Seasonal Life, Harmonious Cultural Exhibition Strengthens China-Nigeria Ties

The 2026 Seasonal Life & Harmonious China Cultural Exhibition that opened in Abuja on Saturday has been described as an important platform for strengthening mutual understanding between China and Nigeria through cultural exchange.

Councillor of the Chinese Cultural Center in Abuja, Yang Jianxing, said this on Saturday in his remarks, stressing that 2026 marks both the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges and the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China.

“Cultural exchange is a vital component of China-Africa friendly cooperation and serves as an important bridge for fostering mutual understanding and affinity between our peoples, as well as for promoting dialogue and mutual learning among civilisations,” Yang said.

He explained that the exhibition was centred on the Chinese concept of “seasonal life”, with activities including displays on the Twenty-Four Solar Terms, traditional food tasting, intangible cultural heritage crafts and interactive cultural experiences.

He pointed out that the Twenty-Four Solar Terms, recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, reflected the Chinese philosophy of living in harmony with nature and respecting natural resources. He added that the philosophy also resonated with Nigerian cultural values, particularly the country’s respect for nature, tradition, family and community.

“This philosophy resonates deeply with the Nigerian spirit—which cherishes nature, respects tradition, and values family and community—forming a vital foundation for the exchange, mutual learning, and appreciation between Chinese and Nigerian civilisations,” he said.

Yang said the Chinese Embassy and China Cultural Centre will continue to organise cultural exhibitions, artistic performances, language classes, youth exchanges and tourism promotions to deepen people-to-people relations.

He said such initiatives would also contribute to implementing the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit and the consensus reached by the leaders of Nigeria and China.

The exhibition featured displays and interactive activities designed to give Nigerian visitors a first-hand experience of traditional Chinese culture, while the discussions reinforced the growing emphasis on linking cultural diplomacy with practical cooperation in science, technology, agriculture and innovation.

In his reaction, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, said the theme of the exhibition reflected not only Chinese philosophy but also the evolving relationship between Nigeria and China.

The exhibition, held at the China Cultural Centre as part of the China-Nigeria people-to-people and cultural exchange series, brought together officials, diplomats and cultural stakeholders to showcase Chinese traditions while highlighting opportunities for stronger bilateral cooperation in technology, agriculture and economic development.

He said the bilateral partnership was increasingly producing opportunities beyond conventional trade relations, particularly in agricultural transformation, scientific innovation and technology transfer.

“Just as the seasons of the year bring renewal and harvest, the partnership between Nigeria and China is entering a season of unprecedented opportunity. As we speak, we are witnessing the fruits of a strategic relationship that is moving beyond trade into deep agricultural, technological and scientific transformation,” Muhammad said.

The Permanent Secretary, who congratulated the Communist Party of China on its 105th anniversary, said China’s achievements in socio-economic development, scientific and technological innovation, poverty reduction and infrastructure development offered useful lessons for developing countries.

He said a recent technical visit to China’s Yangling High-tech Agricultural Demonstration Zone and Shaanxi Province had strengthened Nigeria’s interest in applying Chinese agricultural technologies to address challenges at home.

He added that Nigeria would also seek technology transfer to process cassava, shea butter and cashew nuts into value-added products for the Chinese and global markets.

Muhammad further disclosed plans to expand scholarships and STEM training opportunities for Nigerian scientists in Chinese universities, with emphasis on sustainable agriculture and water management.