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Xi stresses ethnic unity, strengthening sense of community for Chinese nation

Consolidate Sense of Community for the Chinese Nation to Jointly Build the Great Motherland and Create a Better Life
Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and President of the People’s Republic of China, participated in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region delegation’s deliberation at the Fifth Session of the 13th National People’s Congress on Saturday March 5.
Xi himself is a member of the delegation. He stressed that ethnic unity is the lifeline of all ethnic groups in the country and a strong sense of community is key to ethnic unity. Efforts must be made to strengthen such sense by furthering education on ethnic unity, he added. Efforts should also be made to let people cultivate the awareness that people from all ethnicities are in the same community, where they share weel and woe, stick together in life and death, Xi said. Seeds in a pomegranate are what Xi used to describe how all ethnic groups can stick together as long as the sense of Chinese nation as a community being the foundation for ethnic unity can be laid. Only with ethnic unity will people fromall ethnic groups join hands in building our country, Xi said. A stable and healthy economic environment is important, and so is social stability and political integrity. Ethnic unity is essential to all these, Xi said. We must do a good job in all areas to greet the convening of the 20th National Congress of the CPC, he said.
The atmosphere was warm and active in the delegation’s panel deliberation. Deputies Zhang Lei, Guo Yanling, Jia Run’an, Wang Xiaohong, Feng Yanli, Zhao Huijie and Shi Yudong shared their opinions with others on how the new development philosophy can be carried out in an accurate, extensive and down-to-earth manner in the conservation of grassland ecology. They also talked about how the philosophy can be materialized in furthering the coal chemical industry to contribute to carbon emissions peaking and carbon neutrality. Cultivating a sense of community for the Chinese nation can be integrated into the entire process of school education, they said. High-quality development, rural revitalization and better development of the dairy industry are also topics they talked about. Xi took down notes of what they said and once in a while would put in a word.
Having listened carefully to the deputies, Xi made a speech. First, he expressed approval of the Report on the Work of the Government and recognition of Inner Mongolia’s work in the past year. He hoped that the people in Inner Mongolia would resolutely implement the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee, coordinate efforts in epidemic control and economic and social development, unswervingly follow the path of high-quality development that prioritizes ecological conservation and pursues green development, and fully fulfill their political responsibilities of safeguarding national ecological, energy, food and industrial security. He also hoped the region would forge a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, push forward the full and rigorous self-governance of the Party, add more charm to the northern border region, and write a new chapter of high-quality development in the new era.
In 2021, China has made comprehensive advancements in reform, development and stability, with new and major achievements attained in the pursuit of the cause of the Party and the country, Xi noted. The CPC has solemnly celebrated the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Party, carried out the initiatives to study the Party’s history, held the sixth plenary session of its 19th Central Committee, and adopted a resolution on the Party’s historical experience and achievements over the past century. Having won the critical battle against poverty and completed the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects on schedule, China is striding forward on a new journey toward the second centenary goal of fully building a modern socialist country. Always putting the people and their lives first, China has guarded against both imported COVID-19 cases and domestic resurgences, and adhered to a dynamic zero-COVID approach in a science-based and targeted way. While ensuring constant efforts on routine epidemic prevention and control, China has maintained a leading position in both economic growth rate and epidemic control globally, and got the 14th Five-Year Plan off to a good start. China has also successfully hosted the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games by presenting a simple, safe and splendid event to the world. The Chinese athletes strived and achieved the country’s best-ever results at the Winter Games. These achievements bear a great significance to the pursuit of the cause of the Party and the country.
Xi Jinping stressed that, in reviewing the Party and the people’s endeavors in the new era, we have acquired a stronger understanding of the following:
First of all, upholding the overall Party leadership is the path we must take to stick to and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics. As long as we unswervingly uphold the overall Party leadership and safeguard the Party Central Committee’s authority and centralized, unified leadership, we will definitely be able to ensure that the whole Party and the country have the strong political cohesiveness to unite the people to work together, develop confidence, bring together the strong power of innovation on the basis of what has been done in the past and unity as one to surmount all difficulties, and form an anchor for the nation in the face of adversity.
Second, socialism with Chinese characteristics is the path we must take to realize the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. As long as we unwaveringly keep to the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, we will definitely be able to consistently see our people realize their aspirations for a better life and promote common prosperity for all the people.
