Nigeria and China have reiterated their shared commitment to strengthening cultural diplomacy and people-to-people relations through expanded artistic and educational exchanges.

This renewed pledge was made on Monday during the 2026 Panda Painting Interactive Experience, held at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja, under the theme “Hello Nigeria, 2026 Panda Painting Interactive Experience.”

The programme brought together pupils from schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), alongside representatives of government institutions, members of the diplomatic corps, and stakeholders in the cultural and creative sectors.

Speaking at the event, Minister at the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Zhou Hongyou, said the giant panda remains a global emblem of peace, harmony, and friendship, noting that the initiative was designed to deepen mutual understanding between the peoples of Nigeria and China through creative engagement.

He explained that the event blended art, education, and cultural interaction, providing a platform for young Nigerians to explore Chinese cultural heritage while expressing their own artistic creativity.

Zhou further noted that the 2026 edition carries added significance, as it coincides with the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China, as well as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges.

According to him, sustainable bilateral relations are built not only on economic and political cooperation but also on sustained cultural understanding and interpersonal connections.

He added that the Chinese Embassy, in collaboration with the China Cultural Centre, would continue to promote youth-focused cultural initiatives, language programmes, artistic collaborations, and educational exchanges aimed at nurturing future ambassadors of Nigeria–China friendship.

“The youth represent the future of our relationship. Through cultural interaction and mutual learning, we can build lasting friendships that will strengthen cooperation between our two countries for generations to come,” he said.

In his goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Abdulkarim Ozi Ibrahim, commended the organisers for leveraging art as a tool for cultural diplomacy and international engagement.

He observed that artistic expression remains one of the most effective channels for bridging cultural and geographical divides, adding that the panda symbol resonates globally as a representation of peace, friendship, and environmental consciousness.

Ibrahim reiterated that cultural initiatives such as the Panda Art Experience complement diplomatic and economic relations by fostering mutual respect and deeper understanding among citizens of both countries.

He also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting programmes that promote intercultural dialogue, creative innovation, and global partnerships within the creative economy.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Gallery of Art, Ahmed Bashir Sodangi, described the initiative as a strong example of how the arts can be deployed to strengthen international friendship and cooperation.

He noted that the panda has evolved into a global cultural icon symbolising goodwill, environmental awareness, and cultural diversity.

Sodangi commended the Chinese Embassy for consistently using cultural platforms to deepen bilateral relations, stressing that such engagements extend diplomacy beyond formal political and economic interactions.

The event featured a range of interactive activities, including panda-themed painting sessions, a cultural creative market, collaborative graffiti art, craft workshops, and an interactive postcard and stamp collection tour.

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The Federal Government has praised China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) for the successful execution of the reconstruction and expansion of the Mararaba-Keffi Road, describing the project as a demonstration of quality engineering and effective collaboration in infrastructure delivery.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, gave the commendation on Saturday during an inspection of the 43.65-kilometre highway, which connects the Federal Capital Territory with communities in Nasarawa State and serves as one of the busiest transportation corridors in the North-Central region.

The project, awarded by the Federal Ministry of Works in June 2023 under the Federal Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, was executed at a cost of N73.9 billion.

Speaking after assessing the work, Umahi expressed satisfaction with the contractor’s performance, noting that the road had reached technical completion and would soon be ready for commissioning by President Bola Tinubu.

According to the minister, CHEC demonstrated professionalism and commitment throughout the execution of the project despite challenges encountered during construction.

He particularly highlighted the company’s acceptance of engineering innovations introduced by the Ministry of Works, including the adoption of rigid concrete shoulders alongside flexible pavement on the carriageway.

Umahi explained that the design improvement would strengthen the road structure, reduce erosion-related damage and extend the lifespan of the highway, making it more durable and cost-effective over time.

He said the project represents the Federal Government’s commitment to modernising critical transport infrastructure and improving connectivity between Abuja and neighbouring states.

The minister noted that only a few finishing touches and corrective measures identified during the inspection remained before the road would be formally inaugurated.

He also commended Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule for ongoing complementary infrastructure projects along the corridor, particularly the construction of flyovers aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving traffic flow.

While praising the contractor’s performance, Umahi appealed for the release of outstanding funds due under the NNPC Tax Credit Scheme, stressing that President Tinubu had already approved the necessary payments.

