahamas.”

In theme of their new partnership with The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, the Hidden Worlds’ ‘Our Ocean, Our Future’ experience will give attendees even more climactic scenery, cutting-edge technology and interactive experiences including:

Art Installations by local Miami and Bahamian artists such as famed Bahamian muralist, Angelika Wallace-Whitfield and AI Art powerhouse Seyhan Lee, who will showcase an innovative coral experience.

An Immersive Dining Experience with Hidden Worlds’ Executive Chef, Scott Linquist (Co-Founder of COYO Taco and Serena Rooftop) and Bahamian, Executive Chef, Kevyn Pratt (previously of Baha Mar) with an ocean positive, multi-course menu, inspired by the flavors of The Bahamas. Throughout the evening, a dinner will be orchestrated where the tables will come alive as the dishes, marine-themed cocktails by Bahamian mixologist, Marv “Mr. Mix Cunningham” and projections will be synced together for a coordinated experience.

Two seatings will be held Wednesday through Sunday, with limited capacity available (a vegan menu is also available upon request).
A 360-degree photographic experience allowing guests to surround themselves in the deepest oceans and most majestic mangroves, while learning the impact they have on the world.
Daytime shows will be held from 12:00 P.M. 5:00 P.M. daily while the two immersive fine-dining experiences begin at 6:00 P.M. and 8:30 PM Wednesday through Sunday evenings. In addition, following dinner on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, the underwater wonderland will feature an extended lounge experience, where the underwater wonderland will be synced to the music of some of Miami’s top DJs.

“It’s no secret that our oceans play a pivotal role in sustaining the world we live in”, said the Hon. I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation for The Islands of The Bahamas. “The Bahamas is committed to continuing to advocate for and participate in ocean conservation initiatives such as this educational experience that shines a very important light, bringing awareness to the importance of protecting and preserving the ocean.”

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Daytime tickets will start at $19 per child and $29 per adult. Children under four years old will be granted free entry. Dinner experience options featuring multi-course menu and cocktail pairings, begin at $240 per person. A percentage of ticket sales will benefit Beneath the Waves, a non-profit organization is dedicated to promoting ocean health using science and technology to catalyze ocean policy and protect threatened species.

About Hidden Worlds Entertainment, Inc
Hidden Worlds Entertainment, Inc. builds impactainment™ experiences creating world-positive impact via immersive art and entertainment. Our mission is to promote planet stewardship and bring awareness to ocean conservation. For more information, please visit

