“When the winds of change blow, some people build walls and others build windmills.” -Ancient Wisdom.
The China New Year (Lunar) Spring Festival Reception, which was held on February 4, 2024 at Orientals Hotel Lekki, was exceptional in all aspects. The China Consular General Ms. Yan Yuping, who prefers to be called by her Yoruba name Ayo, made her speech that will gladden the hearts and strengthen the resolve of every Nigerian in attendance. Indeed, the list of China-Nigeria coefficient projects is as fascinating as it is endless. Her gift of the garb ability, on the day, endeavored to narrate these endearing coordinating platforms exhaustively. She emphasised the existing bilateral relationship between China and Nigeria “to work together for a closer and stronger community with a shared future for mankind.”
Different dimensions of collaboration abound in several countries and regions by which China extends shared innovative strides, and sustainable development, particularly, the Belt and Road Initiative, introduced by the Communist Party of China (C.P.C) and the President Xi Jinping-led government. Others include the Lekki Deep Sea Port project, undertaken by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), the Blue Red Lines of Lagos Rail Mass Transit constructed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), Lagos Chinese Film Festival held recently under the auspices of China Nigeria Friendship and Cooperation, showcasing through the large screen both countries rich cultures and landmarks.
It will overwhelm any observer with the rapid spread of tangible and impressive contributions that China is making to the nooks and crannies of the world, especially in Nigeria. Contrary to the misconception making rounds during the President Muhammadu Buhari government that there is a hidden agenda for the recolonisation of African nations behind the smokescreen expeditious moves by China, this was false. Of countries that have enjoyed our hospitality and liberality, China has demonstrated its concern for Nigeria’s national and economic welfare.
The China Ambassador Cui Jianchun, for example, raised the bar last year, among other foreign representatives in Abuja, proffering economic rebirth and remedy through knowledge acquisition. Education of the masses plays a pivotal role in the emancipation of people from their political, social, economic, and self-imposed shackles. Therefore, the Xi Jinping classic Up and Out of Poverty was successfully translated into Hausa, and the English version was distributed free to all the guests and attendants. This story was captured in one of my articles titled “Chinese President: Lessons from Up and Out of Poverty,” published in Blueprint and Guardian newspapers on October 12 and 1, 2023, respectively.
Continuing, “the good friend gives his fellow the net to go and fish while he might not withdraw the fish itself in the meantime,” is an adage illustrating the cordial relationship between China and Nigeria. The erstwhile Consular General of the China Embassy in Lagos Chu Maoming had, on one of my meetings with him said his government earmarked USD200 billion for Nigeria as an accessible loan for developmental needs and purposes.
He said Nigerian, as of then (October 2022), was under borrowed. The debt profile was about N34 trillion. Now it is N87 trillion and still rising without any feasible repayment structure except borrowing more to squander. Back to my conversation with Mr. Maoming, I lacked the patience to permit him to continue to make room for our thoughtless politicians, although inadvertently, who pocket the same money for their private purposes. He agreed when I pointed out evidence of the irresponsible disbursement and lack of proper accountability of the previously released loans by China to the Nigerian government. Snake swallowing snake situation in this context. Thus ended the topic.
We are not unmindful of any cynicism and hidden hands of ulterior motives in the entire bilateral affairs between China and Nigeria. Robust efforts have been made (and will continue to be made) in examining and ascertaining the conduct of both partners in progress (China and Nigeria) at ensuring that no subversive agenda are detected. This is by a group of media veterans and patriots. Thus far, there is no cause for alarm unless regarding some traceable misdemeanors and official negligence committed by either or both nations’ representatives.
The remarkable thing and milestone achievement of the China Spring Festival is, according to Ms Yan Yuping, the gratifying development that “Spring Festival has been officially listed as a UN Floating Holiday in the UN Calendar of Conferences and Meetings” effective 2024. “The Chinese Dragon is a symbol of the Chinese nation representing honor, strength, and good fortune,” emphasized the visibly optimistic Ms. Ayo of the China Consul General. She is showcasing a three word magic wand uniformly beginning with the letter ‘U’ to marshal out a collaborative framework between the two giant nations of China and Nigeria. These are ‘Understanding,’ ‘Unity,’ and ‘Upgrade’. The expounding of the distinct objective words and their propounded application to the peculiar socio-economic reality of the China-Nigeria relations is fascinating. In times like this in Nigeria, the China message ought to be heeded by all and sundry.
Taking on the third bullet word Upgrade, she said, “We are willing to continue to deepen and expand cooperation, promote the implementation of the three major initiatives advocated by President Xi Jinping in supporting African industrialisation, and agricultural modernisation and China African cooperation on talent development and push forward the upgrading of China Nigeria strategic partnership, so as to build a closer China Nigeria community with a shared future for mankind.” Can Nigerians have it any better?
God bless Nigeria!
Orajiaku writes from Lagos via [email protected]
