By Omonu YG Nelson
The Global Civilization Initiative pioneered by President Xi Jinping of China, is a clear demonstration of his great leadership capacity, vision and strategic thinking. This idea is unarguably the best ever muted by any leader, past or present, towards bridging the gap of understanding between civilisations.
This initiative will benefit the China-Nigeria relations greatly. Though the cultural and diplomatic relations between the continental giants have witnessed steady boom in the past, it is time that cherished relationship moves to another level. Since Nigeria and China established diplomatic relations on February 10, 1971. The both countries have maintained mutual respect for each other. Unlike the west, China does not interfere with, or dictate the political affairs of Nigeria. The global economic giant believes that Nigeria possess the capacity to manage its internal affairs as it relates to leadership succession/selection.
To boost the people-to-people exchange between China and Nigeria, especially in the light of the Global Civilization Initiative, powered by Xi Jinping, there’s the need to introduce Sinology (an academic discipline that focuses on the study of the Chinese civilization primarily through Chinese language, history, culture, literature, philosophy) into Nigeria’s school curriculum.
Times have proven that Language is one of the most potent tools of communicating civilisation. Currently, Chinese language is only taught on an ad-hoc basis but Mandarin, the Chinese official language, can be taught as a subject in primary schools. The efforts of Chinese government through its numerous Assisted Primary Schools can be of great help in this regard. This is underpinned by the “Catch them young” approach.
Partnership between the Chinese Embassy and the federal government of Nigeria, through the federal ministry of Education for the inclusion of Mandarin in the school curriculum at primary and secondary school levels. Don’t forget, learning, both in speaking and writing is better grasped at tender age. Suffice to mention that French, which is not making much impact on Nigerians as much as China, is taught in primary, secondary and tertiary levels in Nigeria.
Also, introduction of trading in Yuan, the Chinese currency can go a long way in creating the understanding of Chinese civilisation amongst Nigerians. Most Nigerians are aware of the United States dollars. In fact, some businesses in Nigeria transacts only in US dollars, Euro and other western currencies. Why not China’s Yuan? It will certainly increase trade between the two countries. It means more Nigerians will be able to travel to China to do businesses, while more Chinese can come to Nigeria for trade. In the process, the increase in the people-to-people contact will lead to exchange of civilisations. At the moment, some Chinese in Nigeria can speak some major Nigerian languages fluently and even participate in eating local meals. They can even interprete Nigerian languages to others.
Similarly, the China Cultural Centre, which is located only in Abuja can be replicated in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. This will facilitate easy access to resources like books and other reading materials on Chinese cultures and civilisations. Movies that reflects the beauty of Chinese civilisation can be shown at such centres and people will be invited to come and watch.
Although, the China Cultural Centre is already doing a lot in co-hosting and sponsoring several Nigerian festivals, so much more can still be done in joint hosting of local festivals.
Finally, in furtherance of the corporate social responsibility of the Chinese companies doing business in Nigeria, they can sponsor some local festivals like the Ocho Festival of the Igala People of Kogi State. The Italo festival is an annual assembly of all Igala sons and daughters at home and abroad involving traditional music and dances at Anyigba. During this festival, the Attah of Igala (the paramount ruler of the Igala Kingdom) makes a special address to his subjects.
The Egungun refers to the return of the ancestors in masquerade form and is celebrated by the Yoruba people. In Iragbiji, a town near Osogbo, the Egungun festival is celebrated as the period of interaction between the living and the dead. Many colourful masquerades parade the streets and offer prayers for the living. The Argungu Fishing Festival or Argungu Dance Festival is an annual four-day festival in the state of Kebbi, and other northern states like Niger in the north-western part of Northern Nigeria
I believe these steps can help a great deal in boosting the People to People exchange and cooperation between China and Nigeria, especially in the light of the Global Civilization Initiative, initiated by President Xi Jinping of China.
Omonu YG Nelson is an Abuja-based Nigerian journalist and publisher, Summit Post News.