By Media360Impact | August 2025

“From the second we arrived China, I could feel the chills of development.” Chibuzo Okechukwu

When one of Nigeria’s finest journalists Chibuzo Okechukwu boarded an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Beijing in April 2025, he had no idea how deeply the trip would change his perception of China and indeed, the future of Africa-China relations. For two weeks, from April 15 to 29, he immersed himself in an intensive media training programme sponsored by the China Chamber of Commerce, visiting the dynamic cities of Beijing, Chengdu, and Sichuan.

A Journey Years in the Making

“This was my first time in China,” Chibuzo reflects. “I had long dreamt of this visit, and thankfully, it came at the most appropriate time in my life.”

From the moment his flight touched down, the journalist says he was overwhelmed by China’s futuristic development from advanced infrastructure to seamless systems at the airport. “The gap between China and Africa in terms of technology, orderliness, and customer service was instantly clear,” he said.

Hosted in Style

Chibuzo attended the CBIC Training hosted at the Dahogmen International Conference Centre, where participants also stayed. “We were each given beautiful, spacious rooms mine had two massive beds, and I was the only occupant,” he shared. “It was fully funded. Peaceful. Seamless.”

Despite it being his first long-haul flight, he remembers the journey fondly, even if a bit weary from excessive sleep. “Thinking about it now, I wish I could return to China.”

A Warm Welcome

What surprised Chibuzo the most wasn’t the advanced cities it was the warmth of the Chinese people. “There was an extra effort to make us feel welcome. They ensured we were comfortable and satisfied. It left a lasting impression,” he said.

He also spoke highly of the caretakers and facilitators, describing their care as “heavenly” and their attention to detail as top-notch.

Language, Culture, and High-Tech Bridges

Naturally, language was a challenge. “But the Chinese were prepared,” he said. “Many had learned basic English to support us, and we also used mobile translation apps and devices. One of the lessons I’ll never forget is about Speech-to-Text AI technology a tool I now use in my journalism.”

The experience didn’t stop at technology. Chibuzo noticed a deep cultural rhythm in the way the Chinese structured their days. “Meal times are sacred breakfast at 6am, lunch at noon, dinner at 5pm. And everywhere, people young and old were out for health walks. It was inspiring.”

Food, Fitness, and Discipline

The food? “Delightful,” he says. “I tried everything vegetables, soups, meat, pasta, and their wonderfully grown fruits.” Beyond the cuisine, the culture of fitness and discipline left a lasting mark on him. “It’s a lifestyle I’ve brought back with me to Nigeria.”

Lessons, Reflections & Networks

Apart from technical training, the trip opened doors to rich cross-cultural exchange. “I now have a wide network of brilliant minds from Egypt, Fiji, Lesotho, Burundi, Zambia, and Cameroon,” he said.

He also gained a renewed view of China’s role in Africa:

“China is the future in tech, economy, engineering, and people-to-people exchange. The continent must bring something valuable to the table to build mutual respect.”

Final Thoughts: A Call to Action

Would he recommend this kind of training to others? “Most definitely. The Chinese offer opportunities in health, agriculture, climate, media, and more. I’m already recommending it.”

He concludes with a message to African policymakers and youth

Follow More Stories Like This

Stay tuned to Media360Impact.com and our Facebook page for more travel stories and international exchange diaries from across Africa.

Got a similar story to share? Reach out to us at media360impact@gmail.com.