The People’s Republic of China has promised to strengthen long standing bilateral relationship with the Federal Republic of Nigeria through Culture and mutual support.
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Mr. Cui Jianchun made this known at the launch of China – Nigeria Cultural week, marking the Moon festival and National day celebration of the Chinese, held in Abuja, Nigeria.
According to the Chinese Ambassador, “the Chinese Moon festival symbolizes family reunion, national peace and social harmony. It is the second most important festival after China’s Spring festival with a history dating back over 3,000 years, when the Emperor of China worshipped the moon for bountiful harvest.”
Mr. Cui explained that, the celebration is a special one this year as it’s mark the 50th anniversary of the bilateral relations between China and Nigeria.
The Chinese Ambassador said, “this year’s Cultural week consist of ‘Golden Jubilee, golden opportunity’, Photography contest, short video contest, Chinese Calligraphy competition, China-Nigeria Film Week and Photo Exhibition among others”.
“As the largest developing country and the most populous country in the world as well as in Africa respectively, China and Nigeria have lots of similarities, even our National day is on the same day– October 1st. So we have every reason to jointly celebrate our upcoming National day and we are proud to say, “our culture, our pride”.
The Permanent secretary Nigeria’s Ministry of information Mrs. Ifeoma Adaora said, the Fifty years of diplomatic relations, have made giant strides in all fields of human endeavours and have broken new frontiers. See below:
She noted that, “China through the youth-oriented programmes such as the Photo competition and similar activities in the past, is surely a dependable ally in redirecting the energy of our youth to creative ventures, thereby furthering the Nigerian government’s policy of lifting a hundred million Nigerians out of poverty in the next ten years.”
She urged winners of the competition to see it as a springboard for more hard work and higher achievements in life.
The Director General National Council for Art and Culture Mr. Otumba Runsewe stressed the need for the two countries to learn and speak each other’s language to foster better corporation.
Also Speaking, the President China Chambers of Commerce in Nigeria Mr. Ye Shuijin said the two countries will benefit better if commerce and industry is strengthen.
China – Nigeria friendship awards were presented to deserving personalities.
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