By Othuke Evroy
H.E. Yu Dunhai, Ambassador of China to Nigeria has stated that practical cooperation between China and Nigeria has deepened across various fields, providing many Nigerian women with better medical resources, more agricultural skills and increased business and entrepreneurial skills.
The Ambassador made these remarks on Friday, March 7, in Abuja in an event organized by the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria in collaboration with the China National Museum of Women and Children to commemorate the International Women’s Day with the theme”Her Story and Future”.
The Ambassador while delivering his opening speech at the event highlighted the importance of women’s contributions to nation building and the utmost need for continued support and empowerment.
”Over the past 30 years, we have witnessed remarkable achievements by women in political, economic, technological and cultural fields across the world, as they have written a glorious chapter in Her story”.
”Chinese President Xi Jingping pointed out that women are the creators of human civilization and the drivers of social progress. Gender equality is a fundamental state policy in China. Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China 75 years ago, the Chinese government has placed great emphasis on gender equality and women’s empowerment”, he stated.
The Ambassador also noted that China and Nigeria will continue to work actively together to promote and empower women from both countries.
”The positive development of China-Nigeria relations is inseparable from the direct participation and active promotion of women from both countries in various sectors. China will work with Nigeria to better implement the consensus reached by our leaders, carry out the Ten Partnership Action Plans, including promoting women’s exchanges and jointly build a high-level China-Nigeria community with a shared future”, he declared.
Also speaking at the event, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, the Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, H.E. Oraeluno Obinenye Raphael, while delivering her goodwill message, stated that women need to be celebrated.
”We celebrate women because of the important role they play in the lives of everybody and in the world. So, we celebrate women for being the bearers of biological lives just like God is the bearer of divine life”, she stated and continued.
”An authority said if human beings are the problems of the world, in Africa where women carry children on their back, it means that women are carrying the problems of the world on their backs. And what a strong person for them to have carried it successfully. We know that women have excelled in all walks of life; in agriculture, in engineering, in science and tech, in innovation, in banking, trade and commerce, name it, women have excelled. Nigeria is blessed with a woman who is the DG of the World Trade Organization, Nigeria is blessed with a woman who is the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, among others”, she noted.
Further, Mrs. Olubunmi Olowookere, Permanent Secretary of Social Development Secretariat of Federal Capital Territory Administration in her welcome speech stated that the theme, Her Story, Her Future, is a testament of the resilience, courage and achievements of women.
”From history to the present, women have broken barriers, challenged norms and paved the way for future generations”.
”Their voices, struggles and triumphs have transformed societies, enriched cultures and inspired progress. As we honour the past, we must also commit to the future where every woman has the opportunity to rise, lead and thrive. A future where women’s contributions in every sphere of science, business, arts and leadership are valued and celebrated”, she said.
This memorable International Women’s Day celebration, also honoured women of different nationalities who have excelled in their careers, won Nobel prizes and made significant contributions to humanity, including Margaret Ekpo of Nigeria, Mother Teresa and Margaret Thatcher of the United Kingdom, among others.
The event drew guests from all walks of life and was hosted by the Embassy of China in Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs in an effort to showcase and strengthen the strong ties between China and Nigeria.
