Abuja Hosts “Seasonal Life & Harmonious China” Exhibition Marking 55 Years of Bilateral Relations
The China Cultural Center in Abuja over the weekend served as the venue for the “Seasonal Life & Harmonious China” cultural exhibition, bringing together officials and diplomats from both nations to celebrate cultural heritage and expand technical cooperation.
The event is taking place during the “China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges” as well as coincided with the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria, and the 105th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
Delivering the opening address, Yang Jianxing, Director of the China Cultural Center in Nigeria, highlighted the “Twenty-Four Solar Terms” a UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage element as a core aspect of traditional Chinese philosophy that emphasizes living in harmony with nature.
This is a concept he noted aligns closely with Nigerian community and environmental values.
Yang reaffirmed the commitment of the Chinese Embassy and Cultural Center to serve as a bridge between both nations by organizing future language classes, artistic performances, and youth exchanges in line with the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit.
In his speech, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammed, Permanent Secretary of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, extended felicitations to the CPC on its anniversary and noted that bilateral relations are broadening into key scientific and agricultural sectors.
Dr. Muhammed shared key takeaways from a recent technical visit to the Yangling High-tech Agricultural Demonstration Zone in Shaanxi Province, China, where he observed advanced soil monitoring and water-saving irrigation systems.
He indicated that these methods could offer valuable solutions for combating land degradation in Northern Nigeria and the Lake Chad region.
Highlighting economic cooperation, Dr. Muhammed addressed China’s zero-tariff policy implemented in May for 53 African nations, noting its potential to boost market access for Nigerian agricultural exports such as sesame, ginger, cashew nuts, and cocoa.
To meet the quality and supply chain standards required by the Chinese market, Dr. Muhammed outlined targeted areas for joint research and technological collaboration between the two countries, including:
Post-Harvest Loss Reduction: Partnering with Chinese research institutes to develop solar-powered cold storage facilities.
Agro-Processing Technology: Facilitating technology transfer for processing raw commodities like cassava, shea butter, and cashew nuts into finished goods.
Scientific Exchange: Expanding STEM training and university scholarships for Nigerian scientists, with a focus on sustainable agriculture and water management.
The ceremony concluded with both speakers reaffirming their commitment to sustained strategic partnerships, cultural exchange, and technological development between China and Nigeria.
