The National Chairman of the Africa China Chairmen of Business Council Forum (ACCBCF) and CEO/Publisher of Africa China News, High Chief Mike Yousuf Ugwu (Zheng Xiaopeng), joined diplomats and government officials at the Philippines’ 128th Independence Day reception in Abuja. Diplomatic representatives from China, Cuba, Rwanda, the Central African Republic, Türkiye, the United States and other countries attended the reception.
High Chief Mike Yousuf Ugwu (Zheng Xiaopeng), Chairman of the Africa China Chairmen of Business Council Forum (ACCBCF) and CEO/Publisher of Africa China News, (ACN), engaged in friendly exchanges with the Philippine Ambassador and diplomats from several nations on cultural exchange, people-to-people relations and international business cooperation.
High Chief Mike (Zheng Xiaopeng) attended the reception dressed in traditional attire representing Nigeria’s Igbo cultural heritage, drawing conversation from fellow guests. He spoke with the Philippine Ambassador, other diplomats and international organization representatives about Chinese history and culture alongside Africa’s social and economic development.
Philippine Ambassador to Nigeria Mersole J. Mellejor reflected on the growing relationship between the Philippines and Nigeria. He pointed to expanding trade and economic cooperation, noting that bilateral trade had grown from roughly US$47 million in 2023 to about US$300 million in 2025.
A representative of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also reviewed the development of Nigeria–Philippines relations and reaffirmed the commitment to further strengthening cooperation in diplomacy, trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges.
The reception brought together diplomats and guests from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
High Chief Mike (Zheng Xiaopeng) also observed that despite the geographical distances separating Africa, Nigeria, China and other regions, cultural dialogue and economic cooperation can still bring people closer together, adding that overseas Chinese communities can act as a bridge linking China to the wider world.
