The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, in collaboration with the China Cultural Center, has marked the Lantern Festival alongside a China–Nigeria Women’s Carnival in Abuja, describing the event as a celebration of friendship, cultural exchange and women’s empowerment.
Speaking at the event held on March 3, 2026, at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja, Mr.Yang Jianxing the Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy& the Director of China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, said the Lantern Festival — a key part of the Chinese Lunar New Year — symbolises reunion, harmony and renewed hope.
He noted that the Chinese New Year’s inclusion on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage has made it a globally recognised festival.
Mr Yang emphasised that the festival provides an opportunity to strengthen people-to-people relations between China and Nigeria, particularly as both countries mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations and participate in the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges in 2026.
He highlighted the importance of women in societal development, describing them as central to family stability, economic growth and national progress, referring China’s progress in advancing gender equality, including expanded women’s participation in education, the workforce and entrepreneurship, and reiterated continued commitment to supporting women’s development globally.
The event also showcased cultural performances, exhibitions and traditional Chinese delicacies, designed to promote mutual understanding and appreciation of both nations’ traditions. Organisers said such exchanges reinforce shared values of respect for culture, harmony and cooperation, while advancing the vision of a stronger China–Nigeria partnership.
Also speaking at the celebration, the Permanent Secretary of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy commended the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre for fostering cultural diplomacy between both countries.
He said the Lantern Festival represents light, unity and hope, adding that women remain central to creativity, innovation and cultural preservation. He pledged the Ministry’s continued commitment to expanding cultural cooperation, empowering women in the digital economy, and strengthening tourism and creative industry partnerships.
Also addressing the gathering, representatives of UNESCO in Nigeria described the celebration as a demonstration of the power of culture and education to build bridges between nations. They stressed that empowering women and girls remains critical to sustainable development, noting ongoing initiatives in Nigeria aimed at improving access to education and economic opportunities for women.
The event concluded with renewed commitments from both sides to deepen collaboration in education, culture, gender equality and human development, while celebrating the enduring friendship between China and Nigeria.