By Blessing Elo Oghene
Employees of the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) have joined residents of Nchatancha Nike Community in Enugu State to celebrate the traditional New Yam Festival, Iri Ji, alongside China’s Mid-Autumn Festival.
The joint celebration brought CCCC staff and members of the host community together to experience cultural traditions, share food and strengthen friendship through cultural exchange.
The New Yam Festival is an important traditional celebration among the Igbo, marking the harvest season and expressing gratitude while seeking peace and prosperity.
Similarly, China’s Mid-Autumn Festival is associated with family reunion, harmony and good wishes.
The event featured traditional prayers, goodwill messages, cultural displays, traditional dances and the ceremonial presentation of new yam.
Community members also interacted with CCCC staff in a convivial atmosphere, sharing local dishes and learning about each other’s cultural traditions.
Community representatives commended CCCC for its involvement in infrastructure development and engagement with the host community.
They said the company’s participation in local cultural activities had helped strengthen relations between its personnel and residents.
CCCC said it would continue to respect local customs, engage host communities and fulfil its social responsibilities, noting that cultural exchanges could deepen mutual understanding and strengthen people-to-people ties between Nigeria and China.
