China has shown keen interest in deepening its partnership with Nigeria across areas like culture, tourism, education, and the creative economy.
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, made this known during the weekend at a celebration held to mark United Nations International Tea Day.
The event titled “Tea for Harmony – Yaji Cultural Salon” brought together dignitaries and longtime allies of both nations.
Guests were treated to captivating cultural showcases, which included performances like Yue Opera and pipa music by Chinese performers, along with engaging calligraphy and painting demonstrations.
This gathering served as a reflection of how Chinese tea traditions can serve as a bridge between the two cultures, while also noting the recent uptick in tea trade—especially the introduction of Hainan Baisha tea into Nigeria in 2024.
Ambassador Yu noted that the upcoming year has been designated as the ‘China-Africa Year of Cultural Exchange.’
He stated: “The Embassy will always be committed to strengthening exchanges and cooperation in culture, tourism, education, creative economy and other fields to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.”
Yu further emphasized the evolving cultural relationship between both countries, noting its role in encouraging civilizational dialogue and fostering emotional bonds.
He remarked: “Last year, the two heads of state met in Beijing and jointly agreed to upgrade bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, opening a new chapter in bilateral relations.
“We are now implementing the three-year (2025-2027) ‘Ten Partnership Actions for Modernization to deepen China-Africa Cooperation’ with Nigeria and fellow 52 African countries. And cultural exchange is a very important part of this initiative.
“The year 2026 is the ‘China-Africa Year of Cultural and People-to-People Exchange’, and China-Nigeria cultural exchanges shoulder the important historical mission of promoting mutual learning between civilizations and connecting hearts and minds of the two countries.
“President Xi Jinping emphasized, exchanges and Mutual Learning Make Civilizations Richer and More Colorful.”
Yu also applauded the strengthening of joint efforts in sectors like education, creative arts, and tourism.
He noted: “Nigerian students learn tea art and opera in China and showcase Nigerian music and dance culture in China; Chinese volunteers promote Chinese language and tea culture in Nigeria and learn local languages and cultures; from the historical legacy of the ‘Ten-Thousand-Mile Tea Route’ to the future vision of the ‘Digital Silk Road’, culture has always served as the bond connecting the peoples of China and Nigeria.”
He described tea as a profound representation of goodwill and cultural understanding.
“China and Nigeria have many common cultural values, and tea represents harmony, connection, and respect.
“This platform allows us to interact more deeply with the Nigerian people, exchanging not just beverages, but values and ideas,” he said.
Yu also reaffirmed China’s intention to collaborate with Nigeria in areas such as agricultural value chains, tea commerce, agro-processing, and initiatives in cultural tourism.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the House Committee on Culture and Creative Economy threw his weight behind proposals that not only preserve cultural heritage but also recognize its economic potential.
“This event is an eye-opener. We must put in place laws that strengthen cultural identity and also position culture as an economic driver,” he stated, stressing the importance of media in promoting and exporting Nigeria’s cultural wealth to the global stage.
During the event, Dr. Muhktar Mohamm, Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy, highlighted Nigeria’s openness to capitalizing on the economic prospects presented by tea-related creative ventures.
Mohammed said: “We are supporting creative industries centered around tea. By promoting festivals and developing tea-themed tourism, Nigeria can tap into the global tea economy while preserving local culture.”
Ms. Olubunmi Olowookere, Permanent Secretary of the FCT Social Development Secretariat, described tea as “a symbol of peace and patience,” emphasizing its role in transcending boundaries and bringing communities together.
Representing the Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Alhaji Suleiman Musa echoed the importance of the gathering as a window to showcase local heritage to an international audience.
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