Events

Chinese community in Nigeria celebrates 2025 lunar new year in grand style

Published

2 years ago

February 13, 2025

The Chinese community in Nigeria celebrated the 2025 Lunar New Year in Abuja with vibrant cultural displays, cuisine, and diplomatic engagements

The **Chinese community in Nigeria** recently marked the **2025 Lunar New Year**, also known as the **Spring Festival**, with a spectacular celebration in **Abuja**.

The event, held at the **Chinese Cultural Centre**, featured a fusion of **Chinese and Nigerian cultural performances**, symbolising the strong ties between the two nations.

Led by **Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai**, the celebration showcased **traditional Chinese performances** alongside captivating displays by **the National Troupe of Nigeria**.

The event was attended by **top government officials**, including the **Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Oraeluno Obi Raphael**, and **Deputy Director General, Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Xu Zhentao**.

The festival also attracted **members of the diplomatic community and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria**, reinforcing the growing **bilateral relationship** between both countries.

A highlight of the celebration was the **exquisite display of Chinese cuisine**, allowing guests to indulge in a variety of traditional dishes, showcasing the **rich culinary heritage** of China.

Ambassador **Yu Dunhai**, who hosted the festival for the first time since assuming office, reflected on the **4,000-year-old history** of the **Spring Festival**, emphasising its deep connection to **family and tradition** in Chinese culture.

“There is no doubt that the **Spring Festival** is the best window into the **spiritual world and values** of the Chinese people,” he stated.

He also highlighted the **global significance** of the festival, noting that it was officially recognised as a **United Nations floating holiday in December 2023** and later **inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity**.

Ambassador **Yu Dunhai** reaffirmed the strong diplomatic and economic ties between **China and Nigeria**, highlighting the implementation of the **FOCAC Beijing Action Plan**.

He recalled the **successful visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi** to Nigeria earlier in the year, which aimed at enhancing cooperation between both countries.

“The trade volume between **China and Nigeria** exceeded **$20 billion in 2024**, making Nigeria China’s **largest engineering contract partner**, **second-largest export market**, and **third-largest trade partner in Africa**,” he noted.

Looking ahead, the **Chinese envoy expressed optimism** about **increasing trade volumes** and expanding economic collaborations, recognising Nigeria’s immense growth potential.

Speaking at the event, **Permanent Secretary Oraeluno Obi Raphael** commended China’s commitment to **cultural diplomacy** and highlighted the **historical ties and shared values** between both nations.

“Both Nigeria and China boast **rich and diverse cultures**, with deep historical roots that resonate in contemporary times. From **Nigeria’s vibrant festivals** to **China’s colourful traditions**, we find common ground in our values of **family, community, and respect for elders**.”

He reaffirmed the **Nigerian government’s commitment** to strengthening **bilateral and cultural ties**, pledging support for policies that **promote cultural exchange, artistic collaborations, and tourism opportunities** between both nations.

The **2025 Lunar New Year celebration in Nigeria** was not only a festival of **music, dance, and cuisine** but also a testament to the **growing friendship and collaboration** between **Nigeria and China**.

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Culture

Crowds Gather for Rare Sunrise at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temple

Published

3 weeks ago

October 23, 2026

David Ogunjobi

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple to witness the twice-yearly sunrise ceremony illuminating Pharaoh Ramses II’s statue

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple on Thursday to witness a spectacular sunrise phenomenon in which sunlight illuminated the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, an event that occurs only twice a year.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The ancient astronomical ceremony drew visitors from different parts of the world to the archaeological site in southern Egypt on October 22, one of two dates associated with the phenomenon.

The second occurrence takes place on February 22, when the rising sun illuminates the temple’s interior.

Egyptian tour guide Yasser Fouad described the occasion as extraordinary, saying some visitors had stayed overnight to secure the opportunity to witness the event.

“Today is an extraordinary day, everyone is keen, there are people who stayed over the night, foreigners who actually spent the night in Abu Simbel to see this phenomenon,” Fouad said.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel dates back to the 13th century BC and is among Egypt’s most prominent archaeological attractions.

Built during the reign of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its monumental statues and sophisticated architectural design.

The twice-yearly sunrise phenomenon is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the interaction between sunlight and the temple’s ancient structure.

The dates have traditionally been associated with significant moments in Ramses II’s life.

October 22 is commonly linked to his birthday, while February 22 is associated with his accession to the throne.

However, the precise historical reasons behind the dates remain debated.

Some archaeologists have proposed alternative explanations, including that they may have marked the pharaoh’s coronation and birthday.

Abu Simbel underwent a major international rescue operation in the 1960s, when archaeologists and engineers relocated the temples to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The monumental structures were cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher location, preserving the site for future generations.

The relocation was one of the most significant archaeological preservation projects of the 20th century.

Despite the move, the temple continues to attract visitors for its ancient Egyptian art, monumental architecture and remarkable alignment with the rising sun.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The annual gatherings highlight the enduring appeal of Egypt’s archaeological heritage and the continuing fascination with the astronomical knowledge and engineering achievements of its ancient civilisation.