By Henry Obetta

The Consul General of China in Lagos, Ms Yan Yuquing has urged children to focus on their studies seriously and aspire to attain notable careers stating that education is the pathway to their future.

She encouraged them to see themselves as future ambassadors while urging that they study about China and its history.

Yuqing spoke at the Christmas and New Year celebration organised by the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos in collaboration with Chinese Industrial and Commercial Enterprises Association and Association of Chinese Women in Nigeria.

The event had in attendance about 2000 children drawn from low-income families.

Yuqing said the culture of bringing together the Chinese community and Nigerian children during the festive season had become a tradition, despite the geographical distance between both countries.

She emphasised some of the humanitarian initiatives done by the Chinese community, including “Together Fight Against Hunger” Charity Program which she said provided food to over 1,000 people from low-income families, particularly women and children, and also “Renewed Hope, Rebirth from the Light,” initiative which she said had helped more than 400 people suffering from cataracts to regain their sight, adding that such programmes would continue.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of Lagride Nigeria Limited, Adeniyi Saliu, encouraged the children to stay focused on their studies stating that it was the best gift they could give themselves.

Saliu said: “This is the season of gifting, and the greatest gift you can give yourselves and your future is Quality Education. The dedication you show in your studies today will open doors you cannot yet imagine tomorrow, the world needs your talents, your ideas, and your dreams, so work hard, stay focused, and never stop learning.”

He commended the Consulate and Chinese community for their outstanding commitment to building bridges between the two nations.

“The goodwill you have shown through numerous charitable initiatives, educational programs, and philanthropic endeavors, has demonstrated what true friendship between peoples looks like” he said.

Also, the chairman of HuaXing Arts Troupe Nigeria, DR Eric Ni emphasised the Chinese community supports in education and cultural exchange.

Dr Ni said: “As we celebrate the children at Christmas, let us remember that they need to get all that they deserve because the future of this country and the world falls on them.

“As we normally do, 20 students and schools will be awarded scholarships and cultural ambassadors, this is part of the many things we do to support the communities we reside and the nation that hosts us.”