NUJ FCT COUNCIL WINS GOLD MEDAL AT 8TH NIGERIA-CHINA TABLE TENNIS FRIENDSHIP TOURNAMENT 2026

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has reaffirmed its commitment to excellence, sportsmanship and international friendship, winning a Gold Medal at the 8th Edition of the Nigeria-China Table Tennis Friendship Tournament 2026.

The tournament, which brought together Nigerian and Chinese participants on Sunday 8th November,2026 in China Cultural Center, Abuja, provided a platform for strengthening bilateral relations, promoting cultural exchange and fostering friendship through sports.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, described the tournament as a unique platform for bringing journalists together beyond the demands of the newsroom, while promoting physical fitness, discipline, teamwork and professional solidarity.

She particularly commended the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria for sustaining the remarkable partnership with the NUJ FCT Council over the eight editions of the tournament, noting that the initiative had continued to strengthen people-to-people engagement and cultural understanding between Nigeria and China.

According to her, while the attractive prizes add excitement to the competition, the greatest achievement remains the friendship, unity and partnership the tournament continues to build among participants.

She congratulated all the winners and participants, stressing that although sporting competitions encourage participants to strive for victory, they must equally uphold mutual respect, compassion and unity.

Comrade Ike further appreciated the China Cultural Centre and other partners for their commitment, support and sponsorship, expressing optimism that the partnership would become stronger and more rewarding in subsequent editions.

Earlier in his remarks, the Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Yang Jianxing, described the tournament as an important avenue for promoting mutual understanding, trust and friendship between the peoples of Nigeria and China.

He noted that every exchange and handshake on the table tennis court reflected the spirit of mutual respect, teamwork and fair play, adding that sporting exchanges transcend language and cultural differences and enable people from different backgrounds to build lasting relationships.

Mr. Yang commended the NUJ and the wider Nigerian media community for their consistent efforts in providing objective coverage of developments in China-Nigeria relations, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, culture, education, science and technology.

He observed that the media had played an important role in enhancing mutual understanding, promoting cultural exchanges and strengthening the longstanding relationship between both countries.

The Chinese diplomat also acknowledged the contributions of the Nigerian-China Chamber of Commerce and Chinese enterprises operating in Nigeria towards strengthening economic cooperation, investment, trade and people-to-people exchanges.

He noted that 2026 marks the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges and the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China, describing the period as significant in advancing stronger bilateral cooperation.

Mr. Yang further highlighted China’s commitment to deepening its engagement with African countries, including the zero-tariff treatment granted from May 1, 2026, to imports from 53 African countries with which China maintains diplomatic relations.

He expressed hope that the tournament would serve as a renewed platform for collaboration among the sporting, media and business communities, while contributing to the building of a stronger China-Nigeria relationship.

In his appreciation remarks, Mr. Ignatius Nkwoh of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), who emerged winner of the men’s singles category and clinched the Gold Medal, appreciated God, the NUJ FCT Council leadership and the organisers for providing the opportunity to participate in the competition.

He dedicated his trophy to the NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, and members of the Council’s Executive, appreciating their encouragement and commitment to promoting sporting activities among journalists.

Other members who participants also recorded notable achievements, including a Bronze Medal in the Mixed Doubles category and a third-place finish in the Men’s Singles event.

The tournament once again demonstrated the power of sports as a tool for diplomacy, cultural understanding and international cooperation, reinforcing the enduring friendship between Nigeria and China.

The NUJ FCT Council expressed appreciation to all sponsors, partners, participants and organisers for making the eighth edition successful and looked forward to an even more impactful ninth edition in 2027.