Category: NEWS

On October 25, the 2024 Chongqing Noodle Promotion Season and the Fourth China Chongqing Noodle Culture Festival kicked off in the Dadukou District of Chongqing. During the opening ceremony, Liu Zhen, the Deputy Governor of the Dadukou District People’s Government, highlighted that there are now over 84,000 noodle shops in Chongqing, generating an annual revenue of 40 billion yuan.

Liu elaborated, “We are committed to developing the entire supply chain. The Chongqing noodle industry is experiencing robust growth, with nearly 69 upstream and downstream enterprises nurtured in the sector. The revenue from the pre-packaged noodle industry has surged from 1.65 billion yuan in 2021 to 5.08 billion yuan in 2023, highlighting the establishment of 47 independent brands that significantly enhance the brand value of Chongqing noodles.”

Huang Hong, the Deputy Secretary of the Dadukou District Committee and the District Governor, stated that the district is focused on creating a “trillion-yuan IP brand and trillion-yuan industrial platform” for Chongqing noodles. He mentioned that an expansive three-year action plan is underway to improve the quality of the noodle industry, focusing on five key areas: cultivating market players, building a robust supply system, empowering industry digitization, establishing a brand standardization system, and enhancing developmental factors. The goal is to create a distinctive and influential industrial cluster that stands out nationally.

Yú Zhāohóng, Chief Economist of the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce, called Chongqing noodles a “golden business card” for the city’s renowned culinary scene. He noted that Dadukou is the only district in Chongqing hosting a city-level noodle industrial park. The commission plans to continue supporting Dadukou in refining its industry, strengthening its supply chain, and expanding its industrial size, all to propel the development of the Chongqing noodle sector.

Additionally, the event featured a concentrated signing ceremony for projects within the Chongqing noodle industrial park, with ten projects signing agreements worth over 2 billion yuan in total.

On October 26, 2023, the annual Historical and Cultural Science Popularization Event in Guangzhou’s Liwan District took place at the Cantonese Opera Art Museum. Professor Jiang Yinghe from the History Department of Sun Yat-sen University delivered a lecture titled “The Cultural Functions of the Western Trading Houses in Guangzhou’s Thirteen Factories,” emphasizing the significant historical role of the Thirteen Factories in Sino-foreign cultural exchanges. He described these factories as a microcosm of the blending of Chinese and Western cultures.

The event was organized by the Liwan District Committee’s Publicity Department, the National Archives of Liwan District, the Liwan District Bureau of Culture, Tourism, and Sports, and the New Era Civilization Practice Center of Liwan. In his opening remarks, Jiang clarified that the Thirteen Factories refer not only to the “Thirteen Factory Road” in downtown Guangzhou but represent a vast area of trading houses and a trade system throughout history.

During the Qing Dynasty, Guangzhou’s strategic geographical position and established trading traditions made it the primary destination for Western nations’ trade with China. According to the Qing Dynasty’s foreign affairs regulations, Western merchants were permitted to conduct trade only within designated areas outside the city, along the banks of the Pearl River. As trade progressed and management systems improved, these merchants gradually established their residences along the river, known as “foreign houses” (Western trading houses).

The Thirteen Foreign Houses served as official locations for major Western trading companies and individual merchants engaging in import and export activities, as well as their residences during their trading ventures in Guangzhou.

As trade flourished, the area along the Pearl River transformed into a diverse community, significantly contributing to cultural exchanges, diplomatic interactions, and the spread of religion, establishing the Thirteen Factories as a pivotal venue for cross-cultural dialogue and giving Guangzhou a distinct global flavor.

Jiang noted that the primary function of the Thirteen Foreign Houses was undoubtedly as a site for Sino-Western trade. This area began to emerge in the early 18th century and became more defined after the establishment of the Cohong in 1760. Its evolution reflected both the growth of Guangzhou’s trade and the contest for influence between Chinese and foreign powers.

Notably, the Western trading houses facilitated a variety of cross-cultural exchanges in science, art, and ideas. Jiang highlighted that the Dutch and British East India Companies employed artists to document local flora and fauna, taking these artworks back to their home countries. Additionally, the presence of foreign merchants influenced local culture; for example, banquet practices in the trading houses incorporated Western instruments and music, while the riverside square was transformed into one of China’s earliest Western-style gardens.

Jiang concluded by asserting that the history of Guangzhou’s Thirteen Factories is not only a reflection of the blending of Chinese and Western cultures but also an early embodiment of globalization. Through this trading platform, Guangzhou emerged as one of the centers for foreign trade, providing a unique space and opportunity for the collision and exchange of Sino-Western civilizations.

There are reports suggesting that South Korea is contemplating sending personnel to Ukraine to monitor the movements of North Korean troops stationed there. Recent intelligence received by both Ukraine and South Korea indicates that North Korea has dispatched troops to assist Russia in its military operations against Ukraine. According to a South Korean government source on October 22, the government is weighing the possibility of deploying personnel to Ukraine for this purpose.

Last week, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service disclosed that North Korea has decided to send 12,000 soldiers to support Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine, with around 1,500 special forces deployed to Russia’s Far East region.

The Korea Herald reported that South Korean officials are considering sending personnel to Ukraine to observe the tactics and operational capabilities of the North Korean special forces deployed to support Russia. Should a team be dispatched, it is anticipated that members will be military personnel from intelligence departments capable of analyzing North Korean tactics and potentially interrogating captured North Koreans.

Additionally, the South Korean government is considering offering military support to Ukraine, although its policy may shift away from providing lethal assistance directly. Sources indicate that while monitoring signs of military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, South Korea intends to take gradual countermeasures, prioritizing defensive weapons over offensive capabilities. Even if lethal assistance is provided, it will likely be done indirectly.

On September 24th, Sotheby’s auctioned a rare Shohei Ohtani baseball card for an astonishing $336,000, reflecting the soaring popularity of the Japanese star in Major League Baseball (MLB). This figure represents a fourfold increase compared to its last auction price in 2021.

According to MarketWatch, during a recent auction event that marked the inaugural collaboration between Sotheby’s and the digital sports platform Fanatics, Ohtani’s rare 2018 baseball card fetched $336,000—far exceeding Sotheby’s original estimate of $80,000 to $120,000.

This particular card, a 2018 Topps Sapphire Superfractor rated at 9.5, shattered the previous auction records for Ohtani cards. The New York Times reported that prior to the auction, this card had already set multiple price records, first selling for $4,800 in 2019, then later for $62,730 in 2021.

ESPN highlighted earlier this year that Ohtani’s baseball cards have become some of the most sought-after in the market, rivaling the demand seen for cards of other sports legends such as Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. Since the beginning of 2023, the card grading company PSA has recorded submissions of over 270,177 Ohtani cards, more than any other athlete.

Interviewer: According to the latest statistics from the California Association of Realtors, it seems that Trinity County now has the lowest median home price in California. Can you elaborate on the current housing market trends in the state?

Expert: Absolutely. As of September 2024, the median home price in California stands at $868,150, which is a decrease from August’s $888,740. However, it’s important to note that this figure represents a 2.9% increase compared to September 2023.

Interviewer: That’s an interesting trend. What factors are influencing these fluctuations in the housing market?

Expert: We’ve observed a significant decline in sales over the past few months, reaching a nine-month low. The association notes that uncertainties surrounding the economic outlook, along with a hesitation to buy amid falling mortgage rates, have contributed to this decrease in buyer activity. As a result, we’ve seen sales drop for two consecutive months, marking the lowest levels of the year.

Interviewer: With mortgage rates fluctuating, how should potential buyers approach this situation?

Expert: While some may think waiting is the best strategy, the California Association of Realtors suggests that fluctuating rates could signal a good opportunity. For instance, as of October 21, 2024, Zillow reported that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate in California was at 6.28%.

Interviewer: That’s useful information! Are there specific regions in California that are currently more affordable for homebuyers?

Expert: Yes, there are several counties where home prices are particularly low. For instance, Trinity County has a median price of $274,500. Other affordable areas include:

1. Lassen County: $265,000
2. Siskiyou County: $290,000
3. Tehama County: $320,000
4. Mariposa County: $322,500
5. Lake County: $335,000
6. Glenn County: $348,000
7. Tuolumne County: $357,500
8. Del Norte County: $370,000
9. Shasta County: $374,500

Interviewer: It’s remarkable that there are still areas with such reasonable prices. What about the most expensive regions?

Expert: The most expensive counties in California are concentrated mostly in the Bay Area, where home prices can soar. The top five include:

1. San Mateo County: $2.1 million
2. Santa Clara County: $1.9275 million
3. Marin County: $1.75 million
4. San Francisco: $1.625 million
5. Orange County: $1.397450 million

In September, homes in the Bay Area exceeded $2 million, while the median price in Southern California was around $850,000.

Interviewer: Thank you for the insights into California’s housing market. It’s clear that despite rising prices in some areas, there are still opportunities for buyers looking for more affordable options.

**Interviewer:** You’ve suggested that the Baroque style of Brazilian art during the Portuguese colonial period originated largely from Asia. Why do you think the Baroque and Rococo styles in Brazil were influenced by Asian aesthetics?

**Maristela Carneiro:** The academic consensus in Brazilian art history views the art from the colonial period as a blend of European, Indigenous, and African aesthetics. However, it’s less known that there was also significant Asian influence.

As a former colony of Portugal, Brazilian art and architecture during this period were profoundly shaped by European styles. Baroque and Rococo art emerged in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries, and Brazil was no exception to this influence. You can observe grand and intricate Baroque and Rococo elements in the churches, homes, and public buildings across the region.

The colonization by Portugal was contemporaneous with its maritime expansion into Africa and Asia. Despite the deeply unequal interactions and violence that characterized these colonial relationships, there was undeniably an exchange of new languages, perspectives, and worldviews. Art, much like any field of knowledge, is fluid and influenced from both ends.

This dual influence can be seen in areas under Portuguese rule, such as Brazil, Angola, India (Goa), and Macau in China. For instance, in Diamantina in Minas Gerais, there are three important streets named “Lower Macau,” “Middle Macau,” and “Upper Macau,” all named after the Chinese city.

This cross-cultural exchange is evident in the concept of “Chinoiseries,” which entails Europeans mimicking Chinese visual art characteristics in their artworks. From the 16th to the 20th century, European fascination with Chinese architecture and art shaped a demand for Chinese products, especially porcelain, among affluent European collectors.

This influenced European art, especially visible in the Rococo style of the 18th century, where many household items and architectural decorations emphasized and imitated Chinese themes, patterns, and styles. As replicas became more common, Chinese narrative forms were established as standard themes, becoming a hallmark of Rococo art. The French term “Chinoiserie” translates directly to “in the Chinese style,” while in Portuguese, it’s referred to as “Chinesice,” meaning “Chinese style.” This aesthetic influence left its mark across Western Europe, and under Portuguese influence, Brazil too was touched by these “Chinese winds.”

**Interviewer:** Can you share some specific examples that illustrate how the Rococo style in Brazil has been influenced by the “Chinese style”?

**Maristela Carneiro:** The influences from Europe, Africa, and Asia made their way to Brazil via transatlantic trade. Thus, the Chinese artistic styles that impacted painting, sculpture, and relief work in the Iberian Peninsula can also be seen in Brazil. In the religious architecture of Bahia and Minas Gerais, for example, there is a rich use of floral and dragon, swallow, and beast motifs.

In the Museum of the Third Order of Saint Carmel in Cachoeira, Bahia, there’s a fascinating series of “Chinese Christ sculptures.” The creator was a Frenchman who had lived in Macau, Charles Berveiller. This ensemble features seven statues of Jesus Christ, styled with their hair shaved to the forehead, one adorned in a long robe. While they clearly display the exaggerated features of Baroque-Rococo style, they also emanate Chinese influences.

Another notable example is a wooden casket adorned with four lion sculptures located in the Museum of Sacred Art of the Jesuits in São Paulo. These lions bear a striking resemblance to traditional Chinese guardian beasts such as Fu lions, Pi Xiu, and Qilin. Other furnishings in the church also showcase similar decorative styles.

Clearly, these influences were filtered through a European lens. Many artists creating “Chinese style” works may never have encountered genuine Chinese art but were likely inspired by imitations, fully aware that these styles resonated with contemporary audiences.

It’s important to note that this influence was reciprocal. Just as Chinese aesthetics captivated European elites, European tastes also attracted Chinese elites, evident in Emperor Qianlong’s construction of European-style buildings like the “Yuanmingyuan” (Old Summer Palace) in Beijing.

**Interviewer:** What can we learn from the cultural fusion of Brazil with China, as exhibited through the Baroque and Rococo styles? How does that resonate with today’s context?

**Maristela Carneiro:** At the height of European royal power, Lisbon served as a major gateway through which exquisite Japanese artifacts, Indian furniture, and Chinese porcelain entered Europe. In Brazil, colonial elites aspired to replicate the luxurious lifestyles of the Portuguese metropolis as closely as possible, and the “oriental style” became synonymous with grandeur, opulence, and visual delight, transporting a piece of the world from the other end of the globe.

Today, we must question these patterns, recognizing that such efforts to claim non-European cultural elements—whether from China, the Middle East, or Africa—can often be reductive and alienating. They fail to truly reflect the complexities of the cultures represented.

I believe art can teach us a lot about biases, desires, self-expectations, and our expectations of different cultures. In many ways, art is a grand synthesis of the symbols, values, perceptions, and aspirations cherished by the collective. Engaging with art is always a deeper way to understand history, nations, cultures, and how life seeks its place in the world.

Thus, discussions around art and culture inevitably lead to conversations about fusion. Some fusions are forced and rife with asymmetry and violence, but that isn’t always the case. Fusion can serve as a means for diverse cultural lives to flourish, evolve, and diversify. In the realm of art, encounters between different worlds can yield unique visual feasts that will continue to captivate our senses for generations to come.

