Nigeria-China Cultural Partnership Strengthened at 2024 Chinese New Year Temple Fair
Mr James Sule, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the relationship between Nigeria and China. This statement was made in his goodwill message to commemorate the Chinese New Year Temple Fair held in Abuja on Saturday.
Represented by his special adviser, Aisha Bello, Mr Sule emphasized the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and China, spanning over fifty years. He expressed the ministry’s dedication to further enhancing this partnership. He also extended gratitude to the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria for their consistent support to Nigeria and the ministry.
In his congratulatory message to the government of the People’s Republic of China, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, and the entire Chinese community in Nigeria, Mr Sule highlighted the significance of the Chinese Temple Fair, also known as the Spring Festival, as a widely recognized festival in Chinese culture.
Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, President of the World Crafts Council (African Region), acknowledged the positive impact of Chinese human capital development programs on Nigeria’s cultural sector. He emphasized the potential for Nigeria’s heritage sites to be developed into recreational, religious, and commercial hubs, similar to the Chinese Temple Fair.
Runsewe noted that Nigeria is rich in arts, crafts, and cultural products, with some historical sites listed as world heritage sites by UNESCO. He highlighted the similarities between China and Nigeria in terms of cultural diversity and the potential for cultural ties to drive economic development.
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun, emphasized the symbolism of the year of the Dragon in the Chinese New Year, signifying development, revitalization, assistance, guidance, opportunity, and nationalism for both countries. He underscored the importance of mutual learning and cooperation between China and Nigeria for the benefit of both nations.
Vanguard News
