By Abbas Nazil
China and Nigeria have reaffirmed their growing partnership in agriculture and cultural diplomacy through a vibrant celebration held at the Chinese Cultural Centre in Abuja, marking the United Nations International Tea Day.
The event, themed “Tea for Harmony — Yaji Cultural Salon,” served as a platform to strengthen bilateral ties, spotlight cultural exchange, and explore opportunities in value-added agriculture and tea-related tourism.
At the heart of the event was tea — not just as a beverage, but as a symbol of harmony, peace, and shared cultural values.
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Yu Dunhai, highlighted the importance of tea as a cultural bridge between the two nations.
He emphasized that tea represents harmony, connection, and mutual respect, values deeply shared by both Chinese and Nigerian societies.
“This platform allows us to interact more deeply with the Nigerian people, exchanging not just beverages, but values and ideas,” the ambassador stated, signaling China’s readiness to collaborate further with Nigeria in agro-processing, tea trade, and cultural tourism.
Nigeria, on its part, expressed strong interest in leveraging tea culture for creative and economic growth.
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Dr. Muhktar Yawale, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy, reiterated the country’s commitment to promoting tea-themed tourism, artisanal enterprises, and rural development.
According to him, tea culture provides a new avenue for Nigeria to tap into the global tea economy while preserving its own cultural heritage.
Further support came from Ms. Olubunmi Olowookere, Permanent Secretary of the FCT Social Development Secretariat, who described tea as “a symbol of peace and patience,” capable of transcending social and cultural boundaries.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Culture and Creative Economy also advocated for legislative measures to position culture as a source of identity and a driver of economic growth, noting the role of events like this in policy development and national unity.
Representing the Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Alhaji Suleiman Musa emphasized the media’s role in exporting Nigeria’s cultural wealth to a global audience.
The event also welcomed youth perspectives, as student Agbo Chidinma praised tea as a cultural unifier, enriching inter-cultural understanding and appreciation.
The celebration featured rich cultural displays including Chinese Yue Opera, pipa musical performances, calligraphy, and painting exhibitions.
It also highlighted the emergence of China-Nigeria tea trade, especially with the debut of Hainan Baisha tea in Nigeria in 2024.
Through art, commerce, and shared tradition, the event illustrated how tea diplomacy is fostering deeper cultural, economic, and community ties between China and Nigeria.