Femi Okunnu

After the 43rd meeting of the Federal Executive Council on December 30, 1974, General Gowon, the President of the Council, delivered a farewell speech to the outgoing Civil Commissioners. He noted that the life of the Council was coming to an end with this meeting. He expressed gratitude from the nation and his government for the services rendered by the departing commissioners, recalling the challenging times experienced during the National Crisis and the Civil War when they served faithfully. He mentioned that over 3,000 memoranda were reviewed during the Council’s tenure, addressing high policy issues crucial to the nation’s survival. “It is now in the national interest that we should have a change,” he stated.

I concluded my role in the Federal Government on December 30, 1974, after serving as the Federal Commissioner for Works and Housing since May 27, 1967. In January 1975, General Gowon appointed Brigadier Olu Obasanjo as my successor. It was indeed a time for change. As I reflect on the years gone by, what legacy did the Gowon government leave behind? What were our accomplishments and failures?

I had previously highlighted several key successes of the Ministry of Works and Housing during the Gowon era:

1. The introduction of two new dual carriage highways connecting the north and south: the Warri-Sapele-Benin-Auchi-Koton Karfi-Abuja-Kaduna highway and the Calabar-Yola-Maiduguri highway. The two existing north-south roads were reconstructed into dual carriageways to enhance connectivity.

2. The construction of the Lagos-Ibadan section of the Lagos-Ibadan-Jebba-Kaduna-Kano-Daura highway was well underway before I left office, including the Shagamu-Benin section of the Shagamu-Benin-Asaba-Onitsha dual carriageway.

3. Significant progress was made on a host of roads spanning the 20,000 miles of federal roads (up from under 7,000 in 1967), with many completed or in planning stages by December 1974.

4. Massive investments in public buildings were executed, including the Federal Secretariat in Lagos and similar structures in each state capital.

5. There was substantial investment in housing projects for civil servants, notably the high-rise towers in Lagos, which initially aimed to accommodate participants for the All Africa Festival of Arts and Culture in 1976.

6. The National Housing Authority was established under the Cabinet Office to provide housing units to the public following the festival, and Festac Town was developed in Lagos.

7. The Federal Mortgage Bank was set up, taking over the assets of the Nigerian Building Society after nationalizing British interests.

8. A clear and permanent boundary between Nigeria and Dahomey (Benin) was established, with no disputes arising since that resolution.

9. Each profession—architecture, engineering, estate surveying, building technology, and land surveys—was chartered.

10. The transition from left-hand to right-hand traffic was executed.

11. A Regional Centre for Aerospace Survey Training was established at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, welcoming students from various African nations.

Other significant initiatives during this era included:

12. The formation of the Nigerian National Oil Corporation, now the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

13. The introduction of decimal currency, with the Naira as the standard.

14. The initiation of the Metric System, led by the Ministry of Works and Housing and executed by the Ministry of Trade.

15. The implementation of Universal Free Primary Education across Nigeria in 1974.

16. Nigeria’s membership in OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries).

17. The establishment of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

18. The Nigerian Enterprises Promotion Act (Indigenisation Decree) of 1972 gave Nigerians greater ownership in commerce and industry.

19. The creation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

20. The establishment of motor assembly plants: Volkswagen in Lagos, Leyland in Ibadan, Peugeot in Kaduna, and Daimler Benz in Enugu.

21. The development of agro-allied industries including facilities for edible salt, sugar production in Jebba, and a super phosphate fertilizer project.

22. The Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria and the Nigeria Institute for Oil Palm Research received full funding.

23. The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture was founded in Ibadan.

24. Pulp and Paper Mills were established at Iwopin and in the Southeast.

25. Specialist hospitals were developed in various states to boost medical manpower.

26. The Nigerian Bank for Commerce and Industry was created.

27. The National Insurance Corporation was formed.

28. The Nigerian National Supply Company was established.

29. The construction of two additional oil refineries in Warri and Kaduna took place, with no new refineries built since then.

30. The Federal Revenue Court was later renamed the Federal High Court.

31. The Federal Court of Appeal, now the Court of Appeal, was established.

32. The Nigeria-Cameroon boundary was successfully resolved.

The International Court of Justice confirmed the legal position taken by our government during a boundary dispute with Cameroon decades later. I would also like to briefly touch on other achievements during Gowon’s administration, which were thoroughly discussed in Council before implementation. I was involved in this process.

Closing the Educational Gap: Universal Free Primary Education

The Federal Commissioner for Education, Chief A.Y. Eke, identified significant educational disparities and stressed the need to address these inequities. In a memorandum titled “Closing the Education Gap,” he appealed for the Council’s intervention in underperforming states.

He highlighted the “gross uneven educational development,” particularly between northern and southern Nigeria. Despite acknowledging educational gaps among regions, he provided stark statistics illustrating the disparity: for every child in northern primary schools, there were four in the south; for secondary schools, five; and for higher education, six.

