China and Nigeria have reiterated their commitment to deepening youth-focused cooperation and advancing a shared future framework for China-Africa relations.
They made the call at a high-level youth exchange seminar jointly organised by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.
The event held at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja brought together diplomats, government officials, and young leaders for discussions on cooperation in trade, innovation, culture, and sustainable development.
Speaking at the event, Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Zhou Hongyou, said young people remain central to the future of China-Nigeria and broader China-Africa relations. He called for stronger youth engagement across diplomacy, technology, entrepreneurship, cultural exchange, and trade relations.
Zhou said the seminar was particularly significant as both countries mark 55 years of diplomatic relations, noting that China is introducing new initiatives aimed at strengthening economic ties with Africa, including zero tariffs on goods from 53 African countries with diplomatic relations with Beijing.
He stressed that such measures are designed to deepen mutual trust, expand practical cooperation, and enhance people-to-people relations.
According to him, “China is working with all brothers and sisters across Africa, including Nigeria, to strengthen political trust, expand cooperation, deepen mutual learning, bring our people closer, and ensure this friendship continues for generations.”
He urged young people from both countries to position themselves as ambassadors of cooperation and understanding, noting that global challenges require collective solutions rather than isolated efforts.
Zhou also reaffirmed the Chinese Embassy’s commitment to working with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Youth Development to expand platforms for youth engagement, innovation, and cross-cultural collaboration.
In his remarks, Director of Education and Youth Development at the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Despan Kwardem, said the future of Nigeria-China relations will be largely determined by young people rather than governments alone.
He highlighted the importance of equipping youths with skills in technology, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and innovation, describing them as key drivers of economic growth and national development.
Kwardem also emphasized that the idea of a “shared future” extends beyond geography, pointing to the rise of digital communities and global innovation networks.
“Government is only a facilitator. Young people are the real drivers of this vision. You must take ownership and work with your Chinese counterparts to shape the future we want together,” he said.
He further urged youths to actively engage in building partnerships that promote mutual understanding and long-term cooperation between both nations.
The seminar featured panel discussions on strategic cooperation, economic partnerships, and people-to-people connectivity, with participants exploring opportunities in trade, cultural exchange, education, innovation, and youth empowerment.
Stakeholders also examined how the China-Africa community with a shared future could support stronger, more stable, and mutually beneficial relations between Nigeria and China.
