It was celebration galore as Goldengate Group, publishers of West Africa Business Weekly, the first Chinese language media in West Africa, clocked 20.
The event, attended by the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Ms. Yan Yuqing; former Nigeria Ambassador to China, Jonathan Coker, and other Nigerian and Chinese dignitaries.
The event featured a documentary on West Africa Business Weekly’s journey in the last 20 years, highlighting its historical path and its role in promoting weekly reports in business associating with Nigeria and China.
Speaking at event, the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Ms. Yan Yuqing said: “Over the past 20 years, as the first Chinese language media in West Africa, and under the guidance of the purpose of promoting cooperation between Africa and China and reflecting the voices of the Chinese people.”
“West Africa Business Weekly has gradually covered eight countries in West Africa, and has become one of the most influential Chinese language media in Nigeria and even in West Africa.”
On the role played by the newspaper over the years, Yuqing said: “The newspaper has played the role of a platform for reporting local and international news, a channel for conveying the voices of compatriots in Nigeria, a window for spreading Chinese culture, a bridge for enhancing mutual understanding and friendly exchanges between China and Nigeria.”
In his welcome address, the publisher of the West Africa Business Weekly, Chief Jacob Wood said: “The purpose of the newspaper is to let the people in China understand Nigeria, understand Africa better, we want to educate the people in China about Nigeria and West Africa business relations.”
“As the first Chinese language newspaper in West Africa, we promotes cooperation between Africa and China, while reflecting the voices of the Chinese people in creating a brighter future.”
“As we look forward to another 20 years and another 1000 publications, we will continue the journey in reporting the news to better the relationship between China Nigeria and the rest of Africa.”
On his part, the Principal Consultant with Goldengate Group, Adeshina Agboluaje said: “The joy that the Chinese community gives to Nigeria is enormous, I would like to appeal to the Chinese community in Nigeria, there are other aspects of investment you can do in Nigeria, that are more permanent and lasting, agriculture is one them.”
“Agriculture is very essential, Nigeria has not reached the level of agricultural we wanted, as of now we can feed ourselves, but we can do a lot better, we can establish together, if we cooperate with China advancements in agriculture.”
“Nigeria’s target under the government of President Bola Tinubu is not only to feed Nigerians, but also to feed Africa, and if possible, we will also export into China. This is your new location, the new growth of China Development is in Africa, particularly Nigeria.”