Lt Gen Farouq Yahaya And The Iconic Journey So Far

By Adedoyin Abayomi

Right from the era of antiquity up until the present age, records have shown that the leadership pattern of a leader is a function of the general wellbeing of the subject he leads and even the territorial integrity of the land. A prominent military juggernaut, General Norman Schwarzkopf, a man who exhibited stellar leadership qualities in the United States Army, once said, and I quote, “It doesn’t take a hero to order men into battle. It takes a hero to be one of those men who goes into battle.” Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States and former Army Colonel, once quoted that, “If there is not a war, you don’t get the great generals; if there is not a great occasion, you don’t get a great statesman; if Lincoln had lived in a time of peace, no one would have known his name.”
Lt. General Farouk Yahaya is a fantastic example of the above quotes. He has a humble, meek, and unassuming personality and has absolute respect for the Nigerian state and humanity in general. A passionate leader who adheres strictly to the philosophies of collectivism and idealism. Throughout his military career, he has demonstrated that he is a leader who strictly adheres to legitimacy, credibility, and moral authority and possesses a can-do attitude. He believes that the security of lives and property is a vital ingredient in any innovative and aspiring society. Lt.-General Farouk is a perfect gentleman, a game changer, who has an eagle eye for the Nigerian state. A complete compatriot who has been working diligently to defend the territorial integrity of the country. A statesman to the core. A cursory look at his antecedent in the Nigerian Army affirms that he is a man of many colors. He is a man who believes in the supremacy of God and coordinates himself in accordance with His will. Officers and men in the Nigerian Army can attest that he has no room for religious fanaticism, which is why he is loved by all. His big heart for giving and donating to those in need is obviously unrivaled.
Before being appointed as the 22nd Chief of Army Staff by President Buhari, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya was the Theatre Commander of Operation HANDI KAI, whose primary mission was to combat insurgency and terrorism in the highbrow areas of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He enrolled in the prestigious Nigerian Defense Academy’s 37 Regular Course. He began his cadet training on September 27, 1985, and was commissioned into the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 22, 1990. His visionary leadership made him eligible to be appointed to the following prestigious offices: Headquarters Joint Task Force, Garrison Commander, Headquarter Guards Brigade, Deputy Director Army Research and Development, and Directing Staff at the Army Forces Command, Brigade and College (AFCSC). In other capacities, he served as Military Secretary, Principal General Staff Officer to the Honourable Minister of Defense, the commander, Headquarters 4 Brigade, and 29 Task Force (Operation Zaman Lafiya), and General Officer Commanding (GOC). 1 Division of the Nigerian Army. Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya holds a master’s degree in international affairs and diplomacy.
In 2021, President Muhammadu Buhari placed a search light on the Nigerian Army to see who was absolutely qualified to oversee the activities of the Nigerian Army, especially to crackdown on the insurgency that had bedeviled the nation. The light beamed on him, and he was appointed. His antecedents spoke for him. President Buhari, having a military background, knew that Lieutenant General Farouk had the experience, charisma, and wherewithal to deliver. A lot of things were put in place immediately after he took office as Chief of Army Staff, and the record shows that the country’s security posture has taken a commendable shape today. In office, he has been known for his leadership strategy, foresight, re-invigoration, and, of course, the internal working strategy of the Nigerian Army. In spite of the daunting challenges of the present day, like kidnapping, terrorism, pipeline vandalism, farmer-herder clashes, and a host of others, the Chief of Army Staff has shown professionalism at its peak, inspiring men and officers alike to be patriotic and resolute in the defense of the nation. More often than not, he has buttressed the importance of teamwork, discipline, and focus in the field of war, and all of these have helped gallant soldiers in the fight against insurgency in the North East and other parts of the country. If you randomly sample the opinion of the general public, I am confident that the majority will attest to the fact that security of life and property has significantly improved. The lieutenant has proven to Nigerians and indeed the world that the country can be very safe and, of course, a haven for citizens and even foreigners to do their businesses. I recently traveled along the Abuja-Kaduna route and found a heavy presence of military personnel, and I asked myself this question: “Has this road not been a dead zone and no-go area in the recent past?” The journey was quite smooth. I saw commuters ply the same road and businessmen and women going about their legal business. This is happening in the administration of Lieutenant-General Farouk Yahya.
Another thing the gallant officer is known for is the healthy and symbiotic relationship he established between the Nigerian Army and other security operatives, namely, the Police, Department of State Security, Navy, Air Force, and even the community-based security outfits. The synergy that has existed among these security outfits has since brought about significant results in battling insecurity. Definitely, this officer, who wouldn’t want the labor of our heroes past to be in vain, is apparently writing his name on the sand of time, which will definitely be indelible. Military formations are equipped with modern weapons that meet international standards; officers are given better field training; and there is a visible infrastructure development drive that will invariably improve the living conditions of the gallant soldiers in the field and their families. It can be succinctly said that this officer has reorganized the military with his wealth of experience as a soldier and uncommon wisdom. The president, in his wisdom, chose this officer to pilot the affairs of the Army, and for me, this is one of the nicest decisions that has been taken in the current administration. Without mincing words, he is one of the finest in recent history.
This man of valor garnered meritorious awards like the Meritorious Service Star, Forces Service Star, Distinguished Service Star, Pass Staff Course (Dagger), National Defense College Golden Jubilee Medal, Silver Jubilee Medal, Field Command of Honor, Economic Community of West African State Monitoring Group Medal, and a host of others. Now, let us analyze these prestigious awards critically, without any sentiment of any kind: it takes a man of repute and impact to get them; it takes an officer with great knowledge and who has explored to deserve them. This alone has inspired other officers and soldiers in the Nigerian Army to stay focused and make a significant impact. Leiutenant General Farouk is a hero whose image has undoubtedly launched him onto the world stage when it comes to military capacity, and generations to come will read about him and his stellar qualities of humility, doggedness, intelligence, compassion, and patriotism. On a final note, whichever way one decides to look at it, Farouk Yahaya is an accomplished man, Nigerian, and military officer. His good works will continue to speak for his children, the Nigerian Army, Nigeria, and this generation. Shannon Adler once said, ”Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.” Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya has carved his name on the hearts of many Nigerians, and they will surely share fantastic stories about him. Happy Birthday to a true General.

