News
Visit to Qinshan Village- The Low Carbon future village
Visit to Qinshan Village- The Low Carbon future village
By: Augustine Wereuche Praise
Qingshan Village is located in the northeast of Huanghu Town, Yuhang District, in Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province China. Qingshan Village covers an area of 45.6 km2. The village has three medium-sized reservoirs, with approximately 80% of the land area covered by forests. This village has become a popular destination due to its ongoing environmental protection activities and lifestyle improvement policies. It is one of China’s Low Carbon Village pilot programs. Our visit to this awesome village during the summer was both exciting and special.

Upon arrival in the village, we were greeted by a guide, who welcomed us with a smile and took us to the guest reception area. The guide then provide us with a concise overview of the village’s main features, the ongoing activities and the villagers’ intended outcomes. From the information provided by the guide, we got to understand that the village was a pilot project initiated by Zhejiang Province with the idea of achieving a net zero carbon city. The village had previously experienced a significant environmental challenge which impacted the primary source of community water supply. This pollution was caused by the use of fertilizers and pesticides by the local farmers. From 2014 to 2023, the village underwent significant development. Initially, there was a strong emphasis on water and environmental protection. This was followed by the creation of an art and design village. The third stage was characterized by significant government intervention. The government provided funding for the renovation of the village infrastructure and the construction of the public spaces. As a result of these development, the living standard of the village has greatly improved.

Additionally, the village has begun to attract tourists and young people from China and abroad.
After the brief introduction, we left the room to visit the Art and Design Library. This material library was a project executed by Chris, a German designer, in collaboration with two other people. The objective of the design team was to foster cultural creativity among the villagers. The library showcased a variety of arts and crafts created using locally sourced materials. The library serves as a platform for integrating indigenous arts and craftsmanship with modern design styles. This activity helps preserve local crafts skills while fostering anenvironment of learning for villagers on how to apply their local craftsmanship with contemporary arts.

Additionally, the library has been observed to attract a diverse range of visitors and design companies to the village. It is a place where you can explore weaving culture, tie- die techniques, and coloring methods, which helps to preserve local craft skills and enhance the livelihood of the villagers.
The design library and other ongoing projects have become a source of interest for young people, while also helping to reduce the rate of constant influx of young people to the city. The library’s collection includes both modern and contemporary art, which helps to ensure the preservation of local artistic traditions.
Following the visit to the library we proceeded to the conflict resolution area. This is where the villagers could sit together to resolve any conflicts or disagreements regarding the maintenance of the village. It is also used as a forum to discuss potential improvements to the village. It helps creates an atmosphere where everyone opinion could be heard; all disputes are said to be settled here. This providesvillagers with a platform actively engage in their community, ensuring they feel valued and protected from external influences.
The next destination was the Qingshan Nature School, which is led by Principal Jill Quan. The school provides education on environmental protection to young people. It also offers a free nature summer camp for children every year, which enabled children to learn about the nature and how important it is to ensure the environment is protected.

Later, we took a short hike to go see the river, The river was the primary source of water for the villagers. It has been under various treatments. The objective is to enhance the water quality of the river, which was previously severely polluted.

The contamination is the result of the use of artificial fertilizers and pesticides. Upon arrival, everywhere looked so neat and well organized. The river area has been decorated with artistic paintings and protected with some walls. Some technology effect was also added to the river area. Visitors can scan a QR code and then get a short-animated story of the village history. I found this to be really cool and interesting. There were also some warning signals if one moved too close to the river.
After our visit to the river, we later went back to a place where we were served some native food. We were presented with various kind of dishes. Each did have a unique taste; it truly represented the native culture of the villagers. Afterwards we had a little arts and craft section where we were taught the art of hand fan making using bamboo sticks. The teacher taught us how to carefully arrange the bamboo stick and how to craft them to form a design. It was truly a distinctive experience.

In conclusion my visit to this unique village was not only educative but exciting. I discovered a lot about China than I ever knew, I was particularly impressed by the remarkable transformation of a village into a modern and nature friendly area.


