FRCN, Chinese Embassy Deepen Nigeria-China Ties As ‘Ni Hao! China’ Marks 456 Days

The Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cultural exchange and people-to-people relations as the Ni Hao! China radio programme marked 456 days since its launch.

The milestone was celebrated on Thursday at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja, bringing together government officials, diplomats, media executives, cultural stakeholders and listeners to assess the programme’s achievements and discuss strategies to expand its reach.

Launched in July 2025, Ni Hao! China is a weekly Mandarin language and cultural education programme jointly produced by FRCN and the Chinese Embassy, with support from the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, the Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, described the programme as a bridge for friendship and mutual understanding between Nigerians and Chinese citizens.

Yang commended FRCN for sustaining the initiative, noting that it had provided Nigerians with an accessible platform to learn Mandarin and explore China’s history, traditions, cuisine, festivals and everyday life.

He said the programme had also opened opportunities for Nigerians to deepen their understanding of China and explore personal, educational and professional development prospects.

The diplomat noted that the milestone coincided with the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China and the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, underscoring the programme’s importance in promoting cultural cooperation.

He expressed optimism that the initiative would continue to strengthen bilateral relations, encourage mutual learning and bring the two countries closer.

Yang identified content development, innovative audience engagement and increased youth participation as priority areas for the programme’s future growth.

He said the programme should expand beyond Mandarin lessons to feature more content on Chinese culture, tourism, education and everyday experiences, while also teaching listeners how to communicate Nigerian culture and traditions in Chinese.

He also called for stronger integration of traditional radio broadcasting with digital platforms, short videos, social media and physical cultural activities to reach more audiences, particularly young people.

According to him, greater youth participation in language learning and cultural exchange would help nurture a new generation of ambassadors for Nigeria-China friendship.

In his remarks, FRCN Director-General, Dr Mohammed B. Bulama, described the milestone as evidence of broadcasting’s capacity to promote cultural education, international understanding and lasting relationships between nations.

Bulama recalled that when the programme was launched at Radio House, FRCN’s corporate headquarters, some regarded it as a broadcasting experiment.

He said the initiative had since evolved into a platform connecting people across geographical and cultural boundaries, helping Nigerians learn about China’s festivals, traditions and innovations while creating opportunities to showcase Nigerian culture.

The director-general said Ni Hao! China had extended Nigeria-China engagement beyond commercial interests and official diplomacy by promoting people-centred relationships.

He noted that the programme demonstrated the continued relevance of radio in fostering international understanding and cultural exchange.

Bulama commended the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre for their partnership, while recognising the contributions of the programme’s producers, presenters and technical crew.

He urged the production team to sustain the initiative with engaging content covering language learning, culture, innovation, education, tourism, business and everyday life.

He also assured listeners that FRCN would continue to innovate and develop programmes connecting Nigerians with the wider world.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, also commended the Chinese Embassy, FRCN and the China Cultural Centre for creating a platform that promotes cultural exchange and strengthens bilateral relations.

Ike described the celebration as 456 days of communication, mutual learning and people-to-people diplomacy, noting that its significance extended beyond the number of days the programme had been on air.

She said the media could play a crucial role in correcting misconceptions, promoting mutual respect and encouraging peaceful coexistence when used purposefully.

The NUJ chairman urged the organisers to expand the programme’s reach through radio, digital platforms and social media to enable more young Nigerians to participate in and benefit from the cultural exchange.

She reaffirmed the union’s support for media initiatives that promote professional journalism, cultural diplomacy, language learning and responsible public communication.

The Ni Hao! China programme is available through FRCN’s FM stations across Nigeria, as well as its website, YouTube channel and other online platforms.

The celebration also recognised members of the production team and other partners whose contributions have sustained the programme since its launch.