In its determination to promote cultural exchange and deepen people-to-people cooperation, the Chinese embassy, in collaboration with the Federal Capital Territory Secondary Education Board (FCT-SEB) on Tuesday, hosted the 2023 China-Nigeria Cultural Fiesta and Dancing competition.
Mr Li Xuda, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy, in his welcome address, said the fiesta provides an excellent opportunity for students in FCT schools to acquire cultural knowledge, showcase their talents and build lasting friendships.
“Culture is the foundation of national development and the driving force of social progress. Both Nigeria and China are cultural giants with a long history. Culture plays an important role in the historical processes of their national independence and revitalization,” he said.
“In recent years, the Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China and the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria have been working with the FCT Secondary Education Board to hold the China-Nigeria Cultural Fiesta. I am so happy to see that the cultural exchange among us has been greatly promoted. The friendship among us has been greatly strengthened. China-Nigeria Cultural Fiesta has become a well-known cultural brand in Abuja.
“Dear students, you are the future of Nigeria. For each of you, the goal should not only be to learn scientific and technological knowledge but also to master cultural skills so that you can become a talented person, enjoy each day and live your lives to the fullest.
“China-Nigeria Cultural Fiesta can help you achieve that goal by providing you an amazing platform to strengthen your courage, improve your abilities, showcase your talents and build new friendships”
Also speaking, Muhammed Sani Ladan, Director of the FCT Secondary Education Board, thanked the Chinese Embassy for their continuous collaboration and urged participating students to use the fiesta to learn new cultures, socialize, have fun and win amazing prizes.
While appealing to the Chinese Embassy to fulfil its promise to establish nine additional Chinese corners and resume the sponsorship of teachers to China for capacity building, Mr Ladan reiterated the commitment of the board to promote Chinese culture in all FCT schools, thereby improving “our cultural exchange in the 51 years of uninterrupted diplomatic relations.”
Twelve schools in the FCT took part in the contest, divided into Chinese Dance and Nigerian Dance.
After a series of breathtaking performances from the students, Government Day Secondary School, Dutse came first in both Chinese and Nigerian Dance.
Government Secondary School Gwarinpa and Government Secondary School Apo came second in Chinese Dance, while Government Girls Secondary School Dutse, Army Day Secondary School Asokoro and Government Day Secondary School Wuse 2 emerged third in the same category.
Similarly, Rahama International Academy Suleja and Government Secondary School Gwarinpa came second in Nigerian dance, while Government Day Secondary School Wuse 2, Army Day Secondary School Asokoro, and Government Secondary School Apo emerged third in the same category.
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