Boat Festival: Chinese Envoy Urges Nigerians To Embrace Culture

The Hua Xing Arts Troupe Nigeria, in collaboration with Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, and Hormony Culture Office of China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, have organised a cultural event to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival and Nigeria Children Drawing Competition.

The event, which was held at Festival Hotel in Festac Town, Lagos, was aimed to demonstrate the cultural relationship between China and Nigeria.

1,200 students from both primary and secondary schools participated in the drawing competition by sending in their drawings.

Thereafter, 24 shortlisted finalists were invited to showcase their artistic skills and creativity and all 24 finalists went home with cash prizes ranging from N50,000, N70,000 to N100,000.

Children had fun playing different games, while the Chinese Consul General, Ms. Yan Yuqing, and some women of the Chinese community taught the children how to make the popular Chinese wrapped rice dumplings called zongzi, which according to Consul General Yuqing, is similar to Nigerian delicacy called Moi-moi.

The Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Ms. Yan Yuqing, expressed her joy at the success of the event and encouraged the students to focus on their education.

Yuqing said, “The Dragon Boat Festival is one of the most important Chinese tradition festivals and Chinese often during this day celebrate this festival and commemorate our greater Chinese ancient poet and patriot Qu Yuan, so the parents really educate the children about what patriotism is and how to serve the country. Today we will together share Chinese Harmony culture and perform Nigeria-China Symphony.

“I know China and Nigeria all have long history and excellent civilization. Chinese traditional festivals are a microcosm of the more than 5-thousand-year Chinese civilization and Nigeria is also known as the ‘birthplace of African culture’. So we help guide through today’s cultural exchange to teach the children from a very early age to love their own country, so they can be little fans to Chinese culture and introducrs of Nigeria culture.

“I encourage you to continue to use your pens and brushes to build bridges of cultural communication between China and Nigeria, so that China and Nigeria can continue to be best friends and partners.”

Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Commissioner of Police and First Olympic Gold medalist, Chioma Ajunwa-Opara, said: “Education is the foundation of knowledge and skills that enable individuals to succeed in life.

“Education also provides the platform for learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving, so, education, creativity and sports are some of the pillars of personal growth that can help children achieve their dreams and aspirations.If it is well nurtured, we can create a generation of well-rounded individuals who are equipped with the necessary skills to succeed in life.”

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Commercial Enterprises Association and Hua Xing Arts Troupe Nigeria, Dr Eric Ni, said: “This event has shown that the Nigeria children are skillful, creative and hard working. With a short period of time, the results of their drawing and painting were just artistically gorgeous.”

“We the Chinese community believe children are the future of any country, so, we will continue to support the Nigeria children in education and sports, while we continue to promote the cultural exchange between China and Nigeria.”

Also present at the event were the General Manager of Festival Hotel Conference Center, Yemi Dada, and Dr Funsho Obasanjo, who represented Chief Mrs Bola Alice Obasanjo, wife of the former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The Dragon Boat Festival is a traditional Chinese festival celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, bringing people together to celebrate art, culture, and education.