China, Nigeria deepen friendship through culture at mid-autumn festival celebration in Abuja
The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has reaffirmed that cultural exchange remains central to deepening China-Nigeria relations, describing it as a “vital bridge” for mutual understanding and cooperation.
Speaking at the 2025 Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration held on Thursday in Abuja, Ambassador Dunhai said the event provided a platform to celebrate friendship, shared values, and the spirit of togetherness that binds both nations.
“The Mid-Autumn Festival is not only about family reunion and happiness; it is also a heartfelt expression of our warmest wishes for the China-Nigeria friendship,” the envoy said.
The colourful event featured performances by visiting artists from Shenzhen, including traditional opera, dance, martial arts, acrobatics, and music inspired by classic Chinese poetry.
Top Nigerian officials, diplomats, and members of the cultural community attended the celebration, which highlighted both nations’ growing people-to-people ties.
Ambassador Dunhai noted that Shenzhen, home to the visiting performers symbolizes China’s transformation and creativity.
“From a small fishing village, Shenzhen has become a world-renowned metropolis with a GDP of over 500 billion USD. Yet, what makes Shenzhen unique is not only its technology and innovation, but also its vibrant cultural scene that blends tradition with creativity,” he said.
Reiterating the importance of cultural diplomacy, Dunhai added that friendship between nations grows stronger when built on people-to-people connection. “Friendship, which derives from close contact between peoples, holds the key to sound state-to-state relations,” he emphasized.
He extended warm wishes to both Chinese and Nigerian guests, expressing hope that “beyond the performances, they will take with them the spirit of reunion, harmony, and cooperation.”
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, commended the Chinese government for its sustained commitment to cultural partnership with Nigeria.
He described cultural exchange as a powerful instrument for diplomacy and mutual growth, noting that Nigeria and China share common values rooted in family, community, and thanksgiving.
“The Mid-Autumn Festival speaks of harvest, reunion, and blessings. These values are not foreign to us in Nigeria. This shared appreciation for life’s most precious gifts forms a powerful bridge between our peoples,” Muhammad said.
He also drew attention to the historic coincidence of both countries celebrating their National Days on October 1, describing it as a “symbol of aligned destinies and shared aspirations.”
“This synchronicity reminds us that though we are separated by geography, our aspirations for national pride, development, and progress are aligned,” he added.
Dr. Muhammad further highlighted Nigeria’s vibrant creative industries—film, music, fashion, and visual arts—as major contributors to global cultural engagement and diplomacy.
“The creative economy serves as a dynamic engine for engagement, showcasing the talent and spirit of our people to the world, including our friends in China,” he stated.
He called for deeper collaboration between the two countries beyond trade and infrastructure, urging more investments in cultural and human understanding.
“Let us toast to the harvest of our growing friendship, and may the bond between our two nations grow ever stronger,” he concluded.
The annual Mid-Autumn Festival, one of China’s most cherished traditional holidays, celebrates reunion, gratitude, and hope, values that resonated deeply in the spirit of the Abuja celebration, further cementing cultural ties between Nigeria and China.
