The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) have called for greater youth participation and the expansion of digital platforms to strengthen the impact of the “Ni Hao! China,” a Chinese-language radio programme.
The call was made in Abuja during the celebration of 456 days of the programme, with stakeholders emphasising the need to combine traditional radio broadcasting with digital innovation to attract more audiences and deepen cultural relations between Nigeria and China.
Speaking at the event of the Director, China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, said the programme had the potential to reach more Nigerians by broadening its content and adopting innovative approaches to audience engagement.
Yang noted that while the programme had provided an accessible platform for learning Chinese and exploring the country’s culture, there was a need to expand its reach, particularly among young people.
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He urged the organisers to integrate radio broadcasts with short videos, social media, digital platforms and in-person cultural activities to make the programme more engaging and accessible.
“By making the content more appealing and accessible, especially to younger audiences, we can enable even more Nigerian friends to learn Chinese and discover China anytime, anywhere,” he said.
Introduce their Traditions
The Director, China Cultural Center, also called for greater attention to Nigerian culture in the programme’s content, including lessons that would teach listeners how to introduce their traditions, cultural practices and everyday lives in Chinese.
According to him, such an approach would transform the programme into a more effective platform for two-way cultural exchange, allowing audiences in both countries to appreciate each other’s heritage.
55 Years of Diplomatic Relations
The Envoy said the initiative had become an important instrument for strengthening relations between Nigeria and China, particularly as both countries marked 55 years of diplomatic relations and the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
“Over the past 456 days, thanks to the dedication and joint efforts of our Chinese and Nigerian colleagues, ‘Ni Hao! China’ has grown into an important bridge of friendship and mutual understanding between our two peoples,” Yang said.
Also speaking, the Director-General Federal Radio Cooperation of Nigeria (FRCN, Dr Mohammed Bulama, said the future of the programme depended on sustained innovation, compelling content and the effective use of digital media to support language learning.
Bulama said FRCN was already exploring digital approaches, including podcasts, social media clips, audience quizzes and online learning resources, to enable listeners to practise and revisit lessons at their convenience.
He stressed that broadcasting organisations must adapt to changing audience habits while preserving radio’s traditional strength in reaching communities across Nigeria.
“The future of broadcasting lies in the effective integration of traditional radio with digital media,” he said.
According to him, the programme has demonstrated that broadcasting can serve purposes beyond news dissemination by promoting cultural education, international cooperation and people-to-people relationships.
Bulama noted that the initiative had created opportunities for Nigerians to learn about Chinese culture while also providing a platform for presenting Nigerian values and traditions to international audiences.
“The programme is a new dimension in Nigeria-China relations, which have historically been driven by trade, infrastructure and diplomatic cooperation. ‘Ni Hao! China’ introduced a new, essential pillar: the people,” he said.
More Engaging Programmes
The FRCN Director -General called on producers, presenters and technical staff to develop more engaging programmes covering language, education, tourism, business, innovation and everyday life.
He also urged listeners to remain active participants through feedback and other forms of audience engagement.
On her part, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory Council, Grace Ike, also underscored the importance of expanding the programme’s reach to young Nigerians through radio, digital platforms and social media.
Ike said the initiative demonstrated how the media could be used to promote understanding, challenge misconceptions and strengthen peaceful relations between countries.
“It has shown that when the media is used purposefully, it can do more than report events; it can bring nations closer, correct misconceptions, deepen respect and promote peaceful coexistence,” she said.
According to her, cultural programmes could create opportunities for people to learn about different societies and appreciate their shared aspirations.
“Friendship between nations is not built only through official engagements; it is also built through ordinary conversations, cultural programmes, music, stories and the voices of people speaking to one another with respect and goodwill,” Ike said.
Learning and Youth Participation
The NUJ FCT Council chairman encouraged the programme’s organisers to sustain their efforts in promoting cultural diplomacy, professional communication, language learning and youth participation.
She expressed optimism that the initiative would continue to strengthen cooperation and shared progress between Nigeria and China.
Ni Hao! China, Launched in July 2025 through a partnership between FRCN and the Chinese Embassy, with support from the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, provides Chinese-language lessons and features on China’s history, traditions, food, culture and everyday life.
The anniversary celebration also recognised the contributions of Ms Abiodun Ogidan, FRCN Director of Programme Production; Ms Juanita, the programme’s producer; and Ms Zhang Yaping, a Chinese-language teacher at the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria.
Stakeholders expressed hope that continued collaboration, digital innovation and increased participation by young people would help the programme reach wider audiences and build stronger cultural ties between Nigeria and China.
