China and Nigeria came together on Friday at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, a traditional Chinese holiday that emphasizes family reunion, harmony, and cultural exchange.
The event, which also coincided with preparations for the National Day celebrations of both countries on October 1, featured performances from the Shenzhen Opera & Dance Theatre, the Shantou Acrobatic Troupe, and the Shenzhen XingZhe Fusion Band.
Guests were treated to music, dance, acrobatics, martial arts, and an exhibition showcasing the history and modern development of Shenzhen, a city in China’s Guangdong Province.
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Yu Dunhai, in his address, described the festival as a special day that really captures the Chinese spirit of family reunion, harmony, and mutual support. It’s all about cherishing the people we love and hoping for a happy life.
He recalled the tradition of eating mooncakes while admiring the full moon and quoted a line of Chinese poetry: “The sea mirrors the rising moon bright; Miles apart, our hearts share tonight.”
Welcoming the Nigerian audience, the Ambassador said, “Today is far more than a display of artistry, it is a heartfelt expression of our warmest wishes for the China-Nigeria friendship.”
Yu also highlighted the transformation of Shenzhen, describing it as a coastal city in Guangdong Province, known as the ‘window’ and ‘test ground’ of China’s reform and opening-up. Over past few decades, it has transformed from a small fishing village into a world-renowned modern metropolis, with a population of 18 million and a GDP of over 500 billion USD in 2024.
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, MFR, mni, praised the cultural exchange and described the performances as quite exhilarating.
“The melody of the Chinese flute, the synchrony and harmony exuded by the dance movements, the near spine breaking flexibility performance and intense discipline of the martial arts performance we saw, was quite exhilarating,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary, who recently visited China, thanked the Ambassador for facilitating a visit to the historic city of Xi’an, a majestic testament to China’s ancient civilization, the eastern terminus of the legendary Silk road and home to the famous Terracota Army.
He stressed the significance of the celebration, noting that both Nigeria and China mark their National Days on October 1.
“This synchronicity is a powerful symbol. It reminds us that though we are separated by geography, our aspirations for national pride, development, and progress are aligned.”
According to him, cultural diplomacy plays a central role in strengthening relations.
“Events like this are not just social gatherings; they are vital platforms for people-to-people connection. They allow us to experience the elegance of Chinese arts, the vibrancy of Nigerian music, the richness of our cuisines, and the stories that define our identities.”
Deputy Director-General of the Shenzhen Bureau of Culture, Media, Tourism and Sports, Mr. Li Qiangqiang, described Nigeria as a nation of extraordinary cultural depth with over 250 ethnic groups and a rich heritage.
“The brilliant costumes, spirited music and dances of your traditional festivals vividly convey the cultural vitality of this land. It is a privilege to convene in a country so rich in cultural charm and to share this cultural occasion with you,” he said.
He also highlighted Shenzhen’s rise as a city born of reform, thrived on opening-up, and propelled by innovation, while stressing that cultural exchange is a dialogue of the heart and the cornerstone of friendship.
Li expressed hope that cultural interactions between Shenzhen and Nigeria will become more frequent and profound.
We are committed to injecting new vitality into the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between our two nations and contributing to the building of a China-Africa community with a shared future for mankind.
Guests were later treated to mooncakes, a traditional Chinese delicacy symbolizing reunion and happiness.
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