Int’l Tea Day: China, Nigeria Strengthen Diplomacy On Agriculture

China and Nigeria have made another significant milestone in their diplomatic ties aimed at strengthening agricultural cooperation and marking the United Nations International Tea Day.

The event, which was held at the Chinese Cultural Centre in Abuja at the weekend and tagged “Tea for Harmony — Yaji Cultural Salon” brought together distinguished guests and friends of China-Nigeria relations to celebrate the shared values of harmony and cultural exchange within the context of tea culture.

The celebration highlighted the significance 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.

In his remarks, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Yu Dunhai, emphasised the shared cultural values between both nations, even as he described tea as a symbol of peace, connection, and mutual respect.

“China and Nigeria have many common cultural values, and tea represents harmony, connection, and respect,” Ambassador Dunhai stated, adding that “this platform allows us to interact more deeply with the Nigerian people, exchanging not just beverages, but values and ideas.”

The envoy reaffirmed  China’s readiness to partner with Nigeria in value-added agricultural production, especially through tea-related trade, agro-processing, and cultural tourism initiatives.

Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy, Dr. Muhktar Yawale, said that  Nigeria is ready to harness the creative and economic opportunities tea culture offers. He  stressed that the country is committed to promoting tea-themed tourism, artisanal enterprises, and rural development.

“We are supporting creative industries centred around tea. By promoting festivals and developing tea-themed tourism, Nigeria can tap into the global tea economy while preserving local culture,” he said.

Also, Ms. Olubunmi Olowookere, Permanent Secretary of the FCT Social Development Secretariat, described tea as “a symbol of peace and patience,” emphasizing its role in transcending boundaries and bringing communities together.

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 values, talents, and potential to a global audience.

The “Tea for Harmony — Yaji Cultural Salon” spotlighted tea as a shared cultural symbol and reaffirmed the deepening ties between Nigeria and China through culture, commerce, and community.

The event featured various cultural performances, including elegant Yue Opera and pipa music by Chinese artists and Chinese calligraphy and painting exhibitions and experience sessions.