News
Chinese New Year celebrated across world

By Yang Yi, People’s Daily
Splendid cultural activities are held in many countries to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit, which came on Jan. 22, including traditional Chinese dragon and lion dance, music performances of both Western and Eastern masterpieces, the “face changing” technique of Sichuan Opera, and dragon boat races.
These activities, which presented a feast of the Chinese culture, have demonstrated the value of traditional Chinese culture in the world and established a bond of cultural exchanges and communication across the world.
On Jan. 16, just a few days before the Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, big red lanterns were seen hanging outside of the China Cultural Center in Berlin, capital of Germany, which was freshly decorated for the festival.
A ceremony of a concert and a photo exhibition themed with the Chinese New Year was held at the center, which marked the start of a series of celebration activities. Fourteen songs popular in both the East and the West were jointly performed by Chinese and German musicians.
On Jan. 22, Chinese New Year celebrations were held on the Yaowarat Road, or the Chinatown, in the Thai capital of Bangkok. The Chinatown was bustling with a Chinese New Year fair as well as music and dance performance with Chinese characteristics. Festive vibes were felt everywhere on the road.
Together, residents and tourists from across the world watched dragon and lion dance, posed for pictures in front of lanterns and bunny-themed decorations, and joined colorful activities to experience the traditional Chinese culture, such as Peking Opera face painting and traditional Chinese medicine preparations.
Dragon and lion dances attracted a lot of attention in Paris, France on Jan. 20. Six men danced happily in a “dragon” and four in a “lion” with the lively sound of gongs and drums, and a cute “rabbit” interacted with the crowd. People took photos with the dancers and applauded, making the street a sea of joy.
During the Spring Festival, dragon and lion dances, parades and Chinese food festivals will be staged in several districts in Paris.
An electric bus decorated with Chinese New Year elements recently became a big attraction on the streets of Budapest, capital of Hungary. Besides, a cultural event was held at the Allee Mall in downtown Budapest to celebrate the Chinese festival. Presenting a series of activities that showcased Chinese culture and art as well as folk customs, the event was warmly welcomed by residents.
On Jan. 17, a surprising ice sculpture of a rabbit was revealed to Chinese tourists at the popular scenic spot and winter sports resort, Jungfrau in Switzerland. The sculpture was located on the glacier beside the Jungfraujoch railway station, the highest railway station in Europe.
The cableway at the Swiss resort also decorated its departure station with rabbit decorations and red lanterns to celebrate the Chinese New Year. According to an employee of the resort, the scenic spot has prepared many other surprises with Chinese elements to welcome tourists from China.
On Jan. 15, a Chinese New Year dragon boat race kicked off in Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina, which attracted crowds of spectators to cheer and take photos. The sound of the splashing water, drums and applause ignited the competition.
The dragon boat race was joined by nearly 200 athletes from 21 teams in Argentina. Before it started, Mario Moccia, president of the Argentine Olympic Committee, dotted the eyes of dragon boats to bestow good luck, a tradition of the Chinese paddled watercraft activity.
The Chinese Embassy in the U.S. hosted a reception for the 2023 Chinese New Year of the Rabbit on Jan. 17. About 800 guests attended the event to celebrate the festival and enjoy Chinese food.
Kin Wah Moy, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, said in his remarks that though China and the U.S. have differences, those differences make the two countries unique and beautiful. They can mean positive outcomes, and there can be hope, Moy said.
What people are looking for this year is hope that the U.S. side will work hard to make sure that the U.S.-China relationship is in the right place, he noted.
News
N10bn Alleged Loot: EFCC Probes SGF Akume’s PA ,Torhile Uchi

Indications emerged that the personal Assistant to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF Senator George Akume, Hon. Andrew Torhile Uchi, is currently in the facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC over allegations bordering on corruption, bribery and money laundering amounting to a whooping N10 billion.
A highly placed source at the Commission yesterday, confirmed to our correspondent that the embattled Uchi was invited by the operatives of the Commission on Monday, upon a petition received by the anti-graft agency over Alleged properties he acquired in Abuja, Jos, Makurdi, Gboko and Wannune in Tarka, local government Area of Benue State amounting to over N6 billion.
According to the source, further investigations so far, has revealed that between December 2023 to date the anti-graft agency has been able to trace a whooping N1.6 billion that was allegedly used in buying purch cars through four new generations banks to nine car dealers in Abuja, Kaduna, Lagos, Jos and Makurdi respectively.
The source further added that two Bureau de change operatives are currently been investigated by the Commission, over their alleged involvement in the scam, owing that most of the funds credited to embattled Torhile Andrew Uchi, emanated from their coys.
He said that the Commission is currently working towards getting a court nod to widen the scope of their investigations to the properties in Abuja, Jos and other part of the country to ascertain the source of the income and how the properties were allegedly purchased.
As of the time of filing in this report Mr. Uchi, is still in custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, telling the dreaded operatives of the Commission how he allegedly got the funds which is largely believed to be proceeds from bribes.
Efforts to reach the spokesman of the Commission, Mr Dele Oyewale, proved abortive as his phone lines was said to be switched off.
News
Natasha suspended solely for unruly behaviour – Senate tells IPU

The Nigerian Senate has formally responded to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s complaint to the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), refuting allegations that her suspension was linked to claims of sexual harassment.
According to Vanguard, Senator Natasha had petitioned the global body, seeking intervention over what she described as an injustice against her.
However, in a letter signed by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate insisted that her six-month suspension was due to “gross misconduct and unruly behavior”, not allegations of sexual harassment or assault.
The letter, read by Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, stated:
“The authority of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly refutes the deliberate misinformation and false narrative being circulated by certain media organisations regarding the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan.”
It further emphasized that “Senator Uduaghan was suspended solely for her persistent act of misconduct and disregard for the Senate Standing Orders.”
Additionally, the Senate called for a thorough investigation into the allegations she raised against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, maintaining that all due procedures were followed before her suspension.
Senator Natasha, however, vowed to continue her fight against “injustice”. Meanwhile, Senate President Akpabio has denied the accusations, asserting that he has never assaulted any woman.
The dispute between the two lawmakers intensified on February 20, 2025, after Natasha’s seat was changed during plenary. Their tensions date back to July 2024, when Akpabio rebuked her for alleged misconduct, telling her the Senate was “not a nightclub where anybody can talk anyhow.” He later apologized for the remark.
News
Gov Okpebholo recalls Edo Attorney General, Osagie, from suspension

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reinstated the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Samson Osagie, exactly 37 days after his suspension.
A letter addressed to Osagie by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Ikhilor, Esq., and marked SGA. 15/NOL.XV111/215, conveyed the governor’s directive. The letter, dated March 12, 2025, and released at 8:15 p.m., stated that an investigative panel had exonerated Osagie of alleged financial infractions.
The letter read: “Having considered the report of the Investigative Panel set up by Government to investigate allegations of financial infractions reported against you, which has exonerated you from the said allegations, I write to convey the directive of the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, that you resume duties as the State Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice with effect from 12th March, 2025.”
Reacting to his reinstatement, Osagie expressed appreciation for the governor’s leadership, describing the decision as a testament to Okpebholo’s sincerity and vision for Edo State.
“I appreciate his sincerity of purpose and vision for the state. This is a clear indication that His Excellency, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, means well for the state. I use this medium to reiterate my commitment and loyalty to him and his administration,” Osagie said.
He further pledged to support the governor in advancing Edo State, emphasizing his dedication to ensuring progress and recovery in the state’s governance.
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