Janet Samuel, Abuja
The 2024 Chinese year tagged the year of Dragon was celebrated in Nigeria yesterday by the Chinese community in Abuja.
The Chinese Celebrate their new year annually with different zodiac signs that has great significant, this New Year is a time for family unity and reconciliation. Chinese families gather on New Year to feast and celebrate harmony.
According to the Chinese zodiac, the Dragon is the most powerful and auspicious animal, representing strength, wisdom, luck and prosperity.
Speaking at the ceremony to mark the year of the dragon, at the Chinese Cultural Centre in Abuja, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun the 2024 new year, symbolised by the dragon sign, would create an opportunity for China and Nigeria to consolidate their relationship through shared ambitions.
Using the letter “DRAGON” to describe the between Nigeria and China, Jianchun said “ ‘D’ is about development. The two countries are working to develop the nation. We believe that without development, we can’t achieve individual and societal progress”.
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“‘A’ is for assistance. Nigeria is a giant in Africa and China is number one in Asia. The two nations can assist each other to move forward to achieve more progress and development.
“‘G’ is for guidance. I want to let you know that the Chinese president has an initiative that can help humankind. This is not only for China, I believe it’s good for Nigeria and the whole world. If all nations work together to build a community…so that we can reject war, violence and crisis.
“‘O’ is for opportunity. I hope that in the year of Dragon, we will have a lot of opportunities. We are working with Nigeria on how we can find an opportunity to move forward.
He noted that the last letter ‘N’ is for Nationalism. How can we achieve national identity? Just like Nigeria, we are emphasising the need for nationalism. We have more than 56 ethnic groups and I want to let you know that nationalism is very important for the nation to develop and make progress,”
I’m a remark, the Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, who praised China for always presenting its culture to the world said both nations have a lot to learn and benefit from each other in the area of cultural exchanges.
Runsewe said just like China, Nigeria is harnessing its cultural potential to drive the process of her economic development.
According to the DG,” Nigeria has a lot of historical and heritage sites that can be upgraded to serve as recreational, religious and commercial sites comparable to the Chinese Temple Fair”.
Alao speaking, the Chairman, House Committee on Nigeria-China Relations, Hon Ja’afaru Yakubu who commended Chinese Embassy for the celebration, said, “as we approach the 2024 Chinese New Year, I am pleased to announce that Nigeria will be hosting a spectacular event to celebrate this important cultural festival – the Chinese New Year Temple Fair.:
He noted that, “The Chinese New Year Temple Fair is a traditional event that has been celebrated for centuries in China, and it is a time for families and communities to come together to enjoy food, entertainment, and cultural activities. This year, we are thrilled to bring this vibrant and colorful celebration to Nigeria, as a symbol of the strong and growing relationship between our two nations”
“This event will not only showcase the rich and diverse culture of China, but it will also provide an opportunity for Nigerians to learn more about our Chinese friends and their traditions. From traditional Chinese dances and music performances to delicious Chinese cuisine and arts and crafts, the Chinese New Year Temple Fair will be a feast for the senses and a celebration of unity and friendship.”
“As we continue to strengthen our ties with China, events like the Chinese New Year Temple Fair serve as a reminder of the cultural exchange and mutual respect that underpins our relationship. It is my hope that this event will foster greater understanding and appreciation between our two nations, and that it will be a stepping stone towards even closer cooperation in the future.”
Highpoint of the event was the the lighting up of the dragon’ s, eyes by the Ambassador. China-Nigeria dances , presentation of gift to winners and the display of different Chinese cuisines.
