From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja

The Cultural Counsellor, China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, has said that the Chinese Corner will play a greater role in promoting mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of China and Nigeria. Yang stated this during the inauguration ceremony of the Chinese Corner at the Government Secondary School (GSS), Nyanya, Abuja.

He recalled that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria more than half a century ago, the two countries have always respected each other and stood by each other, setting a model for mutually beneficial cooperation among Global South countries.

Yang further said that at present, guided by the China-Nigeria comprehensive strategic partnership, the exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in various fields have achieved fruitful results.

He also said China is willing to work with Nigeria to promote the world towards a brighter future of greater peace, security, prosperity, and progress, adding that the Chinese diplomatic missions in Nigeria will also continue to support China-Nigeria cooperation in various fields such as culture and education, and continuously promote the building of a closer China-Africa and China-Nigeria community with a shared future.

“The strength of state-to-state friendship lies in the friendship between people, and the strength of friendship between people lies in the mutual understanding of their hearts. Next year is the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchange and the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria. Exchanges in culture and education between China and Nigeria will usher in new development opportunities.

“The Chinese Corner will play a greater role in promoting mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of China and Nigeria,” Yang said.

Earlier, Yang explained that the completion and inauguration of the Chinese Corner at GSS Nyanya was a result of the generous donation and construction by CGC Nigeria Ltd. He stated that as one of the earliest Chinese-funded enterprises rooted in Nigeria, CGC is not only a participant in Nigeria’s infrastructure construction, but also a practitioner of China-Nigeria friendship.

“On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, I would like to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to CGC for its contributions to the cause of China-Nigeria friendship. Let us remember the name of CGC, one of the biggest Chinese companies in Nigeria, let us remember their kindness and contribution to China-Nigeria bilateral relations,” Yang also said.

Also speaking, a representative of CGC Nigeria Ltd, Che Yuan, said education plays a vital role in the sustainable social development of a country and is crucial in nurturing future generations, and it provides opportunities for students from different backgrounds to achieve their potential.

He further said CGC Nigeria Ltd is dedicated to providing reliable, high-quality infrastructure and has been a trusted partner to the FCT Administration for nearly two decades.

“Furthermore, we are delighted to support the educational sector in the FCT and are dedicated to offering our contributions to education throughout Nigeria.

“We are very pleased to have participated in the construction of the Chinese Corner at GSS Nyanya. Today, with the completion of the Chinese Corner classroom, we hope that more children can study here, enjoy the process of learning, and gain more knowledge, thereby adding new chapters to the cultural exchange and friendship between China and Nigeria,” he said.

In his remarks, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Mandate Secretary for Education, Danlami Hayyo, said the occasion was a shining testament to the deepening friendship and partnership between Nigeria and China.

“The establishment of 14 Chinese Corners with this 15th one about to be commissioned is a remarkable feat that underscores the strength of our bilateral relations.

“On behalf of the Education Secretariat, I extend our profound appreciation to the Chinese people for this enduring show of love not only to our education sector but also to the FCT Administration under the visionary leadership of the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo (CON),” Hayyo said.