By Mercy Peter
The China Cultural Centre in Nigeria has reaffirmed the importance of fashion and cultural exchange in strengthening diplomatic relations, promoting creative industries and deepening people-to-people connections between Nigeria and China.
Speaking at the China-Nigeria Fashion Show in Abuja, the Culture Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Mr. Yang Jianxing, said fashion provides a powerful platform for cultural dialogue and mutual understanding between nations.
Yang, who spoke on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria and the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, welcomed government officials, diplomatic representatives, fashion industry practitioners, media professionals and other stakeholders to the event.
The fashion show formed part of activities marking the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China, as well as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
Yang described clothing as more than attire, noting that it serves as a vibrant vehicle for civilisation and a universal cultural language capable of transcending geographical boundaries.
According to Yang, the event was not merely a display of fashion but an avenue for two ancient and dynamic civilisations to engage through creativity, design and cultural heritage.
Yang highlighted the long history and diversity of Chinese clothing, including Hanfu, Tang-style attire, qipao or cheongsam, and the mamianshun, translated as the horse-face skirt.
He explained that the different forms of Chinese clothing reflect various aspects of the country’s classical aesthetics, cultural heritage and evolving fashion traditions.
On Nigerian fashion, Yang noted that the country’s clothing culture was equally rich and diverse, reflecting the identities and traditions of its various ethnic groups and regions.
He referenced Yoruba Aso Oke, Agbada, Buba, Iro and Gele as examples of Nigerian traditional fashion, noting that clothing is closely connected with identity, traditional festivals, weddings and other significant social occasions.
Yang said the fashion show established a platform for dialogue between Chinese and Nigerian clothing cultures, allowing Chinese aesthetics and indigenous African art to interact and blend.
“Through every stitch and thread, it carries forward and deepens the profound friendship between our two countries, serving as a vivid illustration of the bond between peoples shared by China and Nigeria,” Yang said.
He further noted that multicultural exchange could foster inclusive and forward-looking fashion trends while creating fresh opportunities for the fashion industries and creative economies of both countries.
Yang referenced the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2023, particularly its emphasis on respecting the diversity of civilisations, promoting shared human values, preserving cultural heritage and strengthening international people-to-people exchange and cooperation.
He also cited Chinese sociologist Fei Xiaotong’s philosophy on appreciating one’s own culture and that of others, describing cultural exchange and mutual learning as important elements of peaceful coexistence.
Yang expressed confidence that the fashion show would provide a foundation for increased design sharing and industrial collaboration between Nigeria and China.
He commended Significant Stitches and Fabrics for its efforts in bringing the event to fruition and also acknowledged the contributions of the China Railway Engineering Corporation (CCECC) and the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria for supporting the participation of models from Chinese companies operating in Nigeria.
Also speaking at the event, Mohammed Tukura, who represented the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, said the occasion provided an opportunity to celebrate China’s rich cultural heritage while recognising Nigeria’s growing fashion industry and longstanding diplomatic ties with China.
Tukura, who delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the Minister, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, described fashion as a powerful instrument for cultural exchange, economic growth and mutual understanding among nations.
He said fashion was more than clothing, describing it as an expression of identity, culture, creativity and heritage.
Tukura said bringing Nigerian and Chinese creative communities together would create opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, innovation and economic growth.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to promoting Nigeria’s creative industry and creating platforms through which Nigerian creatives could connect with international partners and audiences.
In a goodwill address, Binta Muazu, Director of Culture and Traditional Affairs, City Boy Movement, who served as special guest of honour, said the 55th anniversary of Nigeria-China diplomatic relations represented an important milestone in bilateral cooperation.
Muazu noted that the two countries had developed cooperation in areas including trade, infrastructure, education and culture, stressing that people-to-people relationships remained important to sustaining international friendship.
She described Nigeria’s textiles, colours, craftsmanship and traditions as valuable cultural assets that deserved to be promoted beyond the country’s borders.
Muazu also highlighted the journey of Significant Stitches and Fabrics, saying the fashion house began in 2020 from a container before developing into a contemporary Nigerian fashion brand combining traditional textiles with modern silhouettes and refined detailing.
She commended the founders and management of the fashion house for transforming the initial vision into a fashion platform capable of showcasing Nigerian creativity alongside international cultural expressions.
Muazu also acknowledged Mr. Sanusi Na’Allah for providing advice, encouragement, time and resources towards the development of the initiative.
Addressing young designers, artisans and entrepreneurs, Muazu urged them to remain committed to their creative ambitions, stressing that their starting point should not determine the extent of their future achievements.
She called for more platforms that would promote creative employment, entrepreneurship and stronger cultural connections between Nigeria and other countries.
