The Chinese Cultural Center in Abuja recently was the host of a vibrant celebration of cultural diplomacy and agricultural cooperation, which marks the United Nations International Tea Day.
The “Tea for Cultural Harmony Yaji” brought together distinguished guests and friends of China-Nigeria relations to celebrate the shared values of harmony and cultural exchange through the lens of tea culture.
Speaking at the event, the Chinese ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Yu Dunhai, stressed the shared cultural values between both nations. He described tea as a symbol of peace, connection and mutual respect.
“China and Nigeria have many common cultural values, and tea represents harmony, connection and respect,” said Ambassador Dunhai. “This platform allows us to interact more deeply with the Nigerian people, exchanging not only drinks, but also values and ideas.”
The ambassador also reiterated China's preparation to associate with Nigeria in agricultural production of added value, especially through commerce initiatives, agroprocessing and cultural tourism related to tea.
The permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Culture and Creative Economics, Dr. Muhktar Yawale, said Nigeria's desire for taking advantage of the creative and economic opportunities offered by the culture of tea. He highlighted the country's commitment to promote thematic tourism of tea, artisanal companies and rural development.
“We are supporting the creative industries focused on tea. By promoting festivals and developing the thematic tourism of tea, Nigeria can take advantage of the world tea economy while preserving local culture,” he said.
Also speaking, Mrs. Olubunmi Olowookere, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Social Development of the FCT, described tea as “a symbol of peace and patience”, emphasizing its role in the transcendence of the limits and joining the communities.
The president of the Culture and Creative Economy Committee of the House of Representatives expressed their support for initiatives that position culture as an identity source and an engine for economic growth. “This event is a revealing. We must establish laws that strengthen cultural identity and also position culture as an economic engine,” he said.
Emphasizing the importance of the media in the promotion and export of the cultural wealth of Nigeria to the global deer, .dr. Mohammed Bulama, general director of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), represented by its special assistant, Alhaji Suleiman Musa, described the event as an opportunity to highlight our values, talents and potential for a global audience.
“A youthful perspective, student Agbo Chidinma described tea as a cultural unifier, saying:” Tea is not just a drink; It is a unit lubricant and a vital part of the Chinese historical tradition. Events like this help us appreciate other cultures while we appreciate ours. ”
“Tea for harmony: the Yaji Cultural Hall” not only highlighted tea as a shared cultural symbol, but also reaffirmed the deepest ties between Nigeria and China through culture, commerce and community.
The event had a variety of cultural performances, including the elegant Yue Opera and Pipa music by Chinese artists, as well as calligraphy exhibitions and Chinese painting and experience sessions.
The celebration highlighted the importance of Chinese tea culture on the bridge of the civilizations of the two nations and the recent flowering of China-Nigeria tea trade was touched, with Hainan Baisha Tea making its debut in the Nigerian market in 2024.