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**.