By Dapo Akinrefon

The Chinese community in Lagos, over the weekend, celebrated its New Year which featured the One World One Spring Huaxing Shines Spring Festival Gala and food festival.

The colourful event, which took place at the Oriental Hotel in Lekki, Lagos also featured food and cultural exhibitions, raffle draws and a performance by the HuaXing Arts Troupe in Nigeria.

As part of its philanthropic efforts, the Chinese community launched Together Fight Against Hunger where it doled out N100,000 each and food items worth 500,000 naira each to 30 low income Nigerian families.

Why we launched Together Fight Against Hunger Project – Consul General

In her goodwill speech, the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Yan Yuqing said the launch of the ‘Together Fight Against Hunger’ Charity Project is aimed at financing low-income groups in Nigeria and China’s efforts to Nigeria’s poverty alleviation and hunger reduction campaigns.
Yuqing also disclosed that through the ‘Renewed Hope, Rebirth from the Light’ charity project, the Chinese community financed cataract sufferers in Nigeria, “helping over 300 individuals to regain their eyesight.”

She said: “The Jade Dragon bids farewell to the past year, and the Golden Snake dances to welcome the arrival of the new Spring. As the Chinese Year of the Snake comes close, I am delighted to gather here with friends from all walks of life to celebrate the Spring Festival together. On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the Consulate General in Lagos, I’d like to extend my heartfelt gratitude and sincere greetings to all.

“The Spring Festival is the most important traditional holiday in China. It’s not only a Chinese festival, but also for the whole world. From being listed as a UN floating holiday in 2023, to being added to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2024, the Spring Festival has gradually become a cultural celebration shared by people worldwide. It has also become a cultural bond that strengthens mutual understanding and trust, and deepens people-to-people exchanges between China and Nigeria.”

In addition, she said: “Over the past year, local and people-to-people exchanges between China and Nigeria have continued to deepen. China’s frigate Xuchang paid a goodwill visit to Nigeria, showcasing the charm of the ‘Vessel of Peace’. China-Nigeria cooperation in states such as Lagos, Ogun, Edo, Ondo, Ekiti, Kogi, Anambra and Cross River, has been making new progress. And together, we welcomed the Year of the Dragon, shared the warmth of the Dragon Boat Festival, enjoyed the bright moon of the Mid-Autumn Festival, and celebrated the National Day and Independence Day of both countries on October 1. Various cultural exchange activities have further strengthened mutual appreciation between Chinese and Nigerian civilizations, solidifying the cultural foundation for building a China-Nigeria and China-Africa community with a shared future.

“The Chinese Consulate General, in collaboration with the Chinese community in Nigeria, businesses, and academic circles, launched the ‘Renewed Hope, Rebirth from the Light’ charity project to finance cataract sufferers in Nigeria, helping over 300 individuals to regain their eyesight. Today, we will officially launch the ‘Together Fight Against Hunger’ Charity Project to Finance Low-income Groups in Nigeria, contributing China’s efforts to Nigeria’s poverty alleviation and hunger reduction campaigns.”

Speaking on the prospects in the new year, the envoy said: “Over the past year, you have provided invaluable support and assistance to the work of our Consulate General. I’d like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude, and say a big thank you. You have united in mutual support, building a harmonious Chinese community in Nigeria; you have remained deeply connected to your homeland, contributing to China’s domestic development; you have stood firm in safeguarding national unity; and you have shown generosity and kindness, giving back to local communities in Nigeria. It’s fair to say that it is because of you that we have a solid foundation and a strong driving force for our work. In the new year, the Consulate General will, as always, uphold the principle of ‘Diplomacy for the People’ and, together with the Embassy in Nigeria, continue to be the strongest pillar of support and the warmest haven for our fellow Chinese compatriots in Nigeria. We’re filled with confidence and passion as we look forward to the upcoming Year of the Snake. In Chinese culture, the snake symbolizes longevity, good fortune, wisdom, and prosperity.

“In 2025, China will successfully complete its 14th five-year plan, commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War with all peace-loving countries and peoples around the world, and stand shoulder to shoulder with Nigeria to actively implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit and the important consensus reached during the meeting between the heads of our two states.

“We will align the Belt and Road Initiative and the Ten Partnership Action Plans with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda priority areas, comprehensively deepening cooperation in various fields to bring more benefits to both countries and peoples. Together, we will build a high-level China-Nigeria community with a shared future and embrace an even brighter future for the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership.”

We’re building Nigeria-China relationship through culture – Eric Ni

In his remarks, chairman of the HuaXing Arts Troupe in Nigeria, Dr Eric Ni, commended the cultural bridge built between China and Nigeria.

