The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria on Thursday hosted the 2024 China-Nigeria Cultural Fiesta and Dancing Competition for secondary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Organized by the Federal Capital Territory Secondary Education Board (FCT-SEB), the annual event seeks to promote cultural exchange and people-to-people friendships between both countries.
In his welcome address, Yang Jianxing, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of the China Cultural Center, said the fiesta offers a valuable opportunity for students in FCT schools to gain cultural knowledge, showcase their talents, and build lasting connections.
“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.
“China-Nigeria Cultural Fiesta provides an amazing platform to strengthen the bond of friendship between both countries through dance, musical performances and people-to-people exchanges,” he said.
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.
Represented by Fatima Gambo Baba, Director of Co-Curricular Activities at FCT-SEB, Ladan noted that the fiesta has become a staple in FCT schools, with each year witnessing significant improvements in student performances.
“I commend the Chinese Corner Schools for their unwavering efforts in making the Fiesta a memorable occasion, and I thank the Chinese Embassy for their sponsorship and support of this annual event,” Ladan said.
Twelve schools from the FCT participated in the competition, which featured categories for Chinese Dance and Nigerian Dance.
After a series of captivating performances, Government Secondary School, Garki, emerged victorious in the Chinese Dance category, followed by Government Secondary School, Jabi, and Government Day Secondary School, Dutse, in second place. Government Secondary School, Apo, Army Day Secondary School, Asokoro, and Government Girls Secondary School, Dutse, shared third place.
In the Nigerian Dance category, Government Girls Secondary School, Dutse, claimed the top prize, while Government Day Secondary School, Dutse, and Government Secondary School, Mpape, secured second place. Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa, Government Day Secondary School, Wuse II, and Government Secondary School, Garki, rounded out the third-place positions.
Winners received various prizes, including generator sets, refrigerators, and standing fans, while participating schools were awarded consolation prizes.
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