Abuja – China’s cultural envoy, Yang Jianxing, hailed the growing partnership between China and Nigeria in culture and tourism during the “China Tourism Day” celebration on Friday. The event, themed “Enjoying Quality Tourism, Exploring Beautiful Landscapes,” was held in the capital and underscored tourism’s role as a conduit for cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the two ancient civilizations.
Yang stressed that landmarks such as China’s Great Wall and Mount Tai and Nigeria’s Osun‑Osogbo Sacred Grove and Zuma Rock act as “silent ambassadors,” linking peoples and showcasing the diversity that defines both societies. He noted that tourism offers the most vivid, immediate way for citizens to experience each other’s heritage and to foster learning across cultures.
Reflecting on recent collaborations, Yang cited the successful “Happy Chinese New Year” celebrations that introduced Nigeria’s public to the customs surrounding China’s lunar new year, as well as a series of China‑Nigeria Cultural and Tourism Festivals. Those festivals featured artistic performances, displays of intangible cultural heritage and joint culinary events, which he said deepened people‑to‑people ties and reinforced the principle of “harmony in diversity.”
Looking forward, China plans to leverage the “China‑Africa Year of People‑to‑People Exchanges” to expand practical cooperation in cultural heritage preservation, creative‑industry development and tourism route planning. Yang invited more Nigerians to study Chinese language, visit Chinese sites and experience the country’s civilization, while also encouraging Chinese tourists to explore Nigeria’s natural and cultural attractions.
Abdulkarim Ozi Ibrahim, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, was represented at the ceremony by Yohanna Evandu, Director of International Cultural Relations. Ibrahim affirmed that the cultural link between the two nations has spanned more than five decades and continues to deepen. He described tourism as a vital instrument for cultural exchange, economic growth and shared prosperity, noting its capacity to bridge divides and nurture lasting friendships.
“The rich tapestry of Nigeria’s cultures, landscapes and creative expressions mirrors China’s own diversity,” Ibrahim said. “Our ministry is committed to promoting Nigeria as a premier destination while strengthening international partnerships that will support our economy, especially in the face of climate‑change challenges.”
Both officials expressed optimism that intensified cultural and tourism cooperation will generate new opportunities for trade, investment and people‑to‑people interaction, reinforcing the strategic partnership that has deepened since the early 2000s. The statements signal a coordinated push to translate cultural goodwill into tangible economic benefits for both China and Nigeria.
