Nigeria, China celebrate anniversaries, foster lasting friendship

As Nigeria marks its 64th independence anniversary, the country is also celebrating a significant milestone with its longtime partner, China, which is commemorating the 75th founding anniversary of the People’s Republic.

This dual celebration has brought the two nations even closer, with renewed commitments to deepen their ties and share aspirations.

The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Beijing saw Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and Chinese President Xi Jinping meet to discuss and sign several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.

The agreements span key sectors such as infrastructure, green energy, and cultural exchange, reflecting the shared goals and mutual respect between China and Nigeria.

The Chinese Community in Nigeria, led by Consul General Ms. Yan Yuqing, has been instrumental in fostering goodwill and mutual growth through various philanthropic endeavors.

According to her, these initiatives have transformed lives across Nigeria, from renovating schools to granting scholarships to over 15,000 students, supporting orphanages, and empowering low-income earners through financial assistance programmes.

Yuqing added that another notable example is the “Renewed Hope, Rebirth from the Light Charity” project, which she initiated and has sponsored surgeries for 33 cataract patients, restoring their eyesight.

Yuqing reaffirmed China’s commitment to making a difference, highlighting the outstanding contributions of overseas Chinese communities to local economic and social development.

“We will continue to do more, the outstanding contributions made by overseas Chinese communities, groups and enterprises to the local economic and social development, and the loving and righteous deeds dedicated to improving people’s livelihood and helping the poor, such as the Renewed Hope, Rebirth from the Light Charity programme is remarkable.

“Our recent support on the anti-malaria campaign in Cross River State, have allowed the light of love from China to continue to shine into the hearts of the Nigerian people, shining the bright light of the love and lasting friendship between the Chinese and Nigerians.”

Chairman of the China Industrial and Commercial Enterprises Association, Dr. Eric Ni, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the strong bonds of friendship and cultural exchange between China and Nigeria.