Omonu YG Nelson
Abuja, Nigeria – [Date] – In line with its commitment to deepening people-to-people friendship, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria on Friday hosted the fifth edition of the annual China-NUJ Table Tennis Tournament at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja, the nation’s capital city.
The tournament, which attracted 53 FCT journalists representing various media houses and 10 Chinese athletes, provided a unique opportunity for both countries to strengthen bilateral relationships through sports.
In his welcome address, Zhang Yi, Minister Counsellor of the Embassy, expressed satisfaction with the level of potential, skills, and interest shown by Nigerians in playing table tennis, a sport very popular among the Chinese people.
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“We are delighted to host this tournament once again, as it provides a platform for both Nigerians and Chinese to engage in friendly competition and cultural exchange,” Mr Zhang said. “Table tennis is a sport that brings people together, and we hope that this tournament will further strengthen the ties between our two countries.”
He also thanked Nigerian journalists for their role in promoting China-Nigeria friendship. “We appreciate the work of Nigerian journalists in telling the stories of our two countries and our people,” Mr Zhang said. “Your work is essential to building understanding and cooperation between China and Nigeria.”
Osaretin Osadebamwen, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT council, echoed Mr Zhang’s sentiments. “This tournament is a great opportunity for our members to interact with their Chinese counterparts and learn more about Chinese culture,” Mr Osadebamwen said. “We are grateful to the Chinese Embassy for hosting this event.”
After hours of intense competition, Tiennabeso Bibiye of the African Independent Television (AIT) won gold in the men’s single, while Yang Yuan emerged as the winner of the female single. Also, Wang Guangbin and Yang Yuan won gold in the mixed doubles category.
Winners and runners-up received trophies and medals, while other athletes got certificates for participating in the tourney.
The China-NUJ Table Tennis Tournament is a testament to the strong ties between China and Nigeria. The tournament has become a popular annual event, and both sides are committed to continuing the tradition in the years to come.
SUMMIT The bilateral relations between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and People’s Republic of China were formally established on February 10, 1971 – a decade after Nigeria gained its independence from the British Empire. Relations between Nigeria and China have expanded on growing bilateral trade and strategic cooperation. China is also one of Nigeria’s important trading and export partners.
Nigeria has an embassy in Beijing, a consulate in Guangzhou, and consulates-general in Shanghai and Hong Kong.[2] China has an embassy in Abuja and a consulate-general in Lagos.