By Tokunbo2

Copyright thesun

Envoy says special day captures Chinese spirit of family reunion, harmony, mutual support

From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja

The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria has marked the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival in Abuja.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, said China’s Mid-Autumn Festival fell on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month.

Yu also said it was a special day that really captured the Chinese spirit of family reunion, harmony, and mutual support.

The Chinese envoy further said the Mid-Autumn Festival was all about “cherishing the people we love and hoping for a happy life.”

Yu said: “On this day, we enjoy mooncakes while admiring the full moon, sending our thoughts and best wishes to family and friends who aren’t by our side. This sentiment is beautifully captured in a famous line of Chinese poetry: ‘The sea mirrors the rising moon bright; Miles apart, our hearts share tonight.’

“To celebrate this moment, we have with us today top artists from the Shenzhen Opera and Dance Theatre, the Shantou Acrobatic Troupe, and the Shenzhen XingZhe Fusion Band. The performances we are going to enjoy draw inspiration from classic Chinese poetry and bring it to life through dance, music, martial arts, and acrobatics. But today is far more than a display of artistry; it is a heartfelt expression of our warmest wishes for the China-Nigeria friendship.”

Speaking further, Yu gave a brief introduction about Shenzhen, where the artists came from.

“Shenzhen is a coastal city in Guangdong Province, known as the ‘window’ and ‘test ground’ of China’s reform and opening-up. Over the past few decades, it has transformed from a small fishing village into a world-renowned modern metropolis, with a population of 18 million and a GDP of over 500 billion USD in 2024. This remarkable transformation offers a vivid snapshot of China’s rapid economic and social development. But what makes Shenzhen stand out is not only its technological innovation and modern industries, but also its vibrant cultural scene that blends traditional heritage with modern creativity.”

Yu also said that cultural exchange, as a vital part of China-Nigeria relations, served as a bridge that strengthens cooperation across all sectors.

He added that on such occasions, mooncakes, a traditional Mid-Autumn Festival treat, symbolising reunion and happiness, were indispensable.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, said the festival spoke of a bountiful harvest, the reward for hard work and dedication.

“It embodies the spirit of reunion—the coming together of family and loved ones under the brilliance of the full moon. And it conveys heartfelt blessings—hopes for prosperity, happiness, and a bright future.

“These values are not foreign to us in Nigeria. We, too, celebrate our harvests with joy and thanksgiving. We hold our families and communities in the highest regard, and our cultures are replete with ceremonies that express blessings for one another. This shared appreciation for life’s most precious gifts forms a powerful bridge between our peoples,” Muhammad said.

In his remarks, the Deputy Director-General, Shenzhen Bureau of Culture, Media, Tourism and Sports, Li Qiangqiang, said Shenzhen and Nigeria are separated by the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean.

Li also said despite the immense geographical distance, the cultural bond has fostered a heart-to-heart connection between us.

“Today’s event stands as both a vivid reflection of the cultural exchanges between our two nations and a heartwarming testimony to the friendship between the people of Shenzhen and Nigeria.

“Nigeria is a nation of extraordinary cultural depth. More than 250 ethnic groups coexist here and over 500 languages are spoken. Ancient civilisations such as Nok, Ife, and Benin have left a long and distinguished legacy—producing exquisite artistic treasures and nurturing literary luminaries such as Nobel laureate Akinwande Oluwole ‘Wole’ Soyinka. The brilliant costumes, spirited music, and dances of your traditional festivals vividly convey the cultural vitality of this land. It is a privilege to convene in a country so rich in cultural charm and to share this cultural occasion with you,” Li said.