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China has made extraordinary development achievements: Cambodian Queen Mother

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By Zhao Yipu, People’s Daily

Cambodian Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk still remembers vividly when she was awarded the Friendship Medal of the People’s Republic of China.

“On Nov. 6, 2020, Chinese President Xi Jinping presented the award to me at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. After that, he gave me a Sampeah, a traditional Cambodian gesture, and I immediately returned it,” she said in a recent interview with People’s Daily.

The medal represents the Chinese people’s reverence for Queen Mother Monineath and their profound friendship with the Cambodian people, Xi said, and wished China and Cambodia greater prosperity and everlasting friendship.

The medal was certainly a great honor, Queen Mother Monineath said, which also belonged to the Cambodian King Father Norodom Sihanouk and all the Cambodian people. “I would like to express my most sincere thanks to the great Communist Party of China, the Chinese government and the Chinese people.”

The Cambodian royal family has long maintained friendly relations with China, and Queen Mother Monineath is an important witness and promoter of the China-Cambodia friendship.

Queen Mother Monineath has forged a tight bond with China since she accompanied Norodom Sihanouk, then Cambodian prince, to China in 1958 for the first time.

In the past over 60 years, Queen Mother Monineath has actively supported exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in various fields, making outstanding contributions to promoting the development of China-Cambodia relations and enhancing the friendship between the two peoples.

“You are a large nation, neither selfish nor arrogant; you treat countries of all sizes affably and equally…the Cambodian people will always be your friends,” King Father Sihanouk wrote in “Nostalgia of China”, a song he created for China.

“King Father Sihanouk and I were deeply impressed by the beautiful and vibrant land of China and the hard-working and brave Chinese people. In the decades that followed our visit to China in 1958, we revisited China many times. I feel attached to the Chinese people, and admire China’s rapid development. My strong attachment to China has never changed,” Queen Mother Monineath told People’s Daily.

In the past decade, Queen Mother Monineath has been grandly welcomed by Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan during her trips to China. “Every time I see President Xi and his wife, I feel like I’m reunited with my family,” Queen Mother Monineath said.

Ahead of the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival in 2018, Xi and Peng visited Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Monineath, who were then at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing.

“President Xi and his wife gave us Mid-Autumn Festival greetings, which warmed my heart. Our meeting was like a family gathering,” she recalled.

“You can regard Beijing as your home and are welcomed to come back home often,” Xi said that officials and people between the two countries should visit each other as frequently as relatives do.

Every time they meet, Xi always greets her warmly, said Queen Mother Monineath, noting that the words of the leader of a major country show great sincerity and genuine care.

In October 2016, Xi paid a state visit to Cambodia, during which he visited Queen Mother Monineath in Phnom Penh and, accompanied by her, presented a flower basket to the statue of King Father Sihanouk.

“Xi told me during the meeting that King Norodom Sihamoni and I are welcomed to continually regard China as our second home and take frequent trips to China. He said that the Chinese side is willing to work with Cambodia to carry forward the friendship jointly forged by leaders of the previous generations of our countries, and always be each other’s ironclad friend,” Queen Mother Monineath recalled. She noted that the visit made by Xi has greatly promoted the traditional friendship between Cambodia and China.

“China has witnessed rapid development since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) held in 2012. I can feel its tremendous changes every time I come here. The whole country is thriving in all fields,” Queen Mother Monineath said, stressing that China has made extraordinary development achievements.

According to her, the secret of the long-lasting friendship between Cambodia and China is that the two countries respect and treat each other as equals.

As a major country in the world, China never oppresses weak countries, but treats all countries as equals, Queen Mother Monineath said. She pointed out that this spirit is also reflected in the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind advocated by Xi.

Since Cambodia and China formally established diplomatic relations in 1958, the Chinese people have always lent a helping hand to Cambodia when it was in need and when the Cambodian royal family was going through a difficult time, Queen Mother Monineath noted.

“We will always be grateful for China’s help and support, and I hope the Cambodia-China friendship will be everlasting,” she said.

The China-Cambodia friendship is “rock-solid” and the prospects for cooperation are very broad.

“The previous generations of Cambodian and Chinese leaders have jointly forged and carefully cultivated the friendship between our two countries. I have a special bond with the Chinese people, and the Cambodian royal family actively supports exchanges and cooperation in various fields between our two countries,” Queen Mother Monineath said.

She hopes that China and Cambodia will continue to inherit and carry forward their friendship so that the bilateral ties will brim with renewed vigor and vitality in the new historical period and bring more benefits to the two peoples.

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EID-EL-KABIR: BELLO BABAYO BELLO COMMENDS TINUBU, SHETTIMA, GOMBE GOVERNOR AS HE FELICITATES WITH MUSLIMS NATIONWIDE

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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.

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Dogara Celebrates Eid El-Adha, Urges Nigerians to Embrace Unity, Sacrifice, and Compassion

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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.

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Ukhomunyio Community Seeks Edo Government Intervention Over Insecurity

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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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