Yan Yuqing, the Chinese Consul-General in Lagos, has reiterated the commitment of the Peoples Republic of China towards assisting the Nigerian government to develop its education sector. The 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 that China is always willing to partner with her host country to make meaningful investment in the critical sector.
These projects which were 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. According to him, 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,” she remarked.
Education is a foundational priority to the Chinese government.
Furthermore, she said that China always places education in a strategic position of priority development and will continue to support Nigerian education system in all areas. She added that the construction of the school began 11 years ago.. Since then, the school has become a bridge of friendship and understanding between Nigeria and China. The classrooms are more spacious, the campus is more beautiful, and the facilities are more complete. Yanqing hopes 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 noted that children’s education is related to the future of a country. In essence, the pupils are now the future of Nigeria. She advised them to work hard and fight for a better tomorrow for the prosperity of Nigeria. Also, the Deputy-General, China-Africa Investment, Kevin Liu, said that the China-Nigeria Model School stands for knowledge, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding. He said, “These values promote global peace and cooperation and we are committed to maintaining this standard for generations to come.”
The project would foster smooth relations between both governments.
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. However, the governor made an appeal 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. Also at the event, the Oloja-Ekun of Igbesaland, Oba Oluwatoyin Akinde, who was represented by Otunba Ade Durojaiye, commended the Chinese Consulate and Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone for the project pleading for more support in developing the town.
Meanwhile, Governor Abiodun has directed the Bureau of State Pensions to commence immediate payment of gratuity worth N1 billion to pensioners in the state. During an interview with news correspondents at his Abeokuta office, the permanent secretary of the bureau, Adesoji Adewuyi, said that the N1 billion gratuity was released to ease and bring succor to the senior citizens who have served Ogun state and the local governments diligently. He stated that the gratuity would cater for pensioners who were scheduled for September and part of October 2014.
All pensions in Ogun State will be paid accordingly.
Further, he added that it would also take care of a portion of the payment for Basic Rent, and Transports (BRT) allowances for January and February 2013 of the pensioners. According to Adewuyi, some pensioners with urgent medical needs were also attended to from the gratuity released. While he pleaded with those who were yet to receive theirs to be patient with the present administration, he assured that all the pensioners in Ogun state would be paid accordingly.
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