UNILAG Confucius Institute Hosts 2024 Dragon Boat Festival in Spectacular Fashion
The Confucius Institute at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) celebrated the 2024 Dragon Boat Festival with vibrant cultural displays and ceremonies at Tayo Aderinokun Hall.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
The Tayo Aderinokun Hall at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) was a kaleidoscope of colors and cultural festivities on Friday, June 21, 2024, as the Confucius Institute (CI) celebrated the 2024 Dragon Boat Festival with grandeur and enthusiasm.
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The event, graced by a delegation from the Chinese Consulate in Lagos led by Deputy Consul-General Jin Minyu, showcased the rich cultural heritage of China through various performances and ceremonies. Deputy Consul-General Jin Minyu emphasized the festival’s significance in Chinese culture and commended UNILAG and the Confucius Institute for strengthening diplomatic ties between Nigeria and China.
Professor Obi Iwuagwu, Nigerian Director of the Confucius Institute, and his Chinese counterpart, Professor Zhao Hongling, expressed gratitude to UNILAG management for their unwavering support. They highlighted the Institute’s commitment to enhancing cultural exchange and fostering understanding between Nigerian and Chinese communities.
Highlighting the celebration were performances by students of the Confucius Institute, demonstrating their talents in music and dance. The festival also included the awarding of scholarships to ten deserving students by the Henan Merchants Association, enhancing educational opportunities and cultural exchange.
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The Dragon Boat Festival, traditionally commemorating the scholar Qu Yuan, is a cherished holiday in China, marked by activities such as dragon boat races, eating zongzi (rice dumplings), and other cultural practices. This year’s festivities at UNILAG also featured interactive sessions where attendees participated in cultural quizzes and received souvenirs.
Leading up to the main event, UNILAG and the Confucius Institute had organized a series of activities including the renovation kickoff of the CI Complex and cultural arts celebrations, showcasing Chinese confectionery and crafts-making supervised by Chinese instructors.
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For more details about the events and updates from the Confucius Institute at UNILAG, visit UNILAG’s official website.
