The Director of the China Cultural Center in Nigeria (CCCN), Mr Yang Jianxing has reiterated the interest of the Chinese government to promoting cultural exchange with Nigeria, noting that the cultural fiesta organised in the country by China is aimed at achieving this.
Yang, the Director of CCCN, said this at the opening of the 12th China-Nigeria Culture Fiesta 2024 Dancing Competition hosted by the center in Abuja.
The cultural fiesta was organised by the FCT Secondary Education Board (SEB) in conjunction with the CCCN to enhance people to people communication with both countries (China and Nigeria)
Yang said that culture is the foundation of national development and the driving force of social progress, adding that China and Nigeria are cultural giants with a long history.
He also noted that the fiesta aims to build understanding of Chinese culture and people and to promote China-Nigeria friendship.
He said culture plays an important role in the historical process of national independence and revitalisation, adding that the China Embassy in Nigeria, and the Cultural Centre have been working with FCT Secondary Education to jointly hold China-Nigeria Cultural Fiesta.
On his part, the Director/Secretary FCT SEB, Dr Mohammed Ladan expressed his appreciation to the Cultural Counselor and the Chinese Embassy for sponsoring the event annually and providing prizes to the schools.
Ladan represented by Fatima Babba Director Co-curricular, said that the event has been going on annually for more than a decade.
“The event showcases Nigerian and Chinese Arts in the form of dances, thereby promoting cultural exchange between the duo and the 12 Chinese Corner Students.
“This annual event is significant to our schools because it provides an avenue for the students to socialise and at the same time earn very good prizes that have been helpful to the schools.
“Our collaboration has been of mutual benefit and we look forward to more beneficial cooperation,” Ladan said.
She said SEB would continue to promote Chinese Culture in FCT schools and Nigeria as a whole, thereby improving cultural exchange in the 51 years of uninterrupted diplomatic relations,” Babba said.
