By Sunday Ani
As a way of promoting cultural exchange, the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, in partnership with the Huaxing Arts Troupe Nigeria and Chinese Women Association, hosted a celebration to mark the Dragon Boat Festival and third Nigerian Children’s Drawing Competition.
The event, held in honour of the 2025 Nigeria Children’s Day, showcased artistic talent and fostered deeper Nigeria China understanding.
The centrepiece was the drawing competition, open to children aged five to 15 years. About 2600 students from 89 schools across Nigeria submitted their creative visions. After rigorous judging, 25 exceptional young artists were selected for the final round.
The competition yielded 20 outstanding winners. Ekemini Confidence emerged as the grand prize winner, receiving a cash prize of N500,000. Also, two talented artists secured second place position, each receiving N300,000, three third place winners got N200,000 each, while the remaining 14 participants each received a consolation prize of N50,000.
Beyond the competition, the event was a feast for the senses, as Huaxing Arts Troupe Nigeria delivered captivating traditional Chinese dance performances, their colourful costumes and graceful movements, transporting the audience and adding a dynamic cultural dimension to the festivities.
A major highlight was the interactive Zongzi-making, Zongzi, the traditional Chinese sticky rice dumpling central to Dragon Boat Festival celebrations, which became a hands-on lesson in Chinese culinary culture.
Consul General, Ms. Yan Yuqing and members of the Chinese Women Association personally coordinated the session, guiding the children through the process of wrapping the delicacies in bamboo leaves.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Yuqing warmly praised the participating children and encouraged them to stay focused.
She said: “I am deeply impressed and inspired by the extraordinary artistic skills and vibrant imagination displayed by all the young participants in this drawing competition.
“Culture knows no boundaries, blending the celebration of Nigeria’s Children’s Day with China’s Dragon Boat Festival, are vital bridges that foster mutual understanding, friendship and a shared appreciation for beauty and culture between our two great nations.
“China and Nigeria have a long history and splendid culture. China has more than 5000 years civilisation, while Nigeria is also known as the birthplace of civilisation in Africa.
“Seeing all the good job done by the young painters, I am moved, not only by their artworks, but also by their love for Chinese culture, for the Chinese people and for China. I hope they can study very hard, to showcase the depth of artistic talents.”
The Former President of University of Lagos Women Society, Mrs. Oluwaseun Ogundipe, who was a special guest at the event celebrated the children.
She said: “Children’s Day is a day to celebrate, honour and appreciate children. It’s a time to recognise their rights, well-being, and future as the next generation of leaders. It is a time to reflect on how well we, as a nation, have been able to tap the untapped natural treasures deposited in our nations in terms of education, health, helping them to discover and nurture their talents.
“The future of our nation depends on these young ones and they need all the help that we can give them now to enable them face and build the future nation that we all desire.”
Also, the chairman of HuaXing Arts Troupe Nigeria, Dr Eric Ni said: “Today, we bring two beautiful traditions together. The Dragon Boat Festival teaches us about courage and working together, while the Children’s Drawing Competition celebrates the creativity in the children.
“When the children use brushes and colours, they show us their dreams, their hopes and how they see the relationship between Nigeria and China. So, our young artists, you are Nigeria’s treasure, remember that you are special and talented, keep up with your studies.
“Every child needs love and this is what we show when we support their education through scholarships, and we will continue to do more to help the Nigerian children to achieve a better future.”
The celebration underscored the commitment of the Chinese Community to promoting people-to-people ties and celebrating cultural diversity, leaving a lasting impression of joy and shared heritage on Nigeria’s Children’s Day.