The Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, has reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting young Nigerians in learning the Chinese language and culture as part of efforts to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation between both countries.
Speaking in Abuja at the 13th China-Nigeria Culture Fiesta 2025 Dancing Competition and Award Ceremony for the “China-Nigeria Friendship” Drawing Competition, Mr Jianxing said the initiative aims to cultivate creativity and artistic expression among young Nigerians while nurturing talents with cross-cultural communication skills.
He explained that the annual cultural fiesta serves as a platform for promoting cultural exchange and friendship, aligning with Nigeria’s educational philosophy of encouraging campus cultural diversity and the all-round development of students.
“The event is a vivid manifestation of the close cooperation between our two sides in the fields of culture and education,” he stated. “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 and experiencing the cultures of other countries.”
The envoy commended the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Secondary Education Board and other stakeholders for fostering an international campus culture that supports students’ development. He noted that these efforts had created favourable conditions for cultural exchange through initiatives such as the “Chinese Corner,” which offers Chinese language classes and promotes multicultural learning.
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“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, and build a complementary relationship between multicultural exchange and the preservation of Nigeria’s local culture,” Jianxing said.
He expressed optimism that the “Chinese Corner” would continue to support the growth of teachers and students, helping them become “warm-hearted, cultured, and responsible young people of the new era.”
“We look forward to further deepening our cooperation with the FCT, especially the Secondary Education Board, and carrying out more diverse and enriching China-Nigeria cultural exchange activities,” he added.
Also speaking, the Director/Secretary of the FCT Secondary Education Board, Dr Mohammed Ladan, described the competition as an avenue for celebrating cultural exchange and cooperation between the two nations.
“Over the years, this fiesta has become a cherished tradition, fostering global understanding, mutual respect and lifelong friendships,” Dr Ladan said. He commended the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria for their sustained partnership and support.
Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, emerged winner of the Chinese Dance Competition, while Government Secondary School, Dutse, and Government Secondary School, Nyanya, came second and third, respectively.
In the Nigerian Dance category, Government Secondary School, Dutse, took first place with a Hausa dance performance, Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa, came second with Fulani dance, while Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada, finished third with Tiv dance.
The event was organised by the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria in collaboration with the FCT Secondary Education Board.
