THE Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating platforms that will connect Nigeria’s creative industry with international partners and global audiences.
News Point Nigeria reports that the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, stated this at the China-Nigeria Fashion Show in Abuja.
The event, organised with the support of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria and the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, brought together government officials, diplomats, fashion designers, creative industry stakeholders, models and media practitioners.
The event showcased the cultural heritage and creative expressions of both China and Nigeria.
Musawa, who was represented by a Director in the ministry, Mohammed Tukura, said Nigeria was blessed with vibrant and diverse creative talents.
She described fashion as an important tool for cultural exchange, economic growth and mutual understanding, noting that it could bridge cultural gaps, foster friendship and create opportunities for shared prosperity.
The minister reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to creating the foundation needed for the creative industry to thrive.
She said: “The Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy remains committed to promoting Nigeria’s creative industry and creating platforms that enable our creative talent to connect with international partners and audiences.
“Fashion is more than clothing; it is a powerful expression of identity, culture, creativity and heritage.”
Musawa described the event as an important recognition of Nigeria’s growing fashion industry and a reflection of strengthening diplomatic ties between Nigeria and China.
“Events such as this provide invaluable platforms for our two countries to showcase our rich traditions, exchange creative ideas, and strengthen people-to-people connections,” she added.
“Nigeria is blessed with a vibrant fashion industry driven by talented designers, artisans, young creatives, and entrepreneurs. Similarly, China possesses a rich cultural heritage and a dynamic creative sector. Bringing these two communities together creates immense opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, innovation, and economic growth.”
Also speaking at the event, the Culture Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, described the fashion show as much more than a display of clothing.
He noted that fashion serves as a universal cultural language capable of transcending geographical boundaries and uniting people across different civilisations.
According to him, the event provided an opportunity for Chinese and Nigerian cultural traditions to engage in creative dialogue, using the runway as a meeting point for the artistic heritage of two nations with longstanding histories.
The envoy highlighted the diversity of Chinese clothing, including Hanfu, Tang-style attire, the qipao (cheongsam), and the increasingly popular mamianqun (horse-face skirt), explaining that each style reflects distinct elements of Chinese history, aesthetics, and cultural development.
He equally acknowledged Nigeria’s rich clothing traditions, citing Yoruba Aso Oke, Agbada, Buba, Iro, and Gele as key examples of textiles and garments that embody the country’s diverse ethnic identities, regional cultures, and social customs.
He observed that Nigerian clothing is closely tied to major occasions such as weddings, traditional festivals, and social celebrations, while the cross-regional exchange of fabrics continues to shape the evolution of the country’s modern fashion industry.
Yang stated that the show was designed to foster synergy between Chinese aesthetics and African artistic traditions, adding that collaborative efforts in design and production could boost the creative economies of both nations.
He cited the philosophy of Chinese sociologist Fei Xiaotong, who advocated that appreciating one’s own culture alongside others is the pathway to harmony, mutual respect, and coexistence.
He expressed optimism that the fashion show would lay a strong foundation for future cooperation in fashion design, industrial development, and cultural exchange, strengthening bilateral relations between China, Africa, and Nigeria.
In her remarks, Binta Muazu, Director of Culture and Traditional Affairs for the City Boy Movement, described the event as a testament to the enduring relationship between both nations.
Muazu, a special guest at the event, highlighted the significance of the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China, noting that cooperation extends beyond trade and infrastructure to encompass education, culture, and interpersonal connections.
She described Nigerian culture, textiles, craftsmanship, and colour palettes as valuable national assets deserving of global recognition, emphasising that fashion is an effective medium for presenting Nigeria’s cultural identity to an international audience.
Muazu encouraged young designers, artisans, and entrepreneurs to remain steadfast in their ambitions, emphasising that humble beginnings should never limit future achievements.
She urged stakeholders to actively support platforms that generate youth employment, advance the creative economy, and build international partnerships through fashion and culture.