BY OBOSHI AGYENO
In 1971, the diplomatic gates between Nigeria and China opened to the government and citizens of both countries to access opportunities presented by multilateral procedure of international relations and benefits of our shared humanity. Even though interactions between Nigeria and China predates half a century, Nigeria and China officially entered into a diplomatic pact on 10 February 1971 and the substance of such relations has grown in leaps and bounds. Since that diplomatic handshake 50 years ago, Nigeria and China have stood by each other come rain or shine. This has led to a monumental and productive friendship with apparent gains on both sides for all to see. The first act of friendship was displayed when Nigeria along other friendly countries voted for the recognition of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as sole legal China in the United Nations (UN) General Assembly and its Security Council. The PRC viewed this diplomatic support by Nigeria as a show of love that should be reciprocated anytime the opportunity avails. China has not relented in supporting Nigeria overcome its own challenges, whether it is Nigeria surmounting its infrastructure deficit, uplifting her citizens out of poverty, fighting decolonization in southern Africa or building resilience and livelihood.