By Lin Lili, Hong Qiuting, Qi Zhiming, People’s Daily

From plush vinyl dolls in diverse shapes and museum-inspired cultural creations to unique souvenirs from scenic areas — an array of accessories now dangle from the backpacks of young people across China.
Portable and lightweight, bag charms are gaining increasing popularity among Chinese consumers. The ever-evolving designs of these small ornaments have fueled a consumption boom, supported by robust industrial clusters, and are now advancing through coordinated efforts in global expansion—together shaping the emerging “bag-charm economy.”
At a Beijing designer toy store, shoppers enthusiastically pose with Wakuku characters, sharing photos on social media. “Key features such as small size, affordability and emotional resonance align perfectly with young people’s lifestyles,” said Hong Yong, an associate researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation under the Ministry of Commerce.
He observes that emotion-driven consumption has shifted priorities: young buyers now prioritize products delivering joy, belonging, and self-expression over pure utility.
As Chinese New Year approached, Nanjing resident Wu Wenjing purchased outfits not just for family, but for her Labubu charm. “I match charms to my mood and outfits,” she explains. “Sometimes they feel like emotional codes — shared recognition sparks instant connections.”
Liang Mei, president of the China Toy and Juvenile Products Association, observed that bag charms offer young people moments of everyday delight through a relatively relaxed consumption model. By fostering emotional connections, they help form interest-based communities with a shared sense of identity. At the same time, collaboration with well-known intellectual properties (IPs) and user participation in co-creation continue to inject vitality into the market.
Manufacturing Innovation Dongguan, China’s “designer toy capital,” anchors the global industry with over 4,000 manufacturers and 1,500 supporting enterprises. Its complete industrial chain covers design, production, IP licensing, and sales.
At the headquarters of a toy manufacturer in Chashan township, Dongguan, a team of 10 designers was discussing design drafts for a “Baku” series of bag charms.
“This China-chic bag charm blends traditional Chinese colors and auspicious symbols with modern design. Inspired by the mythical ‘Baku — a creature said to devour nightmares and bring sweet dreams — it carries the wish that all good dreams may come true in the coming year,” explained Wu Qiaomei, brand marketing director involved in the project.
She noted that from concept finalization to detail refinement, the initial design draft takes about 15 days to complete, with the sample workshop then needing another three to five days to produce the first plush prototype.
“With in-house manufacturing capabilities, we maintain flexibility in production coordination and scheduling,” Wu added. “From design confirmation to mass shipment, the entire process can be completed within about 30 days,”
With diverse styles and ever-changing market trends, bag charms call for agile production response. The consumer-end enthusiasm is fundamentally supported by a supply-side shift — from mass manufacturing to flexible customization. The robust production capacity within the toy industry provides the essential foundation for the rapid adaptation and output of these accessories.
In the past, producing a plastic toy required mold development costing tens of thousands of yuan, necessitating mass production runs of tens to hundreds of thousands of units to lower per-unit cost.
Today, smart manufacturing and digital workshops have made small-batch production truly feasible — minimum orders as low as 50 units or batch productions of merely 100 pieces are now readily achievable, with even single custom toys possible through 3D printing.
Labubu has sparked a worldwide trend in collectible art toys. Following the success of the animated film Nobody, bag charms featuring its characters sold out repeatedly after going viral overnight. Meanwhile, charms shaped like traditional Chinese herbs — such as goji berries, red dates, and red sage — have captivated overseas consumers with their creative designs and distinctive Eastern aesthetic.
Time magazine in the United States noted that China’s new generation of trendy toys is reshaping the international image of “Made in China” by telling stories rooted in local IPs and showcasing distinctive aesthetics.
In the first half of 2025, Chinese toy company Pop Mart recorded triple-digit growth in markets across Southeast Asia, Europe and the Americas, with growth in the Americas exceeding tenfold. The company’s global store count has now surpassed 570.
Products from HERE have reached nearly 20 countries and regions — including North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East — via distribution channels. Li Peng, Chairman of HERE, noted, “Breaking down cultural barriers through localized creation and building emotional bonds with global consumers are key to helping Chinese brands move beyond manufacturing and build greater brand value.”
Looking ahead, as more Chinese flagship products and brands go global, these small charms, infused with Chinese creativity and emotion, are poised to tell ever more compelling Chinese stories on the world stage.

