The Chinese embassy in Nigeria has restated its commitment to continue collaborations with Nigeria to strengthen the existing ties between the two countries.
It also promises to work with Nigeria in its drive to grow the economy, as well as open opportunities for national development.
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun, made this known at the 2024 Chinese New Year Temple Fair celebration in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
He said that the New Year was regarded as the year of the Dragon.
“ According to the Chinese zodiac, the Dragon is the most powerful and auspicious animal, representing strength, wisdom, luck and prosperity.”
“I want to use the letters (dragon) to describe the relationship between our countries. ‘D’ is about development. The two countries are working to develop the nation. We believe that without development, we can’t achieve individual and societal progress. “R” is to revitalise, “A” is for assistance, “G” is for guidance, “O” is for opportunity and “N” in the dragon symbolizes Nationalism which is a key for Nigeria’s unity and its diverse ethnic group,” he explained.
The Envoy, added that “China is embarking on its way of modernization and we are doing the rejuvenation of Chinese nation, Nigeria also can seize this opportunity to work together to build a shared community for the both countries,” the Envoy added.
Also speaking, the Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, commended China for always projecting its rich culture, saying the country shares many things with Nigeria.
“Both China and Nigeria are culturally diverse nations. China has 56 official ethnic groups while Nigeria has close to 400 ethnic groups, each with its unique cultural peculiarities. Just like China, Nigeria is harnessing its cultural potential to drive the process of her economic development. Both nations have a lot to learn and benefit from each other in the area of cultural exchanges,” he said.
Runsewe noted that “Nigeria has a lot of historical and heritage sites that can be upgraded to serve as recreational, religious and commercial sites comparable to the Chinese Temple Fair. This is why we must strengthen our cultural ties with China so as to tap from their cultural expertise. Runsewe said.
The Permanent Secretary, Nigeria’s Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mr. James Sule, reiterates Nigeria’s continued commitment to boosting the relationship between China and Nigeria.”
The Chinese Lunar New Year begins on February 10, 2024.
The new year will start on the new moon day of the first Chinese lunar month in the Chinese Lunar Calendar system. The Year of the Wood Dragon then concludes on January 28, 2025.
Other highlights of the event included, cultural dance presentation from schools in the FCT, and from the Chinese side, parade of different Chinese cuisine at the fair, as well as a raffle draw.
Hauwa Abu
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