By Favour Ulebor, Abuja

The Nigeria Wushu Kungfu Association has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cultural and people to people relations between Nigeria and China through martial arts.

The President of the Nigerian Wushu and Kung Fu Association, Mr Eric Ni, represented by the North Central Zonal Representative, Mr Sesan Adeboyejo, made the remarks on Sunday in Abuja at the 2026 China–Nigeria Wushu (Martial Arts) Cultural Exchange and Chinese New Year Celebration.

He said the China–Nigeria Wushu Cultural Exchange Event symbolises the deep friendship, mutual respect and shared commitment to cultural excellence between the two countries.

Ni noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for youth and sports, which recognises sports as one of Nigeria’s strongest national brands, an economic strategy and a driver of job creation, tourism, investment and global influence.

He said, “Wushu is more than martial arts; it is philosophy, discipline, health, and heritage beautifully woven into movement. Through this exchange, we celebrate not only an ancient art form but also the enduring bridge of friendship between our peoples.”

Recalling remarks by China’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Yu Dunhai, at the 2025 Chinese Ambassador’s Cup Wushu Championship in Abuja, he said Wushu plays a vital role in strengthening people to people connections, promoting youth development and building cultural understanding between both nations.

He added that the vision for expanding Wushu across Nigeria has taken root, noting that the North Central Zone, with its rich diversity and enthusiastic youth population, has embraced the sport with remarkable passion.

“Our practitioners are not just learning techniques; they are becoming ambassadors of Chinese culture and champions of Nigeria–China friendship,” he said.

He used the occasion to call for greater partnership and sponsorship from Chinese companies operating in Nigeria, stressing that the growth of Wushu, especially in underserved communities in the North Central Zone, requires sustained investment and institutional support.

“The growth of Wushu in Nigeria, particularly in underserved communities across the North Central Zone, depends on the goodwill and sponsorship of organisations that share our vision for youth empowerment, cultural exchange and community development,” he said.

He appealed to firms such as China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, Huawei Technologies, Sinopec (Addax Petroleum), China Harbour Engineering Company, China Railway Construction Corporation, ZTE Corporation and CGC Nigeria Limited for support.

“We seek your partnership in areas such as training, equipment and facilities for Wushu centres across the North Central Zone,” he said.

According to him, such support would empower young people with discipline and life skills, promote healthy living, strengthen cultural bonds at the grassroots level and provide positive alternatives to social vices.

The Nigeria Wushu Kungfu Federation pledged its readiness to work with partners to develop Nigerian talent, honour Chinese culture and deepen the bonds of friendship between the two nations.

In his address, the Cultural Counsellor and Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Mr Yang Jianxing, welcomed the Chinese Wushu Association delegation and Nigerian partners, describing the event as a symbol of reunion, harmony and renewal in the Year of the Horse.

He said martial arts was being used as a bridge to deepen cultural understanding between both nations.

“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 celebration featured Chinese New Year decorations, performances by school children and communities in Abuja, as well as joint displays of Wushu and Kung Fu, creating a colourful blend of Chinese and Nigerian cultural expressions.

The event also coincided with the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria.