By Becky Adi
A total of 50 Awardees have been honored in the “October 1st China-Nigeria Friendship Award,” which took place at the China Cultural Centre, Abuja, on Friday.
The awardees which cuts across various professionals includes, teachers, journalist, artists, beaurocrats among others.
They were honored for their contributions and commitment to fostering China/Nigeria friendship.
Delivering his welcome address at the occasion, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria His Excellency Cui Jianchun expressed optimism that the 50-year-old political, cultural and diplomatic ties between China and Nigeria will continue to blossom, while lauded the milestones achieved so far.
Ambassador Cui said, “We always say that a good start is half success. Encouraged by the great success we have made in the past 50 years, we have full confidence that China and Nigeria will definitely work together and unite as one to draw a more beautiful blueprint for the next 50 years.”
He noted that over the last 50 years, the two giant global players (China and Nigeria) have built mutual trust, which has translated into lots of benefits for Peoples of the two countries.
“This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations between China and Nigeria. Over the past 50 years, political mutual trust between China and Nigeria has been greatly enhanced, traditional friendship between China and Nigeria has been significantly improved, substantial progress in our win-win cooperation has been made, commercial, cultural and educational exchanges have been further promoted, we are very delighted to see that we have made tremendous achievements in all fields which have greatly benefited our two peoples.”
Amb. Cui further said that the awards was organised in appreciation of those whose efforts made this success possible.
“Success comes from hard work, commitment turns good wishes into reality. While tasting the sweet fruits of our mutually beneficial cooperation, we should never forget those who worked tirelessly and made valuable contribution to our brotherly relationship.
For this reason, the Chinese Embassy specially set up “The Oct. 1st Award of China-Nigeria Friendship” to recognise those outstanding Nigerians for their excellent performance and contributions to strengthening diplomatic ties between both countries.
Speaking further, he said, the 50 Awardees were chosen to mark the Golden Jubilee of Nigeria-China diplomatic relations.
“Since 2021 witnesses the 50th Anniversary of bilateral ties, the Chinese Embassy will honour 50 “Oct 1st ” Award winners. After reading the list of 50 winners, I’m so happy to see that some are senior Nigerian officials who have been playing very important roles and guaranteeing the China-Nigeria cooperative ship to sail safely and smoothly; some are ordinary teachers who have been working in “China Corners” for many years and spending their precious time on cultivating talented students; some are journalists known as the uncrowned kings who have reported the amazing fruits of the exchanges and cooperation between our two countries; some are policemen who have been trying their best to bravely guard the safety of Nigerian and Chinese people; some are local celebrities who use their social influence and tireless efforts to enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples”
In a goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information And Culture, Dr Adaora Ifeoma Anyanwutaku, revealed that a plan was being worked out for the establishment of an inter-governmental committee on Culture and Tourism between China and Nigeria.
“I will like to inform you that machinery is been set in motion for the establishment of an inter-governmental committee on culture and tourism that will further strengthen the bilateral relations and exchanges between China and Nigeria. I am optimistic that the coming years will inch us closer to the zenith of our mutual cooperation” she said.
She commended the people-oriented initiatives that heralded the attainment of the golden jubilee of the Nigeria-China relations.
“The last 50 years has been that of celebration, mutual respect and reciprocal exchanges in all spheres of human endeavours, spanning from the Socio-Cultural, political and economic sphere,” she concluded.
Among the awardees are: Dr. Austin Maho the Editor-in- Chief and publisher Daybreak newspaper, The publisher of the Summit Post Newspaper, Omonu Yakubu Nelson and Raphael Oni publisher Diplomat Xtra
