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China’s unswerving pursuit of common prosperity

Published

4 years ago

February 20, 2023

By Qiang Wei, People’s Daily

With snow on the grey tiled roof and red lanterns strung on the porch, every house in Zhanghe village, Lingchuan county, Jincheng, north China’s Shanxi province had already been immersed in a festive atmosphere before the 2023 Spring Festival, or the 2023 Chinese Lunar New Year.

Wang Chuan, a villager of Zhanghe village, was busy preparing his B&B hotel for the coming holiday.

“Many regulars have spent New Year’s Eve and enjoyed the reunion dinner here in my house for several years. The meat prepared used up quickly, and I need to go to the town to buy some more,” Wang told People’s Daily.

Zhanghe village used to be an important transportation hub of ancient trade routes, and has retained many features and folk customs of traditional villages in northern China. The village has vigorously developed characteristic tourism leveraging its cultural traditions in recent years.

Motivated by the positive changes in his hometown, Wang, who has worked as a cook for years, decided to return to the village with his wife to start their own business.

Their old house was invested in and transformed into a B&B hotel, which has enjoyed booming business. Wang no longer has to leave his hometown for employment.

The development of Zhanghe village is an epitome of the industrial upgrading achieved through transformation and investment in many villages of the country in recent years. The practice has given villages brand new looks, attracting more and more migrant workers back home.

It’s estimated that the per capita annual income of Zhanghe village will exceed 30,000 yuan ($4,383.27) by 2025.

At present, nearly 510 million people live in rural areas of China, accounting for 36.11 percent of the country’s total population. Since farmers constitute the main part of China’s low-income earners, the well-off life of farmers is important for the country to achieve its goal of common prosperity.

In Wenzhou, east China’s Zhejiang province, “city study rooms”, 24-hour self-service public libraries, have enjoyed growing popularity among readers.

These libraries provide free, equal, and barrier-free services for readers, representing a vivid practice of Wenzhou’s efforts to achieve common prosperity in the pursuit of spiritual development.

The city has established 136 “city study rooms” since the first one opened to the public in 2014, with a combined area of more than 34,800 square meters and a total collection of nearly 1.43 million volumes. These libraries have received more than 15.06 million visits and witnessed the circulation of over 14.8 million volumes of books.

“Unlike traditional libraries or bookstores, ‘city study rooms’ usually have a cozy and beautiful environment, making people feel at home,” a student surnamed Chen told People’s Daily in a “city study room” on Nantang Street in Wenzhou.

“At first I just came in to shelter from the rain, and I didn’t expect to find an amazing ‘new world’ here. Now I’m a big fan of the place,” Chen said.

China has become the second-largest economy in the world. In 2022, the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) surpassed 120 trillion yuan, which was equivalent to about $18 trillion based on the average annual exchange rate.

Meanwhile, China’s per capita GDP is only $12,700, which is still a long way from reaching the level of medium-developed countries.

Continuously promoting the material and spiritual civilizations for the people on the path to common prosperity is an important feature of Chinese modernization and a direction of China’s development.

Chinese modernization offers a new choice for achieving modernization.

“The amount of disruption brought about by technology, together with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, has exacerbated the already serious income and wealth gaps, highlighting the urgent need to promote inclusiveness and common prosperity within the global sphere,” pointed out an article published on the website of International Institute for Management Development, a think tank in Switzerland.

China’s promotion of common prosperity contributes “Chinese wisdom and solutions to the important challenges of human development worldwide,” according to the article.

“For China to embrace common prosperity, to establish a society of greater fairness, greater equity, that is a very important message not only to China, Chinese people but to the world as well,” British scholar and political commentator Martin Jacques said.

As China marches toward modernization, it will bring more opportunities to the world, inject stronger momentum for international cooperation, and make greater contributions to human progress.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). So far, China has signed BRI cooperation documents with a total of 151 countries.

By the end of 2022, Chinese companies had invested 397.9 billion yuan in the cooperation zones in countries along the routes of the BRI, and created 421,000 local jobs. A World Bank report estimated that BRI-related investments could lift 7.6 million from extreme poverty and 32 million from moderate poverty by 2030.

The Global Development Initiative (GDI), a global public good China has offered to the world, has provided a roadmap for narrowing the North-South gap and addressing the imbalance in development, and accelerated the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Over the past more than a year since the initiative was proposed, more than 60 countries have joined the Group of Friends of the GDI.

