No fewer than 1,000 students of primary and junior secondary in Federal Capital Territory yesterday received Chinese Ambassador’s Scholarship scheme to study in their various school in Abuja.
They were selected from 200 school in the Federal Capital Territory which include JSS Galadimawa, LEA Gwarimpa 1, LEA Kuchingoro and Model Garki 11 amongst others.
The students were also given N12, 000 each for the scholarship award.
Speaking in Abuja yesterday during the event, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Zhou Pingjian said the scholarship will cement the bilateral relations between Nigeria and China.
“Welcome to the opening of Ambassador’s scholarship. This will broaden the ties between Nigeria and China. The scholarship of part exercise we want to use to consolidate our diplomatic ties. We are so happy to have you here.”
According him, the 45 of diplomatic ties with Nigeria has come a long way adding that the both countries have achieved a lot in the last past years.
Pingjian said his country was very happy to set diplomatic ties with Nigeria adding “in olden days Nigeria helped China.
He said,” Nigeria and China share a lot of similarities. You are the most populous country in Africa and China is the most country in Asia. You are the largest economy in Africa and China is the largest economy in Asia and second largest economy in the world.”
“We give the scholarship to the excellence students with cash award. Together we can work and I want to congratulate all the students that got the award. Our embassy is always with you,” he added.
Also speaking, the Minister of Federal Capital, Mohammed Bello, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, FCT, Baba tope Ajakaiye, expressed appreciation to the Chinese for the gesture shown to the students.
“We thank the Chinese embassy for this great gesture. The relationship between the two countries has been strong. We appreciate you because the scholarship was targeted to the lowest people in the society and to the poorest of the poor.”
“We will continue to collaborate with you in many areas. We have been collaborating with you in the areas of transport, roads among other,” he said.
He called on the students to work hard and show worthy of their awards.
“You must work hard remember that this scholarship was given to free of charge. Don’t join others to commit atrocities. You should not disappoint that gave you this opportunity,” he added.
