Mr. Li Xuda, the Cultural Counselor, Chinese Embassy, says the cultural fiesta is aimed to promoting cultural exchange between China and Nigeria.

Li, the Director of China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, said this at the opening of the 2023 China-Nigeria Cultural Fiesta Dancing Competition hosted by the embassy on Tuesday in Abuja.

The cultural fiesta was organised by the FCT Secondary Education Board (SEB) to enhance people to people communication with both countries.

Li said that culture is the foundation of national development and the driving force of social progress, adding that China and Nigeria are cultural giants with a long history.

“Culture plays an important role in the historical process of their national independence and revitalisation.

“At the level of man and nature, we advocate harmony in coexistence; at the level of family and society, we advocate harmony in integration.

“While at the level of nation and civilisation, we advocate harmony in diversity and at the level of state and governance we advocate harmony in development,’’ he said.

Li said that the ultimate goal was to create a harmonious world for everyone.

“In recent years, the Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China in Nigeria, and the China Cultural Centre has been working with FCT Secondary Education to jointly hold China-Nigeria Cultural Fiesta.

“I am so happy to see the cultural exchange among us greatly promoted. The friendship among us has been greatly strengthened.

“China-Nigeria Cultural Fiesta has really become a well-known cultural brand in Abuja, he said.

Li encouraged students as the future of Nigeria to not only learn scientific and technological knowledge, but to also master cultural skills that would help them become talented.

“In my eyes, China-Nigeria Cultural Fiesta can help you achieve goals since it can provide you an amazing platform to strengthen your courage, improve your abilities, showcase your talents and build friendship,” Li said.

Dr. Mohammed Ladan, Director/Secretary FCT SEB expressed his appreciation to the Cultural Counselor and the Chinese Embassy for sponsoring the event annually and providing prizes to the schools.

Ladan said that the event has been going on annually for more than a decade.

“The event showcases Nigerian and Chinese Arts in the form of dances, thereby promoting cultural exchange between the duo and the 12 Chinese Corner Students.

“This annual event is significant to our schools because it provides an avenue for the students to unwind, socialise and at the same time earn very good prizes that have been helpful to the schools.

“We have not forgotten that, from this competition, schools have won Television sets, computers, Audio systems, fridges, water dispensers, scholarships, and so many other items supplied to Chinese Corners.

“Our collaboration has been of mutual benefit, and we look forward to more beneficial cooperation, Ladan said.

He said SEB would continue to promote Chinese Culture in FCT schools and Nigeria as a whole, thereby improving cultural exchange in the 51 years of uninterrupted diplomatic relations.

“Your contribution to the educational and cultural development of our students is acknowledged and highly appreciated.

“A people without culture is a people without identity, our cultural heritage is our pride, so we should uphold it,” he said.

Highlight of the event was dancing competition among 12 public secondary schools in Abuja, in two main categories, Chinese song and dance and Nigerian songs and dance.

Refrigerators, water dispensers among others were given as prizes to the schools that emerged winners in the competition.