Month: November 2024

Femi Akintunde-Johnson: It’s evident that there was a time when Nigerians, particularly the youth, viewed success in simpler terms. It was closely linked to education, skill development, and, above all, hard work. However, today we are witnessing a shift in that perspective. The bright lights of betting kiosks and the temptation of instant wealth have captured the imagination of our youth. What once was a harmless pastime has morphed into a troubling addiction, deeply woven into the socio-economic fabric of Nigerian life.

So, what is gambling? At its core, it’s a risk—a simple concept. Yet, sports betting elevates that risk, presenting itself as a calculated gamble. “You know football, right?” This very notion of calculation can trap the mind. What begins as an innocent distraction can quickly evolve into a habit and, ultimately, a full-blown addiction. Initially, it might just be an occasional bet, but then the thrill of a win can set off a cycle. It shifts from enjoyment to compulsion—a desperate urge to bet fueled by the hope of hitting it big.

The impact of gambling addiction on individuals, particularly young Nigerians, is profound. Those caught in its grasp often face significant financial losses, affecting their ability to meet basic needs, nurture relationships, or focus on long-term goals. Families fragment, friendships fade, and once-bright futures are shattered. Tragically, gambling addiction preys upon the vulnerabilities of youth. Many, already grappling with an economy that offers scant opportunities, see sports betting as a potential escape from poverty, only to find themselves spiraling into deeper despair.

The issue is hardly unique to Nigeria. On a global scale, numerous elite athletes have seen their careers disrupted or even destroyed by gambling addictions. While specific cases in Nigeria may be harder to document, there are murmurs within football circles of young talents whose aspirations have been derailed due to gambling-related woes. Internationally, figures like Michael Jordan have been candid about their struggles with gambling, and former footballer Paul Merson has shared how it nearly cost him his career.

Recent incidents involving Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United FC and Lucas Paquetá of West Ham United underscore the gravity of the issue. Tonali’s connection to illegal betting, including matches he participated in, led to a substantial ban that tarnished his career. Paquetá faced investigations that raised doubts about his integrity, even if he wasn’t formally convicted. These incidents, alongside Daniel Sturridge’s betting-related ban in 2020, highlight the pervasive nature of gambling addiction in high-stakes sports, prompting severe sanctions from football authorities in England and Italy.

Such cases carry troubling implications for younger fans who look up to athletes as role models. The strict measures taken by football authorities demonstrate a commitment to mitigating gambling’s reach, yet they also reveal the entrenched nature of the problem within sports, affecting even those at the pinnacle of their careers.

To understand the scale of this crisis, recent statistics reveal that over 60 million Nigerians aged 18 to 40 are involved in sports betting, with daily expenditures estimated at ₦2 billion. The global gambling market, of which Nigeria is an expanding segment, is projected to exceed $800 billion by 2026. Amid these figures lies a lucrative business model designed to ensnare. With the promise of quick wins, relentless advertising, and easy access through technology, gambling has become a multi-billion-naira industry that exploits our youth’s vulnerabilities.

And what about those who “win”? You might witness someone from your neighborhood suddenly thriving after a lucky betting streak, flaunting their new car or house. Yet, these stories rarely culminate in happy endings. The lifestyles birthed from gambling often lead to reckless spending, estrangement from loved ones, and a disconnection from reality. The real tragedy is in the message these fleeting “successes” convey to the younger generation: that hard work is outdated, instant wealth is a given, and the traditional values of patience and diligence are for the naive.

In extreme cases, the desperation for quick riches has led some to alarming actions. Reports have surfaced of young individuals resorting to ritual sacrifices, believing that supernatural forces will grant them a winning bet. This is a chilling indication of how gambling can corrupt not just financial situations but moral compasses. Such beliefs, once relegated to the realm of myths, have permeated modern Nigerian life as the quest for fast money eclipses the long-held values of integrity and hard work.

The socio-cultural decay wrought by gambling among Nigerian youth is significant. Alarmingly, some parents, perceiving no viable alternatives for their children to escape poverty, have begun to endorse betting. Fathers take their sons to betting shops, while mothers discreetly support their sons’ betting endeavors, all in the hope of hitting the jackpot. This normalization of gambling sets a perilous precedent, creating a generational legacy of quick fixes and a dismissive attitude towards genuine achievement.

