The Director-General of the National Gallery of Art, Ahmed Bashir Sodangi, and the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Abdulkarim Ozi Ibrahim, have reaffirmed the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening relations between Nigeria and China.
They made the remarks at the 2026 Panda Painting Interactive Experience, organised by the Chinese Cultural Centre in Nigeria in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Sodangi described the arts as one of humanity’s most powerful tools for fostering understanding, strengthening friendships, and building bridges across cultures. He noted that the panda, regarded as China’s national treasure, symbolizes peace, friendship, harmony, and environmental conservation, making it a fitting emblem for cultural exchange.
The National Gallery of Art Director-General commended the Chinese Embassy for promoting people-to-people engagement through the arts, saying such initiatives contribute significantly to strengthening the longstanding bilateral relationship between both countries.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Abdulkarim Ozi Ibrahim, said art has the unique ability to transcend language, geography, and social differences. He described the Panda Painting Interactive Experience as a creative platform that promotes friendship, mutual understanding, and cultural appreciation among nations.
According to him, Nigeria and China have maintained a strong relationship built on mutual respect and cooperation, while cultural exchanges continue to complement diplomatic and economic engagements between the two countries.
Chinese Embassy Minister, Zhou Hongyou, said the event was part of activities marking the growing cultural partnership between Nigeria and China. He explained that the giant panda represents peace, inclusiveness, and harmony in Chinese culture and serves as a bridge for cultural dialogue between peoples.
Zhou noted that 2026 marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China and the China-Africa Year of People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges. He pledged continued support for cultural, educational, and artistic exchanges aimed at strengthening friendship between the two nations.
The event featured students, artists, cultural practitioners, and members of the diplomatic community who participated in interactive painting sessions inspired by the giant panda, promoting creativity, environmental awareness, and intercultural understanding.
Participants expressed optimism that the initiative would further deepen cultural cooperation and foster lasting friendship between Nigeria and China.
