The Director General, National Council for Art and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, has stated that the celebration of Chinese new year festival is a testament to the fact that China guides very jealously, its cultural heritage and traditional values.
Runsewe informed that China is reputed for its diverse culture and its fascinating manifestations, which date back to several centuries.
The NCAC boss made the statement while delivering his goodwill message during activities to mark 2024, Chinese New Year celebration at the Chinese cultural center, Saturday in Abuja.
Runsewe, who is also the President, World Craft Council (WCC), said it is important to point out that China shares a lot of similarities with Nigeria. While China is the second most populous country in Asia, Nigeria is the most populated country in Africa. Similarly, both China and Nigeria are culturally diverse nations.
He said, “China has 56 official ethnic groups while Nigeria has close to 400 ethnic groups, each with its unique cultural peculiarities. China has leveraged its cultural strength to develop its economy. On the other hand, Nigeria harnesses its cultural potential to drive the process of her economic development.
“It is therefore clear that both nations have a lot to learn and benefit from each other in the area of cultural exchanges. Indeed, the relationship between China and Nigeria has been quite robust. The cultural sector in Nigeria has benefited greatly from Chinese human capital development programmes. Over the years, the two countries have developed a strong cultural partnership that pays.
“Nigeria has a lot of historical and heritage sites that can be upgraded to serve as recreational, religious, and commercial sites comparable to the Chinese Temple fair. We are rich in arts, crafts, other cultural products as well as a variety of food and snacks. Some of our historical sites have been listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. This is why we must strengthen our cultural ties with China so as to tap from their cultural expertise. ”
Speaking at the occasion, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Cui Jianchun, stated that the Chinese new year celebration also known as the spring festival is an important Chinese celebration that brings family together to reflect on the past year, celebrate what they have achieved while ushering in the new year.
He said, “This year, 2024 is tagged the year of the dragon, in Chinese culture, dragon symbolize three things, one is auspiciousness, second is the wisdom, and the third is about strength. I believe in our relationship with Nigeria. We have been auspicious, applied wisdom, and together, we have shown that there is strength in unity.
Delivering his speech, Chairman house committee on Nigeria-China Relation in the National of Assembly, Hon Jafaru Yakubu, stated that the temple fair is an age long celebration that brings family together in love, peace and harmony.
He explained that the year’s celebration will also provide an opportunity for Nigerians to learn about Chinese culture and tradition.
One of the winners of the Chinese raffle draw, Mr Emmanuel Okoi, thank God for favouring him to be among the winners, and he prayed the Chinese Nigeria relationship will continue to blossom.
