It was fun, glitz and glamour as the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria presented awards to winners and participants of its 2022 Essay Writing Competition at the China Cultural Center in Abuja.
Ambassador of China to Nigeria, Mr Cui Jianchun in his welcome address said the essay competition which was based on two topics; My Dream of Harmony and My Nigeria-China Symphony is aimed at strengthening the relationship between Nigeria and China on four cardinal areas which include; Harmony in Coexistence, Harmony in Integration, Harmony in Diversity and Harmony in Development.
His words, “In Chinese traditional culture, people uphold the concept of harmony. It is generally accepted that harmony is the most important traditional value facilitating personal growth, social progress and country’s development. Concerning “Performing Nigeria-China Symphony”, I want to say that the word “Symphony” is used as a metaphor for win-win cooperation between Nigeria and China.
“At the level of citizens and nature, we advocate kindness and harmony and do hope to achieve the goal “Harmony in Coexistence”. Both Nigeria and China have abundant human resources and vast natural resources. Guiding, encouraging, educating and supporting everyone to be kind, and respecting, adapting to and protecting nature are the prerequisites for performing Nigeria-China Symphony.
“At the level of family and society, we advocate happiness and friendliness and do hope to achieve the goal “Harmony in Integration”. Happiness and Friendliness are the foundation of social stability. Building a stable and harmonious society is the basic guarantee for performing Nigeria-China Symphony.
“At the level of nation and culture, we advocate unity concordance and do hope to achieve the goal “Harmony in Diversity”. There are 56 ethnic groups in China and 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria. The ethnic groups yearn for harmony and cultural fusion. Promoting unity and concordance between nation and culture is the real value of the performance Nigeria-China Symphony.
“At the level of country and governance, we advocate peace and consonance and do hope to achieve the goal “Harmony in Development”. Both the Chinese Dream and the Nigerian Dream are dreams of peace, development, win-win cooperation. While performing Nigeria-China Symphony, we can really enjoy the melody of the times through promoting world peace and improving the level of our countries’ governance.”
The Ambassador stated that efforts are ongoing with key stakeholders to commence other forms of competition to enable Nigerians to showcase their talents for a promising future.
“Encouraged by the success of the essay competition, we are planning to work with our Nigerian friends and partners to start Speech Competition, Painting Competition, Short Video Competition, Song Writing and Composing Competition, Logo Design Contest in the near future. I assure you that China and Nigeria will work together to build a much bigger platform so that our Nigerian friends will have more opportunities to showcase their talents and have a more promising future.”
Earlier in his goodwill message, Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe thanked the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria for always providing a platform for Nigerians from all works of life to thrive. He assured the Ambassador that the harmonious relationship between Nigeria and China will continue to grow from strength to strength.
On her part, Dame Nora Ladi Daduut, Senator representing Plateau South and Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on culture and tourism in her remarks congratulated the award recipients for making themselves and the nation proud.
Other dignitaries who spoke at the event commended the Chinese government for promoting a harmonious relationship between Nigeria and China.
Clement Cynthia Mmesoma and Momoh Kabir came first in the Essay competition while Raphael Oni won the special prize for his creative writing. Consolation prizes were also given to other participants in the competition.
Highlights of the event include live performances from Mr Ashida and Umbrella Dance by the China Corner Students.
See photos below:
