By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
Students from the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, dazzled the audience with their skillful performance at the just-concluded 13th Edition of the China- Nigeria Cultural Festival, which was held in Abuja.
The annual event, organized by the Chinese Cultural Centre in collaboration with the FCT Secondary Education Board (SEB), showcased the rich cultural heritage of both countries through music, dance, and visual arts, while promoting mutual understanding and global friendship.
The 13th edition of the China–Nigeria Cultural Festival was a display of colour, cultural heritage, and creativity of life, in celebration of the enduring friendship between the Nigeria and China.two nations as students from Federal Capital Territory (FCT) schools dazzled with outstanding performances.
Speaking to journalists at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Social Development Secretariat, Ms. Olubunmi Olowookere, who represented the FCT Head of Service, Mrs. Nancy Nathan commended the sustainable cultural initiative in the past 13 years.
Nathan noted that the bilateral relations between China and Nigeria have continued to grow stronger through consistent cultural engagement and mutual respect.
In her goodwill remarks, the Permanent Secretary, FCT Education Secretariat, Mrs. Joy Okeke, who represented the Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, applauded the partnership for fostering cross-cultural understanding, creativity, and character building among FCT students.
She also appreciated the Chinese Cultural Centre for its continuous efforts in engaging young learners through programs that enrich their academic and cultural experiences.
Earlier, the Director/Secretary of the FCT Secondary Education Board, Dr. Mohammed Sani Ladan, described the event as another milestone in the celebration of cultural exchange and cooperation between Nigeria and China.
He stated that the fiesta provides a platform for students to exhibit their creativity and talents, thereby strengthening bonds of friendship and mutual understanding between both nations.
Dr. Ladan commended the cultural counselor, Mr. Yang Jianxing, and his team for their unwavering support and praised teachers and students for their dedication and active participation in extracurricular activities. He reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to sustaining bilateral relations through educational and cultural programs that positively impact students.
In his opening speech, Mr. Yang Jianxing, the cultural counselor and Director of the Chinese Cultural Centre, described the 2025 fiesta as a demonstration of shared values of peace, harmony, and creativity between China and Nigeria.
He expressed appreciation to participating students for their impressive performances and artworks, reaffirming China’s commitment to supporting youth development, education, and cultural exchange.
Teachers and students who participated described the event as a memorable and enriching experience that encourages artistic expression and deepens cross-cultural appreciation in a relaxed and friendly environment.
The fiesta featured two main categories of performances, which are Nigerian Dance and Chinese Dance, each showcasing the beauty and diversity of both cultures, with seven schools participating in the Nigerian Dance category while eight schools
participated Chinese Dance category.
The highlight of the event was the award presentation to the various winners in order of the 1st position in Nigerian Dance—Government Girls Secondary School, Dutse.
2nd position in Nigerian Dance was Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa. Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3 emerged 1st position in Chinese Dance with a gift of a refrigerator each.
2nd position went to
Government Day Secondary School, Dutse in Chinese Dance, with a generator as a gift. Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada, Wuse Zone 4, and
Government Secondary School, Nyanya clinched the 3rd positions in Nigerian Dance and Chinese Dance with Radio Gift, respectively.
In the Drawing Competition, students received cash prizes ranging from 50,000 to 200,000, recognizing their creativity and artistic excellence in interpreting the theme of China–Nigeria friendship.
