Raphael Oni
Nigeria – China relations is on the increase on daily basis. Despite the fact that it was a working day in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria, friends and well wishers gather as early in numbers to celebrate with the good people of China.
The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria hosted a vibrant Mid-Autumn Festival celebration at the China Cultural Center in Abuja, bringing together senior government officials, diplomats, cultural leaders, and members of the Nigerian and Chinese communities. The event featured captivating performances by top artists from the Shenzhen Opera & Dance Theatre, Shantou Acrobatic Troupe, and Shenzhen XingZhe Fusion Band.
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, emphasized the cultural significance of the Mid-Autumn Festival, symbolizing reunion, harmony, and blessings. He highlighted the shared values between China and Nigeria, noting that both countries celebrate harvests, family unity, and blessings. “The Mid-Autumn Festival embodies the spirit of reunion, harvest, and blessings. These values are not foreign to us in Nigeria. We, too, celebrate our harvests with joy and thanksgiving, and our cultures are replete with ceremonies that express blessings for one another,” he said.The Ambassador further commend the people to people relations between the two countries which has stand to fuel good relations. In his words, “”Friendship, which derives from close contact between peoples, holds the key to sound state-to-state relations,
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, praised the cultural showcase and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening ties with China through cultural diplomacy. He noted that the coincidence of both countries marking their National Days on October 1 is a powerful symbol of aligned aspirations for national pride, development, and progress.He said, “Let us toast to the harvest of our growing friendship, and may the bond between our two nations grow ever stronger,”
The celebration included traditional opera, dance, martial arts, acrobatics, and music inspired by classic Chinese poetry. Guests also explored a photo exhibition titled “The Charms of Shenzhen” at the Cultural Center’s Multi-Function Hall, offering insights into China’s modernization journey.
The Mid-Autumn Festival celebration served as a platform to reaffirm the deepening friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and China. Both nations emphasized the importance of cultural exchange in strengthening bilateral ties and promoting mutual understanding.
