Abuja: Nigerian and Chinese writers have expressed readiness to collaborate on literary projects to strengthen cultural ties and mutual understanding between both countries. They stated this at the August edition of the Reading and Writers Dialogue of the Abuja chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) on Sunday. The dialogue, held at the Mamman Vatsa Writers Village, featured renowned Chinese novelist and poet, Mr. Zhu Shanpo, as Guest Writer for the month. The event’s theme was ‘The Influence of Literature on Human Progress in China and Nigeria,’ bringing together authors, students, and literary enthusiasts from both countries.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the literary scholars emphasized that Nigeria and China have rich cultural and literary heritages, with an array of writers whose works are celebrated across the world. They noted that a partnership aimed at sharing literature, translation of works, and stories would play significant roles in promoting understanding and people-to-people relationships between the two nations.
The Chairman of ANA Abuja, Chukwudi Eze, remarked that the dialogue represented a convergence of two great civilizations whose histories have been shaped by the penetrating power of storytelling, scholarship, and culture. Eze highlighted that the event’s theme seeks to celebrate not only books and writers but also the transformative influence of ideas to shape nations, bridge cultures, and inspire generations.
Eze further articulated that literature has always been humanity’s greatest archive, preserving memory, questioning injustice, celebrating diversity, nurturing imagination, and inspiring innovation. He emphasized that long before diplomacy found expression in treaties, literature was already fostering understanding between peoples, reminding us that while languages may differ, our hopes, struggles, dreams, and aspirations remain remarkably alike.
Eze underscored the forum as a testament to the growing and mutually beneficial relationship between ANA Abuja and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, describing it as an opportunity to learn from one another, celebrate shared humanity, and deepen the bonds of friendship between Nigeria and China. He expressed hope that the conversations would inspire new research, fresh collaborations, literary exchanges, translation projects, and enduring partnerships benefiting generations of writers and readers in both countries.
In his presentation, guest writer Shanpo highlighted the deep cultural and literary heritage shared by China and Nigeria. He stressed the need for contemporary literary voices in both countries to work together and share ideas that will strengthen cultural ties. Shanpo expressed his long-standing anticipation and delight in visiting Nigeria, and lauded renowned Nigerian writers such as Wole Soyinka and Chinua Achebe, whose works continue to inspire readers globally.
Shanpo also conveyed his interest in Nigerian literature, acknowledging its strong presence in the western world and its impact in China. He cited Wole Soyinka’s Nobel Literature Prize win in 1986 as having a significant impact in China, along with Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart,” which has gained popularity among Chinese writers and authors.
The dialogue also featured a discussion panel moderated by Udenta O. Udenta, a writer and Professor of Communication and Cultural Studies. Panel members included author and human rights activist Sen. Shehu Sani, Prof Razinat Mohammed, and Mr. Yuan Jianxing, Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria. Jianxing emphasized that literature bridges cultural divides through the sharing of historical narratives and called for Chinese and Nigerian authors to collaborate through cultural and academic exchanges and capacity-building initiatives.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to student writers and poets.