China, Nigeria cooperation mutually beneficial – Perm Sec

By Ochiaka Ugwu

Permanent Secretary of Nigerian Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Dr. Mukhtar Muhammad Yawale has described China, Nigeria cooperation as mutually beneficial.

Dr. Yawale who made this known Tuesday in Abuja at the event of International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations with the theme: “Conversation and Connection” said the Abuja Light Rail project was a symphony of Chinese engineering and Nigerian labour.

Continuing, he noted the Lekki Free Trade Zone, where Nigerian enterprise meets Chinese innovation; and the Nollywood films now streaming across millions of Chinese homes were some of the outcomes of the relationship.

According to him, “This dialogue transcends culture – it is the engine of our creative economy. Look at what we’ve achieved together: The Abuja Light Rail project, a symphony of Chinese engineering and Nigerian labour; the Lekki Free Trade Zone, where Nigerian enterprise meets Chinese innovation; and the Nollywood films now streaming across millions of Chinese homes.

“These are not transactions; they are transformations. As we speak, Nigerian digital artists collaborate with Shenzhen Tech Hubs, and our fashion designers reimagine Ankara through the lens of Shanghai’s runways.

Dr. Yawale represented by a senior Ministry official said that ties between the two nations were woven with threads of shared values: respect for heritage, reverence for community and the unyielding belief that diversity was divinity expressed.

while thanking China Cultural Centre for organizing the event, Yawale said Nigeria and China were not merely diplomatic partners, but ancient souls conversing across millennia.

“China Cultural Centre visionary stewardship in organizing this inaugural International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations’ ignites a beacon of hope.

“It reminds us that in a world yearning for connection, culture is the compass that guides us home. Nigeria and China are not merely diplomatic partners; we are ancient souls conversing across millennia. Our ties are woven with threads of shared values: respect for heritage, reverence for community and the unyielding belief that diversity is divinity expressed” he said.

Foreign Minister of China, Mr. Wang Yi in his video speech stressed on the importance of establishing the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations and offered valuable insights on promoting world peace through mutual learning among civilizations.

Speaking earlier, Chargé d’affaires of Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Zhang Yi said the establishment of International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations was a successful practice of China’s commitment to the Global Civilization Initiative put forward by President Xi Jinping, as an important contribution to global dialogue, peace, and development.

Zhang said that practical cooperation between China and Nigeria in various fields was progressing steadily with cultural exchanges being vital in fostering mutual understanding and lasting friendship.