China Nigeria Women Cooperation takes centre stage in Abuja as both nations emphasise women’s role in development and bilateral relations

China and Nigeria on Tuesday reaffirmed the importance of women in advancing social development and deepening bilateral relations during the Lantern Festival and China-Nigeria Women’s Carnival held in the nation’s capital.

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Speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, said the celebration underscored the growing partnership between both countries while recognising women as a powerful force driving national and global progress.

The ambassador noted that the Chinese New Year was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization at the end of 2024, transforming it into a shared international cultural celebration.

Jianxing explained that the Lantern Festival coincided with preparations for International Women’s Day, describing the occasion as symbolic of unity and social advancement.

“Women are the bond of families, the cornerstone of society, and a vital force driving social development and progress,” he said, adding that women in both China and Nigeria continue to shape national development through resilience and innovation.

Highlighting progress made in China over the past three decades, Jianxing said implementation of commitments arising from the Beijing World Conference on Women had significantly strengthened women’s rights and participation in economic life.

According to him, improvements in maternal health outcomes, workforce participation and entrepreneurship demonstrate the transformative impact of sustained investment in women’s empowerment.

Also speaking, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Dr Mukhtar Muhammad, described the celebration as a vibrant fusion of Chinese and Nigerian cultures.

Muhammad said the symbolism of the Lantern Festival mirrored the role of women in national development, noting that women continue to illuminate pathways for innovation, cultural preservation and unity.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to expanding cooperation with China through cultural exchange programmes, tourism development and policies aimed at empowering women to participate actively in the digital economy.

In his remarks, Jean-Paul Abiaga, Head of Office and Representative of the UNESCO Office Abuja, emphasised that the gathering went beyond cultural festivities, describing it as a living testament to the role of education and culture in strengthening international partnerships.

Abiaga stated that societies achieve sustainable progress when women and girls are empowered, adding that both Nigeria and China have recorded meaningful gains in promoting gender inclusion.

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Both countries reiterated that expanding women’s access to education, employment and leadership opportunities remains central to achieving shared prosperity and strengthening their comprehensive strategic partnership under ongoing China Nigeria Women Cooperation initiatives.