He said timely settlement of contractual obligations was important to sustain confidence among contractors and ensure the smooth delivery of critical infrastructure projects across the country.

Providing a progress report, the Federal Controller of Works supervising the project, Engr. Yakubu Usman, disclosed that the highway had attained 99.8 per cent completion.

According to him, the remaining works consist mainly of ancillary components such as kerb construction, drainage works and the installation of streetlights.

Usman described the project as a model for future road construction, noting that the innovative shoulder design would help protect the pavement and improve the durability of the roadway.

In his remarks, Chairman of China Harbour Engineering Company, Wang Wenfei, thanked the Federal Government, the Ministry of Works and the National Assembly for their support during the execution of the project.

He assured that the company would promptly address the observations raised during the inspection to ensure the road is fully prepared for commissioning.

Upon completion and inauguration, the upgraded Mararaba-Keffi highway is expected to significantly reduce travel time, improve road safety, ease traffic congestion and boost economic activities along the Abuja-Nasarawa corridor.

Nigerian students showcased remarkable Mandarin language skills and cultural knowledge as winners emerged at the Nigerian regional finals of the Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition, earning the opportunity to represent the country at the global finals in China.

The competition, which featured the 19th edition for foreign secondary school students and the 25th edition for foreign college students, was held at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja. Participants were drawn from the Confucius Institutes of Nnamdi Azikiwe University and the University of Lagos, as well as the Chinese Language Programme of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Contestants were assessed through a combination of prepared speeches, cultural and artistic performances, and impromptu question-and-answer sessions, all conducted in Chinese to test their language proficiency and understanding of Chinese culture.

At the end of the contest, Michael Uchechi Justina of the Confucius Institute at Nnamdi Azikiwe University emerged winner in the secondary school category. Umezurike Favour Chinaetugo secured second place, while Okoye Chikadibia Faith finished third.

In the college category, Emmanuel Faith Mba Orjiugo claimed the top prize, followed by Onyeocha Cecilia Ugochi in second place and Okeke Jessica Chinaemerem in third. The top three contestants in both categories were all from the Confucius Institute at Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

The winners will go on to represent Nigeria at the Global Chinese Bridge Finals in China, where they will compete alongside outstanding students from across the world.

Speaking at the event, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, described the competition as a valuable platform for strengthening educational and cultural ties between Nigeria and China.

He noted that learning Chinese opens a window into one of the world’s oldest civilizations and provides young people with opportunities to engage more deeply with Chinese history, literature and traditions.

According to Yang, the secondary school competition was held under the theme, “Chasing Dreams Through Chinese, Making Every Moment Count,” while the university category focused on “One World, One Family.” He said both themes reflected the role of language in promoting mutual understanding and building connections across cultures.

The envoy commended Nigerian schools, teachers and institutions that have invested in Chinese language education, noting that their efforts have contributed significantly to the growing popularity of Mandarin among Nigerian youths.

He also highlighted the significance of this year as the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China and the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. He pledged continued support for language programmes, educational partnerships and youth exchange initiatives aimed at bringing citizens of both countries closer together.

Permanent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Education Secretariat, Mrs. Joy Okeke, praised the Chinese Embassy for its sustained commitment to educational cooperation in Nigeria.

She emphasized that language learning plays a critical role in cultural exchange, economic interaction and global understanding. Okeke noted that several FCT schools already operate Chinese cultural corners where students are exposed to Mandarin language studies alongside cultural activities such as martial arts, traditional dances, arts and crafts.

She reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to expanding access to Chinese language education in public schools.

Also speaking, Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Dr. Mohammed Bulama, said the competition reflected the growing strength of relations between Nigeria and China in areas such as education, culture, trade and diplomacy.

Bulama advocated wider adoption of Chinese language programmes in Nigerian universities, arguing that proficiency in Mandarin would create new opportunities for Nigerians in an increasingly interconnected world.

He also highlighted the partnership between Radio Nigeria and the Chinese Embassy, particularly the “Ni Hao China” programme, which promotes Chinese language and culture to Nigerian audiences.

The Chinese Bridge Competition is one of China’s foremost international language and cultural exchange programmes. Held annually in countries around the world, it provides students with a platform to demonstrate their Mandarin proficiency while fostering friendship and cross-cultural understanding among young people from diverse backgrounds.