Business
THE Chinese delegation of “The Centre of China, Hometown of Huangdi (Yellow Emperor), KungFu Zhengzhou” and “Chinese Taste Grand Canal Food Workshop” arrived in Nigeria with the aim of promoting cultural exchange between the two countries.
The delegates made an appearance on Thursday in Abuja as part of a celebration marking the Mid-Autumn Festival themed “A Moon-ment to Remember,” organised by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the China Cultural Center in Nigeria (CCCN).
Mr Yang Jianxing, the Director of CCCN, emphasised that culture acts as a vital link to connect people, facilitating cultural exchange between Nigeria and China.
He added that the Artists from Zhengzhou, Henan, China came to showcase renowned art forms such as Shaolin Kungfu, Quju and Yuju operas, as well as traditional crafts like pyrography and clay sculpture.
Moreover, artists from Jinhua, Zhejiang, conducted a session on medicinal cuisine, displayed Zhejiang Wuju opera, and featured an exhibition on intangible cultural heritage embroidery.
To highlight the richness of Chinese and Nigerian cultures, Nigerian artists presented captivating local folk songs and dances, in addition to performing popular Chinese songs and Kungfu routines.
“Through such cultural interactions, our aim is to deepen mutual understanding and friendship between the people of both nations, establishing a solid foundation of public support for the enduring China-Nigeria strategic partnership,” Yang said.
Zhao Hengkang, Vice Secretary General of Zengzhou Municipal People’s Government, highlighted that the cultural troupe has journeyed across five continents including Asia, Europe, America, Australia, and Africa showcasing their talents in over 80 countries to foster cultural exchange.
Zhao also added that Zhengzhou is harnessing the opportunities presented by China’s 144-hour visa-free transit policy and the Belt and Road Initiative to craft globally recognised tourism itineraries like the Yellow River Cultural Tour and the Chinese Kung Fu Experience Tour.
Zhengzhou aspires to position itself as a prominent global cultural tourism hub.
“Approximately 100,000 Chinese nationals currently reside in Nigeria, with a significant number hailing from Henan Province and actively contributing to strengthening Sino-Nigerian relations.
“Henan citizens such as Kong Tao and Zheng Xiaopeng have even received the prestigious title of ‘Emir’ from traditional Nigerian rulers,” Zhao said.
Hon. James Sule, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, expressed appreciation to the cultural delegates, stating the enduring history of cultural interactions between China and Nigeria since the 1990s.
Representing James, Madam Zainab Biu, Director-General of the Department of International Cultural Relations, extended a warm welcome to the delegates while highlighting that culture forms the essence of any society, embodying its values, history, and way of life.(NAN)
Tags: Hon. James Sule KungFu Zhengzhou Madam Zainab Biu Mr Yang Jianxing
