The Voice of Nigeria, Nigeria’s official external broadcasting station, and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria have launched a Chinese Language and Cultural Teaching Programme aimed at strengthening cultural ties, media cooperation, and mutual understanding between Nigeria, Africa, and China.
The initiative, unveiled in Abuja, is expected to promote Mandarin learning among Nigerians, particularly media professionals and young people seeking educational and business opportunities in China.
Speaking at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Baba Ndace, described the programme as “a significant step in strengthening the enduring friendship between Nigeria and China”.
“This friendship is one we must continue to nurture. Today, we are not just launching a programme; we are strengthening a bridge of friendship, cooperation, mutual respect, and shared progress between Nigeria and China,” he said.
The VON Director-General commended the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre for their continued support in promoting educational and cultural cooperation between both countries.
According to him, the initiative aligns with the station’s vision anchored on “People, Platform, and Partnership”.
“At the Voice of Nigeria, our vision is anchored on three Ps — people, platform, and partnership. This initiative reflects that vision by building understanding through language learning and cultural exchange,” he stated.
Baba-Ndace highlighted the importance of language in strengthening international relations, noting that effective storytelling depends on cultural understanding.
“Language is a bridge. You cannot tell what you do not know anything about. Once we understand each other better, it becomes easier to share our stories truthfully,” he stated.
He also disclosed that the programme complements VON’s recent Mandarin broadcasting expansion and broader China-Africa media cooperation efforts aimed at combating misinformation and promoting balanced narratives.
“We want positive stories about China to reach Africa and the world, and we equally want positive stories about Nigeria and Africa to reach Chinese audiences. It’s not always negative news that comes out of Africa,” he said.
In his remarks, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, described the programme as timely and strategic in view of growing cooperation between China and African countries.
According to him, the initiative followed the successful Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Summit 2024, which further strengthened bilateral engagements between China and African nations.
“More and more African friends are eager to learn Chinese, understand Chinese culture, and explore opportunities for education and business in China. The programme will help create stronger people-to-people connections and provide new opportunities for African youths,” he said.
“Learning Chinese means opening the door to China’s 5,000-year-old civilisation, while mastering the language creates more opportunities for career development,” the ambassador stated.
Yu Dunhai also announced that China had recently implemented zero-tariff measures for African countries with diplomatic relations with Beijing, including Nigeria.
“This is not only a vivid demonstration of China’s sincerity and goodwill toward Africa, but it will also inject strong momentum into building a China-Africa community with a shared future,” he noted.
Also speaking, the Director of Public Relations and Protocol at the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr Suleiman Haruna, said the partnership would further strengthen the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and China.
“Radio Beijing has been broadcasting in Nigerian languages for decades, and now Nigeria is reciprocating through the addition of Mandarin to Voice of Nigeria’s language services,” he said.
Haruna added that the initiative would create training opportunities for VON staff and Nigerians interested in language acquisition and international business.
“Millions of Nigerians travel to China for business. Imagine the opportunities available if they can speak Mandarin,” he said.
The event was attended by diplomats, media executives, government officials, and stakeholders from both countries, all of whom expressed optimism that the programme would deepen cultural understanding and strengthen Nigeria-China cooperation
