SOCIO CULTURAL TIES BETWEEN CHINA AND NIGERIA
A GENERAL OVER VIEW
BILATERAL RELATIONS
The year 2011 marked a historic period of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria. In June 2002, Nigeria and China signed some agreements on: consulate matters, cooperation on the fight against illicit trafficking, abuse of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, the
diversion of precursor chemicals. Other agreements include an exchange of notes on the provision of goods and services between the two countries and an agreement for tourism cooperation
TRADE RELATIONS
China and Nigeria signed their first economic, scientific and technical agreement as well as a trade agreement in 1972, during a visit to Nigeria by the former Chinese minister of foreign trade and economic cooperation FANG YI. The Nigerian China chamber of commerce was established to ensure further development in relations between the two countries. Since then, trade between China and Nigeria has reached an all time high. During the 2007 Lagos international trade fair, twenty Chinese companies participated in the event. Participation of Chinese companies in this important event is an annual ritual. China has also formed collaborations with Nigeria that cut across regional ties. In July 2011, a Nigerian energy firm; GLOBAL BIOFUELS joined a number of Chinese firms to float ethanol refinery plants across the W. African sub region and to explore inherent potential for fuel. CULTURAL RELATIONS
Cultural contacts between China and Nigeria have been on the increase. Many Nigerians acknowledge the country’s long term link with China and the presence of a huge Chinese community has helped to improve ties between the two countries. There are also many Nigerians who have travelled to and lived in China. On their return a number of these have held important and political appointments and have become strong advocates of Chinese values in Nigeria. Nigerians are also trying to make inroads into the Chinese society in some unusual ways. One such example is Emmanuel Uweche who is becoming a house hold name in China as a pop star. As the first African to reach such a level recognition in China, Uweche sings in Mandarin, under the stage name of HAO GE. ABSTRACT
The need for globalization cannot be over emphasized. Bilateral relations between the two countries have endured over the years and quite recently have grown in prominence. What is baffling is the almost non existence of strong socio cultural relations between Nigeria and China. Excluding the regular cultural activities held worldwide during the Chinese new year by Chinese missions around the world, there is the absence of Chinese cultural groups/acts that encompass various Chinese cultural features moving across the country entertaining and educating the various Nigerian communities. Only recently, I was encouraged when I came across a major land mark, being a Chinese cultural centre in Abuja, but was a little disappointed when I noticed the center was not yet fully operational. I must mention that the establishment of such a centre is a great step towards cultural integration between the two countries. As such, all hands should to be on deck to make it a huge success. Unfortunately a lot of Nigerians do not have adequate knowledge of Chinese culture besides the very popular KUNG FU, as shown in various Chinese movies. As a matter of fact, I saw my first KUNG FU movie (namely; the real Bruce Lee) as a six year old and was quite taken. I also know for a fact that Chinese culture transcends Kung Fu. My earliest experience in China was a great expose and as such has made a huge impact on my adult life. More light was shed on the great mysteries of the orient. I also experienced firsthand Chinese hospitality. To further explain the hospitality and friendliness of the Chinese people, I would like to mention that I knew no one on the social scene before I travelled to China apart from an official from the school I attended (D**g Bei Dianli Da Xue, Jilin Shi)with whom I exchanged emails. Towards the end of my stay about one and half years later, I had made over fifty Chinese friends from several cities I visited. I also had several good friends online mostly on `Q Q’. The Chinese folks always go out of their ways to welcome foreigners (zhong guo ren hen you hao). A situation occurred at my school where some of our beloved Chinese teachers took parts of their individual salaries to pay the school fees of one of my fellow Nigerians. As such, Chinese culture and values ought to be advocated around the world. China is a great country with enormous potential. China has a massive cultural background that has evolved and at the same time survived over centuries. Indeed various features of Chinese culture have been exposed to the western world for over decades. As such, westerners are more endeared to Chinese culture than my fellow Africans. Ever before I travelled to China, I knew little about Chinese socio cultural heritage and this remains true amongst most Nigerians. The idea of a Chinese cultural centre is a great one. SUJECT MATTER (PROPOSAL)
