Voice of Nigeria is set to begin broadcasting in Chinese language (Mandarin) to promote cultural exchanges and enhance mutual understanding between Nigeria and China.
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, disclosed this while receiving a delegation from Voice of Nigeria, led by the Director-General, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace.
“I believe that this inclusion of the Chinese language as the ninth language is going to promote further the civilisation exchanges between China and Nigeria. I believe that this is going to increase, enhance, the mutual understanding between our two peoples, because it’s going to open a new window for Nigerian people interested in China, because it’s going to be broadcast in Chinese. And then I’m sure that it’s going to open a new window for the Chinese people looking into Nigeria. I’m sure that with this new development, it will certainly promote cultural exchanges,” he said.
The Ambassador reiterated China’s commitment to deepening relations with Nigeria and supporting the new broadcasting initiative.
“China and Nigeria enjoy excellent bilateral relations. Since then, our bilateral relations have taken very robust momentum. We have deepened our cooperation in many areas — investment, trade, agriculture, manufacturing, industry, you name it. And of course, cultural exchange is a very important part of it. I’m sure that I can count on your support. This is going to be another milestone in our bilateral relations. This is also to implement the bilateral agreement signed between our two sides relating to media-to-media cooperation. I pledge that both myself and my colleagues at the Embassy stand ready to cooperate with Voice of Nigeria,” he added.
Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, said the station is determined to reshape Nigeria’s global image by taking charge of its narrative.
“When I resumed as the 6th Director-General, I was very clear and intentional. Looking at the relationship between China and Nigeria — two global players — there was need for us to be intentional about creating our own narrative. Others are busy telling theirs. We need to be very intentional, unapologetic about sharing our own stories. There are Chinese in Nigeria doing well — let the world know. There are Nigerians in China doing well — let the world know. But we can’t just do that alone in the eight languages we currently broadcast,” he said.
He noted that the inclusion of Mandarin will open new media collaboration opportunities between Nigeria and China.
“If we start the broadcast in Mandarin, that will offer us opportunity for joint content production that we can share — content that will be broadcast both here and in China. This will help us to own our own story. Whatever you are doing directly from Voice of Nigeria, all Chinese listeners — both across Africa and in China — will be able to know what we are doing. With my team, we have put all our instruments in motion to ensure that once it takes off, we’ll be able to do that. I want to assure you that Voice of Nigeria will continue to be at the forefront of shaping a positive narrative about Nigerians and Nigeria, China and the Chinese, Africa and Africans,” he added.
Nigeria and China maintain strong cooperation across various sectors, including trade and culture.