Women from China and Nigeria gathered in Abuja on Tuesday for the China–Nigeria Women’s Carnival, celebrating the Lantern Festival with a colourful showcase of culture, unity and women’s empowerment.
The event brought together government officials, diplomats, cultural enthusiasts and women leaders in a vibrant showcase of Chinese and Nigerian traditions, underscoring the enduring friendship between the two countries.
In his opening remarks, the Counselor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Mr. Yang Jianxing, welcomed guests and expressed appreciation for the strong participation of women at this year’s celebration.
He noted that the theme of the carnival, which focused on women, highlights their invaluable contributions to the Nigeria and China relationship.
“As the theme of this year focuses on women, I thank you for celebrating and supporting women to achieve success. The impact of women in the Nigeria, China relationship cannot be overemphasised.
We will continue to celebrate and support them to actualise their dreams,” he said.
Mr. Yang further stressed the importance of people to people diplomacy in strengthening bilateral ties, adding that women play a critical role in driving innovation, entrepreneurship and community development in both countries.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale, commended the organisers for prioritising women in this year’s celebration.
He emphasised the need to continue supporting women’s advancement and protecting their rights, noting that women remain central to national development and global progress.
The Lantern Festival, observed on the 15th day of the first lunar month, traditionally marks the end of Chinese New Year celebrations. This year’s edition carried added significance as women from Nigeria and China leveraged the occasion to strengthen cultural and economic ties.
The carnival featured captivating performances, including traditional Nigerian songs, sax rhythms, poetry recitations and contemporary cultural displays. Participants appeared in elegant and colourful Ankara attire, symbolising unity in diversity.
Exhibitions at the venue showcased traditional crafts, lantern art and a variety of culinary delicacies from both cultures, drawing admiration from attendees.
Many participants described the event as a celebration of shared aspirations and mutual respect. The China and Nigeria Women’s Carnival is part of ongoing cultural diplomacy initiatives aimed at fostering stronger bilateral relations while promoting women as key drivers of sustainable development.