Uncategorized

G7 will hurt itself being accomplice of economic coercion

Published

3 years ago

May 23, 2023

By Zhong Sheng, People’s Daily
To pressure China is reportedly to be one of the core topics of the Group of Seven (G7) summit to be held in Japan’s Hiroshima. The summit is likely to attack and smear China in the name of “obeying the rules” and “taking responsible actions.”
Blinded and instigated by the United States and a few other G7 members, the organization has again and again grossly interfered in China’s domestic affairs and arrogantly pointed fingers at China, which reflects deep-rooted Cold War mentality and ideological prejudices.
It’s an open strategy of the United States to contain and oppress China, which it takes as an “imaginary enemy,” and rope in its allies to encircle China.
In June last year, despite China’s stern position and firm opposition, the G7 mentioned China 14 times in a leaders’ communique, making irresponsible remarks on Hong Kong, Xinjiang, human rights, the East China Sea, the South China Sea and the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait, grossly interfering in China’s domestic affairs and peddling its false narrative of “democracy versus authoritarianism,” to incite confrontational sentiments.
As the G7 presidency, Japan uses the misguided China policy of the United States to speculate and seek private interests, which has provided convenience for the U.S. in jamming the topics of containing China into the agenda of the G7.
A recent G7 foreign ministers’ meeting hyped China-related issues, grossly interfering in China’s domestic affairs and maliciously slandering and smearing China. A G7 trade ministers’ meeting also sent a signal of countering China.
With a decreasing influence, the G7 has been reduced to a servant of the U.S. hegemony, which could only prove its presence by hyping China topics.
Claiming to safeguard the so-called “rules-based international order,” the G7 is blatantly challenging the core of the postwar order.
It’s known around the world that Taiwan’s return to China is an important component of the post-war international order, which is written in the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation. Any country that’s sincerely committed to safeguarding the international order should follow the one-China principle and oppose all acts supporting and emboldening “Taiwan independence.”
With a total disregard for the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation, the G7 said China’s opposition to “Taiwan independence” is “changing the status quo of the Taiwan Strait.” This obviously condones “Taiwan independence” and challenges the post-war international order recognized by the international community. It fully proves that the G7’s efforts to safeguard the so-called international order are hypocritical and the G7 itself is a saboteur of the international order.
Claiming to jointly cope with “economic coercion,” the G7 is turning a blind eye to the economic coercion of the United States around the world.
For a long time, the United States, relying on its economic strength and financial hegemony, has abused illegal unilateral sanctions. According to media reports, U.S. government sanctions designations soared by 933 percent between 2000 and 2021. More than 9,400 sanctions designations had come into effect in the United States by fiscal year 2021. The United States has slapped unilateral economic sanctions on nearly 40 countries, affecting nearly half of the world’s population.
Not even G7 members have been spared from U.S. economic coercion and bullying. Companies such as Toshiba from Japan, Siemens from Germany and Alstom from France, were all victims of U.S. suppression.
China is a victim of U.S. economic coercion. It has been firmly opposed to economic coercion by any country in the world. If the G7 summit is to discuss response to economic coercion, perhaps it should first discuss and condemn what the U.S. has done, rather than being an accomplice.
Claiming to discuss the so-called “economic security,” the G7 tolerates and even assists the “decoupling and severing ties” of the United States, which creates risks for global economic recovery.
During a G7 finance ministers’ meeting, the United States said it was considering further restriction on American enterprises’ investment in China and would discuss the issue with its allies and partners. This just revealed the country’s intention to upgrade its economic hegemony.
Over the recent years, the United States has overstretched the concept of national security and abused export control measures, restricted American enterprises’ normal economic and trade cooperation with China, impeded the decision making of enterprises, and instigated and even forced its allies to follow its practices, which has damaged the international economic and trade order and disturbed the stability of global industrial and supply chains.
If the G7 green-lights the economic bullying practices of the United States to hinder the economic development of other countries, it will not only become a destructive player in global development, but also hurt its own economic recovery.
A big country should act like a big country. As a club of rich countries, the G7 is being cruel and has triggered dissatisfaction around the world. Every summit it has hosted faced strong opposition. Last year, a poster showed a distorted Earth fitted in a letter G, which suggested that the world is becoming distorted under the interference of the G7. This exactly mirrored the destructive role played by the group.
The G7 should understand that being a servant of U.S. hegemony, establishing exclusive cliques, containing other countries and provoking bloc confrontation are against the trend of the times. Those who play fire will only get themselves burned.

Uncategorized

Kwara celebrates Fela’s legacy with retrospective exhibition

Published

1 day ago

October 26, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Kwara State Government has celebrated the life and enduring influence of Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, with a retrospective exhibition aimed at preserving African cultural heritage and inspiring younger generations.

