The Chinese Embassy, Abuja, on Friday donated five million naira worth of medical items to 100 schools in the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) as part of its support to the Nigerian government in fighting the coronavirus.
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According to the Ambassador of China to Nigeria, Zhou Pingjian, the intervention is to strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and China at such critical moment.
Zhou, who was represented by Mr Li Xuda, Cultural Counselor of the embassy, said that the medical items would be distributed among the schools.
He said that the supplies would give the schools the capacity to carry out tests on students and to identify those who would need to be quarantined without any delay.
He said that the face masks and gloves donated would ensure protection for teachers and students.
“I really feel very honored to do something for FCT schools since the Chinese embassy enjoys a long-time good relationship with FCT in social, cultural, educational, and commercial as well as other fields.
“And the collaboration between our two countries is more fruitful than ever.
“On this beautiful day with the fresh air in Nigeria’s rainy season, there are two words I want to focus on. These are friendship and solidarity.
“It is friendship and solidarity that bring China and Nigeria together to become all-weather friends and support each other at any time in all fields.
“It is friendship and solidarity that make the Chinese government to try its best to do something for Nigerian schools.
“It is also friendship and solidarity that always remind the Chinese embassy to take the development to Nigerian schools and their students’ health into consideration, especially at this harsh period when the numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths are increasing.
“The Chinese embassy took prompt action to collect high-quality medical materials and overcame unbelievable difficulties to bring them here,” Zhou said.
The ambassador said that the donation was part of several other interventions from the Chinese embassy to FCT schools since 2017, which included construction of classrooms.
He said that the world was at a critical moment requiring cooperation among internationally to fight the common enemy, stressing that no country could fight the war against COVID-19 alone.
Mr Christian Ohaa, Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) expressed appreciation to the Chinese embassy for its long-time support to, and partnership with FCTA.
Ohaaa, who was represented by Mr Samuel Atang, Director, Operations and Strategy, FCTA, said that the medical supplies would be used judiciously when the schools reopened.
“I want to thank the Chinese government for this kind gesture in our battle to contain the effect of this pandemic in the FCT.
“As you are all aware, all hands have been on deck from day one with the able leadership of our minister to tackle the menace of the pandemic headlong.
“And we have put in all that is required in terms of structures, materials, and funds to contain this pandemic.
“We want to thank you for the support that you have been giving to us and we want to assure you that we are not resting on our oars.
“And this battle, like you rightly pointed out, will be won by the FCT administration, and by extension, the Nigerian government.
“Because of the commitment, the zeal, the resilience and above all the leadership quality of our government.
“Everybody is committed to this war and we can assure you that the children, when the schools eventually reopen, will make the best use of these facilities.
“And we also want to express the deep appreciation of FCT to your government and to urge for further collaboration in other key areas to advance the growth of both countries,” Ohaa said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the medical supplies include 100 forehead thermometers, 200 electro thermometers, 200 goggles, 4,000 pieces of disposable medical face masks.
Other items were 5,000 pairs of disposable medical gloves, 8 packs of health wet tissues and 16 medicated soaps.