News
Envoy Identifies Proficiency in Chinese Language as a Path to Career Progression
Envoy Identifies Proficiency in Chinese Language as a Path to Career Progression
By: Michael Mike
The Director, China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Mr. Li Xuda has advocated for the teaching of Chinese language in schools across Nigeria, noting that this would open doors to a wide range of career paths and job opportunities that would inevitably enhance many Nigerians competitiveness in an ever-evolving world.
The Director, who gave the advise at the finals of 23rd Seasoned of the Chinese Bridge-“Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students”, held virtually in Abuja, at the weekend, said acquiring fluency in Chinese language would improve the chance of being employed in the international labour market as Chinese language is widely used.
He noted that the Bridge-Chinese Proficiency competition, which highlights the importance of language and cultural exchange between China and Nigeria aims to boost participants’ interest in learning Chinese and deepen their cultural understanding.
He also said that the competition, connects China with the world, strengthens mutual understanding, bilateral relationship and create rooms for economic growth and cultural exchange.
“With China’s expanding influence in international trade, technology, and diplomacy, the ability to communicate effectively in Chinese is viewed as a valuable asset for individuals seeking to advance their careers in an interconnected world. All our students should learn Chinese because most of the jobs or opportunities come when you know at least two foreign languages.” Xuda said
He explained that “Chinese Bridge” is a symbol of cultural exchange and language proficiency, and its successful organization in Nigeria is a testament to the growing interest in Chinese language and culture among Nigerian students.
He noted that most foreign employers hunt for employees who are skilled in Chinese language, which calls for the need to learn the language.
“Employers across industries are increasingly seeking candidates with Chinese language skills to engage with Chinese partners, clients, and markets. As businesses look to expand their operations in China and tap into its consumer base, the demand for employees proficient in Chinese is expected to rise significantly in the coming years”. He explained
Also speaking, the Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Yu Zhangbao, noted that hard work, determination with a conducive learning environment, Students will be able to perform well, showcase their skills and style, and achieve excellent results towards enhancing national and economic growth.
He said: @The “Chinese Bridge” Chinese competition has greatly inspired more young people to learn Chinese and understand Chinese culture. It has also greatly increased the visibility of Chinese teaching in Nigeria in the global Chinese teaching circle. I believe that with everyone’s efforts, we will make further progress. I wish all the contestants perform well, show their skills and style, and achieve excellent results.”
The Dean, University of lagos Confucius Institute, Zhao hongling, in his part, stressed that the “Chinese Bridge” competition connects China with the world, providing a platform for college students to showcase their Chinese language skills and understanding of the Chinese culture.
He noted that: “The successful organisation of the Nigerian finals is due to the hard work of many leaders, teachers, and staff, whose dedication is greatly appreciated. This competition emphasizes that hard work leads to success in learning Chinese, regardless of when one starts. It aims to boost participants’ enthusiasm for learning Chinese and deepen their cultural understanding.
“On behalf of the Confucius Institute at University of lagos, I wish all participants the best and hope for the competition’s complete success in Nigeria.”
The 23rd season of the Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students, which leads Chinese learners around the world to a more diverse and harmonious future, had 12 college students from all over Nigeria as participants.
After a series of excellent displays, Zhengui emerged winner of the competition while Zhou Wenjing and Qi Siheng came second, with Shen Moli, Chen Peixi, and Tian Jie placed third.
The winner of the contest has the opportunity to travel to China and compete in the global “Chinese Bridge” competition.
Envoy Identifies Proficiency in Chinese Language as a Path to Career Progression
News
ECOWAS@50: Liberian Students Honoured for Essays on Youth Entrepreneurship and Regional Integration
ECOWAS@50: Liberian Students Honoured for Essays on Youth Entrepreneurship and Regional Integration
By: Michael Mike
Students in Monrovia, Liberia, have been honoured for their contributions to a regional essay competition organised to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The awards ceremony, organised by the Office of the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Liberia, celebrated outstanding undergraduate essays examining the role of young people in driving development and strengthening regional cooperation across West Africa.
Launched as part of the ECOWAS@50 anniversary activities, the competition invited university and college students to reflect on the theme, “Youth Entrepreneurship as a Catalyst for National Development and Regional Integration.” Organisers said the initiative was designed to stimulate intellectual engagement among young people and encourage them to think critically about their role in shaping the future of the region.
In total, 40 essays were submitted by students from tertiary institutions across Liberia, offering diverse perspectives on how youth-led enterprise could contribute to economic growth, job creation and deeper integration among West African nations.
