By Mercy Peter
Cultural diplomacy and linguistic exchange took centre stage in Abuja on Monday as language enthusiasts gathered to commemorate the 17th International Chinese Language Day, highlighting the growing significance of Mandarin in strengthening relations between China and Nigeria.
Hosted at the China Cultural Centre, the event brought together key stakeholders from government, media, and academia in a celebration that blended tradition, diplomacy, and forward-looking cooperation.
Speaking on behalf of the Chinese Embassy, Yang Jianxing welcomed participants and situated the celebration within the Grain Rain period—one of the 24 traditional solar terms in the Chinese calendar—historically linked to Cangjie.
He described the occasion as symbolic of continuity between ancient heritage and modern global engagement.
Yang characterized the Chinese language as “the genetic link” of over 5,000 years of civilization, noting that each character embodies both historical memory and intellectual depth. From oracle bone inscriptions to contemporary script, he said, the language reflects the evolution of Chinese society while retaining its artistic and philosophical richness.
He further outlined Mandarin’s role as three interconnected bridges. First, as a bridge of communication, noting its status as one of the United Nations’ official languages and its global reach, with more than 200 million learners across over 190 countries. Second, as a bridge of harmony, rooted in enduring philosophical ideals such as mutual respect and coexistence—values he said resonate strongly with Nigerian cultural traditions. Third, as a bridge of opportunity, opening pathways for Nigerians to engage more deeply in bilateral cooperation spanning trade, education, technology, and cultural exchange.
Yang emphasized the country’s commitment to high-quality development and expanded international partnerships. He encouraged Nigerians to embrace Mandarin as a strategic tool for accessing emerging opportunities within the China–Nigeria relationship.
Also delivering a goodwill message, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, underscored the role of language in bridging cultures and fostering mutual understanding.
She noted that journalists witness daily how effective communication dismantles barriers, amplifies voices, and builds sustainable partnerships.
Ike commended the Chinese Embassy and the leadership of the Cultural Centre for maintaining a strong, transparent relationship with the Nigerian media, describing it as instrumental in enabling balanced reporting and meaningful cultural exchange.
She urged journalists to continue telling stories that reflect the shared aspirations and evolving partnership between both nations.
Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Dr. Mohammed Bulama, described language as “the soul of a people” and a critical instrument for diplomacy, trade, and cultural understanding in an increasingly interconnected world.
Bulama highlighted the enduring global relevance of the Chinese language, describing it as a repository of centuries of philosophy, innovation, and artistic expression. He reaffirmed FRCN’s commitment to promoting linguistic diversity and intercultural dialogue through its extensive broadcasting network, which operates in over 25 languages worldwide.
The FRCN chief also spotlighted the launch of Ni Hao China, a weekly Mandarin-learning programme introduced on July 11, 2025, in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy.
The initiative, he explained, forms part of broader bilateral agreements signed during the 2024 state visit of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to China, aimed at strengthening trade, tourism, and communication channels between both countries.
He noted that the programme represents a practical step toward deepening people-to-people engagement, adding that embracing each other’s languages ultimately strengthens shared humanity and global cooperation.
