The Director of the China Cultural Centre (CCC) in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, has called for the use of culture and art to celebrate the enduring friendship between the Chinese and Nigerian peoples. He made this call at an event titled ‘Shared Moon，Shared Moment，Meet in Africa – Hunan Culture and Tourism in Nigeria’ organised by the CCC in Abuja. Yang emphasized the importance of culture and art in strengthening emotional bonds between nations.
Yang Jianxing also serves as the Cultural Counselor of the Embassy of China in Nigeria. He noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Civilization Initiative, which encourages countries to respect diversity and strengthen exchanges among civilizations. According to Yang, culture and art know no borders, and can bring people together across mountains and oceans.
The event showcased Hunan's rich cultural heritage, with Yang describing Hunan as a province known for its love of spicy food, warm people, and strong spirit of optimism and perseverance. He invited Nigerian friends to visit Hunan and experience its cultural heritage, hospitality, and friendship. Yang emphasized that such exchanges can strengthen ties between Hunan and Nigeria.
Yang's call for cultural exchange comes as China and Nigeria celebrate 55 years of diplomatic relations and the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. He urged Nigerians and Chinese to continue using culture and art to celebrate their friendship and strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership. This partnership aims to benefit both nations and the world.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Abdulkarim Ozi, welcomed the Chinese guests and Hunan province delegation to Nigeria. Ozi expressed delight in being part of the cultural exchange programme, which he said captures the spirit of friendship and mutual understanding between the two nations.
Ozi highlighted the unique ability of culture to bring people together, transcend language and geography, and allow nations to discover shared humanity. He praised the Hunan artists and cultural practitioners for sharing their rich cultural heritage with Nigeria. Ozi emphasized that cultural cooperation between Nigeria and China can continue to evolve and inspire creativity.
The cultural exchange programme included performances such as song, dance, theatre, acrobatics, and shadow art. These events celebrated Nigeria-China friendship, cultural diversity, and people-to-people exchange. The programme demonstrated the potential for culture and art to build bridges between communities and nations.
Key points
- Yang Jianxing advocates using culture and art to strengthen China-Nigeria ties
- China and Nigeria celebrate 55 years of diplomatic relations and the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges
- The cultural exchange programme aims to promote mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese and Nigerian peoples
