China have made a major achievement in its quest to sell some its cultural products to Nigeria with the introduction of Tai Chi.
This is a reaffirmation of the growing cultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations that entered diplomatic relation about 55 years ago.
Yesterday in Abuja Nigerians were introduce to the first ever International Taijiquan Day under the theme “China-Nigeria Good Partners.”
The Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, who introduce the event via his opening speech, described Tai Chi as a global cultural symbol with deep historical roots and growing international relevance.
Yang pointed out that Tai Chi Quan is one of the most well-known Chinese martial arts, loved by people all over the world, with a history of more than 400 years.
Tai Chi is already in the books of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO, which sees it as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Yang added that the practice, now embraced by “hundreds of millions of people in more than 180 countries and regions,” represents harmony between humans and nature and promotes a healthy lifestyle.
Yang highlighted the global significance of the day, recently designated to be marked annually on March 21. “This is the first international day in the UN system named after a martial arts discipline, signifying the widespread global recognition of the important value of Tai Chi Quan,” he said.
According to him, the Abuja event, held on the eve of the inaugural celebration, was designed to showcase Chinese culture while fostering mutual understanding.
“We hope to enhance understanding and deepen friendship through mutual learning between our two countries’ civilisations,” he stated.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, said the event underscored the intersection of sport, culture and diplomacy.
“It’s a convergence of culture, history, education, health and lifestyle, all in one particular event, and it is also a sport,” Dikko said, adding that the commission fully supports the initiative. “We will continue to collaborate to advance the mutual relationship between Nigeria and China.”
In her speech, the Permanent Secretary, Social Development Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Olubunmi Olowokere, said that Tai Chi as more than a physical exercise, calling it “a moving meditation” with significant benefits for public health.
“In our fast-paced world, where stress and lifestyle-related illnesses are on the rise, the principles of Tai Chi offer a powerful antidote,” Olowokere said.
She noted that the discipline aligns with the Secretariat’s mandate on welfare and community development.
“It is an activity with no barriers, it can be practised by the young and the old alike, by men and women. It promotes balance, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally,” she added.
Encouraging wider adoption, she urged Nigerians to integrate Tai Chi into community life.
“Let us take this movement back to our communities, our schools and recreation centres, to build a healthier, more focused and socially inclusive society,” she said.
SummitPost News reports that this event featured demonstrations by Abuja based Tai Chi enthusiasts who have embraced the Chinese way of life and are willing to pass them to other Nigerians.