ABUJA, Feb. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese community in Nigeria's capital city of Abuja, together with Nigerian partners, on Saturday held a temple fair to mark the 2026 Spring Festival celebrations and commemorate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria.
The event, hosted at the China Cultural Center in Abuja, featured programs including traditional Chinese Wushu performances and Nigerian cultural exhibitions. It also served as a high-profile launch of the China-Africa Year of People-to-people Exchanges, attracting hundreds of guests who experienced a lively fusion of Chinese and Nigerian traditions and hospitality.
In his keynote address, Zhou Hongyou, charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, highlighted the historical significance of the occasion, noting that after 55 years of close cooperation, China-Nigeria relations have gone beyond bilateral economic ties to become "a model of South-South cooperation."
Zhou also drew attention to the symbolism of the Year of the Horse, the emblem of the 2026 Chinese lunar year, saying it resonates with Nigeria's national identity. "In Chinese culture, the horse symbolizes hard work, perseverance, unity, and innovation. The horse also features prominently on the Coat of Arms of Nigeria ... these qualities define our relations," he said.
The Chinese envoy underscored growing economic integration between the two countries, noting that both sides are "actively consulting on the implementation of the zero-tariff measures." He also cited the recent launch of the "Ni Hao! China" radio program as an important step toward enhancing mutual understanding between the two peoples.
Joseph Tegbe, director-general of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, praised the tangible outcomes of China-Nigeria cooperation, particularly in infrastructure development. He highlighted the one-billion-U.S.-dollar National Integrated Poultry Project, a flagship initiative inspired by Chinese agricultural models.
"This project is not just about food security; it is about jobs, dignity, and opportunity for Nigerians," he said, adding that Nigeria's Ajaokuta Steel Complex is poised for revitalization through cooperation with China.
The temple fair concluded with interactive cultural exchanges, reinforcing the people-to-people theme of 2026. Participants from both sides said that the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties marks a strategic milestone for further advancing cooperation in industrialization, agriculture and talent development for the benefit of both countries. ■