China, Nigeria promote cultural ties through broadcasting synergy

By Ochiaka Ugwu

The People’s Republic of China and Nigeria again promoted their cultural ties by leveraging broadcasting collaboration of “Ni Hao China” to connect their peoples, bridge cultural differences, promote mutual understanding, and build enduring relationships.

This was made known Thursday in Abuja at the celebration of 456 Days of “Nihao China” a radio programme aired by Radio Nigeria connecting Nigeria and China peoples.

Speaking at the event, Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Dr Mohammed Bulama who described Ni-Hao China as a remarkable programme of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria said that it had continued to strengthen cultural understanding, promote language learning, and deepen the bonds of friendship between Nigeria and China.

Bulama said the bridge was not only built, but thriving with the traffic of friendship and mutual understanding.

“Today, as we celebrate 456 days of this remarkable programme, I proudly stand before this distinguished gathering to declare that the bridge is not only built—it is thriving with the traffic of friendship and mutual understanding.

“We celebrate this important milestone in an environment that represents the rich cultural heritage, creativity, and traditions of China” he said.

He said the FRCN in line with its motto: “Uplift the People, and Unite the Nation” was committed to providing programmes that serve the public interest, noting that “Ni-Hao China” clearly exemplifies how their broadcasting platforms have been able to support cultural education, international cooperation, and constructive engagement beyond Nigeria’s borders.

He said the 456 Days of Ni Hao China programme were much deeper and quite fulfilling as it had been about breaking barriers.

Noting that the two nations had enjoyed decades of diplomatic relations usually viewed through the lenses of infrastructure, trade, and diplomacy which were vital pillars, he maintained that “Ni Hao China” introduced a new, essential pillar, The People.

While appreciating Embassy of China and management of the Chinese Cultural Centre for their partnership, encouragement, and cooperation, Bulama said that “Ni Hao China” had made it possible for Nigerian listener in a remote village in Yobe, bustling markets of Kano and Onitsha, or a quiet street in Ile-Ife to be able to “visit” the Great Wall, understand the philosophy behind Chinese festivals, and appreciate the innovations driving the one of the-largest economy in the world.

Speaking earlier, Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy of China in Nigeria and Director of China Cultural Centre, Yang Jianxing said the dedication and joint efforts of Chinese and Nigerian colleagues had made “Ni Hao! China” to grown into a vital bridge of friendship and mutual understanding between the two peoples.

He said it has also opened a new window for Nigerian friends to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and explore new opportunities for personal and professional development.

“In many ways, “Ni Hao! China” is both a witness to and a driving force behind the rock-solid and ever-growing friendship between China and Nigeria” he said.

Yang said that “Ni Hao! China” as an important part of cultural and people-to-people exchanges between China and Nigeria, and between China and Africa more broadly, will continue to play an increasingly important role in strengthening traditional friendship, promoting mutual learning between civilizations, and bringing their peoples closer together.

Also speaking, Director of Programme Production at FRCN, Ms. Abiodun Ogidan said the expression Ni-Hao, meaning “Hello China” in Mandarin was a simple greeting, but with profound significant.

She said it represents an invitation to friendship, a willingness to learn, and an openness to understanding Chinese people and their culture.

Ogidan noted that through “Ni-Hao China”, FRCN has demonstrated that radio remains a powerful instrument for cultural diplomacy, international cooperation and people-to-people engagement.