By Zika Bobby
Lagos-based Huaxing Arts Troupe Nigeria visited the Federal Housing Primary School and Awoyaya Primary School, Victoria Island, Lagos, to entertain and educate the pupils on China and Nigeria’s robust cultural heritage.
The event featured different onsite school activities such as cultural dance, martial arts display, musical drama, and other cultural performances.
The highlight of the event was the entry of the Lion Dance troupe, which sparked excitement from the pupils, including invited parents. The artistry display of the performers also ignited applause from the pupils.
Other Chinese cultural performances included the Waist Drum Performance, Kung Fu display and Lady Dancers. The pupils of both schools performed Farmers Dance, Traditional Wrestling Dance and more.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Eric Ni, Chairman, Huaxing Arts Troupe, restated China’s commitment to supporting young children in improving education.
“Today, we have witnessed the power of cultural exchange, as our talented HuaXing Arts Troupe showcased the vibrant and mesmerizing Chinese cultural dances, while the students of these esteemed schools brought forth the rich and diverse tapestry of Nigerian culture,” he said
He added: “It is through these exchange programmes that we learn to appreciate and celebrate our differences, fostering understanding and unity among our nations.
“I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the immense contributions that the Chinese community has made to Nigeria’s educational landscape through scholarships and various educational initiatives. The Chinese community has provided countless opportunities for Nigerian students to pursue their dreams and aspirations.
“Education is the gateway to a brighter future, and we are committed to continuing our support in this crucial area. However, today’s event is a testament to the fact that our contributions extend beyond education. Culture is a powerful tool that connects people, transcending borders, and language barriers.
“It is through cultural exchange that we can truly appreciate the beauty and richness of each other’s traditions. By sharing our cultural heritage, we build bridges of understanding and friendship.”
The Huaxing Arts Troupe Nigeria, consisting mainly of Nigerian dancers, is a leading advocate of cultural exchange between China and Nigeria, and is proficient in traditional Chinese and Nigerian dance styles. They collaborated with the China National Traditional Orchestra in August for a dazzling event of cultural fusion.
The troupe, courtesy of Chinese Community in Lagos, also donated money to select pupils to stimulate learning, while a range of stationeries were donated to both schools.
Also present were the Head Teacher, Victoria Island, Lagos, Mr Otuere Donatus; Head Teacher, Awoyaya Primary School, Mrs Ajibola; Head, Resource Centre, Mrs Williams; Head, Computer Centre, Mr. Abass, and Headteacher, Federal Housing Primary School, Mrs Okafor,.
The Federal Housing Estate Housing Primary School performed the Farmers’ Dance to show the importance of dignity in labour. The Head Teacher of the school, Mrs. Okafor Francisca Onyebuchi, and Mrs Ajibola, Head Teacher of Awoyaya Primary School, thanked the Chinese community for the cultural exchange programme and support to the growth of education in Nigeria.
“The cultural exchange program is an excellent initiative that has opened the window of opportunity for our pupils to gain firsthand knowledge, and interact with the Chinese cultural heritage,” Mrs Okafor said.