Nigeria-China Cultural Diplomacy Gains Momentum Ahead of Gala Night
As preparations heat up for the highly anticipated Nigeria-China Cultural Gala Night on December 21st, 2024, at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja – Nigeria, key diplomatic strides are being made to strengthen ties between the two Nations.
The Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Mr. Yang Jinxing, who also serves as the Cultural Counselor at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, led a delegation on a visit to Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu, the member Representing Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency in Taraba State and Chairman, House Committee on Nigeria-China Relations.
The meeting, described as a pivotal step in fostering cultural and economic cooperation, highlighted initiatives to deepen cultural diplomacy, Education, creative empowerment, and bilateral partnerships. Mr. Yang, who recently assumed office after his transfer from China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, reaffirmed his commitment to promoting cultural, tourism, and educational exchanges. He emphasized alignment with the Beijing Action Plan while applauding Hon. Yakubu’s efforts in strengthening Nigeria-China relations.
During the visit, Mr. Yang outlined significant accomplishments since his arrival, including successful events like the Nigeria-China Table Tennis and Dance Competitions, English and Speech Contests, and cultural exchange programs. He stressed his focus on expanding these initiatives to further enrich the cultural dynamics between the two nations.
He commended President Bola Tinubu’s cultural renaissance agenda, as a step in the right direction. Mr. Yang formally invited Hon. Yakubu to the upcoming Nigeria-China Cultural Gala Night where they hope to co-host with the Drum Majors For Peace with the aim of celebrating shared values and solidify bonds in tourism, culture, and education.
Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu expressed delight in receiving the august visitor as timely.
He highlighted the roles of the standing House Committee on Nigeria-China Relations established by the Speaker His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, to include but not limited to balancing trade deficits and facilitating smoother operations for Chinese businesses in Nigeria. “This visit strengthens our resolve to provide the legislative framework needed to ensure productive exchanges,” he stated.
Hon. Yakubu expressed his commitment to ensuring that Nigeria-China partnerships benefit grassroots communities, particularly youth and women. He highlighted plans to extend programs initiated by Chinese entities, including the Chinese Women’s Association, to northern regions such as insurgency-affected Taraba State. Yakubu also sought support for projects like the revival of Gashaka National Park, aiming to drive economic growth through tourism.
Hon. Abdulmaleek Danga, representing Adavi/Okehi Federal Constituency in Kogi State, also lauded Mr. Yang’s efforts, urging him to build a stronger synergy between Nigeria’s executive and legislative branches. Danga advocated for transitioning from traditional diplomatic channels to parliamentary-driven collaborations, emphasizing legislative roles in fostering technological transfers and resolving trade issues.
Adding to the discourse, Amb. Nsikan Paul, the Executive Director of Drum Majors for Peace, stressed the importance of mutual respect in cultural exchanges. He reiterated that such diplomacy serves as a powerful tool for creating meaningful, long-lasting partnerships. He further commended both leaders for their innovative leadership and intentional collaborations.
Delegation/Attendees include;
Li Jian, First Secretary
Embassy of the people’s Republic of China, Dr. Sule Danjuma Consultant, Committee on Nigeria-China Relations, House of Representatives, Mr. Gregory Okoh, Clark Committee on Nigeria-China Relations, House of Representatives among others.
As Nigeria and China prepare for the gala night, the groundwork laid by this visit reinforces the shared vision of strengthening bilateral ties through culture, tourism, education and economic advancement.