Fabian Apechihin

The Federal Government has officially opened the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) FarmerMoni portal for the 2025/2026 cycle, offering interest-free and collateral-free loans of up to ₦300,000 to smallholder farmers across Nigeria. The initiative is designed to help farmers purchase seeds, fertilisers, and essential equipment ahead of the new farming season.

The scheme aims to increase agricultural productivity, boost rural incomes, and enhance food security nationwide.

Speaking at the launch of the Renewed Hope GEEP 3.0 and the FarmerMoni Technical Working Group in Abuja on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Hamza Baba, National Programme Manager of GEEP under NSIPA, announced that the application portal is now open to qualified farmers.

He emphasised that the loan is completely interest-free and does not require collateral, adding that it primarily targets vulnerable and low-income farmers at the grassroots level.

₦300,000 Per Farmer, No Collateral Required

According to Baba, each successful applicant can access up to ₦300,000. He explained that the loan amount reflects the current economic realities of different farming activities.

He also clarified that the programme is strictly for farmers who are already engaged in agricultural activities. It is not open to individuals who are new to farming.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Nationality: Must be a Nigerian citizen.
• Age: Must be 18 years or older.
• Farming Status: Must already be actively involved in farming.
• Land Access: Must own or lease farmland.
• Cooperative Membership: Must belong to a registered farming cooperative or association within their local government area.
• Identification: Must have a valid National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN).

How to Apply

Eligible farmers can register through either of the following methods:

1. Online Registration (Preferred Method)

• Visit the official GEEP portal: https://geep.nsipa.gov.ng
• Fill in your personal information, including full name, phone number, and location.
• Provide your NIN and BVN.
• Indicate your type of farming (crop production, poultry, aquaculture, or livestock).
• Submit the completed application form.

2. Physical (Manual) Registration

• Visit the National Orientation Agency (NOA) office or the GEEP Desk Officer at your Local Government Area secretariat.
• Complete the physical registration form provided.

Loan Details

• Maximum Loan Amount: ₦300,000
• Interest Rate: 0% (Interest-free)
• Collateral: Not required
• Repayment Plan: Six-month repayment period after a three-month moratorium (grace period)

Important Guidelines

• Beware of Fraud: Registration is completely free. Do not pay anyone to process your application.
• Cooperative Membership: While individual applications are allowed, joining a registered cooperative is strongly encouraged.
• Accurate Information: Ensure your NIN, BVN, and farm details are correct to avoid disqualification.

Farmers are encouraged to apply promptly to take advantage of the opportunity and prepare adequately for the upcoming farming season.

• As Saraki mourns

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Former Chairman of the Kwara State Correspondents’ Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara Council, Comrade Layi Olarewaju, is dead. Until his death, he was the Kwara correspondent of the SUN newspapers.

He passed on Friday morning at a private hospital in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, after a brief illness.

A statement jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Biola Azeez and Mosunmola Ayobami respectively, described the deceased as a loyal and committed member who had immensely contributed to the growth and development of the elite Chapel.

“It’s with heavy heart but in total submission to the will of the Almighty God we announce the death of a committed elder and former chairman of Correspondent’s Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ Kwara Council, Comrade Layi Olarewaju.

“Comrade Olarewaju, the Sun newspaper Correspondent in Kwara died this morning, Friday, at a private hospital after a brief illness.

“His commitment, unifying attribute and journalism wealth of experience will be sorely missed.

“The Chapel prays God Almighty to console the family, associates, friends and give them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, the former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Mr. Emmanuel Olayiwola Olanrewaju.

In a statement issued by his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, Saraki described the death of the veteran journalist as shocking, painful, and a great loss to the media profession in Kwara State and beyond.

He noted that the late Olayiwola was a dedicated, diligent, and professional journalist who carried out his duties with commitment and integrity, contributing immensely to the growth of journalism in the state.

Saraki extended his heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, the Kwara State Correspondents’ Chapel, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Chapter, and the entire media practitioners in the state over this irreparable loss.

He prayed that Almighty God grants the deceased eternal rest and gives his immediate family and colleagues the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.