China, Nigeria cooperation provides women better opportunities – Chinese Envoy

Cooperation between China and Nigeria had provided Nigerian women with better medical resources, more agricultural skills, and increased business and entrepreneurial opportunities, the Ambassador of People’s Republic of China, Amb. Yu Dunhai has said.

Yu who made this known Friday at the celebration of 2025 International Women’s Day hosted by Embassy of China in Nigeria and Federal Ministry of Women Affairs of Nigeria, organised and held by China Cultural Centre in Nigeria and China National Museum of Women and Children with the theme: “Her Story, Her Future” said that President Bola Tinubu’s visit to China and attendence to Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, has elevated China-Nigeria relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

According Yu, “The positive development of China-Nigeria relations is inseparable from the direct participation and active promotion of women from both countries in various sectors.

“Over the years, practical cooperation between China and Nigeria has deepened across various fields, providing many Nigerian women with better medical resources, more agricultural skills, and increased business and entrepreneurial opportunities.

“Last year, President Tinubu successfully visited China and attended the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, elevating China-Nigeria relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

“The positive development of China-Nigeria relations is inseparable from the direct participation and active promotion of women from both countries in various sectors.

“China will work with Nigeria to better implement the consensus reached by our leaders, carry out the Ten Partnership Action Plans, including promoting women’s exchanges, and jointly build a high-level China-Nigeria community with a shared future.

“I believe more women will benefit from the high-quality cooperation under the “Belt and Road” initiative, realizing their dreams, and creating an even more splendid future” he said.

“Chinese President Xi Jingping pointed out that women are the creators of human civilization and the drivers of social progress.

“Gender equality is a fundamental state policy in China. Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China 75 years ago, the Chinese government has placed great emphasis on gender equality and women’s empowerment.

“China has established a comprehensive legal system to protect women’s rights, comprising over 100 laws and regulations.

“The average life expectancy of Chinese women has reached nearly 81 years, and the gender gap in education has been essentially eliminated.

“Women account for nearly 45% of the total workforce, and in the internet sector, female entrepreneurs outnumber their male counterparts, making up 55% of the total.

“Currently, China’s annual significant political event, the “Two Sessions,” is being held in Beijing, with women from various sectors actively participating as representatives, offering suggestions for national development.

“Chinese women have truly become the “half of the sky”, driving China’s economic and social development.

“The remarkable achievements China has made in gender equality and women’s development are not only a vivid reflection of China’s unique human rights concepts and practices but also a significant contribution to global equality, development, and peace” he stated.

Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hanatu Musawa who was represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Oraeluno Obinenye Raphael, praised the resilience of women, saying that their crucial contributions across various fields, including agriculture, science, technology, education, and business, while also carrying the weight of the world’s problems on their shoulders.

He said, “Whenever a woman is in a position of authority, you will see peace. You will see decorum. You will see things moving.”

He said it was why people were “clamouring for the first female president. So that this country can experience tremendous development.”

Also speaking, Permanent Secretary of the Social Development Secretariat of Federal Capital Administration, Mrs. Olubunmi Olowookere said the event was not only to celebrate the achievements of women, but to recognize the power of their stories in shaping the future as encapsulated in the theme of the event.

She said the theme, “Her Story, Her Future”, reminded that every woman’s journey was a testament to resilience, courage, and the pursuit of dreams.

Contusing, she said women had broken barriers, challenged norms, and paved the way for future generations throughout history.