Lunar New Year will deepen economic relations with Nigeria – Chinese community

The Chinese Community in Nigeria, in collaboration with the Chinese Consulate in Lagos, has said the Lunar New Year celebrations would deepen economic relations between Nigeria and China.

Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Ms Yan Yuqing, who expressed her excitement about it, said the new year will deepen friendship and cooperation between both countries.

Speaking in Lagos, she said: “As we all know, the Spring Festival is the most important traditional festival of the Chinese people. It’s a festival of family reunion, happiness and joy, with the significance of the Chinese Dragon, which is a symbol of the Chinese nation, representing honour, strength and good fortune.

“Recently, the United Nation officially listed the Spring Festival as a UN Floating Holiday in the UN Calendar of Conferences and Meetings starting this year, making it a joyous celebration shared by people all over the world.

As China and Nigeria relationship continue to grow stronger in similarities as well as unique characteristics, enhancing mutual understanding is a prerequisite for deepening the friendship and cooperation. We hope that through culture, language and people-to-people exchanges, people in both countries will have a better understanding of each other’s history, culture and values.”

Also speaking, the Chairman of HuaXing Arts Troupe Nigeria, Dr Eric Ni, emphasised the shared cultural heritage between the Chinese and Nigerians.

“The Chinese and Nigerians have many things in common, particularly in terms of culture. This stunning lighting show with display of lights in different colours and patterns serve as a platform to showcase our cultural similarities and strengthen the bond between our communities.

“The new year will bring good fortunes and prosperity for the two countries. It’s a time to celebrate unity and friendship between our two nations.”

The Chinese community celebrated the Lunar New Year with a breathtaking lighting show in Lagos.

Among the highlights of the evening was a captivating dragon dance, which symbolises prosperity and good luck in Chinese culture.