Nigeria and China have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cultural exchange and people-to-people relations through an innovative blend of traditional art and modern technology showcase.
Held at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja on Wednesday, the event brought together government officials, cultural enthusiasts, students, media practitioners and members of the diplomatic community for an immersive exploration of Chinese heritage through virtual reality and traditional artistic expressions.
In his remarks, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, described the exhibition as a unique fusion of tradition and innovation designed to showcase the richness of Chinese civilisation.
According to him, the project combines traditional art exhibitions with cutting-edge virtual reality technology, enabling visitors to experience Chinese culture in new and engaging ways.
He explained that the exhibition features works by young artists from leading Chinese institutions, including the China Academy of Art and the Central Academy of Fine Arts, highlighting calligraphy, painting and seal carving that reflect both the heritage and contemporary vitality of Chinese art.
Yang noted that the VR component allows participants to travel virtually to ancient China through an immersive recreation of the famous Pavilion of Prince Teng, where visitors can engage in calligraphy writing and poetry creation, creating a bridge between history and modern technology.
He said the exhibition comes at a significant moment as 2026 marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China, as well as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
Representing Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Permanent Secretary Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad said Nigeria and China share vast opportunities for collaboration not only in culture but also in science, technology and innovation.
Muhammad noted that Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous nation, stands to benefit significantly from continued engagement with Chinese civilisation and technological advancement.
He said the celebration offered an opportunity to build on existing bilateral agreements and deepen cooperation for the benefit of both countries and humanity at large.
Also speaking, Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Baba Ndace, commended the China Cultural Centre for its consistent efforts in promoting cultural understanding and strengthening relations between the two nations.
Ndace highlighted the growing collaboration between Voice of Nigeria and Chinese institutions, noting that the partnership recently led to the introduction of Mandarin-language broadcasting by the national broadcaster.
According to him, the initiative has enhanced communication, media cooperation and cultural understanding between Nigerians and the Chinese people.
He stressed that cultural diversity should be embraced and respected, urging young people to appreciate different traditions while remaining proud of their own identities.
The Voice of Nigeria chief also praised China’s ability to preserve its cultural heritage while leveraging modern technology for development, describing the VR exhibition as a clear demonstration of how innovation can be used to promote cultural preservation and global understanding.
Participants at the event explored a range of traditional artworks and engaged in immersive VR experiences that transported them into scenes from ancient Chinese civilisation, offering a firsthand encounter with centuries-old traditions through modern digital technology.