Abayomi is a public affairs analyst based in Lagos.

We are withdrawing our support to Obi over alleged ties with IPOB separatist terrorists

…Nigerian youths asked to resist such candidates

A political organization, The National Peace Movement (NPM) has informed the public of its immediate withdrawal of support for Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate, Peter Obi over what it described as his “blatant refusal to condemn the atrocious activities of the terrorist separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)” in the southeast region of the country.

The group is stated that it is in the public good for all other well meaning Nigerian youths to reject candidates with pro-separatist ideological thoughts.

This medium recalls that Obi became heavily linked to terrorist separatist group, IPOB, and its militia unit, Eastern Security Network, ESN after he avowed never to condemn the group despite its heinous crimes and the federal government’s proscription. The former Anambra state governor further compounded reports that he is the patron of the group when he declared that he lives with members of the terrorist separatist group.

According to the National Peace Movement in a statement issued in Lagos on Thursday by its National Co-Ordinator, Revd Arome Johnson, the Movement called on Nigerians youths, to stop further mobilization for the Labour Party flagbearer following his failure to weigh in on the worsening attacks on the electorates and electoral infrastructure in the southeast by IPOB and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

The statement further pointed out that IPOB and ESN are also assassinating citizens that they perceived as opposed to their anticipated forceful takeover of the government at the federal level by Peter Obi, being of the same ethnic extraction as them and in pursuit of their realization of the defunct Biafra republic.

“Our movement is worried that Obi has avoided condemning IPOB/ESN’s atrocious crimes even when each successive attack makes it clearer that the terrorists/separatists are bent on jeopardizing the General Elections in his home region. Obi’s silence over this unfolding development, therefore, suggests that his anticipated pathway to the presidency does not include emergence through a popular vote, which makes him a dangerous anti-democratic force,” it stated.

“Furthermore, Obi’s campaign has done nothing to distance his candidacy from the online rants of pro-IPOB/ESN accounts Social media accounts that had run IPOB propaganda online are the ones now campaigning for Peter Obi, a clear indication that the relationship between the Labour Party candidate and the terrorists is systematic rather than random.

“We note that in addition to staying mute in the face of the threats posed to the General Elections by his kinsmen, the Labour Party presidential candidate has taken his support for the terrorists further by structuring his campaign activities in the southeast region to align with the damaging sit-at-home blockade declared by IPOB and enforced by ESN/unknown-gunmen. A confirmation of this is evident in how Peter Obi’s campaign avoided scheduling any engagement for Mondays, the day that the terrorists enforce the sit-at-home.

“Consequently, we now know that Obi has placed his ambition above the unity, safety, and corporate integrity of Nigeria, above the blood of innocent citizens being shed by IPOB/ESN across the southeast, and above successfully conducting peaceful and fair elections. We also find it alarming that Obi has in the last couple of weeks garnered endorsements from treacherous individuals that have a history of pitching Nigerians against each other along ethnic and sectarian lines, which is a red flag that he would subjugate other regions of Nigeria to the southeast,” the statement added.

The movement tendered an unreserved apology to Nigerians, especially to families that have been bereaved or impacted by IPOB/ESN’s criminality in recent months, for supporting Peter Obi’s presidential bid in the last few months.

It explained that its earlier support for Obi assumed that he was the best among the lot but after realizing that he has refused to condemn IPOB/ESN’s rising criminality in the three months and has rather become sympathetic to the separatist group, it, therefore, called on other groups that believe in Nigeria to “withdraw their support for Obi and candidates seeking other posts but support separatist ideology in the country.”

The movement advised the Nigerian youth to stop further mobilization for Peter Obi as he has persistently failed to demonstrate that he can stop being a patron of separatist terrorists.

2023 Census: Clergy Commends NPC Management on Preparations

…Sues for cooperation from stakeholders

As preparations for the forthcoming national census gathers steam, the college of Bishops, Imams and Clergy Councils (CBICC) have passed a vote of confidence on the management of the National Population Commission (NPC) for its commitment to the successful conduct of the census slated later in the year.

Addressing a press conference at the Charity House Abuja on Thursday, the group General Secretary, Bishop Abel King noted with satisfaction the level of preparedness of the commission under the leadership of Alh Nasir Isa Kwara.
“Nigerians are anxiously awaiting a successful outing because the commission has demonstrated capacity to deliver on her mandate within the time frame and resources available”

“We all agree that census is a precursor to national development and Nigeria is long overdue for an accurate census which is the only way to gather reliable and accurate data for sustainable development”, the group maintained.

