By Barbara Nwaiwu
Nigeria and China have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cultural cooperation, environmental awareness and people-to-people relations through the “Hello Nigeria—2026 Panda Painting Interactive Experience” held in Abuja.
The initiative, which brought together diplomats, government officials, artists, students and members of the diplomatic community at the China Cultural Centre, was organised to promote friendship, creativity, cultural exchange and wildlife conservation through art.
Speaking on Monday at the event, Mr. Zhou Hongyou, Minister at the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, said art and cultural exchange could play an important role in promoting wildlife conservation and environmental awareness, particularly among young people.
Zhou described the giant panda as a symbol of biodiversity conservation, peace, harmony, inclusiveness and cultural friendship, noting that the programme was designed to connect Chinese and African cultures through artistic expression.
“The giant panda is known as a ‘living fossil’ of the earth, a flagship species for global biodiversity conservation, and a friendly envoy of Chinese culture,” Zhou said.
He explained that the initiative combines the cultural heritage of China’s Sichuan Province, the homeland of the giant panda, with Africa’s vibrant artistic traditions to encourage creativity, cultural dialogue and appreciation for nature.
“The ‘Panda Painting Interactive Experience’ uses panda painting as an artistic bridge, blending the image of the panda with contemporary artistic creation, bringing together the intangible cultural heritage of Sichuan, the panda’s homeland, and the vibrant colours of Africa,” he said.
According to him, the programme goes beyond artistic expression by creating opportunities for cultural engagement and environmental education among participants.
“This is not only an art exhibition, but also a warm, healing cultural dialogue.”
“Through the paintbrushes in our children’s hands, the graffiti on the long scrolls and the laughter on the stage, we will feel the natural beauty and cultural charm of the panda’s homeland,” he added.
Zhou noted that the event formed part of activities commemorating the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China and the China-Africa Year of People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges.
He said that while economic cooperation remains important, enduring relations between nations are built on trust, mutual respect and appreciation of each other’s cultures.
According to him, the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre would continue to expand cultural programmes, youth exchanges, language learning opportunities and artistic collaborations between both countries.
Also speaking, Mr. Abdulkarim Ozi Ibrahim, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, described the initiative as a demonstration of the power of art to connect people across different cultures while promoting environmental consciousness.
“The giant panda is globally recognised as a symbol of peace, friendship, harmony and environmental consciousness.”
“By inviting participants to engage in artistic expression through painting, this event provides an opportunity not only to appreciate Chinese culture but also to celebrate the universal values that unite humanity,” Ibrahim said.
He added that cultural diplomacy remained an effective tool for strengthening international relationships and fostering peaceful coexistence among nations.
“The creative sector serves as a powerful platform for fostering peace, inclusion and sustainable development. Through culture, we are able to build bridges, strengthen relationships and celebrate our shared humanity,” he said.
Ibrahim reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that encourage intercultural dialogue, artistic innovation, cultural tourism and international partnerships.
The Director General of the National Gallery of Art, Mr. Ahmed Bashir Sodangi, said the arts remain one of the most effective tools for promoting understanding and friendship among people from diverse backgrounds.
“The panda, China’s national treasure, is a globally recognised symbol of peace, friendship and ecological conservation.”
“It embodies the harmony between humanity and nature that is deeply rooted in Chinese culture,” Sodangi said.
He noted that the programme encourages participants, especially young people, to reflect on environmental stewardship, cultural diversity and unity through creative expression.
“Through painting and creative expression, we are afforded a unique opportunity not only to explore artistic creativity but also to appreciate the values of unity, environmental stewardship and cultural diversity,” he said.
Sodangi commended the Chinese Embassy for promoting cultural diplomacy through the arts, adding that such initiatives contribute to stronger bilateral relations and a greater appreciation of environmental and cultural values.
Participants, including students from international schools, took part in panda-themed painting activities, while cultural displays highlighted the shared values of peace, creativity, cooperation and friendship between Nigeria and China.
Speakers at the event emphasised the importance of youth participation in cultural exchange programmes, describing young people as central to the future of Nigeria-China relations and environmental sustainability efforts.
