By Nkiruka Nnorom

In a bid to promote creative skills among Nigerian children and deepen the bond between China and Nigeria through arts, the Chinese Consulate General in Lagos in collaboration with HuaXing Arts Troupe has kick-started entry for this year’s drawing competition for children.

The competition, according to the organisers, was established to mark the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival, which is usually celebrated in June and fuses the ancient tradition of the festival with Nigeria vibrant youth creativity.
In its 4th edition, the competition recognises and awards children from ages 6 to 16, who demonstrate the creative ability to produce an artwork that illustrates the competition’s chosen theme using the images provided by the organisers.

This year’s theme: “Nigeria & China: Celebrating Cultural Friendship”, invites participants to use the images of the Great Wall, Zuma Rock, the Great Panda and the Nigeria Eagle, to produce an artwork that explores the rich cultural heritage and friendship between both countries.

Addressing a press conference to announce the commencement of the competition, Ms. Yan Yuqing, China’s Consul General in Lagos, said the painting competition, themed around the Dragon Boat Festival, aimed to spark children’s interest in Chinese history and society, inspiring them to become “ambassadors of China-Nigeria friendship”.

She linked China’s growth to its focus on education, especially vocational training, saying that China wants to share the experience with Nigeria.

Yuqing praised Nigerian youths as “smart and talented,” citing their quick mastery of Chinese language at Confucius Institutes and success in global competitions.

Dr Eric Ni, Chairman, China Industrial & Commercial Enterprise Association in Nigeria, one of the organisers of the event, said: ‎”We weave two vibrant legacies into a celebration of heritage and artistry: the Dragon Boat Festival honours the spirit of resilience and collective strength, while the Nigerian Children’s Drawing showcase the boundless imagination of our youth.

‎“As these young hands lift their pens and palettes, they offer us a window into their aspirations and their unique vision of the bond between China and Nigeria.”

He assured that the association would remain steadfast in its mission to empower Nigerian children “as they build a brighter tomorrow.”
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Abel EO, represented by Mr. Fapohunda O.S, commended China for the initiative, and called for a partnership that has the potential to drive meaningful improvement in visual, performing, and other forms of aesthetic arts, thereby developing Nigeria.

Once a Lagos-based contest, the competition has now been scaled to a national event involving thousands of students with the support of the Federal Ministry of Education.
Entries for the competition will open on April 20 and is scheduled to close on May 15, while winners would be awarded on May 27, being the Children’s Day.

Winners are provided with financial support, helping parents in the area of school fees and educational materials, while students also learn about Chinese culture while sharing Nigerian heritage.
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