Chief Eke proposed a federal policy to extend free primary education to all children nationwide. For secondary education, he called for the construction of twelve girls’ secondary schools across each state and funding for expanding under-resourced institutions.

To enhance university education, he recommended establishing Schools of Basic Studies to provide opportunities for students from less developed regions. During discussions, Council members noted the untenable polarization in educational development across the country, acknowledging backward southern states as well.

In support of Chief Eke’s proposal, I believed that implementing Free Primary Education throughout Nigeria would not only bolster northern states but also rectify the deficiencies in the southern regions. Moreover, expanding secondary education in less developed areas would address the controversy surrounding the quota system in admissions to prestigious schools, ultimately fostering merit-based opportunities.

Formal Launching of the Universal Primary Education Scheme

Upon returning from a pilgrimage to Mecca, I found myself listed as one of the Federal Commissioners accompanying the Head of State on a tour of the North-Western State. The demanding itinerary included travels from 8 a.m. to late evening, with various receptions, cultural showcases, and school visits. Among the significant highlights was General Gowon’s announcement on January 20, 1974, regarding the initiative for Universal Free Primary Education, set to launch in September 1976. The goal was to enroll 2.2 million children aged 5-6 years in 1976, rising to 2.6 million by 1981.

Chief Eke’s memorandum emphasized that Universal Primary Education would harmonize educational content nationwide and align it with the socio-economic needs of various communities. It would also facilitate youth empowerment and future workforce development.

While the memorandum gained general approval, concerns were raised about escalating youth unemployment. It was unanimously decided that the federal government would fully finance the initiative, despite the state-level responsibilities under the Constitution. The Council subsequently convened a special meeting to review three memoranda related to the UPE Scheme, focusing on staff recruitment, teacher training development, and recurrent expenditure.

During deliberations, Chief Eke informed Council members about the National Council on Education’s approval of the UPE Scheme. It was agreed that while the initiative would begin in 1976, it would not be compulsory until 1979.

The Council confirmed additional proposals, including the federal government assuming financial responsibility for the UPE Scheme nationwide and establishing a cabinet committee to oversee its implementation. The committee’s responsibilities included planning, financing, and monitoring the UPE Scheme’s progress.

Subsequent meetings addressed recruitment, teacher training, and budgetary provisions for establishing 62 new Teacher Training Colleges. The Council’s emphasis on investing in teacher education underscored the commitment to preparing quality educators for the anticipated influx of students through the UPE initiative.

By December 30, 1974, when I left the Federal Executive Council, General Gowon’s government had laid a solid foundation for Nigeria’s educational future. The Murtala Mohammed/Obasanjo administration would later work towards implementing the Free Primary Education Scheme initiated by Gowon. It is regrettable that, fifty years post-independence, educational disparities between the north and south—and among individual states—still persist, rooted in inconsistent policies.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

General Yakubu Gowon’s role in the establishment of ECOWAS is another noteworthy highlight of his leadership. Following independence, West Africa was largely influenced by Britain and France, causing a divide along linguistic lines. After several attempts at forming regional groupings, including conferences in Lagos, Niamey, and Accra, progress was slow until Gowon and General Eyadema of Togo revived the initiative in 1972.

Following investigations, it became clear that several countries were keen to join the proposed West African Economic Community despite prior reluctance. Throughout negotiations, Nigeria and Togo facilitated discussions that led to a more unified approach among French-speaking nations. By September 1973, the final draft Treaty was approved, establishing ECOWAS with decisions based on a principle of unanimity among member nations.

Significant decisions made at the inaugural conference included setting up a secretariat in Lagos and creating specialized commissions for trade, customs, immigration, industry, natural resources, transport, communication, energy, and social affairs.

The Nigerian Enterprises Promotion Act

In the aftermath of World War II, British colonial policies allowed for the extended reach of state control over critical economic sectors in Nigeria. By the Gowon administration, the need for indigenization of commerce and industry became evident, culminating in the Nigerian Enterprises Promotion Decree of 1972.

As the Federal Commissioner for Industries, Dr. Tayo Adetoro, introduced two key memoranda aimed at increasing indigenous participation in commerce and industry. The Decree outlined reservations for specific industries solely for Nigerian nationals, marking a significant step towards raising indigenous ownership in key economic sectors.

I fully supported the memorandum advocating for indigenization. The dominant presence of non-Nigerians in sectors that could foster local enterprise was unacceptable. However, I voiced my opposition to potential monopolies forming among a select few wealthy individuals, advocating for broader ownership to benefit more Nigerians.

National Youth Service Corps

The Civil War underscored the importance of fostering national unity. The Federal Government established the National Youth Service Corps Decree in 1973, aimed at bridging ethnic divides and promoting mobility and cohesion within the nation.

