By Gabriel Ameh, Abuja
Abuja came alive with colour, creativity and cultural diplomacy on Monday as the Chinese Cultural Centre in Nigeria hosted the “Hello Nigeria—2026 Panda Painting Interactive Experience,” bringing together government officials, diplomats, students, artists and cultural enthusiasts in a celebration of friendship between China and Nigeria.
The event, held at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja, highlighted the growing people-to-people relationship between both nations through art, culture and youth engagement.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Minister of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Zhou Hongyou, described the giant panda as a global symbol of peace, harmony and friendship, noting that the initiative was designed to strengthen cultural understanding between China and Africa.
According to him, the panda painting experience serves as an artistic bridge connecting the rich cultural heritage of Sichuan Province — the home of giant pandas — with the vibrant creativity of Africa.
“It is not only an art exhibition but also a warm and healing cultural dialogue,” he said.
Zhou noted that 2026 marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria, as well as the “China-Africa Year of People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges.”
He emphasized that stronger cultural ties and youth exchanges remain essential to deepening bilateral relations between both countries.
The envoy further disclosed that China recently introduced zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries with diplomatic relations with Beijing, describing the move as an opportunity for Nigerian products to access China’s large consumer market.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria to promoting cultural exchange programmes, youth collaborations, language and cultural salons, film weeks, food festivals and opportunities for Nigerian talents to study in China.
Also speaking at the event, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Abdulkarim Ozi Ibrahim, commended the Chinese Cultural Centre for organising what he described as a unique initiative promoting friendship, creativity and intercultural dialogue.
He said art possesses the power to transcend language, geography and social differences while fostering mutual understanding among nations.
“The giant panda is globally recognised as a symbol of peace, friendship, harmony and environmental consciousness,” he stated.
The Permanent Secretary added that cultural exchanges complement diplomatic and economic partnerships by creating deeper understanding among citizens, especially young people whose creativity will shape the future.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote cultural tourism, artistic innovation and international partnerships.
Director-General of the National Gallery of Art, Ahmed Bashir Sodangi, also praised the initiative, describing art as one of humanity’s strongest tools for strengthening friendships and building bridges across cultures.
He noted that the panda has become an international icon of goodwill, environmental conservation and harmony between humanity and nature.
Sodangi said the programme provided participants with opportunities to appreciate artistic creativity, cultural diversity and environmental stewardship while strengthening long-standing ties between Nigeria and China.
The event featured interactive painting sessions, cultural displays and artistic engagements involving students from various international schools in Abuja.
Participants were encouraged to use creativity and artistic expression to promote friendship, learning and cultural understanding between both nations.
Organisers expressed optimism that the initiative would inspire stronger artistic collaboration and deepen cultural relations between Nigeria and China for generations to come.
