By: Mnena Iyorkegh, Abuja.
The China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria and the China Cultural Center has renewed commitments to promote and strengthen people to people relationship between China and Nigeria.
The renewed commitments was done through the distribution of electronic devices,, dining vouchers, health products among others to Nigerians and Chinese who participated at the commemoration of the 2024 Mid-Autumn Festival, in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
The festival is often celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, usually in September or October, when the moon is very full and the size is bigger.
Speaking , the Cultural Counsellor, at the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Li Xuda, explained that the festival represents the harvest season and the idea that hard work leads to a fruitful result.
He noted that the festival was one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture for the past 3,000 years.
“Today’s celebration is very important and meaningful because the Mid-autumn, also called ‘the Mooncake Day’ , is one of the most important Chinese traditional festivals. In this festival we celebrate family reunion, friendship and togetherness; like the popular proverb in Nigeria, united we stand and divided we fall.
Li added that China and Nigeria will stand together to create a better future that is of benefit for citizens of both Countries.
“In the future China, Nigeria, we will work together to promote our tangible and intangible cultural heritage and really further strengthen our cultural exchange and cooperation. He added
Also at a side line conference to celebrate the festiva, the recent elevation of Nigeria-China relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) was described as a significant development with far-reaching implications for regional security, economic growth, cultural exchange, and global governance.
Speaking , A Research Fellow at the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution in Abuja, Dr. Olalekan Babatunde, said the CSP between Nigeria and China is a strategic move that will bolster regional security and stability.
“The CSP, announced during the 2024 FOCAC Summit, aims to promote robust development, stability, and security in the region. The partnership is expected to foster cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, infrastructure development, science, technology, and innovation.”
Dr. Babatunde also stressed that the success of the CSP will depend on effective implementation and mutual trust between both countries.
“It is essential that Nigeria and China work closely together to ensure that the partnership yields tangible benefits for both nations and the region as a whole.The development is seen as a significant boost to Nigeria’s efforts to address its security challenges and promote regional stability.The CSP is also expected to enhance economic cooperation, with China pledging to increase investment in Nigeria’s infrastructure development, including transportation networks, energy, and telecommunications.”
Adding that “: the partnership is expected to promote cultural exchange and people-to-people diplomacy, with both countries agreeing to strengthen cooperation in areas such as education, healthcare, and tourism.”
“Furthermore, the partnership is expected to enhance global governance, with both countries agreeing to work together on issues such as climate change, pandemics, and economic inequality.”
On his part, the Director, Centre for China Studies, in Abuja, Dr. Charles Onainuju, emphasised the need for Nigeria to design policies that encourage local manufacture and maximise the opportunities presented to it. “We need a policy instrument to maximise the disadvantage of being potentially the next workshop of the world. If our people understand, we can give the advantage that we currently and objectively have to be the next workshop of the world”. He emphasized
One of the participants, Mr Michael Olugbode, who was rewarded with One million naira worth dining voucher, expressed his appreciation to the Chinese government for the initiative and also wished them a happy and fruitful Mid-Autumn celebration.
