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Visit to Qinshan Village- The Low Carbon future village

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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

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KACRAN Applauds Buni’s Leadership, Cites Job Creation and Food Security Gains in Yobe

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KACRAN Applauds Buni’s Leadership, Cites Job Creation and Food Security Gains in Yobe

By: Michael Mike

The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has commended Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, for what it described as visionary leadership that has significantly improved job creation, food security, and overall wellbeing of citizens in the state.

In a statement signed by its National President, Khalil Mohammed Bello, the association said the desire of any society is to have a leader who prioritizes the welfare, security, and long-term prosperity of the people, noting that Governor Buni embodies such qualities.

KACRAN praised the governor’s humility and accessibility, describing him as a leader who maintains close contact with citizens to better understand their needs and challenges. According to the association, this people-oriented approach has contributed to sustained peace and unity in Yobe State.

Highlighting key achievements, the group noted that Buni’s administration has consistently invested heavily in agriculture by procuring and distributing farm inputs to farmers at subsidized rates. This, it said, has boosted food production and strengthened food security not only in Yobe but across neighboring states.

The association also lauded the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Livestock, which it said has reinforced Yobe’s position as a leading livestock hub in Nigeria. It added that the construction of modern markets across major towns has further enhanced commercial activities within the state.

On human capital development, KACRAN pointed to the award of scholarships to thousands of students for studies within and outside Nigeria, as well as the construction and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure to improve connectivity between rural and urban areas.

The group further commended the governor for creating employment opportunities through recruitment into the civil service and various empowerment programmes targeting youths and women.

KACRAN also acknowledged the efforts of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), led by Mohammed Goje, in providing relief materials to internally displaced persons and vulnerable populations affected by insurgency, floods, and other disasters.

It noted that during the ongoing Ramadan, the state government has intensified food distribution initiatives, ensuring that thousands of households receive daily support as part of broader measures to cushion economic hardship.

While stressing the importance of proactive governance, KACRAN urged other state governments and the Federal Capital Territory to emulate Yobe’s approach to investing in agriculture, human development, and security in order to avert potential food crises and improve living standards nationwide.

The association concluded that sustained commitment to these priorities would promote peace, unity, and long-term stability across the country.

KACRAN Applauds Buni’s Leadership, Cites Job Creation and Food Security Gains in Yobe

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CDS urges Borno, Yobe residents to take ownership of fight against terror, says enemy operating from within

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CDS urges Borno, Yobe residents to take ownership of fight against terror, says enemy operating from within

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has raised fresh concerns over internal complicity in the protracted insurgency in the North-East, urging residents of Borno and Yobe to take ownership of the fight against terrorism.

Oluyede’s position, articulated after a high-level security meeting in Maiduguri, signals a strategic shift in emphasis from purely kinetic military operations to community-driven counterinsurgency, as Nigeria battles the enduring threat posed by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province.

The meeting, which lasted about four hours, brought together top military commanders, including the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar and other top military officials.

At the heart of the CDS’s message is a troubling reality: the insurgency is being sustained, in part, by individuals that sometimes embedded within affected communities.

According to Oluyede, intelligence reports indicate that many of those responsible for attacks over the past 15 years originate from the same communities bearing the brunt of the violence.

This assertion reinforces long-standing concerns within security circles that local knowledge terrain familiarity, social networks, and community cover has continued to provide operational advantages to insurgents.

He cited a recent example in Kukawa, where troops discovered wounded terrorists hiding within the community during post-attack clearance operations, pointing to the challenge of distinguishing between civilians and collaborators.

The dynamics complicate military efforts, as insurgents exploit familial and social ties to evade detection, making intelligence gathering more difficult despite sustained offensives.

The CDS’s call for residents to “take ownership” reflects a recognition that military القوة alone cannot decisively end the insurgency without active civilian cooperation.

Oluyede’s remarks suggest a push to recalibrate this dynamic by encouraging residents to see the fight as a collective responsibility rather than solely a government burden.

The CDS also acknowledged the evolving tactics of insurgents, particularly the increasing use of drones and other technological in attacks.

Oluyede disclosed that the Nigerian military is adapting, including the deployment of advanced drone systems to enhance surveillance, targeting, and battlefield coordination.

CDS urges Borno, Yobe residents to take ownership of fight against terror, says enemy operating from within

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FG Pushes for Correctional Reform via Public-Private Partnership

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Dr Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary of Interior, (center), CG Nigerian Correctional Service (NCOS) Sylvester Nwakuche, Mni. (R) and Executive Director of Hope Behind Bars Africa, Funke Adeoye (L).

FG Pushes for Correctional Reform via Public-Private Partnership

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Nigeria’s correctional system into a hub of rehabilitation, skills development, and national productivity through strategic Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

The pledge was highlighted at a stakeholders’ engagement on optimizing correctional farm centres, industries, and PPP opportunities, organized by the Ministry of Interior in collaboration with civil society and development partners.

Representing the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Permanent Secretary Dr. Magdalene Ajani stated that modern correctional facilities must focus not only on confinement but also on equipping inmates with practical skills for reintegration into society. “Correctional centres must evolve into institutions of transformation—where inmates are prepared to become productive members of society upon release,” she said.

Ajani emphasized the importance of PPPs in achieving this vision, describing them as critical tools for combining government oversight with private sector expertise, innovation, and investment. She added that correctional farm centres and industries could become centres of excellence in agriculture, agro-processing, and value-chain development, contributing to both inmate rehabilitation and national food security.

The Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, disclosed that the Service currently operates 18 farm centres and 10 cottage industries nationwide, spanning crop production, livestock, fisheries, and poultry.

He noted that collaboration with the private sector would boost productivity, introduce modern techniques, and create sustainable value chains.

Stakeholders, including representatives from government, civil society, development organisations, and the private sector, agreed on the need for actionable and scalable models to drive tangible impact.

On his part, the Chairman of the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions Hon. Chinedu Ogah, called for greater accountability, innovation, and commitment in optimizing correctional farms, noting that agriculture remains a critical driver of economic growth and national security.

The engagement aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s broader reform agenda, which prioritizes institutional strengthening, economic productivity, and sustainable development. Participants were urged to leverage partnerships that transform correctional facilities into engines of productivity, reduce recidivism, and enhance community safety.

The Ministry of Interior reiterated that the success of correctional reform depends on collective action, sustained investment, and a shared commitment to building a humane and development-oriented correctional system.

FG Pushes for Correctional Reform via Public-Private Partnership

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