THE atmosphere was lively and bubbling. Aroma of both native and contemporary dishes filled the air. Banters upon banters. Clicking of glasses and shouts of ‘nice to see you’ reverberated the hall. It was the eve of the Chinese new year in Lagos.
The event which was full of camaraderie had many shows, including: dance, miming, karaoke, speeches, cooking demonstration, prayers, wining and dining.
Welcoming the guests who comprised of both Chinese nationals, Nigerians and people from other countries, Mr. Jackson Sun Gouping, the Head of Chinese Overseas Service Center in Nigeria, who doubles as the founder of the China town in Lagos, revealed the importance of New Year in Chinese history.
“Chinese never toy with the full celebration of the New Year. Majority of our nationals have gone home to China, and many in the cities in China will definitely go to their rural and traditional communities to celebrate the season. But those who are here today are gathered here to celebrate with their families, friends , wives of the Chinese: I mean women who are married to the Chinese nationals and same, for men from China who are married to Nigerians. It is time to celebrate. We cherish Nigeria as well as we cherished and loved China, it is time to celebrate together.
“We are delighted that President Mohammadu Buhari sent us his goodwill message. We too wish him good tidings as he paddled the boat of Nigeria economy. From home, our Minister of Chinese Overseas Service Center, Qiu Yuanping also sent her greetings to us.” Jackson Gouping who has spent almost 40 years in Nigeria, said with enthusiasm.
In his speech, the Chinese Consul General in Lagos office, Mr. Chao Xiaoliang said that coming together calls for deeper celebration. “Nigeria and China have come a long way. We share a lot of similarities. First, we have same National Day, which is October 1. Also China is the most populous country in Asia and the world, and Nigeria is the most populous black nation in Africa, and the world.
“China is the largest economy in Asia while Nigeria is a leading economy in Africa. We share a lot of similarities in culture and strategic knowledge about the international situation and economy. In the trade area, the trade volume between China and Nigeria has grown fast in the past few years. I wish everyone a happy New Year,” said Chao, who went round to greet the guests was full of delightful moments throughout the ceremony said.
In a message to Chinese community in Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari felicitated with Chinese community in Nigeria and across the world on the celebration of the country’s Lunar New Year . “Families will be coming together, often travelling many miles to revive great family values, reflect on the blessings of the past year and look forward with hope to the New Year, ” Mr. President said. “This (Chinese) 2017 year’s event is the year of the Rooster.”
Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Dorothy Johnson, the Head of Human Resources at Huawei, Nigeria and co-incidentally the daughter of Nigerian former Ambassador to Nigeria, late Ambassador Victor Chibundu, said, “In China, Chinese New Year is characterised by one of 12 animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac format. And this year is that of the Rooster.
“It has started now and will last until Februaray 15, 2017. It is time for enjoyment, celebrations and giving out to the humanity. At home in China, You can hardly see people trading in China now, absolutely nobody. Everybody will be in a celebration mood.”
Dorothy, versed in Chinsese culture, studied in China .
Qiu Yuanping, the Minister for Overseas Chinese Affairs Office had her goodwill speech televised for the audience in Nigeria, while wishing them good health (身体健康 (shen tǐ jiàn kang).
A philanthropist and Director with WEMPCO Plc, Mr.Phillip Tung, who was one of the VIPs at the occasion was happy that orphans were in attendance as well as some of the needy. “The purpose of gathering here is to felicitate with each other and reach out to those that cannot afford such,” Phillip, a philanthropist reasoned.
Conspicuously present were the Children of Ijamido (orphanage) Home, Sango Ota. Coincidentally, pupils, of The Pinefield Montessori School, Lekki, Lagos who were on excursion to the China town were given the opportunity of savouring the moments and some other schools too!
Red envelopes (hóng bāo) also known as gift bags were giving to the needy in accordance with Chinese tradition. This was after the raffle draw has taken place.
A staff of the Oversee Service Chinese Center in Lagos, Mrs. Precious Nzewunun, who had once worked and lived in China, said that the red in China tradition is to ward off evil and bring in good luck.
The shouts of新年進步 (xin nián jìn bù) “May the New Year bring much better things” rented the air.
Chinese people showed their rich cultural life via cuisine such as dumpling; Yue; Shīzi Tóu or “lion’s head; Songshu Guiyu or Mandarin fish; also , dance , music, displaying of art works were showcased,
Intermittently, the occasion far away in China , was being beamed live to those in Nigeria in order to be part of the fun back home.
Many notable guests were drawn from all walks of life.
As a way of promoting Chinese culture in Nigeria, the community will soon establish a Chinese School where both Nigerians and Chinese nationals can study together .
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