By Michael Onjewu, Abuja
The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria on Saturday hosted a Temple Fair to celebrate the 2025 Chinese Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival.
This event marks the beginning of the “Year of the Snake” and was organized in collaboration with the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism and Nigeria’s Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy.
Held at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja, the celebration attracted a diverse audience, including Chinese and Nigerian nationals, officials from both the Chinese embassy and the Nigerian government, members of the diplomatic community, and representatives from various Chinese enterprises operating in Nigeria.
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai said the Year of the Snake holds special significance in Chinese culture, symbolizing happiness and prosperity. He expressed hope that the year would foster peace and prosperity for both the Chinese and Nigerian peoples.
The Chinese envoy stated that China looks forward to strengthening bilateral ties with Nigeria in 2025 following the elevation of relations into a comprehensive strategic partnership.
He noted that the trade volume between Nigeria and China exceeded $20 billion last year, with Nigeria being China’s largest engineering contract partner, second-largest exporting market, and third-largest trade partner in Africa.
“We aim to work with Nigeria to further increase our trade volume, as we see significant potential. Nigeria is a major African country with global influence and is now a partner country of BRICS,” Yu said.
He expressed optimism about future collaborations, particularly in implementing the 10 Action Partnerships established during the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation.
In his remarks, Oraeluno Obi Raphael, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s commitment to promoting and strengthening the bilateral cultural ties between Nigeria and China.
While congratulating China on the occasion of the 2025 Lunar New Year, he stressed that the ministry is dedicated to implementing policies and programmes that foster cultural exchange, support artistic collaborations and enhance Tourism opportunities between both countries.
The celebration featured a vibrant showcase of cultural performances, musical acts, and traditional Chinese delicacies. Attendees were treated to mesmerizing musical performances from both countries, engaging games, and the exchange of symbolic gifts, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of both nations. The event also included a seminar on the tourism potential of Beijing.
In December 2024, UNESCO recognized the Spring Festival as part of the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
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