The Chinese Embassy on Saturday, hosted the 2024 Nigeria-Chinese Speech Contest in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.
Organized by the China Cultural Center in Nigeria in collaboration with the Confucius Institutes at the University of Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, the contest seeks to showcase the proficiency of Nigerian learners in the Chinese language.
In his opening remarks, Mr Yang Jianxing, the Director of the China Cultural Center in Nigeria (CCCN), emphasized the importance of language as a bridge for cultural exchange between the two countries.
“Today’s event is significant for both Nigeria and China. Every Chinese learner in Nigeria studies diligently, and today they showcased their hard work and dedication to mastering the language. I want to express my heartfelt thanks and congratulations to all participants.
“Chinese is not just a language; it is a tool and a bridge that allows us to express our rich histories and cultures. These young learners are treasures and will become ambassadors of cultural exchange and friendship between China and Nigeria,” he said.
Mr. Yang also shared plans to expand Chinese language education in Nigeria by establishing additional Confucius Institutes and Chinese corners in secondary schools across the country.
“Currently, there are 13 Chinese corners in Abuja and two Confucius Institutes located at the University of Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe University. We are committed to providing more opportunities for Nigerians to learn Chinese, which will open doors to new possibilities and enrich their lives,” he added.
After a series of impressive performances showcasing Chinese language proficiency, Uguanyi Chinecherem Mabel from Nnamdi Azikiwe University emerged as the overall winner, receiving a grand prize of N250,000. Certificates and consolation prizes were awarded to other contestants.
Speaking to newsmen after her victory, Mabel said that her motivation for learning Chinese was rooted in a desire to improve her family’s circumstances.
“My family is my first motivation. When I began learning Chinese, I planned to reach just HSK level 3 because I wanted to work as a translator to provide a better life for my family. But the more I learned, the more I realized it was not just my plan,” she said.
Mabel encouraged Nigerians interested in learning Mandarin to remain resilient and determined in their pursuits.
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