Abuja, Oct. 14, 2024 (TheGavel) – The Federal Government has called on Nigerians living in China to actively promote the country’s rich cultural heritage as a means of fostering nation-building and strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and China.
Amb. Akinremi Bolaji, Director of Trade, Economic, and Investment at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered the message during a virtual address on Monday, in celebration of Nigeria’s 64th National Day, hosted by the Nigerian community in Guangzhou, China.
In his address, Amb. Bolaji commended the Nigerian diaspora in Guangzhou for their exemplary leadership and commitment to unity, stressing the importance of maintaining peaceful relations with their hosts. He highlighted the community’s efforts in fostering cohesion among Nigerians of diverse ethnic backgrounds and encouraged them to continue being ambassadors of Nigeria.
“I commend you for bringing together people from different tribes; this is encouraging in promoting a better future for our beloved country,” Bolaji said. “Nigeria has come a long way in 64 years, and hope is rising with our new administration’s eight-point agenda. I, therefore, urge you to continue to be good ambassadors of Nigeria.”
He further advised the community to seize opportunities that have emerged following President Bola Tinubu’s recent state visit to China, particularly in enhancing China-Nigeria relations through people-to-people exchanges. “By so doing, and working closely together as a community, Nigerians can contribute their quota toward building a much better future and fostering a stronger relationship with China,” Bolaji added.
In his remarks, Amb. George Onwuekwe, the Nigerian Consulate-General in Guangzhou, echoed Bolaji’s sentiments, urging Nigerians to align with President Tinubu’s 4Ds Agenda—focused on development, infrastructure, economic growth, and social welfare.
“We appreciate the support and cooperation from the Guangzhou government, which is enabling our citizens to thrive,” Onwuekwe noted. “This positive development has further strengthened the Nigeria-China partnership, fostering economic growth, cultural exchange, and people-to-people relations.”
Olarenwaju Oba, President of the Nigerian community in Guangzhou, lauded the turnout of Nigerians at the event, describing it as a demonstration of patriotism and unity. He encouraged his fellow citizens to use the occasion as a platform to recommit to Nigeria’s progress and development.
“Nigeria can be much better through fostering unity, cultural exchange, and a renewed sense of purpose among ourselves here in China,” Oba stated.
The event featured the presentation of awards of excellence to individuals and organizations that had contributed significantly to the community’s growth, particularly in the areas of business, education, and community service.
A highlight of the celebration was the vibrant cultural and traditional display, featuring Nigerian arts, music, dance, and cuisine. The audience was treated to spectacular performances of Nigeria’s iconic masquerades, including the Egungun, Eyo, and Igbo masquerades, which mesmerized attendees with their colorful and symbolic appearances.
The National Day celebration not only showcased Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage but also underscored the importance of unity and cooperation among Nigerians in the diaspora in fostering national pride and enhancing bilateral relations with their host country, China. (NAN)
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