VON DG Calls for Stronger Nigeria-China Cultural, Media Cooperation - TG News
By Emmanuel KwadaThe Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, has called for stronger cultural and media cooperation between Nigeria and China, describing people-to-people. . .
-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, has called for stronger cultural and media cooperation between Nigeria and China, describing people-to-people exchanges as a powerful tool for deepening mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Ndace made the call in Abuja at the Seasonal Life & Harmonious China Cultural Exhibition, organised by the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria. He said cultural diplomacy remained an important avenue through which countries could strengthen relationships beyond formal government engagements, noting that cultural performances provide opportunities for people to understand one another’s traditions, values and way of life. According to him, the exhibition demonstrated that nations could pursue modern development without abandoning the cultural identities that define their people. Ndace said the event also reflected the growing relationship between Nigeria and China, particularly in the areas of cultural exchange, broadcasting and public diplomacy. He reaffirmed VON’s commitment to projecting Nigeria and Africa to the international community through strategic broadcasting partnerships and cultural programmes. The VON chief disclosed that the organisation had further strengthened its relationship with the Chinese Embassy through a new Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on broadcasting cooperation. He said the agreement would create greater opportunities for both countries to share information, promote their cultures and provide audiences with a better understanding of developments in Nigeria, China and Africa. Ndace stressed that the media had an important role to play in complementing diplomatic efforts by bringing people closer through credible information and cultural storytelling. 2026 Significant for Nigeria-China RelationsThe Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, described the event as particularly significant, noting that 2026 had been designated the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges and also marks the 55th anniversary of Nigeria-China diplomatic relations. Yang said the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and China had continued to expand beyond government-to-government engagements to include cultural and people-to-people interactions. He described cultural exchange as an important bridge for promoting mutual understanding and strengthening friendship between the peoples of both countries. According to him, cultural programmes such as the exhibition provide an avenue for Nigerians to experience aspects of Chinese culture while creating opportunities for Chinese audiences to better appreciate Nigeria’s own rich cultural heritage. Nigeria-China Partnership Expands Beyond TradeThe Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Mukhtar Yawale Muhammed, said Nigeria-China relations were increasingly expanding beyond traditional trade and investment to encompass science, technology, agriculture and innovation. He said Nigeria stood to benefit significantly from China’s technological expertise and experience, particularly in sectors capable of driving industrialisation and economic growth. Muhammed, however, stressed the need for Nigeria to strengthen its production capacity and improve the quality of locally produced goods if the country is to fully exploit opportunities in the Chinese market. He identified improved production standards, packaging and supply-chain systems as areas requiring greater attention. According to him, developing these areas would enable Nigerian producers to compete more effectively internationally and take advantage of the enormous opportunities presented by the Chinese market. Culture as a Bridge for DevelopmentThe exhibition highlighted the increasingly important role of culture in Nigeria-China relations at a time when cooperation between both countries is expanding across several sectors. For Nigeria, stronger cultural and media partnerships could provide opportunities to promote its diverse heritage, creative industries and national identity to a wider international audience. For China, cultural exchanges provide an avenue for deepening understanding of its traditions and development experience among Nigerians. The convergence of culture, media, technology and economic cooperation, officials said, could therefore provide a stronger foundation for the next phase of Nigeria-China relations. As the two countries mark 55 years of diplomatic relations, stakeholders at the event emphasised that sustainable partnerships must go beyond official agreements and commercial transactions to include ordinary citizens. Through cultural exchanges, broadcasting partnerships and people-to-people engagements, Nigeria and China are seeking to build a relationship anchored not only on economic interests but also on mutual respect, understanding and friendship. 📰 Get Latest News UpdatesJoin our Telegram group and receive breaking and trending news updates directly on your phone. Join for News Updates✕