So, what can be done? It’s clear that government intervention is not just necessary—it’s urgent. Stricter regulations around gambling, particularly sports betting, must be enforced, including tighter age restrictions and limitations on betting establishments. The flood of betting ads during peak viewing times, especially on youth-targeted media, needs to be curbed. Education in schools and communities about the dangers of gambling is essential, framing it not just as a moral dilemma but as a serious issue with tangible consequences. By empowering young people with tangible economic opportunities, we can undermine the allure of betting that so often leads to despair.

Globally, many countries have made strides in gambling regulation. The UK, for instance, has implemented protective measures for vulnerable groups, including self-exclusion options for addicts. Such initiatives could be adopted in Nigeria as well. Organizations—from mental health advocates to economic empowerment programs—also play a crucial role in reestablishing sanity in Nigerian households.

Perhaps there’s something to learn from what’s been dubbed “the Brazilian solution.” Brazil’s recent approach of legalizing and regulating sports betting to balance economic growth with consumer protection includes stringent regulations. Since legalizing betting in 2018, Brazil has mandated that betting companies be licensed and taxed, directing portions of the revenue toward public services and combating gambling addiction. This model includes advertising restrictions and self-exclusion options under government oversight, fostering a culture of responsible gambling while addressing underground activities.

The solutions are well within reach. It starts with reshaping the narrative for Nigerian youth: wealth built on luck is fleeting, while success founded on hard work is enduring. Education and opportunity truly serve as the paths to success. Families, communities, and the government must unite to mitigate the impact of gambling and sports betting before it derails our future.

On October 25, a digital management platform for relocation and resettlement in Yunnan Province was officially launched in Kunming. This comprehensive system, known as “One Network and Three Platforms,” aims to manage the entire process of the province’s hydropower project resettlement, post-resettlement support population, related projects, and funding usage. It seeks to establish a “Yunnan Model” for digital management in hydropower resettlement.

Yunnan, located in southwestern China, is a leading province in hydropower production with a rich history of water resource development. In recent years, the province has vigorously promoted hydropower development and advanced the construction of green energy bases, resulting in a relocation of nearly 1.2 million residents.

In 2020, the Yunnan Provincial Relocation and Resettlement Office collaborated with the East China Survey and Design Institute of China Electric Power Construction Group and the Yunnan branch of China Construction Bank to be the first in the country to develop a digital management system for relocation efforts. This system comprises an e-government portal, a comprehensive business management platform, a funding and project supervision platform, and a public service management platform.

“The platform has undergone continuous upgrades over the past four years, making it more effective and user-friendly,” said Gao Mingshun, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and Director of the Yunnan Provincial Relocation and Resettlement Office. “Now, all governmental services related to resettlement can be accessed through a single network, enhancing the overall functionality and applicability.”

Gao emphasized that this platform provides a one-stop service for government departments, enterprises, and resettled residents, significantly optimizing the workflow and management of relocation projects. It features digital, intelligent, and visualized funding management, along with seamless integration with the provincial government’s portal and online project approval systems.

“This initiative marks a monumental step forward and a historical achievement for the hydropower sector!” stated Mao Zhenjun, Deputy General Manager of the East China Survey and Design Institute. He noted that this is the first provincial-level management system of its kind in the nation, aiming for a comprehensive overhaul of management practices, organizational structures, and methodologies regarding resettlement efforts.

As of now, the platform oversees 475 hydropower projects along with 16,084 post-resettlement projects and supports a population of 844,244 individuals. It has linked 438 bank accounts and published over 1,700 policy documents and information pieces, accumulating more than four million visits.

The world-renowned Cologne Cathedral in Germany is not just a stunning architectural marvel but also a must-visit attraction for many travelers. As river cruising gains popularity in today’s travel trends, it offers a more inclusive experience compared to ocean cruises, where additional fees for onshore excursions and internet services often add up. River cruises are becoming increasingly preferred for their all-inclusive packages!

Imagine a travel experience where you don’t have to pack and unpack every day, endure long commutes, or navigate multiple countries in a hurry. River cruises provide a leisurely and immersive way to explore European destinations. This season, “Exquisite Holidays” is offering a special deal on “All-Inclusive Viking River Cruises.” If you book specific Viking itineraries by October 30, you can enjoy fantastic perks such as round-trip airfare to Europe, a $250 discount per stateroom, and $200 in onboard spending credit (certain restrictions apply).

Viking’s all-inclusive service begins the moment you land, with dedicated airport transfers included. Daily excursions, five-star dining and wine experiences, complimentary onboard Wi-Fi, unlimited beer and wine with meals, afternoon tea, late-night snacks, and a 24-hour beverage station are all part of the package. At the end of the journey, you’ll be escorted back to the airport, ensuring a truly enjoyable experience throughout the trip—perfect for those seeking a charming and value-packed travel option while immersing themselves in multiple European countries.

