‎By Taiye Olayemi

‎The Chinese community in Lagos on Monday donated food and household items worth N5 million to 10 low-income families, in commemoration of the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

The donation, which also marked the Mid-Autumn Festival and Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, was coordinated by the Chinese Consulate in Lagos.

The event was in collaboration with the China Industrial and Commercial Enterprise Association and the Association of Chinese Women in Nigeria.

Beneficiaries received rice, noodles, semovita, cassava flour, spaghetti, groundnut oil, toiletries, and other household essentials to ease the impact of current economic

The Chinese Consul General in Lagos, Ms Yan Yuqing, speaking at the presentation, said the gesture was symbolic of China’s solidarity with Nigerians and its growing commitment to supporting local communities.

Yuqing said the initiative formed part of an ongoing charity programme tagged “Together Fight Against Hunger”, designed to support indigent families and strengthen social ties between China and Nigeria.

“Since the inception of this programme, we have been privileged to support over 300 families, providing not just food, but hope, dignity, and a reminder that no one walks alone in times of need.

“As we extend our hands to these families, we illuminate the path of friendship between China and Nigeria.

“This partnership goes beyond government-to-government relations; it reflects people-to-people cooperation,” she said.

Yuqing reaffirmed the Chinese government’s commitment to deepening the long-standing diplomatic and economic relationship between both nations, saying such humanitarian efforts represented the human side of international cooperation.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the China Industrial and Commercial Enterprise Association, Dr Eric Ni, said the group had made it a tradition to give back to Nigerian society through donations, scholarships, and empowerment initiatives.

“Today, we are delighted to distribute food items worth N500,000 each to 10 families.

“This is not the first time. We have supported over 300 families of low-income earners and more than 5,000 students through scholarships,” he said.

He noted that hunger and poverty remained global challenges that required collective effort, adding that the Chinese community in Nigeria would continue to identify with government efforts to alleviate hardship and promote inclusive growth.

“Hunger knows no boundaries. This project reflects our collective commitment to the wellbeing of the society we are proud to be part of.

“Nigeria has been home to many of us for years, and the warmth and hospitality of the Nigerian people continue to inspire us to support,” Ni said.

Adviser to the Association of Chinese Women in Nigeria, Mrs Loi Eng-Koon, said the gesture was also an expression of gratitude to Nigerians for their friendship and cooperation with Chinese residents.

“As Chinese women living and thriving in Nigeria, we understand the importance of building bridges between cultures.

“We have been warmly received by this beautiful nation, and this is our way of giving back and saying thank you.

“True celebration is not complete until we have shared our blessings with those around us. Let us continue to work together, hand in hand, to build a community where everyone can thrive,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Babatunde Kolawole thanked the Chinese community for the support.

She added that the donation was timely given the high cost of living and rising inflation in the country.

“This is a wonderful gesture extended to us. Considering the economic situation of the country, many people cannot afford these items.

“We say thank you to the Chinese community. We really appreciate,” he said.

The event also served as a cultural exchange platform, featuring brief remarks on the significance of the Mid-Autumn Festival, a celebration of family unity and gratitude observed annually in China. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)