Third, working hard in unity is the path the Chinese people must take to make historic achievements. As long as the people from all ethnic groups across the country, under the Party’s leadership, unite together with one heart and one mind and bravely and readily stand out for ourselves, we will definitely be able to overcome all the difficulties and challenges on our road ahead, and continue to create new impressive miracles.
Fourth, putting into practice our new development philosophy is the path we must take to develop our country into a strong nation in the new era. As long as we apply the new development philosophy in full, in the right way and in all fields of endeavor, accelerate efforts to create a new development pattern, promote high-quality development and speed up strengthening our country’s science and technology capacity, we will definitely be able to consistently improve the competitiveness and sustainability of our country’s development, seize the initiative and embrace a good future in the increasingly fierce global competition.
Fifth, exercising full and rigorous self-governance of the Party is the path we must take to maintain the Party’s vigor and vitality and ensure its success on the new journey. China’s success hinges on the Party and its self-governance. As long as we make great efforts to carry forward the great founding spirit of the Party, stay true to our founding mission, have the courage to reform ourselves, consistently remove all elements that harm the Party’s advanced nature and integrity and eliminate all viruses that erode its health, we will definitely be able to ensure that the Party preserves its essence, color and character.
Xi pointed out that China is a unified nation of many ethnic groups. Only when all ethnic groups live in unity and harmony can there be a prosperous country, a stable society and a happy people. Without ethnic unity and harmony, the country would decline, society would be destabilized and the people would suffer. The CPC Central Committee has made fostering a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation the main task in its work related to ethnic affairs in the new era. It is a major decision made to maintain the great unity of the Chinese nation and to realize the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation. It is also an important conclusion drawn from a thorough review of the historical experience and lessons.
Xi stressed that what Inner Mongolia has achieved today is the results of the concerted efforts of people of all ethnic groups, and the bright future of the autonomous region would not be achieved without the unity and hard work of people of all ethnic groups. To foster a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, we should not only deliver work that can be seen and felt, but also make much “inconspicuous and subtle” efforts. In order to foster a shared sense of belonging for the Chinese nation and to promote exchanges, interactions and integration among different ethnic groups, we should do various concrete and detailed work that can be seen and felt and be effective. Officials of all ethnic groups should fully comprehend and carry out the Party’s ethnic theories and policies, and always bear in mind the overall work of the Party and the country and the overall interests of the Chinese nation when contemplating a problem, making a decision and doing their work. Any work that is conducive to fostering a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation should be done in a thorough, detailed and concrete manner. Any activity that is harmful to fostering such sense should be resolutely forbidden.
The requirements for fostering a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation should be carried out in relevant fields across the whole autonomous region, including historical and cultural education and publicity, construction of public cultural infrastructure and urban landmark structures, and exhibitions and displays in tourism sites. The relationship between the Chinese culture and the culture of an ethnic groupmust be dealt with properly. With all these efforts, we can lay a solid theoretical and cultural foundation for fostering a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation.
Xi pointed out that Inner Mongolia, as a border area with a large ethnic minority population, shoulders a major responsibility for safeguarding ethnic solidarity and the stability of our border. We should tell big pictures from observing details, be more mindful of difficulties ahead, maintain a strategic perspective, and take effective measures to guard against all types of risks and hidden dangers in the work related to ethnic affairs and ensure the security and stability on the north border of our country.
Xi also stressed that it is essential to respond to the COVID-19 and pursue economic and social development in a well-coordinated way. We should put into effect all measures for routine epidemic prevention and control, improve the mechanisms for routine containment and emergency response, give priority to epidemic control at port-of-entry areas, and ensure that no large-scale resurgences arise. We will take proactive and prudent steps to advance carbon emissions peaking and carbon neutrality initiatives. In light of our country’s energy situation rich in coal and poor in oil and gas resources, we should act on the national plans and arrangements for carbon emissions peaking and carbon neutrality, apply systems thinking, stay committed to the principle of pursuing progress while ensuring stability step by step, and coordinate efforts to reduce carbon emissions, address pollution, promote green development, and maintain continued growth. When carrying out carbon reductions, we must also ensure the security of energy, food, and industrial and supply chains, as well as the normal life and work of our people. We must not distant ourselves from realities and rush for quick results.
