The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria on Friday awarded 50 Nigerians in recognition of their contributions to the advancement of Nigeria-China relationship.

Given to school teachers, journalists, government officials, among others, the award is to encourage young Nigerians’ contribution to fostering friendship between both countries.

Some of those awarded are the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Culture, Ifeoma Anyanwutaku; Chairman, FCT Secondary Educational Board, Yahaya Mohammed, and the Head of Liaison and Protocol at the News Agency of Nigeria, Lawal Sale.

Speaking at the award ceremony, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun, said that 2021 marked the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations between Nigeria and China.

He said that the choice of 50 recipients and the title of the awards – October-1st awards of China-Nigeria friendship – was inspired in view of the five-decades-long relationship as well as the celebration of independence by both countries on October 1.

“Over the past 50 years, political mutual trust between China and Nigeria has been greatly enhanced, and traditional friendship significantly improved.

“Substantial progress in our win-win cooperation has been made, commercial, cultural and educational exchanges have been further promoted.

“We are very delighted to see that we have made tremendous achievements in all fields which have greatly benefited our two peoples,” the ambassador said.

He expressed confidence in a mutually beneficial relationship between both countries going forward.

(NAN)