Nigeria, China strengthen ties through Wushu Kungfu

  The rhythmic movements of Wushu Kungfu took centre stage in the nation’s capital on Sunday, as the Nigeria Wushu Kungfu Association hosted the 2026 China–Nigeria Wushu Cultural Exchange. The event, held in celebration of the Chinese New Year (the Year of the Horse), served as a powerful testament to the deepening “people-to-people” diplomacy between […]

 

The rhythmic movements of Wushu Kungfu took centre stage in the nation’s capital on Sunday, as the Nigeria Wushu Kungfu Association hosted the 2026 China–Nigeria Wushu Cultural Exchange.

The event, held in celebration of the Chinese New Year (the Year of the Horse), served as a powerful testament to the deepening “people-to-people” diplomacy between the two nations.

Representing the Association’s President, Mr Eric Ni, the North Central Zonal Representative, Mr Sesan Adeboyejo, described Wushu as more than a combat sport.

He characterised it as an “enduring bridge of friendship,” blending philosophy, discipline, and health into a universal language of mutual respect.

According to Adeboyejo, this initiative aligns seamlessly with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which positions sports as a strategic driver for job creation, tourism, and global influence.

The event highlighted the grassroots growth of the sport, particularly in the North Central zone, where young practitioners are increasingly acting as “cultural ambassadors.”

However, the Association stressed that sustaining this momentum requires more than just passion.

In a direct appeal to the Chinese business community, Adeboyejo called on major firms—including Huawei, CCECC, and Sinopec—to provide institutional sponsorship.

He argued that investing in Wushu is an investment in Nigerian youth, providing them with life skills and positive alternatives to social vices.

Echoing these sentiments, Mr Yang Jianxing, the Cultural Counsellor of the China Cultural Centre, noted that the values of martial arts—resilience and peace—mirror the long-standing bilateral friendship.