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Cambodia-China friendship like flower that never withers: Cambodian politician
By Zhao Yipu, People’s Daily
In a compound that carries distinctive local features in downtown Phnom Penh, Cambodia, there is
a two-storey building surrounded by Saraca dives. It is the headquarters of the Cambodia-China
Friendship Association (CCFA).
Ek Sam Ol, member of the standing committee of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP),
serves as the president of the CCFA.
In a recent interview, Ek Sam Ol told People’s Daily that Cambodia and China are sincere friends,
and their friendship, tested by the times and a changing international landscape, has become even
firmer, like a flower that never withers.
He told People’s Daily that the CCFA headquarters building was once a residence of Cambodian
King Father Norodom Sihanouk, an old friend of the Chinese people, and Cambodian Prime
Minister Hun Sen later decided to transform the palace into an office building of the CCFA.
“We are grateful to the former leaders of the two countries for forging a close friendship between
the two peoples, and hope that the CCFA can become a bridge for the friendly exchanges between
the Chinese and the Cambodians,” Ek Sam Ol said.
On the desk in Ek Sam Ol’s office, there are five volumes of the book “Xi Jinping: The
Governance of China”, including volumes one, two and three in English, and volumes one and
two in Cambodian.
Ek Sam Ol treasures the books very much. The pages of them are covered with a mass of notes.
“I’ve read many articles in the books for times,” he said, adding that he could find in the books
why and how the Communist Party of China (CPC), leading the Chinese people, has made
remarkable achievements in politics, economy, science and livelihood over the past decade.
The Cambodian politician has paid a number of visits to China, where he witnessed the country’s
development in various aspects. He said he was deeply impressed by the vitality and prosperity he
saw in China, especially the wide roads and new houses built in villages that were once stricken
by poverty.
“The CPC has brought a complete change to China, which once was weak and poor, and
significantly improved the living standards of the Chinese people. Since the 18th CPC National
Congress, the country has won the decisive battle against poverty and built a moderately
prosperous society in all respects on schedule,” he said, adding that the people-centered approach
the CPC follows exactly explains why the Chinese political party has made such huge
achievements.
Ek Sam Ol also serves as the head of the central supervisory committee of the CPP. He said the
CPC has led the Chinese people to achieve inspiring progress and set an example for party
construction in developing countries.
“We’ve always been learning the CPC’s experiences in fighting corruption it has gained after the
18th CPC National Congress,” Ek Sam Ol told People’s Daily.
He said Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee,
requests CPC members to “watch from the mirror, groom oneself, take a bath and seek remedies,”
and takes it as a general guidance in the CPC’s campaign to educate Party members about the
mass line.
Later, “watch from the mirror, groom oneself, take a bath and seek remedies” was incorporated in
the work report of the CPP. The CPC stresses to crack down on high-ranking “tigers” as well as
lower-level “flies” involved in corruption, and the CPP requires to catch both “big fish” and
“small fish” in its anti-corruption campaign.
In recent years, China and Cambodia have seen positive progress in economic and trade
cooperation. As the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) develops, the China-Cambodia community
with a shared future is being constantly solidified.
He said Cambodia is lucky to have “boarded the fast train” of China’s development and learned
from China’s development experiences, adding the BRI has ushered in a “golden era” for his
country.
Thanks to the power plants and power grids China constructed in Cambodia, electricity is now
available in 98 percent of Cambodia’s rural areas. So far, China has built over 3,000 kilometers of
highways and eight friendship bridges in Cambodia.
BRI projects are very welcomed by the Cambodian people, Ek Sam Ol said.
“Over the past six decades since the two countries established diplomatic ties, China has always
offered selfless assistance for the Cambodia government and people, playing an important role in
Cambodia’s economic and social development,” Ek Sam Ol noted.
On the same day of the interview, an anti-pandemic medical team from China arrived in Phnom
Penh. The team not only offers medical services, but also trains Cambodian medical staff.
