Linda Ifeoma Onyelabara has emerged victorious in the Chinese category of the 2024 Good Partners of China and Africa-Chinese and English Singing Competition, held at the China Cultural Center in Abuja on Saturday.
A staff member of Huawei Technologies Nigeria Limited, Linda captivated both the audience and judges with her stunning performance, earning the grand prize of N500,000.
Co-hosted by the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria and the China Cultural Center in Nigeria and sponsored by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) Nigeria Limited, the event attracted a host of distinguished guests, including Yang Jianxing, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria; Cui Guangzhen, Director-General of the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria; Chen Ze, Chairman of CHEC Nigeria Limited; executives from various Chinese enterprises in Nigeria; and music enthusiasts.
In an interview after her remarkable achievement, Linda expressed her joy at winning in a category traditionally dominated by Chinese participants.
“Initially, when my HR contacted me to participate in this competition, I rejected the offer because I didn’t win the first time I entered a similar competition. However, after some encouragement, I decided to give it another shot. I didn’t even expect to win the first round, so I’m absolutely excited,” she said.
Linda’s journey into music and language began at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, where she studied Business Education while also learning the Chinese language. Her dedication led her to China, where she pursued a Master’s degree in Nanjing Province through a Chinese scholarship.
Reflecting on her aspirations, she said, “When I was in school, I dreamed of working in an embassy. I knew I needed to learn a language different from my mother tongue, which is why I seized the opportunity to learn Chinese.”
She encouraged fellow Nigerians to embrace the Chinese language, noting, “Chinese is a fascinating language that opens up numerous job opportunities, just like this one. The character part may be challenging, but with dedication, you will find it becomes easier to learn.”
The competition featured twelve contestants in both the English and Chinese categories, with Tan Jian emerging as the winner of the English category.
Speaking on the significance of the contest, Yang Jianxing, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, said the event not only highlights the beauty of music but also celebrates the enduring friendship between China and Nigeria through vibrant cultural exchange.
