The 13th China–Nigeria Culture Fiesta was held on Saturday at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja, as students from Chinese Corner Schools across the Federal Capital Territory showcased their talents in dance, drawing, and cultural expression.
The annual event, jointly organised by the China Cultural Centre and the FCT Secondary Education Board, featured competitions in both Nigerian and Chinese dance categories, as well as the award ceremony “China–Nigeria Friendship” Drawing Competition. The celebration highlighted the growing cultural exchange and educational collaboration between China and Nigeria.
After a series of captivating performances, Government Secondary School (GSS) Dutse Alhaji clinched first place in the Nigerian dance segment, followed by GSS Gwarinpa and GSS Tudun Wada, which came second and third respectively.
In the Chinese dance category, GSS Wuse 3 took the top spot, while GDSS Dutse and GSS Nyanya placed second and third.
In the drawing competition, Uko Gabriel Francis from GSS Apo won the grand prize of ₦200,000. Ayis Joseph of GSS Gwarinpa and Courage George from Rahama School took second place, winning ₦150,000 each, while Evidence Peter (Rahama School), Ogbu Chidera Destiny (GSS Jabi), and Oludosun Abraham (GSS Tudun Wada) shared the third-place prize of ₦100,000 each.
Winners in the dance categories received valuable gift items such as generator sets, refrigerators, and sound systems, while other participants were presented with consolation prizes in recognition of their efforts.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Yang Jianxing, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of the China Cultural Centre, described the fiesta as a vibrant example of the deepening cooperation between China and Nigeria in culture and education.
He said the competition reflects China’s commitment to supporting creativity and cross-cultural understanding among young Nigerians.
“Culture is an essential nutrient for nurturing students’ minds and cultivating well-rounded personalities. Through art forms such as dance and painting, we hope to help young people better understand Chinese language and culture while promoting Nigeria’s own rich traditions,” he said.
Yang commended the FCT Secondary Education Board and the Chinese Corner Schools for their dedication to promoting cultural diversity and for helping students develop global perspectives through education.
Looking ahead, he noted that 2026 will be observed as the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchange, adding that China is ready to strengthen cooperation with Nigerian education authorities to further expand cultural and academic exchange programmes.
He encouraged students to make the most of the “Chinese Corner” initiative as a platform to explore language learning, cultural awareness, and future career opportunities that contribute to both countries’ shared development goals.
Earlier in his remarks, Mohammed Sani Ladan, Director of the FCT Secondary Education Board, commended the China Cultural Centre for its continued collaboration, noting that the fiesta provides an important platform for students to celebrate creativity and cultural identity.
“This event showcases the rich heritage of both nations and reinforces the power of culture as a bridge of friendship,” Ladan said.
The China–Nigeria Culture Fiesta, now in its 13th year, continues to serve as a cornerstone for promoting mutual understanding, artistic expression, and people-to-people friendship between the two nations.
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