Here are six selected river cruise itineraries (based on standard accommodations):
– **”Treasures of the Danube” (10 days)**: Visit Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany; from Budapest to Passau, starting at $2,749 per person on March 9, 2025.
– **”Treasures of the Rhine” (10 days)**: Visit Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands; from Basel to Amsterdam, starting at $2,849 per person on March 8, 2025.
– **”Waltzes of the Danube” (8 days)**: Visit Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany; from Budapest to Passau, starting at $2,898 per person on November 22, 2025.
– **”Romantic Rhine” (8 days)**: Visit Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands; from Basel to Amsterdam, starting at $2,898 per person on November 23, 2025.
– **”Rhine and Main” (11 days)**: Visit Switzerland, France, and Germany; from Basel to Nuremberg, starting at $3,249 per person.
– **”Grand Europe” (15 days)**: Visit Hungary, Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands; from Budapest to Amsterdam, starting at $4,898 per person on July 31, 2025.

Flights included in the package depart from cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Houston, and Chicago; other cities and dates may also be available upon inquiry. The promotion runs until October 30, 2024, and space is limited—so act fast!

For those who dream of embarking on a river cruise adventure, contact the cruise experts at “Exquisite Holidays” toll-free at 1-888-680-5688 to plan your extraordinary river journey today!

In a recent interview, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, clarified the objectives of the “University of Nigerian Languages, Aba (Establishment, etc) Bill, 2024.” He emphasized that the legislation aims to upgrade the National Institute for Nigerian Languages (NINLAN) in Aba, Abia State, to a University of Nigerian Languages.

Kalu made these remarks during a courtesy visit from the Governing Board of NINLAN, led by Chairman Professor Victor Ukaogo, in Abuja. He noted that the bill he sponsored, along with eight others, does not mention President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s name. He stated, “The purpose of this bill is to amend the establishment act of NINLAN, changing its status so it can receive funding from TETFUND, expand its curriculum, and contribute more to society.”

He continued, “The Bill is not associated with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in any capacity. What we submitted clearly states ‘University of Nigerian Languages.’ Unfortunately, there are reports outside suggesting otherwise, which seem to aim at involving a president who is genuinely focused on strengthening education in Nigeria.”

Kalu urged the public to separate the President from what he termed “petty issues” and stressed that education is a priority. “The election is over, and it’s time to focus on elevating the standards of institutions that the federal government invests in,” he said. “This initiative is not the first I’ve taken to change the status of an institution, and it certainly won’t be the last.”

He highlighted the importance of preserving NINLAN, stating, “The nomenclature of the school is secondary; what matters is that it is a federal establishment that has the potential to create more jobs and serve our people better. We are not establishing a new university; we are upgrading NINLAN to ensure it can benefit from TETFUND and build capacity.”

Kalu also addressed the broader value of Nigerian languages, saying, “As leaders, we have a responsibility to protect the cultural identity that our forefathers passed down to us. Nigerian languages are a unifying element, and we must advocate for their preservation.”

He shared his reflections on the history of NINLAN, saying, “I knew NINLAN when it was established, and one would have expected it to be further advanced by now. I also want to express gratitude to the people of Ngwa land and Aba for their generous land donations to promote education. Their commitment shows a love for knowledge that extends beyond their community.”

He noted the lack of institutions dedicated to Nigerian languages, contrasting it with the promotion of foreign languages, particularly French. “We need to correct this imbalance, as our local languages are essential in everyday life—from the farms to markets, schools, and places of worship,” he explained. “It’s crucial to ensure our children can communicate in their local languages, as language is a cornerstone of our identity and unity.”

Kalu underscored the need to prioritize language education: “Language plays a significant role in peace, unity, and social development. If we truly embrace our nation’s diversity, we must make language education a priority. It’s not just an academic issue; it’s foundational for integrating our society.”

He added, “There’s nothing wrong with an Igbo student learning Hausa or a Hausa student learning Yoruba. Language should foster understanding and communication.” He expressed optimism that the current administration is committed to education, stating, “The renewed hope agenda of Mr. President prioritizes education, and we will not overlook NINLAN.”

Kalu called for a review of the TETFUND framework, emphasizing its goal of enhancing education universally, without discrimination. He argued, “It is time to acknowledge specialized studies like languages to enrich our educational landscape.”

Earlier, Professor Victor Ukaogo, Chairman of the Governing Board, conveyed to the Deputy Speaker the urgent federal attention NINLAN needs to address its various challenges.