With the attitude and resolve to persevere in the never-ending fight against corruption, we have made integrated efforts to see that officials do not have the opportunity, desire, or audacity to engage in corruption. We remain firm in fighting corruption, removing its roots, and clearing away its negative influence. We will make strictly carrying out intra-Party political activities as the basic groundwork for further ensuring full and rigorous self-governance of the Party, and work faster to ensure intra-Party political activities are carried out in a healthy and procedure-based way, Xi said.
We will consolidate what we have achieved in studying the history of the CPC, set up long-term institutions, and educate and guide Party members and officials in taking the study and application of the CPC history as a lifelong compulsory task. We will remain confident in our history, raise our political awareness, carry forward the great founding spirit of the CPC, and forge ahead with confident strides on the new journey and make still greater achievements in the new era, Xi said.
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Audi: Trajectory of Success and Changing the Narrative
From a plethora of achievements and milestones—despite daunting challenges and shortcomings—the foresight, vision, and focused leadership of the present administration have transformed and repositioned the Service like never before in its history. In spite of limited funding and other grey areas yet to be addressed, the leadership has successfully turned around the narrative through deliberate rebranding efforts since assuming office.
Staff welfare remains paramount to the Commandant-General, who has consistently prioritized boosting esprit de corps and high personnel morale through the prompt payment of salaries, allowances, and other official entitlements as and when due. The leadership has also entrenched core values of integrity, intelligence-based security response systems, and professionalism across all operations. These measures have significantly reduced the activities of criminals, vandals, kidnappers, herdsmen, and illegal miners across the country.
In a press release signed by Mahmud Bello, Director of Media and Stakeholders Engagement of the Citizen Watch Advocacy Initiative (CWAI) in Kaduna State, the organization stated that the paramilitary agency has demonstrated genuine commitment to the interest of Nigerians through its open-door policy and robust engagement with its various publics. This approach has greatly reduced threats and disaster incidences nationwide through professional intelligence gathering, investigation, information sharing, manpower development, and strong collaboration with sister agencies—leading to remarkable improvement in disaster management as first responders.
Accordingly, transparency, accountability, and good governance have remained at the forefront of the present administration’s transformational philosophy. This has resulted in far-reaching reforms, including the regulation of private security companies, the introduction of Mining Marshals to secure strategic mining sites nationwide, containment of vandalism of critical national assets, reduction of oil theft in the Niger Delta region, and the assumption of VIP protocol protection responsibilities. These achievements surpass those of previous administrations and mark a significant milestone in the Service’s evolution.
CWAI authoritatively confirmed that the present management has introduced comprehensive institutional reforms that have repositioned the Service for greater productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness in delivering its mandate of safeguarding lives, property, and critical national assets—thereby reducing criminal activities and enhancing national security.
The Commandant-General, Professor Abubakar Ahmad Audi, reiterated that the reforms introduced align with his vision to upgrade the operational machinery of the Corps. He noted that the reorganization and revitalization of the training department are aimed at sharpening the skills and competencies of personnel to effectively address contemporary security challenges posed by hoodlums, bandits, kidnappers, and insurgents.
The establishment of the Mining Marshals and the Special Female Squad (SFS) are novel initiatives and the first of their kind in the history of the Corps. In response to the Federal Government’s Safe Schools Initiative, the NSCDC conducted audits and surveys of schools nationwide and developed a framework for proactive security measures to address the persistent attacks on educational institutions. These squads, like the Mining Marshals, are strengthening partnerships with local communities and stakeholders while prioritizing surveillance and monitoring to curb violent attacks and criminal activities.
The statement further emphasized that the Directorate of Legal Services has been reinvigorated and strengthened with enhanced prosecutorial competence, improving law enforcement and accountability. Similarly, the Anti-Vandal Unit has undergone major reforms and has been strategically deployed across the South-South geopolitical zone to curb pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and destruction of critical national assets. Over 2,500 suspects have been arrested since the beginning of the year for offences ranging from vandalism and attacks on national infrastructure to cattle rustling, banditry, attacks on farmers and farmlands, and illegal mining.
The Commandant-General attributed these successes to effective inter-agency collaboration, synergy, and partnerships, calling for comprehensive manpower development within the national security architecture.
