By Ameh Gabriel
In a renewed push to strengthen diplomatic and cultural relations between Nigeria and China, the Chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has called for greater media-driven engagement and cultural exchange between both nations.
This appeal was made during a high-level courtesy visit to the China Cultural Centre in Abuja, where Comrade Ike and her executive team were received by Mr. Yang Jianxing, Director of the Centre and Cultural Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria.
“We are here to express our appreciation for the Centre’s unwavering support to the NUJ FCT Council over the years,” Ike remarked. “From cultural exchange programme to capacity-building training and our beloved table tennis tournament, this partnership continues to grow stronger.”
Comrade Ike emphasized the critical role of journalism in fostering mutual understanding and national development. She urged the Chinese Cultural Centre to facilitate more media-specific initiatives, such as short-term training for Nigerian journalists in China, bilateral media workshops, and exchange programmes.
“These platforms would enhance our professional development while promoting cross-cultural understanding in today’s interconnected world,” she said.
7th Nigeria–China Friendship Table Tennis Tournament Holds November 15
As part of ongoing collaborative efforts, Ike announced that the 7th edition of the Nigeria–China Friendship Table Tennis Tournament will take place on November 15, 2025, co-hosted by the NUJ FCT Council and the China Cultural Centre. The annual event has become a symbol of friendship, diplomacy, and soft power through sport.
Comrade Ike also extended a formal invitation to Mr. Yang and his team to attend the upcoming NUJ FCT Press Week at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
In response, Mr. Yang commended the NUJ FCT Council for its commitment to cultural diplomacy and media engagement. He reaffirmed China’s dedication to promoting people-to-people ties and highlighted key cultural programmes hosted by the Centre, including:
Spring Festival celebrations
International Women’s Day activities
China Tea Day
China–Nigeria Cultural Festival (in collaboration with Nigeria’s Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy)
Mr. Yang also disclosed plans for upcoming Chinese cultural performances in Nigeria, which will feature traditional music, martial arts, dance, and magic displays.
Responding to the request for training opportunities, Mr. Yang pledged to advocate for the inclusion of NUJ members in future delegations to China. “Even if it’s just one or two placements, it can make a significant impact,” he noted.
Describing Nigeria and China as “brothers and family,” Yang lauded the media’s vital role in shaping bilateral perceptions. “Through your stories, people in China learn more about Nigeria—and Nigerians gain insight into Chinese culture,” he said.
The meeting marked a significant step forward in media diplomacy, highlighting the role of journalists as cultural ambassadors in strengthening international relations.
