The China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) has offered automatic jobs to 190 Nigerians it sponsored under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
The Chairman of CCECC Nigeria Ltd., Jason Zhang, said this during the welcome ceremony for the graduates organised by CCECC on Friday in Abuja.
“Today, we gather here to extend a warm welcome to the students participating in the cooperation program between CCECC, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and Chang’an University.
“It is a momentous occasion that fills us with immense pride and joy as we witness the fruits of their hard work, determination, and the generous support extended to them by CCECC, the government and the university.
“They have embarked on a remarkable quest for knowledge, growth, and cultural exchange. Their commitment to education and the pursuit of excellence has been duly rewarded today,” he said.
According to Zhang, education is the foundation upon which great nations are built.
He said CCECC’s efforts to foster the intellectual development of Nigerian students would definitely be a rewarding experience for both the company and the country.
He said, ”During the implementation of this programme, CCECC has spared no effort in sponsoring these young people, and now the company is working hard to secure job opportunities.
“In this process, CCECC has not only empowered these young people but has also contributed to the overall development of this great nation.”
Also speaking, the Minister of Transportation, Sen. Said Alkali, commended CCECC’s dedication to Nigeria’s development.
According to him, the company’s efforts align with the Federal Government’s National Local Content Policy for Railway development.
“This policy emphasises the involvement of competent local engineers, technicians, and craftsmen in railway projects, ensuring knowledge transfer and technical participation through training and apprenticeship programmes.
“The graduates, who specialised in railway and other transportation-related fields, are now set to play pivotal roles in Nigeria’s growing transportation sector.
“The CCECC has not only sponsored their education but is also committed to securing job opportunities within the company.
“This commitment reflects CCECC’s broader goal of integrating technical know-how and fostering industrial cooperation in Nigeria,” he said.
While expressing the Federal Government’s commitment to the sector’s growth, Alkali expressed confidence in the graduates’ ability to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s transportation sector.
He urged them to leverage their newly acquired skills and knowledge to drive economic growth and modernisation.
The minister also assured CCECC of the Federal Government’s continued support, emphasising the importance of maintaining high standards in project execution and professionalism.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, represented by the Chairman, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Oluwole Oke, also commended the CCECC for its efforts and contribution to national development.
He urged that Nigeria should learn from China’s progress in infrastructure development and urged the Chinese to show us the way.
For the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, represented by Sen. Amos Yohanna, the graduates have returned as professionals with knowledge, skills and desire to shape Nigeria.
Akpabio urged other corporations to take cues from CCECC’s engagement in CSR, which would benefit Nigerians.
“Cooperations should fertilise the economic ground they plant and reap from. They should invest in our young people,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the graduates expressed gratitude to CCECC and the Nigerian government for the opportunity. (NAN)