This morning, the Guiyang Intermediate People’s Court reaffirmed that Yu Huaying’s crimes were particularly severe and posed significant societal harm. The court sentenced Yu Huaying to death for the crime of child trafficking, stripping her of political rights for life, and ordering the confiscation of all her personal property. Yu Huaying expressed her intention to appeal the verdict in court.

The recent retrial ensured fairness and justice in judicial procedures, revealing previously overlooked crimes committed by Yu Huaying. It was discovered that the number of victims trafficked by her had increased by six, involving four additional cases. During the retrial, more details of the cases emerged, and our legal journalist conducted an exclusive interview with the individuals involved in the newly added charges.

The increase in victims: Who are they?

Born in 1963, Yu Huaying married a man named Wang Jiawen in Chongqing when she was 21 and had a daughter. In 1990, Wang Jiawen was sentenced for theft, prompting Yu to seek work elsewhere, where she met Gong Xianliang. Among the four newly added cases, two were perpetrated together with Gong Xianliang, while the other two involved criminal activities with her husband, Wang Jiawen.

**First Additional Case in Yu Huaying’s Retrial: Trafficking of Chen Jianghua and Chen Jianghai**

In a nearby park, Yu Huaying and Gong Xianliang abducted two brothers, Chen Jianghua and Chen Jianghai. According to the public prosecutor’s accusations: on February 28, 1993, they lured the brothers under the pretense of taking them to an arcade in Xi’jiao Park, Guizhou. Realizing that Jianghua was too old to sell, they left him in a gaming venue in Guiyang while trafficking Jianghai to a household in Handan, Hebei, for 3,500 to 4,500 yuan.

Since Yu Huaying chose to abandon her attempt to sell Chen Jianghua, the prosecutor recommended considering it a case of “cessation of child trafficking.” For the victims, particularly Chen Jianghai, every detail of this harrowing event is etched in memory.

Chen Jianghai expressed his deep hatred for human traffickers, saying, “They changed the course of my life, and the longing for home has been an indescribable pain.”

Recalling the incident, the less-than-five-year-old Chen Jianghai was accompanied by his nine-year-old brother when they went to Guizhou with their parents, who were busy with business. After being lured away by strange people with a pack of hawthorn candy, he only realized they were heading in the wrong direction when it was time to board a train.

Once in Handan, his memories became hazy over time, though the yearning for home remained.

**Reporter:** “Did you know you were sold to Handan, Hebei?”

**Chen Jianghai:** “Of course I did. I missed my parents and my brother. Without memories, there is no pain, but with memories comes suffering. I’d forgotten what my mother looked like. I didn’t remember where my home was, what city it was, or my parents’ names. It felt like fishing for a needle in the ocean. The suffering never left, and I grew to despise myself for not remembering anything.”

Chen Jianghai faced unfamiliar surroundings and attempted to sneak away multiple times to find his family.

“I believed my home was west of where the sun set, so I ran that way countless times as a child,” he shared.

Despite his efforts to find his way back, Chen Jianghai struggled with the pain of separation. In 2013, after getting married and having a child, the desire to find his biological family grew stronger.

With the help of family, he began blood sampling, DNA matching, and joined search groups, but faced a decade of silence. Finally, in November 2023, a volunteer shared good news: a match had been found. In March of this year, Chen Jianghai embarked on a journey to reunite with his family in Guizhou.

On the day of the reunion, he recognized his mother instantly upon seeing her limping towards him. The two embraced, tears streaming down their faces as they realized they had found each other again.

Upon finding his family, Chen Jianghai learned that his brother Chen Jianghua had made it back home after being rescued by kind strangers when he left the arcade.

Following Chen Jianghai’s abduction, his family abandoned their business. His mother fell ill, suffering severe health issues, but they never stopped searching for him. The retrial of Yu Huaying provided a sense of closure and comfort for the family.

**Chen Jianghai:** “Capturing Yu Huaying is the best way to account for the victims and their families. If she goes unpunished, many questions will remain unanswered.”

**Another Abduction a Year Later: Targeting Another Set of Brothers**

A year after abducting Chen Jianghai, Yu Huaying returned to Guizhou to commit another crime, this time targeting two brothers who were also part of the newly added victims.

**Second Additional Case in Yu Huaying’s Retrial: Trafficking of Wang Yanlong and Wang Nengneng**

The court heard that on October 7, 1994, Yu Huaying, in collaboration with Gong Xianliang, took advantage of the unattended Wang brothers, luring them with promises of food. After taking them to Guiyang by car and then by train, they trafficked the brothers to Handan, Hebei.

