Nigeria and China have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in culture, media, science and technology, with officials from both countries highlighting dialogue, mutual respect and people-to-people exchanges as vital tools for strengthening bilateral relations and promoting global understanding.
The renewed commitment was underscored on Wednesday in Abuja during the celebration of the International Day for Dialogue of Civilisations and the opening of the exhibition, Fan, Charm and Ink Fragrance: The Cultural Resonance of Traditional Calligraphy and Tang Dynasty Virtual Reality, organised by the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria.
The event attracted diplomats, government officials, media executives, academics, students and cultural enthusiasts, providing a platform to showcase how cultural heritage and modern technology can be integrated to foster cross-cultural understanding and international cooperation.
Speaking at the ceremony, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, described the exhibition as a vivid demonstration of how traditional culture can be preserved and promoted through technological innovation.
He explained that the exhibition combines traditional Chinese calligraphy, painting and seal carving with immersive virtual reality experiences, enabling visitors to engage directly with elements of China’s rich cultural heritage.
According to Yang, the exhibition features works by young artists from leading Chinese institutions, including the China Academy of Art and the Central Academy of Fine Arts, while the virtual reality segment transports visitors into the world of classical Chinese poetry and literature through interactive digital technology.
He noted that the initiative forms part of efforts to strengthen cultural exchange and mutual learning between Nigeria and China as both countries commemorate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
Yang also highlighted recent measures aimed at expanding China-Africa cooperation, including Beijing’s implementation of zero-tariff policies for 53 African countries with diplomatic relations with China, among them Nigeria.
He stressed that dialogue among civilisations has become increasingly important in a world confronted by rising divisions, conflicts and mistrust, adding that cultural engagement remains one of the most effective instruments for promoting peace, understanding and cooperation.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Muktar Yawale Muhammad, described Nigeria-China relations as a strategic partnership that extends beyond cultural exchanges to encompass innovation, scientific research and technological development.
He said Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous nation, stands to gain significantly from deeper collaboration with China in sectors capable of driving economic growth, technological advancement and improved living standards.
Muhammad noted that existing agreements and memoranda of understanding between the two countries provide a strong framework for expanding cooperation in research, innovation and technology transfer.
He urged stakeholders to view the International Day for Dialogue of Civilisations not merely as a symbolic observance but as an opportunity to translate bilateral agreements into practical outcomes that benefit citizens of both nations.
The Permanent Secretary also commended the exhibition’s focus on traditional Chinese calligraphy, describing it as a valuable opportunity for Nigerians to gain deeper appreciation of one of China’s most celebrated cultural traditions while strengthening mutual understanding between the two countries.
In his remarks, Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Baba Ndace, highlighted the growing importance of media cooperation in advancing Nigeria-China relations.
He disclosed that VON has commenced Mandarin-language broadcasting following collaboration with Chinese partners, describing the development as a significant milestone in bilateral media relations.
According to him, the addition of Mandarin has expanded the broadcaster’s language services to nine, reflecting growing institutional partnerships between Voice of Nigeria and Chinese media organisations facilitated through the China Cultural Centre and other stakeholders.
Ndace emphasized that cultural dialogue remains indispensable in an increasingly interconnected world, noting that societies can embrace technological advancement and modernity without abandoning their cultural identity and traditions.
Drawing lessons from China’s development trajectory, he observed that the country has successfully combined rapid technological progress with the preservation of its cultural heritage, demonstrating that development and cultural preservation can coexist.
He urged Nigerians, particularly younger generations, to appreciate cultural diversity and respect differences in language, religion and traditions, stressing that peaceful coexistence depends on mutual understanding and respect.
Ndace further noted that the exhibition’s integration of traditional calligraphy with virtual reality technology illustrates how innovation can serve as a tool for preserving and promoting cultural heritage rather than replacing it.
Speakers at the event consistently underscored the importance of dialogue as a foundation for stronger international cooperation, peaceful coexistence and sustainable development.
They argued that amid rapid technological change and increasing global uncertainty, cultural diplomacy remains an essential mechanism for building trust, fostering understanding and strengthening relations among nations.
The exhibition, which runs until July 10 at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja, offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience traditional Chinese art alongside cutting-edge virtual reality technology, reflecting a broader vision of cultural exchange that bridges history, innovation and international friendship.
As Nigeria and China celebrate more than five decades of diplomatic relations, officials expressed optimism that expanding collaboration in culture, media, science and innovation will further strengthen the enduring partnership between Africa’s largest nation and the world’s second-largest economy.
