40 years of diplomatic relations

To celebrate the 40th year anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China, a show was held in Abuja on February 10 and 11, 2011, featuring the Shanghai Art Troupe who performed various dances, acrobats, and musical numbers using Chinese instruments that truly entertained the audience. The Congress Hall of the Hilton Hotel was filled to capacity on both nights.
Most impressive were the three young acrobats who wowed the crowd. I personally enjoyed watching the Lotus Dance that, according to the programme, “conveys the yearning of a beautiful and unsophisticated young girl with a bright future.”

The current Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nigeria, His Excellency Deng Boqing, and his wife were among those who watched the performance.

The following photos were taken at the event by Araceli Aipoh.

Spanish ambassador bids Nigeria goodbye

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After five years as Ambassador of Spain to Nigeria, His Excellency Angel Losada and his wife, Madam Claire Losada, are leaving the country finally this month. A farewell reception was held at the official residence of the ambassador in Maitama a couple of weeks ago. In a speech during the occasion, Ambassador Losada said he and his wife have truly enjoyed their stay in the country. He said they have made a lot of friends here and were grateful for the cooperation of everyone, particularly their colleagues in the diplomatic community.

Present at the farewell reception were officials from the Nigerian government as well as members of the diplomatic community. The embassy staff and the Spanish community in Abuja took this opportunity to present farewell gifts to the ambassador and his wife.

It shall be noted that for the last five years (beginning in 2006), the Spanish Embassy has been organising the Spanish Cultural Week, which has become a major cultural event in Abuja, and which, according to Ambassador Losada during the 5th edition of the event last October, “provides an opportunity to strengthen the relations between Spain and Nigeria through the cultural diversity of our people.” He said: “We will continue to build bridges between the rich Spanish and Nigerian cultures and by doing so we hope to extend the artistic ties between our two countries.”

These photos were taken at the farewell reception held on January 28, 2011.

Japanese Reception at the Hilton Hotel

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The birthday of the emperor of Japan is celebrated by the Japanese every December. Referred to simply as The Emperor’s Birthday, this is a national holiday that gives an opportunity for many Japanese to have a glimpse of their emperor as he and other members of the royal family appear at the balcony of the Imperial Palace (usually closed to the public throughout the year) to acknowledge the people’s greetings. In Japan, the emperor is never referred to by his given name, but rather is referred to as "His Imperial Majesty the Emperor" which may be shortened to "His Imperial Majesty." Born in 1933, Emperor Akihito is the current emperor of Japan.
In Abuja, the celebration took place at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel and was hosted by the Japanese ambassador and his wife, H.E and Mrs. Toshitsugu Uesawa. In an interview with him recently, Ambassador Uesawa says one of the things he has enjoyed most as a diplomat, aside from having the opportunity to serve his government, is that he has made a lot of friends. Ambassador Uesawa began his career as at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan in 1977 and was appointed ambassador to Nigeria in 2007. He is also his country’s permanent representative to the ECOWAS.