Key points
- Nigerian and Chinese writers expressed readiness to collaborate on literary projects, translation and cultural exchanges.
- The writers said stronger literary cooperation could deepen mutual understanding and people-to-people ties.
- Chinese novelist Zhu Shanpo praised the global influence of Nigerian writers including Wole Soyinka and Chinua Achebe.
- The dialogue also featured a panel discussion and awards for student writers and poets.
Main story
Nigerian and Chinese writers have called for greater collaboration in literature, including translation, cultural exchanges and joint projects, to deepen understanding between both countries.
The call was made at the August Reading and Writers Dialogue organised by the Abuja chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) at the Mamman Vatsa Writers Village.
The forum, themed “The Influence of Literature on Human Progress in China and Nigeria,” brought together writers, students and literary enthusiasts from both countries, with Chinese novelist and poet Zhu Shanpo as guest writer.
Chairman of ANA Abuja, Chukwudi Eze, said literature could provide a platform for Nigerians and Chinese to understand each other’s histories, experiences and aspirations beyond formal diplomatic relations.
He said the engagement with Chinese literary figures reflected the growing relationship between ANA Abuja and the Chinese Embassy, while creating opportunities for writers from both countries to exchange ideas.
Eze said sustained literary engagement could lead to new research, translation initiatives and collaborations involving writers and readers in Nigeria and China.
Shanpo said Chinese and Nigerian writers should build stronger connections by sharing ideas and literary experiences.
He expressed interest in Nigerian literature and cited the international influence of Wole Soyinka and Chinua Achebe as examples of the country’s contribution to global literature.
Shanpo noted that Soyinka’s Nobel Prize in Literature had generated interest in China, while Achebe’s Things Fall Apart had also gained recognition among Chinese writers and readers.
He said greater interaction between writers from both countries could help strengthen their cultural relationship.
Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Yuan Jianxing, also called for increased cooperation between Nigerian and Chinese authors through cultural and academic exchanges and capacity-building programmes.
He said literature could help bridge cultural differences by enabling people to share historical narratives and develop a deeper appreciation of each other’s societies.
The dialogue also featured a panel discussion moderated by writer and Professor of Communication and Cultural Studies, Udenta O. Udenta.
The panel included author and human rights activist, Sen. Shehu Sani, Prof. Razinat Mohammed and Jianxing.
The event ended with the presentation of awards to student writers and poets.
The issues
Literary exchanges provide a relatively direct way for countries to build cultural understanding beyond formal diplomatic relations. For Nigeria and China, greater cooperation in writing, translation and academic exchanges could help audiences in both countries gain a better understanding of each other’s histories, societies and contemporary experiences.
What’s being said
“Today, ANA Abuja is proud to stand at the forefront of that noble tradition by creating a platform where Chinese and Nigerian literary voices can engage in meaningful dialogue, exchange ideas, and build lasting friendships.” – Chukwudi Eze, Chairman, ANA Abuja:
“Contemporary literary voices in China and Nigeria need to work together and share ideas that will strengthen cultural ties between them.” – Zhu Shanpo, Chinese novelist and poet:
“Literature bridges cultural divides through sharing of historical narratives.” – Yuan Jianxing, Director, China Cultural Centre in Nigeria:
“There is a need for Chinese and Nigerian authors to work together through cultural and academic exchanges and capacity-building initiatives.” – Yuan Jianxing, Director, China Cultural Centre in Nigeria:
What’s next
The writers are expected to explore literary collaborations, translation projects, cultural exchanges and academic partnerships that can create sustained engagement between Nigerian and Chinese literary communities.
Bottom line
The dialogue has opened another channel for Nigeria-China cultural engagement, with writers from both countries pushing for collaboration in literature, translation and academic exchange to strengthen mutual understanding.
