China and Nigeria have reaffirmed their commitment to promoting fashion as a tool for cultural exchange and growth of the creative economy.
The commitment was made on Friday in Abuja at the China-Nigeria Fashion Show organised to showcase the countries’ cultural heritage.
Mr Yang Jianxing, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, said fashion offered a unique platform for cultural interaction.
“Clothing is more than just attire; it is a vibrant vehicle for civilisation and a universal cultural language that transcends geography,” he said.
Jianxing said the fashion show would enable Chinese and Nigerian clothing cultures to interact, exchange ideas and learn from one another.
He said exchanging designs and ideas could inspire new fashion trends while creating fresh momentum for both countries’ creative industries.
“This fashion show establishes a platform for dialogue between Chinese and Nigerian clothing cultures, allowing Chinese aesthetics and indigenous African art to interact and blend.
“We believe that this event demonstrates how cultural exchange could promote inclusiveness and strengthen the bond between the peoples of China and Nigeria,” he said.
Jianxing highlighted traditional Chinese styles, including Hanfu, Tang-style attire, Qipao and Mamianqun, alongside Nigeria’s Aso-Oke, Agbada, Buba, Iro and Gele.
He noted that clothing in both countries reflected identity, tradition, festivals, weddings and other significant social occasions.
The cultural counsellor expressed optimism that continued design exchanges and greater industrial collaboration would strengthen both countries’ fashion sectors.
Jianxing also pledged China’s support for expanding people-to-people exchanges and practical cooperation between China, Nigeria and other African countries.
Mr Abdulkarim Ibrahim, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, commended the organisers for creating the platform.
He said the initiative would enable young people and creative practitioners to learn from one another through culture, fashion and artistic expression.
Represented by Mr Mohammed Tukura, Ibrahim said fashion remained an important instrument for cultural exchange, economic growth and mutual understanding among nations.
He said Nigeria’s fashion industry, driven by designers, artisans, young creatives and entrepreneurs, could benefit from stronger engagement with China’s creative sector.
“Fashion is more than clothing. It is a powerful expression of identity, culture, creativity, and heritage,” Ibrahim said.
He said bringing Nigeria’s and China’s creative communities together would create opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, innovation and economic growth.
“The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy remains committed to promoting Nigeria’s creative industry.
“We are creating platforms that enable our creative talent to connect with international partners and audiences,” he said.
Ibrahim commended the China Cultural Centre for creating the platform and expressed confidence that the event would deepen cultural ties.
Ms Mea Bintu, CEO of Sygnific Stitches and Fabrics, said the fashion show provided an opportunity to deepen Nigeria’s decades-long relationship with China.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured traditional Chinese fashion and aesthetics, followed by Nigerian fashion and contemporary creative expressions.
It also featured modern and contemporary designs presented by fashion models from both countries.
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