As per recent reports, Nigeria has teamed up with China to effectively promote its arts and culture. This Nigeria-China cultural partnership seeks to leverage the latter’s expertise in cultural branding to enhance the growth of Nigeria’s art sectors, increase tourism, and strengthen the economy.
According to TheTimes, on December 21, parties from both countries announced the collaboration at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja. During the event commemorating the friendship between China and Nigeria, Hannatu Musawa, Nigeria’s Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, stated that when discussing culture, nobody excels more than the Chinese.
She added that for Nigerians, culture represents a form of real estate and significant wealth. Furthermore, she also expressed a desire to explore ways to transform ‘our culture into value that will add growth to this nation.’ This partnership will host exchange programs where Nigerian artists will learn directly from Chinese experts through workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions.
There are also plans to build cultural facilities in Nigeria, including museums and art centers. These venues will display Nigerian artworks, music, dance, and traditional practices to encourage tourism. Additionally, Chinese Cultural Counsellor Yang Jianxing shared some news about the “Beijing Action Plan,” set to kick off in 2025. He mentioned that the China Cultural Centre will roll out events throughout the year to promote tourism and support education. This is all in line with the new plan tied to the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
Another prominent figure at the event was Nsikan Paul, the Executive Director of Drum Majors For Peace. When it was his turn to address the audience, he emphasized the importance of cultural diplomacy in fostering global understanding. He stated,
“Peace is not just the absence of conflict, but the presence of dialogue and collective action. Through cultural exchange and advocacy, we aim to empower the youth and promote inclusivity.”
This Nigeria-China cultural partnership may likely have a big impact on Nigeria’s creative industries. For one, it could provide new opportunities for local artists and enhance the country’s cultural diplomacy efforts.
You can watch the highlights of the event in the video below.
