FG, China, NUJ urge Nigerians to learn Chinese for global opportunities

The People’s Republic of China, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have called on Nigerians to embrace the Chinese language, highlighting its importance in global engagement, economic advancement, and cultural exchange.

The appeal was made during the International Chinese Language Day celebration held in Abuja on Monday.

Speaking at the event, Yang Jianxing, Cultural Counselor at the Chinese Embassy and Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, emphasised the growing global relevance of the Chinese language. According to him, the language serves as a powerful medium for connecting people, cultures, and economies across different parts of the world.

Yang described the Chinese language as a “genetic link” that carries more than 5,000 years of Chinese civilisation, noting that it represents a shared heritage of humanity. He added that beyond being a means of communication, the language acts as a “gift across time” and a “golden bridge” that fosters mutual understanding and strengthens relationships among nations.

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 the state visit of Bola Ahmed Tinubu 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.