The Corps’ objectives included instilling discipline and patriotism among the youth, enhancing moral standards through collective experiences, and encouraging employment opportunities beyond local states. This initiative has not only aided in bridging graduate employment gaps but has also fostered mutual respect and understanding among Nigerians from diverse backgrounds.

To safeguard the enduring nature of this initiative, the National Youth Service Corps Act is enshrined within the Nigerian Constitution, ensuring its continued relevance in promoting national service and cohesion among the youth.

Location of the Second Petroleum Refinery

One of the most contentious discussions during Gowon’s regime was the siting of the second petroleum refinery. Initial assessments favored Lagos as the optimal location. However, the Commissioner for Mines and Power, Dr. R.A.T. Dikko, eventually argued for a site in northern Nigeria due to governmental policies aimed at industry dispersal.

The proposal sparked a heated debate, weighing the economic realities against political considerations. Allowing the northern site to proceed would require substantial infrastructure investments, including a pipeline from the south, raising concerns over security vulnerabilities.

The Council finally agreed on the need for independent consultants to analyze the technical and economic implications of the proposed locations. Although some members expressed discomfort with the refusal to share the consultants’ full report, a consensus urged its circulation for transparency.

Ultimately, the Council approved Warri as the location for the second refinery and reaffirmed the decision for a third refinery in Kaduna, a move that showcased Nigeria’s ambition to bolster its refining capacity during that era.

Development of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Projects

Dr. Dikko presented several memoranda concerning LNG projects from 1972 to 1974, with each discussion growing more passionate. He highlighted pressures faced from influential lobbyists, including Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who advocated for specific interests in the LNG market.

The Council engaged in thorough discussions around the twelve proposals for the LNG development project. After considerable debate on gas ownership, the project scope, and shipping logistics, decisions were made reflecting a commitment to government ownership. The plan aimed for two LNG projects with 1,000 million cubic feet per day capacity, aligning with Nigeria’s aspirations to be a leading LNG producer in Africa.

Despite these ambitious plans, the abrupt end of Gowon’s government in 1975 stifled the progression of Nigeria’s LNG project, pushing it back by nearly three decades.

Accountability

The theme of accountability is crucial to understanding the governance of Gowon’s administration. In a 1968 memorandum, Chief Awolowo emphasized reasonable financial practices within the Council, underscoring a culture of responsibility in public service.

The rhetoric surrounding accountability continued to be part of the broader conversation as the government’s inability to reclaim national assets and ensure rigorous oversight seemed to erode trust within public systems.

The Promise of Return to Civilian Rule and the July 1975 Coup

General Gowon is often viewed as having led one of Nigeria’s most competent governments, navigating the post-war rebuilding process while fostering economic development. Despite these achievements, the absence of a clear political future loomed large.

Internal conversations among military leaders suggested a desire to explore a return to civilian governance. However, divisions within military ranks thwarted progress, leading to discontent. Gowon’s political program aimed for a return to civilian rule by 1976; yet, by October 1974, he announced this goal was no longer feasible.

This pivotal moment came in July 1975 when Colonel Joseph Garba announced a change in government leadership during a coup while Gowon attended an international conference in Uganda. The transition resulted

On October 25, 2024, a specialized conference on the biobased materials industry took place in the Jiangsu Taixing Economic Development Zone. Experts and scholars focused on the biobased materials sector, collaborating on strategies for green transformation and high-quality development.

Dr. Zhu Jin, a researcher at the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, emphasized, “Developing high-value materialization techniques is crucial for carbon reduction.” He pointed out existing challenges with biodegradable polymers, such as regional discrepancies in film degradation and water-blocking performance. He suggested advancing the development of controllable biodegradable materials and high-barrier biodegradable polymers.

Wu Wenping, Chief Scientist for Novo Nordisk Group in the Asia-Pacific region, argued that technological innovation is driving the development of biobased solutions and continually expanding their potential applications. As the demand for biological solutions increases, the market is maturing, and biobased innovation is expected to play a more significant role in future biomanufacturing and sustainable development.

The Taixing Economic Development Zone, a key platform for the city’s biobased materials industry, is one of the earliest fine chemical industrial parks in the country. With an economic output exceeding 120 billion yuan, it has attracted a cluster of high-tech enterprises in the biobased materials sector, including Zhongke Guosheng.

Pan Mingrong, Director of the Taixing Economic Development Zone Administrative Committee, noted, “As the concepts of green, low-carbon, and sustainable development become more ingrained, the applications of biobased materials in new materials and pharmaceutical cosmetics are expanding. The demand for biobased materials as substitutes for fossil resources is steadily increasing, with over 140 large-scale enterprises in the park presenting substantial potential needs. Biobased products can be fully utilized within the zone.” He expressed confidence that, as the biobased materials industry cluster within the park grows, it will integrate and resonate with existing industries, continuously enhancing overall competitiveness.

