By Othuke Evroh.
Radiant colours, pulsating beats and a shared atmosphere of cultural exchange rend the air as Chinese and Nigerians converged to celebrate their rich cultural heritage at the 2025 China-Nigeria Culture and Tourism Festival in Abuja.
Organized by the China Culture Centre in Abuja, African Fashion Festival Vogue and Chinese Tourism Promoters Initiative, on Saturday, August 16 and co-hosted by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Abuja and the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, the festival brought together creme de la cream of both countries.
The high point of the festival was the fashion shows of China and Nigeria, which saw both countries glamorously showcased its fashion endowments.
H.E. Zhou Hongyou, Deputy Ambassador of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria in his welcome message reiterated the significance of collaboration between Nigeria and China to building a prestigious and prosperous China-Nigeria community of shared future.
”China and Nigeria are both ancient civilizations with a profound historical and cultural heritage. China boosts over 5,000 years of history, 56 ethnic groups and numerous languages and dialects. Meanwhile, Nigeria is the cradle of Norco culture, traces 3,000 years of history, more than 250 ethnic groups and over 500 languages along with vibrant traditions and arts. I am sure working together, we will build a high-quality China-Nigeria community with a shared future”, he stated.
H.E. Zhou Hongyou noted that 2026 will mark China-Africa Year of Culture and People-to-People Exchange as more and more African friends are getting to know China.
”More and more African friends are getting to know China through platforms like the China Culture Centre, Confucius Institute, the Chinese Bridge Convention and China Chorus. At the same time, many young Chinese have fallen really in love with their warm and dynamic nations through work, study and travel here. Today we are top travel choices for each other”,
Also speaking at the event, H.E. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy noted that China and Nigeria have enjoyed deep and mutually beneficial cultural relations for over half a century that has resulted in job creation, social cohesion and the drive toward economic growth.
”China and Nigeria have shared deep and mutually beneficial relations in culture, trade, technology and education. Today’s festival deepen’s that bond, allowing our people to experience one another’s traditions, cuisines, music, fashion and artistic expressions”, he stated and continued.
”We are aware that culture, in its numerous forms, from traditional dances and music to contemporary art and fashion; serves as a powerful bridge, connecting people across geographical divides and fostering a deeper appreciation of our diverse heritage. As we look to the future, we envision more joint projects in areas such as, cultural heritage preservation, creative industry development and tourism promotion”.
”We believe that by working together, we can unlock the full potential of our cultural and tourism sectors, creating a bright future for both Nigeria and China”, he declared.
It is imperative to state that this festival does not only demonstrate the strong bond between Nigeria and China, but also re-emphasises the significance of cultural exchange and cooperation in endearing mutual heritage, understanding, respect, development and a shared future.
