Nigeria, China push deeper youth, sports exchange with wartial arts 

The event, organised by the China Cultural Center in Nigeria in collaboration with Beijing Sport University, brought together diplomats, sports administrators, cultural stakeholders, students and media practitioners to celebrate Chinese martial arts and explore new avenues for cultural and sports cooperation between both countries.

 Yang Jianxing, Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria (CCCN), described cultural exchange as a vital bridge for mutual learning among civilizations and for fostering stronger people-to-people connections.

Yang said Chinese Wushu represents more than physical exercise, noting that it embodies centuries of Chinese cultural values, including discipline, respect, moral conduct and harmonious coexistence.

According to him, the essence of martial arts lies not in promoting conflict but in cultivating character, self-discipline and peace.

He explained that Chinese martial arts reflect the philosophical ideals of harmony between humanity and nature as well as the principle of unity amid diversity.

The counsellor noted that the exhibition, which featured lectures, demonstrations and interactive sessions led by martial arts experts from Beijing Sport University, was designed to offer Nigerians an opportunity to experience Chinese culture firsthand while creating another platform for bilateral engagement.

Yang highlighted that the event comes at a significant period in bilateral relations, as 2026 marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China and has also been designated as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.

He said relations between both countries have continued to grow steadily over the decades, extending beyond political and economic cooperation to include cultural exchanges and mutual learning between civilizations.

“Facts have proven that the sustained development of China-Nigeria relations stems not only from the fruitful results of pragmatic cooperation, but also from the profound and sincere friendship between the two peoples,” he stated.

The diplomat pledged that the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Center would continue to organise more cultural programmes covering tourism, sports, youth engagement and women’s empowerment to deepen mutual understanding between citizens of both countries.

He expressed confidence that the martial arts exhibition would serve as a fresh platform for strengthening traditional friendship and fostering greater understanding among younger generations.

Representing Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Musa Ahmadu, Special Adviser on Legal, Strategy and Administration,  described the exhibition as a celebration of sporting excellence, cultural heritage and international friendship.

Ahmadu said Wushu, like many traditional sports, embodies important values such as discipline, courage, self-control, respect and excellence.

He noted that while Nigeria and China have built strong relations through trade, infrastructure, education and development cooperation, there is a need to further strengthen ties through sports, culture and youth engagement.

According to him, sports diplomacy provides a unique platform for fostering understanding among nations and building relationships that transcend formal diplomatic channels.

“Sport speaks a universal language. It crosses borders, bridges differences and brings people together in a way that formal diplomacy sometimes cannot,” he said.

Ahmadu stated that the exhibition aligns with the vision of the National Sports Commission under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reposition sports as a tool for national development, youth empowerment, economic growth and international cooperation.

The sports official also used the occasion to commend the Chinese government for its support to Nigeria through capacity-building initiatives.

He disclosed that two technical officials from the Office of the Chairman of the National Sports Commission recently returned from a training programme in China organised by the Academy for International Business Officials and China’s Ministry of Commerce.

Describing the programme as timely and beneficial, Ahmadu appealed for the expansion of similar opportunities to cover more areas within Nigeria’s sports sector.

He specifically identified sports administration, coaching development, infrastructure management, sports science, athlete development, anti-doping education, sports technology and traditional sports promotion as areas where greater collaboration would be valuable.

The National Sports Commission, he said, remains open to deeper engagement with Chinese institutions, including Beijing Sport University and the China Cultural Center, to facilitate exchanges between sports professionals and educational institutions from both countries.

He further proposed the establishment of coaching clinics, technical training programmes, university partnerships and initiatives aimed at promoting Wushu among Nigerian youths.

Also speaking, Mohammed Bulama, Director-General of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), represented by Abiodun Ogidan, Director of Programmes,  FRCN, commended the Chinese Embassy for promoting intercultural dialogue and strengthening friendship between Nigeria and China through cultural initiatives.

Bulama described Wushu as a rich cultural tradition that combines physical fitness, self-defence, discipline, philosophy and meditation.

He noted that cultural exhibitions such as the Wushu showcase provide opportunities for greater understanding between nations and reinforce diplomatic relations.

Ogidan particularly praised the collaboration between FRCN and the Chinese Embassy through the “Ni Hao China” programme aired on the corporation’s network service.

According to him, the programme has helped introduce Mandarin language, Chinese culture, technology, tourism, music and economic developments to Nigerian audiences while strengthening mutual understanding between both countries.

He said the partnership has benefited both institutions by increasing public awareness of Chinese culture and enriching FRCN’s content offerings.

The FRCN boss reaffirmed the corporation’s commitment to sustaining the collaboration and supporting initiatives that promote educational engagement, cultural exchange and stronger ties between Nigerians and Chinese citizens.

The exhibition featured performances and interactive sessions by martial arts experts from Beijing Sport University, showcasing various elements of Chinese Wushu and traditional cultural practices.

Organisers said the programme was designed not only to display martial arts techniques but also to promote the philosophical and cultural values embedded in the ancient practice.