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**.

Meetings Africa 2025, hosted in Johannesburg, will connect global business leaders and spotlight Africa’s diverse destinations and opportunities

The countdown to *Meetings Africa 2025* has officially begun, and with less than a month to go, excitement is building across the continent.

On 1 February 2025, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange was buzzing with activity as the media launch event for this eagerly anticipated gathering was held.

The event, hosted by South African Tourism in partnership with the Gauteng Tourism Authority, Johannesburg Tourism Company, and the Sandton Convention Centre, is set to take place from 24 to 26 February 2025 at the prestigious Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, in the Gauteng Province.

This year’s edition promises to be even more significant, as it paves the way for the historic G20 Summit, which will be hosted on African soil for the very first time in November 2025.

In 2024, *Meetings Africa* generated an impressive economic impact of R145 million directly, with an additional R275 million in indirect impact.

This brought the total contribution to South Africa’s economy to R420 million. This success builds on the achievements of 2023, when the event contributed R388.5 million, with R133.9 million coming directly and R254.5 million indirectly into the country’s economy.

Speaking at the media launch, South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Honourable Patricia de Lille, emphasised the event’s importance in connecting Africa’s business events stakeholders with influential international buyers.

“*Meetings Africa 2025* aims to continue to spotlight Africa’s diverse destinations and unique offerings for business events by unlocking Africa’s Opportunities Through Quality Connections,” she remarked.

“The event serves as a platform for business deals, knowledge sharing, and cross-sector partnerships, with a strong emphasis on enabling meaningful networking opportunities to support industry growth.”

Mlungisi Mabaso, Acting Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, also addressed the audience during the launch. He highlighted the economic benefits of hosting such major events, stating, “As a city of a thousand hellos, we are the beating heart of business connections for South Africa and the continent.

Events like *Meetings Africa* not only attract visitors to our shores, but they also create economic opportunities that generate jobs, boost our township economy, and grow our already solid reputation as a premier business hub for the continent.”

**Event Highlights:**

– **Business Opportunities Networking Day (BONDay):** 24 February 2025
– **Exhibition Days:** 25-26 February 2025
– **Venue:** Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg

With the business tourism sector continuing to grow, *Meetings Africa 2025* is set to become a cornerstone of the African events calendar.

The event’s continued success underscores South Africa’s position as a global leader in business tourism and a gateway to Africa’s vast economic opportunities.

For more information and to register, visit [www.meetingsafrica.co.za](http://www.meetingsafrica.co.za).

Nigeria’s royal legacy takes centre stage at the Louvre Abu Dhabi in a breathtaking exhibition exploring African heritage from January 28–30, 2025

The cultural heritage of Nigeria will take centre stage at the highly anticipated *Kings and Queens of Africa: Forms and Figures of Power* exhibition, scheduled to run from January 28 to 30, 2025, at the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

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This extraordinary event is part of the broader *African Museums Today and Tomorrow* programme, which aims to highlight the richness of Africa’s cultural contributions to global heritage.

The exhibition will feature a remarkable collection of approximately 300 objects, offering an in-depth exploration of African royalty, with a special focus on Nigeria’s iconic kingdoms.

Representing Nigeria at this prestigious event, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, emphasised the nation’s significant role in shaping the global cultural narrative.

“This exhibition is not only a celebration of Nigeria’s kingdoms, but also serves to elevate our nation’s position in the global conversation about African heritage and cultural preservation,” Musawa stated.

She described the exhibition as an opportunity to showcase the powerful symbolism, spirituality, and artistry of Nigerian royal traditions, from the ancient Yoruba Kingdoms to the Benin and Hausa Kingdoms.

The exhibition will present a stunning array of artifacts, many of which have been loaned through the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) and form part of Nigeria’s national collection.

These treasures, spanning centuries of royal history, offer visitors an intimate look at the cultural and artistic achievements of Nigerian monarchies.

Key highlights will include objects from the Yoruba Kingdoms of Ife, Owo, and Ijebu. These items include intricate terracotta portraits of royal figures and depictions of Queen Oluwo, showcasing the remarkable craftsmanship of Yoruba artists in the 12th to 15th centuries.

In addition to the Yoruba pieces, the exhibition will also shine a spotlight on the Benin Kingdom. Known for its sophisticated copper alloy and ivory works, the Benin Kingdom’s artifacts demonstrate the exceptional artistry that defined the Edo dynasty.

These objects reflect the powerful royal authority of the Benin kings and the kingdom’s lasting influence on global art traditions.

Furthermore, the exhibition will feature objects from the Hausa Kingdoms, underscoring the region’s complex societal structures and its broad cultural and political impact across Africa.

These items highlight the intricate royal traditions and artistic achievements that have shaped African heritage over centuries.

Musawa noted that the exhibition represents Nigeria’s continued commitment to cultural diplomacy and international collaboration.

By lending these significant objects to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Nigeria reinforces its dedication to sharing its cultural treasures with the world and promoting a deeper understanding of African heritage.

The exhibition also serves to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates, fostering cooperation in art, culture, and tourism.

“This collaboration not only highlights Nigeria’s rich cultural assets but also enhances our international standing, creating lasting connections between Africa and global audiences,” Musawa added.