Victor Ezeja
AdminA Chinese man who goes by the name northern Nigerian name, Murtala has engaged with an Enugu-born Nigerian in a one-on-one interview where they among other things discussed about the China International Import Expo (CIIE) taking place in Shanghai. Below is the English translation of what they said in Hausa language:
Chinese man(Murtala): Hello viewers, I greet you all. Now I am in the city of Shanghai, and I’m together with a Nigerian. He is Igbo from Enugu State but he said he speaks Hausa. I am surprised that an Igbo man from Enugu state speaks Hausa. (Turning to Innocent) what is your name, Mr?
Innocent: My name is Innocent Odoh.
Chinese man(Murtala): oh so your name is Innocent from Enugu?
Innocent: yes!
Chinese man (Murtala): I can also speak Hausa a little (I believe he meant, he can also speak Igbo a little), (greets in Igbo); good morning innocent?
Innocent: responds to the greeting in Igbo.
Chinese man (Murtala): So, Mr. Innocent how come you speak Hausa?
Innocent: I grew up in northern Nigeria (predominantly a Hausa speaking region).
Chinese Man (Murtala): Okay
Innocent: I attended primary school in Lafia Nasarwa state.
Chinese man (Murtala): Okay
Innocent: when I finished my primary school, I furthered my secondary School education in Jos, Plateau State. I went for my University education at the University of Maiduguri in Borno State.
Chinese Man (Murtala): And you speak Kanuri?
Innocent: No, I don’t speak Kanuri.
Chinese Man (Murtala): Greets in Kanuri.
Innocent: responds
Chinese Man (Murtala): So, Mr Innocent are you surprised seeing me (Murtala) speaking Hausa?
Innocent: Yes, I am supposed to be surprised, but when I look at the Chinese people I am not surprised because they are very intelligent people and the Chinese people are known everywhere in the world.
If you come here, you will see Chinese people speaking different languages. Some speak Spanish, some speak French, some Portuguese, they speak different languages, so I don’t feel surprised seeing a Chinese speak Hausa language.
Chinese Man (Murtala): Mr. Innocent, I want to say welcome to our country.
Innocent: Yes, thank you.
Chinese Man (Murtala): So, what brought you to Shanghai?
Innocent: So, there is a big event going on in Shanghai presently and they call it “China International Import Expo” and this expo is a big event, and people are coming from different countries for this event.
So when you look at China you see different technological advancements ongoing in the country and they leading in all sectors such as technology, trade, investment and everything that involves human existence. That is why everyone wants to collaborate with China.
Chinese man (Murtala): So, you know China is like an international factory for the world…
Innocent: In fact, China is known as the manufactory hub for the whole world, that is what they are been called.
Chinese man (Murtala): All together, All together!
So at this event, we are expecting a lot of companies in Nigeria that will be attending the event, and also a lot of investors that will be coming from the home country (Nigeria), what is your advice to them?
Innocent: My advice for them is that they should gather every necessary knowledge China has and replicate same in Nigeria by establishing different companies in Nigeria and I know the Chinese want to help Nigeria and they are even helping Nigeria and the whole of Africa. So, when investors come here they can learn a lot from here and go and replicate the same back home. They can establish companies so that our children can get jobs, the Chinese people too can teach us their technology so that our children can learn because we have a friendship (strong partnership). So, when they (Nigerians) come to this expo they can learn a lot.
Chinese man (Murtala): Mr Innocent you know that the CIIE, is an event that attracts many investors from different countries who bring their products to display at the expo, as one of the delegates from Nigeria, what products are you going to be showcasing?
Innocent: Thank you, you know we produce many things in Nigeria, we had farm produce such as cashew nuts and China wants such products, you know China has a big market for such products, so when we bring such to China and sell, we will have a lot of money and there will be lots of investment as well.
Chinese man (Murtala): We Pray God helps us to achieve this dream. Mr Innocent thank you so much.
Innocent: Murtala??
Chinese man (Murtala): Murtala yes!! Thanks to our viewers..
Innocent: Thank you and goodbye.
Chinese man (Murtala): Thank you bye.!!
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