Former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Board of the National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC), Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, CFR, has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Alhaja Sidikat Abake Basiru, mother of the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, describing her death as a painful loss to the bereaved family and all whose lives she touched.

In a condolence message, he expressed that the loss of a mother is one of life’s deepest sorrows, noting that while death is an inevitable reality of human existence, the passing of a loving mother leaves an irreplaceable void that only God can fill.

He described the late Alhaja Sidikat Abake Basiru as a woman of remarkable virtue, humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the upbringing of her children, saying her life exemplified sacrifice, selflessness, faith, and devotion to family values.

According to the former Speaker, the sterling character, integrity, and commitment to public service consistently demonstrated by Senator Basiru over the years bear eloquent testimony to the sound moral foundation and exemplary upbringing he received from his late mother.

Dogara noted that although the family is passing through a period of profound grief, they should take solace in the enduring legacy of honor, integrity, faith, and kindness that the deceased left behind. He added that her good works, exemplary life, and positive impact on all who encountered her would continue to inspire generations.

He urged Senator Basiru and the entire bereaved family to remain steadfast in faith, drawing strength from the knowledge that Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom, gives life and calls His children home according to His perfect will.

The former Speaker prayed that Almighty God grants the departed eternal rest, forgives her shortcomings, and admits her into His everlasting kingdom. He also prayed that God comforts Senator Basiru, the entire Basiru family, the APC family and all loved ones, granting them the strength, grace, and peace to bear this painful loss.

“On behalf of my family and associates, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru and the entire Basiru family on the passing of their beloved matriarch, Alhaja Sidikat Abake Basiru. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May Almighty God grant her soul peaceful repose, reward her for a life of virtue and service, and grant the family the courage, comfort, and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Dogara said.

By Luo Shanshan, People’s Daily

Recently, Chagee, a fast-growing brand known for its modern take on traditional Chinese tea, opened three stores in South Korea at once, triggering a wave of consumer enthusiasm. 

In Sao Paulo, Brazil, long lines formed outside the first store of Chinese tea beverage brand Mixue Ice Cream & Tea (Mixue) even before opening hours. Mixue’s mascot, Snow King, dressed in a No. 10 football jersey, interacted warmly with customers. Today, an impressive 95 percent of its customers in the city are local residents.

By the end of 2025, Mixue had operated around 4,500 stores overseas. Meanwhile, Heytea, a Chinese beverage brand that calls itself the “pioneer of new Chinese style tea,” has entered markets including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, with the number of its overseas outlets increasing nearly sixfold over the past year.

From exporting raw tea as a conventional commodity to rolling out standardized services, localized operations and authentic Chinese cultural experiences overseas, Chinese beverage brands featuring traditional tea are expanding globally. 

This global expansion reflects much deeper changes in how China connects with the world. It also signals a remarkable transformation of China’s image, temperament and charm in the eyes of the globe.

For a long time, the world’s understanding of China was shaped primarily by the global success of “Made in China.” Over past decades, China’s international presence was closely associated with tangible products such as garments, household appliances, and machinery. 

The focus was on products rather than experiences, hardware rather than culture. What the world saw was an industrious and highly capable manufacturing powerhouse. Yet opportunities to gain deeper insight into Chinese lifestyles, cultural traditions, and the character of its people were relatively limited.

Trade in goods built strong connections, but could not fully convey a multidimensional, vibrant, and relatable image of China.

Service consumption represents the most down-to-earth and approachable form of cultural communication. The in-depth value of service globalization lies in offering the world a new perspective to understand China. Rooted in inherent cultural heritage, a new generation of Chinese brands is succeeding internationally through consistent service, refined operational expertise and unique cultural features.

Mixue has adopted a business model that combines global standards with local customization. Supported by a mature franchise operation system and a comprehensive supply chain, the company ensures consistent product and service quality while creatively integrating its Snow King mascot into local cultural settings. 

In this way, Chinese-style tea beverages naturally become part of everyday life for local consumers. In Indonesia, for example, many children learn their first Chinese phrase through Mixue’s well-known advertising jingle: ” I love you, you love me, Mixue Ice Cream & Tea.” 

Meanwhile, Heytea leans into youth trends and urban style. Drawing on the cultural backgrounds, consumption habits, and lifestyles of different cities, it continually innovates in product offerings, packaging design, and store experiences.

Every cup of modern Chinese tea carries thousands of years of tea culture. Presented in a youthful, fashionable, and everyday form, it is becoming part of the lives of young people around the world. 

From the global rise for Chinese aesthetics to the soaring popularity of traditional Chinese tea drinks, the world witnesses a vibrant China that blends profound heritage with modern trends, openness with inclusiveness, and pragmatism with romance. China as an equal partner, are drawn to its cultural appeal, and are eager to visit and connect.

These tea drink brands offer a glimpse into the appeal of Chinese culture. Looking ahead, as more Chinese service brands expand globally, lifestyles, cultural values, and development concepts nurtured on Chinese soil will continue to reach wider audiences around the world. China, in turn, will engage with other countries with greater openness, inclusiveness, confidence, and vitality, advancing through mutual exchange and shared progress.

The Deputy National Financial Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Hamma Ali Kumo, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the National Secretary of the party and his family following the passing of his beloved mother, describing the loss as deeply painful and a moment of great sorrow for both the family and the APC.
In a condolence message, Hon. Kumo said the death of a mother is one of life’s greatest tragedies, noting that while death is an inevitable part of human existence, the departure of a loving and caring mother leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of her children and loved ones.
He described the late matriarch as a virtuous woman whose life was marked by humility, compassion, sacrifice and unwavering devotion to her family and faith, adding that her moral values and guidance were instrumental in shaping the exemplary character and leadership qualities of the APC National Secretary.
According to him, the deceased lived a fulfilled life dedicated to nurturing her family, serving humanity and upholding the principles of righteousness, leaving behind a legacy that would continue to inspire future generations.
Hon. Kumo urged the National Secretary and the entire bereaved family to remain steadfast in their faith and find comfort in the knowledge that Allah gives life and takes it at His appointed time.
He prayed that Almighty Allah, in His infinite mercy, forgives all the shortcomings of the deceased, accepts her good deeds, grants her peace and comfort in the grave, expands and illuminates her resting place, and admits her into Al-Jannatul Firdaus.
The APC chieftain also prayed for Allah to grant the bereaved family the strength, patience and fortitude to bear the painful loss.
“On behalf of my family and supporters, I sincerely sympathise with our National Secretary and the entire bereaved family during this difficult period. May Almighty Allah (SWT) forgive our dear mother’s sins, shower His endless mercy upon her, grant her the highest place in Al-Jannatul Firdaus, and bless the family with Sabr Jameel to endure this painful loss. Ameen,” Hon. Kumo said.