As Chinese President Xi Jinping said, “On the road to the wellbeing of all mankind, no country or nation should be left behind.”

The concept and practice of Chinese modernization have continuously injected new connotations and impetus into the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, pointed out the way forward for human civilization, and opened up broader prospects for the common development of humanity.

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2027: VP Shettima Urges Politicians To Play Politics without Bitterness

Published

26 minutes ago

September 17, 2026

Our Reporter

As Gov AbdulRazaq Is Turbaned As Sadauna Of Ilorin Emirate

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Vice President Kashim Shettima has stressed the need for politicians to embrace one another, play politics without bitterness and according to the rules in order to ensure an astronomical growth and development for the country.

Shettima made the appeal on Wednesday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, at the turbaning of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, while admonishing
Nigerians to serve with humility, do good to one another and have forgiving spirit, as they, according to him, would spend more time after office.

He added: “Power is given by God to the people He so wishes and not because we are better than others. I, therefore, call on all politicians to unite themselves as one family despite their political differences.

“Take a cue from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that I serve as his assistant. He is a good and decent man who has the love and interest of Nigerians at heart.”

Shettima explained that when they assumed office in 2023, the economy of the country was at the brink of collapse, but President Tinubu refused to pass blame; with courage he accepted both the assets and liabilities and moved on.

He further disclosed that during the 2023 electioneering campaign, only six out of the 19 northern governors supported Tinubu’s presidential aspiration, based on the erroneous belief that Baba (Buhari) didn’t like him, adding: “But today the President has embraced everybody as his own and things are going on well”.

He added: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a good man by all standard; he believes in the people that work with him.”

Shettima also thanked the Emir of Ilorin for the honour done to Governor AbdulRazaq, which , he noted, was based on his contributions to the development of the Ilorin Emirate and the State at large, adding that “the father of the Governor had planted a solid footprint in the Ilorin Emirate and by extension Nigeria as a whole”.

Shettima, who expressed optimism that this new chapter would create a stronger bond between the Emirate and the family of Governor AbdulRazaq, urged the people to continue to pray for the progress and development of the Emirate and the State as a whole.

He commended Governor AbdulRazaq for his efforts in the massive improvement on infrastructure to assist the people of the State, as well as for his
contributions to the actualisation of policies and programmes of government at the federal level towards providing succour to average Nigerians.

In his remarks, the Matawaliof Ilorin Emirate, Dr.Alimi AbdulRazaq, said the title of Sardauna bestowed on the Governor was well deserved, thanking the Emir of Ilorin for finding the Governor worthy of the noble recognition by the Emirate.

Dr,Alimi urged the Governor to see the tittle as a clarion call to provide more dividends of democracy to the nooks and crannies of the State.

The turbaning ceremony witnessed large turnout of dignitaries, including the Governor of Niger state, Umar Bago, Governor of Kaduna state, Senator Uba Sani, Governor of Imo State ,Hope Uzodinma, and Governors of Kebbi ,Katsina States.

Others are the Emir of Zazzau Emirate, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamali, the Deputy Governors of Sokoto, Anambra, Nasarawa, Delta, Ondo, and Oyo States.

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Gov AbdulRazaq Lauded Over Conferment Of Sadauna Of Ilorin Title

Published

23 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has been hailed for the conferment of the prestigious Sadauna of Ilorin Emirate title on him by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR.

Giving the commendation on Tuesday in a statement in Ilorin, the state capital, Alhaji Yakubu Garba Gobir, who is the Sarkin Gobir and Madawaki of the Ilorin Emirate, described the recognition and honour on Governor AbdulRazaq as well deserved, timely and apt, giving his huge contributions to the growth and development of Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State as a whole.

Gobir specifically commended the Emir of Ilorin for conferring this distinguished title in recognition of the qualities and contributions of the new Sardauna, noting that it is a solemn call for greater responsibility, leadership, loyalty and devoted service to the Emirate and its people.

He added: “The title of Sardauna occupies a position of profound significance in the history, heritage and traditions of the Ilorin Emirate. I commend His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, the Emir of Ilorin, for conferring this distinguished title in recognition of the qualities and contributions of the new Sardauna.

“The title embodies courage, leadership, loyalty and devoted service to the Emirate and its people. Your elevation is therefore not merely a mark of honour; it is also a solemn call to greater responsibility and continued service.

