Nigeria, China Strengthen Cultural Ties With Dragon Boat Festival

China Communications Construction Company Limited (CCCC) has strengthened cultural ties between China and Nigeria through a Dragon Boat Festival cultural exchange programme held at its Enugu New Town Road Project site.

The event, themed “Zongzi Aroma Spreads Warmth, Jointly Building the Silk Road,” brought together Chinese and Nigerian employees in a celebration aimed at promoting cultural understanding, friendship and people-to-people relations between the two countries.

The programme featured a series of activities showcasing the rich cultural heritage of both nations. The participants watched a bilingual documentary on the history, traditions and customs of the Dragon Boat Festival, one of China’s most important traditional celebrations.

In a reciprocal display of cultural appreciation, Nigerian employees introduced their Chinese counterparts to the Igogo Harvest Festival, highlighting its historical significance and role in preserving local traditions and community values.

The exchange provided an opportunity for both groups to explore similarities between their cultures, particularly values such as patriotism, gratitude, unity, hard work and the collective pursuit of prosperity. Participants described the interaction as an enriching experience that fostered mutual respect and strengthened workplace relationships.

During the event yesterday in Enugu, CCCC project manager, Jin Haibing, said the initiative was organised in line with the Year of China-Africa Cultural Exchange and forms part of activities marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria.

According to him, cultural exchange remains an important pillar of China-Nigeria relations and complements ongoing cooperation in infrastructure development and economic growth.

“The Dragon Boat Festival celebration demonstrates how infrastructure cooperation can serve as a bridge for deeper cultural engagement and stronger people-to-people connections,” Haibing said.

He noted that such programmes help strengthen friendship, understanding and collaboration among Chinese and Nigerian employees working together on critical infrastructure projects across the country.

One of the highlights of the event was a culinary session where Nigerian workers taught their Chinese colleagues how to prepare Okpa, a popular delicacy widely consumed in southeastern Nigeria. The practical demonstration encouraged teamwork, cultural learning and social interaction among participants.