China Deepens Ties With Nigeria Through Panda Art.
By Ferdinand Olise
Chinese Cultural Centre in Nigeria has hosted the “Hello Nigeria 2026 Panda Painting Interactive Experience,” bringing together government officials, diplomats, students, artists and cultural enthusiasts in a celebration of friendship between China and Nigeria.
in his opening remarks, the Minister of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Zhou Hongyou, described the giant panda occasion held yesterday as a global symbol of peace, harmony and friendship, noting that the initiative was designed to strengthen cultural understanding between China and Africa.
According to him, the panda painting experience serves as an artistic bridge connecting the rich cultural heritage of Sichuan Province the home of giant pandas with the vibrant creativity of Africa, adding that the 2026 marks the fifty-fifth anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria, as well as the “China-Africa Year of People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges.
“The giant panda is known as the living fossil of our planet. It’s a symbol of global biodiversity protection and a friendly ambassador of Chinese culture.
“In our tradition, pandas represent peace, equality, and prosperity.and their gentle, lovable images speak to everyone beyond language and borders. So, that’s why we created the Panda Painting Interactive Experience.
It uses art as a bridge, bringing together two images.
“Of the Panda is the modern artistic creation compiling the rich cultural heritage of Sichuan, the hometown of Panda, with vibrant colors of Africa. This is not just an art exhibition, but warm, joyful cultural conversations.
Through children’s painting process, drawing on papers, and the lover on the stage, we hope everyone in Nigeria will feel the natural beauty and cultural charm of the Pandas homely.
“Just a bit past May 1st,China introduced zero talent on import from all 155 African countries that have the diplomatic ties with us, and that definitely includes Nigeria. This opens the door for Nigerian products
to enter China’s huge consumer market.
And more importantly, it will be giving Nigeria a real boost speeding up its modernization and improving the lives of Nigerian people”, he said.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Mr. Abdulkarim Ibrahim, said cultural exchanges complement diplomatic and economic partnerships by creating deeper understanding among citizens, especially young people whose creativity will shape the future.
“Art possesses a remarkable ability to transcend language, geography and social differences through colours, creativity and imagination. It brings people together and fosters mutual understanding.
Today’s Panda Painting Interactive Experience is a wonderful demonstration of the power of art, of how cultural diplomacy, constructing relationships, promote shared values and great lasting bond
among nations.
“The event provides an opportunity not only to appreciate Chinese culture, but also to celebrate the universal values that unite humanity. Nigeria and China continue to enjoy long-standing relationships built on mutual respect, cooperation and shared aspirations for development.
“I encourage everyone to embrace the spirit of creativity, collaboration, and friendship that this event represents. Let us continue to build a bridge
through culture, celebrate our diversity, and certain ties between us and our country”, he said.
Also, the Director General of the National Gallery of Art, Mr. Ahmed Sodangi, applauded the initiative, describing art as one of the humanity’s strongest tools for strengthening friendships and building bridges across cultures.
The event featured interactive painting sessions, cultural displays and artistic engagements involving students from various international schools in Abuja.
