By Dickson Omobola

The Confucius Institute at the University of Lagos has said numerous Chinese enterprises and Chinese associations in Nigeria need talents who can speak the Chinese language.

It made the disclosure at China’s National Day, Mid-Autumn Festival and the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative celebrated in Lagos recently.

Speaking, the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Ms. Yan Yuqing, said the significance of the celebration underscored their role in fostering bilateral relations between Nigeria and China.

Yuqing said: “I’m so glad to be here with my colleagues, and other Chinese enterprises and Chinese Associations to celebrate the Chinese National Day, the Mid Autumn Festival and the 10th anniversary of the proposal of the Belt and Road Initiative with the students.

“The Confucius Institute, University of Lagos, which was established 15 years ago has seen many wonderful and excellent students, whose studies have helped to build bridges of friendship between China and Nigeria.

“Choosing to learn Chinese is the right choice, as several Chinese enterprises and Chinese associations are here. They need talent who can speak Chinese and have certain work skills as you do today. I believe that in the future, some of you can also be members of Chinese companies in Nigeria.”

On his part, the Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute, University of Lagos, Prof. Zhao Hongling said: “The mission of the Confucius Institutes is to teach Chinese language and culture to enhance the understanding between the peoples of China and Nigeria. We need to further strengthen cultural exchange and economic cooperation between both countries on the existing basis.

“Over the past decade, the Confucius Institute, University of Lagos has trained over a thousands of qualified Chinese talents, who are today knowledgeable of the Chinese traditions and they are active in various industries, especially in hundreds of Chinese enterprises in Nigeria.”

Also speaking, the Nigerian Director of the Institute, Professor Obi Iwuagwu said: “The relationship between China and Nigeria has come a long way, it keeps improving by the day, and China’s Belt and Road Initiative has also come to strengthen this relationship with both sides now benefiting even more.

“We, the Confucius Institutes, find ourselves at the center of this relationship because our duty is to teach Chinese language and culture here in Nigeria. So you can see that we have played a very critical role.”

The event was graced by the presence of the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Ms. Yan Yuqing, representative of Vice Chancellor and some Chinese Enterprises.