By: Mnena Iyorkegh, Abuja
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has highlighted tea as a powerful symbol of unity and a vital tool for deepening cultural and diplomatic ties between nations.
Ambassador Dunhai emphasized the role of tea in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening cooperation between China and Nigeria.
Ambassador Dunhai made this statement at the “Tea for Harmony — Yaji Cultural Salon” event, held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, to mark the United Nations International Tea Day.
The event served as a platform to highlight the rich cultural heritage of Chinese tea while fostering stronger ties between China and Nigeria through cultural exchange .
The envoy explained that the China-Nigeria tea trade has flourished, making tea not just a beverage but also a vital social bond that fosters peace, connection, and mutual respect.
“Chinese tea ceremony emphasizes harmony, purity, and elegance, focusing on achieving a balance between humanity and nature, connection between oneself and others, and inner harmony of the human heart. The ethos of China’s tea ceremony, such as ‘harmony is precious’ and ‘making friends through tea,’ deeply resonate with Nigeria’s cultural philosophy that values harmony. These shared values have become a spiritual bridge connecting our two great civilizations. The tea fragrance crossing thousands of miles shows that a small tea leaf can not only nourish the body but also warm the soul, becoming a ‘green envoy’ promoting economic, trade cooperation, and cultural exchanges between China and Nigeria,” he said.
Ambassador Dunhai revealed that the two nations are implementing the three-year (2025–2027) initiative titled Ten Partnership Actions for Modernization to deepen China-Africa cooperation with Nigeria and 52 other African countries.
“Cultural exchange is a very important part of this initiative. The year 2026 is designated as the ‘China-Africa Year of Cultural and People-to-People Exchange.’ China-Nigeria cultural exchanges shoulder the important historical mission of promoting mutual learning between civilizations and connecting the hearts and minds of our two countries. We are pleased to see increasingly closer cooperation between the two countries in culture, tourism, education, and many other fields,” he added.
Ambassador Dunhai further reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening cultural ties with Nigeria in all areas of concern.
“The Embassy will always be committed to strengthening exchanges and cooperation in culture, tourism, education, the creative economy, and other fields to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between our peoples. Today’s gathering is fleeting, but the blending of cultures and the beauty of diversity are eternal. When we raise our tea cups, we drink not only tea soup but also our expectations for peace and the bonds of friendship we cherish,” he concluded.
Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of Nigeria’s Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Dr. Muhktar Yawale, said the Ministry remains ready to harness the creative and economic opportunities offered by tea culture.
“Economically, Nigeria’s tea market continues to expand, presenting opportunities for agro-processing, creative branding, and cultural tourism under the visionary leadership of my Honourable Minister. Our Ministry is committed to fostering creative enterprises around tea, promoting local adaptations, supporting tea-related festivals, and exploring partnerships that enhance Nigeria’s participation in the global tea economy. We are supporting creative industries centered around tea. By promoting festivals and developing tea-themed tourism, Nigeria can tap into the global tea economy while preserving local culture,” he said.
He also commended the Chinese Cultural Centre for facilitating mutual learning and dialogue through exhibitions, performances, and workshops that promote shared humanity.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Culture and Creative Economy, Mr. Saleh Zock, highlighted the value of cultural identity and exchange while describing China as a true friend to Nigeria.
“Today’s event has shown us the value of investing more in our own cultural identity, and supporting initiatives that position culture as both a source of identity and an engine for economic growth. This event is an eye-opener. We must put in place laws that strengthen cultural identity and also position culture as an economic driver,” he said.
On her part, Ms. Olubunmi Olowookere of the Social Development Secretariat, FCT, described tea as more than a beverage. “It is a symbol of peace, patience, reflection, and harmony. In its simplicity, profound wisdom is found,” she said.
Other highlights of the event included traditional tea ceremonies, cultural performances, and in-depth discussions on the economic and cultural significance of tea.
The event was organized by the Chinese Cultural Centre in Abuja with the theme, “Tea in Nature’s Whisper, Aroma of Picturesque Jiangnan.” It brought together diplomats, cultural officials, lawmakers, and students to explore the shared values and culture between China and Nigeria through tea culture.
