FOOD as one of cultural diplomacy tools was Thursday explored as China and Nigeria hosted citizens to Food Festival in Abuja.
With the theme, ‘From Farm to Feast’, Nigerian and Chinese cuisines unique to different states and provinces were on display with the aim to strengthen cultural, economic and people-to-people relations through food.
At the event were government officials from both countries, tourism stakeholders, cultural enthsiastss and culinary experts.
Representing Nigeria in the food exhibition was the National Institute for Tourism and Hospitality (NIHOTOUR).
In his remarks, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Mr Zhou Hongyou, described food as central to daily life and cultural identity. He added that every dish reflects a nation’s history and the values of its people.
Describing the festival as more than a culinary showcase, Zhou said it is a meeting of cultures designed to foster understanding and friendship between Nigeria and China.
He highlighted China’s diverse culinary heritage, stressing that the country’s seven major regions developed different food cultures based on differences in climate, local produce and lifestyles.
About 14 dishes representing China’s regions featured at the event. There were also cultural performances and exhibitions aimed at strengthening mutual appreciation among the peoples of both countries.
Zhou disclosed that the festival coincided with a significant period in Nigeria-China relations as bilateral cooperation continues to expand across several sectors, one of which is the growing trade relations between both countries.
He is optimistic that initiatives such as the zero-tariff policy for African countries will create new opportunities for exports even as he emphasized the importance of educational, cultural, artistic, sports and youth exchanges in further strengthening ties between both countries.
He pledged China’s continued support for deeper cooperation and people-to-people engagement.
The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, escribed food as a universal language that nourishes people, preserves heritage and promotes social cohesion.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Abdulkarim Ibrahim, she said the festival underscored the growing cultural relationship between Nigeria and China, which has evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership covering trade, infrastructure, education, technology and culture.
The Minister added that cultural exchanges have become increasingly important in strengthening bilateral relations, citing the growing popularity of Nigerian creative content in China and rising interest in Chinese cultural expressions in Nigeria.
She said the Ministry was focused on positioning culture and tourism as key drivers of economic growth, job creation and international visibility for Nigeria, stressing that culinary experiences have become a major attraction for domestic tourism.
The Food Festival, she said, provided valuable opportunities for chefs, food entrepreneurs, hospitality businesses and cultural practitioners to expand their networks, access new markets and showcase Nigeria’s cultural identity through cuisine.
Director General of NIHOTOUR, Abisoye Fagade, described food as one of the most powerful tools for cultural storytelling and economic development.
According to him, the day’s theme reflected the journey from producers to consumers while connecting cultural identity with economic opportunity.
He added that while Chinese cuisine has achieved global recognition, Nigeria also has the potential to project its rich culinary heritage internationally, noting that the festival has provided a platform for Nigerians and Chinese to engage through food, music, arts, crafts and hospitality, while supporting broader objectives of cultural exchange and enterprise development.
Fagade highlighted Nigeria’s diverse culinary offerings and called for greater efforts to package, standardize and promote local cuisine while preserving its authenticity.
The festival featured Nigerian and Chinese cuisines, cultural performances, exhibitions and interactive experiences designed to promote intercultural understanding and celebrate the longstanding relationship between the two countries.