“As a fellow title-holder in the Ilorin Emirate, I am particularly delighted to welcome you into this distinguished circle of traditional leadership. I am confident that you will bring to the office the same qualities of leadership, dignity and unwavering commitment to public service that have distinguished your tenure and career.

“At a time when our Emirate and our State require men and women of character, wisdom and courage to advance the interests of our people, I am certain that you will make a meaningful contribution to the enduring unity, progress and development of the Ilorin Emirate.”

Gobir offered prayers for a successful, impactful and enduring tenure for the new Sadauna, adding:
“May Almighty Allah grant you wisdom, sound health and strength, and may He make your tenure as Sardauna of Ilorin a source of lasting honour to you, your family and the entire Ilorin Emirate.”

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FG Commissions KWASU ICT Centre To Enhance Graduates Employability

Published

23 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin.

The wife of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned a TETFund/Renewed Hope Initiative-backed ICT Experience Centre at the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete.

It would be recalled that KWASU is one of the six tertiary institutions selected for the pilot phase of this intervention, with one institution representing each of the Nigerian six geopolitical zones.

Represented at the commissioning on Tuesday by the wife of the Vice-President, Nana Shettima, Tinubu said the project is a testament to the federal government’s commitment to advancing education, digital inclusion and enhancing graduate employability.

“The TETFund/Renewed Hope Initiative ICT Experience Centre we are commissioning today represents opportunity, innovation, knowledge, and the future of young people in Kwara State and beyond.

She said: “This initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which places emphasis on youth empowerment, education, innovation, and economic transformation. Mr President is committed to creating opportunities that will equip Nigerian youths with knowledge and skills required to thrive in a modern and competitive world.”

Senator Tinubu said the facility was designed as a modern technology centre equipped with ICT laboratory, interactive digital display, conference facility, and exhibition spaces, adding that it would be an environment for learning, creativity, research, and technology advancement.

According to her, the ICT centres had been commissioned at the Ekiti State University on May 28, University of Cross Rivers State on September 4, Anambra State Polytechnic on September 10, adding that the Centres at Kaduna State University and Taraba State Universities would be commissioned soon.

“The next phase of this intervention will cover 15 institutions in Adamawa, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Katsina, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Rivers, Yobe, and Zamfara states which construction is currently ongoing. This expansion demonstrates the administration’s commitment to ensuring that more Nigerian youths, irrespective of their locations, have access to digital learning opportunities,” she said.

She encouraged the students to take ownership of the facility, maximise the opportunity it provides, and use technology positively to enhance their lives, community, and the nation.

In his speech, the Executive Secretary of Tetfund, Architect Sonny Echono, said the centres are being established across selected Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education, with the Kwara State University, Malete proudly hosting the facility in the North-Central Zone.

“Through practical training and digital skills acquisition, TETFund seeks to enhance graduate employability, foster innovation and position Nigeria to participate more effectively in the global
technology-driven economy,” he added.

Echono also said that the ICT Experience Centre is designed to equip students and lecturers with critical digital skills in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Robotics and Software Development.

He added: “The Centre being commissioned today is one of the foremost ICT Experience Centres being delivered across the country, and the third to be commissioned this year. The Centre is equipped with modern digital devices, Computer systems and relevant software to facilitate training, practical learning and skills development. The facility is appropriately furnished and
fully air-conditioned, with supporting power and municipal infrastructure.”

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Shaykh- Luqman Jimoh, said the new facility represents vision, belief, and an investment in the Nigerian youth to better shape the future of our
nation.

The Vice Chancellor described the ICT Experience Centre as an investment in human capital, in innovation, in entrepreneurship, and, most importantly, it is an investment in the future of Nigeria.

“This Centre will provide opportunities for our students to develop practical digital skills and engage with contemporary technologies. Importantly, it is our hub for interdisciplinary engagement.

“This ICT Experience Centre is therefore a timely, critical, and strategic infrastructure that will definitely enhance research, teaching, learning, entrepreneurship, and community service. This intervention is at the core of what this university seeks from partners and donors: synergies that add value and impact on today and the future,” he started.

KWASU Vice Chancellor also assured that the ICT Experience Centre would be put to maximum use for the benefit of students, researchers, and the University
community, adding that the “KWASU community would engage with the facilities in this Centre, we will use it. We will explore, experiment, learn, and innovate in i