The Chinese community in Lagos on Monday donated food and household items worth N5 million to 10 low-income families in celebration of the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
The donation also marked the Mid-Autumn Festival and Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary. The event, coordinated by the Chinese Consulate in Lagos, was held in partnership with the China Industrial and Commercial Enterprise Association and the Association of Chinese Women in Nigeria.
Beneficiaries of the outreach received rice, noodles, semovita, cassava flour, spaghetti, groundnut oil, toiletries, and other essential household items to cushion the effects of the current economic hardship in the country.
Speaking at the presentation, the Chinese Consul General in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, said the gesture reflected China’s solidarity with Nigerians and its growing commitment to supporting local communities through humanitarian efforts.
Mr Yuqing said the donation was part of an ongoing charity initiative tagged “Together Fight Against Hunger,” aimed at supporting indigent families and strengthening 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,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Chinese government’s commitment to deepening the long-standing diplomatic and economic relations between both nations, adding that such humanitarian gestures show the human side of international cooperation.
Also speaking, the chairman of the China Industrial and Commercial Enterprise Association, Eric Ni, said the group had made it a tradition to give back to Nigerian society through various support initiatives, including donations and scholarships.
“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 described hunger and poverty as global issues that required collective action, noting that the Chinese community in Nigeria would continue to work closely with government efforts to reduce hardship and promote inclusive development.
“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,” Mr Ni stated.
Adviser to the Association of Chinese Women in Nigeria, Loi Eng-Koon, said the donation also represented an expression of gratitude to Nigerians for their hospitality and cooperation with Chinese residents over the years.
“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, Babatunde Kolawole expressed appreciation to the Chinese community for their support, describing the gesture as timely considering the current 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.