Confucius Institute and Institute of Nigeria-China Development Studies, both at the University of Lagos, last week celebrated three different milestones in the history of the People’s Republic of China by organising a speech competition across the nation with a view to allowing Nigerians to show their true reflection for China. The speech contest drew contestants from different departments and students who were passionate, vibrant and distinct vividly expressed their feelings about the Chinese history, culture, arts, philosophy and its people.
Wang Yongjing, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute, said that the event was an activity designed to strengthen Sino-Nigeria ties and friendship. Deputy Consul General, Guan Zhongqi, who made the welcome remarks, was elated at the planning and organisation of the event.
Held at the Afe Babalola Auditorium of the University, the speech competition registered 38 contestants. Twenty contestants made their presentations in English language while the remaining 18 made their presentations in the Chinese language.
“This event really showed students’ overwhelming love for the Great Wall of China, magnificent Chinese architecture, summer palace, terra cotta warriors, among others,” said Femi Saibu, a professor of economics and director of the Institute of Nigeria-China Development Studies at the University of Lagos.
Saibu also stated that students’ exposure to Chinese culture and civilisation was a good thing for the Nigerian polity. This is as Adetoro Banwo commended the participants for expressing their genuine desires towards PR China.
Mariam Ojikutu, a 400-level student in the Department of English Language at the University of Lagos, was declared winner of the speech competition. Her presentation centred on the Chinese landscape, history, people, culture and language. And with the contestants that won the second and third places, were given mobile phones by BY Techno, the corporate sponsor of the event.
“It was a colourful event as students expressed their goodwill to the People’s Republic of China on its 70th celebration of the founding of the PR China, the 48th celebration of Sino-Nigeria relations and the 40th celebration of the opening up reforms in China,” said Chimdi Maduagwu, a professor and Nigerian director at the Confucius Institute.
TELIAT SULE
