Abuja, Nigeria — The People’s Republic of China, the Nigerian government, and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) have jointly called on Nigerians to embrace the Chinese language, citing its status as one of the six official languages of the United Nations and its growing global significance.
Speaking at the International Chinese Language Day event in Abuja on Monday, Mr. Yang Jianxing, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of the China Cultural Center in Nigeria (CCCN), emphasized the role of the Chinese language as a bridge between cultures and a catalyst for business and cultural exchange.
“Chinese is not only a gift across time but also a golden bridge connecting people’s hearts,” Mr. Jianxing said. He noted that the language carries the legacy of 5,000 years of Chinese civilization and is a shared treasure of humanity. With over 200 million international learners and users worldwide, Chinese is now taught in more than 190 countries and regions.
He highlighted the cultural resonance between Chinese and Nigerian values, particularly the shared emphasis on harmony and mutual respect. “Ideas such as ‘the world belongs to all’ and ‘do not do to others what you would not have them do to you’ resonate deeply with Nigerian culture,” he added.
Mr. Jianxing also stressed that learning Chinese offers Nigerians a valuable opportunity to better understand China and participate in mutually beneficial cooperation across various sectors. “We hope this event will inspire more Nigerians to learn Chinese, understand China, and strengthen exchanges between our two nations,” he said.
Representing the Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Mr. Suleiman Musa, Director of News, underscored the enduring cultural and diplomatic importance of the Chinese language. “In today’s interconnected world, language is a vital tool for diplomacy, trade, media exchange, and cultural understanding,” he said.
Mr. Musa also referenced the Ni Hao China programme, a key outcome of agreements signed during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to China in September 2024. The initiative aims to enhance trade, tourism, and communication between Nigeria and China, further opening doors for storytelling, knowledge sharing, and mutual respect among nations.
Grace Ike, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the power of language as a cultural bridge. “This event underscores the role of language in fostering deeper understanding between Nigeria and China, two great nations united by shared aspirations for progress, innovation, and mutual prosperity,” she said.
The event highlighted the growing importance of linguistic and cultural ties in strengthening bilateral relations, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to fostering greater understanding and collaboration through language.