At this point, I am putting forward some ideas and in return, I hope we can collaborate and turn the Chinese centre into a lively one. The reasoning here is to attract the Nigerian populace and indeed the rest of the foreigners to participate in the various exciting activities at the centre. Now the question remains, ’’WHAT KIND OF ACTIVITIES WILL BE DESIGNED TO GET THE GENERAL PUBLIC INTERESTED AT THE CENTRE’’. Below are some ideas, divided into three broad categories;
HEALTH PROGRAMMES, ENTERTAINMENT AND EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS. HEALTH PROGRAMMES
Primarily in this category is the introduction of Chinese herbs as regards TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE(TCM).From experience, I have discovered that the average Nigerian has been disillusioned over the years, given conventional medicine. A lot of Nigerians lean towards nature for curative measures. TCM which originated in the ancient China has evolved over thousands of years. Such practitioners use herbal medicine and various mind and body practices, such as ACCUPUNCTURE AND TAI CHI, to treat or prevent health problems. In the western world, people use TCM as a complementary health approach. In Nigeria herbal treatment has grown very popular. Also fairs can be arranged, exhibiting a lot of these herbs and treatment procedures. Furthermore included in this category are other health programs like yoga classes, aerobic lessons. It should be noted that herbs and the subsequent treatment programs ought to be affordable. ENTERTAINMENT
This is actually is a very broad category and a lot can be achieved here. It is my belief that regular shows ought to be held at the centre. This may involve a regular team of entertainers at the centre. A team of Chinese entertainers mixed with local talents will surely draw crowds from different walks of life. Back in China, a lot of my colleagues are into various Chinese talent shows, namely; singing comedy acts, acting etc. It should be noted that they perform all these acts in Chinese. I understand that a lot of them dream of getting back into the country in order to lay a solid foundation between Nigeria and China
Furthermore in this category will be the introduction of Chinese cuisine. The various cuisine as found in China reflect the diverging regions of the country. As such, Chinese cuisine becomes an integral part of our strategy. Guests can now learn about the different regions in China as they sample cuisine from these parts. Also, guests can learn how to make simple Chinese meals like dumplings, spring rolls, noodles etc .This way, Chinese cuisine can be blended with local flavors. Reality shows can be arranged show casing different life styles in both countries. Various forms of talent hunt shows will surely interest the younger generation
Kareoke(kala oke) shows are also popular. Chinese puppet shows are very popular amongst kids in China, I’m sure the same can be said about Nigerian kids. Kids here in Nigeria love to have fun and as such it will form a vibrant part of their activities
It should be noted that trainings and admittance fees ought to be affordable. Tremendous results can be achieved here given adequate public relations management. EDUCATION
This is yet another broad category which will go a long way in achieving good results at the centre. Here, rigorous training programs are offered to the general public which would form the basis for means to an end, for most of them. In order to get the youthful public interested, trainings are offered in the areas of stage management, lighting effects, acting etc. Workshops are arranged to highlight cultural features like calligraphy, Chinese arts etc. Mandarin will also be taught. Craft is deemed as another important educational tool. The general public will be exposed to activities in craft making namely; lion and dragon heads, masks etc. These will prove very popular at kids’ parties. It should be noted that these training programs be easily affordable. PUBLIC RELATIONS
This is remains a vital part of the strategy to enlighten the populace as regards various activities held at the Chinese centre. Firstly, here we target the local radio stations and get the local `djs’ involved. Next will be the local artistes who are expected to carry our messages across. Flyers will also be needed to send signals to various directions. A neighbor to neighbor brand of marketing will be introduced. Parties for kids can be arranged given the various national holidays and so forth. Transportation if readily available will further boost attendance at the centre. CONCLUSION
The Chinese cultural centre will provide a forum for closer ties and bring about a `breath of fresh air to the local folks, Chinese migrants and indeed other foreigners. I studied Chinese language and culture (wo hui shuo yi dian dian) at the D**G BEI DIANLI DA XUE, JILIN SHI,JILIN SHENG.I am very passionate about China and her people. I wish we can collaborate. I will act as a bridge that can connect the Chinese centre and the rest of the local population. Yours Faithfully,
NNAEKEZIE ANOLIEFO
EMAIL:[email protected]
PHONE NO:0806 08 77 309
