Janet Samuel,
In an effort to bridge communication gap between Nigeria and Chinese for ease in business transaction and building a strong friendship tie, the Chinese Cultural center in Nigeria organised an annual speech competition tagged: Africa-China Partners-2024 Nigeria Chinese Contest.
The 2024 speech contest that took place at the Chinese Cultural center in Abuja featured 12 outstanding performances from students of Confucius Institutions in Nigeria
After a series of impressive performances showcasing Chinese language proficiency, Uguanyi Chinecherem Mabel from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka emerged as the overall winner, receiving a grand prize of N250,000. Certificates and consolation prizes were also awarded to other contestants.
Speaking shortly after the contest with Newsmen. The Director and Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Cultural Center in Nigeria, Mr Yang Jianxing. affirmed the exceptional performances of all the contestant at the heat of the learning process, praising them for not giving up on each level that comes with its technicality.
He enjoined other students to develop such learning habit for more cultural diversity between the two countries and to strengthen the tie that exist for more lasting relationship.
“Every Chinese learner in Nigeria, learn Chinese in the Confucius Institution and the other countries and China culture. I think everyone studied Chinese very hard, and today, they showcased their efforts on Chinese study. I have to say thank you very much, and also, I want to say congratulations.
“We are very friendly country. But between our cultural exchange or trade, in every areas, we need communication, we need so many talents, foreign language learner and a speaker. So, today’s competitor have to be the very important bridge between our two countries. I hope that through learning Chinese language, they can be the cultural exchange and the friendship ambassador of our two countries. They are not only your country’s treasure, but also our Chinese people’s treasure.
Mr Jianxing promised to make available more windows for the students to showcase their efforts on Chinese study.
He said, “there are so many young Nigerian people that are starting hard. I think everyone will be encouraged. And through learning a foreign language, they will know, and it will open the other window of the world. They will grab more chances for our two countries and enrich their families.
Speaking on the opening of more Confucius institution, the director said, “we have only two Confucius Institutions, as every correspondent knows. One is in Lagos University, the other one is in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, I hope that more Confucius Institutions can be opened in the near future. Of course, we have to talk with your country’s excellent university or college. Under our mutual understanding and mutual trust, we will, I think, it will be very important to our two countries. Because we need so many talented students, talented people to be the bridge of our two countries.
Speaking with the overall winner of the contest, miss Mabel who was over excited said her push and motivation for studying harder was to help in sustaining her family and also lend a helping hand to the sick and the less privileged in the society.
She appreciated the Chines embassy for the recognition and urged the upcoming students not to relent at each stages of the learning process. And to reach out for their dreams.
