The China-Nigeria Fashion Show has provided a platform for deeper cultural exchange, creative collaboration and people-to-people relations between Nigeria and China.
The event, organised by the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, with Sygnific Stitches & Fabrics and the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria as co-organisers, brought together designers, models, young creatives, government officials, diplomats and stakeholders in the creative industry.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Abdulkarim Ozi Ibrahim, said Nigeria’s fashion sector had much to gain from stronger engagement with China’s creative industry.
Ibrahim, who was represented by Mohammed Tukura, described fashion as a vital instrument for cultural and people-to-people exchange, economic growth and mutual understanding among nations.
He said Nigeria’s fashion industry, driven by designers, artisans, young creatives and entrepreneurs, could leverage opportunities in China through constructive and sustained engagement.
The Permanent Secretary noted that bringing Nigerian and Chinese fashion designers together would create opportunities for collaboration, experience sharing, knowledge exchange, innovation and economic growth.
He commended the China Cultural Centre for organising the fashion show, expressing optimism that the initiative would further strengthen cultural relations between Nigeria and China.
He also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to promoting Nigeria’s creative industry and creating platforms for Nigerian talents to connect with international partners and audiences.
In his welcome remarks, the Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and Director of the China Cultural Centre, Yang Jianxing, said the fashion show provided a platform for dialogue between Chinese and Nigerian clothing cultures.
Yang said the event enabled Chinese aesthetics and indigenous African art to interact and blend, describing every stitch and thread as a reflection of the enduring friendship between the two countries.
According to him, the garments showcased at the event demonstrated how multicultural exchange could foster inclusive and forward-looking fashion trends while contributing to the growth of the creative economies of both countries.
He described the fashion show as a promising beginning, saying greater sharing of designs and industrial collaboration between Nigerian and Chinese stakeholders could provide fresh momentum for the two countries’ fashion sectors.
Yang pledged the centre’s continued efforts to expand channels for people-to-people exchanges, deepen practical cooperation across sectors and celebrate the longstanding friendship between China, Africa and Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Director of Culture and Traditional Affairs, City Boy Movement and Guest of Honour, Hajiya Binta Mu’azu Mayana, thanked China for the partnership and its respect for Nigerian heritage.
Mayana urged participants and the public to look beyond the fabrics displayed at the event and appreciate the craftsmanship, traditions and cultural heritage embedded in each piece.
She said the fashion show represented “two great cultures meeting” and the friendship woven into their creative expressions.
The event was attended by Nigerian government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Chinese business community, young creatives, fashion designers, models, creative industry stakeholders and members of the media.
