Abuja, Nigeria — The People’s Republic of China, the Nigerian government and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) have jointly urged Nigerians to embrace the Chinese language, noting its status as one of the six official United Nations languages 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), described Chinese 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,” he said, adding that the language carries the legacy of 5,000 years of Chinese civilization and is a shared treasure of humanity. With more than 200 million international learners and users worldwide, Chinese is now taught in over 190 countries and regions. Mr. Jianxing highlighted the cultural resonance between Chinese and Nigerian values, especially 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 noted. He stressed that learning Chinese offers Nigerians a valuable opportunity to understand China better and to 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 concluded.
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 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 greater understanding and collaboration through language.
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