The exhibition, titled Fela Anikulapo-Kuti: A Retrospective, was opened by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the Institute of Contemporary African Art and Film in Ilorin on Monday.

The Governor said the establishment of the institute reflected his administration’s belief that development should extend beyond physical infrastructure to include spaces that promote creativity, knowledge and economic opportunities.

“When we established the Institute of Contemporary African Art & Film, our vision was clear: development must go beyond roads, bridges and buildings to create spaces for creativity, knowledge and opportunity,” AbdulRazaq said.

According to him, cultural infrastructure plays an important role in connecting people to their history, broadening their imagination and encouraging critical thinking.

“Physical infrastructure connects places; cultural infrastructure connects people to their history, expands their imagination and challenges their thinking,” the Governor said.

AbdulRazaq said the institute was established to preserve African stories, nurture talents and showcase the continent’s artists and thinkers to the world,
describing the decision to open the institution with an exhibition dedicated to Fela as significant, given the musician’s contribution to African music, social commentary and cultural expression.

“Fela was more than a musician. Through his music and artistic expression, he challenged conventions and confronted society with questions about power, freedom, identity and justice,” he added.

The Governor added that the late musician’s life demonstrated the capacity of artistic expression to influence public discourse and inspire social change.

The exhibition, curated by June Creative Art Advisory, led by its founder, Mrs Seun Alli, featured photography, archival materials, film, graphic works and other artistic expressions exploring Fela’s life, times and enduring influence.

AbdulRazaq commended the firm for bringing its curatorial expertise and creative vision to the project, while describing the exhibition as an opportunity for different categories of visitors to engage with the musician’s legacy.

He said the exhibition would provide students with learning opportunities beyond the classroom, inspire artists, support researchers and encourage young people to explore the creative industry.

“For students, this is a classroom beyond the classroom; for artists, inspiration; for researchers, an opportunity for deeper inquiry; and for young people, a reminder that creativity offers both self-expression and economic opportunity,” he said.

The Governor clarified that the state government was not claiming ownership of Fela’s story but was providing a platform for younger generations to encounter and learn from his legacy, adding that the state government is optimistic that the institute would promote cultural education, encourage creative enterprise, attract visitors and strengthen Kwara State’s position in Nigeria’s cultural and creative landscape.

According to him, the institution’s success would be measured by the talents it nurtured, the ideas it inspired and the opportunities it created.

“Governments change, but institutions should endure,” the Governor said, expressing the hope that the exhibition would mark the beginning of sustained cultural engagement at the institute.

“May this exhibition begin sustained cultural engagement at ICAAF and inspire our young people to create, question, discover and contribute to society,” he said.

AbdulRazaq added that the initiative reflected his administration’s commitment to building a state where cultural heritage, innovation and economic opportunities complemented one another.

In her address, the Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, said: “Today’s exhibition offers us an opportunity to revisit the life and works of Fela
Anikulapo-Kuti and appreciate how his music, ideas and artistic expression continue to influence generations.

“For the Ministry of Communications, this occasion speaks to an important part of our
mandate: promoting the stories, talents and creative expressions that shape our identity as a people.”

The Commissioner particularly noted that under Governor AbdulRazaq’s leadership, the State is creating opportunities for young people through investments in sectors such as film, fashion and technology.

She added: “Projects including
the Sugar Film Factory, the Garment Factory and the Ilorin Innovation Hub reflect the administration’s commitment to developing talent and supporting enterprise.

“The Institute of Contemporary African Art & Film, formerly the Ilorin Visual Arts Centre, adds an important dimension to this effort. It provides a platform for artistic expression, cultural learning and creative collaboration.

“We want young Kwarans who are passionate about painting, photography, filmmaking, fashion and design to see ICAAF as a place where they can explore their interests, learn from others and showcase their talents.

“We also encourage students to engage with art and history beyond the classroom. Fela’s story is a fitting subject for this exhibition. It demonstrates how creativity
can go beyond entertainment to shape cultural identity and influence public conversations. There is much for our young people to learn from his artistic journey and enduring impact.

“It might also interest you that kwara state was also part of Fela’s creative showcase during his lifetime.”

Uncategorized

2027: Ilorin West LG Boss Leads APC Mega Rally In Ubandawaki

Published

1 day ago

October 26, 2026

Our Reporter

•••Says Ward stands with APC

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Executive Chairman of the Ilorin West Local Government, Mallam Shehu AbdulRahman Babatunde Ladan, has led an All Progressives Congress (APC) mega rally in Ubandawaki Ward, reaffirming the commitment of party members and supporters to the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The rally attracted party leaders, grassroots mobilisers, youths, women, and other stakeholders who gathered to demonstrate their support for the party.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman Ladan declared that Ubandawaki Ward remains committed to the APC and its political leadership, expressing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the APC governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Engr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu (SYD), alongside other party candidates for the 2027 general elections.

