Li Xuda, the Director of China Cultural Center in Nigeria, says there is a strong commitment to strengthen the people to people relationship between China and Nigeria.
Li said this at the 2024 Mid-Autumn festival organised by the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria in collaboration with the China Cultural Centre on Saturday in Abuja.
Li, who is also the Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, said the Festival was one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture that had been celebrated for over 3,000 years.
He said that the festival was not just about the moon as it embodied the values of family, unity and cultural appreciation which would be fostered between China and Nigeria.
According to Li, the festival serves as a bridge; enabling cultural exchanges and enhancing mutual understanding.
‘By celebrating this festival in Nigeria, we are not only sharing our traditions but also inviting Nigerians to partake in our rich culture,’ he said.
Li also noted that the festival was
often celebrated annually on the 15th of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, usually in Sept. or Oct. when the moon was very full and bigger in size.
Mr Michael Olubode, a Nigerian recipient of a dining voucher valued at N1 million, extended his gratitude to the Chinese Government for the undertaking.
He conveyed his heartfelt wishes for a joyous and bountiful Mid-Autumn celebration.
Presentation of gifts to some attendees.
NAN reports that the highlight of the event was the distribution of electronic devices, TV boxes, dining vouchers, health products, among others to Nigerians and Chinese participants to commemorate the 2024 Mid-Autumn Festival.
See also ‘Gangs of Lagos’ production sacrilegious to cultural heritage rights – Oba of Lagos
The event also featured a Chinese chef, who educated both Nigerian and Chinese attendees on crafting mooncakes.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria