By Michael Onjewu, Abuja
Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Nigeria-China Relations, was honoured with a prestigious award during the New Year Gala celebrating the enduring friendship between Nigeria and China at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.
The award acknowledges his significant contributions to fostering and enhancing bilateral relations between the two nations.
Speaking to newsmen after the award, the lawmaker expressed his gratitude and optimism regarding the future of Nigeria-China relations.
“I feel delighted, I feel encouraged, and I feel this is a beginning for Nigeria-China relations,” he said.
When asked about the award’s significance to his committee, Hon Yakubu emphasized the legislature’s role in strengthening diplomatic ties.
“The Nigeria-China committee is a legislative arm of government, and by extension, we are going to give all the relationship between our both countries a legislative framework,” he noted.
Looking ahead to 2025, Yakubu outlined the committee’s plans to support President Bola Tinubu’s initiatives following his recent attendance at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in September.
“We are going to see how we can support the President in implementing the 10-initiative agenda of the FOCAC so that the relationship between Nigeria and China will be greater.”
Yakubu further elaborated on the potential benefits of this strengthened relationship, emphasizing the importance of economic collaboration and cultural exchanges.
“We aim to bridge the trade deficit between Nigeria and China while enhancing people-to-people exchanges and cultural ties,” he added.
Co-hosted by the China Cultural Center and Drum Majors for Peace, the event which featured musical performances and the presentation of awards was attended by distinguished personalities from both countries including Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy; and Yang Jianxing, Cultural Counsellor and Director of China Cultural Centre.
Earlier in his remarks, Nsikan Paul, Executive Director of Drum Majors for Peace said the gala was organized to celebrate the unity, harmony, and unwavering partnership between China and Africa, particularly Nigeria.
“This event is a testament to what we can achieve when hearts are open, and hands are joined across borders to build a world rooted in peace, tolerance, and inclusivity,” he said.