The Chairman emphasised the importance of unity, peaceful political engagement, and sustained grassroots mobilisation in strengthening the party’s structure ahead of the forthcoming elections, urging party faithful to remain united, engage constructively with residents, and work collectively towards the party’s political objectives.

Ladan also acknowledged the importance of Ubandawaki Ward in the political landscape of Ilorin West, encouraging party leaders and supporters to maintain cordial relationships, promote inclusive participation, and sustain engagement with the electorate. He stressed that a united party structure would help strengthen internal cooperation and effective grassroots coordination.

The mega rally renewed calls for unity, loyalty, and peaceful political participation among APC members and supporters, underscoring commitment by participants to mobilising support for the party’s candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, while promoting peace, development, and responsible democratic engagement across Ilorin West Local Government Area.

Uncategorized

KW-IRS Staff Threaten Strike Over Alleged Poor Remuneration

Published

6 days ago

October 21, 2026

Our Reporter

Mgt Accuses Union Of Dishing Out False Staff Remuneration Scale

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The staff of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) have lamented poor welfare conditions, rising living costs and stagnant salaries they have been subjected to, despite their contributions to the state’s revenue generation.

In a statement issued by the KWIRS chapter of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), the workers lamented that their sacrifice and professionalism, which have helped to place Kwara State among the more self-reliant states in the country, have not been matched with corresponding improvement in their welfare.

The workers questioned the disparity between their contributions to the state’s revenue and their welfare, saying many of them are battling financial hardship.

“We block leakages. We are posted to hospitals and other MDAs to secure government revenue. We work under pressure day and night but we continue to struggle to meet basic needs due to poor salaries.”

The association further expressed concern that personnel costs had remained unchanged for years while other expenditure heads had continued to increase.

It also cited a salary negotiation agreement dated October 11, 2022, which reportedly stated that the adjustment would be implemented “as soon as it can be accommodated in the budget.”

According to the workers, nearly four years after the agreement, there had been no implementation or clear indication of when the adjustment would take effect, despite the rising cost of living.

The staff said expenses on school fees, house rent, transportation and food had increased significantly while their salaries remained unchanged. “We smile outside but the majority of us are bleeding inside. We cannot continue to generate wealth for the state while we wallow in abject poverty,” they declared.

Urging their colleagues to remain united and resolute in pursuing improved welfare, the association said the workers should not expect better conditions without collectively standing up for their interests.

It called on members to remain calm, vigilant and prayerful as a 14-day period beginning October 15, 2026, counts down, without specifying further details in the statement about the expected action at its conclusion.

Reacting to the KW-IRS staff allegations, the Management, while
reaffirm its commitment to professionalism, political neutrality and its statutory mandate, expressed dismay over public speculation on staff remuneration and attempts to politicise unverified internal administrative communications.

“Management is concerned by attempts to exploit unverified internal administrative communications for political purposes, create unnecessary tension and distract the Service from its responsibilities. KWIRS will not be distracted from its mandate by such narratives,” said the Management.

It added: “The isolated salary figures being circulated on social media do not represent the full remuneration structure or total emoluments of KWIRS staff. Staff compensation extends beyond regular monthly salaries and includes the following benefits, in accordance with applicable policies and approved arrangements:

“Annual and Performance-Related Bonuses: Annual, festive, and situational bonuses linked to revenue performance milestones and staff performance and situational economic palliatives are paid periodically to staff members

“Annual Leave Allowance: A separate annual payment in addition to regular monthly remuneration.
Staff Welfare and Operational Support: Structured measures designed to support staff welfare and professional development throughout their careers.

“Accordingly, assessing staff remuneration solely on selectively circulated salary figures presents an incomplete picture of the Service’s compensation and welfare structure.

“Management remains committed to staff welfare, motivation and professional development. The Service will continue to strengthen policies and operational processes that support staff well-being and performance, within government-approved resource allocations and applicable administrative frameworks. The Service remains one of the Government Institutions with the most recruitment requests and this is a testament of Management’s commitment to staff welfare.

“KWIRS urges members of the public, taxpayers and other stakeholders to disregard unverified and misleading narratives, verify information before sharing it, and rely on official Service communications for accurate information about its operations and staff policies.

“All stakeholders are encouraged to refrain from politicising internal administrative matters or spreading claims capable of undermining institutional harmony and public confidence.

“KWIRS remains focused on its statutory responsibilities and committed to mobilising revenue for the economic growth and sustainable development of Kwara State.”