By Queen Kunde
The Federal Government, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and the People’s Republic of China have called on Nigerians to embrace the Chinese language, describing it as a gateway to employment, trade, and global opportunities.
The call was made on Monday in Abuja during the celebration of International Chinese Language Day.
Speaking at the event, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, said the Chinese language remains a powerful tool for connecting people, cultures, and economies across the world.
He described the language as a “genetic link” that carries over 5,000 years of Chinese civilization, noting that it serves as a shared heritage of humanity. According to him, Chinese is both a “gift across time” and a “golden bridge” that promotes mutual understanding among nations.
Yang revealed that Chinese language education has spread to more than 190 countries and regions, with over 200 million learners globally. He added that key Chinese philosophical values such as harmony and mutual respect align closely with Nigerian cultural ideals.
He stressed that learning the language would enable Nigerians to better understand China and take advantage of growing bilateral cooperation.
“Learning Chinese is undoubtedly an important shortcut to fully understanding China and realizing one’s dreams through cooperation in various sectors,” he said.
Also speaking, Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), represented by Director of News, Suleiman Musa, described the Chinese language as one of the world’s most enduring cultural treasures.
He highlighted its increasing role in diplomacy, trade, media exchange, and global communication, noting that the “Ni Hao China” programme emerged from agreements reached during the visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to China in September 2024.
Musa said the initiative is designed to boost trade, tourism, and communication between both countries, while opening new opportunities for storytelling and international collaboration.
In her remarks, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike, said language remains a critical tool for strengthening unity and cooperation among nations.
She noted that the event reflects the growing relationship between Nigeria and China, driven by shared goals of progress and innovation.
“This event underscores the power of language as a bridge for cultures, fostering deeper understanding between Nigeria and China, two great nations bound by shared aspirations,” she said.
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