On February 10th, 2011 Nigerians, Chinese and well-wishers gathered in Abuja, FCT, Nigeria to celebrate 40 years of China, Nigeria relations.
That should be 40 years commercial trading, diplomatic relations and development of friendship. It should be forty years of establishing an already effective means for us (Nigerians and Chinese) to build up a productive relationship. Before I start to criticize the Chinese government for their lack of interest in Nigerians living in provinces all over China, I would like to point out the help that the Nigerian government has given to the Chinese, in terms of finance, trade and business. Chinese companies like SINOMA AND CCECC have, respectively been given contracts to help build a three turn-key cement projects and also a Lagos-Abuja light railway.
In 1971, a couple of after a Sino-Nigeria relationship began, we stood up to outside pressures and fully supported China in restoring its legitimate seat in the United Nations.
There are currently 10 Chinese studying Hausa language in Bayero University Kano.
We also try to encourage Chinese companies to increase their investments in Nigeria, by setting up more offices and promoting a win-win result.
That is not to say that the Chinese haven't also made some investments in Nigeria...cos they have.
January of 2011 the Chinese Yuan became a currency for public trading in the Nigerian foreign exchange market, which i can honestly say is a best new year's gift for the entrepreneurs and businessmen and women of China...not necessarily for Nigerian businessmen though.
There are two Confucius Institutes in two Nigerian Universities, 50 Nigerians studying on scholarship, and over 300 government officials receiving diverse training or attending seminars in China.
So comparing the amount of help and projects that the Nigerian government have given to Chinese companies and the seminars scholarships that the Chinese have given to Nigerians (which, mind you, is all about knowing the right contacts...and there are no exams or serious interviews) who do think is getting more from this 40 year relationship?? Nigeria or China?? :(
I apologise for my lack of enthusiam towards this celebrated anniversary, but, you know as much as I do that there is nothing to celebrate. :((
That should be 40 years commercial trading, diplomatic relations and development of friendship. It should be forty years of establishing an already effective means for us (Nigerians and Chinese) to build up a productive relationship. Before I start to criticize the Chinese government for their lack of interest in Nigerians living in provinces all over China, I would like to point out the help that the Nigerian government has given to the Chinese, in terms of finance, trade and business. Chinese companies like SINOMA AND CCECC have, respectively been given contracts to help build a three turn-key cement projects and also a Lagos-Abuja light railway.
In 1971, a couple of after a Sino-Nigeria relationship began, we stood up to outside pressures and fully supported China in restoring its legitimate seat in the United Nations.
There are currently 10 Chinese studying Hausa language in Bayero University Kano.
We also try to encourage Chinese companies to increase their investments in Nigeria, by setting up more offices and promoting a win-win result.
That is not to say that the Chinese haven't also made some investments in Nigeria...cos they have.
January of 2011 the Chinese Yuan became a currency for public trading in the Nigerian foreign exchange market, which i can honestly say is a best new year's gift for the entrepreneurs and businessmen and women of China...not necessarily for Nigerian businessmen though.
There are two Confucius Institutes in two Nigerian Universities, 50 Nigerians studying on scholarship, and over 300 government officials receiving diverse training or attending seminars in China.
So comparing the amount of help and projects that the Nigerian government have given to Chinese companies and the seminars scholarships that the Chinese have given to Nigerians (which, mind you, is all about knowing the right contacts...and there are no exams or serious interviews) who do think is getting more from this 40 year relationship?? Nigeria or China?? :(
I apologise for my lack of enthusiam towards this celebrated anniversary, but, you know as much as I do that there is nothing to celebrate. :((
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