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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
Zulum Visits Frontline Troops in Mairari, Inspects Dilapidated FGC Monguno
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday, visited the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Mairari to bolster the morale of troops on the frontline.
Mairari, a strategic town in the state, endured two insurgent attacks in December. On both occasions, the assaults were successfully repelled by troops, averting a significant security breach.
Governor Zulum, who is currently on a resilience-building tour of Northern Borno, commended the officers and men for their bravery and sacrifice, describing them as the backbone of peace and stability in the state.
“Your resilience and commitment inspire confidence in our people,” the Governor stated. “I want to assure you that my administration will continue to provide all necessary logistics and welfare support to boost your morale and enhance your operational effectiveness. Mairari will not fall.”
He emphasised that the state government, in collaboration with the Federal Government and military high command, would ensure a steady supply of operational logistics, mobility support, and welfare packages to keep troops combat-ready.
The Commander of Sector 3, Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Suleiman Saidu Tilawan, commended the Governor for his consistent and proactive support.
“The support we receive from the Borno State Government and the Theatre Commander has been exceptional,” he said. “It has translated into improved logistics, enhanced morale, and renewed confidence among our troops to confront threats head-on.”
Governor Zulum also interacted with residents of Mairari, listening to their concerns and commending their courage. He described the community as a symbol of resilience and announced cash assistance to those affected by the recent attacks to ease hardships and support recovery.
…Zulum Inspects Dilapidated FGC Monguno
Earlier in the day, Governor Zulum conducted an inspection of the abandoned Federal Government College in Monguno.
He assessed extensively damaged classrooms, vandalized laboratories, and deteriorating staff quarters, tangible reminders of the insurgency’s impact on public institutions.
The Governor said the purpose of the visit was to assess the damage and identify practical steps for the college’s full rehabilitation. “Education is the foundation upon which any peaceful, prosperous, and resilient society is built,” Governor Zulum stressed. “Rebuilding schools is central to the long-term recovery and stability of our dear state.”
He assured that his administration would spare no effort in restoring the school, with the ultimate goal of ensuring children from Monguno and neighbouring communities can access quality education.
During the inspection, Governor Zulum encountered widows who are taken refuge in some of the abandoned structures and provided them with cash assistance and facilitated the admission of some of their qualified daughters into the Monguno College of Nursing and Midwifery, offering them a pathway to education and future self-reliance.
Zulum Visits Frontline Troops in Mairari, Inspects Dilapidated FGC Monguno
News
Yuletide: NSCDC Deploys 55,000 Operatives Nationwide, Intensifies Intelligence to Tackle Insecurity
Yuletide: NSCDC Deploys 55,000 Operatives Nationwide, Intensifies Intelligence to Tackle Insecurity
By: Michael Mike
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed over 55,000 operatives across the country to ensure public safety and protect critical national assets and infrastructure during the Christmas and New Year festivities.
The Commandant General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Audi, ordered the nationwide deployment as part of measures to strengthen the nation’s security architecture before, during and after the yuletide period.
Audi said the decision became imperative in view of the tendency of criminal elements to exploit festive periods to carry out acts of banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, insurgency and other crimes.
He stressed that many security threats could be effectively curtailed if citizens embraced the culture of providing credible and timely intelligence to security agencies. According to him, proactive intelligence-sharing would aid early intervention and lead to the arrest of individuals who pose threats to national security.
“To prevent crimes rather than react to them, it is imperative for members of the public to trust and collaborate with us by providing credible and timely information that will enable swift action,” the NSCDC boss said.
Audi directed Zonal Commanders to closely monitor formations under their jurisdiction, while State Commandants are to coordinate Area Commands, Divisional Offices and other operational units to ensure effective coverage.
He explained that the deployment involves both covert and overt operations, with full mobilisation of personnel aimed at guaranteeing maximum human security and safeguarding government assets nationwide.
Reaffirming the Corps’ commitment to national peace and stability, the NSCDC helmsman assured Nigerians of enhanced collaboration with sister security agencies to ensure a safe environment conducive to development.
He said: “Our unwavering commitment is to ensure a safe and secure environment, and this can only be achieved with the active support of the public.”
The assurance was contained in a statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer of the Corps, Afolabi Babawale.
Yuletide: NSCDC Deploys 55,000 Operatives Nationwide, Intensifies Intelligence to Tackle Insecurity
Military arrest policemen on VIP escort duty in violation of President Tinubu’s directive
By: Zagazola Makama
The military has arrested four police officers for allegedly providing unauthorised escort services to a VIP in contravention of the presidential directive on the withdrawal of policemen from VIP protection duties.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the arrest occurred on Dec. 17 at about 9:30 a.m., while the officers were reportedly on escort duty.
Those arrested were identified as ASP Musa Waziri and Insp. Jeremiah Achimogu both attached to 45 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Abuja; Insp. Awipi Terry of 21 PMF; and Insp. Hassan Baba of 50 PMF, Abuja.
According to security sources, the officers were arrested by military personnel after allegedly flouting the presidential order withdrawing police personnel from VIP escort duties.
The sources further disclosed that the policemen were dressed in uniforms similar to that of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), allegedly in an attempt to evade detection and deceive enforcement personnel.
The arrested officers have since been detained, while disciplinary procedures have been initiated against them in line with extant regulations.
The Federal Government had earlier directed the immediate withdrawal of police personnel from unauthorised VIP protection duties to redeploy manpower to core policing and internal security operations across the country.
Military arrest policemen on VIP escort duty in violation of President Tinubu’s directive
Zulum Visits Frontline Troops in Mairari, Inspects Dilapidated FGC Monguno
Yuletide: NSCDC Deploys 55,000 Operatives Nationwide, Intensifies Intelligence to Tackle Insecurity
Military arrest policemen on VIP escort duty in violation of President Tinubu’s directive
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