27th October, 2022
The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria has honoured 51 Nigerians for their outstanding contributions to strengthening diplomatic ties between both countries.
About 51 Nigerians were conferred with the 2022 China-Nigeria Friendship award as the bilateral friendship between both countries also hit 51 years.
Among the recipients were Sen. Iyiola Omisore, National Secretary of the All-Progressives Congress, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, Director-general, of the National Council for Arts and Culture, and Mrs Lizzy Okoji a member of staff of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun commended and congratulated the awardees who were selected across diverse sectors for sustaining the cordial relations between both countries which date back to 1971.
Cui, who was represented by Mr Zhang Yi, Minister Councilor of the Chinese Embassy, said that over the past 51 years, the friendship between both countries had been very beneficial across all fields and growing every year.
He said that on the assumption of duty as Ambassador to Nigeria, he pledged his commitment to building stronger and mutually beneficial ties between both countries under his 5 GIST Nigeria- China GDP strategy.
“Over the past years, political mutual trust between China and Nigeria has been greatly enhanced, and traditional friendship between China and Nigeria has been significantly improved.
“On political consonance, our mutual trust is deepened. The Mechanism of the Nigeria-China Intergovernmental Committee is running smoothly. In economic cooperation, our efforts are bringing more benefits to the two peoples.
“On Military and security collaboration, our joint efforts answer the call of the people. China supports Nigeria in her efforts to fight terrorism and insecurity, and will provide more capacity to enhance Nigeria’s security capability,” he said.
He said that on International coordination, the common voice in the international arena was getting louder, adding that the two countries had worked closely together under the UN system.
“On people’s communication, our hearts are getting closer. The number of Nigerian students schooling in China is growing.
“The Concept of sharing Chinese Harmony, Perform Nigeria-China Symphony has been widely recognized by our Nigerian friends.
“While tasting the sweet fruits of our mutually beneficial cooperation, we should never forget those who worked tirelessly and made valuable contributions to our brotherly relationship, ” he said.
According to him, for this reason, the Chinese Embassy specially set up the Oct. 1st Award of China-Nigeria friendship to recognize those outstanding Nigerians for their excellent performance and contributions to strengthening diplomatic ties between both countries.
He said that since 2022 witnessed the 51st Anniversary of bilateral ties, the Chinese Embassy honoured 51 Oct. 1st Award winners.
Among the recipients were the Director-General of Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Prof. Abba Tijanni, the Editor in Chief, Leadership, and Mr Azu Ishiekewne.
Others include Dr Mohammed Adaya Salisu, Senior Special Assistant to the President, Development Policy) And Secretary Economic Advisory Council (EAC) and Amb. Chijioke Wilcox Wigwe, Former Nigerian Ambassador to Kenya.
Also included were Fatima Abbas-Hassan, a General Manager at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), and Political Analyst, Ini Akpan Morgan among others.