Seminar Promotes Culture and Tourism Exchange in BRI Cooperation

Abuja, Nigeria – On July 12, 2024, the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria hosted a seminar aimed at promoting culture and tourism within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Cooperation. The event began with a promotional video showcasing the infrastructure projects China has built through the BRI initiative.

Mr. Li Xuda, the Cultural Counsellor and Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, delivered the opening remarks. He welcomed guests and provided an overview of the BRI, which was initiated in 2013. He noted that Nigeria joined the BRI in 2018, and by 2024, China has signed over 200 cooperation documents with 152 countries and 32 international organizations. Notably, 52 African countries are now part of the BRI. Mr. Li emphasized his commitment to promoting cultural and tourism exchanges between China and Nigeria, highlighting the role of such exchanges in social progress and national development. He concluded by noting that both China and Nigeria are cultural giants with ancient civilizations and rich tourism resources, recognized by the UNWTO as part of one of the world's fastest-growing industries.

Mrs. Blessing, representing Mr. James Sule, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Arts Culture and Creative Economy, delivered a goodwill message. She described the BRI as a global infrastructure development strategy and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to enhancing bilateral relations between Nigeria and China in the cultural and tourism sectors. She emphasized the need for both countries to harness the potential of cultural and creative industries to foster mutual understanding, promote cultural diversity, and drive sustainable development through collaboration and continual dialogue.

Prof. Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, Director of the Political Science and International Relations Department at the University of Abuja, delivered a keynote speech on the importance of future collaboration with China. Mr. Mohammed Suleiman, President of the China Alumni Association of Nigeria, also gave a keynote speech focusing on the tourism potentials of the BRI.

Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, the Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NAICOM), spoke on the importance of cultural heritage. He stressed the need to enlighten people about the significance of culture in enhancing identity, nationalism and patriotism. He encouraged attendees to respect and preserve cultural values. Dr. Bibi Farouq from the University of Abuja and Dr. Uchenna Kingsley Anunne from the News Agency of Nigeria delivered lectures on related topics, followed by a Q&A session. VIPs present at the event were interviewed.

The seminar highlighted the growing cultural and tourism ties between Nigeria and China and underscored the importance of the BRI in fostering international cooperation and development.

Article by Mr. Salim Ahmed Shuaibu

Photos by Mrs. Chen Huiling