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From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Director of the China Cultural Centre (CCC) in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, has advocated the use of culture and art as a medium to celebrate the rock-solid and enduring friendship between the Chinese and Nigerian peoples.
Yang who doubles as the Cultural Counselor of the Embassy of China in Nigeria, also called for the use of culture and art to further strengthen the emotional bonds of mutual understanding and affinity within the China-Nigeria comprehensive strategic partnership, a partnership he said, designed to benefit the people of both nations and the world at large.
Yang made the call at an event titled ‘Shared Moon，Shared Moment，Meet in Africa – Hunan Culture and Tourism in Nigeria’ organised by the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria in Abuja.
He said Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Civilization Initiative, calling on countries to respect the diversity of civilizations and strengthen exchanges and mutual learning among them.
Yang also said culture and art knew no borders, saying that a song, a dance or a sincere gathering can cross mountains and oceans and touch people’s hearts.
He explained that Hunan is a province known for its love of spicy food, its warm and straightforward people, and a strong spirit of optimism, perseverance and determination, adding that Hunan people have a remarkable tradition of working hard, overcoming challenges and striving for a better future.
Yang called on Nigerian friends to visit Hunan, to experience its rich cultural heritage, and to discover the warmth, hospitality and friendship of the Hunan people.
“We hope that such exchanges will further strengthen the friendly ties between Hunan and Nigeria, particularly between Hunan and Abuja.
“This year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria, and it is also the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
“Let us continue to use culture and art as a medium to celebrate the rock-solid and enduring friendship between the Chinese and Nigerian peoples, and to further strengthen the emotional bonds of mutual understanding and affinity within the China-Nigeria comprehensive strategic partnership—a partnership designed to benefit the people of both nations and the world at large,” Yang said.
Yang further called for a continuous building of bridges through culture and friendship through art, bringing both peoples even closer together and contributing to the deepening of the China-Nigeria comprehensive strategic partnership.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Abdulkarim Ozi, welcomed Chinese guests and the delegation from Hunan province to Nigeria.
Ozi who was represented by his Special Assistant, Musa Alhamdu, said the ministry was delighted to be part of the significant cultural exchange programme.
“The team beautifully captures the spirit of friendship, shared humanity and mutual understanding that connects our two great nations. Culture has a unique ability to bring people together. It translates language, geography and differences, allowing us to discover what we share as human beings.
“Through music, dance, theatre, acrobatics, puppetry, traditional arts and other creative expression, we are able to tell our stories, preserve our heritage and build bridges between communities and nations. Today’s programme is there for much more than a performance. It is a celebration of Nigeria-China friendship, cultural diversity, mutual respect and people-to-people exchange.
“We are particularly pleased to welcome the distinguished artists and cultural practitioners from Hunan province whose rich programme of song, dance, theatre, acrobatic arts and shadow art represent an important dimension of Chinese remarkable cultural heritage. The participation of institutions dedicated to the protection, preservation, inheritance and promotion of traditional cultural expression is especially commendable. It reminds us that while culture belongs to the past, it must also be preserved and transmitted to future generations so that it can continue to inspire creativity and innovation.
“Nigeria, like China, is a nation of extraordinary cultural diversity and deep-rooted tradition from our indigenous music, dance, theatre to our visual arts, festivals, crafts, fashion, film, literature and contemporary creative industries. Nigeria possesses a cultural heritage that continues to evolve while remaining firmly connected to its history. This provides a strong foundation for sustained cultural cooperation between Nigeria and China,” Ozi said.
