By Ochiaka Ugwu
The Permanent Secretary of Nigerian Ministry of Art, Culture & Creative Economy, Patricia Ebiene has said that Nigeria and China can mutually benefit from strengthened partnership through cultural exchanges and collaborations.
Ebiene who made this known in Abuja Thursday at the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day Celebration Programme organized by China Cultural Centre in Nigeria noted the possibility of establishing more platforms for cultural exchanges with China, such as art exhibitions, film festivals, and performances that showcased the talents of our artists, musicians and filmmakers.
Ebiene who was represented by a senior Ministry official said the initiative would create deeper connections between peoples and highlight shared experiences.
She stressed the need to promote educational opportunities by expending scholarships and exchange programmes in the realms of the arts and culture that would enable students and young professionals to experience each other’s cultures firsthand.
She said the two nations can collaborate on joint ventures in the creative and entertainment industries, including coproductions in film and television, as well as partnerships in the fashion and design sectors.
In his remarks, Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy of People’s Republic of China and Director China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Mr. Yang Jianxing said that culture serves as a bridge and bond for connecting hearts and minds.
According to him, “To share the joy of the Mid-Autumn Festival with all of you, artists from Zhengzhou, Henan, China will present the world-famous Shaolin Kungfu, Quju and Yuju operas, which has strong local characteristics, as well as intangible cultural heritage projects such as pyrography and clay sculpture.
“In addition, artists from Jinhua, Zhejiang, will offer a lecture on medicinal cuisine, Zhejiang Wuju opera exhibition, and intangible cultural heritage embroidery display.
“I hope that through such cultural exchanges, we can continually enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of the two countries, laying a solid foundation of public support for the long-term stability of the China-Nigeria comprehensive strategic partnership” he said.
Vice Secretary-General of Zhengzhou Municipal People’s Government, Zhao Hengkang said that Cultural exchange forms an important part of bilateral relations which was vital in terms of promoting relations in all areas.
“China and Nigeria can learn from each other to bridge the gap of cultural differences, and enhance integration. Earlier this month, the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing concluded successfully.
“As the revival of China and Africa relations, the summit proposed partnership actions to jointly advancing modernization between China and Africa. This will further strengthen the solidarity and cooperation between the peoples of China and Africa, contributing to the modernization of the Global South” he said.
