Janet Samuel, Abuja
The Cultural Counselor to Chinese Embassy and Director, Chinese Cultural Center in Nigeria, Mr Li Xuda has said the goal of the Chinese Cultural fiesta is to create harmonious integration and development
Xuda, who made this known during his welcome address at the 2023 China-Nigeria Cultural Fiesta and Dancing Competition at the Cultural Center in Abuja, said the concept of harmony that is mostly emphasized in Chinese culture at different levels, is to advocate harmony in coexistence.
While describing culture as the foundation of national development and the driving force of social progress, Xuda noted that both China and Nigeria are cultural giants with a history of culture playing an important role in their national independence.
‘The concept of harmony is most emphasized by Chinese in its culture. At the level of man and nature, we advocate harmony in coexistence; at the level of family and society, we advocate harmony in integration; at the level of nation and civilization, we advocate harmony in diversity; at the level of state and governance, we advocate harmony development. In short, our ultimate goal is to create a harmonious world”.
“In recent years, the Embassy of P. R. China In Nigeria, China Cultural Centre In Nigeria has been working with the FCT Secondary Education to jointly hold China-Nigeria Cultural Fiesta. I’m so happy to see that the cultural exchange among us has been greatly promoted! The friendship among us has been greatly strengthened”.
The Cultural Director, who noted that China-Nigeria Cultural Fiesta has become a well-known cultural brand in Abuja, encouraged the students participating in the competition to not only learn technological knowledge but also learn cultural skills that will be useful to then in future.
“Dear students, you are the future of Nigeria as a rising sun in the early morning to bring sunshine and hope to the Earth! For each of you, the most important thing now is not only to learn scientific and technological knowledge, but also to master cultural skills, so that you can become a talented person, enjoy each day and live your life to the fullest! In my eyes, “China-Nigeria Cultural Fiesta” really can help you achieve that goal since it can provide you an amazing platform to strengthen your courage, improve your abilities, showcase your talents and build your friendship!
In a remark, the Director/Secretary FCT Secondary Education Board, Dr Mohammed Ladan, who noted that the annual fiesta has been celebrated for more than a decade, is jointly organized by the Cultural Office of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the FCT Secondary Education Board.
According to him, the event showcases Nigerian and Chinese Arts in dances, thereby promoting Cultural exchange between the duo and the 12 Chinese Corner Students, and that the annual event is significant to the schools because it provides an avenue for the students to unwind and socialize at the same time earn very good prizes that has been helpful to the schools.
While commending the Chinese Cultural Center and the Embassy for sponsoring the event annually, Dr Ladan promised continual promotion of Chinese Culture in FCT schools and Nigeria as a whole, thereby improving the Cultural exchange in the 51 years of uninterrupted diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Winners of the China Cultural dance competition are GDSS Dutse came 1st and was presented with a refrigerator, GSS Apo, GSS Gwarimpa and GSS Apo came 2nd and got an automatic water dispensers as prize while GDSS wuse II, ADSS Asokoro and GSS Dutse took the 3rd positions with gift prizes of Home Theater.
In the Nigeria cultural dance, GDSS Dutse took the 1st position, GSS Gwarimpa and Rahma school Suleja 2nd position and GDSS Wuse II, ADSS Asokoro and GSS Apo took the 3rd position each with prizes of refrigerator, automatic water dispensers and home theaters respectively.
