By Emmanuel Emeka
The Federal Ministry of Youth Development has called on young people in Nigeria and China to take a leading role in shaping the future of bilateral relations through innovation, entrepreneurship, technology and cultural exchange.
Director of Education and Youth Development at the Ministry, Despan Kwardem, made the call at the conclusion of the China-Nigeria Youth Exchange Seminar held in Abuja.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry, Kwardem commended the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, youth leaders, entrepreneurs, development partners and participants for contributing to the success of the engagement.
He said discussions during the seminar highlighted the growing importance of youth participation in strengthening diplomatic relations, economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between both countries.
According to him, participants in the session on Strategic Cooperation and Public Diplomacy emphasized the need for deeper youth engagement in promoting cultural understanding and building sustainable relationships capable of strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between Nigeria and China.
Kwardem noted that another discussion group focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, industrial skills development, technology transfer and investment opportunities, stressing that young people should not be viewed merely as beneficiaries of economic cooperation.
“There was a shared recognition that young people are not merely beneficiaries of economic cooperation; they are actually the key drivers of economic growth and prosperity,” he said.
He added that participants also stressed the need to equip young people with digital skills, artificial intelligence knowledge, advanced technologies and access to emerging opportunities in the global economy.
Speaking on the People-to-People Exchanges and Connectivity session, Kwardem said participants identified cultural exchange, educational collaboration, creative industries and youth mobility as key tools for strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between Nigerians and Chinese citizens.
Reflecting on the seminar’s theme, “China-Africa Community with a Shared Future,” he said the concept of community now extends beyond geography and should be viewed through the lens of global digital ecosystems and collaborative innovation.
“The key word there is community with a shared future. Communities are no longer bound by geographical setup. Communities have moved on and become digital,” he said.
Kwardem urged participants to see the relationship as a joint effort to create a better future rather than focusing solely on what either country stands to gain.
“This discussion is not just about what young people can do to benefit from China or what China can do to benefit Nigeria. It is about building a future together. Government is only a facilitator. Young people are the active actors who must drive this vision,” he said.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to creating platforms that connect young people to opportunities, strengthen their capacities and prepare them for success in a rapidly evolving global environment.
Kwardem expressed hope that the seminar would serve as the beginning of a new phase of youth-centered cooperation between Nigeria and China.
“Together, we can build a generation of young leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs and changemakers who will contribute to a more prosperous, peaceful and interconnected future for our two countries and for the world,” he said.
He added that the partnerships and friendships formed by young people today would become the foundation for future cooperation, innovation and prosperity between both nations.This version follows the Narratives Hub format: headline, byline, strong lead, short paragraphs, limited direct quotes, and emphasis on the news angle rather than reproducing the speech.
