NGA DG Commends China-Nigeria Cultural Ties at Interactive Experience

The Director-General of the National Gallery of Art, Ahmed Bashir Sodangi, has extended warm goodwill and congratulations to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China on the successful hosting of the Panda Painting Interactive Experience at the Chinese Cultural Centre, Abuja.
In his goodwill message delivered on the occasion, Mr. Sodangi highlighted the power of the arts as a universal instrument for fostering understanding, strengthening friendships, and building bridges across cultures. He described the interactive event as a shining example of cultural exchange and creative collaboration between Nigeria and China.
“The arts remain one of humanity’s most powerful instruments for fostering understanding, strengthening friendships, and building bridges across cultures,” said the Director-General. “This event exemplifies the enduring value of cultural exchange and the important role that creativity plays in bringing people together in a spirit of mutual respect and appreciation.”
Mr. Sodangi praised the giant panda, China’s national treasure and a globally recognised symbol of peace, friendship, and ecological conservation. He noted that the panda embodies the harmony between humanity and nature deeply rooted in Chinese culture and serves as an international icon that inspires joy and promotes cross-border friendship.
The Director-General emphasised that the themes of friendship, harmony, and cultural understanding provided perfect inspiration for the painting programme, offering participants a unique opportunity to explore artistic creativity while appreciating values of unity, environmental stewardship, and cultural diversity.
He particularly commended the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China for its consistent commitment to cultural diplomacy and people-to-people engagement through the arts.
“The National Gallery of Art commends the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China for its continued commitment to promoting cultural diplomacy and people-to-people engagement through the arts,” Mr. Sodangi stated. “Such initiatives contribute significantly to strengthening our longstanding bilateral relations and reaffirm the transformative role of culture as a catalyst for international cooperation, dialogue, and peace.”
The D-G encouraged all participants; diplomats, artists, students, and guests to fully embrace the spirit of creativity, friendship, and learning that the programme represents. He expressed confidence that the Panda Painting Interactive Experience would inspire greater artistic collaboration and further enrich the cultural ties between Nigeria and China.
The event brought together distinguished representatives of the Chinese Embassy, members of the diplomatic corps, artists, students, and other stakeholders in a celebration of shared artistic heritage and bilateral friendship.