Wang Yanlong and Wang Nengneng’s mother, Zhang Rongxian, was present at the trial. Upon hearing that her children had been sold to a family for prices of 3,500 and 4,000 yuan, she conveyed her heartbreak: “Yu Huaying separated me from my flesh and blood for 30 years. I truly don’t know how I survived.”

Zhang Rongxian, now 55, shared that she and her husband moved to Anshun to work at a coal yard after leaving their hometown in 1990. Though they weren’t wealthy, their family of five was happy—until tragedy struck on one fateful day.

On October 7, 1994, her husband left for work, while Zhang stayed home doing chores. After breakfast, the three children went out to play, but only her three-year-old returned half an hour later. The older two were missing. When asked, her youngest son ambiguously mentioned that someone had taken his brothers.

Zhang recalled, “Before they were kidnapped, my youngest son mentioned someone giving his brothers toys.” That person was Yu Huaying, who had just moved in next door.

After searching for them without success and enduring the heartbreak of her husband’s mental decline post-trauma, Zhang embarked on an unyielding quest to find her sons.

The pain was so profound that her husband attempted suicide twice; though he survived, he fell into a deep depression that left him bedridden. Meanwhile, Zhang traveled far and wide with flyers, hoping to locate her children.

“Every night in my dreams, I searched for them, only to wake up realizing they had not grown up with me. I never got to see them as adults,” she mourned.

After three decades, in August 2023, a breakthrough arrived when a DNA test linked her to a man who claimed he was abducted to Handan, Hebei as a child—a man who remembered having a younger brother.

“Once I found my eldest son, many volunteers encouraged me to reach out to the police, believing my youngest son might also be in Handan,” Zhang said.

Eventually, through diligent matching, she found her youngest son, Wang Nengneng, the day after Mother’s Day. The first message she received from him included a heartfelt wish: “Happy Mother’s Day.”

Though her eldest son has yet to recognize her, Zhang remains hopeful that, one day, they can speak face-to-face and share stories of their 30-year separation.

**During Her Husband’s Escape: Multiple Instances of Child Trafficking**

Two of the newly added cases are directly connected to Yu Huaying’s husband, Wang Jiawen. In 1990, he was imprisoned for theft before escaping custody in 1992. During his time on the run, he reconnected with Yu Huaying, and together, they executed several child trafficking schemes. After his capture in September 2023, he is currently under separate legal proceedings.

**Third Additional Case in Yu Huaying’s Retrial: Trafficking of Li Cong**

During the retrial, Qiung Suhua learned more details about the abduction of her son, Li Cong. On February 21, 2002, Wang Jiawen abducted Li Cong from his home in Dali, Yunnan. He later handed Li Cong over to Yu Huaying, who took him to Handan for sale.

**Fourth Additional Case in Yu Huaying’s Retrial: Trafficking of Chen Caiyong**

The public prosecutor alleged that on December 8, 2003, Wang Jiawen abducted Chen Caiyong near his home in Lijiang, Yunnan, and later delivered him to Yu Huaying. They trafficked Chen Caiyong to Handan for 4,000 to 5,000 yuan.

Thus far, 17 children from 12 families have been confirmed as victims in Yu Huaying’s case, each carrying the deep scars of separation from their loved ones.

The retrial of Yu Huaying reflects a commitment to judicial fairness and serves as a form of compensation and solace for the victims’ families.

**Qiung Suhua:** “For the parents of these 17 children, each of whom has been deeply wounded by the actions of Wang Jiawen and Yu Huaying, it is crucial to witness both of them face legal consequences. Only then will the burdens in our hearts begin to lift.”

Australian judge Patrick Keane KC recently delivered a speech at Sydney’s Banco Court, but his presence as a remaining overseas justice on Hong Kong’s controversial Court of Final Appeal has sparked significant protest. With only six foreign judges left on the bench—down from fifteen—Keane is one of four Australians. Notably, he is among just two judges who joined the court after the introduction of Hong Kong’s national security law, a measure seen as a means to stifle dissent and suppress the pro-democracy movement.

In his speech, titled “Christian Inspiration and Constitutional Insights,” Keane quoted historical figures such as Frederick the Great, Thomas Jefferson, and John Locke, as well as British judge Lord Jonathan Sumption, a former colleague who resigned from the court earlier this year. Sumption’s resignation was accompanied by a powerful critique, wherein he stated that the rule of law in Hong Kong has been “profoundly compromised,” and he warned that the territory is “becoming a totalitarian state.”

