Nigeria and China have deepened their cultural ties, using the Lantern Festival and China-Nigeria Women’s Carnival to spotlight women’s empowerment and reaffirm their commitment to gender equality, education, and people-to-people exchanges.
The event, held at the China Cultural Centre, brought together senior government officials, diplomats, and development partners ahead of International Women’s Day. Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, said the celebration reflected shared values and growing friendship between the two nations.
“Today is the fifteenth day of the first lunar month in China, which is the Lantern Festival, and in five days we will celebrate International Women’s Day. We gather with joy to strengthen our friendship,” Yu said.
The Lantern Festival symbolises reunion, peace, and happiness. Yu highlighted women’s role in national progress, citing China’s achievements: 690 million women achieved a moderately prosperous life, maternal mortality dropped by 80%, and women account for 40% of the workforce.
UNESCO Office Abuja Representative, Jean-Paul Ngome Abiaga, described the carnival as a testament to culture and education building bridges between Nigeria and China. “When women are equipped, communities rise. When girls are educated, the future is transformed,” he said.
Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Mukhtar YanaIe Muhammad, praised the Chinese Embassy for strengthening bilateral relations. “As lanterns brighten the night sky, our women light the path of progress,” he said.
The event featured a concert, exhibitions, digital empowerment initiatives, and traditional displays, underscoring a shared commitment to deepen ties through culture and empower women.