Nigeria and China have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cultural and people-to-people exchanges, as a delegation from Hunan Province showcased the region’s rich cultural heritage and performing arts in Abuja.
The event, titled “Shared Moon, Shared Moment, Meet in Africa – Hunan Culture and Tourism in Nigeria,” was held on Thursday at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja and featured performances by the Hunan Song and Dance Theater Troupe.
The programme brought together officials of the Chinese Embassy, Nigerian government representatives, cultural practitioners, artists, diplomats and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Yang Jianxin, said cultural and artistic exchanges could serve as a bridge for deeper understanding and friendship between the peoples of China and Nigeria.
Yang said the Hunan delegation’s visit was not only about showcasing Chinese culture and art but also about strengthening mutual understanding between the two countries.
He noted that the Mid-Autumn Festival, which was being marked by Chinese people, reflected values such as family, reunion, harmony and peace, which he said also resonated with Nigerian cultural traditions.
“Although China and Nigeria are thousands of miles apart, our shared appreciation of family, friendship and a better life brings our hearts closer together,” Yang said.
He cited Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Global Civilization Initiative, which calls for respect for the diversity of civilizations and greater exchanges and mutual learning among different cultures.
According to him, Hunan is known for its rich cultural heritage, with three World Heritage sites and nine elements inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Yang said the performances by the Hunan delegation, comprising songs, dances, acrobatics and other artistic presentations, would provide Nigerian audiences with an opportunity to learn more about Chinese culture.
He expressed hope that more Nigerians would visit Hunan to experience its cultural heritage and hospitality. He said cultural exchanges would continue to contribute to the development of the China-Nigeria comprehensive strategic partnership.
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Abdulkarim Ozi Ibrahim, described the programme as an important platform for cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
Represented by Musa Alhamdu, the permanent secretary said culture had the ability to transcend language and geographical barriers while enabling nations to discover their shared humanity.
According to him, the event represented more than an artistic performance, describing it as a celebration of Nigeria-China friendship, cultural diversity, mutual respect and people-to-people exchange.
He said Nigeria, like China, possessed extraordinary cultural diversity and deep-rooted traditions, ranging from music, dance and theatre to visual arts, festivals, crafts, fashion, film and literature.
Alhamdu added that Nigeria viewed cultural diplomacy as an important tool for strengthening international relations, promoting tourism and creating opportunities for creative practitioners.
He said cultural exchanges with China could also create opportunities for creative collaboration, tourism, skills development and participation of young Nigerians in the global creative economy.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Society of Nigerian Artists, Muhammad Sulaiman, described cultural diplomacy as an important dimension of the Nigeria-China relationship, saying it could transform agreements between governments into friendships between peoples.
He called for more cultural festivals, youth exchanges and co-productions in film, music and the arts between Nigeria and China.
Sulaiman said sustained cultural exchanges could create jobs and opportunities for young people while promoting mutual respect between the two countries.
The event featured cultural performances by the Hunan Song and Dance Theater Troupe, alongside Nigerian cultural presentations, highlighting the potential of arts and cultural exchanges to strengthen ties between the two countries.
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