On October 22, a protest took place outside Sydney’s law courts, where demonstrators displayed images of jailed Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai, who faces solitary confinement and charges that many consider politically motivated. The protest seemed to deter Keane from attending a scheduled post-speech gathering, leading him to exit through a side door, where protesters showcased a neon sign depicting Lai as a “Prisoner of Conscience.” One protester sought to address Keane directly, asking, “Do you know Jimmy Lai?” However, Keane chose not to respond.

Previously, he defended his role as a non-permanent judge on the Hong Kong bench. In a 2023 interview with The Guardian, he expressed optimism about the court’s contributions to upholding the rule of law, cautioning against passing up the chance to serve on what he described as a successful institution.

However, activists and advocacy groups contend that even a slight association with the Hong Kong judiciary undermines the credibility of foreign judges in a legal system increasingly influenced by government directives, particularly after the 2020 national security law. Critics argue that the court cannot truly claim independence when its actions appear aligned with anti-democratic government agendas, especially in instances where the central Chinese government is involved in legal reinterpretations.

Keane’s participation on the bench has been condemned by figures such as Alyssa Fong from the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation, who called it “shocking” that he chose to remain after the national security law’s implementation, a period marked by mass arrests and curtailing of civil liberties. She urged Keane to reconsider his position in light of recent trends, noting that five foreign judges have resigned this year alone.

As it stands, only six foreign judges remain in the Court of Final Appeal, with Keane and fellow Australian justice James Allsop being the only recent additions since the national security law’s introduction. The situation remains tense as the judiciary grapples with significant political pressures and accusations of complicity in the erosion of Hong Kong’s judicial independence.

On October 25th, the 2024 Shanghai “For the Children” International Forum is taking place, featuring the establishment of the Children’s Friendly Digital Future Alliance, the inaugural ceremony of the Shanghai International Children’s Friendly Center, and the launch of the “Home + Book House” Family Education Alliance.

This forum encompasses a main session and three sub-forums, focusing on the theme of “Future Cities and Child Development.” It aims to explore the relationship between urban transformation and child development through a variety of dimensions and perspectives, particularly aligning with Shanghai’s commitment to digital and green transformation.

This year marks the fifth anniversary of the “People’s City” concept. Shanghai, as a direct-controlled municipality advancing child-friendly city initiatives, has been continuously enhancing policies supporting children. Officials from the Shanghai Women’s Federation shared with us that numerous child-centered livelihood projects are being expedited, leading to the swift advancement of child-friendly environments. Notably, the “One River, One River” initiative has been established, creating over 170 child-friendly spaces and achieving full coverage in building child-friendly communities.

During the forum, the Shanghai Children’s Friendly Digital Future Alliance was launched, located in Zhangjiang, the core area of the Shanghai International Science and Technology Innovation Center. This alliance will leverage Zhangjiang’s geographic advantage of clustering digital enterprises to attract leading digital companies, top universities, and research institutes. It aims to create educational and scientific activity venues and implement a “3S” plan: building a service ecosystem, creating space carriers, and providing application scenarios. The ultimate vision is to achieve the “3E” goals: enjoying digital life, exploring the digital realm, and empowering a digital future, crafting a new ecological environment where children can fully engage, actively explore, and creatively contribute.

Additionally, the Shanghai International Children’s Friendly Center was unveiled, situated in the Yangpu Riverside area. This center, collaboratively developed by the Shanghai Women and Children’s Work Committee and the Yangpu District Government, serves as a demonstration project for child-friendly public spaces. During the Yangpu sub-forum on the same day, Zhang Hua, Chairperson of the Shanghai Women’s Federation, and Xue Kan, Secretary of the Yangpu District Committee, presented the first batch of child-friendly spaces in Yangpu District. The establishment of these spaces underscores Yangpu’s commitment to creating child-friendly environments, allowing children to enjoy whimsical, safe, and multifunctional spaces close to home, thereby fostering a nurturing ecological environment for their growth.

Zhou Rong, Deputy Secretary of the Yangpu District Committee, highlighted that the district is effectively integrating public space resources along the Yangpu Riverside, planning 25 unique spaces as child-friendly service points. This initiative maps out a “Child-Friendly Map” for the Yangpu Riverside, successfully establishing Yangpu as a model child-friendly community in Shanghai. Next week, the “People’s City: Shanghai Children’s Friendly Activity Week” will officially kick off in Yangpu.