Dr Ni, who is also the head of China Industrial and Commercial Enterprises Association in Nigeria, said: “As the chairman of the HuaXing Arts Troupe Nigeria, I am proud of the cultural bridge we have built between China and Nigeria.

“Since we are living in Nigeria, we consider Nigeria as our second home. This made us share love beyond borders, by supporting Nigerians in different ways, just like today, we are supporting 30 low income families with N100,000 each and food items worth N500,000 naira each.

“Giving has become part of the Chinese Community, this is not the first time and it won’t be the last time. We will continue to support our Nigerian communities, let us enjoy the performances, and celebrate the spirit of unity and friendship that bind us.”

China, one of Nigeria’s largest trading partners – Rep Yakubu

In his goodwill message, the Chairman House Committee on China-Nigeria Relations, Mr Jaafaru Yakubu, commended the Chinese community for its rich cultural heritage and traditions saying it binds the two nations.

He also added that the event is a testament to the vibrant and enduring relationship between Nigeria and China noting that the relationship has grown stronger.

Yakubu said: “It is with great pleasure and honour that I stand before you today at the 2025 Chinese New Year Reception and the One World One Spring Huaxing Shines Spring Festival Gala and New Year’s Food Festival.

“This event is a testament to the vibrant and enduring relationship between Nigeria and China, a relationship that has grown stronger with each passing year.

“As we gather here at the Oriental Hotel in Lekki, Lagos, to celebrate the Chinese New Year, we are reminded of the rich cultural heritage and traditions that bind our two great nations.

“The Chinese New Year, a time of renewal and hope, resonates deeply with the values we hold dearly in Nigeria: family, unity, and prosperity.

“The relationship between Nigeria and China is built on a foundation of mutual respect, cooperation, and shared aspirations.

“Over the years, our partnership has flourished across various sectors, including trade, infrastructure, education, and technology.

“China has been a steadfast partner in Nigeria’s development journey, contributing significantly to our economic growth and progress.

“In the realm of trade, China remains one of Nigeria’s largest trading partners. The exchange of goods and services between our nations has not only boosted our economies but also created countless opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs.

“The presence of Chinese companies in Nigeria has led to the creation of jobs, the transfer of skills, and the development of critical infrastructure.

“One of the most notable achievements of our partnership is the construction of key infrastructure projects that have transformed the Nigerian landscape. From the Abuja-Kaduna railway to the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Lagos Rail Mass Transit, the Red and Blue Line projects and many more. These projects have enhanced connectivity, facilitated commerce, and improved the quality of life for millions of Nigerians.

“The impact of these developments cannot be overstated, and we are grateful for the support and expertise provided by our Chinese friends.

“Education and cultural exchange have also played a pivotal role in strengthening the bonds between our nations. The Confucius Institutes in Nigeria have become centers of learning and cultural exchange, fostering a deeper understanding of Chinese language and culture among Nigerians.

“Similarly, Nigerian students studying in China have gained valuable knowledge and experiences that they bring back to contribute to our nation’s growth.

“The Chinese community in Nigeria has been instrumental in fostering this relationship. Your contributions to our society, whether through business, culture, or philanthropy, have enriched our nation and strengthened the ties between our peoples.

“Your dedication and hard work are commendable, and we celebrate your achievements today.

“As we look to the future, we are filled with optimism and hope. The partnership between Nigeria and China is poised to reach even greater heights, driven by our shared commitment to progress and prosperity.

“Together, we will continue to build a brighter future for our nations and for the generations to come.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt wishes to everyone celebrating the Chinese New Year. May this year bring you joy, health, and prosperity. Let us continue to work together, hand in hand, to achieve our common goals and to strengthen the bonds of friendship between Nigeria and China.”

Roll call

Dignitaries present at the event include Mrs Bola Obasanjo, wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin; the Chairman House Committee on China-Nigeria Relations, Mr Jaafaru Yakubu; former Ambassador of Nigeria to China, Ambassador Jonathan Oluwole Coker; Assistant Inspector General of Police (Zone 2), AIG; former Chairperson of National Population Commission of Nigeria, Mrs Seyi Aderinlokun; Mr. Tayo Ayinde, Chief of Staff to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ms Kemi Nanna Nandap, Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration, represented by PSO, Mr. Dotun Aridegbe,
Ms. M.E. Onilede, the Zonal Coordinator Nigeria Immigration Service, Zone A headquarters,
Mr. Fayoade M Adegoke, heads and representatives of diplomatic and consular missions in Lagos.