Michael Onjewu, Abuja
Zheng Xiaopeng, CEO/Publisher of Africa China News (ACN), has emphasized the importance of culture in fostering mutual understanding, cooperation, and development between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China.
Speaking at a seminar on civilization exchange and mutual learning held at the University of Abuja on Friday, Zheng Xiaopeng expressed commitment in using his platforms to promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding between both countries.
Highlighting the rich history of both nations, Xiaopeng noted that both civilizations have existed for thousands of years, with China’s spanning over 5,000 years and Nigeria’s over 3,000 years.
He drew attention to the striking parallels between the two cultures, including the significance of rivers, such as the Niger and Benue in Nigeria, and the Yellow and Changjiang in China, which serve as lifebloods for their respective nations. He also pointed out the diversity of tribes in both countries, with China having 56 tribes and Nigeria boasting over 250.
The Publisher also explored the commonalities in traditional practices, such as the use of drums for communication and celebration, and the resemblance between the regalia of Chinese emperors and the attire of Nigerian chiefs and traditional rulers. Furthermore, Xiaopeng highlighted the similarities in the business acumen and work ethic of the Igbo tribe in Nigeria and the Wenzhou people in China.
Xiaopeng’s speech also touched on the culinary delights shared by both cultures, with Nigerian dishes like “fufu” and “banga” soup bearing resemblance to Chinese counterparts like “doufu” and “Suan Chai yu”. These similarities, according to Xiaopeng, serve as a reminder to the shared human experiences and richness of the collective heritage of both nations.
“Culture is something that makes us happy, it makes us love each other, it makes us work together and enhances our mutual understanding, cooperation, development and peaceful mind,” he said.
Other speakers emphasized the importance of mutual exchange in promoting harmony between nations.
Organized by Raphael Oni in collaboration with Tsinghua University’s School of Journalism and Communication and the University of Abuja’s Department of Political Science and International Relations, the seminar was attended by notable personalities including Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, Mallam Jibrin Ndace, Director General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Professor Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, Professor Zhao Yuezhi, academic scholars, researchers, members of the diplomatic community, and students from both countries.
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