China and Nigeria have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening youth-driven cooperation and building a China-Africa community with a shared future during a youth exchange seminar in Abuja.
The event, held at the China Cultural Centre and organised by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, brought together government officials, diplomats, and young leaders to discuss strategic cooperation, economic partnerships, innovation, and cultural exchange.
In his remarks, Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Zhou Hongyou described young people as critical drivers of China-Africa, China-Nigeria relations and called for stronger engagement between youths of both countries to deepen cooperation in diplomacy, culture, trade, innovation and people-to-people exchanges.
He noted that the seminar came at a significant moment as China and Nigeria celebrate 55 years of diplomatic relations, highlighting new Chinese initiatives, including zero tariffs on imports from 53 African countries and improved access for African goods into the Chinese market.
“This year also marks 55 years of China-Nigeria diplomatic ties. China is working with all brothers and sisters across Africa, including Nigeria, to build greater political trust, expand practical cooperation, deepen mutual learning, bring our people closer, and keep this friendship alive for generations to come,” Zhou said.
He encouraged youths from both countries to become ambassadors of cooperation and mutual understanding, stressing that global challenges require shared solutions.
The envoy assured participants that the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria would continue collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to create more platforms for youth engagement, innovation and exchange.
Also speaking, Director of Education and Youth Development at Nigeria’s Ministry of Youth Development, Despan Kwardem, said the future of Nigeria-China relations will be shaped largely by young people, not just governments.
He emphasized youth participation in entrepreneurship, technology, AI, skills development, and cultural exchange, noting that young people must be active drivers of economic growth and innovation.
Kwardem also described the “shared future” concept as a digitally connected global community beyond geography, urging youths to take ownership of shaping future cooperation between Nigeria and China.
“Government is just a facilitator. You are the active drivers. You are the ones who will take up this vision and connect with your Chinese friends and tell them this is the future we are going to build together,” he stated.
The seminar featured panel discussions on strategic cooperation and public policy, mutually beneficial economic cooperation and people-to-people connectivity.
Discussions focused on the China-Nigeria comprehensive strategic partnership, economic and trade collaboration, cultural exchanges, innovation and strengthening emotional connections among young people from both countries.
Participants also examined how the China-Africa community with a shared future could contribute to sustained, healthy and stable bilateral relations between Nigeria and China.
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