Culture

China-Nigeria Culture and Tourism Festival Strengthens Bilateral Ties

Published

1 year ago

August 17, 2025

The China-Nigeria Culture and Tourism Festival in Abuja showcases art, music, fashion, and heritage, promoting diplomacy, tourism, and cultural exchange

China-Nigeria Culture and Tourism Festival took place on Saturday in Abuja, celebrating the rich artistic and cultural heritage of both nations.

Also read: Nigeria-China Cultural Exchange Promotes Tourism, Modern Values

The event was organized by the Chinese Embassy in partnership with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, alongside the China Cultural Center, African Fashion Festival Vogue, and the Chinese Tourism Promoters Initiative.

The festival featured music, dance, fashion shows, art exhibitions, and culinary displays that highlighted the unique traditions of China and Nigeria.

Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Yu Dunhai, represented by Deputy Zhou Hongyou, emphasized the long-standing historical and cultural connections between the two countries.

“China and Nigeria are both ancient civilisations with profound historical and cultural heritage. From the Great Wall to the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, our landmarks are vital bridges connecting our peoples and deepening our friendship,” Zhou said.

Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, described the festival as more than entertainment, emphasizing its role in diplomacy, economic growth, and fostering mutual understanding.

“Cultural exchange is about building bridges of understanding, fostering respect, and creating opportunities for economic prosperity,” he stated.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, represented by Amb. Bolaji Akinremi, highlighted the unifying power of cultural exchange.

“Our histories, languages, and heritage may differ, but cultural exchange binds people together, fosters mutual respect, and enriches our societies,” he said.

Visitors experienced vibrant Chinese embroidery, porcelain, and performances alongside Nigerian beadwork, woodcarvings, fashion, and traditional dances, symbolizing the shared values of diversity, inclusiveness, and creativity.

Diplomats from Cuba, Tunisia, Malaysia, Vietnam, the United States, Japan, and South Korea attended the event, reflecting its international significance.

Also read: China-Africa Mazu Culture Association celebrates anniversary, launches hunger relief initiative in Nigeria

The China-Nigeria Culture and Tourism Festival reinforces bilateral ties while showcasing the economic, diplomatic, and creative potential of cultural exchanges between the two nations.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”