Giving further insights on the importance of national census to the development of the country, the clergy noted that all over the world civilization can only be possible with effective and reliable data. “It is this accurate data that attracts international donors, investors, both and local and foreign as well as help government with the distribution of resources and key infrastructure . “Without accurate data, there can be no meaningful development the group insisted.

“The forth coming census gives Nigerians the opportunity to be counted in order to fast-track development”

As clergymen with direct roots to the masses, we understand our role in creating awareness among our people to actively participate in this historic exercise so that government can have the needed statistics to offer dividends of democracy”

“The overall success of the 2023 national census exercise is a collective responsibility of all Nigerians beyond ethnicity, tribe and religion ” our involvement as clergy in creating awareness for the census among our people is a national call to duty and this forms the basis for the media briefing today” We must take back the message to our people in mosques churches, and everywhere to ensure that we get it right at the end of the exercise “

The group comprising of both Islamic and christian clerics announced a special day of prayer rally for the commission to succeed in the forthcoming census exercise” we have to come back here and pray in solidarity for a successful national census slated a few months away ” we will invite you and fellow Nigerians accordingly “

While commending president Buhari for his tremendous support to the Commission , the group noted that the census exercise will be one of Buhari’s greatest legacies bequeathed to this generation of Nigerians ” A credible census will place us on a whole new pedestal for sustainable development”

“We call on all stakeholders, media , civil society ,students , labor unions and all compatriots to join in the sensitisation of the masses in order to make the best of the exercise”.

China’s optimization of control measures lays solid foundation for COVID-19 response

By Zhong Yin, People’s Daily

Local authorities and relevant departments in China have been making unremitting efforts recently to ensure the supply of medical resources, satisfy the demand for medicines and focus on the prevention and treatment of high-risk groups, building a solid defense line against COVID-19 that protects people’s health.
They have expanded medical resources by converting nucleic acid testing booths into temporary “fever clinics” that provide nearby medical services for the people. Prescriptions can be filled online nowadays by doctors based on a diagnosis and treatment protocol and a guideline on home treatment.
Besides, the supply of major medicines has increased. Pharmaceutical enterprises are guided by authorities to stabilize and expand production, and distribute medicines in an orderly and targeted manner.
When COVID-19 broke out in 2020, China went all out to relieve the pandemic, mobilizing the most excellent doctors, most advanced equipment and other urgently needed resources. Facing resurgences mainly caused by the Delta variant in 2021, the country activated an emergency command system and established expert teams for the epidemiological investigation that identified, screened and targeted people at risk, so as to minimize the impacts of the virus on economic and social development.
Since March 2022, to deal with the highly infectious Omicron variant, China has requested nucleic acid testing to be completed within 24 hours, and promoted a monitoring model combined with antigen detection and nucleic acid tests.
Facts have proved that every optimization of China’s prevention and control measures was based on the experiences achieved by the country through its previous practices. The country has made full preparations for dealing with issues it had discovered.
Besides, China always follows a people-centered way to resume work and normal life and better guarantee the safety of key groups such as the elderly and children.
China has withstood rounds of impacts from COVID-19 over the recent three years and earned valuable windows of opportunity as the virulence of coronavirus variants continuously declined. More time was given to effective medicine development, improved medical treatment and mass vaccination.
Entering a new phase of COVID-19 prevention and control, China is closely watching the features of the virus to keep abreast of the situation.
It has worked to expand vaccination and medicine supply, enhance the construction of medical and prevention systems and improve its capability in emergency response. These efforts have all created conditions for the country to downgrade its management of COVID-19 from Class A to Class B.
China’s optimization of its prevention and control measures, which is based on its meticulous examination of the current situation, is necessary, correct and responsible. The country is well prepared, and its move of COVID-19 control measures is by no means passive or laissez-faire.
Downgrading the management of COVID-19 from Class A to Class B doesn’t suggest that all prevention and control measures would come to a stop, but that the country will continue enhancing relevant services.
At present, China is further expanding its supply of medical resources and services to cope with the rising demand for fever clinics. It is leveraging community-based health institutions and internet hospitals to offer more convenient health services for people.
Facing the surging need for medicines, the country is working to further ensure the stable and orderly production of pharmaceutical enterprises, release production capacity and supply the people with adequate medicines.
“We have now entered a new phase of COVID response where tough challenges remain. Everyone is holding on with great fortitude, and the light of hope is right in front of us. Let’s make an extra effort to pull through, as perseverance and solidarity mean victory,” said Chinese President Xi Jinping in his 2023 New Year Address.
It is believed that as long as China remains vigilant and makes unremitting efforts to implement its COVID-19 response measures, and comprehensively improves its prevention and treatment capability, the country will surely secure the final victory over the virus.

