By Our correspondent
Chinese Nationals in Abuja on Friday celebrated the Mid- Autumn Festival, popularly called the Moon Festival.
The celebration which took place at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja, was graced by Chinese Nationals, Sichuan Symphony Orchestra and people from all walks of life.
Mr. Li Xuda, Cultural Officer, China Cultural Centre Of Nigeria in his opening address stated that just like Nigeria, the People’s Republic of China has and celebrates several festivals.
“There are four major festivals in China, they are; The Spring, Qingming, Dragon and Mid-Autumn festivals”.
According to Mr. Li Xuda, the Mid-Autumn festival is the second most important festival in China.
Mr. Li Xuda further highlighted that the major aim of celebrating the festival in Nigeria is to establish a family reunion between the People’s Republic of China and Nigeria in their several bilateral relations, partnerships, collaborations and cultural exchanges.
“We are celebrating the
moon festival in Nigeria
to celebrate harvest,
family reunion and
interpersonal
communication between
both countries,” he
stated.
Mr. Mohammad Suleiman, President Society of Nigerian Artist and President China-Nigeria Alumni Association while delivering his address stated that the moon festival was a family reunion in the many areas of collaborations between the People’s Republic of China and Nigeria.
“The areas of collaborations which this reunion represents are just too many and they include: the economy, security, transportation, education and culture”.
“So when they say family reunion as far as I am concerned, has to do with what the two nations are doing together. There are too many hundreds of ways that China has been assisting Nigeria besides security and other areas already mentioned”. “But what is better than have a community of a whole nation that supports in educating you? Over fifteen thousand Nigerians have benefited from China’s educational structure and we are very thankful to the government of China over that”, he concluded.
The Moon festival happens around the 8th month of the Lunar Calendar. Usually, the night before the full moon is when the festival happens. The festival is celebrated because the goddess of the festival which for instance has to do with weddings comes and when she comes, she blesses every persons around there. So, it is a union time for most people in marriages and wonderful family areas.
Other dignitaries at the event include; Huang (Hanyong), General Manager, CEEC, HE Chang Qing of ACEG, Hajiya Fatima, Gambo Babba, Director, Co-Curricullar FCT S.E.B, Mr. Yakubu Ibrahim, Deputy Director, Bilateral relations, FCT S.E.B. Schools present at the event include, Rahamat Secondary School, Suleja, GGSS Dutse, GSS Apo, GSS Garki, GSS Gwarinpa, GDSS Dutsen Alhaji, GDSS Wuse II and Model Secondary School, Maitama.
