Abuja: Mr Yang Jianxing, Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria (CCCN), states that culture and creativity are not just expressions of identity—they are strategic assets for national development, says the Chinese Envoy to Nigeria.
Yang made this statement at the 13th China-Nigeria Culture Fiesta 2025 Dancing Competition and award ceremony, titled “China-Nigeria Friendship,” on Saturday in Abuja.
According to him, the event aims to promote cultural exchange between China and Nigeria.
Organised by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the Secondary Education Board (SEB), this event aims to enhance people-to-people communication between the two countries through this fiesta.
Yang also highlighted the significance of the event in fostering cultural exchange and nurturing internationally-minded students.
“This event is not only a platform for promoting friendship between China and Nigeria, but also a vivid demonstration of the close cooperation between our two countries in culture and education,” he said.
He also emphasised the importance of cultural education in shaping young minds and broadening horizons.
“Culture is the foundation of national development and the driving force of social progress. China and Nigeria are cultural giants with a long history.
“This fiesta aims to enable people to understand Chinese culture and its people to promote China-Nigeria friendship,” the envoy said.
He added that culture had played an essential role in the historical process of the two countries’ national independence and revitalisation.
Yang commended the students for their dedication to mastering dance routines and creating imaginative artworks.
The envoy noted that the heart and passion behind each performance were as important as their technical skills.
“When the music starts and you begin to dance, you are not just showing technique, but also your understanding and love for the cultures of both countries,” he said.
The drawing competition showcased a wide array of creative expressions, from contemporary cartoon illustrations to artistic depictions of China-Nigeria friendship.
Yang praised the youthful imagination on display, noting that even minor imperfections reflected the students’ pure and heartfelt vision for the future.
He added that the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the Cultural Centre had been collaborating with the FCT SEB to host the annual China-Nigeria Cultural Fiesta jointly.
Dr Mohammed Ladan, Director/Secretary, FCT SEB, expressed his appreciation to the Cultural Counsellor and the Chinese Embassy for sponsoring the event annually and providing prizes to the schools.
Ladan stated that the event had been held annually for over a decade.
“The event showcases Nigerian and Chinese arts in the form of dances, thereby promoting cultural exchange between the duo and the 12 Chinese Corner Students.
“Our collaboration has been of mutual benefit and we look forward to more beneficial cooperation,” he said.
Ladan also stated that the SEB would continue to promote Chinese culture in FCT schools and throughout Nigeria as a whole, aiming to enhance cultural exchange in Nigeria, marking 51 years of uninterrupted diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The highlight of the event was the dancing competition among 12 public secondary schools in Abuja.
This was divided into two main categories: the Chinese dance and the Nigerian dance.
Cash prizes, ranging from N200,000 to N50,000, were awarded to various winners of the drawing competition.