The Confucius Institute, University of Lagos (CI-UNILAG), transformed the Indoor Sports Hall of the UNILAG Sports Centre into a vibrant arena of culture, sports and cross-cultural exchange on Thursday, June 18, 2026, as it celebrated the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival with a colourful Fun Sports Day.
The celebration brought together members of the University community, officials of the Chinese Consulate, representatives of Chinese enterprises, students and cultural enthusiasts in a lively showcase of the enduring friendship between Nigeria and China.
The programme opened with a colourful parade featuring student groups and representatives of Chinese enterprises, setting the tone for a day of cultural performances, educational activities, sporting contests and interactive sessions.
Commitment to Cultural Exchange
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Professor F. E. A. Lesi, welcomed participants and described the Dragon Boat Festival as a celebration that promotes unity, mutual understanding and appreciation of the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and China.
Recalling the success of the previous edition, Professor Lesi expressed confidence that this year’s celebration would further strengthen cultural ties while providing another opportunity for members of both countries to learn from one another. He conveyed the Vice-Chancellor’s goodwill message and wished participants a memorable and successful celebration.
In her welcome remarks, the Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute, Professor Wu Shuang, described the event as a unique way of celebrating one of China’s most cherished traditional festivals.
She encouraged participants to enjoy the day’s sporting activities, including basketball competitions, quizzes and interactive games designed to deepen their understanding of Chinese culture while strengthening friendship among participants.
Professor Wu also announced awards for students who distinguished themselves in Chinese language studies, encouraging others to pursue academic excellence. She wished everyone good health and a rewarding experience throughout the carefully curated cultural celebration.
In his remarks, the Nigerian Director of the Confucius Institute, Professor Obi Iwuagwu, commended the Institute for its continued contribution to Chinese language education and cultural exchange at the University of Lagos.
He expressed optimism about the future of Nigeria-China relations and applauded the enthusiastic participation of students and representatives of Chinese enterprises, describing the atmosphere as a testament to the growing impact of the Institute’s programmes.
Consul-General Celebrates Nigeria-China Friendship
Delivering her goodwill message, the Chinese Consul-General in Lagos, Ms. Yan Yuqing, delighted the audience with her deep appreciation for Nigerian culture. She revealed that she had adopted three Nigerian names: Ayo (Yoruba), Uche (Igbo) and Fatima (Hausa) as symbols of the growing friendship between both countries.
A heart-warming video presentation further illustrated this spirit of cultural exchange, showing the Consul-General learning to prepare Nigerian moi-moi wrapped in banana leaves while teaching students how to prepare the traditional Chinese zongzi using bamboo leaves.
Describing the exchange as a reflection of the warm relationship between Nigeria and China, Ms. Yan Yuqing noted that the Dragon Boat Festival predates many modern traditions and continues to promote values of loyalty, unity and cultural pride.
Showcase of Chinese Heritage, Outstanding Students Receive Recognition*
One of the highlights of the colourful event was an engaging quiz session that tested participants’ knowledge of the Dragon Boat Festival. Students demonstrated impressive familiarity with the festival by correctly identifying that it is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar in honour of the patriotic poet, Qu Yuan, and is traditionally marked by dragon boat races, the preparation of zongzi and other cultural festivities.
The celebration also featured the presentation of Outstanding Achievement Awards to forty-two (42) students for excellence in Chinese language studies, alongside special recognition for winners of the Chinese Bridge Competition.
Adding excitement to the event, the Chinese Consul-General conducted a lucky draw through which one student won a scholarship for the 2027 academic session.
Colourful Performances Bring Celebration to a Fitting Close
The cultural showcase concluded with captivating performances by HSK Levels 1–5 students, who thrilled the audience with a Chinese-Nigerian dance medley, martial arts demonstrations, traditional songs, dances and dragon boat-themed games, reinforcing the University’s commitment to promoting intercultural understanding through education and cultural engagement.
Report: Oluwatoyin Ojo-Alo
Photograph: Samuel Dosumu
