By Emmanuel Emeka & Winner Chukwudaru
The China Cultural Centre in Nigeria (CCCIN) has urged Nigerians to learn the Chinese language, Mandarin, stressing that proficiency in the language can unlock wide ranging opportunities, particularly in trade, business collaboration, and cultural exchange between Nigeria and China.
Speaking Monday in Abuja, during the 2026 International Chinese Language Day celebration, the Cultural Counselor of Chinese Embassy and Director of CCCIN, Mr. Yang Jianxing, said Chinese is one of the six official languages of the United Nations, adding that more than 190 countries and regions worldwide have implemented Chinese language teaching, with over 200 million international learners and users.
He said: “Legend has it that this special day commemorates Cangjie, the legendary inventor of Chinese characters. Standing at this juncture connecting the past and the future, let us together experience the unique charm of the Chinese language that transcends time and space.
“Chinese is the genetic link that carries the torch of 5,000 years of Chinese civilisation. Every Chinese character is not only a symbol of communication but also a historical memory and a crystallisation of wisdom. From the ancient oracle bone script to the modern regular script, Chinese has vividly recorded the development of Chinese civilisation, showcasing the unique artistic charm and intellectual value of Chinese culture. It is a shared treasure of humankind. In today’s world, Chinese is not only a “gift across time,” but also a “golden bridge” connecting people’s hearts.
“It is a bridge of communication: Chinese is one of the six official languages of the United Nations. To date, more than 190 countries and regions worldwide have implemented Chinese language teaching, 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. It is a bridge of harmony: For thousands of years, the Chinese nation has pursued the concept of “harmony and coexistence.”
“This wisdom is embodied in the strokes of Chinese characters and the elegant prose of the Four Books and Five Classics. When we read famous 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,” we feel a resonance that transcends civilisations. These ideas resonate deeply with Nigerian culture, which also values harmony.
It is a bridge of dreams: Just as this year’s Chinese Language Day theme states: Chinese, Sparkling Colorful Dreams.
“The 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development of the People’s Republic of China (2026-2030) was just adopted last month. China 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 realising one’s dreams through participation in mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Nigeria in various fields.
“This year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria and the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. We hope that this “International Chinese Language Day” event will serve as an opportunity for everyone to experience the unique charm and contemporary vitality of the Chinese language.
“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.”
Also speaking, the Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Dr. Bulama Mohammed Babagana, represented by the Director, Office of the Director General, Suleiman Musa, said the FRCN has integrated the teaching and learning of Chinese language in its programmes since last year as part of the execution of the bilateral agreement between Nigeria and China.
He said: “This occasion honours not only a language, but a civilisation, a heritage, and a bridge that continues to connect billions of people across cultures and continents. Language is more than words, the Encyclopedia defines language as a structured system of communication used by humans to express thoughts, feelings, and ideas, but Language is the soul of a people, the vessel of history, and the architecture of thought.
“The Chinese language stands as one of humanity’s most enduring cultural treasures, with its rich tapestry of characters and timeless expressions, it embodies centuries of wisdom, philosophy, innovation, and artistic brilliance that have shaped global civilisation in remarkable ways.
“In today’s interconnected world, the role of language as a tool for diplomacy, trade, media exchange, and cultural understanding cannot be overemphasised. As a media institution committed to fostering dialogue, the FRCN recognises the immense value of linguistic inclusivity in promoting diversity, and strengthening international cooperation.
“The Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), as the largest radio network in Africa, and also a legacy institution in the country, having marked our 75th Anniversary on April 1, Radio Nigeria as public broadcast organisation has continued to broadcast news and programmes in over twenty five languages and connect millions of audiences around the world.
“Last year, precisely, on the July 11, 2025, the FRCN, in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy, launched Ni Hao China, a weekly radio programme on Network Service of Radio Nigeria, aimed at teaching Mandarin and promoting Chinese culture and strengthen 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 at boosting trade, tourism, and communication between Nigeria and China.
“The Chinese language continues to open new frontiers for storytelling, knowledge sharing, and mutual respect among nations. Today’s celebration is not only for native speakers, but for all who seek to learn, engage, and build bridges through communication, it also reminds us that in embracing each other’s languages, we embrace each other’s humanity.
“On this special day, the FRCN reaffirms its commitment to using the power of the media to promote intercultural dialogue, deepen global partnerships, and amplify voices that unite, rather than divide. May the Chinese language continue to flourish as a beacon of cultural pride and a pathway to shared global progress.”
On her part, the chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, said the Centre has been encouraging Nigerians by sponsoring many journalists to travel to China for the purpose of cultural interactions.
She said: “This event beautifully underscores the power of language as a bridge for cultures, fostering deeper understanding between Nigeria and China two great nations bound by shared aspirations for progress, innovation, and mutual prosperity.
“As journalists, we witness daily how effective communication dissolves barriers, amplifies voices, and builds enduring partnerships. The Chinese language, with its rich heritage and global resonance, exemplifies this truth, enriching our multicultural tapestry and opening doors to collaborative opportunities in trade, education, technology, and beyond.
“In particular, I wish to express our deepest appreciation to the Chinese embassy and the Director of the Cultural Center, Yang Jianxing, for the exceptionally cordial relationship enjoyed so far with journalists in the FCT.
“Your unwavering support, openness, and collaborative spirit have enabled balanced reporting, cultural exchanges, and insightful stories that strengthen Nigeria-China ties. This partnership exemplifies the best of strategic diplomatic engagement through media.
“On behalf of the NUJ FCT Council and our teeming members, I commend the organisers for championing linguistic diversity and cultural diplomacy. Let us seize this moment to promote stories that highlight our intertwined futures, ensuring that the media continues to illuminate paths of friendship and development. May this celebration inspire a new era of harmony, knowledge exchange, and unbreakable bonds.”
