Abuja, Nigeria – The Chinese community in Nigeria’s capital city, together with Nigerian partners, staged a vibrant temple fair on Saturday to celebrate the Spring Festival and commemorate 55 years of bilateral diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Celebrating the Year of the Horse
The Spring Festival, which falls on February 17, 2026, marks the start of the Chinese New Year, ushering in the Year of the Horse, the seventh animal in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle.
Held at the China Cultural Center in Abuja, the fair attracted more than 1,500 attendees and featured a diverse range of cultural activities, including:
- Traditional Wushu performances
- Exhibitions of Chinese tea art, calligraphy, and traditional medicine
- A picture exhibition showcasing cultural heritage
- Authentic Chinese cuisine
Ahead of the performances, attendees also viewed the promotional video for the China Media Group (CMG) 2026 Spring Festival Gala, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Zhou Hongyou, charge d’affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, highlighted the historical significance of the occasion:
“After 55 years of close cooperation, China-Nigeria relations have gone beyond bilateral economic ties to become a model of South-South cooperation.”
Joseph Tegbe, director-general of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, praised the tangible outcomes of cooperation, particularly in infrastructure development. He cited the one-billion-U.S.-dollar National Integrated Poultry Project, inspired by Chinese agricultural models, as a flagship initiative.
“We welcome Chinese businesses to Nigeria, encourage partnerships, prioritize capacity building, skills transfer, and shared growth. In return, Nigeria will continue to offer a welcoming environment rooted in hospitality, trust, and mutual respect. As we celebrate this New Year together, let us embrace the spirit of the horse,” Tegbe said.
Voices from the Community
Other attendees expressed admiration for China’s rapid development and resilience. Chukwuka Ojukwuara, executive director at the Center for the Study of the Economies of Africa, remarked:
“I wish the Chinese keep on progressing. There’s a lot of fragmentation going in the multilateral space but China has emerged as a very resilient nation. I wish the country the best.”
Conclusion
The temple fair not only celebrated the cultural richness of the Spring Festival but also underscored the enduring partnership between China and Nigeria. As both nations mark 55 years of diplomatic ties, the event highlighted shared values of cooperation, cultural exchange, and mutual respect.
