Lai Jianfeng (fourth from right) a Chinese businessman from Sanmen county, Taizhou, is honored as a chief in Yagba West, a city in Koji State in Nigeria on Feb 21. [Photo/taizhou.com.cn]

Yagba West, a city in Koji State in Nigeria, recently granted a chieftaincy title to Lai Jianfeng, a Chinese businessman from Sanmen county, Taizhou, for his remarkable contributions to local economic development.

Lai is the first non-local that has been conferred the title of "chief" and will be given the hereditary authority to govern more than 100 square kilometers of land and 5,000 people, as well as an exclusive license plate.

As chief, Lai said that he has a greater obligation to lead the residents of his jurisdiction to a better life, adding that he plans to expand his investment in the city to ensure everyone has something to do and enough food to eat.

Lai, 37, came to Nigeria in 2022 after trading with businessmen in Africa for several years.

In Yagba West, his first stop on the continent, which is rich in wood and ore resources, the Chinese businessman invested in a wood-processing plant and a mining workshop, creating jobs for more than 500 locals.

Chen's investment caused a stir and attracted the attention of the local government, as plants of similar size were still rare in the city.

Chen also dug wells and canals to alleviate drinking water shortages and bought football equipment from China for local children after seeing them play football bare-footed.

"I get a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction watching the children 'fully armed' and playing happily like a real football team," he said.