News
China enhances protection over blocks of historical, cultural value
By Ding Yiting, People’s Daily
To protect and keep alive historical and cultural heritage in the course of planning and construction in urban and rural areas is a mission raised in China’s 2022 government work report.
As old urban buildings manifest historical and cultural characteristics of a city, many places in China are currently searching for ways to properly coordinate protection and development for better inheritance of their history and culture.
According to statistics released by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, China had identified over 1,200 blocks of historical and cultural value and around 57,500 historical architectures as the end of the last year. The two figures respectively increased twofold and fivefold from 2016.
Chongyong Street is a 5.2-kilometer street that links seven historical blocks in Beijing. It starts from the Temple of Earth in the northern part of central Beijing, where the emperors of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties would attend the annual summer solstice ritual of offerings to the heaven, and extends all the way down to the Temple of Heaven in the other side of the city, which is a complex visited by the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for a good harvest.
Buildings along the northern section of the street are mostly archaic Chinese quadrangles, Chinese-style storefronts, as well as houses with archways and carved tiles, and they gradually turn into simple and exquisite modern architectures as the street stretches southward.
A couple of years ago, the street was in a complete disorder as it was bothered by roadside booths and unapproved structures. Besides, public facilities along the street were also scattered.
“Now the street is much wider and tidier, and the old architectures here have been renovated. It wakes up my childhood memories,” said a local resident.
The improved environment was made through years of efforts by Xu Meng, a planner with the China Academy of Urban Planning and Design, and dozens of his colleagues.
“We must respect the authenticity and integrity of historical and cultural heritage and maintain its characters in order to protect and inherit it,” said Xu.
He and his colleagues had collected a wide range of historical materials, and even found a set of photos of Beijing that were taken more than six decades ago. From the photos, they discovered that the street had diverse cultural elements, and was antique in the north and modern in the south.
“However, many of the archaic buildings along the street had been covered by billboards and unapproved structures after years of development,” Xu told People’s Daily.
Xu and his colleagues firstly dismantled door cases and outer-wall tiles of the buildings to restore the original look of them. They also removed over 150 poles on the street and camouflaged panel boxes, which both made the street good-looking and saved public space.
Xu and his colleagues renovated the old buildings on Yonghegong Street to return a traditional image to them. The renovation took the planners nearly two years, during which they recycled 550,000 old bricks and 130,000 old tiles. Over 80 percent of the materials used in the renovation were recycled.
The renovation, aiming to restore the historical characters of the buildings, adopted no “one-size-fits-all” approach. A total of 48 patterns for windows and doors were provided for local residents and merchants to choose.
“They invited a calligrapher to design a signboard for us that well presents the local features of Beijing. Many customers told us that our shop has become cleaner and more characteristic,” said Ye Jingrui, who owns a 30-year-old traditional Beijing street food store.
“The local people are very proud of their culture, and they feel obligated to carry it on. To tidy up the place doesn’t necessarily mean that we have to make everything the same. Offering a chance for equal communication and options will better mobilize the people,” Xu said.
In the recent decade, many historic streets and alleys across China have been fostering new businesses for revitalization.
For instance, a historical block in Yangzhou, east China’s Jiangsu province encourages merchants to run cafeterias, 24-hour reading rooms, and other small service facilities to make the community more energetic. Another historical block in Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong province has introduced a series of new business forms that are expected to create 1,300 local jobs.
Through reasonable utilization, enriching business forms and functional activation, historical blocks and modern lifestyles are fusing with each other.
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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