The Chinese community in Lagos has celebrated the mid-autumn festival and the Chinese national day, marking the final of the Nigeria maiden SGEL Chinese Wushu performance championship and awards ceremony in Nigeria.
Chu Moaming disclosed the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in a statement he made available to the media on Monday.
The event, held on Saturday, was organised by Huaxing Arts Troupe Nigeria, Wushu Development Association of Nigeria.
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It was supported by the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos,
Nigerian Wushu Kung Fu Federation comprises all Chinese companies and individuals.
Maoming said: “Since the establishment of Huaxing Arts Troupe, Huaxing has been actively working on public welfare affairs and the cultural exchange, enthusiastically promoting the friendship between Nigeria and China.
“This is playing an essential role in uplifting a positive image of China in Nigeria.
“Wushu, as a shining star in the treasure house of Chinese traditional culture, has been popular among people worldwide.
“It has become an essential part of world sports culture; Huaxing has organised this event with innovative form and new content, attracting hundreds of participants and building a positive response among the masses.
“It just goes to show that the friendship between Nigeria and China is deeply rooted among the people from both countries.”
Also speaking, Dr Eric Ni, Chairman, Chinese Industrial and Commercial Enterprises Association and Hauxing Arts Troupe Nigeria, said: “We, the Chinese community in Lagos, decided to assist Nigerian youths to be more competitive.
“This is with the support of the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China.
“Nigeria is our second home, so since we live and work in Nigeria, we are giving back to the community that made us, as well as building the good relationship between China and Nigeria.
“We have made champions tonight that will now or in the future represent Nigeria in any international championship.”
The event featured colourful performances and displays of Chinese and Nigerian cultures, like the Lion, Dragon, Top bow, the Chinese women association and Nigeria cultural dances.
Some of the highlights of the event were the presentation of the 2021 China man of the year to Otunba Olusegun Runsewe and the raffle draw.
There were also the presentations of awards and medals to the Nigeria First SGEL Chinese Wushu performance championship winners.
In the junior category, the gold medal and the cheque for N700,000 went to contestant 012, Isaiah Tommy, while the silver and bronze medalists got N500,000 and N300,000, respectively.
It was a double in the senior category as Kelly Alonge, picked by all the judges from Nigeria, China and other African countries, got the gold medal and a cheque of a N1million.
Bright Sakwe, who got the highest vote from the viewers, also called a cheque of N1million, while the silver and bronze medalists got N700,000 and N500,000, respectively.
Among the dignitaries at the event were Mrs Rose Kwarsen, Director, Cultural Industries and Heritage, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, who represented the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.
Others were: Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Chioma Ajunwa, Nigeria’s first Olympic gold medalist, and a host of other dignitaries from China and Nigeria. (NAN)
