Raphael Ebube Ojimmadu, a Nigerian international student from Shanghai International Studies University or SISU, emerged as the winner of the special prize at the recent final of the 2023 "My Story of Chinese Hanzi" international competition.
The competition focused on the theme of "homeland". Ten groups of contestants from various countries participated in the final, highlighting the exchange and mutual learning between different civilizations through the bond of Chinese characters.
In his speech, Ojimmadu, took the Chinese character "阖" (he) as his theme and explored the idea of finding a new home in China. He emphasized that the Chinese notion of homeland goes beyond a physical place and encompasses self-cultivation and family values that shape the country and the world.
Ojimmadu expressed his desire to connect his beloved Nigerian homeland with China - his second home - and to create a bigger and better home.
Describing his experience in China, Ojimmadu said: "Chinese people are known for the importance they place on their homes and I am no different."
"After more than a year in China, I can confidently say that this country has become my home. The transformation can be summarized with the Chinese character '阖', which represents the happiness of a united family."
Ojimmadu further explained that "阖" signified a door, an opening towards understanding and acceptance. He emphasized the importance of removing prejudices and fully embracing new experiences as the secret to finding a new home in China.
