The Federal Government and the Peoples’ Republic of China on Friday, marked the 2020 China-Nigeria Day focusing on solidarity between both countries in defeating the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The 2020 celebration featured exhibitions of photographs by Nigerian competitors depicting the defeat of the pandemic.
The ceremony held at the Chinese Cultural Centre in Abuja, saw 18 participants emerging out of the 80 who submitted a total of 300 pictures, from which the first, second and the third winners were announced.
Mr Li Xuda, the Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy said that since 2020, China and Nigeria had been faced with the COVID-19 pandemic and were fighting it “shoulder to shoulder’’.
He said that while fighting the pandemic, both countries had been seeking for new ways to promote cultural exchanges, especially under the new normal.
He said that the photography competition and exhibition to celebrate the cultural day was one of the new ways to promote the relationship between both countries.
“We received over 300 photos which not only showcased Nigeria’s vast and beautiful landscape, but also displayed the fruitful result of cultural exchanges and economic cooperation.
“This is, especially to demonstrate the two countries’ strength of solidarity in defeating COVID-19 in this trying time.
“After six judges’ fair selection, 18 winners will share three first prices, 6 second prices and nine third prices in three categories: Nature, Humanities and China-Nigeria friendship.
“Over 30 others will enjoy the recognition prizes.
“At this special moment, I do hope that through those vivid and meaningful pictures full of stories, everyone can strongly feel that China and Nigeria are good friends, brothers and partners.
“I am convinced that in the face of COVID-19 at this harsh time, solidarity and cooperation are our most powerful weapons to prevail over the pandemic,” he said.
Mrs Memunat Ladi Idu-lah, the Director, Department of International Cultural Relations, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture praised the relationship between both countries.
She said that the event was one of the ways by which both sides had kept the cooperation in culture, adding the relationship between both countries “dates back to 49 years’’.
“The over three decades of cultural cooperation has witnessed several cultural exchanges in the spheres of music, art, dance, exhibition and capacity building.
“China is a committed partner, a dependable ally and a friend in need, the high level visit of officials gives credence to this mutually productive relations.
“I must note that despite the challenges imposed by COVID-19, China has continued to device ingenious ways of bringing our two countries in a mutually productive relationship,’’ she said.
She expressed hope that the relationship would grow better and commended the photographers for the efforts and resilience demonstrated.