Over 500 participants benefit from Chinese language, culture training in Nigeria

No fewer than 500 participants have gained valuable insights into basic Chinese language skills and cultural knowledge in a recent training program in Nigeria.

The initiative, aimed at bridging the cultural gap between China and Nigeria, therefore empowered participants to enhance their communication skills and foster deeper understanding.

The two training sessions, held between November 1 and 10, 2024, at the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone, which was conducted by Yunnan College of Energy Vocational Technology, covered essential language skills and cultural nuances, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of Chinese customs, etiquette, and way of life.

While addressing journalists, the OGFTZ Public Relations Officer, Mr Temitope Anthony explained that the training attracted employees from multiple companies, aimed at helping both Chinese-funded and local employees within the Free Trade Zone better understand and master basic Chinese, as well as enhancing their understanding of traditional Chinese culture to foster cultural exchange between China and Nigeria.

He revealed that the training covered foundational language skills, including Pinyin, everyday conversational phrases, and basic character writing, to improve participants’ communication abilities with Chinese colleagues and clients.

According to him “The course provided an in-depth introduction to traditional Chinese culture, including Chinese etiquette, festivals, tea culture, and calligraphy.

He said the management of the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone appreciated the training program by Yunnan College of Energy, recognizing it as an important foundation for cultural and economic cooperation between China and Nigeria.

“In the future, the Free Trade Zone will continue to support similar cultural training programs, fostering a harmonious and diverse cultural environment.”

“This event marked yet another successful overseas implementation of Chinese vocational education and cultural promotion, injecting fresh vitality into China-Nigeria exchanges and cooperation. ”

“Yunnan College of Energy Vocational Technology plans to deepen its collaboration with the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone, continuing to conduct relevant training programs and contributing actively to the development of bilateral relations.”

Through interactive sessions and experiential activities, participants not only learned basic Chinese but also experienced the unique charm of Chinese culture firsthand, Mr Anthony concluded.

One of the trainees, Obanla Rashidat who spoke to journalists expressed his gratitude and appreciated the course, noting that it broadened their horizons and brought them closer to Chinese culture.

Other participants in their separate remarks said “learning Chinese and gaining cultural insight provided a deeper understanding of the operating models of Chinese enterprises and added a new advantage for their career development.