Cultural exchange: China, Nigeria shared bond transcends trade, diplomacy – Perm Sec

By Ochiaka Ugwu

Nigerian Permanent Secretary of Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism & Creative Economy, Dr. Muktar Mohammed has said that China and Nigeria shared bonds go beyond trade and diplomacy, but interlaced through mutual respect for heritage and transformative power of culture.

Mohammed who made this known Saturday at the 2025 Tea for Harmony Yaji Cultural Salon: “Tea in Nature’s Whisper – Aroma of Picturesque Jiangnan” in Abuja hosted by China Cultural Centre in Nigeria and organised by Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Centre said an event like Yaji Cultural Salon exemplify how cultural exchange can deepen understanding and inspire collaboration.

While applauding China Cultural Center for its consistent efforts in organizing programmes that celebrate shared humanity – from tea ceremonies to Yue Opera performances, calligraphy exhibitions and beyond, he stated that the initiatives align with his ministry’s mandate to promote creative economy growth through intercultural dialogue.

He said, “Nigeria and China share a bond that transcends trade and diplomacy. It is a bond woven through mutual respect for heritage, artistry and the transformative power of culture. Events like today’s Yaji Cultural Salon exemplify how cultural exchange can deepen understanding and inspire collaboration.

“We applaud China Cultural Center for its consistent efforts in organizing programmes that celebrate our shared humanity – from tea ceremonies to Yue Opera performances, calligraphy exhibitions and beyond. These initiatives align with our ministry’s mandate to promote creative economy growth through intercultural dialogue” he noted.

The Chairman of the House Representatives Committee on Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Gabriel Saleh Zock drummed support for initiatives that position culture as both a source of identity and an engine for economic growth.

“This event is an eye-opener. We must put in place laws that strengthen cultural identity and also position culture as an economic driver,” he stated.

Dr. Mohammed Bulama, Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), represented by his special assistant, Alhaji Suleiman Musa, described the event as an opportunity to highlight our values, talents, and potential to a global audience.

Speaking earlier, Ambassador of China to Nigeria, Mr. Yu Dunhai said Chinese tea culture embodies the philosophical wisdom of five millennia.

He said Chinese tea ceremony emphasizes harmony, purity, and elegance, focusing on achieving balance between humanity and nature, connection between oneself and others, and inner harmony of the human heart.

He informed that ethos of China’s tea ceremony such as ‘harmony was precious’ and ‘making friends through tea’ deeply resonate with Nigeria’s cultural philosophy that values harmony, which have become a spiritual bridge connecting our two great civilizations.

Also speaking, Leader of Zhejiang delegation, Mrs. Huang Yun while extending invitation to Nigerian friends to Zhejiang to experience the unique charm of “Poetic Zhejiang” expressed hope that through such exchanges, they would have deeper understanding of Chinese culture.

“At the same time, I also look forward to drawing inspiration from Nigerian culture and promoting the common prosperity of the cultures of the two counties” she said.

Director, Education Support Services, Mrs. Larai Ahmed said the celebration of Tea for Harmony with Yaji Cultural Salon would emphasis role of tea in bridging cultural divides and fostering global understanding.

Permanent Secretary (Social Development Secretariat) of Nigerian Capital Territory, Ms. Olubunmi Olowookere said the event did not only serve to showcase richness of Chinese culture, but also to build bridges of understanding, friendship, and shared humanity.

“In a world that often moves too fast, the slow and mindful art of tea reminds us to pause to connect, and to appreciate the grace in small things” she said

The highlight of the event was cultural performances, including elegant Yue Opera and pipa music by Chinese artists, as well as Chinese calligraphy and painting exhibitions and experience sessions.

It showcased the importance of Chinese tea culture in bridging the two nations’ civilizations and touched on the recent flourishing of China-Nigeria tea trade, with Hainan Baisha tea making its debut in the Nigerian market in 2024.