Nigeria and China have strengthened their cultural and media cooperation with the launch of the China-Nigeria Bridge radio programme and the Voice of Nigeria’s (VON) Mandarin Service, initiatives designed to promote mutual understanding, language learning and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
Speaking at the launch, Director, China Cultural CentreinN igeria, Yang Jianxing, described the China-Nigeria Bridge programme as more than a language-learning platform, saying it serves as a bridge connecting the peoples of China, Nigeria and the broader African continent through cultural exchange and dialogue.
The Director who doubled as Counselor noted that the initiative aligns with key milestones in China-Africa relations, including the outcomes of the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges and the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria.
According to him, ten episodes of the programme have already been broadcast, attracting positive attention from audiences across Africa and demonstrating growing interest in deeper cultural engagement between both countries.
He also highlighted recent gains in China-Africa economic relations, including zero-tariff treatment for eligible African exports and increasing trade volumes between China and Nigeria, saying the figures underscore the practical benefits of growing bilateral collaboration
Director-General, Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, described the service as a strategic platform for telling Nigeria’s story to wider global audiences in additional languages.
Represented by a senior official, the VON DG said the new service represents more than the addition of another language channel, describing it as a bridge that will foster friendship, cultural understanding and cooperation between Nigeria and China.
Track Up
He highlighted achievements already recorded under the partnership, including the training of 26 Nigerian journalists in Beijing, a content-sharing agreement with Xinhua News Agency, a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chinese Embassy and the launch of the Nigeria-China Bridge Mandarin teaching programme.
