China to share development opportunities with Nigeria - Envoy
China has reiterated its commitment to share development plans with Nigeria and other countries. The Director General, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of the Chinese Cultural Centre
China has reiterated its commitment to share development plans with Nigeria and other countries.
The Director General, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of the Chinese Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Mr. Yang Jianxing, made this disclosure during the 2026 “International Chinese Language Day” celebration in Abuja.
Jianxing said China will further promote high-quality economic and social development and strengthen cultural exchanges and cooperation with Nigeria.
He urged Nigerians to learn Chinese as part of cultural exchange.
He said that his country’s 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development of the People's Republic of China, recently adopted, “will further promote high-quality economic and social development, strengthen cultural exchanges and cooperation with other countries, and share development opportunities with the world.”
“Learning Chinese is undoubtedly an important shortcut to fully understanding China and realizing one's dreams through participation in mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Nigeria in various fields.”
“We hope that more and more Nigerian friends will learn Chinese, understand China, and enhance exchanges. Let us work together to elevate the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Nigeria to a new level and jointly benefit the people of both countries.”
He also stressed that the Chinese language remains a bridge of communication, adding that it is one of the six official languages of the United Nations.
He disclosed that more than 190 countries and regions worldwide have implemented Chinese-language instruction, with over 200 million international learners and users. “More and more foreign friends are opening windows to understanding ancient and modern China by mastering Chinese,” he added.
In his goodwill remarks, the Director General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Dr. Mohammed Bulama, stressed the need for Nigerians to learn the Chinese language, saying, “In today's interconnected world, the role of language as a tool for diplomacy, trade, media exchange, and cultural understanding cannot be overemphasized.”
Bulama, who was represented by Mr. Suleiman Musa, Director in the FRCN Director General's office, revealed that the national radio station launched a weekly Chinese program, Ni Hao China, aimed at teaching Mandarin, promoting Chinese culture, and strengthening bilateral ties between Nigeria and China.
“The Ni Hao China programme is part of the benefits of the
Agreements signed between Nigeria and China during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's State visit to China in September 2024 aimed to boost trade, tourism, and communication between the two countries.”
“The Chinese language continues to open new frontiers for storytelling, knowledge sharing, and mutual respect among nations.”
He said that the celebration is not only for native speakers but for all who seek to learn, engage, and build bridges through communication.
On her part, Mrs. Grace Ike, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists FCT Council, said the celebration underscores the power of language as a bridge for culture.
