Nigeria and China have reiterated their shared commitment to strengthening cultural diplomacy and people-to-people relations through expanded artistic and educational exchanges.
This renewed pledge was made on Monday during the 2026 Panda Painting Interactive Experience, held at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja, under the theme “Hello Nigeria, 2026 Panda Painting Interactive Experience.”
The programme brought together pupils from schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), alongside representatives of government institutions, members of the diplomatic corps, and stakeholders in the cultural and creative sectors.
Speaking at the event, Minister at the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Zhou Hongyou, said the giant panda remains a global emblem of peace, harmony, and friendship, noting that the initiative was designed to deepen mutual understanding between the peoples of Nigeria and China through creative engagement.
He explained that the event blended art, education, and cultural interaction, providing a platform for young Nigerians to explore Chinese cultural heritage while expressing their own artistic creativity.
Zhou further noted that the 2026 edition carries added significance, as it coincides with the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China, as well as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges.
According to him, sustainable bilateral relations are built not only on economic and political cooperation but also on sustained cultural understanding and interpersonal connections.
He added that the Chinese Embassy, in collaboration with the China Cultural Centre, would continue to promote youth-focused cultural initiatives, language programmes, artistic collaborations, and educational exchanges aimed at nurturing future ambassadors of Nigeria–China friendship.
“The youth represent the future of our relationship. Through cultural interaction and mutual learning, we can build lasting friendships that will strengthen cooperation between our two countries for generations to come,” he said.
In his goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Abdulkarim Ozi Ibrahim, commended the organisers for leveraging art as a tool for cultural diplomacy and international engagement.
He observed that artistic expression remains one of the most effective channels for bridging cultural and geographical divides, adding that the panda symbol resonates globally as a representation of peace, friendship, and environmental consciousness.
Ibrahim reiterated that cultural initiatives such as the Panda Art Experience complement diplomatic and economic relations by fostering mutual respect and deeper understanding among citizens of both countries.
He also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting programmes that promote intercultural dialogue, creative innovation, and global partnerships within the creative economy.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Gallery of Art, Ahmed Bashir Sodangi, described the initiative as a strong example of how the arts can be deployed to strengthen international friendship and cooperation.
He noted that the panda has evolved into a global cultural icon symbolising goodwill, environmental awareness, and cultural diversity.
Sodangi commended the Chinese Embassy for consistently using cultural platforms to deepen bilateral relations, stressing that such engagements extend diplomacy beyond formal political and economic interactions.
The event featured a range of interactive activities, including panda-themed painting sessions, a cultural creative market, collaborative graffiti art, craft workshops, and an interactive postcard and stamp collection tour.
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