The Chinese Consul-General disclosed this during the
commissioning of renovated China-Nigeria Friendship Model Primary School,
Igbesa in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Yuqing said China is quite convinced that education is the
foundation of national development and a weapon to fight poverty.
He said China is always willing to partner with her host
country to make meaningful investment in the critical sector
The projects sponsored by the Chinese Consulate and
Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone included a block of classrooms, cafeteria, as
well as donation of educational materials to the pupils of the school.
Yuqing said, “Chinese admire that education is the
foundation of national development in the long run and strong weapon to fight
poverty. All modern countries in the world do not fail to attach importance to
education. As the largest developing country in the world, China has made
remarkable achievements in all aspects of social development.
“These achievements are inseparable from our unswerving
implementation of the strategy of invigorating China through science and
education. And we always place education in a strategic position of priority
development. We will continue to support Nigeria’s education system in all
areas”.
She added, “Eleven years ago, the construction of this
school began. Since then, this school has become a bridge of friendship and
understanding between Nigeria and China and it has witnessed sincere friendship
from China.
“Today, you can see here, the classrooms are more spacious,
the campus is more beautiful, and the facilities are more complete. I hope that
all the children will study harder in these improved classrooms and strive
towards achieving their goals as soon as possible”.
While advising the pupils, the Consul-General said,
“Children education is related to the future of a country; now you are the
future of Nigeria. Work hard and fight for a better tomorrow for the prosperity
of Nigeria.”
The Deputy-General, China-Africa Investment, Kevin Liu, said
the China-Nigeria Model School stands for knowledge, cultural exchange, and
mutual understanding, saying, “These values promote global peace and
cooperation and we are committed to maintaining this standard for generations
to come”.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was represented by a
Commissioner-designate, Mr. Sesan Fagbayi, disclosed that the project would no
doubt further foster smooth bilateral relationship with the Chinese government.
Abiodun has however appealed to the residents of Igbesa to
continue to cooperate with the Chinese investors for peace and friendly
environment in order for their businesses to thrive.
The Oloja-Ekun of Igbesaland, Oba Oluwatoyin Akinde,
represented by Otunba Ade Durojaiye, lauded the Chinese Consulate and
Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone for the project pleading for more support in
developing the town.