By Dr Austin Maho
China and Nigeria have a lot in common. China until recently was the largest country in Asia but still its largest economy. Nigeria the largest country in Africa and its largest economy.
Perhaps of significance is that both countries share a similar national day.
On the 1st of October, China and Nigeria celebrated their respective national days with grandeur and style.
The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria took the lead by commemorating the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, a few days ahead of October 1st.
Nigeria marked its 63rd Independence Anniversary, commemorating its freedom from British colonial rule in a low key occassion.
The Chinese national day was celebrated with a splendid reception hosted by Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, CUI Jianchun, and his wife, Mrs. LIANG Huili at the congress hall Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja. The evening featured captivating joint performances by the Sichuan Symphony Orchestra and the Nigeria Art Troupe. They trilled the audience made up of top government officials and members of the diplomatic corps and friends of China in Nigeria in attendance.
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Cui Jianchun in his welcome address, said the occasion provides an opportunity to celebrate China’s achievements over the years and the friendship between China and Nigeria anchored on win-win cooperation and shared prosperity.
The ambassador assured that China will continue to strengthen its bilateral relationship with Nigeria in line with the 5G Goal of Political Consonance, Economic Cooperation, Military Collaboration, International Coordination and People Communication.
Also speaking, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, said China-Nigeria relations have provided tangible outcomes for Nigeria in infrastructural development, trade, technology transfer, economic growth and cultural exchanges.
“This occasion provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable journey of trade, commerce, development, and bilateral cooperation that has characterized the relationship between our countries over the years. Our diplomatic ties have evolved and deepened, transcending geographical boundaries, and have been marked by mutual respect and shared aspirations for progress and development,” the ranking lawmaker said.
“The rich tapestry of our partnership has woven threads of cooperation in various sectors, from infrastructure development to trade, technology exchange, and cultural engagement. China’s significant investments in Nigeria have contributed immensely to the growth and development of our nation, fostering economic prosperity and stability.
“China has been a steadfast partner in Nigeria’s infrastructural development, with projects such as the Abuja-Kaduna Railway and the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project standing as a testament to our enduring collaboration. These initiatives have not only improved connectivity within Nigeria but have also laid the foundation for sustainable economic growth.
“In the realm of commerce, our bilateral trade has flourished, opening up new opportunities for both nations. Chinese products have become a staple in Nigerian households, and our agricultural exports to China continue to grow. This symbiotic relationship has created jobs, boosted local industries, and increased the welfare of our people. Currently, Nigeria is China’s second-largest trading partner in Africa, and China is Nigeria’s largest source of imports,” Hon Kalu added.
Other guest who graced the event includes, the minister of solid minerals developememt Dele Alake, the inspector General of Police, Chairman House Committee on China Nigeria Relations and a host of other dignities.
What added a unique twist to China’s national day is its coincidence with the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, which holds great significance for Chinese nationals. This festival is marked by traditions like enjoying mooncakes and gazing at the moon.
The China Cultural Centre in Nigeria on Friday joined their Chinese counterparts all over the world to celebrate the 2023 Mid-Autumn Festival.
Li Xuda, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of China Cultural Centre in his welcome address, said the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, is to celebrate harvest, family reunion, and promote interpersonal communication.
According to him, “The history of the Mid-Autumn festival dates back over 3,000 years. The festival is held on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunar calendar with a full moon at night. On this day, the Chinese believe that the moon is at its brightest and fullest size, coinciding with harvest time in the middle of Autumn,” he said.
“The main function of the Mid-Autumn Festival is to celebrate the harvest, family reunion, and promote interpersonal communication. Among them, family reunion and interpersonal communication are the main contents of the Mid-Autumn Festival, so the Mid-Autumn Festival is also called the Reunion Festival,” he added.
Guest at the events were treated to a variety of Chinese tea and performances, including Chinese traditional music from the Sichuan Symphony Orchestra, acrobatics and magic displays.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of China’s four major traditional festivals. Others include the Spring Festival, also called Chinese New Year; Qingming Festival, also called Chinese Memorial Day; and the Dragon Boat Festival.
Back home in Nigeria, it was a low key celwbration that took place at the state house in Abuja.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu gave a national broadcast where he acknowledged the hardships faced by Nigerians in his national broadcast and outlined measures to address these challenges: “I wish the difficulties of today did not exist, but we must persevere to reach a brighter future. My government is committed to lightening the burden.”
There is no doubt thatbChina and Nigeria remain dedicated to strengthening their bilateral relations. The simultaneous celebration of their national days is a testament that both countries shares a manifest destiny in fostering greater people-to-people exchange for a shared and prosperous future.
