The Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, in partnership with the Huaxing Arts Troupe Nigeria and Chinese Women Association has marked the Dragon Boat Festival and 3rd Nigerian Children’s Drawing Competition.

The event, held to celebrate 2025 Nigeria Children’s Day Celebration, showcased artistic talent and fostered deeper Nigeria China understanding.

The centerpiece was the highly anticipated Drawing Competition, open to children aged 5 to 15 years, 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 significant cash prize of ₦500,000, also two talented artists secured Second Place, each receiving ₦300,000, while three Third Place winners were awarded with ₦200,000 each, while the remaining 14 participants each received a consolation prize of ₦50,000.

Speaking at the event, Consul General Ms. Yan Yuqing warmly commended the participating children and encouraged them to stay focused.

Yuqing 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 civilization, while Nigeria is also known as the birthplace of civilization in Africa.

“Seeing all the good job done by the young painters, i am moved, not only by their artworks, but also for their love for the 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 celebrates the children.

Ogundipe said, “Children’s day is a day to celebrate, honor and appreciate children, It’s a time to recognize 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 colors, 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.”