Culture

China-Africa Mazu Culture Association celebrates anniversary, launches hunger relief initiative in Nigeria

Published

1 year ago

April 25, 2025

China-Africa Mazu celebration in Lagos marks goddess anniversary and launches ‘Together Fight Against Hunger’ initiative for Nigerian families

The China-Africa Mazu Culture Association hosted a vibrant Spring Festival Ceremony in Lekki, Lagos, commemorating the 1065th anniversary of Mazu, the revered Chinese goddess of the sea.

Also read: Nigeria, China forge partnership to boost tourism, creative sectors

The event also marked the launch of the Chinese Consul-General’s ‘Together Fight Against Hunger’ charity programme, aimed at providing crucial support to low-income families within Nigeria.

The ceremony brought together over 200 Chinese devotees, who gathered amidst the fragrant aroma of incense and the rhythmic beats of traditional drums to honor Mazu and offer prayers for peace and prosperity.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Yan Yuqing, the Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, underscored the significance of cultural exchange, stating its role in fostering mutual understanding and friendship between the people of China and Nigeria across generations.

She highlighted the noble virtues associated with Mazu – “establishing virtue, doing good deeds and great love” – as embodying the excellent traditional values of the Chinese nation.

It is of great significance to inherit and carry forward the excellent traditional Chinese culture, tell its stories and promote mutual understanding and friendship between the people of China and Nigeria from generation to generation,” said Ms. Yan Yuqing, Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos.

Adding a significant dimension to this year’s celebration was the introduction of the ‘Together Fight Against Hunger’ initiative. As part of this program, 25 children aged 5 to 16 from the host and neighboring communities each received a scholarship cheque of N100,000 along with essential food items, providing tangible support to their families.

Mr. Dong Qiang, President of the China-Africa Mazu Culture Association, emphasized the organization’s commitment to strengthening the bonds between China and Nigeria and its ongoing dedication to promoting love and goodwill between the two nations.

The event was graced by the presence of several Obas from local communities, including Oba Adeoriyomi Oyebo (Obateru Of Egbin Royal Kingdom), who expressed profound gratitude for the Chinese community’s philanthropic contributions to the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians.

This celebration beautifully illustrated the harmonious integration of cultural heritage preservation with contemporary social responsibility, showcasing how ancient traditions can serve as a powerful inspiration for modern humanitarian endeavors.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

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Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”