Dr. Mukhtar Muhammad, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy.
By Sarafina Christopher
Abuja, Aug. 16, 2025- Nigeria and China have reiterated their commitment to fostering cultural diplomacy as a tool for sustainable development, with both countries pledging deeper cooperation in culture, tourism, and the creative economy.
Dr Mukhtar Muhammad, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, gave the assurance on Saturday in Abuja at the 2025 China-Nigeria Culture and Tourism Festival.
The festival, hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria in partnership with the ministry, featured music, dance, fashion, art exhibitions, and culinary displays that celebrated the heritage of both countries.
It was jointly organised by the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, the African Fashion Festival Vogue, and the Chinese Tourism Promoters Initiative.
Muhammad described the event as “a platform for cultural diplomacy, creative exchange, and mutual understanding between nations.”
“For over half a century, China and Nigeria have shared deep and mutually beneficial relations in culture, trade, technology, and education.
“Today’s festival deepens that bond, allowing our people to experience one another’s traditions, cuisines, music, fashion, and artistic expressions,” he said.
He stressed that culture and tourism were not only symbols of identity and heritage but also vital drivers of economic growth, job creation, and social cohesion.
According to him, the festival showcased the immense potential of the creative economy spanning African fashion designs to traditional Chinese artistry while opening fresh opportunities for investment and cross-cultural partnerships.
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to expand cooperation with China on joint projects in cultural heritage preservation, creative industry development, and tourism promotion.
Mr Zhou Hongyou Deputy Ambassador of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria.
On his part, Yu Dunhai, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, represented by his deputy Zhou Hongyou, said Nigeria and China, both ancient civilisations, shared a rich tapestry of cultural diversity.
“From the Great Wall to Zuma Rock, from Mount Tai to the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, our cultural and natural landmarks serve as vital bridges connecting our peoples,” he said.
He noted that people-to-people exchanges had brought the two nations closer in recent years, with more Nigerians visiting China and more Chinese discovering Nigeria’s cultural vibrancy.
The envoy also linked the festival to China’s Global Civilisation Initiative (GCI), which advocates mutual learning and respect for cultural diversity.
Also speaking, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, represented by Amb. Bolaji Akinremi, Director of Foreign Service Reforms and Innovation, said the festival provided an opportunity to appreciate one another’s traditions and creativity.
He urged Nigeria and China to harness technology to promote culture and tourism, attract investment into heritage sites, and preserve positive cultural values while discarding practices inconsistent with modern dignity.
“While promoting and preserving the positive aspects of our traditions, equally, we must harness the power of technology to develop our cultural, festival, and tourism sectors, whether through digital promotion, cultural documentation, or innovative tourism experiences.
“In addition, attracting sustainable investment into our tourism sites will ensure that they thrive as sources of pride, job creation, and national wealth,” he said.
Group photograph of dignitaries at the event.
The event was attended by diplomats from Cuba, Tunisia, Malaysia, Vietnam, the U.S., South Korea, among others, and featured vibrant displays of traditional dances, fashion shows, and artistic works from both countries. (NAN)
