Children’s Day: Chinese Consulate Fetes Nigeria, China Kids, Vulnerable Residents, Rewards Young Artists

As part of efforts to strengthen the friendship between Nigeria and China, the Chinese Consulate and Chinese community in Lagos, on Saturday, at the Bethesda Home and School for the Blind, Idioro, Mushin, Lagos, held a ceremony to mark the 2026 Nigeria and China Children’s Day Celebration.

Speaking during the occasion, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, said that it was to commemorate Nigerian Children’s Day, which is May 27 and Chinese Children’s Day, which is celebrated on June 1, the Dragon Boat Festival & fourth National Children Drawing Competition.

The CG noted that the ceremony, organized by ‎the Chinese Consulate-General in Lagos, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja, HuaXing Arts Troupe Nigeria, the Chinese Women Association, and the China Industrial and Commercial Enterprises Association in Nigeria, was “to bring our kindness, our friendship, our cooperation

to Lagos and to Nigeria.”

Emphasizing that the occasion was to further strengthen the bond between the two countries, Yuqing said: “We bring love, kindness, friendship from China to all our friends in Nigeria and around the world.

“Together with all Chinese people, we will continue to do more, and try our best to make our cooperation and friendship with Nigerians better.”

While expressing satisfaction over the event, the Chinese CG said: “I can see that many students have painting talent, and I’m so glad because from the first to the third competitions, the participants were only from Lagos; but this time, you can see them from all parts of Nigeria, including Imo, Enugu, Kano. I want to congratulate these winners.

“This is the year of China-Africa people-to-people exchange. I think that people-to-people exchange includes so many areas, but the cultural exchange, education exchange are the most important part.”

She noted that “children are the hope of parents, of family, of teachers, of schools, of nations. Of countries, of the world.”

Yuqing also said that the event was held at Bethesda Home and School for the Blind in Idioro, Mushin, “to show these children who can’t use their eyes to see the world that the people in the world love them, not only their families and the teachers from this school, but also the Chinese citizens living in Lagos, in Nigeria. We know that China and Nigeria are friends, and we want to show some charity to strengthen China-Nigeria friendship.”

Also at the event, Permanent Secretary, Education, Enitan Olumuyiwa Abel, represented by the Deputy Director, School Support Services Department, Education Support Services, Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja, Fapohunda Solomon,

noted that the event was to enhance cultural education and youth engagement through the Dragon Boat Festival and Nigerian Children’s Drawing Competition.

According to Abel: “This event is more than a celebration of artistic talent, it is an ultimate representation of the friendship, cultural exchange and mutual respect between Nigeria and China.”

Abel encouraged the students to take their lessons serious and continue to harness their creative potential through arts.

Commending the organizers, Abel said: “Today, a few of the contestants are privileged to be here. Having won one prize or the other, I believe this is a real privilege and we must commend the organizers.”

Affirming that Nigerian children have a lot to learn from their Chinese counterparts through the ceremony, Abel said: “In fact, it’s a lesson for everybody now, because China has even taken the lead.

“And for China to have been giving back to Nigeria, it’s something that we need to applaud them for. And it’s something that we need to appreciate China. China has been doing well in Nigeria, in the area of economy, business, and others.”

While noting that the arts competition is “another powerful demonstration of love coming from China,” he added: “It is a practical demonstration of reward for hard work and creativity at a period when Nigeria requires self-reliance through arts.

“As a result of this gigantic contribution made by China to Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Education is indeed grateful. To this end, the Federal Ministry of Education emphasizes the strategic importance of the partnership and the potential to elevate arts education in Nigeria. The ministry will continue to partner with China for the development of both parties,” Abel added.

The Permanent Secretary expressed his concern at facilitating a partnership that has the potential to drive meaningful improvement in future and other forms of arts that will develop Nigeria.

“Finally, through your creativity, you have painted stories that transcend borders, blending the vibrant colors of Nigeria’s heritage with the rich tradition of the Dragon Boat Festival.

“Each artwork is a testament to the power of imagination, unity and the beauty of diversity. To the youngest artists, I commend your courage, passion and dedication. You are the storytellers of tomorrow and your hearts today inspire hope for a more connected and amorous world.”

He expressed optimism that the competition would “continue to nurture talents, strengthen cultural bonds and remind us that, like the strokes of a brush, our differences can come together to create something truly extraordinary.”

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Bethesda Home and School for the Blind, Idioro, Mushin, Lagos, Rev. Chioma Ohakwe, commended the Chinese community and Federal Ministry of Education for extending the kind gesture to the school.

She promised that the items donated will be used judiciously.

Ohakwe, who lauded the Chinese community for their immense support, noted: “Over the years, the People’s Republic of China and the government has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to humanitarian development and social responsibility. Your support has not been merely generous, it has been truly transformative.

“Through your assistance, Bethesda Home and School for the Blind has been able to provide safety, education, rehabilitation and dignity to individuals who might otherwise have been forgotten. Because of you, many visually impaired children in Lagos now live a life of hope.”

‎The event, which featured three flagship activities, including the Dragon Boat Festival and 4th Nigerian Children’s Drawing Competition, as well as the charity initiative, titled: “Together Fight Against Hunger,” was to honour Nigerian children while reinforcing the bond of friendship between Nigeria and China.

‎The drawing competition, which was made open to young participants between the ages of six and 16, proved a resounding success, as it attracted a total of 1,730 submissions from schools spread across 29 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

‎From the pool of thousands, 80 students were shortlisted to compete in the final round of judging. After a rigorous assessment of their artistic merit, originality, and technical skill, 40 students emerged as winners, each claiming one of the various prizes on offer across age categories.

‎Master Ameer Adekunle from Nurul-Islam Private Schools, Lagos, claimed the grand prize in the Senior Category, taking home ₦1,000,000, while lyeje Derek from Federal Government College, Kaduna, took home ₦700,000 as second prize and Uzoma Amanda from Federal Government Girls’ College, Owerri, Imo State, got ₦500,000 as third prize.

‎Also in the Basic Category, Norah Ilelaboye from Elora College Lagos, received ₦700,000 as first prize,

‎Goodluck Ozinike from Ezona Primary School Lagos, got ₦500,000 as second prize and Ahmad Kabiru Ahmad from Federal Government College, Kano, took home ₦300,000 as third prize, while 34 other winners got ₦100,000 each as consolation prizes.

‎The Chinese Consulate General in Lagos and the Chinese Community ensured the Children’s Day celebration was not merely ceremonial, but transformative, honouring the creativity of Nigerian youth while extending care to the most vulnerable through it charity programme, “Together Fight against Hunger,” donating food items valued at ₦4,700,000 to Bethesda Home & School For The Blind, and also 20 other students from low-income families.