The Chinese Consulate General in Lagos hosted a colorful celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival on Thursday at Shu Garden Restaurant, bringing together diplomats, business leaders, educators, and members of the Chinese and Nigerian communities in a lively evening that underscored the power of cultural exchange and shared friendship.
The event, attended by the Chinese Consul General in Lagos, Ms. Yan Yuqing, featured traditional mooncake-making, Chinese cuisine, and artistic performances, creating an atmosphere of unity and festivity.
In her remarks, Consul General Yan Yuqing described the Mid-Autumn Festival as one of China’s most important cultural celebrations, symbolizing reunion, harmony, and love for family. She explained that the round shape of the full moon—most radiant on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month—represents unity, an ideal deeply cherished in Chinese culture.
“On this night, the moonlight shines not only over China but also over Nigeria, connecting our two peoples across continents and cultures,” she said.
Ms. Yan highlighted China’s centuries-old traditions, noting that the Mid-Autumn Festival—alongside the Spring Festival and Dragon Boat Festival—reflects the country’s 5,000-year-old civilization and enduring respect for heritage.
The envoy praised the growing ties between China and Nigeria, especially in education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. Through institutions like the Confucius Institute at the University of Lagos, she noted, thousands of Nigerian students have learned the Chinese language and excelled in international Chinese competitions, fostering deeper cross-cultural understanding.
She also emphasized the humanitarian contributions of the Chinese community in Nigeria, citing initiatives such as the “Rebirth from the Light” program, which has helped restore the eyesight of more than 400 Nigerians suffering from cataracts—including patients as old as 95 and as young as nine months. Another project, she added, focuses on food support for low-income families, having already assisted over 1,000 households.
“China and Nigeria are sisters, brothers, and family,” Ms. Yan affirmed. “We live here, we love Nigeria, and we contribute to its growth through cultural and social cooperation.”
Highlighting China’s growing footprint in Nigeria’s development, the Consul General pointed to the achievements of Chinese enterprises such as China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC). These firms, she said, have delivered major infrastructure projects including the Blue and Red railway lines, the Lagos–Ibadan railway, and the Lekki Deep Sea Port, creating over 10,000 jobs for Nigerians.
She also expressed pride in the role of Chinese women in Lagos, noting her own position as the first female Consul General of China in Lagos. She said the Consulate and the Chinese Association for Women in Nigeria have carried out numerous social initiatives supporting women and children, promoting equality and opportunity in both nations.
Reflecting on the strong diplomatic ties between the two countries, Ms. Yan recalled the successful state visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to China in September 2024, during which the two nations elevated their bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership. This partnership, she said, spans trade, technology, agriculture, education, and culture, ensuring mutual growth and prosperity.
Looking ahead, Ms. Yan revealed that 2026 will be celebrated as the China–Africa Year of Cultural Exchange, with new initiatives planned to further strengthen cultural ties.
“Next year, we will hold exhibitions of Chinese products, organize painting competitions for Nigerian children, and share more of our traditional festivals, such as the Spring Festival and Dragon Boat Festival,” she said.
The evening concluded with performances, mooncake sharing, and warm expressions of friendship. Guests were treated to authentic Sichuan cuisine, symbolizing China’s diverse culinary heritage, and a reminder that cultural exchange often begins at the table.
“Culture knows no boundaries,” Ms. Yan said with a smile. “May the friendship between China and Nigeria shine as brightly as the full moon we celebrate tonight.”
