The Semi-Final of the Energy China-Nigeria Dancing Competition took place on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at the China Cultural Center in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.
Organized by China Energy International Group Company Limited and Inner Galaxy Group Limited, the event was attended by notable personalities, including Zhang Yi, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Li Xuda, Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Li Baisheng, Managing Director of China Energy International Group Limited, Li Shuang, Managing Director of Inner Galaxy Group Limited, representatives of Chinese enterprises in Nigeria, dancers, and Nigerian and Chinese nationals.
In his remarks, Managing Director Li Baisheng said Energy China is committed to promoting mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Nigeria, not only in infrastructure and energy sectors but also in promoting cultural understanding and exchanges.
“Dance is a form of cultural expression. By means of dance, people from different cultures can transcend language barriers and build bridges of communication and friendship. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria, cultural exchanges between the two countries have been further strengthened. The Energy China-Nigeria Dance Competition will help deepen the cultural exchange and friendship between the two peoples and promote the concept of sharing Chinese harmony culture and performing the Nigeria-China symphony of friendship together,” Mr Li said.
Also speaking, Li Shuang, Managing Director of Inner Galaxy Group Limited, said the dance competition is not only a means of entertainment but an important bridge for cultural exchange between China and Nigeria.
“Dance is one of the oldest and most universal forms of art across borders and conveys visions of friendship and peace. We firmly believe that cultural exchange can enhance understanding and friendship between the people of our two countries, laying a solid foundation for the dependent development of bilateral relations. We hope that all dancers from both countries will have the opportunity to learn from each other, inherit, and promote their respective unique dance cultures,” Mr Shuang said.
Earlier in his remarks, Zhang Yi, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, thanked Chinese enterprises for not only contributing to the growth of the Nigerian economy but also promoting cultural exchange and harmony between Nigeria and China through their social responsibility. He noted that the embassy will continue to encourage more Chinese businesses and entities to invest more in activities that promote cultural exchanges between the two countries.
The event featured performances from six Chinese dancing groups in the Chinese category and eight Nigerian dancing groups in the Nigerian category. After breathtaking dancing performances, Wang Ao from Energy China emerged as the winner of the Chinese category. Huang Lingxia from the Chinese embassy and Wu Jiacheng from China Harbour emerged as first runners-up, while Wang Shuo and friends from Energy came third. Similarly, Firmsteps Dance Crew won the Nigerian category, while Drum Majors of Peace and Joseph Uhiene emerged second and third, respectively.
Gifts and consolation prizes were distributed to all competitors in the spirit of sportsmanship.
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