Abuja — The Nigeria Wushu Kungfu Association has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening educational and cultural ties between Nigeria and China through martial arts, describing Wushu as a tool for youth development and cross-cultural learning.
The association’s President, Mr Eric Ni, represented by the North Central Zonal Representative, Mr Sesan Adeboyejo, made this known on Sunday at the 2026 China–Nigeria Wushu (Martial Arts) Cultural Exchange and Chinese New Year Celebration held in Abuja.
Ni said the cultural exchange symbolises the growing friendship, mutual respect and shared educational values between both nations.
“Wushu is more than martial arts; it is philosophy, discipline, health and heritage beautifully woven into movement,” he said. “Through this exchange, we celebrate not only an ancient art form but also the enduring bridge of friendship between our peoples.”
From an educational perspective, he explained that Wushu provides structured training that promotes discipline, focus, resilience and physical fitness among young people — qualities essential for academic and personal development.
Ni noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for youth and sports, which recognises sports as a platform for empowerment, job creation and global engagement.
He also recalled remarks by China’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Yu Dunhai, who at the 2025 Chinese Ambassador’s Cup Wushu Championship in Abuja described Wushu as a powerful instrument for strengthening people-to-people connections and promoting youth development.
“Wushu transcends borders and speaks a universal language of discipline, respect and excellence,” Ni added.
He said the sport is gaining momentum in Nigeria’s North Central Zone, where young people are embracing martial arts not just as a physical activity but as a pathway to cultural understanding and personal growth.
“Our practitioners are not just learning techniques; they are becoming ambassadors of Chinese culture and champions of Nigeria–China friendship,” he said.
Ni called for stronger partnerships and sponsorship from Chinese companies operating in Nigeria to support training, equipment provision and the development of Wushu centres, particularly in underserved communities.
He stressed that sustained investment would expand access to structured extracurricular programmes that offer young people positive alternatives to social vices while promoting healthy living and intercultural awareness.
Also speaking at the event, the Cultural Counsellor and Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Mr Yang Jianxing, described martial arts as a bridge for cultural understanding.
He welcomed members of the Chinese Wushu Association delegation and Nigerian partners, noting that the celebration reflected the values of harmony and renewal associated with the Chinese New Year.
“Martial arts is not only about physical fitness; it is a legacy of wisdom and spirit that reflects resilience, respect and peace. These values mirror the enduring friendship between China and Nigeria,” he said.
The event featured Chinese New Year decorations, performances by schoolchildren and community groups in Abuja, as well as joint displays of Wushu and Kung Fu.
The celebration coincided with the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria. Speakers highlighted that cooperation between the two countries has expanded over the decades to include educational exchange, cultural programmes and youth-focused development initiatives.
Organisers expressed optimism that future collaborations would include more training programmes, grassroots outreach and educational partnerships aimed at nurturing Nigerian talent while strengthening cultural bonds between both nations.
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