Nigeria and China have reaffirmed their commitment to stronger cultural ties at the 2025 China-Nigeria Culture and Tourism Festival in Abuja.
Speaking at the 2025 China-Nigeria Culture and Tourism Festival held on Saturday in Abuja, the Deputy Ambassador of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Zhou Hongyou, emphasized the importance of cultural exchanges in strengthening bilateral ties.
Zhou noted that China, with over 5,000 years of history and 56 ethnic groups, has a rich and diverse cultural heritage. He described cultural interaction with Nigeria as a reflection of people-to-people connections that enrich both societies. He also commended Nigerian performances, describing them as “incredible” and full of cultural depth.
Also addressing the gathering, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, praised the efforts of the China Culture Centre in Nigeria, African Fashion Festival Vogue, and Chinese Tourism Promoters for their role in organizing the festival.
Muhammad described such events as vital platforms for cultural diplomacy, creative exchange, and mutual understanding. “Festivals such as this are not just moments of entertainment; they are platforms for cultural diplomacy, creative exchange, and mutual understanding between nations,” he said.
He added that cultural and tourism initiatives play a significant role in economic growth, job creation, and social cohesion, stressing his ministry’s commitment to leveraging them as drivers of sustainable development.
“We envision more joint projects in areas such as cultural heritage preservation, creative industry development, and tourism promotion,” Muhammad said, reaffirming the ministry’s dedication to strengthening cultural diplomacy and fostering partnerships between Nigeria and China.
The 2025 China-Nigeria Culture and Tourism Festival featured traditional music, dance, fashion, cuisines, and artistic performances from both countries, showcasing their shared values and deepening cultural bonds.
