By Omonu YG Nelson
The Vice Secretary General of the Zhengzhou Municipal People’s Government, Zhao Hengkang, has revealed that 100,000 Chinese are resident in Nigeria.
He made this revelation yesterday, September 26, 2024, at the Mid-Autumn Festival in Abuja, Nigeria. He revealed that approximately 100,000 Chinese individuals reside and conduct business in Nigeria, with the majority hailing from Hunan Province.
According to him, “The Mid-Autumn Festival is aimed at celebrating cultural exchange and the martial arts charm of Chinese Kung Fu.
“This poetic event aimed to share the cultural and martial arts charm of Chinese Kung Fu, a fusion of Buddhist culture and traditional Chinese culture.”
Zhao emphasised Zhengzhou’s renowned reputation as the “City of Kung Fu” and its rich history as the hometown of the legendary Yellow Emperor. The city boasts two UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites and serves as a key hub in the Belt and Road Initiative, connecting with over 40 countries and 136 cities worldwide.
“The Shaolin Kung Fu Performing Art Group has captivated global audiences, performing at events like the Athens and Beijing Olympics and touring across five continents.
“Their impressive feats have made Shaolin Kung Fu one of China’s most cherished cultural treasures, alongside the Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, and pandas.”
Zhao highlighted the importance of cultural exchange in promoting bilateral relations between China and Nigeria. “The 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing aimed to strengthen solidarity and cooperation between the two nations, contributing to the modernization of the Global South.”
Notable individuals, such as Kong Tao and Zheng Xiaopeng, have been awarded the title of “Emir” by Nigerian traditional rulers. He extended an invitation to all guests and friends to attend the 13th China-Zhengzhou International Shaolin Wushu Festival on October 17th, promoting mutual understanding and cultural exchanges between China and Nigeria
As Zhao aptly put it, “Let us explore Henan, understand China, and wish that the friendship between Nigeria and China will be passed on and last forever!.”
Also speaking, Mr. Yang Jianxing, Cultural Counselor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China and Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, welcomed a delegation from the “Chinese Taste Grand Canal Food Workshop” to Nigeria. The event celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival, a traditional Chinese holiday that highlights the importance of family reunions and togetherness.
“As we gather here today, I’m reminded of the famous Chinese verses: ‘The bright moon rises over the sea, we share this moment from afar’ and ‘May we all live long, sharing the beauty of the moon even if we are a thousand miles apart’,” said Mr. Yang. “These words encapsulate the deep longing for family reunion and the spirit of caring for others that defines the Chinese people.”
The Mid-Autumn Festival, which dates back over 1,000 years, is a time for families to come together, admire the full moon, and enjoy traditional mooncakes while making wishes for peace, reunion, and happiness.
This cultural exchange comes on the heels of the successful Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, where Chinese President Xi Jinping announced plans to elevate China’s relationship with Africa to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership ¹. President Xi Jinping and President Tinubu of Nigeria have agreed to build a high-level China-Nigeria community with a shared future.
As Mr. Yang noted, “This partnership embodies the Chinese concept of ‘Tianxia Datong,’ which means all people under heaven are one family. We aim to share experiences, help each other, and develop together with all African countries, including Nigeria.”
The China-Nigeria cooperation promises to bring about significant economic and cultural benefits to both nations, with a focus on: