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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
FG Vows to Amplify Women’s Voices, Push for Gender Equality in Leadership
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has renewed its pledge to safeguard women’s and girls’ rights, promising to expand their influence in Nigeria’s leadership and development sectors.
Speaking at the annual Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership (RWVL) planning meeting, organized by ActionAid Nigeria in partnership with Global Affairs Canada, Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, emphasized that the government will intensify collaborative efforts to ensure women gain greater access to leadership roles, productive assets, and socio-economic opportunities.
Represented by Ebele Obiefuna, the Minister lauded ActionAid’s role in strengthening women’s organizations and driving empowerment programs nationwide. “We value this partnership and reaffirm our commitment to initiatives that create lasting impact for women across Nigeria,” she said.
Highlighting government support, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Abubakar Bagudu, represented by Mrs. Tonia Okangbe, assured participants that ministries would back programs advancing women’s leadership and rights.
ActionAid Nigeria Country Director, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, revealed that RWVL is entering its second phase, building on successes that have strengthened women’s political participation, advocacy, and socio-economic influence. He stressed that the initiative is designed to ensure that women’s voices are not only heard but shape decision-making processes at all levels.
“This is about more than programmes,” Mamedu said. “It’s about creating a future where women’s leadership is visible, respected, and transformative for communities across Nigeria.”
The meeting signals a renewed focus on closing gender gaps in leadership, empowering women economically, and ensuring that their contributions to governance and society are recognized and amplified.
FG Vows to Amplify Women’s Voices, Push for Gender Equality in Leadership
ISWAP fighters express apprehension over safety of families after airstrikes in Sambisa
By: Zagazola Makama
Fresh intelligence indicating apprehension among suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters over the condition of their families following recent air operations in Sambisa Forest points to growing internal strain within the group.
Security sources said the concerns emerged after Nigerian Air Force (NAF) components of Operation Hadin Kai conducted precision strikes on insurgent positions in the Sambisa axis of Borno State.
According to the intelligence, a suspected ISWAP fighter identified as Shettima, alongside associates operating around the Limanti axis along the Maiduguri–Mafa road, expressed frustration over delayed and conflicting information regarding the impact of the air operations.
He was said to have lamented that news of the strikes reached him late and questioned the accuracy of information being circulated among fighters regarding the fate of their relatives.
Another associate, identified as Abu Fatima, was quoted in the intelligence as explaining that senior commanders had discouraged the sharing of operational or casualty details with fighters and their families, warning that such disclosures could attract internal sanctions.
He further suggested that during the air operations, fighters reportedly fled from targeted locations while some of their family members, including women and children, were gathered at a separate location.
He said that NAF subsequently struck an accurate hit of fighters, resulting in casualties and injuries.
The sources also indicated that while some affected individuals were receiving treatment within insurgent-held enclaves, others had sustained severe injuries, including amputations, while a number had reportedly been treated and discharged.
Sources say the development reflects increasing psychological pressure within the group, as sustained aerial bombardments continue to disrupt its operational stability and command confidence.
The Military under Operation Hadin Kai has continued to degrade insurgent mobility, logistics and cohesion, forcing fighters to contend not only with battlefield losses but also growing uncertainty over the safety of their families.
They note that beyond physical losses, the insurgents are increasingly grappling with fear, misinformation and distrust, particularly over the fate of relatives caught in conflict zones.
They argue that such pressure may further weaken morale within ISWAP ranks and intensify internal distrust between field fighters and senior commanders, particularly over communication gaps and casualty reporting.
However, while sustained air operations are yielding operational gains, continued pressure on insurgent strongholds will require a combination of air, ground and intelligence-driven coordination to consolidate long-term stability in the North East.
urgent strongholds in Sambisa and surrounding axes, weakening morale and disrupting command confidence.
However, they caution that consolidating gains will require sustained coordination between air and ground components, as well as improved intelligence exploitation to further degrade insurgent recovery capacity in the region.
ISWAP fighters express apprehension over safety of families after airstrikes in Sambisa
Zamfara: GOC 8 Division assesses troop readiness, urges vigilance
By: Zagazola Makama
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 2, Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Maj.-Gen. BP Koughna, has conducted an operational visit to assess the combat readiness of troops in Zamfara State.
Security sources said the visit took place at about 12:15 p.m. on April 7, covering key operational areas within the theatre.
During the visit, the GOC inspected troops of 1 Brigade at Combat Team 2/CSI Battalion VI in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, where he evaluated their operational preparedness.
He subsequently proceeded to Combat Team 5 Areas of Responsibility in Shinkafi and Zurmi Local Government Areas, where he visited Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) at Moriki and Jangeru, as well as the Combat Team Headquarters in Shinkafi.
The sources said the GOC commended the troops for their efforts in ongoing operations and urged them to maintain high levels of vigilance and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
He also assured the personnel of improved administrative support to enhance their operational effectiveness.
The visit was reported to have been hitch-free.
Zamfara: GOC 8 Division assesses troop readiness, urges vigilance
FG Vows to Amplify Women’s Voices, Push for Gender Equality in Leadership
ISWAP fighters express apprehension over safety of families after airstrikes in Sambisa
Zamfara: GOC 8 Division assesses troop readiness, urges vigilance
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