L' Observateur Burundi

The Memorial Ceremony to Ancestor Huang Di in His Native Place was held in Huang Di’s Hometown on April 11. The celebration takes place every year on the third day of the third month in the Chinese lunar calendar in Xinzheng City of Zhengzhou in central China’s Henan province. And this year is specially called the Jiachen Year (2024).

Themed ‘Peace, Concord and Harmony with One Same Root, Ancestor and Origin’, the ceremony was jointly sponsored by the People’s Government of Henan Province, the Henan Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots and the Association for Yan Huang Culture of China.

Chinese from around the world worshiped the legendary ancestor Huang Di, or the Yellow Emperor, praying for the prosperity of Chinese civilization and wishing the world peace and harmony.

The ceremony started at 9:40 a.m. with a gun salute. It
was followed by a series of sections, including flower basket offering, incense burning, bow worshiping, prayers reading, carol singing, worship through song and dance, prayers for China, and prayers for harmony between nature and humans.

In the process of singing carols, singers from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macao and Chinese mainland and children from 56 ethnic groups across the country performed ‘Ode to Yellow Emperor.’ As prayers were being read out for China, the Yellow River painting was rolled out, and 30 representatives from different walks of life stamped their blessings on it.

At 10:40 a.m., Kong Changsheng, chairman of the Henan Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, announced the conclusion of the Memorial Ceremony, which was witnessed by about 5,000 attendees, including representatives from all walks of life and reporters from nearly 100 media organizations.

The grand Memorial is not only a cultural event, but also a platform for cooperation and exchanges aimed at promo
ting mutually beneficial development. This year’s ceremony was held alongside an event for business negotiation and investment promotion, through which a number of project agreements were signed.

It has been a tradition in China since the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period (770-221 BC) to worship the Yellow Emperor. In 2008, the Memorial Ceremony was inscribed onto the national list of intangible cultural heritage of China.

Each year, Chinese all over the world, including those in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan of China and those in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia hold activities to worship the Yellow Emperor, paying tribute to the respected ancestor.

Source: Ghana News Agency

By Charity Nginyu

A young woman named Samira passed away on April 10, 2024, one month after she inaugurated her new beauty saloon in Douala, Littoral region of Cameroon.

In March, the event was filled with joy and celebration, as several of her friends joined her in commemorating the opening of her salon, Sam Beauty.

Though controversy had surrounded her sudden demise with friends suspecting that she was poisoned, those who have knowledge of the demise said she had two week delay of her monthly period and when she died, a scan at the hospital showed that she had an ectopic pregnancy.

‘She didn’t die as a result of poisoning, but she did die as a result of an ectopic pregnancy. Please stop talking nonsense sometimes,’ someone said, debunking reports of poison.

‘The pregnancy was discovered during the ultrasound, she was 2 weeks late. So that couldn’t be the cause,’ another person said.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

The music sensation who rose to fame after a brilliant single People, said in Frifay that her team decided to cancel a tour scheduled for North America because Separatists fighting in Cameroon’s armed conflict in the North West and South West regions, threatened her for brandishing a Cameroon flag.

Libianca penned down the announcement in a handwritten letter her fans, expressing sadness for not honouring her promise. But noted that her safety was paramount.

One of such threats came from Belgium-based Separatist and spokesperson of the armed group, Batubu Kwifor, Sama Thomas Achoa, who runs a propaganda platform called Amba News Line.

Libianca said the threats multiplied after her Australian tour but she is hopeful that peace will one day return to the two regions and Cameroon will remain United Republic.

Recently some Separatists have been targeting civilians, intimidating them at gunpoint to raise their flags or face the consequences. Libianca is just a victim of such threats. Separatists claim to figh
t for the people but their activities tell the contrary.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

By Charity Nginyu

Nollywood actress Anne Nnebedum has brought to light the perilous working conditions on Asaba film sets, shedding light on the lack of safety measures that led to the untimely death of actor Junior Pope.

Speaking out against the negligence rampant in the industry, Nnebedum stated, ‘If you have worked in Asaba film sets, you would know how they ignorantly do daredevil scenes without any safety measures.’

She recounted her own experience. One of the alarming practices Nnebedum revealed is the use of real-life anaconda snakes in scenes, posing grave risks to actors who are often coerced into dangerous situations under the guise of filmmaking.

Additionally, she exposed the lack of safety protocols during fire scenes and weapon fights, where actors are subjected to real danger without proper precautions.

Furthermore, Nnebedum expressed concern over the exploitation of underage actresses in the industry, implicating even popular actors, producers, and directors.

The tragic death of Junior P
ope has brought renewed attention to the dangers lurking behind the scenes of Asaba films.

Pope alongside other persons died after drowning while on his way to a movie set. His death has been attributed to neglect, considering the failure to provide life jackets which would have helped in saving the lives of the victims.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

Alhaji Shani Alhassan Saibu, the Northern Regional Minister, has called on Muslims to continue practising the lessons learnt from Ramadan to ensure peace and togetherness during this year’s election and thereafter.

‘This is important for the country’s prosperity, well-being, advancement and development,’ he said.

Alhaji Saibu made the call on Wednesday while addressing a gathering of Muslims in Tamale to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations.

He encouraged them to practise self-discipline, and self-control, offer sacrifice, and have empathy for the less privileged.

‘It should, therefore, be evident that we have been granted the benefit of increased bodily and spiritual proximity to the Almighty Allah after going through such a serene period of sacrifice,’ he said.

‘We must strive to enhance the collaboration with the security agencies as this is crucial to the overall creation of a conducive environment for investors to come to the region.’

The Minister urged religious leaders to continue to educate
the citizenry, especially the youth, on the need to maintain peace in the region and the nation in general.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Imam Umar Abubakar, the Kotokoli Imam of Ashaiman, has called on Muslims to inculcate the virtues cultivated during Ramadan into their daily lives.

Imam Abubakar said this when delivering a sermon at Ashaiman during the 2024 Eid-ul-Fitr prayers.

He emphasised the importance of sustaining the spirit of compassion, charity, and self-discipline beyond the holy month of Ramadan.

He reminded Muslims of the transformative power of Ramadan and the profound impact it had on the faithful and the community.

Imam Abubakar encouraged Muslims to continue the practice of fasting, not just for food and drinks but also for negative behaviours and attitudes, fostering a sense of inner peace and growth.

‘As we bid farewell to this sacred time, let us carry forward its teachings of empathy, kindness, and self-restraint into the days ahead,’ he added.

Highlighting the significance of charity during Ramadan, he urged worshippers to extend a helping hand to those in need throughout the year.

He emphasised the importance of
generosity, stating that the act of giving not only benefited the recipient but also purified the souls of the givers.

He said Eid-ul-Fitr is not just a celebration of the end of fasting but rather a celebration of ‘our spiritual achievements and a reminder of our duty to continue striving for excellence.’

‘We must remember that our faith is not limited to rituals and observance; it extends to interaction with others and our commitment to social justice.’

As the Eid prayers concluded with heartfelt supplication and greetings of ‘Eid Mubarak,’ worshippers left the Eid ground with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to embody the values of Ramadan in their daily lives.

Source: Ghana News Agency