Sports have also received significant attention under the present leadership, with officers and men of the NSCDC winning numerous laurels and trophies in various sporting engagements. All personnel, regardless of rank, have been provided with insurance cover against accidents, disability, or death in the course of duty. The Commandant-General views sports as a unifying platform that promotes wellness, camaraderie, information sharing, and mutual trust among paramilitary agencies.
CWAI further noted that the crackdown on illegal mining activities has saved the economy substantial revenue losses, while the destruction of over 450 illegal refineries has reduced oil theft. Additionally, the arrest of suspects and recovery of critical assets and railway materials valued at over ₦5 billion represent major milestones of the Service.
The organization therefore endorsed the change mantra of the Audi-led management and expressed confidence in the present leadership, noting that Nigerians are proud of its achievements despite prevailing challenges.
CWAI urged personnel to remain good ambassadors of the Corps—incorruptible and aligned with international best security practices wherever they serve. Nigerians were also encouraged to support the management in strengthening efforts against vandals and criminals nationwide.
The organization appealed to corporate bodies and public-spirited individuals to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly efforts to modernize the NSCDC through funding, partnerships, manpower development, capacity building, and the acquisition of modern security equipment.
Finally, CWAI emphasised the need for increased national budgetary allocation to the NSCDC in view of its critical role in the nation’s security architecture, including its added responsibility of VIP protocol protection. It also called for the entrenchment of a standard training curriculum to enhance career progression, effective supervision, and transparent regulation of Private Guard Companies across the country.
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Senator Monguno Launches ₦250 Million Mega Empowerment Programme for 2,500 Constituents
The Senator representing Borno North Senatorial District, Chief Whip of the Senate and Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Distinguished Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, has unveiled a ₦250 million Mega Empowerment Programme designed to strengthen grassroots economic development through skills acquisition and financial support. The initiative, targeting 2,500 constituents, commenced with the disbursement of ₦125 million to 1,250 beneficiaries in the first batch, each receiving ₦100,000 as start-up capital. The second batch of 1,250 beneficiaries is scheduled to receive the remaining ₦125 million next week, ensuring equitable coverage across the constituency. Ahead of the disbursement, participants underwent a four-day intensive training in Tie and Dye, Cake Making, Tailoring, Entrepreneurship, Soap Making, Groundnut Cake Production, and Hairdressing. The programme deliberately focused on youths and women, equipping them with practical skills to foster self-reliance, productivity, and sustainable livelihoods. Prominent stakeholders, including Alhaji Kallah Maina Monguno, Hon. Mohammed (M-Gas), and APC Local Government Chairmen, commended Senator Monguno’s people-focused leadership. They described the initiative as timely and impactful, urging beneficiaries to apply the support responsibly as a strategic investment in human capital development. Speaking on behalf of the organisers, Mr. Suleiman reaffirmed their commitment to transparency and sustainability, advising participants to remain disciplined and dedicated to their chosen trades. The event drew wide attendance from political leaders, religious figures, and youth and women group representatives, underscoring its significance. Senator Monguno emphasized that the programme is not a one-off intervention but a long-term strategy to strengthen skills acquisition, promote entrepreneurship, and create sustainable sources of livelihood. He noted that the initiative complements Governor Babagana Zulum’s human capital development agenda and aligns with the broader vision of reducing unemployment and fostering inclusive economic growth in Borno State.
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TETFund Begins Construction of Abuja Leadership Centre
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has initiated the construction of the Abuja Leadership Centre of Excellence in Public Governance at Yakubu Gowon University, formerly known as the University of Abuja.
The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, officially launched the project alongside the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, and the Director of the Centre, Professor Philip Dahida, during a ceremony held on Tuesday in Jahi, Abuja.
During the event, Echono emphasized the goal of making the Abuja Leadership Centre “a stopping point for every leader visiting the country.” He described leadership as a crucial element of national development, noting that the success or failure of nations often hinges on the quality of leadership they cultivate.
He highlighted that effective leadership relies on a collective effort to utilize intellectual, human, and material resources, which, when efficiently coordinated, can drive national development aspirations.
Echono disclosed that TETFund plans to commission approximately 467 projects across tertiary institutions nationwide between now and October. “It is my prayer and hope that this centre will become a stopping point for every leader visiting our country. Its location in the nation’s capital is not accidental,” he remarked.
