Nigeria’s Voice of Nigeria (VON) is planning to start broadcasting in Mandarin, a Chinese language.
The Director-General of VON, Malam Jibrin Ndace, shared this news on Saturday during a Southern African Development Community (SADC) event.
Mandarin is a Chinese language spoken in many parts of northern and southwestern China.
VON Plans to Partner with Chinese Authorities
Ndace said that VON wants to reach more people with content that focuses on Nigeria.
He stressed that the broadcasting station aims to promote Nigeria worldwide.
He stated:
“I am looking into opportunities for VON to start broadcasting in Mandarin. This is thanks to our partnership with the Chinese government.
“This collaboration will help us reach many people in China and promote a cultural exchange between our countries.
“We should tell our own stories and earn global respect. We’re keen on creating a positive image of Nigeria and Africa,” he said, quoted by the News Agency of Nigeria on August 25, 2024.
Ndace also suggested making a collaboration between SADC countries and VON.
He promised to give VON platforms for journalists from SADC countries to share their stories too.
“We can work together to promote positive stories about our continent, encourage travel within Africa, and foster cultural exchange.
“We need to support cultural exchange programs, educational projects, and economic partnerships that help cooperation and understanding,” he said.
He called on stakeholders and diplomats to join in promoting a positive image of Africa, celebrating its unity, and working for a better future for all Africans.
More Insights
During the event, Angolan Ambassador to Nigeria, José Zau, said that the bloc’s 32nd anniversary highlighted the strong bonds between the countries.
“We will keep working to achieve lasting peace and security in the region, especially in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Cabo Delgado province in Mozambique.
“As we celebrate this anniversary, we remember the importance of our partnerships with other regions and countries, including Russia.
“Our mission is clear: to promote sustainable, fair growth and socioeconomic development through regional cooperation, deep integration, good governance, and lasting peace and security,” he said.
What You Should Know
While VON aims to broadcast in Chinese as part of the collaboration between Nigeria and China, Newslodge reports that China has been a significant trade partner for Nigeria for a long time.
In the first quarter of 2024, China was Nigeria’s top trading partner for imports, followed by India, the United States, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
Trade analysis shows that imports from China were worth N2,930.10 billion, making up 23.18% of total imports.
“The data revealed that many agricultural products were exported to Asia, worth N572.58 billion, followed by exports to Europe worth N366.11 billion,” reported NBS for Q1 2024.
The NBS added that further analysis showed that ‘Sesamum seeds’ worth N83.29 billion and N58.04 billion were exported to China and Japan, respectively, during this period.