China makes solid steps toward strong space presence

By Feng Hua, Du Yifei, People’s Daily

From realizing in-orbit stay to launching the Mars exploration mission, and from upgrading its launch vehicles to retrieving lunar samples with its Chang’e-5 probe, China’s space industry has entered a “fast lane” of innovative development over the recent years.
China is making solid steps toward a strong space presence. The country has witnessed leapfrog development in its aerospace technology and significant improvement in its launch capability, which indicates comprehensive breakthroughs in space science, technology and application.
Independent innovation holds the key to China’s success in aerospace. China unswervingly takes self-reliance and self-improvement efforts in science and technology as strategic support for developing its aerospace industry, and has achieved remarkable accomplishments in a series of major projects, which significantly improved its comprehensive strength in aerospace.
China’s three-step lunar exploration program of orbiting and landing, and bringing back samples wrapped up successfully. The Chang’e-4 probe made the first-ever soft landing on the moon’s uncharted side never visible from Earth, and the Chang’e-5 completed China’s first attempt to retrieve samples from an extraterrestrial body.
The construction of the country’s space station has been finished. Chinese taikonauts completed China’s first in-orbit crew rotation in the space station, which marked the beginning of the country’s long-term presence in space.
The BeiDou-3 Navigation Satellite System, a major item of infrastructure independently constructed and operated by China, was put into use. A high-resolution Earth observation system program was completed as scheduled, enabling high-spatial-resolution, high-temporal-resolution and high-spectrum-resolution earth observation.
Besides, the Tianwen-1 probe of China is the first in the world to carry out an orbiting, landing and rovering mission on Mars successfully on its maiden attempt, making China one of the most advanced countries in planetary exploration.
The application of aerospace technology mirrors China’s achievements and creates a better life.
China has widely applied satellite communication, navigation and remote sensing in the livelihood sector. The country has over 500 satellites currently in orbit and its civil space infrastructure has been constantly improved.
According to statistics, Chinese communication satellites are providing TV services for 140 million families in remote areas, and the country’s high-throughput satellites enable internet services at speeds higher than 100 megabytes at a height of over 10,000 meters.
The BeiDou system has served over seven million operational vehicles and 40,000 marine fishing boats. China’s remote sensing satellites are serving over 10,000 clients at home and over 100 foreign countries, strengthening the emergency monitoring of major natural disasters around the world.
Besides, over 2,000 aerospace technologies have been employed to serve the development of smart cities, smart energy and smart robotics, so as to better meet people’s demand for a better life.
The peaceful utilization of the space has always been a principle followed by China, and international exchange and cooperation remains a development direction of the country in its aerospace exploration.
China always upholds a vision of equality, mutual benefit, peaceful utilization, and inclusive development in the development of aerospace for the benefit of all humanity.
The China National Space Administration has built platforms to launch cooperation with overseas aerospace organizations, enterprises and research departments.
For instance, the Chang’e-4 probe carried international payloads from Germany, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, and Sweden, and China also worked with France and Austria during the Tianwen-1 mission. Such cooperation created opportunities for Chinese and foreign scientists to jointly explore the space, launch scientific experiments and carry out technical verification.
China has helped other developing countries boost their space science and research.
It has built satellite research and development infrastructure with countries including Egypt, Pakistan and Nigeria. Adopting an active strategy that encourages relevant enterprises to seek global development, China is one of the few countries in the world that export satellites.
It will also work with relevant countries, international organizations and its global partners for the construction of an international lunar research station.
In the next five to 10 years, China will continue carrying out lunar projects. The Chang’e-6, Chang’e-7 and Chang’e-8 missions have all been planned. Besides, the country will keep launching planetary exploration missions, such as retrieving samples from an asteroid, a Mars sample-return mission, and a Jovian system exploration mission.
Exploring the vast universe is a common dream of all humankind. It is believed that as China continues to build itself into a space power, the country will contribute more to the well-being and a better future of mankind with more achievements in space exploration and technology.