The Voice of Nigeria has signed a strategic partnership with Xinhua News Agency aimed at promoting mutual understanding, cultural exchange, and responsible storytelling across continents.
The partnership builds on the 2024 Media Exchange and Cooperation Framework between Nigeria and China and will see both organisations collaborate on the production and broadcast of a weekly 15-minute Sino-Africa Cooperation news programme in Mandarin.
Speaking after the signing, the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Baba-Ndace, described the agreement as a strategic and symbolic step towards deepening mutual understanding and responsible storytelling across continents.
He emphasised that the initiative aligns with VON’s operational philosophy centred on People, Platform, and Partnerships.
“Media is not only about technology or transmission. It is about people, shared spaces for dialogue, and enduring relationships that transcend borders. Your presence here reflects the growing strength of media collaboration between our two institutions and our nations.”
As Nigeria’s international public broadcaster, Ndace reiterated VON’s broader mandate beyond news dissemination.
“We are not merely conveyors of information. We are custodians of narratives. We project Nigeria’s voice to the world, amplify African perspectives, and facilitate meaningful dialogue on issues that define our collective future. The launch of Mandarin today reflects our commitment to engaging wider global audiences and strengthening cross-cultural communication,” Ndace noted.
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The Director-General also disclosed that VON will collaborate on the production and broadcast of a weekly 15-minute Sino-Africa Cooperation news programme in Mandarin, to be aired on the Voice of Nigeria.
“Under the arrangement, VON will produce and broadcast the programme using content materials provided by Xinhua in both Mandarin and English. The organisation will ensure professional editing, formatting, and scheduling, while also promoting the programme across its platforms to reach targeted audiences. Xinhua, on its part, will provide scripts, multimedia content, and access to its news services, as well as facilitate training opportunities for VON staff to support capacity building,” Ndace said.
Ndace noted that the collaboration aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as the strategic direction of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, led by Mohammed Idris.
“This partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, promoting national cohesion, and advancing dialogue as a cornerstone of sustainable development.”
He expressed optimism about the long-term impact of the agreement on Africa-Asia relations.
“This initiative is both strategic and symbolic. It expands our reach while demonstrating our commitment to inclusivity, cultural exchange, and credible storytelling. The VON-Xinhua partnership is expected to enhance content development, foster professional exchange, and deepen connections between audiences in Africa and China. We look forward to a fruitful and enduring relationship with Xinhua News Agency,” the Director-General stressed.
Baba-Ndace added that by fostering informed public discourse and promoting civic responsibility, the collaboration reinforces the Ministry’s mandate of effective communication and national orientation.
The President of the Xinhua News Agency Africa Regional Bureau, Ying Qiang, described the initiative as both strategic and symbolic, noting that it will expand linguistic reach and strengthen the connection between the two organisations and global audiences.
“It is symbolic because it demonstrates our commitment to inclusivity, cultural exchange, and the strengthening of Africa-Asia relations through credible and balanced storytelling.”
Qiang further stated that the partnership will serve the growing Chinese population not only in Nigeria but across Africa and globally, particularly those interested in developments in China from an African perspective.
Currently broadcasting in eight languages, including English, French, Arabic, Swahili, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Fulfulde, VON is expanding its linguistic reach with the introduction of Mandarin and Portuguese as part of its 2025–2026 strategic vision.