The Center of Attention
The china cultural center in Nigeria plays a strategic role in enhancing cultural exchanges between the two countries
In recent years, the Nigerian audiences have had a chance to better understand China through music. This has been made possible by the establishment of the China Cultural Center in Nigeria that marks a new achievement in enhancing cultural exchanges between the two countries.
Located in the capital Abuja, the center came to life recently on a night of Chinese and Nigerian symphonic music performed by the Beijing Symphony Orchestra.
The orchestra leader Liu Ke said that their affiliation with Nigeria dates back to 2008 when they were selected to play Nigeria’s national anthem before the final football game between Nigeria and Argentina at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. He described Nigeria as a beautiful country, and its people warm, respectable and hospitable. He said the orchestra cherished the opportunity to perform before Nigerian audiences and hopes to write a new chapter in the annals of China-africa friendship.
Established on March 2, 2012 and opened on September 9, 2013, the China Cultural Center in Nigeria is the second of its kind established in Sub-saharan Africa, and is the 14th overseas cultural center established by the Chinese Government. According to Li Xuda, Cultural Counsellor at the Embassy of China in Nigeria, the establishment of the China Cultural Center, based on the agreement signed by both countries, marks a new achievement in enhancing cultural relations between China and Nigeria and builds a channel of cultural exchange for both sides.
On the occasion of the fifth anniversary