The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria has urged young people across Nigeria and Africa to play a more active role in strengthening cooperation and advancing the vision of a China-Africa community with a shared future.
Speaking at the China-Nigeria Youth Exchange Seminar on China-Africa Community with a Shared Future held in Abuja on Monday, Minister Zhou Hongyou of the Chinese Embassy said youth participation was critical to sustaining relations between China, Nigeria and the wider African continent.
The seminar was organised by the Chinese Embassy in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.
Mr Hongyou described the gathering as an opportunity for young Nigerians and Chinese citizens to strengthen partnerships through dialogue, cooperation and shared development goals.
“It’s great to be here with all energetic young people from China and Nigeria, talking about how we can build an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future,” he said.
Chinese envoy calls for youth cooperation
Quoting Xi Jinping, the envoy stressed the importance of youth collaboration in addressing global challenges and promoting international cooperation.
“In today’s world, the future of people of all countries is closely linked together. Young people in all countries should establish a global vision and enhance their awareness of cooperation through education, and work together for a better future of mankind,” Mr Hongyou stated.
He encouraged young Nigerians and Chinese youths to deepen friendships through exchanges and contribute to stronger bilateral ties.
According to him, dialogue and inclusiveness remain key responsibilities for young people.
“Engage in dialogue with openness and inclusiveness, and be a supporter of the China-Africa community with a shared future,” he said.
Focus on trade, technology and cultural exchange
Mr Hongyou noted that relations between Nigeria and China were expanding across trade, technology, education, culture and sports.
He described both countries as “a strong example of win-win cooperation among Global South countries.”
“The more turbulent the world gets, the more China stays committed to Africa. We are ready to walk side by side with Nigeria and other African countries toward modernisation and a shared future for mankind,” he added.
The envoy also urged participants to promote positive narratives about China-Africa cooperation and transform discussions into practical outcomes.
“I hope you will become storytellers of China-Nigeria and China-Africa cooperation, sharing our vision of win-win cooperation with the world,” he said.
Nigeria highlights opportunities for youths
Also speaking at the seminar, the Director of Education and Youth Development at the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Despan Kwardem, said Nigeria could benefit significantly from deeper cooperation with China, especially in technology and innovation.
Mr Kwardem highlighted internship and employment opportunities for Nigerian youths in Chinese companies as part of the growing partnership between both countries.
He described the seminar as an important step toward strengthening ties between young people in Nigeria and China.
Planned 2026 cultural engagements, including a China-Nigeria Fashion Show, Food Festival, Film Festival and a virtual reality exhibition showcasing China’s Tang Dynasty culture, were also announced as part of future youth exchange programmes.
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