The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria has awarded scholarship to 1000 pupils of primary and junior secondary schools across 200 schools in the Federal Capital Territory.

Awarding the scholarships to 50 of the pupils yesterday at the Embassy, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Zhou Pingjian, said the gesture was part of activities to mark the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties with Nigeria.

He said the children were like the rising of Nigeria and encouraged them to pursue their dreams.

“We have a lot to celebrate. We are happy to have diplomatic ties with you. In 1971 China restored its seat at the United Nations and we are grateful to Nigeria for the role she played in us achieving that,” he said.

 He said China and Nigeria were similar in many ways such that the two countries have natural affinity.

Responding, the FCT Minister, Alhaji Muhammad Bello, who was represented by the FCTA Permanent

Secretary, Dr. Babatope Ajakaiye, said the relationship between the two countries was very strong.

He thanked the Chinese Embassy for the gesture, which he said was very important because it was targeted at indigent pupils.

He urged the beneficiaries of the scholarship to work hard and justify while they were chosen.