Nigeria and China have deepened cultural cooperation with the unveiling of an innovative exhibition that combines traditional Chinese artistic heritage with modern virtual reality technology.

The event, hosted at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja, attracted diplomats, government officials, students, artists, media professionals and cultural enthusiasts eager to explore China’s rich history and contemporary creativity through immersive experiences.

Speaking at the occasion, the Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and Director of the China Cultural Centre, Yang Jianxing, said the exhibition was designed to create a meaningful connection between tradition and innovation. He noted that by integrating classical art forms with advanced digital technology, visitors are offered a fresh perspective on Chinese civilisation.

According to Yang, the exhibition showcases works produced by emerging talents from some of China’s leading art institutions, including the China Academy of Art and the Central Academy of Fine Arts. The collection features calligraphy, paintings and seal-carving works that reflect both the enduring legacy and evolving character of Chinese artistic expression.

Yang described the exhibition as particularly significant as it coincides with preparations for the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China in 2026, a year that will also be observed as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.

Representing Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Permanent Secretary Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad emphasized the growing opportunities for collaboration between both countries. He observed that cultural engagement remains an important foundation for broader partnerships in science, technology and innovation.

Muhammad said Nigeria, as Africa’s largest population centre, stands to gain from sustained exchanges that promote knowledge-sharing, technological advancement and mutual understanding. He added that the event provides an avenue for strengthening existing bilateral agreements and expanding areas of cooperation.

Also speaking, the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Baba Ndace, praised the China Cultural Centre for its role in fostering closer ties between the two nations through cultural diplomacy.

Ndace highlighted the expanding partnership between VON and Chinese media and cultural institutions, noting that the collaboration recently resulted in the introduction of Mandarin-language programming on the national broadcaster. He said the initiative has contributed to improved communication and greater cultural awareness between Nigerians and the Chinese people.

The VON Director-General encouraged young people to embrace cultural diversity and learn from other traditions while maintaining pride in their own cultural identities. He further commended China’s success in preserving its heritage while harnessing technological innovation to engage new audiences.

Visitors to the exhibition explored a variety of traditional artworks and participated in interactive virtual reality sessions that offered a vivid glimpse into centuries of Chinese history and culture.

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.