The TETFund boss expressed optimism that the Abuja Leadership Centre would develop into a world-class facility capable of nurturing leaders across various sectors of the economy and hosting globally recognized speeches, conventions, and declarations.
The TETFund Executive Secretary urged the contractors responsible for the project to meet expectations, emphasizing that the goal is to create a facility of international standard. He assured that TETFund would provide funding not only for construction but also for high-quality furniture and equipment.
According to him, the Centre is envisioned as more than just a conference hall or auditorium; it aims to be a top-tier leadership facility where visiting heads of state and their delegations will feel at home, comparable to similar facilities worldwide.
Echono praised the leadership of the University of Abuja and the Centre for the stability and direction they have brought to the institution, reaffirming TETFund’s commitment to collaborating in order to realize the vision of the university’s founders. He emphasized that, by its name and mandate, the university must continue to promote national unity, integration, and excellence, particularly in leadership and governance.
Regarding the commissioning of projects, he noted that it would not be feasible for the agency to inaugurate all projects directly, but at least 50 iconic projects would be selected across the states, with a minimum of two to three in each state.
Earlier, in his remarks, Vice-Chancellor Professor Fawehinmi stated that the groundbreaking ceremony marks a new phase in the university’s collaboration with TETFund. He noted that the Abuja Leadership Centre would function as a center of excellence for public governance and leadership, serving as a national hub for training future leaders who will significantly impact policy formulation and national development.
The Vice-Chancellor commended Echono’s leadership at TETFund, pointing out that under his guidance, the agency has transformed tertiary education not only through physical infrastructure but also in staff development, libraries, and other essential facilities.
He expressed confidence that TETFund would ensure the timely completion and proper furnishing of the Abuja Leadership Centre so that it can be fully utilized to achieve its objectives. Fawehinmi assured that the university would maximize the use of the facility, describing the project as a historic intervention that would be remembered for years to come.
“Today, we further strengthen our long-standing partnership, and we are delighted to announce that this Abuja Leadership Centre will be a center of excellence for public governance and leadership. It will serve as a national hub for training future leaders who will be involved in policy decisions for the development of their country. We extend our gratitude to you and your team, as we recognize the importance of nurturing our relationship into the future. Executive Secretary, you have done exceptionally well over the years. You have led one of the most impactful intervention agencies for tertiary education in the country, and we are very proud of your achievements,” he added.
The Director of the Abuja Leadership Centre, Professor Dahida, praised TETFund for commencing the construction of its permanent site, stating that the development signifies the realization of a vision rooted in the belief that leadership is the most vital resource for good governance, institutional excellence, and national development.
Dahida revealed that the Centre was established to serve as a hub for thought leadership, capacity development, policy dialogue, and ethical reorientation, not only for the University of Abuja but for Nigeria and the wider African region. Adding that the Centre is also designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice, academia and policy, and leadership ideals with real-world application.
He charged the contractor to execute the project strictly in line with the approved specifications, timelines, and agreed standards. Stressing that the facility must reflect world-class quality, professionalism, and durability, while public funds entrusted to this project must translate into tangible value, accountability, and excellence.
“Today marks far more than the commencement of a construction project. It signifies the physical birth of a vision, one rooted in the conviction that leadership is the most critical resource for good governance, institutional excellence, and national development.
“The Abuja Leadership Centre, TETFund Centre of excellence, was established to serve as a hub for thought leadership, capacity development, policy dialogue, and ethical reorientation, not only for the University of Abuja but for Nigeria and the wider African region.
“At a time when nations are confronted with complex governance challenges, evolving public expectations, and rapid socio-economic change, the need for principled, competent, and forward-looking leaders has never been more urgent.
“I wish to express our deepest and most sincere appreciation to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), and in particular to the Executive Secretary- Dr. Sunday Echono, for the approval and support that made this project possible.
“I also wish to specially commend the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Hakeem Babatunde for his exemplary leadership, swift action, and unwavering support. From assumption of office, the Vice-Chancellor has demonstrated uncommon commitment to institutional growth and innovation.
“As we formally break ground today, I take this opportunity to enjoin the contractor to execute this project strictly in line with the approved specifications, timelines, and agreed standards. This facility must reflect world-class quality, professionalism, and durability. Public funds entrusted to this project must translate into tangible value, accountability, and excellence,” Dahida warned.
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