The Counselor, Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, has reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting young Nigerians in learning the Chinese language and culture.
He said the initiative aims to cultivate their creativity and expression through artistic practice, and to nurture more outstanding talents with cross-cultural communication skills for mutual cooperation between China and Nigeria.
This was made known in Abuja, at the 13th China-Nigeria Culture Fiesta 2025 Dancing Competition and Award Ceremony for the “China-Nigeria Friendship” Drawing Competition.
The competition is aimed at showcasing the rich cultural heritage of both nations, providing a platform for students to exhibit their talents and creativity.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Jianxing, explained that “the event is not only a platform for promoting cultural exchange and friendship but also aligns with Nigeria’s educational philosophy of promoting campus cultural diversity and fostering the all-round development of students.”
“It is a vivid manifestation of the close cooperation between our two sides in the fields of culture and education.Culture is an essential nutrient for nurturing students’ minds and cultivating well-rounded personalities. While inheriting their own country’s excellent traditional culture, young people can broaden their horizons and understand the world by learning about and experiencing the cultures of other countries.
“This is of great significance for cultivating internationally-minded talent for your country’s development,” he said
The Envoy commended stakeholders for their efforts in fostering an international campus culture and promoting the all-round development of students.
Mr. Jianxing noted that these efforts have created favourable conditions for the cultural exchange activities of the “Chinese Corner,” enabling multicultural practices to take root in schools and benefit students.
“Based on this concept, we have been working with the Federal Capital Territory Secondary Education Board for over a decade to build the “Chinese Corner,” conducting Chinese language classes annually. Through art forms that young people enjoy, such as dance and painting, we aim to help more young people understand the Chinese language and culture, create a complementary relationship between multicultural exchange and the preservation of Nigeria local culture.
“This fosters more outstanding talents with cross-cultural communication skills for mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Nigeria,” he noted.
The Consular is optimistic that the Chinese Corner would contribute to growth and success of the teachers and the students in their studies, growing into warm-hearted, cultured, and responsible young people of the new era through participation in Sino-Nigerian cultural exchange and mutual learning.
Mr. Jianxing said; “We look forward to further deepening our cooperation with the Federal Capital Territory, especially the Secondary Education Board, and carrying out more diverse and enriching China-Nigeria cultural exchange activities through the “Chinese Corner.
“This will allow students to experience different art forms while strengthening their identification with their local cultures, and also enhance their ability to understand and learn about Chinese culture.”
He said; “We hope that the “Chinese Corner” can become a window for secondary school students in the Federal Capital Territory to broaden their international horizons to learn Chinese and Chinese culture well through the “Chinese Corner,” striving to study or work in China in the future, and making greater contributions to the joint efforts of China and Nigeria in advancing modernisation.
The Director/ Secretary FCT Secondary Education Board, Dr. Mohammed Ladan said that the competition is an avenue for the celebration of cultural exchange and cooperation between the two nations.
He therefore commended the Chinese people for their support in promoting language and cultural exchange.
” Over the years, this fiesta has become a cherished tradition, fostering global understanding, mutual respect and lifelong friendships. I extend my gratitude to our Chinese partners for their continued collaboration and support especially Mr. Yan, the head of the cultural department. I commend our students, teachers and organizers for their hard work and dedication. Let the rhythm of Nigeria and China blend in perfect harmony as we celebrate cultural diversity and excellence,” he stressed.
Winners of the Chinese Dance Competition were: Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, came first , Government Secondary School, Dutse, went away with second position while Government Secondary School Nyanya, took third position.
In the Nigerian Dance, the winners include: Government Secondary School Dutse took first position with the Hausa dance, Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa, took second position with Fulani dance.
While Government Secondary School, Tudun wada emerged third position with Tiv dance.
The event was organised by the China Cultural Center in Nigeria.
Lateefah Ibrahim