“The Chinese government has dispatched many medical teams to Cambodia, and they have cured
a large number of patients. The Cambodian people are sincerely grateful to the Chinese medical
teams,” Ek Sam Ol said.
The Cambodian politician said he has been paying close attention to the 20th CPC National
Congress to be held later this year and is expecting to read relevant reports at the earliest time
possible.
“With the successful experience of achieving the first centenary goal, the Chinese people will
definitely reach the goal of fully building a modern socialist country under the strong leadership of
the CPC,” Ek Sam Ol remarked.
News
EID-EL-KABIR: BELLO BABAYO BELLO COMMENDS TINUBU, SHETTIMA, GOMBE GOVERNOR AS HE FELICITATES WITH MUSLIMS NATIONWIDE
The Executive Director, Networks, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC), Engr. Bello Babayo Bello, FNSE, has extended warm felicitations to Muslim faithful across Nigeria, particularly the people of Gombe State, on the occasion of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, urging citizens to continue promoting peace, unity, love, and national development.
In a goodwill message released to journalists on the occasion of the Islamic festival, Engr. Bello described Eid-el-Kabir as a sacred celebration that reflects the virtues of sacrifice, obedience, faith, compassion, and gratitude to Almighty Allah as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
He called on Muslims to use the spiritual significance of the season to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, support one another, and continue praying for the peace, stability, and prosperity of Nigeria.
Engr. Bello also commended the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his commitment to national development, economic reforms, infrastructural advancement, and efforts aimed at strengthening unity and progress across the country.
According to him, the administration of President Tinubu has continued to demonstrate determination in laying foundations for long-term growth and national transformation through bold policies and strategic governance initiatives.
The NDPHC Executive Director equally praised Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, for his loyalty, dedication, and support toward the actualization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
He noted that the Vice President has continued to play a vital role in promoting stability, inclusion, and effective coordination within government.
Engr. Bello further applauded the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, for what he described as purposeful leadership and remarkable strides in infrastructural development, healthcare, education, youth empowerment, and peaceful coexistence in the state.
He said the governor’s developmental policies and inclusive style of governance have continued to attract admiration and confidence from the people of Gombe State and beyond.
“Eid-el-Kabir remains a season of reflection, gratitude, sacrifice, and devotion to Almighty Allah. It is also a period that reminds us of the importance of unity, compassion, tolerance, and service to humanity. As we celebrate, we must continue to pray for our leaders and for the continued peace, progress, and prosperity of our dear nation,” he stated.
Engr. Bello urged Muslim faithful to extend love and kindness to the less privileged, widows, orphans, and vulnerable members of society during the Sallah festivities, stressing that charity and generosity are central teachings of Islam.
He also commended the people of Gombe State for sustaining the culture of peaceful coexistence, harmony, and mutual respect among diverse communities.
The engineering professional and public administrator expressed optimism that Nigeria would continue to witness greater development, unity, and economic advancement under the leadership of President Tinubu.
He prayed for Allah’s continued guidance, wisdom, protection, and blessings upon the President, Vice President, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, and all leaders across the country.
Engr. Bello finally wished Muslim faithful in Gombe State and across Nigeria a peaceful, joyous, and spiritually fulfilling Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
News
Dogara Celebrates Eid El-Adha, Urges Nigerians to Embrace Unity, Sacrifice, and Compassion
Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Board of National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC), has extended heartfelt felicitations to Muslims across Nigeria and around the world on the occasion of Eid El-Adha.
In his Eid message, Dogara described the festival as one of the most profound moments in the Islamic faith — a sacred season that embodies the enduring virtues of sacrifice, obedience, faith, and total devotion to God, as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS). He noted that beyond its spiritual significance, Eid El-Adha serves as a powerful reminder of the values of compassion, generosity, and love for humanity.