The blend of technology and nature in the village was striking, and the commitment to this project was admirable. The village to me was a city well organized and yet in sync with nature.
*Augustine Wereuche Praise is Student with ID: 9230222004
News
Jos DisCo offers Gombe Staff free medical care, drugs
Jos DisCo offers Gombe Staff free medical care, drugs
The management of Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) has conducted a free medical examinations as well as distributed free drugs to its staff in Gombe State Office, as part of its health advocacy to improve wellbeing of its employees and boost productivity.
As part of JEDC’s health initiative, a fitness walk was also organised on Saturday for all employees in Gombe State.
A fitness coach, Jauro Dauda, who led the walk urged officials of JED to prioritise regular exercise as part of efforts to maintain good health and boost productivity.
The exercise began at the company’s state headquarters, from where officials trekked to Pantami Stadium.
At the stadium, staff members participated in various physical exercises before returning to the office premises for medical examinations.
Speaking to participants, Dauda emphasised the need for a healthy lifestyle through eating nutritious foods and regular exercise.
“For you to function well, you need to keep your body fit. So I advise each and every one of you to create time at home. You can take your wife on a walk.
“The content of what we eat today can cause a lot of health issues like hypertension and diabetes. Knowing your health status is very important; knowing it is good to living long,” he said.
Also speaking, the Gombe State Operating Officer of JEDC, Rilwan Shehu, expressed satisfaction with the turnout and encouraged staff to sustain the culture of exercise beyond organised events.
“We are happy that we can exercise not only in the stadium; you can exercise at home,” Shehu said.
He added that the company operates an inclusive system that promotes unity among staff.
“We in JEDC operate an open-door policy; there is no junior or senior cadre. We do things together and we win together,” he said.
Jos DisCo offers Gombe Staff free medical care, drugs
News
Customs officer killed in gun attack after cannabis seizure in Ogun
Customs officer killed in gun attack after cannabis seizure in Ogun
By: Zagazola Makama
A senior officer of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), ASC Akinyode Mustapha, has been shot dead by unknown gunmen following the interception of a vehicle loaded with cannabis in Imeko area of Ogun State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that a team of officers from the NCS Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, Ikeja, led by DSC Ogundana Oluwademi, had on Feb. 2, at about 11:40 p.m., intercepted a Sienna bus loaded with suspected cannabis at Oke-Agbede via Imeko.
The driver of the vehicle, however, escaped on foot.
“While the team was returning to Lagos with the seized exhibit vehicle, they came under gunfire by unknown assailants at the Immigration checkpoint, Idofa, Imeko,” the sources said.
The sources added that a bullet struck ASC Akinyode Mustapha, aged 50, during the attack.
He was immediately rushed to the General Hospital, Ilaro, where he was later confirmed dead by the medical doctor on duty.
Upon receipt of the report on Feb. 4 at about 3:30 p.m., security forces stormed the scene. No expended ammunition or cartridge was recovered at the location, and photographs of the scene were taken.
The team leader reportedly released the corpse to the deceased’s family for burial, while the seized exhibit vehicle had earlier been taken to the NCS base in Lagos.
The sources said preliminary investigation was ongoing to verify the claims and unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Further developments will be communicated, the command said.
Customs officer killed in gun attack after cannabis seizure in Ogun
News
VP Shettima Leads FG Delegation To Condole With Victims Of Kwara Attack
VP Shettima Leads FG Delegation To Condole With Victims Of Kwara Attack
***Assures all hands are on deck to restore peace, tranquility to Kaiama
***Says President Tinubu has directed NEMA to mobilise resources to support distressed communities
By: Our Reporter
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has reaffirmed the determination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that peace and tranquillity are restored in Nuku and Woro villages in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State in the aftermath of Tuesday’s attacks on the communities by terrorists.
He assured the people of the communities that while the President had ordered the deployment of a battalion of the Nigerian Army to Kaiama, all hands were already on deck to rid the affected communities and the entire state of insecurity.

Senator Shettima gave the assurance on Saturday when he led a Federal Government delegation to commiserate with the people of Kaiama Local Government and the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, over the deadly terrorist attack that claimed several lives.
The Vice President disclosed that President Tinubu has instructed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to mobilise all resources, in partnership with the Kwara State Emergency Management Agency, to provide succour and support to the distress communities.

“Your Excellency, we are here at the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to commiserates with you and the good people of Kaiama and Kwara State, by extension, over the tragedy that befell our communities of Woro and Nuku on the evening of Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
“That tragic killings had shocked Nigerians because the victims were peaceful members of the communities that were dedicated to building peaceful livelihood, while they practice their religion in the peaceful and harmonious manner that the injunctions of Islam has instructed,” he said
VP Shettima extended what he described as the heartfelt condolences of President Tinubu and the Federal Government to the government and those who lost their loved ones in the gory attacks, noting that all hands were already on deck to restore peace in the community.

“Please, accept our heartfelt condolences, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. A battalion of the Nigerian Army had been deployed to Kaiama and all hands are on deck to ensure that peace and tranquility is restored to those communities,” he assured.
The VP did not disclose the measures being taken to restore peace in the area, observing however that “security issues are sensitive issues and we do not have to divulge most of the actions that are being taken by our security establishment.
“But I’m here fundamentally to commiserates with the government and people of Kwara and the people of Kaiama, in particular, over the tragic loss of lives and to reassure the good people of the state of harmony. Our prayers are with you, our empathy is with you,” the Vice President added.
Earlier, Chairman of the North East Governors Forum, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, extended the condolences and sympathy of the North East Governors to the people and government of Kwara State over the tragedy.

He said, “As Muslims, we believe in destiny and it is our sincere hope that, by God’s grace, this act will not happen again. Our prayers are with you and it is our sincere prayer that Almighty Allah will forgive those that have lost their lives and grant them Aljannah firdaus,” Governor Zulum prayed.
Responding, the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRazaq, applauded the swift response of the Federal Government to the incident, saying “as confirmed by the Local Government Chairman, troops are already on ground and the Operation Savannah Shield is in motion.
“As you can see, we were welcomed at the airport by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Second Division of the Nigerian Army. A DIG is on ground. We truly appreciate the response of the Federal Government, and representatives of NEMA have been on ground since the incident happened.”
The Governor called for continued prayers for better a situation and better security in Nigeria, just as he said, “One is short of words and what to say but we will continue to support our President, the Vice President and our leadership for God to guide them in the affairs of this nation.”
Also, the Chairman of Kaiama local government area, Hon. Abdullahi Abubakar Danladi, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for the immediate deployment of a military battalion in the area, and thanked the Governor of Kwara state for his leadership.
On his part, the Emir of Kaiama, HRH Alhaji Mu’azu Shehu Omar, also applauded President Tinubu for the prompt action taken after the massacre that in Kaiama.
“We really appreciate the effort of President Tinubu. Since the incident happened on Tuesday, he has shown concerned toward us. The security personnel and other relevant agencies are adequately deployed to arrest the situation,” the traditional ruler said.
Other dignitaries present during the visit include the Director-General of NEMA), Zubaida Umar; Sen. Ali Mohammed Ndume; Managing Director, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Ltd (NDPHC), Eng. Jennifer Adighije; former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo Agege, and members of Kwara State House of Assembly, among others.
VP Shettima Leads FG Delegation To Condole With Victims Of Kwara Attack
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years agoTHE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News10 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
