The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, on Saturday celebrated the 2025 China–Nigeria Culture and Tourism Festival in Abuja.
Organized by the China Cultural Center in collaboration with the African Fashion Festival Vogue and the Chinese Tourism Promoters Initiative, the event featured music, dance, fashion, art exhibitions, and culinary displays that showcased the best of both nations’ heritage.
In his welcome remarks, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Yu Dunhai, represented by his deputy, Zhou Hongyou, highlighted the deep historical roots that unite the two civilisations.
“China and Nigeria are both ancient civilisations with profound historical and cultural heritage,” Zhou said.
“From the Great Wall to the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, from Mount Tai to Zuma Rock, our world-class cultural and natural landmarks have become vital bridges connecting our peoples and deepening our friendship.”
He added that cultural and tourism exchanges have grown rapidly, with more Nigerians visiting China and vice versa.
“As Chinese President Xi Jinping said, exchanges and mutual learning make civilizations richer and more colorful. That is exactly what today’s festival is all about,” Zhou noted.
On his part, Mr Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, described the festival as more than entertainment, but as a platform for diplomacy and economic growth.
“For over half a century, China and Nigeria have shared deep and mutually beneficial relations in culture, trade, technology, and education,” Muhammad said.
“Today’s festival deepens that bond, allowing our people to experience one another’s traditions, cuisines, music, fashion, and artistic expressions.”
He stressed that the creative economy and tourism sector hold vast potential.
“We believe cultural exchange is not merely about entertainment; it is about building bridges of understanding, fostering respect, and creating opportunities for economic prosperity,” he added.
Also speaking, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, represented by Amb. Bolaji Akinremi, emphasized that cultural exchange remains a unifying force.
“The Nigeria-China Culture and Tourism Festival offers a unique opportunity to appreciate one another’s values, traditions, and creativity,” Tuggar said.
“Our histories, languages, and heritage may differ, but cultural exchange binds people together, fosters mutual respect, and enriches our societies.”
He noted that Nigeria’s cultural landscape, from the Argungu International Fishing Festival to the Ofala Festival, stands among Africa’s richest, just as China’s millennia-old traditions continue to inspire the world.
The festival featured vibrant displays of Chinese embroidery, porcelain, and performances alongside Nigerian beadwork, woodcarvings, and fashion parade and traditional dances from both countries, symbolising the shared values of diversity, inclusiveness, and creativity.
Diplomats from Cuba, Tunisia, Malaysia, Vietnam, the United States, Japan, and South Korea were also present.
