By Henry Ikenna

Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Ms Yan Yuqing, has said there is a need to deepen cultural exchange between Nigeria and China.

Yuqing spoke in Lagos during the Spring Festival Ceremony, organised by the China-Africa Mazu Culture Association, to commemorate the 1,065th anniversary of Mazu (the goddess of the sea) and to support the Chinese Consul-General’s initiative themed: ‘Together Fight Against Hunger,’ a charity programme aimed at assisting low-income families in Nigeria.

At the event, over 200 Chinese devotees gathered amidst the fragrance of incense and rhythmic drum beats to honour the sea goddess and pray for peace and prosperity.

Speaking, Yuqing said: “It is of great significance to inherit and carry forward the excellent traditional Chinese culture, tell its stories, and promote mutual understanding and friendship between the people of China and Nigeria from generation to generation.

“Mazu culture is a treasure of China’s excellent traditional culture. Mazu, with her noble virtues of establishing virtue, doing good deeds, and great love, praises the excellent traditional virtues of the Chinese nation. This year, a new charity programme Together Fight Against Hunger has been added to the celebration, providing support for the families of low income earners in the society.

“As part of the Together Fight Against Hunger initiative, 25 children aged between five and 16 years from the host and neighboring communities each received a cheque for N100,000 as scholarships along with food items, providing support to the families.”

Meanwhile, President of the China-Africa Mazu Culture Association, Dong Qiang, highlighted the organisation’s role in strengthening China-Nigeria relations, while expressing his continued dedication to fostering love and goodwill between the two nations.

Among various Obas from the host and neighboring communities, HRM Oba Adeoriyomi Oyebo(Obateru Of Egbin Royal Kingdom) expressed gratitude for the Chinese community’s philanthropic contributions to Nigerian lives and livelihoods.

The celebration represents a seamless blend of cultural preservation and contemporary social responsibility, demonstrating how ancient traditions can inspire modern humanitarian efforts.