In recent years, the Taixing Economic Development Zone has established and refined an innovative regional system combining “platform + fund + project.” This ensures active innovation elements and broad development space, empowering the research and industrialization of new biobased technologies and products.

At an event held on the evening of October 22 in Shenzhen, China, Huawei officially launched its first homegrown mobile operating system, the Native HarmonyOS. This marks the debut of the world’s third-largest mobile operating system, following Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android systems.

In a statement, the company revealed that the Native HarmonyOS has made significant advances in core operating system technology. Previously, the released HarmonyOS utilized parts of the AOSP (Android Open Source Project), necessitating compatibility with some Android applications. The new Native HarmonyOS is built on fully self-developed software architecture, resulting in notable improvements in system performance, fluidity, and security, thus enabling greater autonomy and control over the operating system.

Yu Chengdong, Huawei’s Executive Director and Chairman of the Consumer Business Group, as well as the Intelligent Automotive Solutions Business Unit, highlighted that Native HarmonyOS leads the industry in areas such as battery life, security, and privacy protection. Currently, over 15,000 native Harmony applications and services are available, spanning 18 different sectors, with general office applications covering more than 38 million businesses in China.

Moreover, Native HarmonyOS facilitates seamless connectivity across multiple devices and scenarios, including smartphones, tablets, and in-car systems. Thanks to a new distributed soft bus architecture, it enhances cross-device connection speeds by three times while operating at lower power consumption, enabling connections with up to four devices at once. Users can enjoy a variety of cross-device experiences, such as shared scanning, photo libraries, and clipboards.

In the realm of accessibility, the Native HarmonyOS introduces an AI voice restoration feature that can rectify speech for individuals with speech impairments, allowing them to communicate more clearly during face-to-face interactions.

Currently, devices supporting HarmonyOS have exceeded 1 billion, with 6.75 million registered developers. Additionally, Huawei has partnered with over 300 universities in China to accelerate technological research and development.

On the evening of October 13, during the women’s singles final of the 2024 Wuhan Tennis Open, Chinese player Zheng Qinwen faced off against her longtime rival Aryna Sabalenka in a tough three-set battle. Though she ultimately fell short, Zheng’s fighting spirit and determination earned her a standing ovation from the crowd of 15,000. After the match, she emotionally remarked, “Wuhan is where my dreams began.” Indeed, it was in Wuhan that a young Zheng embarked on her tennis journey and set her life’s course. Today, she has achieved remarkable milestones, including becoming China’s first tennis Olympic singles champion this past summer in Paris. Yet Zheng’s aspirations in tennis extend far beyond what she has already accomplished; countless Chinese fans believe that it is only a matter of time before she becomes a Grand Slam champion.

As one of the most prominent athletes in China today, Zheng is at the forefront of a renewed interest in tennis across the nation, successfully helping the sport gain widespread attention. Notably, compared to the surprises brought by Li Ting and Sun Tiantian’s gold medal in women’s doubles at the Athens Olympics 20 years ago, or Li Na’s two Grand Slam singles titles from 2011 to 2014, the current explosion of interest in Chinese tennis has the potential to transition from a quantitative to a qualitative change.

The patriotic, hardworking, confident, and sunny image of Chinese athletes has attracted significant attention from the public. After the conclusion of this year’s final Grand Slam event, the 2024 US Open, the international tennis scene entered what many are calling the “Chinese season.” Zheng’s victory in Paris and the mixed doubles silver medal won by Zhang Zhizhen and Wang Xinyu have significantly boosted the sport’s popularity in China. The three premier events of this season—the China Open, Wuhan Open, and Shanghai Masters—have seen unprecedented levels of attendance.

According to data released by the China Open organizing committee, this year’s event generated ticket sales exceeding 80 million yuan. In the days leading up to the tournament, ticket sales surpassed last year’s entire total, with two days of sales reaching double the previous year’s figures. The overall spectator turnout is expected to be approximately 300,000, with the men’s singles final on October 2 featuring Zheng Qinwen drawing 29,000 attendees, and the Diamond Court reaching full capacity with over 13,000 spectators.

The Shanghai Masters alone attracted over 220,000 attendees, setting a record for attendance in the event’s history. Similarly, the Wuhan Open, held in Zheng’s hometown, was in high demand, with almost all matches experiencing packed stadiums.

As ticket sales soared, Chinese players also achieved remarkable success during the Chinese season. On September 24, 19-year-old Shangle Cheng claimed his first ATP Tour title at the Chengdu Open. At the same time, two Chinese players, Zhang Zhizhen and Bu Yunchaokete, met in the men’s singles semifinals at the Hangzhou Open—making it the first time in history that two Chinese players faced each other in an ATP Tour singles semifinal. Following that, at the China Open, Bu Yunchaokete reached the men’s singles semifinals, marking the best performance by a Chinese male player in the history of the event, while Zheng Qinwen also advanced to the women’s singles semifinals, her best finish there.