At the Yangpu sub-forum, a showcase area was set up for projects illustrating children’s involvement in urban development. This included exhibitions on child participation project outcomes, intangible cultural heritage works created by children, paintings showcasing the construction of a People’s City, and low-carbon environmental creative projects. These exhibitions aim to depict and celebrate urban development from children’s perspectives, illustrating the beautiful synergy between child growth and urban construction.

Moreover, Shanghai is rolling out the “Home + Book House” Family Education Alliance, along with the publication of a hundred “Home + Book House” city maps. According to the Shanghai Women’s Federation, this initiative marks the budding of a new model for collaborative education between schools, families, and communities. During the forum, landmark buildings in eight core areas—Pudong, Huangpu, Jing’an, Xuhui, Changning, Putuo, Hongkou, and Yangpu—will be illuminated to create a social atmosphere of “child-friendly, everyone-friendly.”

In recent years, the popularity of a drug cocktail known as pink cocaine, which often contains substances like ketamine, ecstasy, meth, and crack, has surged. Following reports that former One Direction member Liam Payne had pink cocaine in his system at the time of his tragic fall from a hotel balcony in Argentina, there is an increasing demand for heightened awareness regarding the dangers this substance poses to its users.

So, what exactly is pink cocaine? Contrary to its name, pink cocaine typically doesn’t contain any actual cocaine. Its distinctive hue comes from food coloring, and sometimes it incorporates strawberry flavoring. The cocktail generally features a mixture of at least one stimulant and one depressant. Common ingredients include methamphetamine, ketamine—known for its dissociative and hallucinogenic effects—and MDMA (ecstasy), alongside benzodiazepines, crack, and caffeine. Users can take it in pill form or snort it as a powder, though injection is uncommon. It’s primarily associated with the nightlife scene.

What are some of the other names for this drug? It goes by several street names, including tusi or tuci, cocaina rosada, tucibi, pink powder, Eros, and Venus. The name “tusi” is linked to the psychedelic compound 2-CB, which was synthesized by Alexander Shulgin, a key figure in the ecstasy movement. However, current law enforcement sources indicate that 2-CB is rarely found in what’s referred to as pink cocaine today.

Why has pink cocaine made headlines recently? Reports have surfaced stating that Liam Payne had this cocktail in his system when he succumbed to his death in Argentina last week, with partial autopsy results confirming the substance’s presence, according to sources cited by ABC News and TMZ.

What is the experience like for users of pink cocaine? People often turn to this drug in club settings to achieve euphoria and an enhanced sensory experience. The UK Addiction Treatment Centres describe the potential for hallucinations with this drug, noting on their website that “pink cocaine has hallucinogenic properties, differentiating it from the purely stimulant effects of traditional cocaine.” Users frequently report enjoying both euphoric and psychedelic experiences, which can include altered sensory perceptions and mood fluctuations. The treatment centers warn that pink cocaine is particularly easy to overdose on and highlight that prolonged use can lead to serious health issues, including heart attacks, high blood pressure, increased stroke risk, behavioral changes, addiction, chronic anxiety, depression, and psychosis.

Where did pink cocaine originate? It first emerged on the streets of Colombia around 2010 and has since proliferated through the Latin American nightclub scene, particularly in countries like Argentina, Venezuela, Uruguay, Chile, and Panama. Its reach has extended to club-goers in the U.S. and Europe, especially in Spain. A 2022 UN drugs report indicates that instances of pink cocaine have been reported in the UK, Austria, Switzerland, Canada, and Southeast Asia.

As the harvest season unfolds, the vibrant golden rice fields of Zhongqiao Village in Nanmu Town, Guangxi’s Guiping City, buzz with activity. Workers are busy cutting rice, threshing, separating straw, and loading trucks, showcasing the hustle and bustle of autumn harvest. Gao Qiansen, the head of Qiansen Family Farm, shares his experience while harvesting rice and preparing the fields for shrimp cultivation.

“Look at these little crayfish; they coexist with the rice,” Gao explains, noting that they’ve started burrowing and breeding. “This year, my late rice harvest is about two weeks earlier than last year, and I’ve harvested around 30 acres so far. Our farm has expanded to 165 acres of rice and shrimp integrated cultivation, generating an annual income of about 990,000 RMB.”

Chen Shoufu, the head of the Guiping City Aquatic Technology Promotion Station, adds, “Now that we are in the rice harvest period, we are guiding farmers in various towns on how to prepare their fields and manage water levels for shrimp breeding, aiming to produce shrimp seedlings earlier this year to boost profitability.”

