The Republic of China has expressed its concern that Nigerians, many living below the poverty line, continue to grapple with grinding penury.
According to the Chinese ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun, We have lifted more than 700 million people out of poverty in China; and in Nigeria, there are 200 million, with 100 million living below the poverty line; this is my great concern. And efforts that make me try to do things for Nigeria, and the most important thing now is agriculture.
The diplomat stated this on Tuesday when he delivered a China-aid Nigeria Agricultural Demonstration Centre project worth 44,100,000 (N2.8 billion) to the federal government to contribute to Nigerias agricultural sector. Cui, who handed over the project, said the centre would provide opportunities to farmers and government officials and deepen and broaden the two countries’ relationship.
The Chinese ambassador noted that China accomplished the first step of its centenary goal last year: eradicating extreme poverty and building a moderately prosperous society.
However, Cui added, Im confident that Nigeria-China can build a strong, prosperous country in the coming 20 years; and this is not only about lip service; neither is it about slogans, as long as two great nations work together from the agriculture sectors to industry.
According to the Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mustapha Shehuri, China and Nigeria share a long-standing friendship.
