Sources Xinhua

ABUJA, Feb. 8 – The Chinese community in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, joined Nigerian partners on Saturday to host a vibrant cultural festival marking the 2026 Spring Festival and the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria.
Held at the China Cultural Center in Abuja, the event featured traditional Chinese Wushu performances alongside Nigerian cultural exhibitions, highlighting the rich heritage of both nations. The celebration also served as a prominent launch of the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, drawing hundreds of guests who enjoyed a lively blend of Chinese and Nigerian traditions.
In his keynote address, Zhou Hongyou, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, described the 55-year relationship as a model of South-South cooperation that has evolved beyond trade to encompass broader strategic collaboration. Referring to the Year of the Horse in the 2026 Chinese lunar calendar, Zhou noted that the horse symbolizes perseverance, unity, and innovation in Chinese culture—qualities that also resonate with Nigeria, where the horse appears on the national Coat of Arms.
Zhou highlighted expanding economic ties, including ongoing consultations on zero-tariff measures and the launch of the “Ni Hao! China” radio program to deepen cultural understanding.
Joseph Tegbe, Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, commended bilateral achievements, particularly in infrastructure and agriculture. He cited the one-billion-dollar National Integrated Poultry Project, inspired by Chinese models, as a transformative initiative supporting food security, employment, and economic opportunity. He also expressed optimism about renewed cooperation on the Ajaokuta Steel Complex.
The festival concluded with interactive cultural exchanges, underscoring a shared commitment to industrialization, agricultural modernization, and talent development for mutual benefit.