China and Nigeria have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through sports development, cultural exchange and people-to-people engagement.
The two countries made the commitment on Tuesday in Abuja during a martial arts event: “The Passion of Chinese Wushu Cultural Heritage Chinese Wushu Premium Exhibition,” organised by the Chinese Embassy.
Mr Yang Jianxing, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria said that sports and culture were powerful tools for fostering mutual understanding and friendship among nations.
Yang who is also the Director of the China Cultural Centre, added that Chinese Wushu was more than a sport, noting that it represented China’s cultural heritage, values and philosophy.
“Cultural exchange serves as an important bridge for mutual learning among civilisations and for bringing people closer together.
“As an important symbol of China’s outstanding traditional culture, Wushu is not merely a sport; it is a cultural language and a spiritual heritage.
“It embodies the Chinese nation’s enduring spirit of self-improvement and reflects values such as respect, virtue, harmony and peaceful coexistence,” he said.
According to him, the essence of Wushu is the promotion of peace, moral cultivation and personal development.
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“The true spirit of martial arts lies not only in physical skills, but also in moral cultivation and personal growth.
“Whether it is the balance and elegance of Tai Chi or the vitality of traditional boxing styles, Chinese Wushu reflects the philosophical wisdom of harmony between humanity and nature,” he said.
Yang said the exhibition offered Nigerians an opportunity to gain deeper insight into Chinese culture.
He noted that the event also featured lectures, demonstrations and interactive sessions by a delegation from the Beijing Sport University led by Prof. Wu Dong.
Yang added that the Chinese Embassy and China Cultural Centre would continue to promote cooperation in language education, arts, tourism, youth exchanges and sports collaboration.
Mr Musa Ahmadu, Special Adviser on Legal Strategy and Administration, National Sports Commission (NSC).
Also speaking, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, said that sports diplomacy was an effective platform for strengthening bilateral relations.
Dillon, represented by Mr Musa Ahmadu, Special Adviser on Legal Strategy and Administration, said sports transcended borders and create opportunities for deeper understanding among nations.
“Sports speak a universal language. It crosses borders, bridges differences and brings people together in a way that formal diplomacy sometimes cannot.
“Through sports, young people learn discipline, nations build friendship, and cultures are understood and respected,” he said.
Ahmadu said the exhibition provided Nigerians with an opportunity to experience an important aspect of Chinese culture while creating room for future cooperation in sports, education and cultural exchanges.
He commended the Chinese Government for supporting Nigeria through capacity-building programmes.
Dikko called for expanded collaboration in sports administration, coaching development, sports science, infrastructure management and traditional sports.
“China has vast experience, strong institutions, advanced sports systems and a rich cultural heritage.
“There is therefore a natural opportunity for both countries to work together in developing these areas and building stronger partnerships,” he said.
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to deepen engagement with Chinese institutions to promote sports development and strengthen people-to-people ties.
NAN reports that the exhibition featured Wushu demonstrations, cultural presentations and interactive sessions by martial arts experts from Beijing Sport University.
The exhibitions showcased the history, philosophy and artistic heritage of Chinese martial arts.
(NAN)
