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From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, on Wednesday, marked its country’s national day in Abuja.
Speaking during the event, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, said that over the past 76 years, the Communist Party of China, with a strong spirit of self-reform, has united and led the Chinese people in achieving two miracles.
The miracles, according to Ambassador Yu, were rapid economic growth and long-term social stability.
He stated that China has undergone transformative changes, and the Chinese nation’s great rejuvenation has entered an irreversible historical trend.
“Over the past half century, China has lifted over 800 million people out of poverty, creating the “Chinese poverty alleviation miracle,” contributing to global poverty reduction and the progress of human development. In 2024, China’s GDP exceeded $18 trillion, with a per capita GDP surpassing $13,000. For years, China has contributed over 30 percent to global economic growth, serving as the primary engine of the world economy.”
The Chinese envoy further said China is currently advancing the national rejuvenation through Chinese modernisation.
“On this new journey, we stand firmly on the right side of history and human progress, upholding the banners of peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit to promote global peace and shared progress. In this process, we are eager to share development opportunities with African countries, including Nigeria, and the rest of the world.”
Yu recalled that 80 years ago, reflecting on the lessons of two world wars, the international community established the United Nations, ushering in a new era of global governance.
He added that 80 years later, China put forward the Global Governance Initiative, contributing Chinese wisdom and solutions to strengthen and improve global governance, injecting stability and certainty into a turbulent world.
Yu explained that the Global Governance Initiative embodied five core principles which were adhering to sovereign equality, abiding by international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, advocating the people-centered approach and focusing on taking real actions.
“Together with the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, it forms the “four pillars” for building a community with a shared future for mankind.
“The Global Governance Initiative earns widespread acclaim and echoes. Days ago, the Nigerian government issued a statement to endorse the Initiative. China deeply appreciates this support and backs Nigeria’s greater role on the international stage. We are ready to work with Nigeria and African countries to advance cooperation under the framework of the GGI,” Yu stated.
Speaking further, Yu said that over the years, the cooperation between China and Nigeria has brought tangible benefits to Nigeria people.
He also said the Lekki Deep Sea Port has become a new “national gateway” for Nigeria’s global trade and it is expected to generate $360 billion in economic benefits and create 170,000 jobs over the next 45 years.
The Chinese envoy further said the Abuja Water Supply Project was completed in June, adding that with a daily capacity of 480,000 cubic meters, it will meet the clean water needs of nearly three million people.
Chinese companies, Yu stated, are in talks with Nigeria to build Africa’s first local insulin production facility, potentially ending Nigeria’s reliance on imported insulin and positioning Nigeria as a hub for African medical biotechnology.
“Over the years, I have visited Lagos, Kano and Ogun states, and I have made many new friends.
I am very much impressed by Nigeria’s natural beauty, splendid and diversified culture, and most importantly, its friendly, hospitable and passionate people.
“Not long ago, as the first Nigerian female train driver trained by CCECC, Ms. Issah Fatimah Abiola, known by her Chinese name Bai Yang by Chinese netizens, was honored with China’s “Friendship Envoy Award”, one of only six global recipients. Her story inspires many Nigerian women to strive for self-reliance, becoming a shining symbol of China-Nigeria friendship.
“Equally impressive is a young boy from a bilingual school in Kano, Ibrahim Ismail. The first time I watched the video when Ibrahim speaks Mandarin Chinese, I felt totally amazed. He is not only fluent, but without any accent. Ibrahim is with us today. Well done!
“Last week, I learnt from reports that the Nigerian Federal Government has decided to add Chinese language to the New Curriculum of Senior Secondary School. This is wonderful news. It will serve as an important bridge for deepening China-Nigeria friendship.
“China stands ready to deepen cooperation with Nigeria across various sectors. We will align our policy with Nigeria’s “Renewed Hope” agenda and eight priority areas, so as to promote more cooperative projects and advance China-Nigeria relations to new heights,” Yu concluded.
Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, said the event was not only to celebrate the founding of a great nation, but also the enduring values of resilience, determination, and visionary leadership that have propelled China to its present enviable heights.
Deputy Senate President who was represented by Senator Babangida Hussaini, also said over the course of 76 years, China has journeyed from the challenges of nation-building to the extraordinary achievements the world is witnessing today as the country has become a global leader in manufacturing, innovation, infrastructure, science and technology, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development.
“The transformation of China is a story of hope and a testament to what is possible when a people are united behind a clear vision of progress and prosperity,” Jibrin said.
