Nigeria and China have deepened cultural cooperation with the unveiling of an innovative exhibition that combines traditional Chinese artistic heritage with modern virtual reality technology.
The event, hosted at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja, attracted diplomats, government officials, students, artists, media professionals and cultural enthusiasts eager to explore China’s rich history and contemporary creativity through immersive experiences.
Speaking at the occasion, the Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and Director of the China Cultural Centre, Yang Jianxing, said the exhibition was designed to create a meaningful connection between tradition and innovation. He noted that by integrating classical art forms with advanced digital technology, visitors are offered a fresh perspective on Chinese civilisation.
According to Yang, the exhibition showcases works produced by emerging talents from some of China’s leading art institutions, including the China Academy of Art and the Central Academy of Fine Arts. The collection features calligraphy, paintings and seal-carving works that reflect both the enduring legacy and evolving character of Chinese artistic expression.
Yang described the exhibition as particularly significant as it coincides with preparations for the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China in 2026, a year that will also be observed 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 emphasized the growing opportunities for collaboration between both countries. He observed that cultural engagement remains an important foundation for broader partnerships in science, technology and innovation.
Muhammad said Nigeria, as Africa’s largest population centre, stands to gain from sustained exchanges that promote knowledge-sharing, technological advancement and mutual understanding. He added that the event provides an avenue for strengthening existing bilateral agreements and expanding areas of cooperation.
Also speaking, the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Baba Ndace, praised the China Cultural Centre for its role in fostering closer ties between the two nations through cultural diplomacy.
Ndace highlighted the expanding partnership between VON and Chinese media and cultural institutions, noting that the collaboration recently resulted in the introduction of Mandarin-language programming on the national broadcaster. He said the initiative has contributed to improved communication and greater cultural awareness between Nigerians and the Chinese people.
The VON Director-General encouraged young people to embrace cultural diversity and learn from other traditions while maintaining pride in their own cultural identities. He further commended China’s success in preserving its heritage while harnessing technological innovation to engage new audiences.
Visitors to the exhibition explored a variety of traditional artworks and participated in interactive virtual reality sessions that offered a vivid glimpse into centuries of Chinese history and culture.