At the ceremony, Samuel R. Watkins of the University of Liberia emerged as the overall winner, receiving a $1,000 prize for his submission. The second-place award went to Daniel Isaac-Sie Jr. of African Methodist Episcopal University, who received $700. Organisers announced that the two winning essays will also be published in national newspapers with online platforms to broaden public engagement with the ideas presented.
The event attracted a distinguished audience that included ambassadors of ECOWAS member states accredited to Liberia, university presidents, and representatives from the Ministry of Education of Liberia, the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Liberia, and the National Commission on Higher Education of Liberia.
Speaking at the ceremony, Josephine Nkrumah, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Liberia, commended the students for the depth of thought reflected in their essays and encouraged them to continue using writing as a platform for civic engagement and policy influence.
She emphasised that empowering young people to participate actively in national and regional development remains a key priority for ECOWAS, noting that youth voices are essential in shaping policies that drive economic transformation and social progress.
Nkrumah also urged participants who did not win to remain committed to intellectual pursuits, describing the competition as a learning experience that should inspire greater academic and creative efforts in the future.
The competition forms part of broader activities marking 50 years since the establishment of ECOWAS in 1975, as the regional bloc continues to promote economic cooperation, integration and shared prosperity among its member states. Organisers say initiatives that engage young people are critical to sustaining the vision of a more integrated and economically vibrant West Africa.
ECOWAS@50: Liberian Students Honoured for Essays on Youth Entrepreneurship and Regional Integration
Russia Hosts Classical Music Concert in Abuja to Revive Cultural Ties with Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The Embassy of the Russian Federation in Nigeria has hosted a special classical music concert in Abuja, describing the event as a significant step toward strengthening cultural dialogue and people-to-people relations between Nigeria and Russia.
The event, which drew diplomats, cultural enthusiasts, academics and members of the public, featured performances by three talented young Russian musicians from the Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory, one of Russia’s most prestigious music institutions.
Speaking at the event, the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podelyshev noted that the concert was organized with the support of the Russkiy Mir Foundation and the Department for Multilateral Humanitarian Cooperation and Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
According to him, the concert represents the first cultural event of its kind organized by the Russian Embassy in Nigeria in several years and marks an important effort to revive cultural engagement between the two nations.
“This evening is not simply a concert,” the envoy said. “It is an important step toward strengthening cultural dialogue between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Russian Federation. We hope it will mark the beginning of a new tradition that brings our peoples closer through the universal language of music.”
He expressed appreciation to several Nigerian institutions for supporting the initiative, including the National Universities Commission for providing the venue, as well as the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy and the Nigeria Immigration Service for their cooperation.
Special recognition was also given to Abba Music School for its role in coordinating the event and facilitating the participation of the visiting musicians.
The envoy said Russia also hopes to deepen cultural exchange by creating opportunities for Nigerian artists and creative groups to perform in Russia in the future, allowing Russian audiences to experience Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
“We look forward to the day when Nigerian creative groups will visit Russia, enabling our audiences to appreciate the depth, diversity and richness of Nigeria’s culture,” he said.
Guests at the concert were treated to a carefully curated repertoire of classical masterpieces drawn from Russian and global musical traditions, showcasing the technical brilliance and artistry of the visiting performers.
The evening also provided an opportunity for cultural interaction among diplomats, academics, students and music lovers, reinforcing the role of arts and culture in fostering international understanding.
The Russian envoy concluded his remarks by congratulating Muslims on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr and thanking guests for attending the event.
Observers noted that the concert reflects a renewed effort by Russia to use cultural diplomacy to deepen engagement with Nigeria, particularly in the areas of education, arts and cultural exchange.
Russia Hosts Classical Music Concert in Abuja to Revive Cultural Ties with Nigeria
Fire destroys 10 shops in Gusau shopping complex
By: Zagazola Makama
A fire outbreak has destroyed ten shops at a shopping complex in Garejin Mai Lena area of Gusau Local Government Area, Zamfara State.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 2:00 a.m. on Thursday, causing extensive property losses valued at millions of naira.
The blaze was brought under control through a joint effort by security operatives and local residents who assisted in putting out the fire.
Authorities confirmed that no lives were lost and no injuries were reported during the incident.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation as efforts continue to assess the full extent of the damage.
Fire destroys 10 shops in Gusau shopping complex
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ECOWAS@50: Liberian Students Honoured for Essays on Youth Entrepreneurship and Regional Integration
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