The National Sports Commission (NSC) has reiterated its commitment to using sports and cultural diplomacy as key drivers for youth engagement, international cooperation, and national development.
This position was disclosed in Abuja during a premium exhibition of traditional Chinese martial arts, themed “The Passion of Chinese Wushu: Martial Arts and Cultural Heritage.” The event was organized by the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre in Abuja to mark growing bilateral ties between both nations.
Speaking on behalf of the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, his Special Adviser (Legal) and former Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Musa Ahmadu, emphasized that relations between Nigeria and China extend far beyond infrastructure and trade figures.
”Sports speaks a powerful language. It crosses borders, bridges differences, and brings people together in a way that formal diplomacy sometimes cannot,” Ahmadu stated. “Through sports, nations build friendship, and through sports, cultures are accepted, understood, and respected.”
Ahmadu noted that the event aligns with the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which seeks to reposition the Nigerian sports sector around capacity building, knowledge exchange, and global exposure.
Expressing gratitude to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and the Academy for International Business Officials (AIBO) for recently training two Nigerian sports technical officials in China, Ahmadu formally requested further capacity-building programs.
He urged China to extend its support to key areas including sports administration, coaching development, infrastructure management, sports science, and traditional sports promotion.
In his remarks, the Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, highlighted the historical significance of the year, which marks a major milestone in China-Nigeria diplomatic relations.
Explaining the philosophy behind the sport, Yang clarified that Wushu is fundamentally about self-cultivation, discipline, and moral character rather than conflict.
”A set of martial arts is not about advocating fighting, but rather about stopping the move of fighting. Chinese martial arts reflect the philosophical wisdom of harmony between man and nature, and harmony in diversity,” Yang said.
He further noted that the Wushu exhibition kicks off a month-long series of cultural events at the center, which will include the “Chinese Language Bridge” competition, youth art exhibitions, and exchange programs designed to bring the younger generations of both nations closer together.
Also speaking at the event, the Director of Programmes for the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Abiodun Ogidan, commended the Chinese Embassy for its dedication to intercultural dialogue.
Ogidan highlighted the success of the ongoing media partnership between FRCN and the Chinese Embassy through the weekly broadcast of the Nao (Ni Hao) program. The show, which teaches Mandarin and explores Chinese culture, tourism, and innovations, is broadcast across FRCN’s vast network of over 47 stations and zonal channels nationwide.
”This partnership has provided an invaluable platform for showcasing China’s culture and achievements to Nigerians, while fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of the enduring friendship between the two countries,” Ogidan stated, reaffirming FRCN’s commitment to sustaining the collaborative broadcast.
The exhibition concluded with a call from all stakeholders to continually leverage culture, sports, and media to build a shared future and strengthen people-to-people connections between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China.