During the Wuhan Open, Zheng and Wang Xinyu met in the women’s singles semifinals, marking another historic moment for Chinese tennis. Although Zheng was unable to defeat Sabalenka in the finals, her ability to take a set from her rival signals a potential future victory.

This year, Zheng has also excelled by finishing as the runner-up at the Australian Open and clinching the singles title at the Paris Olympics. Zhang Zhizhen and Wang Xinyu earned a silver medal in mixed doubles at the Olympics, and Zhang became the first male seed from mainland China at a Grand Slam event. Collectively, these successes during the “Chinese season” have positioned tennis as one of the brightest sports in China.

However, the widespread attention on Chinese tennis goes beyond the athletes’ achievements. Bai Xilin, director of the Tennis Management Center at the General Administration of Sports of China, told reporters that the patriotic, hardworking, confident, and optimistic image of athletes like Zheng is a significant reason for their popularity among the public.

During the Paris Olympics, it wasn’t just Zheng’s tenacity on the court that resonated; it was also her heartfelt expressions: “The flags held by fans are truly beautiful,” and, “This might have been the toughest match of my career. Toward the end, I was running on empty, relying entirely on spirit. I wanted to secure more victories for China,” and, “Although I don’t know what will happen in the finals, I can promise that I will fight until my last breath.” She even stated, “Even if it means playing for my country for three more hours, I would happily do it again.”

Zheng embodies strong patriotism, along with a sense of responsibility and mission, making her a remarkable representative for contemporary Chinese youth. In professional tennis, where individual athletes usually prioritize personal rewards like prize money and rankings, Chinese athletes display a remarkable dedication to national honor.

Bai noted that this sentiment stems from the athletes’ upbringing and the education they receive. He recalled a conversation with Zheng before the Hangzhou Asian Games. After his speech to the athletes, Zheng shared, “I think your statement, ‘Sports are the wars of peace times,’ is spot on, and I will remember it.”

Bai believes this comment signifies Zheng’s understanding of what it means to represent not just herself, but her country on the world stage. When she won the women’s singles title at the Hangzhou Asian Games, she experienced the true essence of national honor. Her immense mental strength at the Paris Olympics, which helped her overcome challenges en route to her championship, also stemmed from her deep national pride.

Bai emphasized that the improvements in China’s national strength have been the primary factor behind the current success in Chinese tennis. This progress has provided athletes with better support, enhanced confidence, and a sense of national pride and responsibility. Additionally, as the country’s capabilities grow, more families can afford to support their children’s pursuit of tennis, allowing more young people to take up the sport.

Amidst the surge of talent in Chinese tennis represented by athletes like Zheng, Wang, Zhang, and Shangle, there have been substantial changes occurring at the grassroots training level. Wang Nanzhu, director of the “Zheng Jie Cup” youth tennis tour, commented that youth talent development in China has gradually shifted from a focus on professional teams to nurturing talent within families over the past two decades.

Looking back on the rapid development of Chinese tennis over the past 20 years, each breakthrough at major tournaments has propelled the sport to greater heights. From the women’s doubles gold medal won by Li Ting and Sun Tiantian at the 2004 Athens Olympics to Zheng Jie’s and Yan Zi’s Grand Slam doubles title, to Li Na’s Grand Slam singles title, and now Zheng Qinwen’s Olympic win, every achievement has attracted more national interest in tennis and increased societal investment in the sport.

Over these years, tennis in China has transformed from a sport with relatively low popularity and competitive levels into one that enjoys considerable popularity and potential.

According to the International Tennis Federation (ITF), the global tennis playing population reached 87.18 million in 2021, with China placing second in global participation at 19.92 million, representing 22.9% of the total. Moreover, China ranks second in the number of tennis courts, with 49,767 courts available.

However, tennis in China currently faces a high cost barrier. Families typically spend several hundred thousand yuan a year on their child’s tennis training.

To address this, the Chinese Tennis Association is pushing for a “Little Tennis” initiative, aimed at lowering participation and cost barriers so that more children have the opportunity to engage in the sport.

It is often said that China excels in racket sports like table tennis and badminton, both in terms of popularity and competitive levels. Tennis, as another net-based sport, has every reason to become another area of strength for the country.

Additionally, unlike some individual sports, tennis holds a significant place within the global sporting community, enabling Chinese athletes’ achievements and images to serve as impactful representations of China worldwide. Bai is confident that despite tennis being a minor sport, its contributions to Chinese athletics are far from insignificant.