According to him, the celebration offers an opportunity for reflection and renewal, urging Nigerians to recommit themselves to the ideals of unity, peace, and mutual understanding. He observed that the true essence of Eid lies not merely in celebration, but in the willingness to serve others selflessly and uplift the less privileged.
“Eid El-Adha reminds us that greatness is found in sacrifice, service, and compassion for one another. It is a season that calls us to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, extend kindness to those in need, and renew hope for a better and more united nation,” Dogara stated.
The former Speaker stressed that the lessons of Eid should transcend religious and ethnic boundaries, especially at a time when Nigeria needs collective commitment to peace, justice, and national cohesion. He called on citizens to rise above division and work together in the spirit of patriotism and shared destiny.
“As we celebrate this sacred festival, may the spirit of sacrifice inspire us to build bridges of understanding, promote harmony across our communities, and work collectively for a more peaceful, just, and prosperous Nigeria,” he added.
Dogara further prayed that the blessings of Eid El-Adha would bring joy to families, healing to communities, and progress to the nation. He encouraged the faithful to use the occasion as a time for spiritual renewal, deeper devotion to God, stronger family ties, and renewed commitment to the common good.
“As families gather in prayer and celebration, may this Eid remind us of our shared humanity and our collective responsibility to serve with humility, love, and sincerity. May the Almighty accept our prayers and sacrifices, bless our homes with peace and happiness, and guide our nation toward greater unity and prosperity,” he concluded.
Dogara wished all Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyous Eid El-Adha celebration filled with divine blessings, love, hope, and renewed faith in the future of Nigeria.
News
Ukhomunyio Community Seeks Edo Government Intervention Over Insecurity
A group of concerned stakeholders in Ukhomunyio Community, Okpella, Edo State, has called on the Edo State Government and security agencies to strengthen security presence in the area following recent security concerns and incidents of violence.
In a statement jointly signed by community stakeholders, the group said that the once-peaceful Ukhomunyio Community had in recent weeks experienced growing tension and insecurity.
The statement was jointly signed by Sam S. O. Afemikhe, Roland Ediawe, Dr Henry Idogun, Kasimu Sunday, Mark Adogah, Friday Ododeh, Omoreige Usman, Dr Victor Balogun, and Prince Haruna Ahmed.
The stakeholders urged the government to deploy more security personnel to the community and surrounding areas to help maintain peace and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
“We therefore call on the Edo State Government, security agencies, and all relevant authorities to immediately intervene by strengthening security presence within Ukhomunyio Community and surrounding areas,” the statement said.
They also called for a thorough investigation into recent incidents of violence and disturbances linked to the annual Olimi Festival.
According to the statement, the community recently recorded tragic incidents involving residents of Kalaba and Imioko villages, while some persons were reportedly abducted during the attacks and later reunited with their families.
The group described the incidents as unfortunate and contrary to the community’s peaceful traditions.
“We strongly condemn these acts, which are completely alien to the long-standing peaceful tradition of our community,” the statement added.
The stakeholders further expressed concern over violence that erupted during the recent Olimi Festival, saying some individuals allegedly used firearms during the celebration.
They said the violence resulted in casualties and injuries, with some affected persons currently receiving medical treatment.
“The Olimi Festival has historically been a symbol of unity, peace, celebration, and cultural heritage among the people of Ukhomunyio and Okpella in general,” the group stated.
According to the statement, the festival had historically symbolised unity, peace, and cultural heritage among the people of Ukhomunyio and the wider Okpella community.
The group also appealed to authorities to ensure that all investigations and security operations are carried out lawfully and fairly to avoid escalating tensions within the community.
Beyond strengthening security, the stakeholders called on authorities to prevent further violence and restore peace and confidence within the community.
They warned that continued insecurity could affect economic and social activities in the area, including operations linked to major industries.
As part of efforts to support investigations, the group announced a N1 million reward for credible information that could assist security agencies in identifying those behind the recent incidents.
Another N1 million reward was offered for information that could help authorities identify individuals connected to the violence during the Olimi Festival.
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