Nigeria committed to strengthening cultural exchanges with China – FG

The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to using sports and cultural diplomacy as key drivers for youth engagement, international cooperation, and national development. The National Sports Commission (NSC) disclosed this in Abuja during a premium exhibition of traditional Chinese martial arts, themed “The Passion of Chinese Wushu: Martial Arts and Cultural Heritage.” The event was organised by the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre in Abuja to mark the growing bilateral ties between the two nations. Speaking on behalf of the Director General of the NSC, Shehu Dikko, his Special Adviser (Legal) and former Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Musa Ahmadu, emphasised that relations between Nigeria and China extend far beyond infrastructure and trade figures. Sports speak a powerful language. It crosses borders, bridges differences, and brings people together in a way that formal diplomacy sometimes cannot,” Ahmadu stated. “Through sports, nations build friendship, and through sports, cultures are accepted, understood, and respected.” Ahmadu noted that the event aligns with the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which seeks to reposition the Nigerian sports sector around capacity building, knowledge exchange, and global exposure. He urged China to extend its support to key areas, including sports administration, coaching development, infrastructure management, sports science, and traditional sports promotion. In his remarks, the Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, highlighted the philosophy behind the sport, saying that Wushu is fundamentally about self-cultivation, discipline, and moral character rather than conflict. “A set of martial arts is not about advocating fighting, but rather about stopping the move of fighting. Chinese martial arts reflect the philosophical wisdom of harmony between man and nature, and harmony in diversity,” Yang said. He further noted that the Wushu exhibition kicks off a month-long series of cultural events at the centre, which will include the “Chinese Language Bridge” competition, youth art exhibitions, and exchange programs designed to bring the younger generations of both nations closer.