Tea now bridge for dialogue, mutual learning between China, Nigeria – Envoy

The Minister, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, Zhou Hongyou, has described tea as an important part of life, saying it is now a bridge for dialogue and mutual learning between Chinese civilisation and other civilisations around the world. He said this at the 2026 “Tea for Harmony, Maritime Silk Road Impressions: […]

The Minister, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, Zhou Hongyou, has described tea as an important part of life, saying it is now a bridge for dialogue and mutual learning between Chinese civilisation and other civilisations around the world.

He said this at the 2026 “Tea for Harmony, Maritime Silk Road Impressions: Immersive Salon of Intangible Cultural Heritage from Ancient Zayton Port”, which was celebrated at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to him, tea came from China about 5,000 years ago, before travelling to many parts of the world through the Silk Road and the Tea Road.

“Tea has thus become a bridge for dialogue and mutual learning between Chinese civilisation and other civilisations around the world.

“Today, we gather here over tea to connect with friends through meaningful conversation, hoping to experience the deep roots of Chinese culture as we enjoy tea and reflect on its meaning, and, in the warmth of its fragrance, to deepen our understanding and friendship with one another.

While highlighting the importance of the event, he said the ancient Silk Road stretched for thousands of miles, carrying not only spices, silk, porcelain, and the gentle melodies of the guqin, but also a lasting spirit, the spirit of peaceful cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning, and mutual benefit.

“This spirit has been passed down through generations and remains alive today, serving as a powerful driving force for China and Nigeria to jointly implement the Belt and Road Initiative and build a community with a shared future for mankind.

“Through culture’s timeless, borderless power, we hope to deepen understanding and friendship between our peoples, to honour the ancient Maritime Silk Road’s role in human exchange, to carry forward the Silk Road spirit, and to build public support for our joint efforts under the Belt and Road Initiative,” Zhou said.

Abdulkarim Ozi Ibrahim, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy of Nigeria, said, “Nigeria may not have a century of tea tradition like China, but our embrace of tea culture reflects our openness to global influences and our appreciation of the rituals of bringing people together.

“Though tea is not indigenous to Nigeria, its socio-economic and cultural significance has grown over time.”

He assured of the Ministry’s commitment to fostering creative enterprises around tea, promoting local adaptations, supporting tea-related festivals and exploring partnerships that enhance Nigerian participation in the global tea economy.

“As we savour the delicate aroma of Jigna’s finest tea today, let us also envision a future where Nigeria and China co-create opportunities in the creative sector,” Ibrahim said.