The integration of rice and shrimp farming has become a significant trend in Zhongqiao Village, where the number of small-scale farmers engaged in this practice has grown from just two in 2022 to 70 today. Village Secretary Cai Rongzhen emphasizes the benefits, stating, “This method not only reduces risks for smallholders but also provides them with substantial profits. We’ve implemented various integration models, including ditch-type and flat-cultivation systems, and now have about 4,500 acres of rice-shrimp farming, encouraging surrounding villages to develop over 1,300 additional acres.”

With approximately 82,000 acres dedicated to rice and shrimp integrated farming, Guiping City ranks among the forefront in Guangxi, boasting 324 operational units that have helped over 3,300 households increase their incomes. The annual production of crayfish in rice fields reaches 11,800 tons, contributing around 816 million RMB to the local economy, translating to nearly 10,000 RMB per acre. This model has become a crucial element in stabilizing grain production, enhancing farmers’ incomes, promoting green agricultural transformation, and driving rural revitalization.

As the scale of integrated rice-shrimp farming expands, it has also spurred the growth of the upstream supply chain—shrimp seedling breeding. Under the photovoltaic panels in Mengtai Town’s Mianchong Village, the Yongzhen Crayfish Breeding Base has established over 2,000 acres equipped with a seedling breeding area.

According to base manager Cao Jinfeng, “We anticipate producing around 150 tons of seedlings this year, worth 9 million RMB. Our ‘land-use dual purpose and fish-light integration’ model not only enhances land utilization but also satisfies the seedling demands for the local 4,000 acres of rice-shrimp farming.”

Cao continues, “We need more ‘new farmers’ in the shrimp breeding industry. Six young individuals from our village who previously worked elsewhere have joined our efforts through a stockholding and labor model, making significant contributions to the development of the local rice-shrimp industry. Currently, about 40 villagers work here, earning between 5,000 and 8,000 RMB per month.”

In the nearby Caoliang Village, a 610-acre Australian freshwater crayfish demonstration zone has been established, featuring ten orderly seedling workshops. Pan Wentian, head of Guangxi Xinheng Port Ecological Agricultural Technology Co., explains, “This is Guangxi’s first fish-light integration project, where we’ve independently developed a factory-style seedling cultivation technique. We control all 14 processes, from breeding parent shrimp to hatching and marketing the seedlings. This year, we expect to produce 11 million freshwater crayfish seedlings. Additionally, our new seabass breeding project is progressing well, and we anticipate producing around 10 million fish seedlings by next April, mainly for markets outside Guangxi, increasing annual revenue by over 2 million RMB.”

With abundant water resources and unique geographical advantages, Guiping City is vigorously promoting the full-chain construction of integrated rice-shrimp farming, emerging as a new highlight in rural development and agricultural industry growth.

On October 23, the second round of the 2024 Northern Ireland Snooker Open concluded, marking a significant milestone as all 16 competitors were determined. Among them, four Chinese players—Tian Pengfei, Pang Junxu, Lei Peifan, and Ma Hailong—secured their spots in the next round.

Tian Pengfei, a seasoned veteran, led the charge by advancing from the previous day’s matches. On the fourth day of the tournament, five Chinese players were in action. Ma Hailong delivered an impressive performance, upsetting world number 11 Ali Carter in the first round. Despite a shaky start with a 0-1 deficit, he rallied back with breaks of 137, 51, and 72, winning four consecutive frames to defeat world number 22 Chris Wakelin with a score of 4-1.

Similarly, Lei Peifan found himself down a frame but executed a remarkable comeback. He showcased a series of strong breaks to overcome world number 17 Tom Ford, claiming his match 4-1.

Pang Junxu also shone on this day; facing off against world number 6, Belgian player Luca Brecel, he produced breaks of 63, 71, and 118 to secure a convincing 4-1 victory and move on to the next stage.

Unfortunately, rising star Wang Yuchen from Hong Kong, who had previously stunned higher-ranked opponents, was unable to maintain his momentum. He fell to world number 16 Neil Robertson in the second round, losing 4-0. Another Chinese contender, Long Zehuang, lost his match 2-4 to world number 35 Elliott Slessor, eliminating him from the competition.

With all 16 players now established, the Chinese contingent includes Tian Pengfei, Pang Junxu, Lei Peifan, and Ma Hailong. Looking ahead, Pang Junxu will face Martin O’Donnell, currently ranked 53rd, while Ma Hailong takes on seventh-ranked Mark Williams. Lei Peifan is set to compete against Elliott Slessor, who eliminated Long Zehuang. Additionally, Tian Pengfei, ranked 56th, will go up against world number 71, Louis Heathcote.