By Gabriel Ameh
The People’s Republic of China, the Nigerian government, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have called on Nigerians to embrace the Chinese language, describing it as a vital tool for global engagement, economic growth, and cultural exchange.
The call was made during the International Chinese Language Day celebration held in Abuja on Monday.
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 plays a significant role in 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, adding that it remains a shared heritage of humanity.
According to him, Chinese is not only a “gift across time” but also a “golden bridge” that connects people’s hearts and fosters mutual understanding.
Yang noted that Chinese language education has expanded globally, with more than 190 countries and regions offering Chinese language programmes and over 200 million learners worldwide.
He added that core Chinese philosophical ideas such as “the world belongs to all” and “do not do to others what you would not have them do to you” resonate strongly with Nigerian cultural values of harmony and communal living.
He further stressed that learning Chinese provides Nigerians with opportunities to better understand China and participate in mutually beneficial cooperation between both countries.
“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, the Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), represented by Director of News, Suleiman Musa, described the Chinese language as one of humanity’s most enduring cultural treasures.
He emphasized the growing importance of language in diplomacy, trade, media exchange, and global communication.
Musa noted that the “Ni Hao China” programme is one of the outcomes of agreements reached during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to China in September 2024, aimed at strengthening trade, tourism, and bilateral communication.
He added that the Chinese language continues to create new opportunities for storytelling, knowledge exchange, and international collaboration.
In her remarks, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike, highlighted the role of language in fostering unity and mutual understanding between nations.
She said the event reflects the strong relationship between Nigeria and China, driven by shared goals of progress, innovation, and prosperity.
“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.
